Blow to Athenry as superstore plan shot down

Athenry’s retail infrastructure has been dealt another body blow following the decision to refuse planning permission an ‘edge-of-town’ discount supermarket.

Local TDs and councillors – along with retail and tourism interests – have hit out at the decision to halt a new supermarket.

At the same time, planning permission was granted for another discount supermarket close to the town centre on the Arrabawn Co-Op site but it is estimated that it could take up to five years before this is developed.

Cllr Peter Feeney from Athenry said that the town was being held to ransom by retail agencies which were determined to prevent other businesses to survive.

He said that, quite simply, Athenry needed a new retail outlet. One planning application for a discount store in Athenry was granted on appeal while another was refused.

Cllr. Feeney has made the argument that the one that was granted may not be up and running within the next five years.

He said that the town was suffering from the lack of retail choice and this was why many shoppers were either going to Galway or Loughrea. He said that the town needed a major retail outlet.

Cllr Feeney said that he could not understand how a ‘close-to-town’ retail development was not approved by planners. He said that it would benefit the town considerably.

The Athenry Revive Group, through its Chairperson Sara Walls, are also behind the prospect of a supermarket development being provided close to the town centre.

According to Sara Walls, the town is on its economic knees with hundreds leaving every week to do their shopping elsewhere.

It is estimated that around €8 million is leaving the town each year while there have been more than 20 business closures in recent years.

Athenry has a population of 3,850, and has only one large supermarket while Oranmore has a population of 4,600 and has five major supermarkets, according to Ms Walls.

“Athenry used to be an incredibly vibrant town, the recession has had a huge effect on it, and we aren’t going to come out of it unless we get a massive boost. We need to sit up and shout and make a fuss.

“I look out the window and wonder where all the people are – it used to be buzzing. It is sad to see that people don’t come in unless they really have to, because of the parking,” she added.