Tesco no longer locked in as anchor tenants at new centre

Tesco are no longer ‘definite’ to anchor a €15 million supermarket off the Seamus Quirke Road, despite planning permission being granted for the project, the Connacht Sentinel can reveal.

It’s understood that the scaling back of the size of the supermarket, along with a condition that the developer ‘foot the bill’ for a €3.5 million new road dissecting the site, has invalidated an agreement that was in place between the site owner and Tesco.

Former mayor Micheál Ó hUigínn, who owns the 6.5 acre site off Seamus Quirke Road, was granted permission for the development on Thursday with a total of 30 conditions attached, including a request for a development contribution of more than €495,000.

He confirmed to the Sentinel yesterday (Monday) that while an agreement had been in place with Tesco, it was based on certain road and building layout on the site, which had since been altered.

“That agreement is no longer in place. There will be appeals on all sides, and when a decision is given by An Bord Pleanála, we will look then at who the interested parties are. Tesco are not a definite, but would still be the forerunner,” said Mr Ó hUigínn.

It was initially intended that there would be access to the site from Seamus Quirke Road (a ‘ghost’ turning lane was built during the road upgrade), but the developer has been asked to construct a full public road at his own expense.

It’s understood that land and construction costs would amount to around €3.5m for the road, making it unfeasible.

The grant of permission is set to be appealed by local residents, as well as by Mr Ó hUigínn.

As part of the planning grant, Mr Ó hUigínn has been told to make a public plaza element of the site available for community use, free of charge, and that it also be used for an occasional market. Professional pieces of sculpture must also be erected.

Restrictions have also been placed on 24-hour opening – it can only be for eight weeks each year around Christmas and Easter, and must be agreed with the Council in advance.

Last month, Mr OhUigínn scaled back the plans, after planners deemed the initial proposals “excessive”.

As a result, the gross floor area had been reduced from 10,163 square metres to 9,369 sq.m. (a reduction of 8%).

Access to the supermarket – for customers and service vehicles –was altered to become available via a through road, which forms an extension to Bóthar le Chéile and linking the Seamus Quirke Road and the Rahoon/Shantalla Road.

There was also been a slight reduction in the carparking spaces from 486 to 462.

“The reduction in the scale has resulted in the reorganisation of the access and circulation areas within the site, as well as improvements to the servicing arrangements.

“The current design has significantly reduced predicted noise levels associated with access ramps and service yards within the development, compared to the original design,” the revised plans read.

With the project set for an appeal on both sides, it is expected to be the end of the year before An Bord Pleanála issues a decision.