The former NIB premises where Insomnia plans to locate.

Coffee chain to open Cavan store

Ireland's largest coffee chain, Insomnia, has announced it will open a new store in Co Cavan as part of a significant expansion plan this year.

The announcement coincides with plans lodged by Insomnia to the planning section of Cavan County Council to develop the site at No1 Main Street, the former National Irish Bank property, as one of its latest outlets.

The permission sought is for the change of use from 'banking use to coffee shop use', along with alterations to the shopfront to include the installation of new glazed windows and entrance doors, and new fascia signage and downlights.

The application for the changes to the building, which is a protected structure and therefore listed by Cavan County Council, were lodged by Insomnia last Friday, May 19.

A decision is due in mid-July, with any submissions to be received by June 22.

Insomnia currently has 140 stores across the UK and Ireland but the latest expansion will bring that number to 175 by the end of the year including its first German store.

Operated by partners such as Spar and Penneys, commenting on the expansion, Insomnia chairperson Bobby Kerr said: 'We are 20 years in business this year and I always think brands are constantly evolving, it’s really more an evolution of where we are, continuing to deliver the quality message backed up with great service and quality products.'

Other scheduled openings along with Cavan include Drumcondra and Mary Street in Dublin, Mallow and Belfast.

The coffee chain has also just re-opened its flagship St Stephen’s Green outlet. The St Stephens Green store was originally opened as gourmet sandwich shop Bendini & Shaw in 1996 by CEO Harry O'Kelly, which was acquired by Insomnia in 2003.