Tesco may force down fuel prices
It may be good news for motorists but bad news for local service stations if a planning application by Tesco for a petrol filling station in Thomas Street, Bailieborough is successful. Cavan County Council is due to make a decision next Monday, December 8, on the application from the company, which is currently selling petrol and diesel at 98.9 cent per litre in Mullingar. Tesco, which is due to open its new supermarket in the town on Monday, December 15, declined to comment to the Anglo-Celt about the application but said they 'look forward to bringing modern shopping facilities to Bailiebourough' - but 15 submisssions have been made regarding the planning application, which is for a four-island petrol filling station incorporating a kiosk/shop and other provisions. Among the submissions are a number from local petrol station owners, Shercock Killan Rural Development and The Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA). In their submission, the IPRA said: 'Tesco petrol filling station will result in unfair competition given the ability of the proposal to draw on a far wider catchment than was indicated in the Tesco RIA and undercut petrol prices. Furthermore, it is clear that the proposed petrol filling station will result in a traffic hazard that would result in significant traffic congestion at the already busy access and new link road as well as within the town centre and Thomas street.' An IPRA spokesperson, David Blevings, said that that existing service stations in the area could face a decline in business or possible closure. 'Hypermarkets have the strength to cross promote their sales which can be to the detriment of existing traders. This can have a devastating effect on service stations and other traders in the vicinity,' said Mr. Blevings. He feels that unless the local community unite, local traders will suffer. 'Without the support of the local community, the prospect of another forecourt and convenience store being opened in Bailieborough could toll the death knell for many of the existing traders.'