Cavan's supermarket sweep

A number of projects are on the horizon in relation to supermarket developments across the county.

Firstly Tesco has acquired McEvoy’s supermarket in Virginia and is currently investing in “refitting and refreshing” the store to bring the “very best of Tesco” to the town.

A spokesperson for Tesco told the Celt that the store will remain open for the community throughout these works and hope to relaunch the supermarket at the end of July.

“We thank everyone for their patience ahead of the store relaunching at the end of July,” the spokesperson stated.

Tesco has welcomed the staff from McEvoy’s supermarket to the Tesco team and “look forward to supporting them to continue and grow their careers”.

Meanwhile, the retailer has also been meeting with local producers to explore opportunities for them to supply the store, “and more widely within our business”.

“We’ve been delighted to welcome Moran’s Jam, Manorhill Tarts and Champion Milk to the store, with more to come soon,” the spokesperson stated.

Meanwhile in Cavan Town, the final grant of planning permission by An Bord Pleanála for the new Tesco store in Cavan Town is under a judicial review process, initiated by the Friends of Killymooney Lough in February this year. Works starting on site are subject to a successful outcome for Tesco in this judicial review, the last hearing of which took place on Friday June 20.

“We’re disappointed that we’re unable to start the build, which had been planned for Spring with local contractors,” the spokesperson stated. “We remain hopeful for a positive outcome from the judicial review and committed to bringing an improved shopping experience to our customers in Cavan Town,” they concluded.

Lidl rebuild

Meanwhile, Lidl also has planning permission in place for an entirely new store in the county town.

An Bord Pleanála gave the green light for the redevelopment last year, upholding a 2023 decision by Cavan County Council to sanction the project. Neighbours had objected, expressing concern over how the development might affect localised property prices, as well as the impact the new store would have on those living directly opposite.

The plan is to demolish the existing outlet, which totals 1,596 sq m and replace it with a new, larger store, extending to around 2,560 sq m.

Lidl has been contacted for an update on when, and if, this work will commence.

Aldi in Cootehill

In Cootehill, Construction of a new €6.5M Aldi store was set to begin in 2024 after the project cleared the final planning hurdle in November 2023.

Aldi Ireland intended to build the 1,315 sq m store on a site connecting to Station Road and Market Street (pedestrian only) sometime in 2024.

However, in response to queries from the Celt on why the project has not commenced, a spokesperson stated that they “remain committed to constructing and opening a new store in Cootehill in the near future”.

The spokesperson went on to say that they would “announce the date in due course”.

Moving into the clothing sector, a spokesperson from Primark remained tight lipped when questioned on rumours that a Penneys could be coming to Cavan.

“We love to hear that people would like to have a Penneys store near them.”

“As a growing business, we’re always looking for new opportunities for store locations, however we can’t comment on speculation about where we might open next.”