Tesco clears hurdle for new superstore

Contractor ready to begin works

Tesco Ireland has cleared the latest hurdle in the path of the retailer developing a new superstore in Cavan Town.

A judicial review, challenging An Bord Pleanála’s decision to uphold planning permission for the new supermarket, has been unsuccessful.

It comes in the same week the supermarket giant officially launched a new store in Virginia (see page 58 for more).

The proposed project for Cavan Town, meanwhile, involves the construction of a new, state-of-the-art supermarket on a 3.86-hectare site at Townparks and Tullymongan Lower. It hit a significant legal snag this year after local environmental group ‘Friends of Killymooney Lough’ appealed the successful planning outcome to the High Court.

The group lodged its JR originating statement in early February, naming An Bord Pleanála, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, and the Attorney General as respondents. The court subsequently agreed to expedite the matter, with a judgment delivered and order made by Justice Richard Humphreys on July 16.

Tesco had aimed to begin construction by the end of March 2025, and has already engaged a local contractor to commence site works.

The proposed development includes a 5,197 sq m Tesco store, a four-pump petrol station, a drive-thru café, a car and jet wash area, nearly 300 car parking spaces, and over 100 bicycle parking bays. The plan also features two ‘Click and Collect’ spaces and a Grocery Home Shopping delivery dock, with vehicle access points from Cock Hill Road and improved pedestrian links to the town centre.

However, Friends of Killymooney Lough argued that the project contradicts evolving environmental priorities, citing the site’s proximity to St Clare’s National School and nearby Killymooney Lough.

The group also highlighted what they viewed as a potential conflict with Cavan County Council’s urban regeneration efforts in the Abbeylands area, and questioned the need for another large supermarket given the existing Aldi store in close proximity.

Responding to the High Court decision, a spokesperson for Tesco Ireland to the Celt said: “Tesco welcomes the outcome and remains fully committed to bringing a more modern shopping experience to our customers in Cavan Town once the legal process has concluded.”

However, it is not all yet cut and dried. The appellant could opt to take the matter to the Supreme Court, with a window to do that open until the end of September. Works cannot commence for Tesco until this process has concluded.

‘Friends of Killymooney Lough’ was represented in the group’s action by Dublin-based solicitors FP Logue LLP, who have been contacted for comment.

The group has previously opposed other local developments on environmental grounds, including a 24-home housing scheme overlooking Killymooney Lough by Gaeltech Sustainable Living.

Tesco has operated a store in Cavan Town since acquiring the Quinnsworth brand in 1997 and currently operates three supermarkets in the county, with the others in Bailieborough and now also Virginia.

The retailer has in the past described its presence in Cavan as a “key part” of its national retail footprint, and plans for the new store feature alongside reports that Tesco is in advanced talks with a new tenant for the existing supermarket premises.

“Tesco is also in advanced discussions with another retailer to take over its existing site, with a further announcement to follow,” said the spokesperson prior.