Tesco to break ground on new store in Spring
EXCLUSIVE
Tesco Ireland today announced that construction of its new, state-of-the-art store in Cavan Town will start in Spring 2026, following the successful conclusion of all planning and legal processes.
The new 35,000 square foot store will be located at a site at Townparks. An announcement about the future of the existing store location will be made “shortly” according to the Tesco spokesperson.
There has long since been speculation that Penneys might occupy the existing supermarket unit once vacated.
Asked about it this week, Penneys said: "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."
Meanwhile, the Tesco spokesperson confirmed: “The construction phase of the new Tesco store will be led by local building contractors.” Although the name of the successful contractor has yet to be revealed.
The choice of local builders, Tesco says, will ensure that the retailer’s multi-million-euro investment “directly supports the local economy and creates employment opportunities for skilled workers in the region”.
Once open, the new Tesco store will offer a modern, sustainable shopping experience, with expanded facilities including Click+Collect, a Grocery Home Shopping Hub, and enhanced parking with EV charging points.
Tesco employs over 200 colleagues across its Cavan Town, Bailieborough and Virginia stores and has been a “proud” part of the Cavan community for more than two decades, supporting local producers and community projects.
“The new store will continue this legacy, with a strong focus on sustainability and community engagement.”
Property Director for Tesco Ireland, Arlene Maguire, said Tesco is “excited” to begin work on the new Cavan store in Spring 2026, working with local contractors “to deliver a modern retail destination for the community”.
“It’s taken some time for us to get to this point, and we thank everyone for their patience, your new store is coming soon.
Ms Maguire added: “We’re fully committed to supporting a vibrant, thriving Cavan Town.”
The news comes as the ‘Friends of Killymooney Lough’ group had lodged an application for leave to appeal the outcome of the judicial review previously heard in the High Court and challenging An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision to uphold permission for the new supermarket as granted by Cavan County Council.
They argued that the project contradicts evolving environmental priorities, citing the site’s proximity to St Clare’s National School and nearby Killymooney Lough.
However, Tesco says yesterday that the way has been cleared legally for it to proceed.
“I welcome this major retail development by Tesco replacing their existing store in Cavan Town. I know from speaking to people in business locally that they will also welcome this major investment into our county town,” Deputy Brendan Smith stated.
He hopes that Tesco’s move to a “new modern store” will “open up other possible retail developments, which will benefit and enhance business in the town and provide more shopping options and create jobs”.
“Supporting local business also supports local employment. We are all conscious that local businesses are at the heart of our community and are strong supporters of local activities and projects,”, concluded Deputy Smith.
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.