Soil turned for Tesco store

When the time capsule with all the wishes from the neighbouring school kids went into the ground, the prayers of the attending adults had already been answered: "It’s a very proud day. I thought we’d never get there,” said Darragh Elliott, CEO of Elliott Group, at the turning of the soil for the new 35,000 square foot Tesco store at Townparks.

15 years in the making. The financial crisis, planning appeals, and judicial review had hampered a sooner development. Current store manager Michael Crooks joined Tesco on Main Street Cavan 13 years ago. Now he might get to manage the new store just before his retirement, he laughed.

Darragh commended Tesco for their perseverance and determination that they had shown to make this project a reality. “The same with Cavan County Council and their vision that they've shown and the provision of the infrastructure within Cavan as well,” he added.

Darragh was delighted that their local construction company was appointed to complete the task at hand with more than 60% of the workers coming from the local area. “On average we will have 25 on site, at peak times there will be 100 people working here.” Several local contractors and hardware suppliers are engaged as well.

Between Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Safety personnel, Elliotts will have eight staff members overseeing the project. Gary O’Sullivan, Managing Director at Elliott Group: “It’s the first major construction in Cavan in a while. The staff are delighted they don’t have to travel to Dublin for a project and are actually close to home.” Senior Site Manager Andy McGovern might even just walk to the site from his homeplace.

All going well, completion is planned for March 2026. At the time of the official “turning of the soil” Friday 17, foundations were already being poured. However, the current economy has had an impact on the construction industry, Gary confirmed: “We try to get on top of things. Putting in orders early, secure prices and material. Fuel prices are affecting the whole industry. It’s a challenging environment, but we’re managing it as best as we can.”

Arlene Maguire, Property Director for Tesco, said they were “absolutely delighted to finally mark the start of the construction here in Cavan Town." From the current "Tesco carpark" the ongoing works can be observed as well. Hedges have been cleared and stairs and a ramp for wheelchairs and buggies will link shop above the hill with market street - making the town centre bigger and more appealing. “It’s a really meaningful investment,” continued Arlene. “One that will make Cavan Town an even more vibrant shopping destiny.”

With the retailer Penney’s moving into the current space on Main Street, John Paul Feeley, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, likewise said, the variety of shops will strengthen the appeal for a wider community.