Old Tesco building to be demolished in Edenderry as part of major revamp plan

PHOTO: Part of the former Tesco site in Edenderry which is to be home to a new library and arts facility.

Demolition of the former Tesco building on Edenderry’s Main Street is to commence shortly, according to Fine Gael Cllr Noel Cribbin

Big plans are afoot for the site, which encompasses 33 acres behind the building.

Cllr Cribbin said: "It was my pleasure to work to ensure that this site, which is iconic in the memories of the people of Edenderry, was purchased by Offaly County Council. After securing the ownership of the site, I made a presentation to Minister Michael Ring highlighting the potential of the site for the town. As a result, I have secured over €1 million in grant aid to date which has been used to draft a masterplan for the site and assist in groundwork.

“While many of us remember this site as the home of O’Brien’s supermarket, we can now look forward to the great amenities it will provide in the future such as a new library and performance centre, a new health centre and housing schemes for the elderly and those most in need,” he said.

“There were many who doubted this would ever happen but soon we will machinery will be on the ground and demolition will start. It’s happening - there will be no going back.”

Cllr Cribbin went on to thank a number of people who he said played key roles in getting the project to this stage. ‘A massive thank you is owed to the staff of Offaly County Council, Declan Conlon, Minister Ring and former TD Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, without whom we would never have got to where we are with this today.”