Cowen hails 'much-needed boost' for Tullamore town centre

Offaly TD Barry Cowen has hailed the granting of planning permission for a mixed use commercial development on the former Texas site in Tullamore as a “much-needed boost” for the town centre.

“I am glad to be informed today of the decision by Offaly County Council to grant planning permission at the former Tesco/Texas site in the centre of Tullamore for mixed use commercial development (incl. of extensive retail store, cafe, ancillary retail units and office accommodation).  It will also of course provide ample car parking facilities.

“This development now offers a great opportunity to kick start the regeneration of a town centre site that has remained derelict for the last 15 years.

“The project as well other recently announced investments in adjoining properties will be a much-needed boost for all businesses in the town,” he said.

Lodged back in July 2021, the proposal by Weavermay Ltd consists of the demolition of 6,800 square metres of buildings, extensions and sheds on the site, and the construction of one single-storey 1,664 square metres of a retail store, one three-storey 874 square metres of a retail/commercial/office unit and a two-storey 281 square metres cafe unit on the site between O'Connell Street and Offaly Street in Tullamore.

The planning support statement predicted that the proposed development “will improve the commercial offer of the town centre and will contribute to its vitality and viability, strengthening the role of Tullamore.”

It also said “plans have been prepared such that a number of different retail operators could occupy the building, such as SuperValu, Aldi, EuroSpar or M&S food store. Discussion with operators is ongoing” but it is estimated that 55 new jobs will be created post-construction.