Cork retail plan to create up to 400 jobs

The town of Mallow in Co Cork is in line for up to 400 jobs after a €100m retail development was given the green light.

Mallow Town Council has granted permission for a large retail and office development by Alchemy Properties, a subsidiary of Dairygold.

The project, situated at the west end of the town, will include retail units, warehousing, offices, restaurants and residential units.

It is believed the retail element could attract up to 70,000 shoppers a week and generate an annual turnover of up to €50m.

Mayor of Mallow, Noel O’Connor confirmed that permission has been granted for the project, but that members of the public still had six days to lodge objections to An Bord Pleanála.

“This will be a fantastic development for the town,” he said. “It will create jobs both during the construction phase and when operational. Mallow is expanding and this will give the town the economic impetus to keep growing.”

The site for the project is adjacent to where Dairygold has its 4Home Superstore and is easily accessible by road and rail.

Mallow, which currently has a population of 11,000, is designated as a hub town under the Government’s National Spatial Strategy.

The population is expected to rise to 30,000 and the town is earmarked as a centre for employment and industry, under the Government plan.

Labour TD Seán Sherlock said large scale developments that bring jobs to the town were crucial for Mallow to realise its potential.

“Anything that can enhance the town centre and provide income to the town is most welcome. This development will create more confidence in the town and it could encourage others to invest,” he added.

Article courtesy of The Evening Echo newspaper