Tesco looking for new sites for Express chain of stores

British supermarket giant to open new Ballincollig outlet in November

The former Iceland unit at Ballincollig's Eastside Centre, which will reopen as a Tesco Express in November.  Picture: Larry Cummins

British supermarket giant Tesco said it is seeking new locations around Ireland for its Express chain as it confirms plans to open a new Tesco Express in Ballincollig next month.

The new outlet will open in a unit at the suburb's Eastside Centre previously occupied by EuroGiant, which closed earlier this year.

Tesco confirmed the opening to the Irish Examiner, saying the outlet will open at the end of November and employ 15 people. "As our third Express store opening this year, it will bring the total number of Tesco Express stores across Ireland to 62," a spokesperson said.

Tesco, currently Ireland's second-largest supermarket chain after Dunnes Stores, already operates a full supermarket in Ballincollig. 

It opened another outlet on Cork's South Main Street in 2024, but the company said it is seeking other locations suitable to open further stores.

"We have ambitious plans to continue growing our convenience store network and are actively looking for suitable sites nationwide. 

"We are particularly interested in units of 3,000 sq ft and above, located on busy roads, high streets, or within established retail locations. Both leasehold and freehold opportunities will be considered," the company said.

Tesco has a 24% market share of Ireland's grocery sector. The British chain is led by Cork-born chief executive Ken Murphy.

Publishing results in June, the company said sales in Ireland had grown 5.56% to £838m (€966m), boosted by strong growth in food sales and online shopping.

In July, it was reported that the company was considering the sale of its operations in Central Europe in order to focus on the UK and Ireland.

Discount retailer EuroGiant closed its outlet at Ballincollig's Eastside Centre earlier this year, having opened at the site. The location was previously occupied by supermarket chain Iceland before its exit from the Irish market.

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