€125m centre to attract three million shoppers
The Marshes development, which is being funded by Ulster Bank, is providing 350,000 sq ft of retail space, with a total of 42 units for a range of chain stores and local independent shops.
The centre has a 105,000-sq-ft Dunnes Stores and a 70,000-sq-ft Penneys, along with other well-known names such as Virgin, Boots and New Look.
Head of Corporate and Property Banking in Ulster Bank, Henry Elvin, said he believed The Marshes development had the potential to draw large numbers of shoppers from both the North and the Republic.
"We share the belief that Dundalk's strategic location on the north-south axis between Belfast and Dublin will be fully exploited now that the transport links have been completed.
"The catchment area for Dundalk is realistically three million more than half the population of the island of Ireland so the potential for The Marshes is very strong indeed.
"As the funder, Ulster Bank is delighted to have been involved in the scheme since its inception as it represents a major urban regeneration for Dundalk town centre," Mr Elvin said.
A spokesperson for the development, which first opened its doors last week, said it had already had a very successful opening with the centre packed by shoppers.
She added that half the shops were already open and it was hoped the remaining units would be up and running before Christmas.
