Petition supports development of two supermarkets

A PETITION has been signed by 5,000 people in support of the development of two major supermarkets that would create hundreds of jobs in Tipperary.

Objections by independent grocers’ body RGDATA to the plans have been criticised by local public representatives. The petition is being dispatched to An Bord Pleanála in advance of a decision by the appeals board that will determine whether or not Dunnes Stores and Tesco go ahead with new outlets, both on sites at the Limerick entrance to the town.

The town council originally granted planning permission for the multi-million euro developments, but to the anger of the community RGDATA lodged separate appeals against both decisions with Bord Pleanála.

The objections are based on the size of the developments, their locations on the edge of the town, and their possible impact on existing small businesses.

Tesco has indicated that its plans envisage the creation of 125 jobs, while the Dunnes Stores development would bring more than double that number on board. In a town ravaged by industrial setbacks and job losses, these proposals have been given a near unanimous welcome by the community, those behind the petition say.

Chamber of Commerce chairman Brian Rafferty said the presence of the two supermarket giants would bring many more shoppers to the town and existing shops would be beneficiaries of this. “Our research shows that the bulk of the new shoppers will come from Co Limerick and other stores will do well out of that,” said Mr Rafferty.

However, the most stinging criticism of RGDATA has come from local town councillors, who claim that most of the business community are supportive of Dunnes and Tesco coming to the town. Cllr Denis Leahy said that far from objecting to the proposed developments, their own traders are welcoming them. Traders acknowledge the town needs a mix of shops to attract outside shoppers.

He said it was scurrilous that an impression is trying to be created that the objections are coming from local business people. “That is not the case. The only significant objector is RGDATA,” he said.

Supporting his colleague, Cllr Peadar O’Donnell said the vast majority of the community would be delighted with the development of the stores.

“If you go to either Limerick or Clonmel any Saturday every second person you’ll meet is from our town. These stores would create hundreds of jobs.”