Tesco submit planning application for Mayo store upgrade

Tesco Ireland has confirmed it has submitted its planning application for the upgrade of its store in Ballina, as part of an overall scheme agreed with Mayo County Council.

Subject to planning approval, the scheme will see an extensive improvement of the store as well as new car parking facilities.

The interior of the store will also be remodelled, with new and upgraded facilities, which will enhance the in-store experience for workers and customers.

Geoff Byrne, chief operating officer, Tesco Ireland, said, “Ballina is a key part of our store footprint in Co Mayo, and we’re really pleased to have submitted our planning application.

"Subject to permission, these store enhancements will improve the experience for colleagues and customers in Ballina and beyond, and we are hopeful that the planning process can proceed as swiftly as possible.”

Welcoming the news, local Councillor Mark Duffy said the move has been the result of sustained pressure on the retailer to upgrade and enhance the store which included a petition signed by over 800 residents of the locality.

He added: "Further details of the application will be made available to us in the coming days in relation to the scope and scale of their proposals.

"I hope that the proposals will compliment the ongoing regeneration efforts of our town centre and be the catalyst for further development on the Ballina Mineral Water site where I would like to see the creation of a town centre green park, housing, amenity space and the return of the mineral water well for public use.

"I am cautiously optimistic of this latest progress and hope that the retailer follows through with the development if they are successful in gaining planning permission."

Tesco employs 530 people across six stores in Mayo - Ballina, Swinford, Claremorris, Castlebar, Westport and Ballinrobe.