By Cianna McNally
cianna@monaghanpost.com

4HOME Superstores which are located in Monaghan Retail Park on the Clones Road are set to get neighbours with the creation of 130 new jobs.

Cllr Joe Brennan of Castleblayney Town Council feels that the decision to re-zone these developments could have strong negative repercussions. “I have sought a report from the planning department of the County Council on the implications, if any, on the transferring of this decision into the County Development Plan.”

He pointed out that Blayney has two major new town centre developments which will be a major boost to the town centre and the council rates base. However Monaghan town and county councillor Robbie Gallagher has welcomed the news that big
name businesses including Next, Argos and KFC are to move into the business park on the outskirts of Monaghan town.

Speaking to the Monaghan Post, Councillor Gallagher was loud in his praise of such a development calling it a “massive boost” to the economy as 130 new jobs will be created. Cllr Gallagher also said that in the past it has been difficult to get other
retailers out to Monaghan Retail Park but hopefully with the big names out there other businesses will be persuaded to move out there.

He concluded by saying that the arrival of stores such as Next and Argos will put Monaghan on a par with other bigger towns and will encourage people to shop locally. Local property developer Barry Aughey who owns Monaghan Retail Park, confirmed that work has already begun on Argos and it will open on November 8. KFC and Next are hoping to be open for business early next year.
Mr Aughey also said that four more big, international retail names are in negotiation to possibly have branches of their businesses in Monaghan Retail Park.

Barry Aughey would like to express his thanks to all the councillors who voted in favour of the new businesses coming to Monaghan, in particular, Robbie Gallagher and Brian McKenna. Shopaholics are advised to watch this space!