By Joe McCabe

THE Monaghan Post has learned that Tesco Ireland has renewed its interest in locating a new store in Carrickmacross and that negotiations are ongoing regarding a particular site in the town. It is also understood that a deal may be close to conclusion with a local landowner.

This follows the withdrawal of a planning application to Cavan County Council by Tesco before Christmas which had sought permission to provide a new supermarket on the Kells Road in neighbouring Kingscourt, Co Cavan thus putting that proposal in doubt.

Meanwhile, planning permission has also been obtained for a Tesco store in Bailieboro eight miles away after a planning objection was withdrawn there.

The original Kingscourt application had sought to erect a single level, self service store selling mainly food and some non-food goods with a gross floor area of 1,523.1m2 together with enclosed service yard.

This store was to have include an ATM, licensed sales area, circulation space, toilet facilities, bulk stores, staff areas, signage and associated car parking spaces.

The development was also to have included recycling facilities, cycle stands, pedestrian footpaths, lighting, boundary treatment, landscaping measures, new access arrangements and all site works.

Kingscourt County Councillor, Clifford Kelly, told the Post that he was very disappointed with the news. “Tesco would have been good for the town and brought other business to Kingscourt.

However, I am not convinced that they will not re-consider their decision.” Tesco had bought land from Kingscourt Community Enterprise Centre for its store and the proceeds of that sale were to be used for a number of projects which would have benefited the wider Kingscourt community.

It is understood that Tesco now plan to hold a public meeting in Kingscourt at which its reasons for the planning withdrawn may be explained.