Tesco staying put in Shannon

This article is from page 22 of the 2007-08-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 22 JPG

MANAGEMENT at Tesco Shannon have moved to reassure locals and staff that they have no intention of deserting the town.

The supermarket chain’s recent announcement that they are closing up their store in the centre is due to the fact that they cannot extend their lease any longer.

“We would like to reassure our customers and staff that we are fully committed to having a Tesco store in Shannon,’ a spokesman for manage- ment said.

“With our current lease due to ex- pire in March 2008, we have been ex- amining a number of short and long term options for a store in Shannon. These include temporary, replace-

ment and new store possibilities. We are currently working through these options with the appropriate author1- ties,” he added.

There were concerns in the town this week that Tesco might be pull- ing out altogether. Concerns were also raised for the jobs of the 50 staff working in the store, but manage- ment said they will be given other options.

“Staff in Shannon will be offered the chance to transfer to other stores in the locality, such as Coonagh Cross. We will be discussing these options with staff and their repre- sentatives over the coming weeks,” the management spokesman said.

The company is also “planning to develop an alternative new store at Shannon as soon as it becomes pos-

sible”’.

‘Following over 30 years of loyal support from our customers and staff in Shannon, Tesco Ireland would like to reiterate our long term com- mitment to the town,’ a statement from the company read.

Commenting on Tesco Ireland’s announcement in relation to the fu- ture of its Shannon store, Eoin Hoc- tor, Shannon Chamber President said, “Shannon Chamber is sorry to see a short term loss of shopping facilities. However, we are delighted to see in Tesco’s statement that there is a long-term commitment by Tesco to maintain a presence in the Shan- non area.

“Shannon chamber would urge all interested parties, Tesco Ireland, SkyCourt and Clare County Coun-

cil to ensure that the transition is a smooth one.”

He added that the development “highlights the need for a quick resolution in respect of the masterp- lan for Shannon Town Centre 2 and Town Centre 3”.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Patricia Mc- Carthy, contacted the chain and was told “that in the event of deciding to opt for building a new store it would not be ready before mid 2008. In that event they would be looking at the possibility of applying for planning permission for a temporary store”’.

‘I intend to do everything possible to ensure that the employees will continue to have security of employ- ment and that the store will be able to continue trading in Shannon,’ she said.