Dunnes Stores given decision on whether its Limerick store can expand

A BID by Dunnes Stores to expand one of its stores in the city suburbs has been turned down a second time - over the negative impact it might have on the city centre.

An Coimisiún Pleanála, formerly An Bord Pleanala, has backed up a decision by council to stop the supermarket chain extending into a former sports shop next door to its Childers Road branch.The national appeals body said its expansion would run counter to local strategies protecting the “vitality and viability” of the city centre.

Better Value Unlimited Company, which is part of the supermarket chain’s group, sought permission to expand the Dunnes Stores Childers Road outlet into the neighbouring Lifestyle Sports branch, which has ceased trading.

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Operating since 2005 at what is now known as Limerick One Shopping Centre, Dunnes Stores sells food, as well as homeware and clothing in its branch here.

Agents for Dunnes Stores have stated the plans would result in an increase of 645 square metres of retail space.

“The purpose of this application is to create a modest area of additional comparison floor space needed to improve the layout of the store’s fashion and homeware departments and make the departments within easier to browse with a shopping trolley,” they stated.

Comparison items refer to non-food goods such as household products or clothing. The company’s agents stated there has been no substantive improvements to the store since it opened 20 years ago.

They said the plan would represent a “substantial investment” from Dunnes Stores, reflecting improvements made in its other stores including Jetland Centre on the northside.

Agents said the store serves a population of 7,000 people, pointing out this is similar in size to a town like Roscrea.

Despite this, An Coimisiún Pleanála rejected the bid.