New store plans unveiled

Supermarket chain Aldi has unveiled plans for a new store in the heart of Carrigaline, creating 30 new jobs in the area.

The new store will be located on Main Street on the site of the old Carrigaline Pottery which closed in 1979 after more than 59 years in business.

Up to 50 jobs will be created during the construction period of the new store, with 30 permanent positions available upon opening.

The 1,315 square metre store will be powered by 100 per cent green electricity and will feature 52 solar panels located on the roof.

Shoppers will also benefit from two electric vehicle charging points along with 12 bicycle rack stands.

Speaking after the announcement, Colin Breslin, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Ireland said he was keen to hear the public’s views on the new store.

He said: “Our public consultation is now open for members of the public to get in touch if they have anything they would like clarified under the plans.

“Every new Aldi store that opens brings greater choice, quality and value to shoppers.”

The new Carrigaline store forms part of a larger masterplan for the town centre site including a new public plaza, a café, close to 80 residential units, and opportunities to develop further dining and leisure space.

There will be ample pedestrian and vehicle access through the site to ensure customers can easily access Carrigaline town centre.

The north and west of the proposed development will border the Carrigaline Western Relief Road, which is expected to be complete by late 2022.

Public consultation on the masterplan, developed with Deady Gahan Architects Ltd, is now open and will run until 28 June.

Before plans for the new store were unveiled, a study of shoppers living or working within five kilometres of the proposed site was undertaken by independent market research agency Behaviour and Attitudes.

The survey, which involved 276 shoppers, showed overwhelming support for the new store with 92 per cent believing it would mean better value grocery shopping in the area, Aldi has said.

The choice of location also received positive feedback with 89 per cent agreeing that Aldi had chosen a central and convenient site.

Meanwhile, 93 per cent stated the opening of the store would generate much needed local employment, while 96 per cent said they like that Aldi buys and sell Irish products.