Decision on Milltown Road supermarket is delayed

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN A HIGHLY anticipated decision on the ongoing proposal to locate a large anchor supermarket development on Tuam's outskirts has been put back for a number of weeks. An Bord Pleanála was due to make a decision this week on the controversial plan to build an anchor supermarket, drive-thru restaurant and a number of large warehouse retail units at Blackacre on the Milltown Road. The development is worth €50 million to the local economy according to the man behind the project, Pat Donoghue, who argues that it will result in 215 construction jobs over an 18-month period, if it is allowed to go ahead. [private] Galway Co Council granted permission for an anchor supermarket, three warehouse retail units and a drive-thru restaurant on the Milltown Road site last August but this was appealed by the independent retailers' representative group RGDATA as well as a resident of Lissadyra in Tuam. RGDATA argue that the applicant, despite changing the proposal, hasn't addressed the reasons for the supermarket's original refusal of planning permission. The group is adamant that the large supermarket will adversely impact on existing trade in the town centre and goes against planning and retail guidelines. RGDATA has argued that there are already two permitted retail developments within the town centre - O'Toole's and Glynn's - which they believe will contribute towards the enhancement of the commercial core of the town whereas the Blackacre supermarket they feel will only suit the needs of the anchor tenant. However Joe O'Toole has confirmed that the multi-million euro supermarket, retail, hotel and nursing home development he has planning permission for on his extensive site in Bishop Street will not be going ahead for a number of years because of the downturn in the economy and retail sector in particular. He has decided to carry out significant rennovation and refurbishment works at the existing Tuam SuperValu store in the short term and these have already got underway. Pat O'Donoghue has previously stated that should planning permission be granted for the Milltown Road site, development works would start immediately. It seems he will have to wait a little bit longer to find out whether or not his latest attempt to secure planning permission for the supermarket site, which is speculated might attract Tesco or Dunnes Stores to Tuam, will be successful. A spokesperson for An Bord Pleanála told The Herald that the application and inspector's report has yet to go before the board. He said a decision has been delayed until early March, but added that it could be made before then. [/private]