West Clare is in line for a significant jobs boost after a planning application to develop a €4m supermarket and community development in Miltown Malbay was granted by Clare County Council this week.The new development will consist of a 10,000 sq ft supermarket, 150-space car park, relief road for the town, children’s playground, and an astro-turf facility with associated dressing rooms and lighting.
Local businessman John Jones (pictured at the site) says the project will regenerate the local area and create over 50 full-time and part-time positions, as well as additional seasonal employment. A further 70 jobs will be generated during the 12-18 month construction phase.
Mr. Jones said: “From a commercial point the supermarket is a very important addition to the infrastructure of the town. On a local level the car park, playground and playing pitch, which represents an investment of in excess of €250,000, would be vital additions to the towns amenities.
“The single-storey supermarket, which will have a separate service yard with staff parking and is designed with the latest environmentally friendly innovations, will generate its business from the current high level of business spillage out of the town. Recent studies have shown that this is very achievable and would complement existing commercial activity in the town.
“The employment generated by this project would act as a shot in the arm for Miltown Malbay and surrounding areas, which has experienced high levels of emigration since the downturn in the economy. This project would enable more people to live and work in their own community as they would prefer. For example, Miltown St Joseph’s GAA club has pledged its support to the project as it recognises the importance associated with building a self-sustainable community, one which offers work opportunities and an improved quality of life for its young people.
“The range of products in the shop will also reduce the need for people to travel considerable distances for their shopping. By more people shopping locally the supermarket will generate additional revenue for the other local businesses which will in turn generate more employment”, he added.
Commenting on the development of ancillary facilities, Mr. Jones stated “An adjacent 150-space car park, which will be free of charge, will service both the shop and the town in general. A further 14 car park spaces at the site entrance will provide additional car parking for the residents of the Ennis Road.
“A through road will in time connect with the Ballard Road creating another portion of the relief road around the town. An enclosed children’s playground will be located adjacent to the car park and will be a great addition to the town’s amenities”, Mr. Jones concluded.
John Jones and his wife Claire currently operate a Centra supermarket at Church Street, Miltown Malbay. They are the seventh successive generation of the Jones family to operate the business, which was established in 1835.
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