THE already competitive Kilrush retail market welcomed another multi-national retailer last Thursday morning when the new Aldi supermarket in the town opened for business.
The German discount supermarket will be managed by Knockerra man Ger Power, who is the son of Tommy and Tess Power. The new supermarket will create 15 jobs in the town.
The supermarket is located on the Ennis Road in Kilrush and is the second major retailer to open in West Clare inside 18 months. Tesco Kilrush opened in February 2008 and is also located on the Ennis Road.
Queally’s SuperValu supermarket is located on the opposite side of Kilrush in lower Frances Street.
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce president, Mark Reidy told The Clare Champion that the arrival of another supermarket in the town will benefit the area.
“We welcome all business to Kilrush and we’re delighted that it is creating employment in the town,” he commented.
At present, Kilrush town centre businesses are at somewhat of a disadvantage, as customers have to pay for on street parking, although there is free parking available in Place de Plouzané. However, there are up to 400 free car parking spaces available between the Tesco and Aldi car parks on the Ennis Road.
“Kilrush Chamber and Kilrush Town Council are trying to work in partnership with each other. The chamber is cognisant of the fact that there is free parking available in developments on the Ennis Road. Kilrush Town Council are going to work on new parking bylaws in the new year and the chamber has been invited to participate and be part of the process,” Mr Reidy explained.
He added that town centre business people had requested that free parking be provided for a period leading up to Christmas but that has proven legally impossible to implement.
“The chamber and other business people in the town requested a moratorium on parking but it is not possible to change it on a whim,” Mr Reidy stated. He stressed his confidence that progress will be made on the parking issues in Kilrush town centre in early 2010.
Meanwhile, a decision on whether Tesco in Kilrush will move a step closer to being granted planning permission to build a petrol station will be made on December 15.