Jobs boost with Miltown Malbay development

West Clare could be in line for a significant jobs boost as a planning application to develop a €4m supermarket and community development in Miltown Malbay was submitted to Clare County Council this week.

It is proposed that the development will in time lead to the construction of a through road to connect the Ennis Road with the Ballard Road, creating another portion of the relief road around Miltown Malbay.
The proposed new development by local businessman John Jones will consist of a 10,000sqft supermarket, 150-space car park, relief road for the town, children’s playground and an Astro-Turf facility with associated dressing rooms and lighting.
Mr 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.
Mr Jones says the project will regenerate the local area and create more than 50 jobs, as well as additional seasonal employment. A further 70 jobs will be generated during the 12-18 month construction phase.
“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 town’s 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.
Mr Jones said 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,” Mr Jones said.
“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.
A 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.