Petrol retailers are welcoming a decision to block the opening of Tesco petrol station in Kilrush as a victory for small businesses across the country.
An Bord Pleanala has refused planning permission for a fuel filling station adjacent to Tesco in Kilrush on the grounds of road access arrangements and traffic safety.
Permission for the development had been appealed by local Kilrush traders and the Irish Petrol retailers association who said 43 West Clare jobs would be lost if the development went ahead, with local independent petrol stations unable to compete with Tesco’s low prices.
Spokesperson David Blevings says the knock on effects could have seen even more job losses
Tesco claimed the remarks of Kilrush Traders were sensationalist and unfounded and made in an attempt to persuade the local community to oppose their development.
But Kilrush Town Councillor Liam O’Looney is welcoming the decision due to the real concerns of local businesses
