Local Tipperary Councillor urges council to find new site for Mr. Price in the county

A Tipperary Town councillor has urged the local authority to identify potential sites for Mr. Price to relocate. The discount retailer has been operating from its current premises in Tipperary Town Retail Park without planning permission, as the site is not zoned for retail use.

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Its most recent application to secure retention permission was rejected by An Comisiún Pleanála. The planning commission noted that the company had not adequately considered other suitable buildings within the town centre that could legally accommodate its operations.

Councillor Anne Marie Ryan has called on Tipperary County Council to take a proactive role in finding an alternative site and facilitating a move. Corajio, trading as Mr. Price, had sought permission to continue trading from Units 1 and 2 of Tipperary Town Retail Park, but the council refused the request in May.

The refusal was based on zoning regulations, as the site is designated for light industrial use and therefore inappropriate for retail. The decision highlights ongoing tensions in Tipperary between retail expansion on the outskirts and efforts to sustain the town centre.

Built in 2007, the retail park has remained largely vacant for much of its existence. Corajio acquired the property in 2015 with the aim of establishing a long-term presence. The company argued that the park enjoys a prime location, close to other major retailers such as Dunnes Stores, Dealz, and Tesco, all within 620 metres, suggesting the area functions as a shopping hub despite its industrial designation.

In its appeal, Mr. Price acknowledged the challenges facing the town centre, describing it as unhealthy with many vacant units. The company maintained that there were no suitable, available, or economically viable premises in the town centre that could host its operations, and that this justified remaining at the retail park.

The state planning appeals board inspector, however, identified weaknesses in the submission. The report highlighted that Mr. Price had not provided information on the floor areas of around thirty potential town centre sites, undermining its claim that no alternatives existed.

The ruling raises broader questions about retail development in smaller towns. While peripheral retail parks offer space and convenience, they risk drawing trade away from central areas already struggling to maintain footfall. Tipperary’s case illustrates the difficulty of reconciling growth with the need to preserve a vibrant town centre.

At present, it is unclear how Corajio will respond. The company could pursue further legal avenues, but the planning authority’s position presents a significant hurdle.

For now, the future of Mr. Price at Tipperary Town Retail Park remains uncertain, highlighting the complex interplay between planning regulations, commercial ambition, and town centre vitality.

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