New opening date confirmed for new Aldi supermarket in Tullamore

A new opening date has been confirmed for the new Aldi supermarket in the centre of Tullamore.

Originally due to open at the end of October, the new Aldi will now officially open in Tullamore on Thursday November 28.

The opening marks a significant investment in the community creating 30 permanent jobs and injecting over €9.8 million in the area.

Located on the site of the former Texas site the new development has transformed what was a derelict lot into a hive of activity. Building has also been underway on adjacant buildings.

ALDI say it spent more than €23 million with six Offaly-based suppliers last year and is currently recruiting for 20 jobs in the county. The store will officially be opened to the public at 8am.

This is the second ALDI store in Tullamore. Their first being at Cloncollig.

The Texas/Tesco site where the new supermarket is located is one of eight opportunity sites. Offaly County Council's aims for this site include the provision of ''a mix of public and private uses'' and to ''create inviting connections from the canal to the town centre.''

The site has been divided in two with a fence separating both sides. Cayenne Holdings own the other half previously occupied by Tesco supermarket. It has seen its redevelopment plans stalled.

In April this year a massive mixed-use development proposed by Cayenne Holdings was rejected by Offaly County Council. An appeal to An Bord Pleanala also failed.

If given the green light the development would have consisted of 204 apartments, retail, office and childcare facilities in 6 blocks ranging in height from 2-13 storeys and all associated development and site works. The proposals also included refurbishment of a protected structure (D.E. Williams House).

The site remains derelict and visibly contrasts with the bustling activity on the ALDI side. It underscores the difficulties in bringing plans to fruition and has led to expressions of frustration locally at the lack of progress in the town.