Retail

It is estimated that the residents of County Waterford spent in the order of €370million on food, drink, cloths, footwear, home appliances and furniture in 2005. This is forecast to grow substantially and by 2011 annual retail spend in the County will increase to €480million. This excludes additional spend by tourists and other visitors to County Waterford which could bring an additional €90million per annum within the County Waterford by 2011. Growth in retail spend is forecast to continue in the long term. By any standards, retail represents a significant business growth opportunity in County Waterford.

The development of the retail sector will:

• Provide services to local communities
• Create business opportunities
• Create jobs within County Waterford

The opportunity that retail in County Waterford provides is recognised by investors and developers. For example Dungarvan recently attracted €55million investment, which is anchored by Dunnes Stores and with 22 shop units, 600 car parking spaces, office space and a new cinema.

A key objective of Waterford County Council is to ensure that the full opportunity of this considerable growth in retail expenditure can be harnessed within the County. Waterford County Council has adopted a strategic approach to the sustainable development of retail in County Waterford, guided by the following retail hierarchy:

• Level 1 County Town Centre – Dungarvan: provide of major convenience and comparison retail. For information on Dungarvan Town Council’s retail objectives please refer to Waterford County Retail Strategy and Draft Dungarvan Development Plan. Please check the Property Database for availability of commercial property in Dungarvan.
  
  
• Level 2 Sub County Town Level – Tramore: develop major convenience and tourism and major comparison. Further information on the Council. For information on Waterford County Council’s retail objectives please refer to Draft Tramore Local Area Plan, Waterford County Retail Strategy. Please check the Property Database for availability of commercial property in Tramore.
  
  
• Level 3 Tier 1 Town Centres – Dunmore East, Lismore: develop large scale convenience and middle order comparison floorspace largely related to the local tourism economy.
  
  
• Level 3 Tier 2 Town Centres – Cappoquin, Kilmathomas, Portlaw, Tallow: provide large scale convenience and middle order comparison floorspace largely related to the local tourism economy.
  
  
• Level 4 – All Other Local Service Centres: predominantly additional convenience but not excluding tourism related comparison retail.
  
  
• Level 5 – All Settlement Nodes: lower order comparison and smaller supermarkets / convenience stores.

Further information in relation to Waterford County Council’s retail policies can be founding on the Waterford County Retail Strategy, Waterford County Development Plan. To check the availability of commercial property in each town please check the Property Database.