Local councillors are concerned that plans for a new commercial development including 2,219 sq m retail space adjacent to the five year old Castletroy Shopping Centre could have a negative impact on the Superquinn anchor store and other shops in the established scheme.

Plans for the proposed new development which is to include offices, a warehouse and a library as well as retail units on a 3.36 hectares site have been submitted to Limerick county council by Kenny Builders.

Associates of Select Retail Holdings, the group which owns the Superquinn chain of stores, are believed to have purchased the Castletroy centre for a sum in the region of 45m.

Local people are hopeful that the new owners will act to offset any possible negative impact the proposed second development might represent by expanding existing retail facilities in line with planning permission already granted for this purpose.

"The best way to ensure the continuing viability of the existing centre would be to redevelop it, " says local Fine Gael councillor, Mary Jackman.

"People here are very happy with the Superquinn store. And while McDonalds and the cinema are trading well, there are a number of vacant retail units in the scheme. I have expressed concern to the council that if this redevelopment doesn't happen, the new scheme will pose a threat. I think though it should be pointed out that the proposed new centre is in line with retail planning guidelines for this area."

In their planning submission Kenny Builders say "the proposed convenience element of the development would directly compliment the existing convenience provision in Castletroy District Centre, providing healthy competition and facilitating consumer choice.

"It will result in reduced trip generation as consumers can undertake bulky goods shopping, weekly goods shopping and comparison shopping on the one trip."