Wexford election candidate outlines ambitious retail plan for New Ross

Fianna Fáil-turned-Independent county councillor, Michael Sheehan has promised in his election campaign to feature household names such as Marks & Spencer and Dunnes Stores in his plan for a town centre retail park.

"Wexford is lagging behind Kilkenny and Waterford and fresh voice needed to ensure change," said Cllr Sheehan.

Outlining his ambitions, he said: "From the start we would create a plan for a retail park around the needs for the retailers. The buy-in and commitment is there from the people of New Ross so if The Range or Homestore & More open up a shop in New Ross we would give them rates or rent discounts for five years and the commitment then is they have to remain with us for ten years so it's not distorting the market.

"This will increase the footfall in the town so existing businesses have a huge opportunity to expand their offering."

Cllr Sheehan said that funding could come from governmental finance schemes (URDF and RRDF) and added that "with the support of the Government, we could acquire a second site."

When asked if – in light of his recent shift in political affiliation – these plans and promises to the people of New Ross are practical, he suggested relying on the support of Government for this retail plan.

Cllr Sheehan clarified that his statement is not in relation to the support of a political party but the programmes and initiatives that have been created to benefit the community by front-loading for local authorities. "Those schemes are already in place, it's irrespective of who's in Government," he said.

Additionally, Cllr Sheehan was asked directly why he feels now is the appropriate time to suggest the retail expansion, which included other brands such as Penneys and Supermacs, or if it's been sparked by the political campaign.

"No, I've wanted this for many years," he said. "I've been pushing this for retail strategy, and the case for additional investment into New Ross for a while. This is not a new revelation," Cllr Sheehan continued.

"However, what it does do, it now gives me a bargaining chip. If the people select me for election, and the government needs votes. I'm willing to trade and discuss and open ideas, and that will be one of the things that I'd be saying is, 'New Ross needs money, needs investment, it needs a retail park, a new school for Educate Together and it needs a huge amount of money to be invested in both New Houghton and the Community Hospital.'

"The plan will also bring life back to the middle of the town, and with 250,000 people expected to use the South East Greenway here's the opportunity to maximise that potential and have them coming into town and shopping, instead of just using the greenway and moving on," he concluded.