Tesco Ireland has criticised Dublin City Council’s plans for a new civic plaza at College Green.
In a submission to An Bord Pleanála, the retailer said that the plans pose health and safety risks to retail delivery staff and could jeopardise the viability of retailers at this location, according to reports by The Irish Times.
The UK-based retailer said that the council’s plans would force retailers to use the next nearest loading bay, roughly 70 metres away on Dame Street and Trinity Street.
“Should Tesco Ireland be forced to use these loading bays, there is an increased health and safety risk compared to the existing situation where delivery vehicles can load and unload on the double yellow lines outside the Tesco Express store,” Tesco said in the submission.
“The health and safety concern is based on the fact that delivery staff would have to roll heavy cages of goods from Dame Street to College Green, including crossing a busy pedestraian/vehicular junction," it continued. “Transporting cages in this way would require a one-way trip of approximately 70 metres, which is a significant increase compared to the current arrangement.”
Restricted Loading Bay
Tesco proposed a loading bay on College Green, subject to restrictions, as a solution. This would ““adequately address the needs of retailers who generally receive deliveries early in the morning,” it said.
An appropriate space for delivery with restrictions would ensure that vehicles don’t use the area throughout the day, according to Tesco.
In 2013, the retailer signed a ten-year lease on its current location, a Tesco Express store, which lies adjacent to Trinity College. At the time, the annual rent was understood to be €62,000 for the ground floor and basement.
When asked what the retailer planned to do if DCC’s plans go ahead as proposed, a Tesco spokewoman told The Irish Times: “We are currently reviewing the potential impact the proposed changes could have on our business in particular on our operations and distribution.”
She added that Tesco’s submission was made in order to “ensure the safety of pedestrians in a busy city centre location” and expedite “the need for sufficient delivery space in close proximity to our store”.
© 2018 - Checkout Magazine by Kevin Duggan
