Barry and Rebecca Tubritt enjoying a pedal-powered mode of transport at the opening of Tesco’s eco store in Tramore.
On Friday last, Tesco Ireland opened its ‘Eco Store’ in Tramore. The 30,000 sq ft store will use 45% less energy than a supermarket of a similar size saving 420 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum, a 30% annual reduction.
Monsignor Olden, PP Holy Cross, and Dean Trevor Lester, Christ Church Cathedral, imparted a blessing at the opening ceremony. Large crowds turned up at the store during the first weekend’s trading which was assisted by fine weather conditions. There did not seem to be any sign of recession as the car park was busy. Traffic going up Summerhill was fairly busy throughout the weekend.
The Mayor of Tramore, Cllr. Ray Hayden, expressed his satisfaction at the new Tesco and felt it was good for the town. Former Mayor, Cllr. Joe Conway, was also there and he reckoned that trade would settle down between Tesco and Supervalu in Tramore after a few weeks. The novelty of the occasion was certainly attracting both young and older persons.
The first official visitor to the store was Waterford TD and Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen. Following the visit, Minister Cullen said: “I am delighted that Tramore is home to Ireland’s first eco store, a store which is also bringing 93 jobs to the community. Tesco Ireland has identified innovative measures to lower emissions and should be congratulated for making a
substantial effort, with this new building, for adopting sustainable environmental practices.”
Dermot Breen, Director of Corporate
Affairs, Tesco Ireland, on welcoming the Minister to the new facility, said: “As a business we are committed to reducing our
environmental impact and last year we set ourselves a number of goals including a 50% reduction in carbon use by 2020. The programme also includes an investment of €30 million in environmental measures throughout our business.
The new “eco” store at Tramore is a key part
of our overall environmental strategy and will help us understand the feasibility of standardising green initiatives in new stores and throughout the rest of our business”, he declared.
Supporting local suppliers is very much part of the business ethos of Tesco Ireland and Waterford is no different. Local suppliers to the new store include Flahavans, Country Style Foods, Snowcream, Broadway Bagels, Rathmoylan Eggs, McGrath’s Jams, Brady’s Salads. Their presence will be highlighted in store by the Waterford County Colours.
