Proposals for a €50 million district shopping centre for Ballinasloe have been submitted for approval, marking a surge in new developments for the area.

Cork-based Harte Holdings and Clancy Construction have lodged the Ballinasloe application for an ambitious 10,850sqm scheme. The plans include an anchor store and 26 retail units comprising a total of 10255 square metres of retail space.

East of the Ballinasloe project, a 6.6 acre site is planned to be located off the main street with access through River View. The project will extend the main street and provide much needed car parking in the centre of the town with the provision of 300 new surface car parks.

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Andrew Carberry, associate director and retail expert with Bannon said: "The magnetic pull of the larger towns and cities in the region such as Athlone and Galway has resulted in an extensive leakage in expenditure from the town to its larger urban neighbours, largely due to the under supply of quality retailers in Ballinasloe."

The local economy has struggled in recent years as the town's shopping facilities have been overshadowed by nearby competitors, but it is hoped the new developments will inject some much needed commercial interest and shoppers alike.

(DW/JM)