A new era  in the retail trade dawned this morning with the official opening of the new Tesco Extra Gorey at Ramstown where about 80 new jobs have been created for the town in the biggest project of its kind which has taken shape since planning was lodged in August 2010.

This development is being viewed generally as a vote of confidence in the local economy and further strengthens Gorey’s appeal as a competitive place in which to conduct business.

Peter Spratt, Store Manager, said “As a proud Wexfordman I am delighted that our new store has created over 50 new jobs in Gorey and to be a strong supporter of local Wexford businesses and community groups in Gorey.”

The existing store on the Courtown Road closed on Saturday, with some 100 staff transferring to the new store, bringing to 168 the total amount of people employed by Tesco in the town.

A further 30 people are employed in new businesses within the Tesco Store.

Assisting Mr Spratt to cut the ribbon at the official opening were local triplets, Julianne, Catriona and Brendan O’Brien, who also helped open the original store 17 years ago.

The new store is one of the biggest in the country and has over 600 free parking spaces.

Full coverage this week in THE GOREY ECHO.