TESCO IS CONTINUING to consolidate its dominant position in the Irish grocery trade by opening several more Tesco Express convenience-style stores before it launches three more larger outlets in Dublin and Kildare.

The opening earlier this year of a Tesco Express in the former ESB showrooms in Temple Bar kick-started a new round of expansion which included Celbridge, Mulhuddart, Cardiffsbridge Road in Finglas and Kilcock.

The UK multiple’s property director, John Gibney, is apparently looking for other suitable locations in the greater Dublin area for these stores which usually have a floor area of about 139sq m (1,500sq ft). The company has a policy of either buying or renting suitable premises.

In the meantime, Tesco is well advanced on the building of a 2,787sq m (30,000sq ft) store beside Kildare Village, the highly successful discount outlet fashion complex beside Kildare town.

Tesco has had several inquiries for three retail units being completed alongside the supermarket.

In north Dublin, Tesco is planning a November opening of a 3,716sq m (40,000sq ft) store in Cabra which will service a densely populated area from Phibsborough to Blanchardstown.

Also under way is a 1,858sq m (20,000sq ft) supermarket in Rush which is expected to service a large area including Lusk and Skerries.