The Wexford branch is the first of 52 to be revamped under €11m investment programme

Tirlán CountryLife in Bunclody officially marked the opening of its doors recently following a major refurbishment and is the first in Tirlán’s 52-strong branch network to benefit from an €11 million plus investment programme.

Along with significant store design renovations, the store footprint has been extended by 500 square feet, making way for an additional 2,000 new product lines. Cutting the ribbon and officially opening the doors of the remodelled branch, Tirlán Chairperson, John Murphy said the investment is a clear demonstration of our co-operative’s commitment to deliver on its promise to invest in rural Ireland and improve vital services in the communities we serve.

Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy cuts the ribbon at the official opening of the Tirlán CountryLife Store in Bunclody

Tirlán CountryLife in Bunclody was the pilot branch for the comprehensive store investment programme announced by Tirlán earlier this year. The exceptional customer experience that has been created in this concept store, for both farming and garden centre customers, will now be replicated across our network of branches over the next four to five years.

Tirlán plans to transform its branch network and achieve a completely new look to meet the evolving needs of the towns, villages and rural communities we serve, John Murphy said.

“This branch, like so many more, is part of the fabric of this local community. This investment signifies the Co-op’s commitment to playing its part in enriching the lives of those living and working in this community. Tirlán is committed to developing a modern network of stores that service the evolving needs of farmers and the communities we serve,” he said.

Watch: Video of official opening of Tirlán CountryLife in Bunclody

Mark Morrisey, Store Manager, said the branch has never been busier and thanked customers who continued to support the business as the renovations were underway. “This comprehensive revamp took a little over three months to complete. We thank our loyal customers for their patience. We have futureproofed our presence in Bunclody with this investment. It is a clear indication of our longstanding commitment to farmers, to the people of Wexford and to this community.

“We’re delighted with the new shop layout, new flooring, shelving, extra cashier desks – one dedicated specifically to our farming customers. The new coffee dock adds another dimension to the store and we’re seeing lots of garden centre customers grab a coffee while they browse. This is the first time Tirlán has added this service to any store.

“Our extended garden centre has allowed for an increased range of plants in particular, along with more inspiration for budding gardeners,” he said.

While work has now concluded in Bunclody, phase one of renovations in Castlelyons Co. Cork and in Athboy Co. Meath have already been completed. Phase 2 in both stores is due to get underway soon.

In addition, work is beginning this month in one of Tirlan’s Kildare branches in the town of Monasterevin. It will be transformed under a programme of significant renovations. Tirlán’s largest store and garden centre development to date is planned for its branch in Ashford, Co. Wicklow. This work is expected to begin later this year.

Planning work is well underway for a number of further store upgrades in 2024, which will see the farmer-owned cooperatives branch network further transformed.