Speculation locally in recent weeks that Easons are not now proceeding with a new franchise store at the former Co-Op premises on Fermoy’s Patrick Street were confirmed this week by a spokesman for the company. He blamed the lack of progress being made on the property conversion for the decision.

“The site was identified, it was ideal and we had a franchisee willing to take it on,” the company spokesman explained, “but the property hasn’t progressed. The difficulty is more at the developer’s side,” he said.

Eason’s announced the new Fermoy store last summer as part of a new franchise strategy developed in a €20M investment programme which would have seen four new franchise stores opened around the country. It was hailed as a positive for the town at the time, enlivening the town centre and creating employment.

The two local businessman who’d planned to take on the franchise were unwilling to speak about the matter in recent days.

The landmark building was bought last year by Ballyhooly-based builder Bertie Gowen who paid €510,000 for it. The original asking price was around €3m. He had engaged a local architect to redesign the store, dividing it into two retail units. During surveying works the historic building’s original pitch pine ceiling was uncovered.

Asked by The Avondhu about the delay in developing the premises and Easons pulling out, Bertie Gowen declined to comment. “I can tell you nothing, no-one has contacted me,” he said. He did however say that he was waiting on the planning process to be completed.

The news isn’t altogether bad though – the Easons spokesman said if the premises was developed, the project would be considered again.