British supermarket group Tesco is advancing negotiations to acquire the former Comans pub in Rathgar village, a site that has remained shuttered for years following a family ownership dispute, The Irish Times reported. The prominent property on Terenure Road East includes a large car park at the rear and sits directly opposite a SuperValu shop owned by Musgrave.
The Bottom Line:
- Tesco’s Irish operation reported a pre-tax profit increase of 8.6 per cent last year, reaching €211.6 million, according to latest accounts.
- The retailer currently operates 194 outlets across the Republic of Ireland and is scheduled to open its 200th Irish store early in the new year.
- An unsuccessful 2022 tender by Agar Commercial Property sought offers exceeding €1.25 million for the rear car park with intent to build 18 apartments.
Advanced Negotiations for the Shuttered Rathgar Village Site
While a final deal is yet to be signed off, Tesco is poised to secure the long-vacant property if current talks conclude successfully. Multiple other bidders have expressed interest in the site. Upon reaching an agreement, the retailer plans to apply to local planners for a change of use to operate a grocery store within the building structure. Company representatives intend to retain the exterior architecture to preserve the heritage of the structure.
The location holds historical commercial roots in the area. The site originally operated as a grocery store featuring a small pub at the front, alongside a restaurant that once functioned on the upper level. Patrick Coman and his wife Mary opened the pub in the late 1950s. The family operated the business for nearly half a century before internal legal disputes between the parents and their sons forced its closure.
Expansion Strategy Across South Dublin Suburbs
Adding a Rathgar outlet would significantly expand Tesco's store network within this affluent south Dublin corridor. The supermarket chain already maintains established stores in the nearby villages of Terenure and Rathmines. No official comment regarding the transaction was available from Tesco corporate offices.
The Coman family’s broader commercial holdings included the adjacent Bottlers Bank premises, a former bank branch that continues to trade. Years later, in 2022, commercial property firm Agar Commercial Property listed the rear car park for offers exceeding €1.25 million, pitching the space for a potential 18-apartment residential development. That transaction ultimately failed to secure a deal.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MS53EUDHT34LMACDQKU4VVW5RE.jpg "Tesco in Advanced Talks to Open Store at Former Comans Pub in Rathgar")
Disclaimer: The Information Provided
Tesco continues a measured physical expansion across the Irish retail market. The company operates 194 locations in the Republic and maintains a pipeline of four new stores scheduled to open by the end of 2026. This trajectory positions the firm to cross the threshold of 200 operating units in Ireland early next year.
The ongoing site acquisition remains subject to contract finalization and subsequent planning approvals. Key details concerning the exact purchase price and the timeline for the change-of-planning application have not been publicly disclosed.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and market analysis purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always consult with a certified financial professional before making investment decisions.
