Screwfix Opens in Dublin and Sets Sights on Galway

Screwfix has finally opened its first branch in Ireland, located in Sandyford on the outskirts of Dublin.

CEO John Mewett commented 'It was great to meet the new team at our first Screwfix store in Ireland. Congratulations to all the team who made this possible and good luck everyone! More Irish stores coming very soon!"

Through our contacts in Ireland, we're aware that the company is planning to open a second Dublin branch and also an outlet in Galway, having sought planning permission for a change of use of a unit at Ballybane Industrial Estate on Bóthar na Mine.

The unit, formerly occupied by Galway Coal, would be changed to a Screwfix warehouse with trade counters, as the business primary supplies building products to trades.

Screwfix dispatches thousands of parcels every week for next day and weekend delivery to tradesmen, handymen and serious home improvement enthusiast. Screwfix also operates a growing number of trade counters across the UK which have over 11,000 items in stock, available for immediate collection.

A feature in the Connacht Tribune commented:-

Screwfix is a potential new entrant to the Irish market, at least in terms of a physical, ‘on the ground’ presence. The primary use of their business premises would be storage of goods, with trade counters primarily for pick-up, arising from online sales.

“As a result, the unit would include ancillary trade counters aimed at local building companies including what is known as a trade plus counter, aimed at specific trades.

The company usually employs six to eight staff, four of whom are full-time.

The applicants have allowed for five parking spaces and note that parking at the Screwfix premises in Ballymena, Co Antrim was observed during peak Friday lunchtime trade. Over the hour, there were 25 visits to the unit and each visit lasted 3-5 minutes.

“At any one time, there were 2-3 visitors to the store, so the demand on parking was in that range also. We have made allowance for five spaces [in Ballybane],” the application reads.

A decision from Galway City Council is due around the middle of December.

Source: Insight DIY

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