Tesco Ireland is entering discussions with Mayo County Council with a view to seeking planning permission for a store upgrade in Ballina.

The supermarket chain intends to carry out an external store upgrade, and significantly enhance the interior of the Ballina store.

In a statement to Midwest News, Geoff Byrne, Chief Operating Officer at Tesco Ireland, said their aim is to ensure "that Tesco Ballina provides a welcoming, modern environment for colleagues and customers", and said they're confident that - subject to permission - these works will vastly improve the Ballina store.

Tesco Ireland was granted planning permission several years ago for a €20 million development in the Pearse Street / Market Square area, but has not yet proceeded with its plans.

It's understood Tesco will now apply for planning permission for external works to the existing store.

Ballina-based Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary told Midwest News this morning that this is a smaller-scale development than originally planned, but he says he's anxious to see progress on upgrading the store, as it has delayed other developments in the town centre.