Thomas St is the ‘busiest in 25 years’

The Liberties’ premier shopping street is making a comeback

By Alan Weston and Trudy Waters

SHOPPERS in the south inner city are letting their feet do the talking, as they say no to the city centre and yes to Thomas Street.

Retailers in the street, which was once the heart of Dublin shopping, are thriving. Many reported the best Christmas they’ve had for 15 years, thanks to the support of locals and extra custom from the new apartments in the area.

Martin Carey, proprietor of the China and Pottery Cash and Carry told the Liberty: "In 25 years on Thomas St, last Christmas was the busiest. Trade was excellent, better than ever. The new apartments are a great help," he said.

"Local people tend to go to the city centre only for the necessities they can’t buy here", he said, "which is good news for the community".

The mix of old and new stores alike is rejuvenating this inner city shopping haven. Traditional shops like Frawley’s and China and Pottery have now been joined by Pound Stretcher and Iceland.

So rejuvenated is the area that Iceland on Thomas St is reportedly the busiest of all Iceland stores in Dublin. Store manager Glyn Williams said that the Thomas St shop is "Iceland’s flagship store. It has a great support locally, and especially from the ethnic community in the area," he added.

Local butcher Paul Tyrrell says that healthy competition on the street meant it was an "okay" Christmas for him. He highlighted the area’s resistance to the success of Henry Street this year, and to retailing outside the city centre as a sign of the progress on Thomas Street.

"Pound Stretcher and Iceland were a great help to all traders. They attracted a lot of fresh custom to the area," Mr Tyrrell said.Commenting on the modernisation of some shops in the area Mr Carey said: "I wouldn’t like it too modern, it’s important to retain the historical value of the street, but it’s no doubt the new stores have been vital to the increase in shoppers".

He added: "The new car park has benefited all the shop owners in the area, but there is definitely a need for another". He also highlighted the drug problem in the area as being a deterrent to some customers.

However, all proprietors on the street say the delay in the implementation of the Dublin Area Integrated Plan is preventing further development in what is a boom time for traders.