Three chain store giants are set to open outlets in Dungannon. Dunnes Stores is the latest to confirm it plans to establish a branch in the town, joining Tesco and Safeway, who are already in the process of developing sites.

The Dunnes announcement follows criticism from local councillors, one of whom claimed the firm has done more damage to Dungannon than any bomb attack ever could. Dunnes demolished every building on one side of Ann Street after purchasing a site 15 years ago. But no outlet has ever been built on the site, which still lies derelict. Now the local council may seek a compulsory purchasing order to acquire the site and regenerate what was once a bustling commercial centre. The council has tried unsuccessfully to secure a commitment from Dunnes that it will go ahead with plans to open a store in the town. Council chief executive William Beattie confirmed that he has had difficulty in obtaining assurances from the firm, and received no reply from the latest letter he sent to Dunnes. And Councillor Patsy Daly accused Dunnes of blighting the Ann Street area with no thought as to the consequences. "They bought an entire street and levelled it. They have done more damage than any bomb ever did to the town," he said.

Councillor Gerry Cullen recalled that Dunnes Stores had been represented at a public inquiry into plans for a new link road four years ago, when the firm pledged that it would go ahead with its development plans. "Now the link road is open, and nothing has been done by Dunnes," he said. "The road project was sold to the people of Dungannon on the understanding that it would promote economic development."

A spokesman for Dunnes Stores said the firm is at an advanced stage of consultation with Dungannon Council and the planning authorities in relation to the site. "Dunnes Stores hope to be in a position to lodge formal plans within the next few weeks," he added.