Creating Vibrant Communities

Centra is committed to supporting Irish business and local communities. We source as much of our produce from Irish farmers and suppliers as possible, in addition to providing jobs to local people. We are very proud of our long-standing partnership with the GAA, also actively involved in fundraising activities such as Action Breast Cancer and donating to local charities and organisations.

Centra has been a sponsor of the GAA All-Ireland Hurling Championship since 2010 and we are delighted to say that it is a partnership that continues to grow from strength to strength. 

Centra like the GAA, prides itself in being an active part of every community in which we are involved in. We are at the heart of over 480 communities and these communities’ matter to us. Our local retailers also support the GAA at a grassroots level, funding and sponsoring local GAA clubs all over the country. We believe that by continuing to work together our local communities will prosper and grow stronger now and into the future.

Centra has supported the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer awareness month for 13 years. In 2023, Centra supported breast cancer patients by getting behind the Irish Cancer Society's Care for Your Pair campaign by holding a fundraising weekend in selected Centra stores nationwide. Centra were encouraging customers to Tap to Donate €1 at the till throughout the weekend, with 100% of donations going to the Irish Cancer Society. Considerable contributions were donated to the Irish Cancer society both from tap at the till and local fundraising by Centra retailers. Centra also highlighted the Society’s ‘Care for Your Pair’ early detection breast cancer messaging in stores and across their social channels throughout the month of October, helping to spread the important message around being breast aware.

Centra stores continue to play an active role in their communities, making significant financial contributions through employment, sponsorships and supports to a number of charities, which remains a priority for the business throughout 2023.

Lee’s Centra Pallasgreen have reduced carbon emissions instore by 47% following the successful implementation of several sustainability measures, supported by Centra’s €10 million investment in energy and carbon reduction. The energy saved in store is enough to power 21 homes for every year going forward. They introduced several sustainability measures including doors on refrigeration units which are now running on environmentally friendly carbon neutral gas, and retrofitted new energy and cost-effective LED lighting, which use 60% less energy than standard bulbs. Read more here

Community efforts at Lee’s Centra Pallasgreen also extend further than the store. Since purchasing the store in Pallasgreen 12 months ago, owners Ray & Brendan Lee have become very involved in supporting the amazing local community. Now main sponsors of Pallasgreen GAA as well as supporting Ladies football in Pallasgreen LGFA, local national schools, meals on wheels and many other community groups and charitable fundraisers. They will also support the upcoming Pallasgreen Darkness into Light walk in May.

Centra Ashford has achieved a 49% carbon reduction since implementing sustainable initiatives over the last year. As part of a significant store investment, Centra Ashford has incorporated a number of sustainability upgrades to enhance the efficiency of the store, including the upgrading of its refrigeration and freezer equipment, and the installation of LED lightbulbs and eSELs on shelving. In addition to these energy efficiencies, the store features a ‘Reduced to Clear’ section to help combat food waste and has appointed a member of staff take on the role of sustainability champion. Read more here

McHugh’s Centra Edenmore has achieved a 41% carbon reduction since implementing sustainable initiatives over the last year. As part of the significant store investment Centra Edenmore has incorporated a number of sustainability upgrades to enhance the efficiency of the store, including the upgrading of its refrigeration and freezer equipment with refrigeration doors. Sustainability efforts at McHugh’s Centra Edenmore also extend beyond the store, with the store heavily involved in supporting the local sensory garden and the Helping Hands Charity Shop. It also sponsors the local TidyTowns and is a long-standing supporter of St Monica’s GAA Club. Read more here

Hickey’s Centra Rathmore has achieved a 49% carbon reduction since implementing sustainable initiatives over the last year. As part of the significant store investment Hickey’s Centra Rathmore has incorporated a number of sustainability upgrades to enhance the efficiency of the store, including the upgrading of its refrigeration and freezer equipment, and the installation of LED lightbulbs and eSELs on shelving. In addition to these energy efficiencies, the store features a ‘Reduced to Clear’ section to help combat food waste and has appointed a member of staff take on the role of sustainability champion. Read more here