Tuam's Lidl expansion plans go to An Bord Pleanala

INDEPENDENT grocers' group RGDATA has brought its objection to a new Lidl store in Tuam to An Bord Pleanala.
The group is appealing Galway Co Council's decision earlier this year to grant permission for a new €4 million expansion of the supermarket on the Galway Road.
The discount chain wants to demolish its existing supermarket and construct a new contemporary supermarket – similar to its new concept stores in Gorey, Wexford and Clonmel in Tipperary.
Nine conditions were attached to the decision and this included that the existing access must be retained and utilised as the sole access for the development.
Lidl has about 150 stores in Ireland and says a larger store on the town's outskirts is required to meet the growth in demand from the area.
RGDATA stated in its initial objection that it supports news shops and new formats in town centres and in retail zones. However, it expressed concern about a large scale development in what it terms an 'out-of-town' location.
Commenting on the Tuam Lidl proposal, the grocers' group felt it would threaten shopping in the town centre.
“RGDATA is particularly concerned with the planning implications of such a large scale retail development at the 'out-of-town' location. We are of the opinion that the proposed development represents a significant threat to the vitality and viability of the town centre and should not be permitted,” states the RGDATA objection.
An Bord Pleanala is not expected to make a decision on the appeal until June.