Plans for new Lidl in Clare approved despite Catholic priest's objections
A new Lidl in Clare has been given the go-ahead this week as plans are approved for a branch of the supermarket to be built in the village of Sixmilebridge.
An application was put forward by the chain in 2024 to Clare County Council for the construction of a single storey, discount foodstore spanning a gross floor area of 2,290sqms.
Plans would also involve construction of surface level car parking spaces, including electrical vehicle (EV) charging spaces and pre-wiring other spaces to accommodate future EV parking, cycle stands, trolley bay canopy, hard and soft landscaping and all advertising signage including a 'flagpole' sign at the entrance.
The development also includes car parking and an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing point at the south west corner of the site.
The development faced opposition from local residents when plans were first put forward back in 2024, when prominent Catholic priest Fr Harry Bohan told Clare County Council in a submission that Sixmilebridge 'is changing fast, probably too fast. Our local, human, social values are threatened'.
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In the objection submitted to the council he said: 'We need our local shops and businesses to survive, always did. When they are threatened, we need our community to be aware of that threat.'
Fr Bohan asked: 'Are The Bridge people well enough serviced by discount stores in the surrounding area?'
The plans were approved by Clare County Council subject to 16 conditions.
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