2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
New Lidl store approved for Galway despite some local concerns
In January, Galway County Council granted planning permission to Lidl Ireland to build one of its stores along Gallows Hill (R350), in the town of Loughrea.
However, the development faced strong local opposition which focused on traffic issues and the positive negative impact the store would have on local businesses. In February, a third party appeal was lodged to An Bord Pleanála.
Four months later, An Bord Pleanála has confirmed the development can go ahead.
Inspectors found the project 'would provide for an appropriate form of development on this 'edge-of-centre' site and would not adversely impact upon the built heritage of the area or the amenities of the properties in the vicinity, would not undermine the town centre or retail future of Loughrea and would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.'
The project was approved with 20 conditions attached.
Earlier this year, in submissions made to Galway County Council, residents raised possible traffic issues as according to some the development might aggravate the 'already poor traffic and parking situation faced by town centre businesses and services'.
One local submission read: 'It appears that matters of traffic have not been given appropriate consideration or review within the application document. I am very concerned with traffic volumes currently on the R350. This road is already extremely heavily congested especially at peak times and also throughout the day.
'Considering this, the insertion of a large Lidl store, will significantly exacerbate and worsen this situation due to additional traffic congestion which shall be generated from additional parking, refuse collection, ad HGV's which will block the road. Adding to the commercial footprint on such a large scale would be detrimental to the area.'
Locals also argued the store, which would be located outside the town centre, might drive customers away from town centre shops, 'leading to a decline in local businesses and potentially resulting in closures'.
Another submission read: 'It will cause foot traffic in the town centre to decrease significantly, impacting not only retailers but also services such as cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues which is against government's stated objectives in its cross government policy 'The Town Centre First', which 'aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.'
