Appeal lodged against Laois Lidl store
The new Lidl store is planned for the Killeshin road in Graiguecullen
A DECISION to grant planning permission for a new Lidl store on the Laois border has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
The discount supermarket chain was granted permission in June for a food store on the site of the former National Learning Network Centre, located on the Killeshin Road in Graiguecullen.
The appeal was brought by David and Majella Geoghegan who live next to the site. They were also among those who had lodged objections on the original planning application for a store on the Laois/Carlow border, who included St Fiacc’s House, Graiguecullen Parish and local PP Fr John Dunphy.
The Geoghegans had originally objected to the store based on ‘excessive noise pollution’ from mechanical units and delivery trucks and expected traffic volumes along the road. Other issues cited were overshadowing and loss of privacy.
St Fiacc's House had strongly objected to the proposed supermarket following their investment of €50,000 in the development of a picnic area, which is directly adjacent to the proposed boundary wall of the store. Other areas of concern included noise impact, light pollution and the restriction of daylight at St Fiacc’s House.
In their submission to Carlow County Council, St Fiacc’s House said the loss of natural light would negatively impact their residents, a sentiment that was shared by Fr Dunphy in his objection.
A decision in the case is due by 3 November.
Lidl said the proposal would see an investment of €8 million and the creation of 30 new jobs, with a further 100 jobs supported during a six-month construction phase.
County councils in Laois and Carlow granted approval in June, subject to 12 conditions, on the planning application that was submitted a year ago.
The plans involve demolition of the National Learning Network Centre/Rehabcare building to make way for a supermarket and off-licence, together with a car and cycle parking area with access from the Killeshin/ Castlecomer Road.
It is the second new Lidl store at the planning stage in Laois, following a recent application for another discount supermarket on the site of the derelict former Central Garage in Mountmellick.
A green light for both would bring the number of Lidl stores in the county to four, together with Portlaoise and Portarlington.
