Aldi Portlaoise reveal intention to expand Laois store but low vegetable prices criticised

German supermarket chain Aldi Stores (Ireland) Ltd has announced an intention to expand its Laois store in Portlaoise.

However a Laois councillor is not welcoming the news, and has used it to level criticism at all big supermarkets in their support of Irish vegetable growers. 

Cllr Ollie Clooney is a vegetable farmer from Durrow, representing the Mountmellick Borris-in-Ossory Municipal District.

He made his claims at a special meeting on September 10 by Laois County Council, to consider 37 submissions made to the draft Portlaoise Local Area Plan for 2024 to 2030. Those submission include one by Aldi Ireland.

"I'd say less than 10% of their vegetables are Irish. Aldi is no friend to the farmer. They advertise stuff you cannot produce. You get a phone call quick and they want a reduction or they won't deal with you. It's undermining the whole concept. There are only a few of us left and we're going to get fewer. Any of the supermarkets are no friend to us," Cllr Clooney claimed. 

In its submission, Aldi Ireland supports the Portlaoise development plan, and said it intends to enlarge the town's branch.

"Section 6.6 of the Draft LAP includes the retail strategy for the plan area and seeks to 'reinforce and grow high order retail functioning with particular emphasis on historic core defined by the Primary Retail Area. Enhance the retail appeal of Laois by strengthening retail functions of Portlaoise'.

"This is supported by Aldi who have a future objective to increase the floor area of the existing store. We note the changes in consumer habits in recent years following the pandemic and the move towards online shopping. Aldi stores have remained as a consistent street presence during this time and will continue to do so, activating neighbourhoods and drawing consumers to the area. This highlights the importance of supporting convenience retailers such as Aldi in the town.

"This submission respectfully requests that the forthcoming plan continues to recognise, support and provide for convenience retail uses in a sustainable retail hierarchy within Portlaoise," the discount chain said.