Planners decide on controversial Lidl application in Laois near Carlow border

A third Lidl shop has been granted conditional permission in Laois on the border to Carlow.  

Carlow County Council has this week approved a planning application by Lidl Ireland GmbH, submitted 12 months ago.

The goahead to the German founded supermarket business is despite objections by Graiguecullen Parish and St Fiacc's House.

A discount supermarket with ancillary off licence will be built in place of the National Learning Network Centre / Rehabcare, on the Killeshin / Castlecomer Road in Graiguecullen, Laois.

The National Learning Centre building will be demolished and the site cleared to make way for the store. It will have a car and cycle parking with site access from Killeshin / Castlecomer Road.

One submission raised concerns about "serious loss of light, overshadowing, loss of privacy and excessive noise pollution."

Another submission against the proposed works comes from the Graiguecullen Parish and the Community at St Fiacc's House in which they say their position is to "strongly object" the works.

St Fiacc's House also say they strongly object to the new proposed shop following their investment of €50,000 in the development of a "picnic area which is directly adjacent to the proposed boundary wall." 

In their submission they also note other areas of concern over the project they include "noise impact", "sunlight and daylight" (in relation to the impact the new structure will have on St Fiacc's House), and "light pollution."

It is the second new Lidl supermarket at planning stage in Laois.

Read also: PICTURES: Lidl plan for new Laois supermarket in Mountmellick to create 25 jobs

The approval covers the renewal and replacement of boundary treatments, free standing trolley bay, refrigeration and air conditioning plant and equipment, hard and soft landscaping, public lighting, electrical vehicle charging infrastructure, roof mounted solar panels, ESB substation, drainage, utility and services infrastructure, roof mounted solar panels, ESB substation, utility and services, infrastructure and connections.

As with all planning decisions it is subject to a 4 weeks appeal period during which appeals can be made to An Bord Pleanála.