Another delay hits Lidl plan for new Laois supermarket

Yet another delay has hit the long awaited planning decision for a new Lidl in a Laois town.

It is seven months since Lidl Ireland GmbH applied to Laois County Council for permission to demolish a derelict garage and four adjacent houses in Mountmellick.

They plan to build a discount supermarket with a retail sales area of 1,457 sqm, including an off licence and a carpark, set in off the N80 road on Emmett Street.

The new store is promised to create 25 jobs in Mountmellick, and Lidl estimate it will add €1 million per year to the local economy while reversing dereliction and vacancy.  

Hundreds of locals signed a petition in support for the new supermarket after submissions were made that forced a six month pause in a decision last July.

However, Laois planners have paused their decision for a second time, again to request further information. A decision was due to be made by January 17 2026.

Laois planners are insisting that walkways be reconsidered, leading to O'Moore Street and Twomey Terrace housing estate. 

Lidl had said that a walkway could become a "ratrun" and would also make the journey no quicker for pedestrrians.

The Laois planners explain their reasons for sticking to their request.

“Pedestrian Links & Site Permeability” has not been addressed to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority. The further information response does not adequately address the concern that the proposed development is lacking in terms of active pedestrian and cycling linkages to and from adjacent thoroughfares, principally O’Moore Street due south and Twomey Terrace due north.

“As previously noted, the Planning Authority is endeavouring to optimise active travel potential throughout the town. The issue has also been raised by a third party, namely Mr Fran Baker on behalf of Mountmellick Town Team.

“By way of clarification of further information, you are requested to revisit this matter and to submit suitably revised proposals.
You are advised to consult with Active Travel Section and Planning Authority prior to making your response."

Lidl also said that a submission from a Kildare business urging planning refusal was "designed to undermine the development".

The walkway issue was raised by a Laois Garda Crime Prevention Officer who registered his "frustration" at not being consulted in the plan despite having a specific qualification to advise on the safety aspect of such walkways.

Lid has until February 1 to supply the extra information.

Read next: Laois cycling and walking routes get €3.5m boost

Mountmellick Lidl will be the discount retail chain's third supermarket in Laois, with others in Portlaoise and Portarlington. Another is also under construction just over the Laois Carlow border in Graiguecullen.