Lidl secures planning permission for fifth store in County Clare despite local objections

Discount retailer Lidl has received planning permission for a new store in Sixmilebridge - its fifth in County Clare.

The application, which was lodged last June, has attracted some opposition locally and planners at Clare County Council had expressed concerns that the scale of the proposed store, close to the town centre, was excessive.

Lidl subsequently revised its application and reduced the size of the proposed development by almost a quarter.

In its response to the local authority, the retailer argued that the new store will compliment a planned Centra store which will be located across the road.

"The revised proposed Lidl store reflects a smaller, traditional format that will complement the proposed new Centra across the street. Though the proposed Centra enhances food offerings, it alone will not stop spending from leaving Sixmilebridge. In combination, the proposed Lidl and proposed new Centra will provide a wider range of goods and competitive prices, helping make the town more self-sufficient against nearby stores in North Limerick," stated representatives of the company.

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The new store, which will be largely solar-powered will have a net retail space of 995 square metres. The development - located at Main Street, Sixmilebridge - will also include more than 100 car parking spaces and EV charging points.

During the planning process, a number of submissions were lodged, including by local business owner Flora Crowe and local resident Fr Harry Bohan.

Both urged the local authority to refuse permission with Fr Bohan highlighting the need for local shops and businesses to survive.

In his submission, Fr Bohan contended that Sixmilebridge is already well-served by discount stores within the catchment area while Ms Crowe expressed concerns about "market oversaturation”

According to planning documents, Lidl believes the store could generate almost €8m in annual turnover within three years.

In granting permission for the development, Clare County Council imposed 16 conditions.

The German retailer, which currently operates stores in Ennis, Shannon and Westbury, secure permission earlier this year for a second store on the outskirts of Ennis.