Final approval has been granted for a new Lidl supermarket in Loughrea, following a recent decision by An Bord Pleanála. The development, originally approved by Galway County Council earlier this year, faced an appeal from local residents and retail group RGDATA.
The new store will be built on a greenfield site off the R350, located between the town centre and the bypass. Concerns were raised about potential traffic congestion and the impact on footfall in the town centre.
RGDATA argued that the plan contradicts the Government’s “Town Centre First” policy and could undermine local businesses. Despite these objections, An Bord Pleanála has now ruled in favour of the development, allowing the project to move forward.