Ballybough residents call for action on derelict site

ANGRY Ballybough residents are calling for action over a derelict site as redevelopment plans fail to get off the ground on time.

Located at 20/22/22b Ballybough Road, the derelict site, which has been described as a ‘blight’ by residents, was purchased in 2020 by supermarket chain Lidl.

Previously occupied by Annesley Motors, the site has been vacant since 2010.

Last year Lidl announced their plans for the site which include a new Lidl store along with a café and two retail units.

Lidl said the project will see an investment of €14 million in the locality and will create 35 new permanent jobs with the retailer, as well as 100 more through the development phase.

The new supermarket was supposed to be completed by now.

Instead, the almost 1 hectare derelict site continues to crumble.

Ballybough resident Laura Williams described the site as “a blight on our main street.”

“People around here are so angry at Lidl for leaving this site derelict and for failing to engage with the local community,” she said.

“The building is a complete wreck, it’s a disgrace really, there needs to be swift action because it’s affecting the whole town.

“As a community we were last informed about news of the store on Friday 12th March 2021.

“The supermarket was due to be fully completed by now.

“As a neighbour of the site I am keen to know when is work due to start/finish, is the plan for the site the same or are apartments/student accommodation now planned?

“Why are Lidl not keeping the community informed and do they plan to have the shop built before the current planning deadline of 2027?

“As a community we are all extremely happy for a high profile supermarket to be added to our great area but it’s heartbreaking to have such a large vacant site on our main street for so long!”

Several local representatives have also expressed anger.

Cllr Ray McAdam (Fine Gael) told Northside People: “It is deeply disappointing that plans that have been approved by Dublin City Council and An Bord Pleanala have still not been actioned upon.

“Minister Paschal Donohoe and I met with the local Ballybough Pride of Place Committee in recent days to discuss the stalled nature of this project and what collectively we can do to encourage Lidl to begin works on site in as quickly a manner as possible.

“Myself and the Minister expect to meet representatives of Lidl Ireland shortly where we be seeking a very clear direction of travel with regards to the advancement of this redevelopment project.”

A computer generated image of what the Lidl in Ballybough will look like.

Cllr Nial Ring (Ind) says he understands why local people are angry.

“This site is right opposite my office and I have regular enquiries as to when Lidl will be developing it.

“We all thought it would be well built by now but I understand there have been delays due to soil contamination etc.

“However, I fully understand the local frustration and have asked Lidl to call a public meeting and give the local people a full briefing on exactly what is happening and when the development will commence and finish.”

Cllr Neasa Hourigan (Green Party) said: “13 years idle is too long for a site of this size in Dublin.

“Lidl needs to outline it’s plans for the site.

“Failing that Dublin City Council need to proceed with placing the site on the Vacant Sites Register or the Residential Zoned Land Tax Map.”

Cllr Joe Costello (Labour) said: “Four or five years ago a group of us local representatives were given a presentation by Lidl on what their plans for the site were and we were all very pleased.

“However, it’s a terrible shame to see the site derelict, its something the local residents have been concerned about for many years now.

“Lidl should move straight away with their plans.”

Northside People contacted Lidl for a comment in relation to this story.

In response they told us: “Lidl is committed to realising a store location to serve the vibrant community of Ballybough.

“Our property team are currently reviewing this development project as part of our overarching expansion plan in Ireland and we hope to share an update in due course.”