Ballymun site goes to Lidl

DISCOUNT supermarket chain Lidl is set to build a new store in Ballymun on a €2.5 million site just off Main Street on Balcurris Road.

The development will consist of a Lidl outlet, four other retail units and 150 student apartments.

Local councillors have voted to dispose of the three acre site, where three blocks of flats once stood, to Lidl Ireland GMBH, which was selected as the preferred bidder after a tendering process.

That means the German low-cost retailer can submit a planning application for the development over the coming weeks, once the lease has been signed.

Ballymun has been lacking in shopping facilities since the closure of Tesco three years ago, with only one major retailer, SuperValu, serving the local community.

The new development has been broadly welcomed by local politicians including Dublin North West TD, Dessie Ellis (SF).

“It’s good to have a new supermarket and the student accommodation,” he said. “It is a little bit isolated and I’d hope it can feed into a bigger plan that would create a town effect for the area.

“People used to be able to go to the old shopping centre and have a cup of coffee and a chat before or after their shopping but we don’t have anything like that now.”

Local councillor, Noeleen Reilly (SF), also welcomed the development and said it can’t come quick enough.

“Ballymun residents have been let down in the past when it came to economic regeneration in the area,” she said.

“After many promises and plans it looks like we are finally getting additional resources in Ballymun.

“It will also create long-term employment in the area which is badly needed.”

Cllr Reilly said the 150 student apartments could free up housing in the area.

“We are so close to DCU it is a prime location for students,” she added.

“The student accommodation means houses and apartments currently being rented by students in the nearby area can be freed up for families.

“It is next to impossible to find somewhere to rent in Ballymun, Santry, Whitehall or Glasnevin at the moment.”

Transfer of the site is expected to be complete early next month, after which a planning application is due to be submitted. The development could be complete by late 2018.

TOP OF PAGE: Lidl is expected to submit a planning application for the development in the coming weeks.