Green light for Lidl store

A NEW Lidl store is to be built in Castleknock despite massive local objections after plans were given the green light by An Bord Pleanála last week.

The proposed mixed-use development has been on the cards since 2014 when plans were first submitted. Fingal County Council refused permission and an appeal to An Bord Pleanála was unsuccessful.

Revised plans got the council’s go-ahead last year but locals appealed to An Bord Pleanála and an oral hearing took place last January.

Those opposing the plans at the hearing included Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and former Tánaiste Joan Burton, both local TDs in Dublin West.

Fianna Fáil’s Jack Chambers also objected along with local councillors and residents’ groups.

The development will include the Lidl supermarket as well as a café and a residential component with six three-bed duplex apartments and two two-bed apartments.

A medical centre is included in the plans and access to the development will be from the existing entrance on the Castleknock Road, which is to be upgraded and improved.

The development will mean demolition for a number of existing buildings, including a flower shop, a former betting office and the vacant dwelling known as Church View.

Lidl has welcomed the decision by An Bord Pleanála in favour of its proposal.

“We are delighted,” said Director of Property, Alan Barry. “We have been involved in a lengthy planning process for almost two years and are pleased that An Bord Pleanála has recognised that this development will contribute positively to the local area.

“Together with our architects and planners we have designed a development to the highest standards, which I believe complements the area and provides suitable amenities for the local community.

“We would like to
thank all those who have supported our application and we look forward to holding an opening evening for the local community in advance of any construction works.”

However, Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) said he was “hugely disappointed” that permission had been granted.

“I genuinely believe that it’s a mistake and the traffic consequences for Castleknock and surrounding areas will be severe,” he added.

Councillor Ted Leddy (FG) was at a Transport Ireland conference discussing traffic congestion last week when news of the decision filtered through.

“The irony is astonishing that it was during this session that word came through,” he said.

“This decision will dramatically worsen congestion problems in the wider Dublin 15 area. A judicial review to challenge this decision cannot be ruled out.”

Lidl says it will immediately begin the process of appointing a building contractor and expects construction to begin before the end of the year.