Lidl plan open day

AN OPEN day is being held in Ballymun on Tuesday, September 19, to provide information to the local community on a new Lidl development in the area.

Earlier this year local councillors voted to dispose of a vacant three acre, €2.5 million site just off Main Street on Balcurris Road where three blocks of flats once stood.

Lidl Ireland GMBH was selected as the preferred bidder after a tendering process.

The new development is expected to consist of a Lidl outlet, four other retail units and 150 student apartments.

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

Ballymun Sinn Fein councillor and local resident Noeleen Reilly has welcomed the announcement that Tony Bamford, TBP, Planning and Development Consultants are holding the open day on behalf of Lidl.

“It is great to finally see some development in relation to shops in Ballymun,” she said.

“This has been a long campaign by residents and local stakeholders who were left high and dry during the regeneration.

“This development is certainly a lot different than what was promised during the regeneration but it is a really positive move after years of many false promises.”

It’s hoped the Lidl centre will be a catalyst for further development in the area.

“Ballymun is a very attractive place to do business and it shows great confidence in the area that Lidl are looking to develop there,” Cllr Reilly added.

“The open day is an opportunity for the community to have a look at the plans and get feedback on any possible issues.

I would encourage as many people as possible to attend the event on September 19.”

The consultants say the public open event will allow the community to view the proposed plans. An application must be lodged to Dublin City Council by September 22.

The open day takes place on September 19 from 4pm to 8pm in the Atrium of the Ballymun Civic Centre.