Sod turned on Lidl project

DUBLIN Lord Mayor Nial Ring was in Ballymun recently to officially turn the sod at the area’s new Lidl supermarket development.

Planning permission for the Lidl construction project that includes bed accommadation for more than 360 students was applied for back in October 2017.

The German retailer initially faced a number of challenges to its Ballymun project on the site bounded by Balbutcher Lane, Balcurris Road and Ballymun Main Street.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) lodged an unexpected objection to the plans on the grounds that it could interfere with its plans for Metro North.

However, the objection was later withdrawn and permission was granted for the project that will include a number of retail/café units and offices in three blocks as well as the Lidl outlet and the student accommodation.

Turning the first sod, the Lord Mayor said the development would provide a “real boost” to the local economy.

“It will also provide lots of employment opportunities,” he added.

“I know that this development will be the catalyst for further commercial investment in Ballymun, which has been transformed into a vibrant and progressive suburb over the past few years.”

The mixed-use scheme will encompass a separate Lidl store with additional office space and two linked blocks of student accommodation of six stories in height, rising to 10 storeys at the junction of Ballymun Road and Balbutcher Lane.

The ‘North Quarter’ development will cater for 364 students with additional facilities such as a gym, café, cinema room and study halls.

The site is located close to the planned Ballymun Metro Stop and is ten minutes walking distance from Dublin City University.

The student residence scheme was brought to the market last year by CBRE on behalf of Lidl and has been forward sold to AIG Real Estate Investment for a sum in excess of €46 million.

Alan Barry, Lidl’s director of central services, thanked Dublin City Council and local residents for their support during the planning process.

“The project underlines Lidl’s ability to take on larger projects to expand their store network,” he added. “This development will be another major step in the renewal of Ballymun Town Centre.”

Speaking on behalf of AIG, Naveen Patha, UK & Ireland head of residential investments, said the company was pleased to be working with Lidl on “this high-quality student housing development in Dublin, where the demand supply gap is very acute”.

“This project is well-sited, and will cater to students of Dublin City University as well as other universities in the city,” Patha continued.

“Additionally, this project will ease pressure on local housing.”

Local Councillor Noeleen Reilly (IND) welcomed the sod turning and said it was great to see works start.

“It feels like we are talking forever about Lidl coming to Ballymun,” she said.

“Most residents are very excited to see Lidl coming into the area after decades of underinvestment in shops and businesses.

“The biggest failure of the Ballymun regeneration was retail activity, people feel very let down after a lot of false promises.

“It is a huge opportunity for local people to gain employment and I have requested that Lidl work with the Ballymun Job Centre to maximise employment in the area.”

Walls Construction Ltd has been appointed by Lidl as the main contractor and the development is scheduled to be completed in Autumn 2020.