Lidl Ireland has appealed Galway County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a new supermarket and larger development in Moycullen.
The county council last month rejected Lidl’s plans for a mixed use development on unused land between the Slà an tStruthain estate and An Fuaran in Moycullen.
The proposed development consisted of a 2,278sq ft Lidl supermarket, two free standing retail units, and five houses.
There were 35 submissions made to the county council regarding this development, the majority of which were opposed to the project, from a variety of private individuals, as well as the Residents Association of the neighbouring Slà an tSruthaÃn estate.
The county council refused planning permission for the proposal on the grounds that there is already a high level of commercial vacancy in Moycullen town centre, and that allowing this proposal would pose a threat to the “vitality and viability” of retail within Moycullen.
The council also expressed concern about the level of parking in the plans, with Lidl proposing to have 102 car parking spaces, below the 201 required for a development of this scale.
Lidl has now appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanála, which is due to make a ruling by July 12 of this year.
The appeal states that this development would create a “vibrant employment use which enhances the existing offer in the village centre and which creates commercial synergies with the same”.
