An Bord Pleanála to rule on Aldi plan to build new Limerick store
DISCOUNT retailer Aldi’s plans to open a new store in a Limerick city suburb will be decided by An Bord Pleanála following objections from locals.
The German supermarket giant is seeking to construct a new outlet in Dooradoyle on lands adjacent to Collins Bar at Dooradoyle Road.
Despite receiving permission from Limerick City and County Council last month, a number of residents, who live nearby, have written to the national planning appeals body.
Aldi says the proposed 1,315 square metre store, earmarked for a previously unused greenfield site, will create 30 permanent roles and 50 construction jobs, with the outlet expected to open by the end of 2024.
Uniquely, it will feature a grass roof.
The firm says it will spend €11.5m to get the store to a stage where it can open.
But three parties have appealed against the planning permission, citing concerns over the Aldi signs causing light pollution, particularly during sleeping hours, while articulated truck deliveries will cause “noise disturbance, air pollution and vibrations to properties.”
Aldi is ramping up the number of new stores it is building in Limerick, with developments also planned at Roches Street in the city centre and Moyross on the northside of the city, an application which is also currently before An Bord Pleanala (read story below).
The retailer says its stores in Dooradoyle and Moyross will each generate 30 new permanent jobs and 50 construction roles.
At the time of submitting its planning application to council last year, Colin Breslin, the regional managing director of Aldi said: “Our research shows the demand from Dooradoyle shoppers for a new Aldi store is very strong. Every new Aldi store that opens brings greater choice, quality and value to shoppers.”
He added: “We understand customers are always looking for more sustainable ways to shop with us, and our Dooradoyle customers can rest assured our new store will feature several green features including solar panels on the roof, 100% green electricity and electric vehicle charging points.”
Last year, Aldi was granted final planning permission by An Bord Pleanála to open its new store at Roches Street in the city centre, and it’s projected this will open in early 2023.
Aldi currently has two stores operational in Limerick – at Childers Road and Dublin Road.
There’s also an Aldi outlet at the Square in Newcastle West and branches in Charleville, Cork and Killaloe, Clare.
Listowel also has its own Aldi store.
The German firm’s discounter rival Lidl is currently in the process of building its new store at Dock Road, near Dolan’s.
An Bord Pleanala will decide on Aldi’s application for Dooradoyle by Wednesday, April 12 next.