Lidl bosses hope it's third time lucky in bid for cafe in Limerick
Discount retail chain lodges application at newest store along Dock Road in city
BOSSES at discount retail chain Lidl Ireland have made a third bid to open a cafe at one of its supermarkets in Limerick.
After plans for a cafe were turned down by planners in Limerick for its stores at Dublin Road in Castletroy, and Childers Road, on the outskirts of the city, attention has now turned to its newest store at Dock Road in the city centre.
It has lodged a planning application with Limerick City and County Council to divide the existing Lidl store - opened in 2023 - to create a separate unit.
Measuring 37 metres squared, it is anticipated this will be used as a cafe.
It will be served by an independent entrance to the west of the existing store, the proposals show.
In supporting documents provided to council, agents for Lidl Ireland say it will operate seven days a week between 7.30am and 4pm.
Interestingly, that could mean the cafe may open before Lidl starts trading each day.
That’s because between Monday and Saturday, the checkouts begin to beep at 8am, while opening time is one hour later on Sunday.
The retailer’s agents have added that there will be no food preparation on the site of the cafe.
It’s anticipated, they added, that six new jobs will be created as a result of the cafe - three part-time roles and three full-time positions.
“It is considered the proposed development represents proper and sustainable development. The development would diversify the use of the subject site in the city centre area and allow for further commercial, retail and leisure activities. It is respectfully requested this planning application be granted by the planning authority,” Lidl’s agents wrote in a letter to council planners.
A decision is due to be made on the proposed cafe in the coming days.
Last summer, just days apart, Lidl Ireland saw permission denied for two proposed coffee shops at other stores in the city in Castletroy and Childers Road.
Elsewhere this week, Lidl Ireland has opened its 2025 Kickstart supplier development programme, and is encouraging entries from Limerick food and drink producers to participate.
Now in its ninth year, the Bord Bia supported programme is designed to give artisan producers a foot up in breaking into the competitive supermarket retail sector by having the opportunity to see their products on sale in Lidl stores throughout the island of Ireland.
Information at www.lidl.ie/kickstart.