No immediate plan for Aldi supermarket expansion in Laois
Aldi clarify notice given to Laois County Council
Aldi Ireland (Ltd) has clarified to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that they have not sought planning permission to expand their Portlaoise store, in answer to a recent story.
A spokesperson has explained why they gave a submission to Laois County Council that told of plans for a future expansion of the shop in Portlaoise.
“We are very proud of Aldi’s popularity among Laois shoppers, however our submission to the Portlaoise Area Plan should not be confused as an application for a new store or expansion currently.
“It is common practice for businesses to make submissions to Local Area Plans, which span a period of five years, and support future planning in the region.
“We have a strong presence in Laois, with 47 people employed across three stores, and spent over €1 million with Laois suppliers in 2023, part of our overall Irish supplier spend of €1.1 billion. We look forward to exploring new opportunities in Laois in the future,” a spokesperson said.
In their submission the German founded supermarket chain announced the intention to expand its Laois store in Portlaoise in the future.
Laois councillor Cllr Ollie Clooney on hearing of their plan, had levelled criticism at Aldi and all big supermarkets about their payments to Irish vegetable growers.
In its submission to the Portlaoise Local Area Plan, Aldi Ireland says it supports the plan, and that it intends to enlarge the town's branch.
"Section 6.6 of the Draft LAP includes the retail strategy for the plan area and seeks to 'reinforce and grow high order retail functioning with particular emphasis on historic core defined by the Primary Retail Area. Enhance the retail appeal of Laois by strengthening retail functions of Portlaoise'.
"This is supported by Aldi who have a future objective to increase the floor area of the existing store.
“We note the changes in consumer habits in recent years following the pandemic and the move towards online shopping. Aldi stores have remained as a consistent street presence during this time and will continue to do so, activating neighbourhoods and drawing consumers to the area.
“This highlights the importance of supporting convenience retailers such as Aldi in the town.
"This submission respectfully requests that the forthcoming plan continues to recognise, support and provide for convenience retail uses in a sustainable retail hierarchy within Portlaoise," the discount chain said.