placeholder image

PICTURES: Lidl meets Laois locals to explain new store plans

'It's great to see some competition in town' positive Mountmellick reactions

The new shop will be built after the demolition of the derelict former Central Garage / Nissan site in the town centre, and several vacant houses either side of it.

Over 50 local people turned out to the evening, with only positive comments to make.

Lidl was explaining at the event that the new shop should be opened by early Summer 2027. 

They have to wait until the end of April before moving ahead with the project, for the four week appeals period following planning approval to end. 

They say they will encourage the use of local sub contractors for the build, which is expected to create over 200 temporary construction jobs.  The store will create 30 permanent jobs in Mountmellick. 

There will be no walkways around the sides of the property, as had been first proposed by the local Town Team. 

Local people gave their reaction to the detailed CGI photo images and the planned shop, which will include 200kw of solar panels and EV chargers.

"I'm delighted, I can shop in the town again, actually I don't think I've every done a weekly shop in Mountmellick, I've had to go to Portlaoise or Portarlington," Mandy Bloomer said.

Charles Sands said "it's great to see some competition in town".

"I've four kids under 10, it's great to see them coming, they've good prices and quality products, and they'll be cleaning up dereliction in that whole end of the town. Other businesses will feed off the footfall, I think it's a beautiful store," he said.

Cllr Paddy Buggy said he wishes Lidl the best of luck.

"It's a sign of confidence in Mountmellick, that an international supermarket is willing to set up and be part of the regeneration of the town. I hope they help bring it back to the shopping town it used to be," he said.

Clive and Helen Gee of G's Jams in Abbeyleix had a stall, handing out samples of the Deluxe jams they make for Lidl shops in Ireland and abroad.

"We've been working with Lidl for 15 years, making products that go to 12 different countries. All natural jams, just fruit and sugar. The volume of goods being sold keeps it fresher," Clive said.

Michael and Nicola Kelly came along to view the plans too.

"It will be great for the town. It needs it. It might draw in some more business as well which will be great," Michael said.

Bobby Delaney welcomes the end of dereliction which he said had attracted anti social behaviour and trespassing in the properties. As a member of Mountmellick St Vincent de Paul charity, he is also hopeful that Lidl Ireland will support their work. 

Lidl Ireland gave a comment about the event.

""We were delighted with the strong turnout at yesterday’s public information meeting in Mountmellick, where we engaged with more than 50 local residents who were supportive of our plans to realise a brand new, state-of-the-art Lidl store within the community.

"Subject to approvals and completion, we aim to realise this new store in 2027 and bring our 'More to Value' price proposition to shoppers in the locality," Lidl said.

Related topics:
Register
Follow us
© 2026 Formpress Publishing LTD. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice