An Bord Pleanála has overturned a decision by Clare County Council to grant planning permission for a second LIDL store in Ennis.
The discount supermarket giant had been given the green light for a new store between the Clare Road and Toberteascain.
LIDL first announced plans for a second store in the county town in last March, saying it would create 25 jobs when up and running.
It would see the demolition of three residential units, office blocks and ancillary buildings between the Clare Road and Toberteascain, in favour of a new ‘neighbourhood centre’.
This would include a discount foodstore incorporating an off-licence area, operated by LIDL, as well retail and office units and a childcare facility.
In October, the local authority gave it the go ahead but now, thanks to appeals by, among others, RGDATA, that has been overturned.
An Bord Pleanála states that the development would act as a counter attraction to Ennis, and seriously impact on the vibrancy and vitality of the town centre.
It further states the location is a flood-prone area and, given that the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme has not yet been implemented, it would be premature.
