A German supermarket giant’s plans to open a fourth location in Clare have been refused.
The local authority has rejected Lidl’s proposal to build a new store in the north of the county.
In January, Lidl applied for planning permission to build a two-storey discount food store equipped with an off-licence near Deerpark West on the Lahinch Road in Ennistymon.
The proposal received one objection, from Kilfenora Engineer Michael Duffy relating to wastewater concerns.
Mr Duffy stated the planning application could not progress until such a time as “proper wastewater treatment is in place and the issue of waste disposal is properly addressed. ”
It also highlights uncertainty over the utility’s plans to upgrade the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ennistymon, which Uisce Eireann has confirmed can no longer be guaranteed by 2030.
In its own submission Uisce Eireann requested that the onus would be on Lidl to provide a service connection to the public water supply and/or wastewater collection network if planning permission was granted.
Mr Duffy noted there was “no feasibility of connections from Uisce Eireann. ”
A retail impact assessment was also submitted by MKO Planning and Environmental Consultants, which estimated the proposed development could generate a turnover of €10.4m and stated that the store “would not have any adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Ennistymon Town Centre”.
Clare County Council disagreed however and refused planning permission subject to five conditions.
The local authority maintained that the development “by virtue of its location, remote from the town area, would seriously impact the vibrance and vitality of Ennistymon Town Centre”, contravening the county development plan.
The council also cited deficiencies in the road network, stating that “it would be unsuitable for the increased road traffic likely to be generated” referencing “the structural condition of road and footpaths in the vicinity of Blake’s Corner.”
A lack of physical linkages from the proposed development to the primary core retail centre of the town was also a listed reason of refusal with emphasis again placed on pedestrian connectivity at Blake’s Corner.
The local authority also wasn’t satisfied that another location for the development closer to the town was not available and even expressed concerned that the proposed store would impact the vitality and viability of towns in the catchment area “including but not limited to Miltown Malbay.”
The local authority also said it was “precluded from granting planning permission” due to deficiencies at the Ennistimon Wastewater Treatment Plant, which it argued if granted, could impact the Inagh River Estuary Special Area of Conservation.
Lidl has four weeks to appeal Clare County Council’s decision to An Bord Pleanála.
