A German supermarket giant has failed in its bid to overturn a planning decision made against it by Clare County Council.
It comes as An Coimisiún Pleanála has rejected Lidl’s appeal for a new store in Ennistymon.
In January, Lidl lodged plans for a two-storey over 2,200 square metre discount food store with an off-licence on the Lahinch Road in Ennistymon.
The development only received one objection, from Kilfenora Engineer Michael Duffy who raised concerns over available wastewater connections and waste disposal.
Clare County Council ultimately rejected the plans citing issues at the Ennistymon Wastewater Treatment Plant and the risk of pollution in the Inagh River Estuary Special Area of Conservation.
In response to this, Lidl proposed to build it’s own sewerage facility on-site, to treat effluent before it’s discharged to the public network.
The local authority also noted the potential for adverse impacts on retail in Ennistymon town centre and in the catchment area as far away as Miltown Malbay.
Deficiencies in the local road network were also noted, with the condition of footpaths at Blake’s Corner highlighted.
Lidl subsequently appealed, however in its ruling this week, An Coimisiún Pleanála upheld Clare County Council’s decision subject to two conditions.
The appeals commission firstly said it was still not satisfied that the development would not adversely affect the Inagh River and also claimed Lidl failed to consider the impact the store would have on retail in the catchment area.
In a retail assessment, MKO Consultants estimated the store would generate revenues of over €10.4m.
