Go ahead for major revamp of Lidl in Tuam

A NEW €4 million expansion of the Lidl supermarket in Tuam has been given the go ahead.

Planning permission has been granted for the development subject to a number of conditions.

The discount chain plans to demolish its existing supermarket on the Galway Road and construct a new contemporary supermarket – similar to its new concept stores in Gorey, Wexford and Clonmel in Tipperary.

Nine conditions have been attached to the decision and this includes that the existing access must be retained and utilised as the sole access for the development.

The plans lodged with Galway Co Council generated considerable debate among people in the town, in particular the objection to the development lodged by the group representing independent grocery shops, RGDATA.

Lidl has about 150 stores in Ireland and says a larger store on the town's outskirts is required to meet the growth in demand from the area.

RGDATA says it support news shops and new formats in town centres and in retail zones. However, in its objection to Galway County Council it expressed concern about a large scale development in what it terms an 'out-of-town' location.

Commenting on the Tuam Lidl proposal, the grocers' group felt it would threaten shopping in the town centre.