New Tuam Lidl store gets final go-ahead

A NEW supermarket complex has been given the green light in Tuam with An Bord Pleanála granting planning permission for the development.
The Lidl store on the Galway Road will be demolished to make way for a new €4 million supermarket, permission for which was granted earlier this year by Galway County Council.
However, RGDATA, the independent grocers’ group, appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanála, citing the planning implications of a large scale retail development at the out of town location.
The development has been granted approval, subject to a number of conditions.
Lidl, which has approximately 150 discount stores throughout Ireland, is redeveloping the Tuam store to cater for the growth in customer numbers in recent years.
In its ruling, An Bord Pleanála said the development would not adversely affect the vitality and viability of Tuam town centre, would not seriously injure the visual amenities of the area, and would be acceptable in terms of pedestrian and traffic safety and convenience.
The proposed development would therefore be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
A number of conditions have been attached to the decision including a stipulation that an access road already granted planning permission must be completed before the new store opens.