Lidl says proposed Ballymahon store would create 25 jobs

Lidl Ireland is seeking planning permission for a new store in Ballymahon, which, it says, has the potential to create 25 full-time jobs.

The supermarket chain said the proposed store would provide a "growing" Ballymahon area with "an enhanced and competitive retail offer, alongside the existing SuperValu anchor in the town, serving the community with an appropriate level of food shopping facilities, currently absent".

The proposed discount foodstore, with ancillary off-licence sales, is earmarked for a site at Main Street/Church View backlands in Ballymahon, including the rear of the former St Matthew's National School, Nally Tyres/Circle K, and adjoining lands.

The demolition of existing single storey former St Matthew's NS building, and site clearance works, would form part of the development.

In its planning application, Lidl Ireland said it was estimated that the Ballymahon store would "provide up to 25 direct full-time jobs, generating in the order of €1.2 million per annum locally in wages".

It said this sum was in addition to "further jobs created or supported indirectly and other construction stage employment, in the order of €3 million in construction wages alone".

The proposed store would span 2,291 square metres in gross floor space, with a net retail sales area of 1,489 sq metres.

The development would include "substantial car and cycle parking spaces," Lidl said, including two electric vehicle charging spaces with the provision for future expansion.

It's anticipated that trading hours for the store, if it gets the go-ahead, would be "normal supermarket trading of 8am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday inclusive, and 9am to 9pm on Sundays and public holidays."

Lidl stated the development would "enhance the appearance of the existing site" and would comply with Longford County Council's Development Plan policies and objectives for the area.

Longford County Council is due to decide on the application by July 10.