Lidl gets green light for new store in Magee Barracks site in Kildare Town despite objections from Tesco

Kildare Co Council has granted planning permission for a new Lidl store on part of the site of the former Magee Barracks in Kildare Town.

The German discount retailer had sought approval to demolish existing structures including the gatehouse at the entrance to the military facility on Hospital Street which closed in 1998.

The supermarket will have an  internal area of 2,192 square metres incorporating an off-licence area.

Access for vehicles and pedestrians is also sought, including two pedestrian crossing points on Hospital Street, car parking and bicycle parking. Lidl lodged its original application almost a year ago but further information on the plans has been requested and received by the Council on up to six occasions since then.

Tesco had submitted objections to the proposed Lidl store by claiming that the location of the supermarket at the location of Magee Barracks site would under utilise the potential of the area for urban regeneration.

In a three-page letter, the retail giant also argued that the the current Lidl store could be left vacant on a long term basis.

It also suggested that the proposed new foodstore could create noise pollution for nearby residents.