New Lidl store to create 20 jobs in Tullamore
26th June 2018
TULLAMORE is to get a second Lidl store at Church road, creating 20 new permanent jobs. The development was granted permission by Offaly County Council and will be located on the old Bacon Factory site. There are 10 conditions attached.
The complex will consist of the demolition of five existing commercial buildings on site and the construction of a mixed-use development comprising a single level, double height licensed discount food store with ancillary off licence area. A single storey crèche is also included in the plan.
In addition there is a proposal for a link road towards the western boundary of the site between Church road and Tanyard Lane. A a riverside walk along the Tullamore river will also be created.
Lidl has described the store as ''state-of-the-art,'' and one which will be more environmentally friendly and ''offer our growing customer base a superior shopping experience.''
''This development will see a substantial investment into the local area as well as the creation of up to 20 permanent new jobs once the store opens, as well as many more during the construction phase,'' a statement from Lidl outlines.
It says the new store will ''continue its major investment in Co. Offaly that started with its modernisation of its Main Street unit in Tullamore in 2015, followed by the reopening of its new Edenderry store in December 2017 and its ongoing redevelopment of the Birr store.''
Myles Shortall the Acquisitions Manager for Lidl commented: ''We note that Tesco have placed an observation on file for this project. As a company we are on record as stating that Tesco are serial objectors to our ambitious expansion plans and we hope that this does not unnecessarily delay this investment. We have had some great feedback from local residents at a public meeting held prior to lodging that application last year and I wish to confirm that we will be hosting a follow up public meeting at 7pm on the 27th of June at the Bridge House for anyone wishing to get more information on the application. The regeneration of this site will dramatically improve the approach into Tullamore and the new store design incorporating local stone cladding will enhance the urban fabric of the town.''
Lidl currently operates 155 stores nationally and employs over 4,200 people. In a recently commissioned economic report it was found that Lidl buys over 500 million of Irish goods and services annually. In addition to this 1.4 per cent of Irish food and drink export was for resale in Lidl stores around Europe. Lidl looks forward to progressing with plans for this store over the coming months.
Camilla McLoughlin