Independent retailers object to LIDL Tuam expansion plans

Galway Bay fm newsroom: Plans for a major new Lidl store in Tuam have hit a stumbling block. Last month, the company was granted planning permission to demolish its store at Galway Road and replace it with a new bigger discount foodstore. However, that decision is now being appealed to An Bord Pleanála by RGDATA – the group which represents independent retailers. The new Lidl store at Galway Road in Tuam would have meant the demolition of the existing store and the construction of a bigger facility with an extension to the car park. The county council's approval for the development has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála and a decision is due in the summer. Meanwhile, the decision to refuse planning permission for a upgraded entrance to Lidl which would be shared with Steeltech Garden Sheds Limited next door, is also being appealed to An Bord Pleanála. Steeltech, which had submitted a separate planning application for the access, is now appealing the refusal of planning permission. A decision is also due on this appeal in the summer.