The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
IN a statement this morning, Aldi has said it will appeal against Clare County Council’s decision to refuse its application for planning permission for a new store in Shannon.
It expressed disappointment that it had not got the green light. “We are naturally disappointed with Clare County Council’s decision concerning our proposed new Shannon store.”
“Our revised plans for the new store feature several facilities that will benefit the wider Shannon community, including a dedicated connection to the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists, the addition of a two storey café or restaurant unit with associated external terrace area and free-to-use electric vehicle charging points.”
It vowed to appeal and said the development would be good for Shannon. “We are committed to bringing our fantastic prices, value and greater choice to shoppers in Shannon and will be appealing the decision to An Bord Pleanala.”
“The environmentally friendly store will bring considerable investment to the town, creating 25 new permanent jobs, and up to 80 jobs during the construction period.”
The Aldi statement referred to the proposal as if it is going ahead, despite the set back, while it stressed the company’s credentials.
“It will be our fifth (store) in Co. Clare and will provide further opportunity for local food and drink producers to work with Aldi. We sourced €2.8 million of locally produced food and drink from Co. Clare based producers in 2020.
“The store will also take part in our Community Grants and FoodCloud donation programmes. Killaloe Ballina Search & Rescue, Mid-West Simon Community and Down Syndrome Ireland are some of the many local charities that have availed of the €500 Community Grant in recent years, while our Clare stores have donated over 30,000 meals through FoodCloud to charities across the county.”
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.
