Supermarket giant LIDL has met opposition in its plan to locate an outlet in Inishowen.
The retailer had lodged plans with Donegal County Council on November 3rd, 2021 to locate a new store in Carndonagh.
But a well-known local businessman has objected to plans for the 2,000 square metre supermarket at Station Road.
Supervalu owner Gerry Doherty said it would be “fantasy” to think that the arrival of the new supermarket will not impact on local businesses.
Mr Doherty, who signed his objection on behalf of the Donagh Traders, said he has been in the retail business for more than 37 years in the Carndonagh town centre.
He claims that local traders will lose up to 20% of their business if LIDL is allowed to press ahead with their plans.
He stated that the 23 local shops including family businesses and butcher shops will be “severely impacted.”
He added that if allowed to continue the town’s retail floor space will increase by 39% and stated that there is already a 22% vacancy rate in the town centre.
Mr Doherty claimed in his submission that as LIDL run out of organic growth in their existing locations, their only options is to “chase sales” with more and more sites.
He added these are often located in inappropriate and unwarranted locations.
“We submit that this is such an application,” he said.
Increased traffic, flood risk and the carbon footprint left by the new store were also referenced in the objection.
However, Donegal County Council granted the application and said it believed the proposed store is consistent with the county development plan.
It did attach 12 conditions to the permission and a decision from An Bord Pleanála is due by the end of October.
* Meanwhile, a statement from the Carndonagh Traders Association issued today clarified that they have not issued any objections to the LIDL application with Donegal County Council or An Bord Pleanala regarding the plans.