It as been officially confirmed to Boyletoday.com that Roscommon Co Co has granted conditional planning permission to Aldi Stores (Ireland) Ltd for a development on St. Patrick Street in Boyle.
In February 2024 the company sought permission for the demolition of derelict buildings and structures (c. 1,043 sqm) to the (rear) west of and south of the 2 storey terrace of buildings fronting Patrick Street and the repair and refurbishment of the terrace to provide 5 no. 2 storey residential dwellings (3 no. 1 bed, 2 no. 2 bed) each with private amenity space, car parking and communal bin storage area. Reconfigured site access from Patrick Street to lands to rear to facilitate the construction of a single storey discount foodstore (to include off licence use) with a gross floor area of c. 1,839 sqm (net retail area 1,315 sqm), standalone single storey ESB substation and switch room (c.21 sqm). The development includes the erection of 1 no. internally illuminated two sided pole sign at the site entrance at Patrick Street and 2 no. internally illuminated store signs at northern elevation and eastern elevation (c. 20.44 sqm signage in total). The development will be served by 96 no. car parking spaces and 10 no. cycle parking spaces (and bicycle shelter). The proposed development includes all engineering works, landscaping works, boundary treatments, external plant area, solar panels at roof level and site development works to facilitate the scheme at the former Candon’s site and lands to the rear of St. Patrick Street in Boyle.
There were five submissions on the application with one redacted. Of the remaining four submissions, two requested a refusal.
In September, agents acting on behalf of Aldi Stores (Ireland) Limited sought and obtained an extension of the further information request time period relating to their application. The company lodged their response in December with the local authority making their decision this week.
Third parties who made a written submission (observation) during the initial planning application process have the right to appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála within a four week period beginning on the date the planning authority makes its decision.
The news of the grant of permission has been welcomed by Boyle area Councillor Leah Cull who said: “I want to warmly welcome the decision made by Roscommon Co Co to grant permission for the new Aldi store in Boyle. The development represents a significant opportunity for our community bringing increased employment, choice for consumers and contributing to the local economy. I truly believe that the rise in footfall the store should bring, will have a positive ripple effect, ultimately benefitting all businesses in the town”.
Also welcoming the news is Boyle native, Minister Frank Feighan: “This is really good news for the town which will see a brand-new modern supermarket as part of a mixed-use development which includes the demolition of derelict buildings and structures and the refurbishment of five houses along St. Patrick Street. When completed the project will employ 30 people and my hope is that the development will create more ‘footfall’ in the town which I hope will benefit other shops and businesses nearby”.
“We all recall the 1970’s and 80’s when Boyle was a leading shopping town in this region drawing people from North Roscommon, South Leitrim and Sligo and beyond, recent developments and investment by my government and Roscommon Co Council is having an impact including the redevelopment of the old Royal Hotel, the new streetscapes, and the development of the new town centre library are just a few”.
The Sligo based FG TD went on to say, “I remain in constant contact with senior officials at Roscommon Co Council urging them to take every funding opportunity for projects around the town of Boyle. With such magnificent assets like King House and Lough Key Forrest Park, my wish would be to see a hotel in the town, hopefully that opportunity will come along but in the meantime I hope this news today will act as a catalyst for further town centre regeneration and investment in Boyle”, concluded Minister Feighan.
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