Lidl has been granted planning permission to develop a second store in Ennis.

Subject to twenty one conditions, the 3721m2 site will be located at the Clare Rd opposite from the West County Hotel, on a site owned by Clare County Council that was previously partially flooded. An application for a development at the same location was made in January 2011, a flood risk assessment has since been carried on behalf of Lidl Ireland.

Under the first phase of development, a neighbourhood centre will be constructed at the Clare Rd which includes a foodstore and off-license, two retail and office units within a three storey building, childcare unit, public playground and public realm. New vehicular access will be via Toberteascáin. As part of the proposed development, three residential units, an office block and ancillary buildings will be demolished.

Clare County Council has issued a number of conditions for the retailer to adhere to. Works cannot commence until the St Flannan’s element of the Ennis South flood relief scheme is completed unless otherwise agreed. Similarly a right hand turning lane must be installed from the Tobearteascáin Rd. Proper planning and sustainable development of Ennis Town Centre must also be followed.

Another condition stipulates that the developer pay €78,750 to the Council for public infrastructure and facilities that may benefit. A special development contribution of €235,570 must also be paid. A separate fee of €14,916 was made by to make an application for planning by Lidl.

Letters of submission were received from the Council by RGDATA, Gerard Sadlier, HomeInis’ Vivienne Purcell, Ryan’s Centra in Clonroadmore, Gerard O’Connor, Tesco Irl and Patrick Talty.

Conditional planning was granted this week by the local authority for the Lidl store which will operate from 8am to 10pm seven days a week with a total of 139 car parking spaces.