Watch: Councillors express disappointment following Lidl plan refusal
Disappointment was expressed by councillors followed the news.
South Roscommon councillors have expressed their disappointment following the decision by Roscommon County Council to reject Lidl’s plans for a new store in Monksland.
Raising the issue at a meeting of the Athlone Municipal District this morning (Tuesday), Cllr Valerie Duffy highlighted what she described as the “widespread upset” in the area after the council refused the German discount retailer’s planning application.
Cllr Duffy described Monksland as a “unique town”, saying its rapid development has outpaced the provision of adequate, traditional services.
The Fine Gael councillor was among a number of local representatives who made formal submissions in support of the project during the planning process.
Cllr John Keogh’s view was that the proposed developer “didn’t fully engage” with the planning process.
The Fianna Fail councillor, who also supported the plans in a formal submission, suggested that the developer come back with with an alternative proposal to address the council's concerns.
“We cannot allow the situation to continue indefinitely,” he said.
Cllr Tony Ward outlined the importance of getting projects like this over the line if Athlone was to achieve city status while Cllr Laurence Fallon described the lack of such services as a “gaping hole” in Monksland.
*Watch below as Cllr John Keogh gives his detailed reaction to the rejected Lidl plans.
