Council trades land plots with retailer
The elected members of Cavan County Council have approved the disposal of almost half an acre of land to the rear of the former courthouse in Cootehill to Aldi Stores (Ireland) in exchange for a separate plot located within the town.
The 0.18 hectare or 0.445 acres at Magheranure was traded in two lots to the German retailer, which has applied for planning permission to build a new store just off Station Road.
As part of the land swap, the local authority is to receive 0.29 hectares, or 0.7167 acres of land nearby.
The deal was struck with Aldi Stores (Ireland) Limited, of Newbridge Road, Naas, Kildare, and is pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 and Section 211 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 2000.
The proposed new store, meanwhile, will cover 1,315 sqm, with parking facilities for 93 cars and 10 bicycles.
Under the plans it will also be powered by 100% green electricity. It will also feature four electric vehicle (EV) charging points outside.
The store itself will be constructed in Aldi’s award-winning Project Fresh design.
Some 50 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase, with up to 25 jobs created in store itself.
Aldi had said it hoped to open the supermarket by 2023, with Cavan County Council expected to make a decision on the plans back in May.
However, further information was requested, which resulted in revised designs for the approach road to the store to include provision for cycling and walking infrastructure.
The exchange of lands came before the recent December monthly meeting of elected members, where approval was proposed by Fine Gael’s Carmel Brady and seconded by Fianna Fáil’s Clifford Kelly.
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