Aldi hits out over Cootehill appeal delay
Cootehill Bord appeal 60 weeks overdue, plans for Granard store.
Aldi has hit about at the delay in a planning appeal decision for it's proposed Cootehill store, which is now 60 weeks overdue and counting.
The discount grocery retailer used the situation to highlight how such delays are hitting the public in their pocket in terms their regular shop.
According to a report published by DCU’s Anthony Foley and Aldi consumers across Ireland are losing out on savings of €78,333 every month due a hold in the appeals process.
An Bord Pleanála has a statutory deadline of 18-weeks to reach a decision, however Aldi’s proposed Cootehill development is still awaiting a decision, more than 60 weeks later.
As a result the report suggests that Cavan shoppers alone have missed out on €1m worth of savings.
“The Financial Impact of Ireland’s Planning System Delays on Irish Consumers” details that of the 16 appeals of Aldi planning applications made to An Bord Pleanála over the five-year period, 13 experienced decision delays resulting in total savings forgone to consumers of almost €10 million.
Furthermore, the report estimates these delays are impacting in €1.7 million per month being lost in spending with Aldi suppliers, 330 of whom are local Irish companies. This includes three of Aldi’s local suppliers based in Cavan.
The report launch comes as the retailer announced details of an ambitious €33.6 million Midlands expansion plan- with new stores earmarked for Tullamore (Offaly), Moate (Westmeath), Granard (Longford) and Kilcock (Kildare).
If approved, the proposed stores would all open by 2025, creating 120 permanent jobs across the region, with 200 jobs supported during the construction phase.
Aldi today, September 7, have also submitted a planning application for the fourth of these stores, in Granard, Co Longford.
Aldi is aiming to open the store in summer 2025, making it the second ALDI store to open in Longford since 2000. The new Granard store will create up to 30 permanent jobs at the new store.
Once open, the 1315sqm store will feature ALDI’s award-winning Project Fresh layout. There will be 120 car parking spaces available for customers and 13 bike parking spaces. ALDI will also be investing in the future of Granard through the provision of four electric vehicle charging points, while the store will be powered by 100% green electricity and will feature 245 solar panels on the roof.
Aldi currently partners with three food producers in Longford including Pat the Baker.
Last year Aldi announced details of ambitious West of Ireland and Dublin expansion plans, which saw the discount retailer commit to building 16 new stores across Dublin and Connacht as part of a €135 million investment, creating 490 permanent jobs with 900 more jobs supported during construction.