Decision made on supermarket giant's planning application for new shop in Carlow

Carlow County Council have decided granted permission for a new Lidl shop to be constructed at the National Learning Network Centre/ Rehabcare, on the Castlecomer Road, Graiguecullen, Carlow.

The planning permission was made Lidl Ireland GmbH and was received by the Carlow County Council on the 21st of June 2024 with a decision made on the 4th of June 2025.

The proposed location for the discount supermarket with ancillary off licence is at the National Learning Network Centre / Rehabcare, Killeshin / Castlecomer Road, Graiguecullen, County Carlow and County Laois.

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The proposed works include:

The demolition of existing National Learning Centre / Rehabcare building and site clearance.

The construction of a single part two storey Discount Foodstore (with ancillary off licence use) with mono pitch roof and large floor space.

Construction of associated car and cycle parking with site access from Killeshin / Castlecomer Road 

Provision and renewal / replacement of boundary treatments, free standing trolley bay, refrigeration and air conditioning plant and equipment, hard and soft landscaping, public lighting, electrical vehicle charging infrastructure, roof mounted solar panels, ESB substation, drainage, utility and services infrastructure, roof mounted solar panels, ESB substation, utility and services, infrastructure and connections.

The decision was granted by the Carlow County Council despite a number of local submission that are against the idea of a second shop to be constructed in the County.

One submission on the County Council planning website cited that complaints in relation to "serious loss of light, overshadowing, loss of privacy and excessive noise pollution."

Another submission against the proposed works comes from the Graiguecullen Parish and the Community at St Fiacc's House in which they say their position is to "strongly object" the works.

St Fiacc's House also say they strongly object to the new proposed shop following their investment of €50,000 in the development of a "picnic area which is directly adjacent to the proposed boundary wall." 

In their submission they also note other areas of concern over the project they include "noise impact", "sunlight and daylight" (in relation to the impact the new structure will have on St Fiacc's House), and "light pollution."

The Carlow County Council would also like to make clear that the decision that has been made by the Carlow Council is subject to a 4 weeks appeal period whereby appeals can be made to An Bord Pleanála and is not currently a granted permission.