Access road moved in proposed Knocknacarra Lidl

The developer of a proposed new Lidl supermarket and off-licence in Knocknacarra has bowed to pressure from planners and moved the access road.

Hundreds of locals, two residents’ associations and three councillors submitted signed petitions and objections to the plans for the two acre site off the Blake Roundabout were lodged with Galway City Council last October.

Planners sent applicant Florence Thomas back to the drawing board the following month, demanding a series of changes, including removing the proposed access from the Ballymoneen Road.

She had sought permission for a 20,000 square foot Lidl premises and off licence for the two-acre site, which is on the corner of the Western Distributor Road and Ballymoneen Road and bounded by Leargán and Monalee Manor.

The applicant had until August 28 to respond to the request for extensive further information – it was received by the Planning Department on deadline day.

The vehicular access has been moved to the Distributor Road, while the internal layout has also been altered.

As a ‘sweetener’ to residents, it is also proposed to widen the Ballymoneen Road and provide footpaths and a pedestrian crossing.

“The traffic assessment concludes that the development proposed will not have a significant impact on the road network in the vicinity of the site, and can be accommodated in future years, allowing for traffic growth and possible further development of the residual lands to the south and south west,” it reads.

The applicant also claims that while only 102 parking spaces will be provided (80% of Development Plan requirements), the traffic assessment found there will only be a “peak parking requirement of approximately 72 spaces”.

A budget of €5,000 has also been set aside for a piece of public art on the site, which would be installed before the store opens.

Design changes have been made to the building to make it “less dominant” fronting the Ballymoneen Road.

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