Lidl Store Opening Four Years Post Site Acquisition

It was interesting to note the opening of a brand-new Lidl store just off the Main Street in Dunboyne in recent weeks. The addition of this new development, which adds vitality and improves parking provision in the town centre, also serves to highlight the delays being experienced in delivering new developments.

Bannon successfully disposed of the site in 2021 with a planning application subsequently lodged by Lidl towards the end of 2022. The application for the development of a single storey discount foodstore, café unit and associated car parking attracted over 260 objections and was granted permission by Meath County Council in January 2023.

The decision to grant by the local authority was appealed to An Bord Pleanala, by two local Councillors amongst others. Following protracted delays and multiple extensions to the decision date, the grant of permission was ultimately upheld by An Bord Pleanala in May 2024.

The new store finally opened in September 2025 over 4 years since the site was first acquired!