Aldi gets build approval despite farmers protest

Aldi has received the green light to extend its retail operations in Ireland, despite opposition from a group of north Clare farmers.

This follows Clare County Council giving the German retail giant the go-ahead for an outlet in the north Clare market and heritage town of Ennistymon. The farmers had been frustrating Aldi’s efforts, arising from their anger that Clare Marts Ltd has sold the old Ennistymon mart site to Aldi. The Save Ennistymon Mart Committee (SEMC) lodged a strident objection against the plan with the Council.

Last year, Clare Marts sold the mart site in the town to Aldi for a price believed to be in the region of €1.5m. The sale was opposed by farmers who, at one stage, held a silent protest outside a Clare Marts board meeting.