German discount stores ‘are here to stay’

LONG-ESTABLISHED businesses will not be protected, in the long term, by campaigns to keep out German-owned discount stores, it has been warned.

The issue is being raised around the country as councils consider development plans that include rezoning of areas for residential, shopping and other uses.

A meeting of the town council in Listowel, Co Kerry, heard that many local business people did not want to see large food stores, such as Aldi and Lidl, setting up in the area.