Killaloe traders oppose new Aldi

Killaloe traders are against the proposed construction of a major new discount store in the town. They say it will result in job losses among existing local businesses.

John Daly, of the Forge General Store, Killaloe, has requested Clare County Council to turn down Aldi’s planning application to construct a new discount foodstore in Abbey St, Killaloe, Co Clare.

Stating that both Killaloe and Ballina were served by three supermarkets and three foodstores, the Killaloe retailer warned that smaller shops in the town would close if Aldi was given the green light.

Aldi wants to construct a single-storey discount foodstore, including off-licence, with a gross floor area of 1,655 sq m . It will be served by 122 car parking spaces and one bus parking space.

Having paid commercial rates as a retailer for 30 years, Mr Daly said the council should consider the impact of the new discount store on existing businesses. He also expressed concern it would cause a traffic hazard.

“I will be 30 years in business, this year, in the Forge,” said Mr Daly. “I could be adversely affected, maybe I may be wiped out, I don’t know. I am worried about the impact Aldi will have on small shops in the town. It isn’t fair on the small shops who paid rates, and other charges, during the recession and struggled to stay open in hard times.

“I don’t tell my customers where to shop or where to go. I provide a service and the customer decides where they want to shop. I believe a new discount foodstore is not needed in the town.”

Having consulted with customers and locals, Mr Daly said “75% of local people” felt there was no need for Aldi to build the discount foodstore, as the town wasn’t big enough for it”.

According to plans submitted by Aldi to Clare County Council, the proposed development has the potential to generate “in the range of 15 to 20 jobs for the local economy once the discount foodstore is operational” and further jobs at the construction phase.

Brian Kenny of Costcutter, Killaloe, said there was no need for Aldi to build a store in the town, as shoppers could travel to their existing outlets, which were about 15 minutes’ drive away in Limerick and Nenagh.

Mr Kenny warned the arrival of Aldi would result in job losses among existing shops in Ballina and Killaloe and hoped he would not be too adversely affected.