New Lidl supermarket approved for west Wicklow
The Wicklow PeoplePlanning permission has been approved for a Lidl supermarket in Baltinglass, overruling a previous decision by Wicklow County Council to refuse the development.
Plans were originally lodged in February 2023, when the local authority refused the application, citing concerns over the “suitability of the proposed development within the town centre zoning category”.
The proposed new supermarket was planned for a site at Parkmore House in Weaver’s Square.
Planners raised issues related to the scale of the single-storey design, the proposed car parking layout and the underutilisation of town-centre-zoned land.
Council officials believed the development did not represent a compact or high-quality use of the site and was inconsistent with the objectives of the Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028.
Following the council’s decision, Lidl appealed the ruling which has now been upheld.
The news was welcomed by local campaign group ‘Baltinglass needs a Supermarket (Aldi/Lidl)’, which was started five years ago to address the issue.
Jane Nolan Lehane from the group said: “We are so happy that our grass roots campaign for an affordable supermarket has finally born fruit.
“After almost five years of tireless campaigning, we're delighted to announce that Lidl is coming to Baltinglass! This is a huge win for our town — bringing jobs, choice, and convenience to the community. Thank you to the incredible people of Baltinglass who stood behind this from day one.
"Your persistence, support, and belief made it happen. This is proof that when a community comes together, great things follow.”
The group has in the past praised Wicklow TD Edward Timmins for his support of the campaign.
Speaking on Friday, he said: “This is welcome news and will give consumers further choices for shopping.”