Belgard pub levelled in 24 hours
By Mary Dennehy
MORE than 43 years of memories and social history were levelled within 24 hours this week, when construction crews demolished the Belgard Inn.
The landmark pub has been knocked to pave the way for a new Lidl store, with the German discount giant granted permission by South Dublin County Council for a new ‘concept’ store, plaza and retail/café building on site.
The site on Wednesday
Construction crews, which have been on site for a number of weeks, started their demolition work on Tuesday morning - and by early Wednesday, the Belgard Inn was no more.
The Echo understands that the car park is due to be demolished in the coming days, with crews “strictly” adhering to an agreed demolition plan.
When contacted by The Echo, a spokeswoman for Lidl Ireland said that demolition work is due to last around 12 weeks.
“The demolition works are all part of the project so essentially works for the store have commenced and we expect to be trading from Spring 2019,” the spokeswoman said.
“There have been a number of meetings held between our project manager, the main contractor and local residents to address all concerns regarding the works on site.
“There is an agreed demolition plan agreed with council which outlines traffic management and working hours and this is strictly adhered to.”
The Belgard Inn served its last pint on Sunday, March 18 of this year, when customers past and present flocked to the landmark pub to toast its many memories – and to drink to the end of an era.
While permission for a smaller pub has been provided for in the approved planning, Lidl Ireland has not yet confirmed if a new pub is included in design plans.
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