Lidl plans to build new pub on the Belgard site
By Mary Dennehy
A NEW pub is part of Lidl Ireland’s plans for the former Belgard Inn site, with the German discount giant currently reviewing options to “enhance the functionality” of a pub on location.
The demolition phase of the Belgard Inn has finished, with Lidl last week moving forward with phase one of its construction stage – which includes the new concept store and two retail units.
The former Belgard pub site
Permission for a pub was included in the planning permission provided to Lidl by South Dublin County Council.
However, Lidl was unable to officially confirm if a pub would be part of its plans – until last week.
In a statement to The Echo, a spokeswoman for Lidl said: “The design team are reviewing options to alter the car-park layout to improve the functionality of the pub.
“Once a design is finalised this will be submitted to South Dublin County Council as an amendment application to the parent planning permission.”
The spokeswoman added that the pub is part of the development and will be built within the time-frame.
Recently, Lidl and the site contractors met with residents in the Maldron Hotel at Newlands Cross to get feedback to date and provide information on the construction phase.
Lidl and its demolition contractor also liaised directly with local residents in relation to noise.
Speaking to The Echo about community engagement, the spokeswoman said: “This engagement will continue throughout the construction phase to ensure we minimise any inconvenience caused.
“Our store will be a modern, environmentally-friendly build which will offer our customers a superior shopping experience.”
Complaints about noise
Living in Kingswood View for the past 37 years, Peter Forde, who is a member of the Belgard Heights Residents’ Association, attended Lidl’s information session.
“Lidl had plans, site maps, staff members and the contractors at the Maldron,” Peter told The Echo.
“During the demolition phase there were a few complaints about noise, mainly the start time of work.
“However, residents contacted Lidl and they sorted it out.
“Residents don’t have a problem making contact with Lidl, which is very important.
“If there is a development within a community, a line of communication with residents is very important.”
He added: “A construction plan with minimum disruption and contractors obeying the planning permission is what residents want, and Lidl seem determined to do that.”
