Cllr welcomes reports Lidl to open new store in Kildare

A Social Democrats councillor has welcomed reports that Lidl Ireland has purchased the former St Paul's Secondary School site on Main Street, Monasterevin, Co Kildare with the intention of opening a new store.

According to Cllr Pat Balfe, the purchase – as yet to be officially confirmed by Lidl Ireland - represents “a significant investment in Monasterevin”, and “a strong vote of confidence in the town's future.”

Cllr Balfe said that the fact a major retailer has decided to locate in Monasterevin reflects the growth in the town and its future potential.

He said: “After years of vacancy, it is positive to see this prominent site finally secured and moving towards active use. Investment of this kind will only help re-energise the town centre, increase footfall and strengthen Monasterevin as a place to live, work and shop.,

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“At the same time, Monasterevin is a rapidly growing town, and development must go hand in hand with investment in social infrastructure. This is a significant town-centre site, and many people locally including myself have long believed it could be used to meet public and community needs.

“Over the years, I supported proposals for education, health and community facilities, reflecting the reality that Monasterevin is a town that has grown rapidly and continues to grow. Those needs remain very real.”

The Social Democrats councillor said that any proposal for the site on Main Street must be well-designed, respect the town-centre setting, and work alongside existing businesses.

He added that any new business must address traffic and pedestrian safety “from the outset.”

He concluded: “I will continue to engage positively and constructively as this project progresses through the planning process, and I will advocate for outcomes that support investment, employment and competition while meeting the long-term needs of Monasterevin as a growing town.”

Kildare Live has contacted Lidl Ireland for comment.