Trim councillors approve sale of 19 acre site to aldi

Trim councillors have formally approved the sale of a 1.9 acre site at Watergate Street in the town to discount retailer, Aldi, for €585,000.

The decision was made at Friday's meeting of Trim Municipal District Council.

The land, which incorporates the site of the old swimming pool, has been valued at €305,000 per acre. According to Des Foley, director of services at Meath County Council, the sale price 'represents full market value and is the highest price offered for a retail site in County Meath in the past five years'.

The sale of the property to Aldi remains subject to ratification at the October meeting of Meath County Council and the granting of appropriate planning permission.

A number of councillors welcomed the news, led by Cllr Joe Fox, cathaoirleach of Trim Municipal District Council.

He said: 'This proposal has the backing of the general public and the business community and is long overdue.'

Cllr Noel French also welcomed the news, noting that the presence of Aldi would constitute a major boost to Trim town centre. Trim already has a Lidl outlet and a SuperValu supermarket.

'It will have a direct positive impact on Watergate Street, Market Street and Emmet Street,' said Cllr French. 'Bringing Aldi into the town will create additional consumers and will increase footfall in the area.'

Given the ongoing focus on car parking in Trim, Cllr Caroline Lynch queried the potential for on-site car parking. Mr Foley reassured Cllr Lynch, however, that there is scope for more than 100 car parking spaces within the perimeter of the site.

Mr Foley also confirmed that pre-planning discussions between Aldi and Meath County Council have allowed both parties to tease out many potential issues, including car parking.

Cllr Enda Flynn commented that the sale price represented good value for Meath County Council while Cllr Trevor Golden noted the potential for Aldi to stem retail leakage from the Trim area.

'One of the biggest things we've seen in south Meath is retail leakage to places like Blanchardstown and Maynooth,' he said. 'People living in the hinterland of Trim will soon have greater choice on their doorstep.'