Retail development approved

Offaly County Council has cleared the way for a major expansion to happen at the site of a filling station in Kilcormac.

It's approved a change of use of an existing garage to provide for what's described as “new retail shop, deli area and associated facilities” at Freagh, Kilcormac along the N52 road.

Permission was also given to applicant Paula Kinnarney for an extension to the rear of the existing building, along with the relocation of an existing advertising sign and to alter existing elevations.

Initially lodged in October 2019, the local authority delayed making a decision on the plans looking for further information after Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), formerly the NRA, requested a traffic and transport assessment and road safety audit because of its location on the busy N52 road.

20 separate planning conditions are laid down as part of the recent planning approval.

Meanwhile, also in Kilcormac, Serenity Home Ltd has published a planning notice indicating that significant further information is about to be lodged with the local authority in relation to their controversial plans to change the use of the former convent along Main Street into a rehabilitation unit. A final decision on the project is expected within six weeks of the receipt of what's described as "significant further information/revised plans/retention of works already carried out".