Boyle's Aldi Store Hangs in Balance as Bat Licence Delays Planning Ruling

Frustration is mounting in Boyle as a decision on a proposed Aldi store remains up in the air, with An Coimisiún Pleanála yet to set a new date for its ruling on an appeal. The planning authority had promised a decision by August 18, but that deadline has come and gone without resolution.

The hold-up centres on a question of bat protection. An Coimisiún Pleanála wants to be sure that a derogation licence was properly obtained for the removal of a bat roost from derelict buildings earmarked for demolition as part of the development.

The project, which includes a 1,839-square-metre supermarket, a 96-space car park, and the restoration of five derelict houses on Patrick Street, has been paused since February when Brian O'Sullivan, with an address in Kilcormac, County Offaly, lodged an appeal.

Why has the planning decision been delayed?

An Coimisiún Pleanála was due to rule on the appeal no later than August 18. However, it has now notified all parties that the matter is deferred indefinitely. The delay follows a notice issued under Section 137 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which allows the commission to invite submissions on issues not previously raised by the parties.

In an email to local Sinn Féin councillor Leah Cull, the commission said the case required further consideration and that no new date had been set. Cllr Cull described the situation as incredibly frustrating, reflecting the mood of many in the town who see the store as a vital boost for the local economy.

What does the appeal say about the Aldi development?

Mr O'Sullivan's appeal argues that the proposed development would be unsuitable for Boyle. He claims it conflicts with the Boyle Local Area Plan, would harm the town's architectural character, and would worsen traffic and parking conditions.

On June 18, An Coimisiún Pleanála said it would consider the fact that the applicants had not produced a licence for the removal of bats from the derelict buildings. Bat roosts are protected under Irish and European wildlife legislation, meaning developers need a derogation licence before disturbing or removing them.

Has a bat licence been issued for the site?

Yes. On July 27, Roscommon County Council produced evidence that the National Parks and Wildlife Service had issued a derogation licence on April 2, 2026, valid until the end of the year. The licence states that it may not cause any unnecessary injury or distress to any species of bat and may not be exercised until planning permission is granted.

JSA Planning, acting on behalf of Aldi, said the licence was issued outside the period for appeal submissions and therefore was not included with any of the company's earlier filings.

What is the local council's position?

Mervyn Walsh, Administrative Officer at Roscommon County Council's Planning Department, defended the council's decision to grant planning permission in January. He said it factored in all considerations, including obligations under the EU Habitats Directive, other technical considerations, economic and social development considerations and the recognised ongoing need for the regeneration of Boyle town.

The Aldi project has drawn public support from local elected representatives and Boyle Town Team, who argue it would give the town a much-needed economic lift.

What happens next for the Boyle Aldi store?

Aldi lodged its initial planning application on February 26, 2025, and received permission on January 22, 2026, subject to 36 conditions. The company has objected to some of these conditions, which are the subject of a separate appeal.

In particular, Aldi wants changes to the condition requiring phased development, which would prevent the store and residential parts of the project from being built simultaneously. Aldi argues this would delay construction and points out that other local authorities have not imposed such a condition on similar stores.

If approved, the store would be only the second Aldi in County Roscommon and would create around 30 jobs. For a town like Boyle, that matters. The people here have waited long enough for a decision that could breathe new life into the high street.

The wait continues, but the ground is fertile for progress. When the decision finally comes, it will be a moment of truth for Boyle's regeneration hopes.