Green light for Lidl distribution centre in Cork's Little Island

Planning approval has been granted for a new €200m Lidl Regional Distribution Centre in Wallingstown, Little Island.

The regional distribution centre, anticipated to come on stream by 2030, will be Lidl’s fourth facility in the Republic of Ireland and the second to be located in Cork.

The proposed development includes the construction of a warehouse and distribution building of approximately 59,710sq m, and also include a new access road to connect to the southern arm of the existing roundabout on the R623, the realignment of existing road/paths, new entrance walls, signage, landscaping, footpaths, and cycle lanes, as well as a new four-arm roundabout.

The supermarket franchise has welcomed this planning approval, saying it plans to expand its store network over the next five years, including investing €600m in the new distribution centre and developing 35 new stores.

Lidl services 190 stores in the Republic of Ireland, including 22 in Cork, from its three regional distribution centres at Charleville, Mullingar and Newbridge.

Tara O’Connor, regional managing director for Munster at Lidl Ireland, said: “We are pleased to receive planning approval for a new, state-of-the-art Regional Distribution Centre at Little Island.

“This is an important milestone and reflects our continued commitment to investing in the Munster and Western region. Since submitting the planning application in October 2024, we have opened an additional four new stores in the region at Moycullen, Killorglin, Limerick, and Claregalway.”

She added: “The development of a new distribution centre in this area is vital to ensure we meet the future needs of our business as we continue to deliver on our ambitious expansion plans and open new stores.

“This decision allows us to continue our local investment and ensure we have the right infrastructure in place to support our future growth, enabling us to continue to provide great value to our customers.”