Galway Bay fm newsroom - The Athenry Traders Group has issued a statement expressing shock and anger over the refusal of planning permission for a Lidl in the town.
The group - which represents a significant number of businesses in Athenry - says the town is 'crying out' for a development of this type.
It set out to provide 92 housing units, a creche, cafe and office space as well as the Lidl store.
The Traders group says the refusal means people will continue to spend almost €9m a year shopping in adjacent towns.
The group says it has no issues with neighbours of the site raising concerns over the development.
But it claims it is difficult to accept repeated objections to major investments by multi-nationals.
Martin Morrissey of Athenry Traders Group says they're hoping once the dust has settled, the developers will stick with the plan...
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