Lidl supermarkets across Ireland are gearing up for the New Year with adjusted holiday opening hours, catering to shoppers eager to stock up for celebrations. With Christmas closures behind them, many major retailers have resumed regular operations. Notably, Lidl will be reducing hours on important days, including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
For New Year’s Eve, Lidl stores will be open from 6 PM to 9 PM; they will, unfortunately, remain closed on New Year’s Day. This closure aligns with practices among other major supermarkets, with Aldi following suit by operating between 8 AM to 7 PM on December 31 and also closing on January 1.
While shoppers adapt their shopping habits for the holidays, Lidl also finds itself at the center of community discussions, particularly surrounding its plans for expansion. Recently, Kerry County Council has refused planning permission for a second Lidl store location on Park Road, Killarney. The proposed site aimed to develop a 2,325-square meter single-level discount supermarket, but local authorities raised concerns about potential traffic congestion and public safety hazards associated with the new store entrance.
According to the council, this development would “increase pedestrian and vehicular conflict points along an already congested road.” The authority noted plans for access between two uncontrolled junctions raised significant safety worries. The proposed site, located near the existing Omniplex and partly on the former Torc Great Southern Hotel grounds, is zoned for mixed use, limiting the allowance for retail developments.
Community members echoing these sentiments opposed the plans, citing the already problematic traffic conditions on Park Road due to its proximity to busy junctions. While Lidl submitted traffic assessments claiming minimal impact on the overall road network, the council remained unconvinced.
On the brighter side of Lidl’s community interactions, the supermarket chain recently concluded its Christmas Trolley Dash, showcasing the retailer’s commitment to charitable initiatives. This year, the Trolley Dash raised €314,123 for Family Carers Ireland, marking it as the first large-scale fundraising event since Lidl established this charity partnership. The charity aims to provide support to family and young carers throughout Ireland, emphasizing the importance of community care.
Lidl’s Trolley Dash events allow one winning customer from each of its 182 stores to dash through the supermarket, gathering as many products as possible within two minutes. The winner at Lidl Limerick, Sarah Linnane, took home over €525 worth of festive goodies. With the public's participation enthusiastically supporting the cause, the Trolley Dash has raised over €2.5 million since its inception.
Eimear O’Sullivan, Lidl’s Corporate Affairs Director, expressed pride over the Trolley Dash's success and the generosity shown by Lidl customers, mentioning, “We are proud to announce this year’s Trolley Dash has raised...€314,123 for Family Carers Ireland.” O’Sullivan emphasized how the initiative serves to make a difference for those providing care to family members, which is particularly significant during the holiday season.
Family Carers Ireland's Catherine Cox praised the donations' impact, stating, “We are blown away by the generosity...ensuring family carers are supported and empowered.” The partnership aims to raise €1 million over the next three years, demonstrating Lidl's commitment to community engagement.
Lastly, Lidl continues to attract shoppers with various bargain offerings across its stores, with fans rushing to buy products like breathable paint and teeth whitening kits at discounted prices. Breathable paint, priced at just €7.99, is particularly noteworthy for its ability to prevent mold, making it ideal for older homes and humid spaces. Other DIY essentials are also available at attractive prices, beckoning shoppers eager for home improvements at low costs.
Overall, Lidl’s contributions to the community and its active engagement demonstrate the brand’s commitment not only to retail but also to social responsibility, especially as they close out another successful year of service.
