A roost for five bats will be destroyed if planning permission is granted for an Aldi store in Boyle. But the supermarket chain says it will take action to ensure they aren't significantly impacted. A badger's den was also found on the site, and badgers are a protected species. Aldi wants to build a supermarket and refurbish five houses in Patrick Street in Boyle. The council looked for more information before deciding whether to give planning permission. Among several issues, the council wanted to see what impact the development would have on bats, which are protected under the Wildlife Act. Aldi has now submitted this Ecological Impact Assessment, prepared by Altemar Marine and Environmental Consultancy. It found the proposed development would result in the loss of a roost for five bats. They were found emerging from an old farm building in the derelict yard. The report says the proposed development would, therefore, result in the removal of a confirmed bat roost.
Altemar, acting on behalf of Aldi, says various measures would be taken to safeguard bats beforehand. The report says the development would then only have a slight negative effect on local bat populations. The council is due to decide whether to grant planning permission on January 22nd.
