All six councillors in the Boyle Municipal District have expressed their 'extreme disappointment' over the appeal lodged against the Aldi store planned for the town - but believe the appeal will be rejected.
They said: "We, as a group, are still confident the original decision by Roscommon County council will hold up."
The German supermarket chain, Aldi, applied for planning permission to build the supermarket and refurbish five houses on Patrick Street.
Roscommon County Council granted planning permission, subject to 36 conditions, last month.
But an appeal has been lodged by Brian O'Sullivan, with an address in Kilcormac, Co Offaly, to An Coimisiún Pleanála, who are due to make a decision by June 22nd.
He wants the higher planning body to overturn the council's decision.
The six councillors in the Boyle Municipal District - Sean Moylan, Valerie Byrne, Liam Callaghan, Tom Crosby, Leah Cull and Micheál Frain - have issued a joint statement this morning.
It reads: "As local councillors, we are extremely disappointed that the decision by Roscommon County Council to grant planning permission for an Aldi store and five residential houses in Boyle was appealed.
"The council’s decision followed a thorough and careful assessment of the application in line with all relevant planning policies and statutory requirements.
"The local positivity in regards to the decision made emphasised the value of this project.
"The housing need in Boyle is well documented, and the provision of five new homes would represent a strong contribution to addressing local demand.
"In addition, enhanced retail provision, particularly in the Patrick Street area; would help to rebalance and revitalise the town, increase footfall, and provide greater choice for residents and visitors. Such investment would in our view, lift commercial activity across Boyle as a whole.
"As we continue striving to attract a hotelier, more food offerings, more public events, and further attractions to Boyle, we firmly believe this development would have supported that wider ambition and strengthened confidence in the town as a place to live, work, and invest.
"While we acknowledge the right to appeal within the planning process, we are concerned that this action prolongs uncertainty for residents and may cause hesitation among other potential investors considering Boyle as a base.
"We as a group are still confident that the original decision by Roscommon County council will hold up.
"We stand with the people of Boyle."
