Clare County Council has given the green light for a new Aldi supermarket in Killaloe, despite being warned that it could threaten existing employment there.
The supermarket giant has received the go-ahead despite strong local objections.
Aldi sought permission to construct a single-storey supermarket next to the protected Deanery structure at Abbey Street.
The project includes a car park with 122 spaces, serving the store and accomodating public parking.
However, the project was met with strong opposition from local business people John Daly, of The Forge General Store, and Bill and Maureen Kenny of Heaney's Costcutter.
They raised concerns about traffic and about the impact on business, with Mr. Daly telling the Council that Aldi's arrival threatens long-established firms, and could lead to their closure.
Now, the Council approved Aldi's application, attaching 19 conditions.
These include measures to preserve the character of the adjoining Deanery, restructed hours of opening and that Aldi must contribute 10,000 euro towards the construction of a pedestrian crossing at the location.
The decision can be appealed to An Bord Pleanala.
