Three Years of Flooding At Thurles ALDI – Works Finally Begin in 2026.

Following serious concerns raised regarding ongoing flooding at the ALDI store car park on Kickham Street, Thurles, with customers continuing to face unsafe and unusable parking conditions more than three years after the issue was first reported, work finally began yesterday.

A photograph taken on the morning of January 26th, 2026, clearly shows extensive surface water flooding across the main entrance and parking bays, forcing customers to navigate large pools of standing water. In some cases, shoppers had been compelled to use spaces designated for disabled parking due to the inaccessibility of standard bays.

Local customers have described the situation as “a recurring winter problem since at least 2023,” with reports and complaints dating back several years.
Despite this long-standing issue, only now, in mid-April 2026, have works finally commenced on site, following repeated delays linked to drainage issues associated with the adjacent public roadway.

Correspondence from ALDI Customer Services indicates that these delays were due to dependencies on council-managed drainage works. However, questions remain as to why a long-term solution was not implemented earlier, particularly given that public drainage infrastructure at the site sits significantly lower than the store’s car park level; a factor that would typically allow for effective water runoff if properly engineered.
Loyal customers question whether the issue has been adequately escalated within ALDI management, asking whether the Area Manager has visited the site since the problem was first identified and whether repeated reports from store staff have been acted upon.

The ongoing situation raises broader concerns regarding customer safety, accessibility, and the impact on local trade, particularly for a store known for its strong community engagement and loyal customer base.

While the commencement of works is now acknowledged, it comes after three consecutive winters of disruption, and customers will be watching closely to ensure that a permanent and effective solution is finally delivered.