AIB and Lidl Ireland have announced a refinancing arrangement of €80 million in green lending, following the development of eight new state-of-the-art, energy efficient supermarkets across the island of Ireland.
The investment supports five A1 BER rated stores in the Republic of Ireland and three EPC A rated stores in Northern Ireland, which are open for business and are setting new standards in responsible retail development. The stores are located in Kilcarbery, Enfield, Ballyfermot, Carndonagh and Maynooth; and Carryduff, Stewartstown and Strabane. The development highlights AIB and Lidl’s continued commitment to building a sustainable future for communities across the island of Ireland.
Recently, Lidl opened its pioneering Net Zero store in Maynooth, County Kildare, supported by refinancing from AIB. The flagship Maynooth site, Ireland’s first Net Zero supermarket, generates all operational energy from onsite renewables in the roof and the carpark and offsets carbon through progressive construction methods. The Maynooth store’s construction integrated sustainable materials, including salvaged stone and concrete with 50% recycled content. There are also biodiversity features and a community garden on the store grounds, further demonstrating Lidl’s commitment to sustainability leadership.
Cathy Bryce, Managing Director, Capital Markets at AIB, said: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Lidl Ireland. Supporting innovative projects such as the Maynooth Net Zero store demonstrates our commitment to empowering communities and businesses to act sustainably and responsibly. At AIB, we recognise that enabling businesses to invest in energy efficient infrastructure is vital not only for a greener future, but also for building resilience and competitiveness within towns and villages around the country and the wider Irish economy. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the retail sector, fostering growth and supporting the transition to a low-carbon society.”
Avril O’Hehir, Chief Financial Officer at Lidl Ireland, said: “At Lidl, sustainability is at the core of our business strategy and we are committed to investing in delivering the most sustainable retail operations on the island of Ireland. This investment from AIB is instrumental in achieving our ambitious sustainability objectives. The success of the Maynooth Net Zero store highlights what can be accomplished thought a shared commitment to sustainability and customer focused innovation. We remain dedicated to reinvesting in green projects and intensifying our focus on responsible retail.”
AIB and Lidl’s relationship is built on shared values and a strong commitment to sustainability. Over recent years, the collaboration has delivered several milestones, including the first Green Loan in 2024 supporting Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme. Presently, 100% of AIB’s financing for Lidl is designated as Green Lending, ensuring that every euro is channelled to projects delivering tangible environmental benefits.
Lidl is also Ireland’s largest commercial rooftop solar panel operator, with installations across more than 100 stores and logistics centres. These ongoing investments bolster Lidl’s mission to achieve net zero emissions in its supply chain by 2050.