Kilkenny and Waterford Clash Over Shopping Centre Legal Battle

UPDATE: Tensions are escalating between Kilkenny and Waterford as local councils clash over the redevelopment of the Ferrybank Shopping Centre. In a heated meeting on October 4, 2023, South Kilkenny councillors voiced strong opposition to Waterford City and County Council’s (WCCC) request for a judicial review of Kilkenny’s recent approval for the project.

This urgent legal challenge threatens to delay the much-needed redevelopment, which has been recognized as vital due to the rapid population growth in Ferrybank. Cllr Pat Dunphy, Cathaoirleach of Piltown Municipal District, expressed his disappointment, stating that legal actions “cost a lot of money that could be spent elsewhere” and emphasized the importance of moving forward for the community.

The proposal to transform the Ferrybank Shopping Centre includes plans for a new anchor store spanning 3,000 square meters of convenience space and 2,042 square meters for comparison shopping, alongside a leisure unit of 3,140 square meters. These developments aim to revitalize the area, but WCCC warns that the scale could threaten the viability of Waterford City Centre.

During the meeting, Ian Gardner, Acting Director of Services at Kilkenny County Council, confirmed that Kilkenny is prepared to vigorously defend its decision. He added that the ongoing legal disputes only serve to sour relationships between the councils, which had previously been on a path of proactive communication.

In a revealing statement, Cllr Fidelis Doherty criticized WCCC for adopting a confrontational approach, while Cllr Jenny Catt Slattery called the opposition to the redevelopment a “setback for shared prosperity.” The growing frustration among Kilkenny officials underscores the urgency of resolving the situation for the benefit of local residents.

WCCC’s recent attempt to appeal Kilkenny’s decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála was ruled “invalid” on September 22, failing to meet legal requirements under the Planning and Development Act. Now, with judicial review proceedings in motion, the future of the shopping centre hangs in the balance.

Local authorities are urging WCCC to reconsider its position. Cllr Tomás Breathnach highlighted Kilkenny’s vested interest in a flourishing Waterford City, questioning the logic behind the judicial review after WCCC had previously submitted its concerns to Kilkenny County Council.

As this legal battle unfolds, residents and businesses in Ferrybank await clarity on the shopping centre’s future. The redevelopment holds the potential for significant economic benefits, making the need for resolution more pressing than ever.

The community is left hoping for a swift resolution that prioritizes the needs of local residents over legal confrontations. With both councils at an impasse, all eyes will be on the next steps taken by WCCC and Kilkenny County Council in the coming weeks.

For ongoing updates on this developing story, stay tuned.