Kilkenny Council Grants Urgent Approval for Ferrybank Centre Redevelopment

UPDATE: In a landmark decision, Kilkenny County Council has granted planning permission for the much-anticipated redevelopment of the Ferrybank Shopping Centre, a project that has sparked community interest for nearly two decades. This urgent update was confirmed on August 25, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the revitalization of South Kilkenny.

Local councillor Pat Dunphy praised the decision, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Better Value Unlimited (Dunnes Stores), council officials, and local residents in reaching this pivotal moment. “Hopefully, work will proceed as soon as possible,” Dunphy stated, emphasizing the project’s importance to the community’s future.

After lying dormant for years, the Ferrybank Shopping Centre is set to undergo a significant transformation. The application, submitted on July 1, 2025, seeks to merge an unoccupied car showroom and an adjacent fire service corridor with the existing retail unit. This redevelopment will create a state-of-the-art anchor unit with a total area of approximately 7,558 square metres, including 3,000 square metres of convenience floorspace and additional comparison shopping options.

The project also includes plans to convert the first floor into a leisure unit, offering about 3,140 square metres of space for community activities. Access to this leisure area will be conveniently located from the first-floor mall level, enhancing the shopping experience for visitors.

The council’s decision comes after a lengthy period of inactivity since the centre was built in 2008 at an estimated cost of €100 million, yet never fully opened. Most of the development remained vacant, with only a library and a county council office operational. In early January 2025, Dunnes Stores engaged with council officials to discuss the site’s future, aligning with the emerging Ferrybank/Belview masterplan.

Fast forward to mid-2025, and the momentum has increased significantly. Pre-planning consultations indicated that Dunnes was ready to move forward, leading to today’s favorable outcome. This redevelopment is not just a business opportunity; it represents a renewed hope for the local community, aiming to breathe new life into an underutilized space.

With the council’s approval now in place, all eyes will be on Dunnes Stores to commence work swiftly. The council has attached four conditions to the planning approval, ensuring that the project progresses smoothly. Significantly, no objections were raised during the public consultation period, indicating strong community support for the redevelopment.

Residents and local stakeholders are eager to see the Ferrybank Shopping Centre flourish as a vibrant hub for shopping and leisure. As the community awaits the next steps, the developments at Ferrybank serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination that have characterized this long-standing concern.

For ongoing updates, stay tuned as we track the progress of this essential redevelopment initiative in South Kilkenny.