Waterford councillor criticises decision to appeal Ferrybank shopping centre

A local councillor has spoken out against Waterford Council’s decision to appeal the development of Ferrybank Shopping Centre.

Plans to allow Dunnes Stores to finally move into the vacant site were approved in recent weeks by Kilkenny County Council.

However, Waterford City and County Council subsequently appealed this decision. The appeal has since been deemed ‘invalid’, due to a full application not being lodged in time by Waterford Council.

This week, Cllr Pat Fitzgerald said he wishes to be disassociated from any further appeals submitted by the Council, and that Waterford should instead support the development’s commencement.

"I don’t believe that was a very nice thing to do" the Sinn Féin councillor said.

"This centre has laid idle for years and it could be a huge asset for the city. Dunnes stores sells and promotes quality Irish produce and i believe this store should be allowed and we should actually support it."

“Business brings more business, and it would benefit Waterford city.” 

"I would like to be disassociated with any further objection from this Council to the development.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Mary Roche has supported the Council’s decision to block the development.

She said this week, "It's fair to say that I don’t believe such a centre would be allowed on the outskirts of Kilkenny City, and I think its important that we, having already prevented developments like this on the outskirts of our own city, would do everything to ensure that the threat is removed.”

At this week's Plenary Council Meeting, Cllr Roche asked for an update on the status of the invalid appeal.

Ivan Grimes, Director of Services, said that he anticipates developments on the matter in the coming week or so, and discussions are ongoing.

Whats is happening at Ferrybank Shopping Centre?

Ferrybank Shopping Centre has been vacant since its construction was completed in 2008.

Kilkenny based politicians and residents living in the Ferrybank area have made constant calls for the owners of the site, Dunnes Stores, to progress with the development following years of significant setbacks.

The plans which were conditionally approved recently include the change of use and amalgamation of the centre’s unoccupied car showroom with the centre’s permitted retail anchor unit at ground floor level to form a new single-level anchor unit.

The reconfigured anchor unit will have 3,000 sqm net of convenience floorspace, including an ancillary off-licence.

2,042 sqm net of comparison floorspace is also approved, which likely will consist of a space designated to the sale of accessories and clothing.

The first floor of the retail anchor unit will be repurposed into a separate leisure unit measuring 3,140 sqm.

It is understood that a gym provider has been sought for this first-floor space.