‘Huge asset’ or ‘threat’? - Waterford councillors clash over Kilkenny shopping centre

Waterford councillors have clashed over the planned reopening of Ferrybank Shopping Centre.

In recent weeks, Kilkenny County Council granted planning permission for Dunnes Stores to finally move into the vacant site.

Waterford City and County Council subsequently appealed this decision, with concerns raised over the impact it may have on retail in the city centre.

However, this appeal was later deemed invalid, as the council had not lodged the full application in time.

Social Democrats councillor Mary Roche, who is opposed to the development, asked for an update at the October plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

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Cllr Roche said she didn’t believe that a similar development would be allowed on the outskirts of Kilkenny city.

She added that she thinks it is important that Waterford Council “do everything to ensure that that threat is removed”.

In response to Cllr Roche, Director of Services Ivan Grimes said he couldn’t publicly comment on Kilkenny County Council’s decision.

However, Mr Grimes added that the council is in discussions with its legal team and developments are expected in the next week.

Later in the meeting, Sinn Féin councillor Pat Fitzgerald expressed his opposition to the council’s objection, saying he didn’t think it was “a very wise thing to do”.

He pointed out that the shopping centre has “laid idle” for nearly two decades and said that it “could be a huge asset for the city”.

Cllr Fitzgerald added that the plans are “absolutely essential” to the development of Waterford city on the north side of the River Suir, and would bring more business to the city centre.

He concluded by saying that he wanted to “dissociate” himself from the council’s objection.

In response, Mr Grimes said that he disagreed with Cllr Fitzgerald but he was entitled to his opinion.