Fresh update from An Coimisiún Pleanála on Tesco decision in Kilkenny

A spokesperson for An Coimisiún Pleanála has confirmed to Kilkenny Live that the final decision on a planning application for a new Tesco retail outlet and an adjoining residential housing development is now expected by March 30, 2026.

Despite this, the online planning portal continues to show that the case is due to be decided by January 20, 2026 - a date that has well since elapsed.

READ NEXT: First look at proposed Tesco store and housing for mart site in Kilkenny

Back in July 2025, the decision from Kilkenny County Council to grant conditional planning permission to Tesco Ireland for the construction of a mixed residential and retail development was appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

The development site measures c. 3.91 hectares, and is situated on lands known locally as the former mart site located at New Road, Castlecomer Road and Old Mart Street, Kilkenny. 

The planned development works are to include residential units, an assisted care unit, retail units (including new Tesco store), a café, car parking, open spaces, landscaping, and various supporting infrastructure and site works.

The residential aspect of the development consists of 80 residential units and one assisted care unit, distributed across eight blocks.

The total gross floor area for the residential buildings would be approximately 7,489 square metres.

The development also seeks to provide 90 car parking spaces for residents.

READ NEXT: Proposal for 80 new homes on Kilkenny's old mart site is part of Tesco's grand designs

Additional features include public open space, communal space, private space for individual dwellings, private balconies and terraces for duplex and apartment units, hard and soft landscaping, lighting, a play area, bin and bicycle stores, and all associated site development works, service, and utility connections.

Access to the residential development is to be provided via a new vehicular and pedestrian entrance off New Road.
The development plans also include a new bus stop on Castlecomer Road, which is to be served by pedestrian and cycle access routes, as well as a pedestrian plaza.

A number of third party submissions expressing concerns at certain aspects of the proposed development were submitted during the planning process.

Subsequently, as aforementioned, when Kilkenny County Council decided to grant permission, that decision was appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

An Coimisiún Pleanála were originally scheduled to make a final decision this month, but that decision is now due in late January 2026.

When announcing their plans for a new Kilkenny outlet at the mart site back in July 2025, a spokesperson for Tesco Ireland said, “We are pleased to submit our application to develop the former mart site.

READ NEXT: Concerns raised over Tesco's potential impact on Kilkenny business

"Subject to permission, this new store will bring all the positive benefits that Tesco brings to town; including local jobs, community supports, opportunities for local suppliers and a new shopping experience for colleagues and customers."

Reacting to the news at the time, city based councillor, Seán Ó hArgáin warmly welcomed the inclusion of housing provision in the Tesco planning application but admitted he fears the supermarket's presence may have consequences for other local traders.

However, despite his reservations, Mr Ó hArgáin hopes Tesco will allow its premises to be fully accessible by the city bus system and provide adequate facilities for bike parking and pedestrian access.

"I am not personally a fan of large supermarkets and I prefer to shop in local butchers, bakeries, greengrocers and other local stores, which are family run. I accept the fact that consumers are demanding these large stores, however and that some shoppers leave Kilkenny to access some of these businesses," Mr Ó hArgáin commented.

"I believe that all of these stores are too powerful, having a hugely negative impact on prices paid to farmers and other suppliers. It galls me to see delivery trucks bringing milk from outside our region and even our national borders, when our local dairy farmers struggle with increasingly tight margins as a result of the supermarkets price-fixing, in effect," he added.

"We must redouble our efforts to support local small retail businesses and create an attractive city centre where they can thrive."

Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce have gone on record before saying that 'it is important that the site is brought into use as soon as possible'.

When the news was announced last year, the team at Kilkenny Live put the following poll question to our online readers: Would the introduction of a Tesco store be a good or a bad thing for Kilkenny?

The three options were ‘Positive’, ‘Negative’ and ‘I’m not sure’.

Out of over 300 votes cast, here were the results:

Positive - 75%
Negative - 21%
I’m not sure - 4%

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