Shopping centre saga is 'souring' relationship between Kilkenny and Waterford

Councillors in South Kilkenny have hit out at the recent approach taken by Waterford City and County Council (WCCC) in relation to plans (recently approved by Kilkenny County Council) to redevelop Ferrybank Shopping Centre.

The elected members at this month’s meeting of Piltown Municipal District were briefed by Acting Director of Services Ian Gardner that it was understood that WCCC had been looking for leave to appeal for a judicial review in relation to the decision - the first step in conventional judicial review procedure.

Cathaoirleach of Piltown MD, Cllr Pat Dunphy stated that he is ‘very disappointed’ by the recent actions of WCCC.

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He stressed that Ferrybank Shopping Centre was ‘designated as a district centre’ and stressed the need for it to be brought into use given that the population of Ferrybank has ‘increased dramatically’ in the interim.

He further stated that any potential legal challenge from WCCC ‘costs a lot of money that could be spent elsewhere’ and added that he ‘hopes common sense prevails’.

Acting Director of Services at Kilkenny County Council, Ian Gardner, stated that Kilkenny County Council is prepared to defend its decision to grant permission for the shopping centre’s redevelopment ‘to the greatest possible extent’.

Leas Cathaoirleach of Piltown MD, Cllr Fidelis Doherty, stated that it is ‘disappointing that they (WCCC) are moving in a very legal way, in a confrontational way’.

Cllr Jenny Catt Slattery stated that ‘the decision to oppose the development is a setback for shared prosperity’, adding that she ‘really hopes it can be resolved promptly’.

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Cllr Tomás Breathnach said that ‘we have a vested interest in a thriving vibrant Waterford City’.

He added that WCCC “did make a submission, and that that submission was considered by Kilkenny County Council,” and as a result he “can’t understand the logic of a judicial review.”

Cllr Ger Frisby described recent developments as a ‘retrograde step backwards’ and lamented the recent ‘souring’ of relations between the local authorities on the issue after a period of extensive and proactive communication.

“I don’t think it’s following the right lines,” he said. “It’s showing huge disregard for the residents of Ferrybank and South Kilkenny.

“It has knocked everything back on its head and is very very disheartening.”

This latest development follows WCCC’s recent failed bid to appeal the decision of Kilkenny County Council to redevelop the unoccupied shopping centre to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

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The redevelopment would’ve permitted change of use and amalgamation of units in the centre to form a new anchor store of 3,000 square metres (sqm) net of convenience floorspace and 2,042 sqm net of comparison floorspace, alongside a new leisure unit of 3,140 sqm.

WCCC had raised strong concerns with the scale of the proposal in its earlier submission to Kilkenny County Council, warning that the scale of the development had ‘the clear potential to function as a standalone retail destination, thereby undermining the vitality and viability of Waterford City Centre’.

Following Kilkenny’s decision to approve the planning application, WCCC moved to appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála before the closing date of September 22.

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However, the appeal was ruled to be ‘invalid’ on the closing date because it did not meet a key legal requirement under the Planning and Development Act.

WCCC have since confirmed to the Kilkenny People ‘that it has been granted leave to take judicial review’.

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