‘Not much happening’ at Ferrybank Shopping Centre despite legal outcome
The Ferrybank Shopping Centre has lain largely vacant since its construction in 2008
Kilkenny County Council is still awaiting a response from Dunnes Stores regarding the future opening of Ferrybank Shopping Centre following the recent conclusion of legal proceedings involving the retailer and the local authorities in Kilkenny and Waterford.
Mr Ian Gardner of Kilkenny County Council told the latest meeting of Piltown Municipal District that the local authority had written to Dunnes following the positive outcome of the recent legal challenge.
The council is now awaiting a response from the company, including an indication of potential timelines for opening the long-awaited shopping centre.
Cllr Pat Dunphy expressed disappointment at the lack of visible progress, telling the meeting that “there’s not much happening”.
He said there had previously “been a feeling it might be open for Christmas”, but members have yet to receive any indication as to when the centre can begin trading.
The High Court case relating to the Ferrybank Shopping Centre is estimated to have cost Waterford City and County Council over €400,000.
In July, the local authority withdrew its judicial review of the planning decision made by Kilkenny County Council. It was subsequently ordered to pay full costs to its Kilkenny counterpart and Dunnes Stores.
Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council Sean McKeown stated that the decision to take the proceedings was made in good faith and in the public interest having regard to the long-term viability and vitality of Waterford city centre.
Ferrybank Shopping Centre has lain largely vacant since its construction in 2008, with the local library service currently the building’s sole occupant. However, it looked set to open after Kilkenny County Council approved plans for Dunnes Stores to redevelop the building last August.
This decision was subsequently challenged by Waterford City and County Council through judicial review proceedings. The local authority contended that Kilkenny County Council failed to carry out an adequate retail impact assessment before granting permission for the redevelopment.