Ferrybank shopping centre gets green light
Ferrybank Shopping Centre will open its first shop soon.
The Ferrybank Shopping Centre, which has lain empty since 2008, could soon take on a whole new lease of life, and hopefully become a vibrant amenity for the local community.
This is after Waterford City and County Council withdrew its judicial review from the High Court today.
Waterford City and County Council contended that Kilkenny County Council failed to carry out an adequate retail impact assessment before granting permission for the development.
Now that the case has been withdrawn, it is expected that Dunnes Stores will move into the shopping centre in the coming months, 18 years after it was built.
In a statement, Kilkenny County Council said: “After a significant delay, this is hugely positive news for the Ferrybank community, Better Value Limited (Dunnes Stores), and an endorsement of the planning decision made by Kilkenny County Council.”
In a statement to the Waterford News & Star, a spokesperson for Waterford City and County Council said: "Waterford City & County Council withdrew its judicial review proceedings in the High Court today, 6th July 2026, in Case Record No. 2025/1549JR.
"Following careful deliberation and legal advice, the Council initiated judicial review proceedings and were granted leave to proceed by the High Court on 3rd November, 2025.
"At the hearing on 11th June last, Mr Justice Humphreys indicated that, were he to deliver judgement on the case, he would not find in Waterford City & County Council’s favour.
"In those circumstances, the Council decided to withdraw the proceedings. While the decision to bring the proceedings was not taken lightly, the Council accepts that it failed to persuade the Court of its position.
"The Council will not be making any further comment on the matter."
