'No response' from Dunnes over Ferrybank Shopping Centre

So close and yet so far away...

Kilkenny County Council confirmed that there has been no correspondence from Dunnes in regards to Ferrybank hopping Centre. 

The update, or rather lack of update, was shared at the September meeting of the Piltown Municipal District, two months after Waterford Council withdrew their objection over the centre at a judicial review. The highly-contentious objection received widespread criticism as the Shopping Centre has been vacant since its construction in 2008. The complex is owned by Dunnes Stores. After years of inaction, in June 2025 the retail giant submitted plans to re-develop the centre. However, later that year Waterford Council launched an appeal against the plan, claiming that it contravened their 'retail strategy'.

Director of Services Ian Gardner told the Council: "As you know, at the last meeting we were able to report that Waterford had withdrawn their objection at the judicial review. 

"Since then we have written to Dunnes Stores to acknowledge the positive outcome of the judicial review, also to let them know that the Council is available if assistance is required to progress the opening of the Ferrybank Shopping Centre."

Mr Gardner also updated contact details with Dunnes following the recent retirement of Town Planner Denis Malone. 

He ended: "We have received no responses to date."

Councillors reacted to the update with concern, as Cllr Pat Dunphy noted that 'a good few people are asking questions' about the centre. He went on: "There was a feeling that it would be open by Christmas but that doesn't look likely. There's a lot of work to be done to lay out that bottom floor.

"Is this going to continue on again like it was for many years? I would write to them again, it is a bit disappointing that there's not much happening."

Mr Gardner replied: "I can ask our planning section to write to them to see if they have an update for the next meeting (October 7)."