Permission granted for Dunnes at Ferrybank Shopping Centre after over a decade of setbacks

A monumental breakthrough has been made for Dunnes Stores at Ferrybank Shopping Centre, as conditional planning permission has been granted for the retailer to commence operations.

The shopping centre has been vacant since its construction was completed in 2008.

In the years following, politicians and residents in the area have made constant calls for owners of the site, Dunnes Stores, to progress with the development following significant setbacks.

The plans which were conditionally approved this week include the change of use and amalgamation of the centre’s unoccupied car showroom with the centre’s permitted retail anchor unit at ground floor level to form a new single-level anchor unit.

The reconfigured anchor unit will have 3,000 sqm net of convenience floorspace, including an ancillary off-licence.

2,042 sqm net of comparison floorspace is also approved, which likely will consist of a space designated to the sale of accessories and clothing.

The first floor of the retail anchor unit will be repurposed into a separate leisure unit measuring 3,140 sqm.

It is understood that a gym provider has been sought for this first-floor space.

Applicant Better Value Unlimited Company were granted permission for the development to commence by Kilkenny County Council on Monday (August 25), subject to four conditions.