Victory for Kilmeaden community as mega Waterford data centre refused permission

One of the largest and most controversial planning applications ever submitted in Waterford has been refused by the local planning authority.

The 108-hectare mixed-use proposal has attracted significant protest from Kilmeaden locals in recent months, who say that the development would transform the small residential village into a largescale industrial site.

The planning application included provision for data centres, wind turbines and solar farms, as well as apartments, supermarket, gym, café, health centre and more.

For months, the local community have been active in their protest against the development.

Grassroot community groups have gone door-to-door since the application was submitted, encouraging residents to submit objections. Over 500 submissions were made by locals during the planning process.

On Sunday October 11, around 300 people held a drive-slow protest from Kilmeaden towards Waterford city.

The work has paid off, as on Thursday Waterford City and County Council rejected the planning application.

Kilmeaden local, Cllr John O'Leary, welcomed the refusal.

“Kilmeaden is my home, a beautiful village with a proud history and a strong sense of community. Its residents were determined to protect what makes our village special, and today their efforts have been rewarded. Every single person who contributed to this campaign should be immensely proud of what they have achieved.”

Congratulating the community, Cllr Catherine Burke, added, "The strength of feeling in the community was clear throughout this process."

Cllr Declan Clune said: “Today is a victory for the people of Kilmeaden, pure and simple. This was a community that refused to sit back and allow decisions affecting its future to go unchallenged."

(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)