Plans for flagship Dunnes Stores in Waterford cleared after council drops court challenge 

Waterford City and County Council withdrew its proceedings after the High Court indicated it was unlikely to rule in its favour

A dispute between Waterford and Kilkenny councils over the proposed redevelopment of Ferrybank Shopping Centre has ended, paving the way for Dunnes Stores to proceed with its flagship south-east outlet. Stock picture

Plans for a flagship Dunnes Stores development at the long-vacant Ferrybank Shopping Centre have been cleared after Waterford City and County Council withdrew a High Court challenge gainst the project.

Waterford had sought a judicial review of Kilkenny County Council's decision to grant planning permission for the development on the Kilkenny-Waterford border.

However, the local authority withdrew the proceedings after the High Court indicated it was unlikely to rule in its favour.

In a statement, Waterford City and County Council said Mr Justice Humphreys had signalled during a hearing in June that he would not find in the council's favour if judgment were delivered.

"In those circumstances, the council decided to withdraw the proceedings," it stated.

"While the decision to bring the proceedings was not taken lightly, the council accepts that it failed to persuade the court of its position."

Under the terms of the withdrawal, Kilkenny County Council's legal costs will be covered. 

Waterford City and County Council declined to comment on the amount spent on legal fees or the level of costs it will now be required to pay.

"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," a spokesperson for Kilkenny County Council said.

Waterford's challenge in 2025 

The Waterford council's challenge, lodged in November 2025, centred on Kilkenny County Council's decision to grant planning permission without a retail impact assessment. 

It also argued the proposed store could have a significant impact on retail activity in Waterford city centre.

The development is expected to serve as Dunnes Stores' flagship outlet in the south-east, with more than 5,000sq m of retail space across two floors.

Located on the Kilkenny-Waterford border, the shopping centre is less than 10 minutes from Waterford city centre.

Despite being completed in 2009, it has remained largely vacant, with only a community library operating from the complex.

According to Lawler Consulting, which was involved in the centre's design, Ferrybank Shopping Centre contains around 30,000sq m of retail floor space, making it one of the largest shopping centres in the State.

Original plans

The centre was originally developed by property developer Dermot McPhillips and was intended to include a retail warehouse, 16 retail units, health and beauty outlets, 12 apartments, and a range of civic amenities.

Land Registry records show ownership passed to Dunnes Stores, trading as Better Value Unlimited Company, in 2022.

Before the withdrawal of the legal challenge, one Waterford councillor described the dispute as a "tragicomedy of errors" that had permanently damaged relations between the two local authorities.