Council withdraws judicial review over redevelopment of long-term vacant shopping centre
Sarah Slater
Waterford City and County Council has withdrawn its judicial review of a proposed redevelopment of a shopping centre, which has remained largely vacant for 18 years, after a High Court judge indicated he would not find in their favour.
The proposed redevelopment of Ferrybank Shopping Centre is now expected to go ahead after the council withdrew its High Court challenge on Monday.
The council had sought a judicial review of Kilkenny County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the long-awaited redevelopment of the site, which has been largely vacant since 2008. The site straddles the Waterford and Kilkenny local authorities' borders.
The approved plans include Dunnes Stores being the main tenant, with several additional retail units, restaurants and cafés.
A council spokesperson confirmed that it had withdrawn “its judicial review proceedings in the High Court".
The spokesperson explained that “following careful deliberation and legal advice, the Council initiated judicial review proceedings and was granted leave to proceed by the High Court on November 3rd, 2025.
“At the hearing on June 11th last, Mr Justice Humphreys indicated that, were he to deliver judgment on the case, he would not find in Waterford City and County Council’s favour.”
In those circumstances, the Council spokesperson said the local authority 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,” the spokesperson added.
In a statement, Kilkenny County Council said they were “pleased” with the outcome “with full costs awarded” to it.
“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,” the statement outlined.
