Additional reporting by Robbie Byrne
It looks like the long-running legal dispute between Dunnes Stores and NAMA over the €100m Ferrybank Shopping Centre development is nearing completion.
The case had been due for mention in the High Court in December but has been deferred to February 2022.
Elected representatives were informed last week that a decision is due in about 6 weeks time.
According to Sean McKeown, Director of Planning, Economic and Environmental Services for Kilkenny Co Co, there is "positive engagement" between both NAMA and Dunnes Stores to resolve the dispute before the end of February.
Ferrybank Shopping Centre's vacant interior - Credit: johnpaul.ie
Councillor Fidelis Doherty says the development is positive news:
"It seems that its very positive at this stage, there's good work going towards a solution and that's what it's all about. It's been a very protracted, drawn out affair but within the next month to six weeks we're hoping to hear good news on it and get that shopping centre up and running because there's great facilities there like underground parking and so on."
She believes that businesses should be encouraged to set up shop in the centre in the future:
"The plaza there will lend itself to a lot of things. Maybe a few cafes, some retail outlets, a hardware store. Businesses should be allowed an opportunity and given support and let to develop there.
Main Image: Ferrybank Shopping Centre, Lawlor Consulting
