Kilmeaden Says No To Industrial Energy & Data Hub
We’re local residents sharing verified facts about planning application 2560625 and what it means for our community.
- Objection deadline: October 12, 2025
- People informed: 2391
- Planning reference: 2560625
What You Need to Know
Deadline: 12th October 2025
Planning Reference: 2560625
We are neighbours in Kilmeaden concerned about the scale and nature of a proposed development at the former Kilmeaden Cheese Factory site. The developer’s website, kilmeadenvillage.com, presents the plan mainly as a new “village centre.” However, the official planning application shows it is far larger and more industrial than most residents realise.
Consultation
No public meeting with residents is referenced in the planning documents. The developer notes only a pre-application meeting with the planning authority and has published information online.
Scale
Alongside a small village centre, the plan includes huge ICT/data buildings and an energy plant with fossil fuel turbines.
Energy
16 gas turbines and diesel backup — not just renewable solar panels.
Community Impact
Traffic, emissions, and loss of rural character are key concerns.
This is not just a small village upgrade — it’s a major technology and energy hub.
Developer Claims vs Planning Facts
Comparing what’s promoted on the developer’s site - kilmeadenvillage.com with the official planning application (ref 2560625)
Developer Claims
“We have engaged and are providing information to the community.”
Planning Facts
No public meeting with residents is mentioned. The developer confirms only a pre-application meeting with the planning authority and that an FAQ was published online.
Developer Claims
“A new village centre with shops, cafés, apartments.”
Planning Facts
Besides modest village amenities, the plan includes:
- Three ICT/data centre buildings ~72,099 m² total, parapets ~19.8 m, flues up to 25 m
- An energy centre with 16 gas turbines and flues to 29.8 m
- Solar farm with 43,056 panels and a large battery energy storage system
Developer Claims
“This is a green, sustainable project with renewable power.”
Planning Facts
The plan includes solar and batteries but also a major fossil-fuelled energy centre (gas turbines with diesel backup). The developer says the plant is to support grid stability during transition to renewables.
Developer Claims
“New amenities and jobs for Kilmeaden.”
Planning Facts
The village centre is relatively small — gym, café, 48 apartments, small offices. Most of the 108 hectares is technology/energy infrastructure rather than community facilities.
Developer Claims
“Safe, accessible design for all users.”
Planning Facts
The plan provides 441 parking spaces, new road connections and a bridge. The developer’s documents include transport assessments; residents may wish to question cumulative heavy traffic and safety implications for local roads.
Summary
The developer markets this as a village improvement, but official plans show a large-scale technology and energy complex. Review the planning application and make your own judgement.
How to Object to the Kilmeaden Development
Your objection matters. Every single submission is officially recorded and must be reviewed by Waterford City & County Council. There is a €20 statutory fee for submitting an objection
1Prepare Your Objection
Your objection must include:
- Your full name
- Your home address
- Your phone number
- The planning reference number:
2560625 - A clear statement that you oppose the development
You can also add your own reasons:
- The scale of the project is inappropriate for a village setting
- Environmental and health concerns (emissions, turbines, diesel backup generators)
- Traffic and road safety impacts
- Loss of village character and heritage
- Misleading public information from the developer
2Submit Your Objection
You can object in three ways:
By Email (Recommended)
planning@waterfordcouncil.ie
The Planning Office will phone you after receiving your email to collect the €20 fee.
Online
Submit through the official ePlanning Portal
You will need to register and pay the €20 fee online.
By Post or In Person
Planning Office
Menapia Building
The Mall
Waterford City
* Include your €20 fee (cheque, postal order, or card if in person).
3Confirm Receipt
- If you email, watch for a phone call to pay the fee
- If you submit online, ensure you receive confirmation
- If you post or deliver in person, keep your receipt
Tips for Writing Your Objection
- Keep it polite and factual. Strong objections are based on evidence and planning grounds.
- Use the facts. Reference specific issues like the gas turbines, emissions, industrial scale, or traffic impacts.
- Include personal impact. Explain how this development will specifically affect you and your property.
- Use our template. Download our objection letter template to help structure your submission.
Don't wait until the last minute — make your voice heard today.
Together, we can protect Kilmeaden.
About Us
We are local residents who want Kilmeaden’s future to be shaped openly and fairly. Our aim is to help neighbours understand planning application 2560625 and how to have their say. We believe our community should:
- Be properly consulted on major developments
- Receive accurate information from developers
- Have their concerns heard and addressed
- Protect their local environment and heritage
- Ensure developments serve community needs
- Hold developers accountable for what they present
Together, we can protect our community.