Cosmo Developments Dungarvan Limited has lodged an appeal against Waterford City and County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a major housing proposal in the Kilrush area of Dungarvan.

The Large-scale Residential Development (LRD) application sought approval for 126 new homes along with a single-storey creche building, complete with outdoor play facilities, parking, and access roads.

The planning application was submitted to the local authority on July 9th, and the Council issued its decision to refuse permission on September 2nd, 2025.

According to the Council, the project was rejected because of concerns over stormwater management and flooding risks. The decision stated that:

“The Planning Authority is not satisfied that the existing stormwater network can accommodate any impact of the proposed development given the existing capacity constraints in the network and having due regard to the severe flooding events which have occurred downstream of the site.”

The Council further concluded that:

“It is not considered that the drainage proposals would represent a sustainable approach to servicing of the proposed development. As such, the proposed development is considered premature until necessary infrastructural upgrade works are in place.”

In response, Cosmo Developments Dungarvan Limited has appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála, submitting their case on September 26th, 2025. The appeal argues that the land in question was purchased from a local dairy farmer who had previously disputed its inclusion on the Residential Zoned Land Tax register. After that challenge failed, the purchase proceeded on the understanding that the land had adequate infrastructure in place. The appeal notes that the purchase was made:

“based on that map, with confirmation of [there] being sufficient capacity in the surface water network to accommodate development on the lands, which were therefore deemed serviced and developable.”

The developer also criticised the Council’s stance, describing it as inconsistent and unfair. Their submission stated:“Our client strongly refutes the WCCC position on technical and policy grounds and the basis of fairness and equity. Pursuing WCCC’s contention would, on one hand, as recently as 2023 that the lands are fully serviced and confirmed as having sufficient capacity to accommodate development on the lands whilst now on the other hand holding the view that they are premature.”

A final decision from An Coimisiún Pleanála on the appeal is expected by January 26th, 2026.

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