132 apartments, a major technology park, and a 40-megawatt solar farm are just some of the plans being proposed for the former Kilmeaden Cheese factory site in County Waterford.
Crag Rathnew DC Limited and Kent Homes Limited have lodged a planning application with Waterford City and County Council for a ten-year permission to redevelop the 108.79-hectare site at Blacknock and Adamstown, southwest of Kilmeaden village and adjoining the R680 Regional Road.
The Kilmeaden Cheese factory was established in the 1960s and was a notable producer of cheese for several decades. Production at the factory ceased in 2006 when Glanbia management made the decision to move operations to Ballyragget in Kilkenny.
At the heart of the redevelopment scheme is a new village centre featuring a two-storey mixed-use building with a gym, café, health centre, pharmacy, and offices. Plans also include a community centre, supermarket with garden centre, and two commercial buildings. Four apartment blocks are proposed, providing 132 homes in total, made up of 24 one-bedroom units and 108 two-bedroom units. A multi-use games area, crèche, ESB substations, recycling centre, and over 600 car parking spaces are also included in the design.
The central section of the site is earmarked for a modern technology park, which will feature five buildings for offices, light industry, and research and development. A large ICT (data storage and hosting) facility is also planned, consisting of three interconnected buildings and modular data halls, alongside an energy centre powered by 16 gas turbines, with transformers, stacks, and support buildings.
To the west, the developers plan a 40-megawatt solar farm comprising over 104,000 photovoltaic (PV) panels, transformers, delivery stations, access tracks, and security fencing.
The project also provides for a new vehicular access onto the R680, with pedestrian and cycle links to Kilmeaden village. A new bridge is planned to span a local watercourse, and stormwater management systems such as attenuation ponds and swales are proposed, along with an on-site wastewater treatment plant.
Environmental safeguards include both an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) to ensure compliance with ecological and planning regulations.
The site notice was erected on 8th September 2025, marking the beginning of the formal planning process.
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