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Economic Development

By Waterford City & County Council

Expat Taxes wins the 2023 Waterford Digital Awards

Waterford Local Enterprise Office, together with Waterford City and County Council, is pleased to announce Expat Taxes as the 2023 Waterford Digital Awards Overall Winner.

The ceremony, which took place at Dooley’s Hotel on Friday 9th June, aimed to recognise and reward SMEs based in County Waterford who have developed their ecommerce and digital platforms as part of their product offering. The Awards were open to all businesses with less than 50 full time employees based in County Waterford.

Expat Taxes, the overall winner, is a boutique online tax practice that works with employees and their employers when they are moving to or from Ireland. It offers tax advisory and tax compliance services. Its aim is to make taxes less stressful and to help its clients navigate the complex work of international tax.

Stephanie Wickham, owner, was obviously delighted to win the award, “It’s such a thrill to win this award, we’re genuinely very surprised. There were so many fantastic local businesses shortlisted. After last year’s awards we applied for a Trading Online Voucher from the LEO and used it to upgrade our website. It has certainly increased our business and I’m sure made the difference in winning this award. We’d like to thank the team at the LEO for all their help over the years.”

The winners of each award category were:

  1. Best Business to Business Website – Learn Right Ltd.
  2. Best Business to Customer Website – Phoenix Mind and Body Performance
  3. Best E Commerce Website – Hill’s Standard
  4. Best Export Website – Expat Taxes Ltd.
  5. Best in social media – Pepper Hustle

The winner of each category received €1,000 towards technical advice, photography, videography and marketing. The overall winner received €2,500 in cash.

Brid Kirby, Acting Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Waterford was extremely impressed with the standard of entries, “In what is only our 2nd Waterford Digital Awards I’m delighted to see the increase in entries and standard of entries this year. Following a review of last year’s competition, we tweaked the categories and qualifying, and it paid off. Each of the category winners were excellent and it was so difficult to choose a winner. Though Stephanie and the team at Expat Taxes thoroughly deserve their award.

“Through training and Trading Online Vouchers many of our clients have transitioned to include digital sales and promotional platforms. This development has reaped financial rewards for many, while these awards are an opportunity to give them some public acclaim also.”

ENDS

Photo by Colin Shanahan – DigiCol Photography – http://www.digicolphotography.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Bilberry to City Centre Waterford Greenway Link officially opened

The Bilberry to City Centre Waterford Greenway Link was officially opened today (Friday June 2nd), by the Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. John O’Leary.

The new section, funded to the tune of €12.5 million by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and delivered and managed by Waterford City and County Council, links the Waterford Greenway from the Bilberry car park to the Clock Tower in the City Centre, as well as connecting it to the Waterford sustainable transport bridge due to be delivered in 2025 and the start of the Waterford to New Ross Greenway.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary said, “We are delighted to officially open this section of Waterford Greenway.  The new link section will open up the route allowing walkers, runners, and cyclists to continue their shared journey right into the heart of the city centre and beyond.”

“It’s significant to note that this link will give users access to the Southeast and Southern Greenway networks and reach locations such as New Ross, Youghal and Mallow.

“Waterford is experiencing a renaissance.  With work commenced on the North Quays SDZ an exciting opportunity lies in store for the city, county, and region as a whole.

“The city’s economic, commercial and tourism offerings will undoubtedly be enhanced, and the addition of the Bilberry City Centre Waterford link showcases the very best of the county as it traverses from countryside to city centre.”

Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, said, “The Bilberry to City Centre Waterford link, which forms part of the Cork to Waterford Intra-Urban Demonstrator Pathfinder project will be extremely valuable to the local area as well as those travelling from further afield, and will for first time, create a seamless cycle link between two Irish cities.

“All of the best cities and towns in the world are moving this way – to re-imagine and re-design their centres as active travel hubs, by reallocating road space and by putting in infrastructure which makes it safer and easier for people to walk, cycle or wheel. This new stretch of the Waterford Greenway extends it right into the heart of the city and long the historic quays. This will be good for visitors but particularly good for local people and businesses, making it easier for school children to get to and from schools safely, or allowing people to stroll or bike into this beautiful medieval city centre to shop, and in time, to continue on by public transport, or by connecting greenways to other towns in the region.”

The Active Travel project comprised of the construction of 2.1km long and 4m wide cycle and pedestrian shared surface from the Greenway car park at Bilberry, along Bilberry Road, Grattan Quay, and Merchants Quay to the South Quay Plaza at the Clock Tower.

The new section includes 210 metres of two new cantilevered boardwalks over the River Suir at Grattan Quay and Bilberry Rock, along with a full overhaul of the pedestrian routes and traffic signals at the junction of Rice Bridge, while existing facilities on Grattan Quay and Merchants Quay car park see the addition of high-quality surface finishes, landscaping, and street furniture.

The construction was undertaken by John Cradock Construction Ltd. and comprised of almost 65,000 hours worked on the project, with 250 employed on the construction phase at various times across the project.

The sustainable elements of the project are quite prominent as the newly installed segregated urban shared surface has been finished with energy efficient LED lighting, along with approximately 350 trees and 900m2 of wildflower beds planted. 8,000 tonnes of concrete, tarmacadam, and excavated rock, which would ordinarily go to landfill, have been recycled for reuse on the site.

Anne Graham, Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority added, “The National Transport Authority is delighted to have been able to work with Waterford City and County Council on this impressive addition to its hugely successful Greenway.

“This new link is one of 35 projects across Waterford benefitting from €11 million of Active Travel funding allocated by the NTA in 2023.  The funding is aimed towards building a comprehensive active travel network that can be enjoyed by all.”

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Images – free to use: Patrick Browne

By Waterford City & County Council

Applications now open for Casual Trading Licence at Durrow Station, Waterford Greenway – Summer Season 2023

Waterford City & County Council has initiated an application process for one casual trading licence at Durrow Station, Waterford Greenway for the summer season of 2022 from 1st June to 31st August 2023.

Intending applicants are asked to refer to the application guidelines, terms and conditions in advance of completing an application at Durrow station casual trading.

Applicants will also need to ensure they are familiar with the 2021 Waterford City & County Council Casual Trading Bye Laws.

Applications must be submitted via Waterford City & County Council’s online application system at https://submit.link/1O6

Closing date for applications is 17:00 hrs Monday 29th May 2023. Applications received after this time and date will NOT be considered as part of this application process.

The successful applicant must be ready to commence trading at the specified location on 2nd June 2023.

For enquiries and further information email: greenway@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Applications now open for Casual Trading Licence at Durrow Station, Waterford Greenway – Summer Season 2023

Waterford City & County Council has initiated an application process for one casual trading licence at Durrow Station, Waterford Greenway for the summer season of 2022 from 1st June to 31st August 2023.

Intending applicants are asked to refer to the application guidelines, terms and conditions in advance of completing an application at Durrow station casual trading.

Applicants will also need to ensure they are familiar with the 2021 Waterford City & County Council Casual Trading Bye Laws.

Applications must be submitted via Waterford City & County Council’s online application system at https://submit.link/1O6

Closing date for applications is 17:00 hrs Monday 29th May 2023. Applications received after this time and date will NOT be considered as part of this application process.

The successful applicant must be ready to commence trading at the specified location on 2nd June 2023.

For enquiries and further information email: greenway@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Official Openings of Rural Development Projects

On May 16th,  Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor John O’Leary along with the Cathaoirleach of the Comeragh Municipal District, Councillor Liam Brazil officially opened a trio of new facilities in the Comeragh area.

First off was the new Lemybrien Playground where Councillor Brazil spoke about the great facility now in place which was very much designed with inclusivity and special needs in mind and which was proving a fantastic attraction for families from miles around. He also spoke of the contribution of the local community under the leadership of Kevin Lonergan.

Next it was on to Mahon Falls where Councillor O’Leary and Councillor Brazil jointly opened the newly expanded and improved car-park. Here, the emphasis was very much on the growing recreational value of the Comeragh Mountains to both local residents and visitors alike. A landscape which inspires everybody who visits there but also a landscape which needs to be valued and protected. Again, the contribution and involvement of the local community was acknowledged, particularly that of the Comeraghs Development Group, and the cooperation of local landowners, particularly Pat Keating and the commonage owners of the lands leading to the Falls.

The final destination was Kilmeaden where the Mayor officially opened the new Greenway link connecting Kilmeaden village to the Waterford Greenway at Kilmeaden Station. Councillor O’Leary paid particular compliments to the work of Waterford and Suir Valley Railway, to the Council staff involved and particularly to the contribution of landowners John and Joan Stephenson, who had allocated a significant amount of their personal property in order to accommodate the link.

In Kilmeaden also, the Mayor, in conjunction with the local Kilmeaden-Ballyduff group, launched a new initiative called the Kilmeaden-Ballyduff Community Garden, the work of which will bring substantial joy to the residents of the area over the next number of years. At the launch, the group was represented by Peter Jacob, Linda Spillane and Declan Finn.

Across all three facilities, there were distinct similarities which both Councillor O’Leary and Brazil alluded to. All three were of a recreational nature and encouraging of outdoor activity. They were funded by various but complementary government programmes – the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the Active Travel programme. There was community involvement in all schemes and, vitally, there was huge cooperation from local land owners. Finally, there was real commitment for those entrusted with delivering the projects, particularly the Council staff involved but also the contractors employed by the Council who did excellent work on all three projects.

The Mayor’s final wish was that everyone who used these facilities, locals and visitors alike, would get joy, health and a feeling of well-being from their presence and that the Comeraghs area would continue to be a source of joy and inspiration to all who visit her and enjoy her beauty.

-ends-

Free to use images – David Clynch

By Waterford City & County Council

Another Successful Year for Waterford Council’s Partnership with Dungarvan College

Another Successful Year for Waterford City and County Council’s Partnership with Dungarvan College in association with Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) Schools’ Business Partnership Programme

Waterford City and County Council was delighted to continue its partnership with Dungarvan College, facilitated by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) for the 2022/23 School Year.

Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), through its Schools’ Business Partnership, partners schools with businesses and organisations and is aimed at informing and empowering second level students and introducing them to the world of work.

This year under the programme a group of students from 2nd Year in Dungarvan College gained insights into the variety of roles in Waterford City & County Council from hearing “a day in my working life” stories from a number of staff carrying out some of the many different roles in the Council, from trade roles to firefighters to web designers and librarians.  Through this engagement the students heard about potential career paths that could be open to them through school completion.

Waterford City and County Council also delivered classroom sessions on Health & Safety and Climate Action, topics that will have life-long relevance for this age group in their personal and professional lives.  This is the first year where sessions were delivered in the classroom as this programme commenced during the pandemic and has evolved from there.

As part of the programme, the students and their teachers took a day-trip to visit some of the sites managed by the Local Authority to see as well as hear about the many projects and services delivered by Council staff.

The first stop was Waterford City Fire Station where the students were given a tour of the station and got to try on uniforms and apparatus used by the Fire Service in responding to incidents. The group were intrigued by the alarm and response systems as well as the underground tunnels used for training. This visit definitely whet the appetite for many of the group for a career in the Fire Services.

From there the next stop was City Hall where the group were greeted by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary.  Cllr O’Leary spoke to the group about his job as an elected representative, how he gets voted in and the onus that is on him to represent the people from his area. Cllr O’Leary also spoke about the history of City Hall and its surroundings.  After lunch in Kilmeaden, the group met with the Council’s Trails Officer Johnny Brunnock, who led them on a walk along the new section of the Waterford Greenway.  Mr. Brunnock chatted with the group about what is involved in making a tourism product out of the beautiful natural tracks and trails we have in this County and the development of new ones also. He explained how much of his role revolves around working with local communities and also trying to secure funding sources to enhance Waterford’s trail offering

In the recent wrap up session at Dungarvan College on May 18th, the students involved did the talking and delivered a comprehensive presentation on their programme learnings and ways in which they have benefitted from the programme.

Speaking at the wrap-up session, Helen Hogan from Dungarvan College extended her thanks to Karen Hallahan and Claire Flavin of Waterford City and County Council and to Alice Kavanagh from BITCI for their enthusiasm and engagement around this programme.  She added the students had been given opportunities to gain insights into potential careers previously unknown to them and this will give them food for thought as they complete their second level studies and start to think in terms of career choice.  Waterford City and County Council facilitators Karen Hallahan and Claire Flavin said the Council was delighted to be involved with this programme, hailing it as beneficial to all stakeholders involved.

Waterford City and County Council have previously worked on successful BITC partnerships with secondary schools in Waterford City as part of Transition Year Programmes.  Nationally BITC has developed hundreds of partnerships, involving over 40,000 students across Ireland.  In its involvement in this programme, Waterford City and County Council joins a line-up of renown with companies including KPMG, Mazars, State Street, Irish Life, Davy, KBC all involved in school partnerships across the country.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Meeting today – Dunmore East Regeneration

  • Is there something you can contribute to ensure that Dunmore East becomes a better place – for everybody?
  • Do you feel you know the potential developments and projects which could make Dunmore East a better place?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes” then it would be great if you could attend:
Dunmore East Regeneration Public Meeting in The Marquee at The Haven Hotel on Wednesday 17th May 2023 at 7.30 p.m.

One of the main aims of the evening will be to initiate the establishment of a new Dunmore East Regeneration and Development Group. We will also be commencing the process of developing a new Dunmore East Regeneration Plan.

Any queries can be addressed to townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Enterprise Office Waterford launch the 2023 Digital Awards

Following the success of last year’s competition, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, together with Waterford County Council have announced the 2023 entries portal is now open

The Awards aim to recognise and reward SMEs based in County Waterford who have developed their e-commerce and digital platforms as part of their product offering. The Awards are open to all businesses with less than 50 full-time employees based in County Waterford.

The award categories are:

  1. Best E Commerce Website
  2. Best Business to Business Website
  3. Best Business to Customer Website
  4. Best Export Website
  5. Best in social media
  • Overall Website/social media of the Year

Each category will have up to four shortlisted entrants who will be selected after an evaluation of their website/social media platforms by independent expert judges.

The winner of each category will receive €1,000 towards technical advice, photography, videography, and marketing. The overall winner will receive €2,500 in cash.

Jacqui Gaule, Acting Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Waterford commented at the launch of the awards, “We were blown award with the volume and quality of entries in our inaugural competition last year. We’ve made some slight changes this year, opening it up to more businesses in Waterford. Through training and Trading Online Vouchers many of our clients have transitioned to include digital sales and promotional platforms. These awards are an opportunity to reward those who have made the extra effort.”

Last year’s winner, Mark Bergin of Coffee House Lane encourages anyone with a digital platform to apply, “Any modern retail business needs an effective digital sales and promotions platform. Our website is an extension of our business and our family’s attitude to our work. We were thrilled to win, what was the first Waterford Digital Awards trophy.”

The entry portal is now open and remains so until 26th April 2023. Finalists will receive two free tickets to the Waterford Digital Awards, which will held in Dooleys Hotel on 9th June.

For further information follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Expressions of Interest sought to serve on Waterford LEO’s Evaluation and Approvals Committee (EVAC)

The Local Enterprise Office, Waterford is seeking Expressions of Interest from suitable individuals to serve (pro bono) on its Evaluation and Approvals Committee (EVAC). This
7-person committee meets 4 to 6 times each year to evaluate applications for financial support from people with a business idea, to start up businesses and for businesses that are growing, based in Waterford, that meet certain criteria.

We are seeking Individuals with specific areas of business expertise in
• entrepreneurship,
• knowledge of markets/sectors/technology
to join the EVAC.

If you wish to be considered to join a panel of suitable qualified individuals, please submit your CV to Ms. Jacqui Gaule, A/Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, 35 The Mall, Waterford or via e-mail at jgaule@waterfordcouncil.ie before 20th April, 2023.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council opens Urban Façade Improvement Scheme

Waterford City and County Council is inviting submissions for the Urban Façade Improvement Scheme 2023

urban_facade_grant_waterford_2023

The pilot scheme has been introduced by the Local Authority’s Economic Development Department to assist in improving the presentations of buildings in notable areas of Waterford City Centre, Tramore Town Centre and Dungarvan Town Centre.

Eligible properties will be awarded 50% of the costs of improvement works to upper and lower floors up to a maximum allocation of €2,000.

Michael Quinn, Director of Services for Economic Development, Waterford City and County Council said, “The purpose of the scheme is to give assistance to those with properties situated on main thoroughfares and within notable areas of these three districts, to enhance the façade of the properties and make improvements to building exteriors that will augment the presentation of these areas.

“Through collective participation, the Urban Façade Improvement Scheme has the potential to boost the vibrancy of these urban centres and create a more attractive, inviting environment for residents, visitors, and shoppers to enjoy.

“The grant must be used for the repair and improvement of all or any part of a building that is visible from the street. It can be for something as simple as repairing and cleaning guttering, removing redundant wiring and alarm boxes or painting and cleaning the exterior of the property.

“Overall, the scheme is applicable to residents and businesses in these centres to help improve not just their own building, but also enhance the character of their areas.”

There is limited funding for this scheme so it is recommended that those who wish to participate apply before all funds are allocated. Applicants will require two quotes for the works and permission from the property owner where necessary before they are approved.

For further information or to apply to the Urban Façade Improvement Scheme visit https://waterford.submit.com/show/141

By Waterford City & County Council

Urban Façade Improvement Scheme 2023

A Waterford City and County Council incentive to improve the facades of central urban building.

Waterford City & County Council is extending a support to assist in the improvement of visible facades (upper and lower floors) of buildings in high notable areas of Waterford City, Tramore Town Centre and Dungarvan Town Centre.
This scheme allows for up to 50% of the cost of improvement works (excl. VAT) to the exterior presentation of a building, including upper floors, up to €2,000 (amount decided upon approval). For more information please see full Terms and Conditions.

How it works?

  1. Fill out the application form, submit two quotes for the estimated costs, a description of the planned works and pictures of the property.
  2. If your application is approved you will be notified the amount you have been approved for and a deadline of 6 months to complete the works.
  3. Return the Supplier Set Up Form by post. This form is our way of paying out to you once the works are completed. A hard copy must be sent. You will be sent this when approved.
  4. Once the works are complete, submit your invoices and a picture of the completed works. You will be allowed 50% of the costs of works (excl. VAT) up to the amount you were allocated when approved.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Expressions of Interest sought for Commercial & Residential Tenant at 9 Main Street, Tramore

Waterford City & County Council are inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from commercially oriented parties interested in working in partnership with the Council to deliver and occupy an ‘exemplar living above the shop’ proposal at 9 Main Street, Tramore, Co Waterford.

The Council has secured funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage to assist in the delivery of this project and the end use must be an exemplar residential above commercial premises  to meet grant requirements.

Detailed Expression of Interests including a completed Declaration as to Personal Circumstances should be emailed to: 9MainstreetEOI@waterfordcouncil.ie no later than 17:00 on Wednesday 22nd March 2023.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Student set for National Enterprise final

Local Enterprise Office Waterford has announced that a winning teenager entrepreneur, Nathan Sfendji from Waterpark College will represent Waterford at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Finals on Friday 5th May.

The winning business, named Hart Island is an online fashion retailer with clothing made in the EU using innovative and new to market techniques. The clothing is made from 100% organic cotton and environmentally sustainable. He also mixes recycled cotton into newer products, further reducing reliance on organic materials.

An estimated 850 students from 14 Waterford schools took part in the annual programme this year. 120 took part in the Waterford Final on March 7th as part of Local Enterprise Week, which was held at the Park Hotel in Dungarvan.

The enterprise education initiative, funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland and delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country, saw over 24,000 students from just under 500 secondary schools across the country take part in 2021 / 2022.  The programme supports students to create, design and market their own business, all with the hope of reaching the National Finals.

The Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr John O’Leary, spoke at the event about the Council’s long-standing commitment to youth enterprise and the outstanding efforts of the whole team at the Local Enterprise Office in Waterford.

Waterford has a strong history in this competition, winning awards on numerous occasions, including the overall Best Senior Enterprise Award, and hopes are high for more success this year.

Speaking at the county final, Acting Head of Enterprise, Jacqui Gaule of Local Enterprise Office Waterford congratulated the students, saying,

“We have a very successful student enterprise programme here in Waterford. By fostering an enterprising culture in the classroom, the Local Enterprise Offices are working with teachers and schools to help nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs. Our national finalists are excellent ambassadors for the programme and we wish them the very best of luck on the May 5th. We will all be there to support them.  What our students are learning from the programme is that with the right supports and encouragement, they can take an idea from the classroom and develop it into a real-life business. The skills they learn along the way, such as business planning, market research, selling and teamwork, will help them become more entrepreneurial throughout their future careers”.

Since the Student Enterprise Programme began in 2003, over 300,000 students have taken part, learning key skills on how to create a business idea, start a business and grow a business.  The Student Enterprise Programme also has new range of online resources for 2022 / 2023 at www.StudentEnterprise.ie, which will feature regular blogs and houses a full range of Student Enterprise resources for students and teachers.

Further information around the Student Enterprise Programme is available from www.studententerprise.ie and by searching #studententerprise on social media.

ENDS     

LEO -TYAwards – 154 John O’Leary (Mayor Waterford City & County Council), Jacqui Gaulle (Acting Head of Enterprise LEO Waterford) and David Walsh (Business Advisor LEO Waterford) presenting 1st Prize to Nathan Sfendji of Hart Island Clothing, representing Waterpark College, Waterford at the LEO County Final Student Enterprise Awards at The Park Hotel, Dungarvan on Tuesday 7th March 2023. Photo: Karen Dempsey Photography        

By Waterford City & County Council

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar breaks ground on North Quays Public Infrastructure Project

On a seminal day for Waterford, ground was broken on the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD.

The project comes following last November’s Government approval of €170.6m of investment in the North Quays Project, consisting of €100.6m of Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) funding and a further €70m from the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA), which will open up access to the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ).

The public infrastructure works funded by the Government in the North Quays include enhanced multi-modal access routes, an integrated transport hub including the relocation of Waterford train station to a more convenient location, and the sustainable transport bridge. The sustainable transport bridge will link the reallocated train station to new walking and cycling infrastructure.  These works will reduce the reliance on private car and facilitate alternative modes of transport for those accessing the area through the delivery of enhanced and integrated sustainable and active travel infrastructure.

The main contract for these infrastructure works was awarded to BAM in November 2022 and today’s ground breaking ceremony signals the commencement of substantial construction works which are expected to be completed in 2025.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary said, “Today is a momentous day for Waterford and the region. This breaking of ground represents more than just the start of works on access infrastructure in the city. It represents the start of Waterford’s renaissance.

“As Ireland’s oldest city, with a rich tapestry of over 1,000 years of history, today marks a new phase in Waterford’s story…one very much with its sights set on moving forward. This transformative project is set to act as a catalyst in assuring Waterford’s economic potency, along with delivering a myriad of environmental, social and tourism benefits to the Southeast.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD said, “It’s an honour to be in Waterford today on what is a historic day as we break ground on what will be a new quarter for Ireland’s most ancient city.  It will unlock the North Quays as a place for thousands of people to live, work, shop and visit. It will help Waterford to become a city of scale that can attract more investment, jobs and skills.

“This high quality, sustainable public infrastructure project in the heart of Waterford City, along with the attendant development of the North Quays Strategic Development Zone, is of huge economic and social importance to the city and the South-East.

“The infrastructure project will drive economic development and create jobs in Waterford and the wider region, and the development of the SDZ will enhance the city’s economic, commercial and tourist offering and improve the quality of life for people living in the city.

“The overall project is a great example of how we can make transformative improvements to our cities and towns with coordinated planning, along with public and private investment.

“Project Ireland 2040 is focused on balanced regional development and includes the target to grow Waterford at twice the rate of Dublin, by 50% by 2040. Breaking ground on the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project marks an important milestone in achieving that goal.”

The infrastructure will enable the commercial development on the SDZ Site, which will include offices, residential, retail, accommodation, and tourism investment in conference/exhibition facilities, as well as a 4-star hotel and visitor’s centre.

The proposed development also places a significant emphasis on improving the public realm through investment in new civic spaces, pedestrian facilities, and high-quality transport infrastructure which will connect Waterford and the Southeast greenways.

Waterford’s new state of the art Transport Hub will be unique in Ireland and will put Waterford at the forefront of integrated city centre transport infrastructure, with train, bus, taxi, cycling and car parking all in one location.  The North Quays will be connected to the heart of the city centre by a new sustainable transport bridge for pedestrians, bicycles, and a courtesy bus service.

Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD said, “Last October I launched the Pathfinder Programme of 35 exemplar, sustainable mobility and public transport projects to be delivered by local authorities and agencies within the next three years. Today marks the start of the largest of all the pathfinder projects here at Waterford North Quays.

“This project is the essence of what a Pathfinder Project is all about; it’s creative, it’s ambitious, it’s people-centred.  It will transform the vision that Waterford City and County Council has for the people of the town and the visitors who come here into a reality, delivering a sustainable, attractive and liveable place to live here on the North Quays and providing safe and accessible active travel connections, across the river into town, to the Waterford Greenway and the South East Technological University and indeed, in time, onto Cork through the new Inter-Urban link. It’s good planning and good transport in action, together.”

The commercial development of the site will be carried out by Harcourt Developments, a Dublin-based property development and management company with a broad portfolio of award-winning projects, including Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, Park West Plaza, and numerous shopping centres throughout the country.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said, “This is a transformational project for Waterford. The North Quays is a site I have visited before and I think it is clear for all to see the potential for jobs, for investment, for commercial development and indeed for much needed residential development. I want to highly commend Waterford City and County Council for the work they have done on getting to this point.”

Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland commented, “The BAM team is delighted to be breaking ground today and look forward to working with Waterford City and County Council to deliver this sustainable infrastructure project that will positively impact the city environs for the people of Waterford.”

The development of the North Quays as a modern multi-purpose development on the North site of the city will increase employment, provide much needed high-quality residential units, enhance the retail offer and build on Waterford’s reputation as the Best Place to Live.

-ENDS-

Photos – Free to use:  Patrick Browne

Breaking ground at the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project in Waterford were Michael Walsh, Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. John O’Leary and Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan

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