Minister of State makes return to his native Waterford
Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins TD paid a visit to his home city of Waterford last week (Friday, February 21st) where he met with Waterford City and County Council management team and visited an affordable housing development in Tramore.
First port of call was City Hall where Minister Cummins met with Waterford City and County Council Chief Executive, Sean McKeown and members of the senior management team, where he was updated on a range of topical issues including the URDF (Urban Regeneration and Development Fund) projects in the city and county.
Some of the ongoing URDF projects include the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ); the redevelopment of the former Munster Express building on Merchant’s Quay into a smart data research hub; Parade Quay, a mixed-use development and new urban realm space in the Viking Triangle, and the large-scale redevelopment of the historic city centre building at No.3 & No. 4 George’s Street.
There was also discussion on planning matters, social and affordable housing projects, including cost rental.
The Minister then travelled to Tramore where he officially turned the sod on The Courtyard at Ballycarnane, the latest affordable housing development in the seaside town. The scheme when completed will consist of 25 newly built and beautifully designed homes, with a mix of two- and three-bedroom terrace and semi-detached properties. The Courtyard is the latest development launched under the Affordable Purchase Scheme, in partnership with Waterford City and County Council and developers, R. McDonald & Sons.
Through the scheme, these homes are available at a reduced price for first-time buyers whose mortgage and deposit will not cover the price of the home and who are seeking to purchase a newly built home. The scheme was introduced in 2024 and will be completed by the end of 2025.
Speaking of the visit, Minister Cummins said, “I was delighted to visit Waterford City and County Council on Friday in my capacity as Minister of State at the Department of Housing. My meeting with members of the senior management team focused on the future of Waterford city and county, particularly a number of projects that we will work hard to progress. As part of my visit, it was an honour to turn the sod on the latest affordable purchase development in Tramore, the Courtyard, Ballycarnane which is being delivered by Waterford City & County Council with the support of the Affordable Housing Fund.”
“I want to commend all involved at Waterford City and County Council and at R. McDonald & Sons in delivering these exceptional, well-designed, modern, energy efficient homes beautifully located here in the sunny southeast. This government is committed to providing more housing solutions for people. This visit and the interest around this development displays the scheme is working to help get people on the housing ladder. I look forward to seeing these houses used in time to come and I will continue to work hard to offer more solutions like this.”
In welcoming Minister Cummins to City Hall, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “We are delighted to welcome Minister Cummins to City Hall in his new role as Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. John is no stranger to Waterford Council having served as a councillor for over eleven years and as a Senator for five years.”
“As a local authority that has been highlighted as an exemplar in housing provision, it was great to discuss the Council’s pipeline of housing initiatives, the regeneration of our towns and villages through URDF and RRDF (Rural Regeneration and Development Fund) and the progress on the North Quays.”
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Images (Free to Use); Noel Browne
1: Minister Cummins TD is pictured with (l-r) Richard McDonald, R. McDonald & Sons, Government Chief Whip Mary Butler TD, Sean McKeown Waterford City & County Council Chief Executive, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, and Senator Joe Conway.
4: Minister Cummins TD with Richard McDonald, R. McDonald & Sons and Walter Holden Senior Executive Architect, Waterford City & County Council.
8: Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins TD turns the sod on The Courtyard development at Ballycarnane, Tramore with
Walter Holden, Senior Executive Architect Waterford City & County Council; Clodagh McDonald, Lawrence & McDonald Selling Agents; Richard McDonald, R. McDonald & Sons; Helena Dennehy, Director of Services Waterford City and County Council; Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy; Government Chief Whip Mary Butler TD, Sean McKeown Waterford City & County Council Chief Executive; Senator Joe Conway & Melanie Cunningham-Head, Waterford City and County Council.
