Two Construction Contracts Awarded for Cappoquin Regeneration Project
Waterford City and County Council has awarded the first two construction contracts for the Cappoquin Regeneration Project.
Marlhill Construction from Ardfinnan has been awarded the contract for the refurbishment of Moore’s Hotel on Main Street, and Conor Phelan Construction from Dungarvan have been awarded the contract for the refurbishment of three terraced townhouses at 6, 7 and 8 Main Street.
The Department of Rural and Community Development is investing over €6m in the overall Cappoquin Regeneration Project through its Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF). This investment is being augmented by additional funding from Waterford City and County Council and the Cappoquin Regeneration Company. The Regeneration Project aims to address vacancy and dereliction in the town centre and invest in the town centre’s public domain.
The construction contract for the derelict former Moore’s Hotel will transform the 150-year-old building into residential upper floor accommodation over ground floor commercial premises. Extensive reconstruction, refurbishment and conservation works will be completed over the coming 12 months with the new properties ready for occupation by the end of 2025. The housing contract will transform the vacant terraced townhouses into three new homes with ancillary mews accommodation at the rear on Green Street. Again, extensive reconstruction and refurbishment works over the coming 12 months will deliver the new homes for occupation by the end of 2025.
Further projects currently in design development under the RRDF Regeneration Project include the refurbishment of Fennell’s Pub & Uniacke’s Shop on Main Street and proposed public realm works at Market Square and Main Street.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway acknowledged that it was a significant day for Cappoquin, saying “This investment is a ringing endorsement of the potential of Cappoquin and surrounds, as a vibrant, sustainable, and vital area that will see families locate to and thrive in.
“The success of the Cappoquin Regeneration Project will be measured against the success of similar rural regeneration projects, such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the West Waterford Sports Hub, and the rejuvenation of Blackwater House. These have breathed new life and energy into Waterford’s rural communities and no doubt, we can anticipate the same outcome in Cappoquin with the delivery of new, energy efficient, modern family homes to the area.”
Dr Ben Murphy, Chairperson and Director of Cappoquin Regeneration Company CLG, said that he and his fellow directors and members of Cappoquin Regeneration Company are delighted to see the first contracts of the town regeneration project being awarded.
“The company members have worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Cappoquin to reach this very important milestone for the town and acknowledges the support of the members and staff of Waterford City and County Council and the Tomar Trust in this regeneration project.”
He added, “We would also like to acknowledge the funding of the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund and we are very much looking forward to having another phase of the town centre regeneration project completed over the next 18 months.”
