Waterford named Best Place to Live in Ireland
In June The Irish Times launched its search for the Best Place to Live in Ireland and was today revealed that Waterford has been chosen as the overall winner.
Members of the public were invited to nominate their favourite place to live and over six weeks more than 2,400 entries for 470 locations were received. After being shortlisted in the Top five, a panel of judges visited Waterford, along with Clonakilty in Co Cork, Galway city, Glaslough in Co Monaghan and Killarney in Co Kerry.
Each place was judged on broad criteria including natural amenities, buildings, community initiatives and spirit, presence of clubs and societies, good local services, transport links, employment opportunities, diversity, the price of property and housing supply, and cost of living.
Michael Walsh, Waterford City and County Council Chief Executive said, “This is a great achievement for Waterford. It’s testament to the great business and community spirit and pride in the city. Waterford has so much to offer on so many levels. As Ireland’s Oldest City, it’s steeped in history and heritage and our natural amenities are exceptional and accessible. We have burgeoning pharma, life sciences, entrepreneurial and IT sectors with a great talent pool emanating from WIT.”
Mr. Walsh added, “I think our original nominator Micheál O’Foghlu really encapsulated what Waterford is about when he pitched Waterford as hitting ‘the sweet spot for size, not too small, not too big. Most amenities, from shopping to cliff walks are within 15 minutes of the city.’
