Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage views North Quays Public Infrastructure Project

On Friday, May 23rd, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD visited Waterford to view progress on the North Quay Public Infrastructure Project.
 
Joined by Minister of State with responsibility for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins TD and Government Chief Whip Minister Mary Butler TD, they visited the South Quays Plaza site for an update on the project which is supported by over €170m in Government funding, €100.6m from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and €70m from the National Transport Authority.
 
Minister Browne said, “This is a landmark day for the Waterford North Quays Project marking a crucial step in making the development a reality.
 
“The sustainable transport bridge will also act as a catalyst for the wider project and the SDZ development which will have a powerful impact on economic development across Waterford and the South-East.
 
“The first phase of the SDZ - which will deliver 350 new homes, a 160-bedroom hotel, retail units, public plazas and a riverside walk - is due to commence later this year.”
 
Minister of State with responsibility for Planning and Local Government John Cummins added, “This is a momentous day for Waterford and the wider region. Waterford City and County Council deserves great credit for embracing the URDF's potential to reimagine the North Quays as a dynamic and vibrant area, specifically designed to re-establish strong connections between the city centre and both its northern and southern banks.
 
“This project is a key element of the Council's comprehensive development plan for the area, enabling the development of commercial and residential land on the City's North Quays with direct and sustainable access to the city centre.”
 
Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council said, “This has been a momentous week for Waterford. To watch the giant floating sheerleg HEBO crane lift and fit these spans is a feat of engineering precision on a significant scale, that one can’t fail to be impressed by.
 
“The installation of the steel deck superstructure has created a buzz of anticipation about what this project can truly deliver for Waterford and the wider region.
 
“In tandem, the transport hub is progressing very well, with works to the platforms and rail track continuing and internal building fit out and external public entrance plaza at Dock Road due to commence in the coming months, while works in Ferrybank with the realigned Abbey Road and Dock Road are due to be complete in July and October respectively.”
 
The fast-tracking of integration works as part of construction of the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) will facilitate the opening of the bridge to the public in Q4 2026
 
The SDZ development places a significant emphasis on connecting the north and south quays and improving the public realm through investment in new high quality civic spaces. The direct benefit to Waterford of the investment in the SDZ Site is anticipated to be in excess of €350m over the next six years, with 200 people employed during construction and upwards of 1,500 jobs to be created following completion of phase one of the development.