Car parks on Quay in Waterford city to remain for at least two years
Cllr Jason Murphy raised the issue at the May meeting of the Waterford Metropolitan District
The car parks on the Quay in Waterford city will remain in place until at least 2028, a council meeting has heard.
Fianna Fáil councillor Jason Murphy raised the issue at the May meeting of the Waterford Metropolitan District.
Cllr Murphy said: “At the last meeting, I raised the issue of the car parks on the Quay, particularly the car parks that the council own and lease out to private operators.
“Can I just ask again, because I don’t think I got an answer at last month’s meeting, when is the actual lease expiring and what is the process regarding the renewal of the lease?
“Will we as councillors have any role in that renewal or will we be informed of the terms of the renewal?”
In response, Paul Johnston, Senior Engineer at Waterford City and County Council, outlined the current status of the car parks.
Mr Johnston said: “In relation to the car parks on the Quay, there are two sections.
“The current lease with the car park operator is up at the end of June 2028. There’s still a couple of years on that.
“There’s a small section that was being used as a compound in relation to the South Plaza development.
“That will be returned in the next couple of weeks with the aim of reusing that as a car park until we have a plan for the area.”
He went on to say that whilst the council will look at developing a plan for the area before the lease expires.
Mr Johnston explained that the council has to provide a certain amount of parking for local businesses.
He added that the council is planning to undertake a survey of the parking situation in the city, particularly in relation to capacity.
Mr Johnston concluded by reassuring councillors that they will have the final say over the lease of the car parks.