Waterford councillor calls for North Quays shuttle bus as umbrella breaks on Rice Bridge

A Waterford councillor has reiterated calls for a shuttle bus on the new sustainable transport bridge in the city.

In a video posted to social media, Fianna Fáil councillor Adam Wyse’s umbrella broke as he attempted to walk across Rice Bridge in the rain.

He argued that the shuttle bus would be particularly useful in bad weather conditions and for people with mobility issues.

Cllr Wyse said: “The North Quays is a major development with a transport hub bringing people into Waterford by train, bus, car and taxi.

“But if people struggle to get across the river, particularly in poor weather or with mobility issues, then the connection simply is not good enough.”

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“If someone cannot comfortably get across, then I should not be able to either. That is the standard we should be aiming for.”

He noted that a shuttle bus linking the North Quays to the city centre has long been proposed by elected representatives.

“This was part of the original vision. The idea was to ensure the North Quays were fully connected from day one.

“Somewhere along the line, that element has fallen away, and it is worth revisiting.”

Cllr Wyse said that he has contacted both the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, and the National Transport Authority (NTA) with regards the issue.

“I hope the NTA can be supportive of this initiative and of the developer. A clean, electric shuttle makes sense for the city, for accessibility, and for the success of the development itself.”

“We have to plan for the next 50 years. We cannot rely on ‘sure it’s grand’ thinking and expect Waterford to grow. If we want the city to move forward, we have to design it properly now.

“This is about restarting a conversation that matters. If we get the connection right, Waterford benefits for generations.”

Cllr Wyse concluded by saying that the bus could continue through Barronstrand Street, Michael Street and the Apple Market sometime in the future.

He added that it would help properly knit the North Quays into the heart of the city, supporting footfall and local businesses.

When plans for the North Quays were originally drawn up, it was intended that an electric shuttle bus would transport passengers across the sustainable transport bridge.

However, the shuttle bus was later excluded from plans put forward by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

At the request of Waterford City and County Council, the NTA have since commissioned a feasibility study to explore the prospect of a shuttle bus on the bridge.

At the January meeting of the Metropolitan District, Acting Director of Services Claire Hartley said that the council hasn’t received the report yet.

However, she understood that the report was nearing completion and in the final draft stage.

Ms Hartley added that she will distribute the contents of the report to councillors as soon as she receives it from the NTA.