Call to explore possibility of building tunnel under River Suir in Waterford city
A Waterford councillor has called for the idea to be explored
A local councillor has called for the possibility of building a tunnel under the River Suir in Waterford city to be explored.
Fianna Fáil councillor Adam Wyse made the suggestion at yesterday’s September plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.
Cllr Wyse took to social media after the meeting to further outline what he is proposing.
In a post on Facebook, he wrote: “What does Waterford need to look like in 2050? Without real ambition, it could look very much the same.
“We all know the traffic problems. Active Travel, BusConnects and other short-term measures may help, but they won't solve the bigger problem.
“At today’s council meeting, I called for us to start thinking much bigger.”
Cllr Wyse outlined the concerns he raised over placing another river crossing on the Quay in the city centre.
“The proposed feasibility study for a third river crossing originally looked at the Tower Hotel/Mall area.
“I questioned that approach. Why bring even more traffic towards an area already struggling with congestion?
“I want the study to properly examine a crossing further east, taking pressure off the city centre.”
He went on to highlight his suggestion of building a tunnel under the River Suir.
“I also raised the possibility of a tunnel from the Cork Road side, under the Suir, towards Ferrybank or the North Quays.
“I know some will say ‘it'll never happen’ or ‘you're a dreamer’, but if we talk ourselves out of ambitious ideas before we even explore them, we're only holding Waterford back.
“The Director of Roads was extremely supportive of this approach today.”
Cllr Wyse acknowledged that such a project would bring huge challenges, but insisted that that shouldn’t put the council off exploring the idea.
“The reality is that projects like these bring disruption. They bring years of construction, inconvenience and difficult decisions.
“Some politicians may look at that and decide it's easier not to go there, but leadership isn't just about delivering what is easy.
“It's about having the courage to stand over what is necessary. I believe Waterford needs a new era of political ambition.
“If those in Government aren't willing to back Waterford, or any city or county, to reach its full potential, then it's time for those who do have that ambition to step up and make the case.”
He also outlined his own ambitions as a councillor to help Waterford build for the future.
“I've been a councillor for over a decade. I don't want to simply manage the problems we inherited.
“I want to help build the Waterford we haven't built yet. Our responsibility is to future generations, not just the next election.”
Cllr Wyse concluded by asking people what they thought of the suggestion and if they had any other “big ideas”.