Ministerial seal of approval for North Quays Strategic Development Zone in Waterford city

The Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport has visited Waterford’s North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) site to receive an update on the project.

The public infrastructure works are funded with a public investment of €207m, including €100.6m of Urban Regeneration and Development Fund funding and a further €70m from the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority.

With works significantly advanced on the site, Minister Ryan viewed the progress on the public infrastructure works, including the multi-modal access routes, public transport hub and sustainable transport bridge.

When complete, the new state-of-the-art transport hub will be unique in Ireland and will put Waterford at the forefront of integrated and sustainable city centre transport infrastructure. 

The sustainable transport bridge will link the reallocated train station to new walking and cycling infrastructure.  These works will reduce the reliance on private car and facilitate alternative modes of transport for those accessing the city centre through the delivery of enhanced and integrated sustainable and active travel infrastructure. 

During his visit, Minister Ryan said: “I was in Waterford for the ground-breaking ceremony for the North Quays in March of last year.  The scale of the works and the progression of the project in such a short time is to be commended."

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“This development, one of the largest of all 35 Pathfinder Projects to deliver sustainable mobility and public transport projects, is transformational for Waterford and the surrounding areas, fulfilling the vision of delivering a sustainable, attractive and liveable city that builds on Waterford’s reputation as the best place to live.”

The infrastructure, along with the new foul and stormwater pumping stations in Ferrybank, which was recently completed, will enable the commercial development on the SDZ Site by Harcourt Developments. 

The plans include offices, residential, retail, accommodation and tourism investment in conference/exhibition facilities, as well as a 4-star hotel and visitor centre - all of which will be developed to be sustainable, high-quality and climate resilient.

During his visit, the minister met with Michael Walsh on the last day of his term as Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council; Paul Johnston Acting Director of Services with the local authority and a number of political representatives.

Commenting, Mr Walsh said: “The progress of this publicly funded project is evident.  This development has sent a ripple of excitement through Waterford and the region. The end result will not only be transformative for Waterford and the region, but it will also give connectivity and balance to the city, as both sides of the river Suir will be optimised in terms of energy, community spirit and commercial activity.”