Work continuing on 'transformative' Waterford North Quays project
The Waterford quays are abuzz with the sound of construction, as the North Quays Infrastructure Project continues at pace.
Where once you may have gazed across the River Suir from the South Bank at an almost empty strip of land, now cranes, concrete and heavy machinery dominate the view.
The largest public infrastructure project outside of Dublin aims to invigorate the city centre with facilities including a new transport hub, sustainability bridge and greenway.
Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council Sean McKeown has said it is a "hugely transformative project" for the area.
"We're doing the public infrastructure and enabling works and that includes a new state-of-the-art transport hub.
"That involves the relocation of the existing Plunkett [train] Station here in the city, right into the heart of the North Quays, a new sustainable transport bridge which will connect the North and South Quays and integrate the North Quays back into our city centre."
Planning permission for a mix of residential and commercial accommodation, as well as retail space, has recently been granted to Harcourt Developments, and Mr McKeown outlines what that phase of construction aims to deliver:
"That's a huge milestone in the development of the project. It will provide 350 residential units, a 160-bedroom, 4-star hotel and conference centre, a further 160-bed apart-hotel, public plazas and open spaces.
"A new high-quality boardwalk and greenway, through the centre of the site. So, it's hugely exciting times for Waterford."
Amidst the progress, concerns were recently raised when a report from Principal Local Government Auditor James Moran highlighted an overspend on consultancy fees, originally estimated at €6.7 million, running to a total of €24m.
"Initially, we envisaged that this would be a three-year project. We're now, in conjunction with the consultants, developing the detailed design over a much longer period.
"There's all sorts of detailed design changes and the project has is radically different from what was first envisaged.
"We have very good relationship with our contract partners, BAM. The project is audited. So, I'm satisfied that we have accountability and transparency procedures in place and that the project will be delivered on programme and within budget," Mr McKeown said.
"I would be very concerned, as a taxpayer and for the taxpayers"
However, Independent Councillor for Waterford City South Donal Barry is concerned about budget oversight and overspend.
"The issue with the consultancy fees has been going on for a number of years. In 2021, the auditor said the increased consultancy fees were going up to €8.4m.
In 2022, the consultancy fees went to €9.9m and then 2023 they shot up to €24m," Cllr Barry said.
"I would be very concerned, as a taxpayer and for the taxpayers. Aside from the Children's Hospital in Dublin, here we are in Waterford, with such a massive increase from the same company, BAM, and we're gone up over €20m in consultancy fees."
Businesses located on the South Quay are awaiting the completion of the development eagerly, hoping it will bring economic and societal prosperity to the area.
"It's going to benefit the region for business, for tourism and for the locals that live here"
Tina Darrer is the third generation of her family to run Dooley's Hotel, which her grandmother opened in 1947.
"We've been years and years waiting for the North Quays development. It's just fantastic to see the development has started.
"It's going to benefit the region for business, for tourism and for the locals that live here in Waterford."
The project will include a greenway connecting New Ross in Co Wexford to Dungarvan in southwest Waterford, through the city. Tina hopes this will boost tourism numbers coming to the region.
"It's going to be a gamechanger. Already our 46-kilometre greenway, from Waterford to Dungarvan, has shown us the potential and to be able to link up with New Ross, is going to be amazing. We will be the Camino of Ireland."
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