Ardmore is a 'priority town' - Council
Local swimmers and residents protested as work began on the water activity facility.
A number of parties have this week responded to the ongoing protests in Ardmore, including Waterford Council, who said that the village was identified as a priority town that required significant public investment. Key factors influencing this investment include vacancy, dereliction, and socio-economic performance.
Waterford Council outlined in a statement to the Waterford News & Star that they received funding of €1.3 million under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth Scheme to develop a water sports facility, with the aim of increasing participation in water sports all year round for locals and visitors, and to significantly improve the visitor experience of Ardmore.
The statement added: “This FI funding served as a catalyst for the Department of Rural and Community Development to approve €3,273,638 for the Ardmore Regeneration Project through its Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF), with this investment augmented by additional funding from Waterford City and County Council bringing the total budget to €4,092,048.
"The Part 8 public consultation process was launched in December 2023, with 24 observations/submissions received and was unanimously passed by Waterford City and County Council elected representatives in January 2024."
Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness, who was present at the protest on Monday, April 7, has said Waterford City and County Council must listen to the concerns of locals about the planned water activity facility in Ardmore.
Deputy McGuinness said: “The project that was presented to councillors last February is markedly different to what is being developed now. The plans for affordable and older person’s housing have been dropped, and the Council has rowed back on commitments on sea-front parking, additional market space and community consultation.
"Waterford City and County Council should rethink its approach here and listen to the people of Ardmore. The real need in the village is affordable and social housing for local people, this must be the priority."
Following a protest against the development, which took place at Ardmore on the morning of April 9, a Garda Siochana spokesperson informed the News and Star that gardaí were in attendance at the public gathering.
No offences were disclosed.
