Government minister visited over 16 locations in Waterford in 12-hour visit
Minister Dara Calleary pictured in Portlaw. Photo: John Foley
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, had a whirlwind tour of Waterford on Monday, June 8, attending over 16 engagements over 12 hours.
The whistle-stop tour commenced in Cappoquin, where Minister Calleary officially opened Phase 1 of the Cappoquin Railway Loop Walk. The Minister also opened two Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF)-supported projects - the Pilot Town Centre Living Project and the redevelopment of the former Moore’s Hotel.
Formerly derelict buildings have been transformed into much-needed housing units, while the former Moore’s Hotel has been revitalised into a vibrant commercial space incorporating housing.
Speaking in Cappoquin, Minister Calleary said, “I know that this ongoing regeneration, supported by funding from my Department, is having a very positive impact in promoting the town, including instilling confidence in investors to undertake privately funded renovation of buildings.”
The Minister then travelled to Lismore, where he officially opened newly developed glamping pods located behind the former Bank of Ireland building.
Speaking at the opening of the Lismore Glamping Pods, Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr John Pratt, said, "The opening of these glamping pods is about much more than accommodation. It is about regeneration, community ambition, tourism development, and creating a vibrant future for Lismore. It demonstrates what can be achieved when local initiative is matched by strong government support and effective partnership working."
Also in Lismore, Minister Calleary officially opened the Lios Mór Mochuda Men’s Shed, located on the grounds of St Carthage’s Rest Home.
The next stop was Heilbhic Cove, where Minister Calleary launched an Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)-funded access improvement programme for swimmers. The project includes enhanced access to the swimming area, upgrades to the changing shelter and the installation of shower facilities.
At An Rinn, the Minister announced details of Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) funding for Páirc Uí Shiotháin. The project will see the area landscaped and developed into an attractive green space for community use and enjoyment.
Continuing eastward, Minister Calleary visited Lemybrien to officially open a project that has transformed the village centre by redeveloping and enhancing existing green spaces.
At nearby Crough Woods, the Minister launched the Crough Wood Trailhead Project, which provided car and bike parking, EV charging, a children’s playground and amenity space.
In Portlaw, Minister Calleary officially opened the Tower Hill Wood Walks Development. This project has seen three walking loops formally waymarked, creating the new Tower Hill Woods Walking Trails network.
During the afternoon programme, the Minister visited the Kokoro Visitor and Cultural Centre at the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore and the BriLL Resource Centre in Ballybeg, before travelling to Carrickphierish Recreation Park, where he planted a commemorative tree.
The Minister’s final engagement of the day was the launch of the Waterford Greenway Biodiversity Hotspot and Pocket Recreation Garden. The project will enhance local biodiversity, provide an outdoor learning environment for students, and create an amenity space for Greenway users.
