'It's an absolute gem' - upgrade of Waterford quay approved to improve kayaking access
The upgrade is primarily to make kayaking more accessible on the Blackwater.
Councillors have approved a Part 8 proposal to upgrade Villierstown Quay.
The project aims to improve access to the Blackwater for kayaking.
Several councillors at the March meeting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council welcomed the proposal.
Councillor Damien Geoghegan said the area has been in the past underestimated.
“Villierstown is an absolute gem and it's fantastic when you go down to the quay on the blackwater there. It’s something that over the years we maybe underutilised or undersold by the tourism authorities or by the council. So any investment going in there is to be welcomed,” said Cllr Geoghegan.
Cllr John Pratt praised the work of the people in the area and proposed the approval plan, while Cllr Niamh O’Donovan seconded that and her colleague's comments.
“I just want to welcome this; I think it is a phenomenal development for the area and for the work they are doing in Villierstown. The amount of people you see there in the summer months is unbelievable and this is a step in the right direction. If it needs a proposer I will propose it," said Cllr Pratt.
Cllr Donnchadh Mulcahy said he has used the facilities in the area and welcomed the upgrade.
Cllr Kate O’Mahoney said that while it was outside her LEA, she was very happy to support the proposal.
“You know they already have amazing fantastic facilities. They should be a really proud community. I believe this will enhance the facilities already there and do various things for our objectives of promoting tourism and outdoor recreation and supporting the rural economy and development," said Cllr O’Mahoney.
The development consists of the building of reinforced concrete canoe steps and structure and washdown area, a path and steps to the south of the Quay, an accessible observation deck and bicycle parking.
The old floating pontoon will be replaced, and the quay and slipway will be resurfaced.
The project also includes landscaping, natural play features and signage in front of the boathouse.
During the consultation phase, the council received one public submission and one from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The public submission asked that campervan parking be considered separately from car parking.
The council responded that campervan parking would be provided in the adjoining site in the near future.
