Residents to be left stranded during two month road closure in Waterford

It was confirmed this week by local representatives that the proposed complete road closures on the Abbey Road section of Ferrybank would lead to the loss of public transport services for a minimum of seven weeks. 

Notification was issued by Waterford City and County Council that the Abbey Road would be closed to facilitate works for the North Quays Development from June 28 to August 16. 

Motorists will have to drive out towards Waterford Port and re-enter Ferrybank closer to the turn-off to Slieverue. This will impact several thousand people living in the eastern area of Ferrybank, along with congestion experienced by other road users on the remaining access roads.

It's the understanding of Fianna Fáil Councillor, Eamon Quinlan, that public transport officials that serve the area have requested (from BAM and Waterford City and County Council) the possibility of running a shuttle bus service to link the three bus stops that will be out of service during the works, to the main bus route.

Should the bus operator be denied this request, the alternative is to suspend public transport on that side of Ferrybank for the full seven weeks.

"If the works run longer, which is always a strong possibility, then it could go on well into September," said Cllr Quinlan.

"I have been in contact with our Council officials but am making a public call too for the Council to engage with public transport operators and Kilkenny Council to fund a shuttle bus to allow thousands of people in Ferrybank to continue to travel to work, go into Waterford City and, of course, access public services, such as getting out to University Hospital Waterford," said Cllr Quinlan. 

Cllr Quinlan continued to explain the implications for locals should the service be suspended. 

"Ferrybank currently has a population of 6,000 people and the eastern Abbey Park side of the townland contains over 2,000 people who use several bus stops to access public transport. 

"This has allowed people who do not have cars to access work and services to do so in a reliable way. The loss of such services in their entirety would be disastrous. 

"Current figures show 3,000 people a month using this service. A sudden loss of services without an alternative is liable to cause public outcry and disproportionately affect those who are elderly or of least means to source another way into the city."

Cllr Quinlan continued: "The people of Ferrybank have been unbelievably supportive of the North Quays Development but it's not a blank cheque towards disruption to their lives. I feel the Council needs to step up." 

Talks with Waterford City and County Council’s executive team remain ongoing in relation to this issue with only days to go before the closures are enacted.