Safe space needed for night-time economy workers
Interior view of a man driving his private taxi through the city streets at night
At the April meeting of the Metropolitan District of Waterford City and County Council, a spotlight was shone on the night-time economy.
Cllr Eamon Quinlan spoke of the need for a safe and open space for night-time workers, especially taxi drivers and hospitality workers.
He said: "Many late-night drivers have complained that there isn’t even somewhere proper to use the toilet. Some drivers have to drive home repeatedly and this takes away from them earning, and people having access to transport late at night, which is an absolute must for our late-night economy."
Cllr Quinlan added: "The Council has numerous commercial properties yet to be renovated. One should be given over to such a service.
"Somewhere where people in the same industry can meet, have a chat, grab a late-night breakfast and use the facilities is important."
He added: "I feel Waterford has been guilty of closing up shop too early.
"The late evening and night-time vibrancy that we see in so many other places is a valuable commodity these days in terms of the lifestyle people want to live."
Director of Services for Economic Development at Waterford Council, Michael Quinn, said that the Council would look into the matter.
