‘Tourist attraction of scale’ planned for Waterford city's North Quays 

Fáilte Ireland have launched a new five-year plan to drive and sustain tourism in Waterford.

The report outlines a number of projects, which aim to create a sustainable tourism destination in the city and county by extending the tourism season and spreading business over the next five years.

Six projects have been identified as the catalysts for destination development in the city and county.

The first project is described as "an attraction of scale" at the north side of the river in Waterford City.

Fáilte Ireland outlined in the report the necessity to develop a "visitor attraction of scale for the north side of the river and within or in the vicinity of the North Quays of Waterford City to become a transformational project for tourism across the South East Region".

The immediate focus will be the development of a visitor attraction masterplan for the north side of the river that will also establish the linkages to the south quays, Cultural Quarter, Viking Triangle and the city centre experience.

The report also states: “Waterford City lacks a 'hero' visitor attraction with the capacity to transform the region’s positioning within the international market place.

“The development of an attraction linked to the north side of the river and within or in the vicinity of the North Quays offers an iconic setting with the capacity to significantly alter visitor flows into the city and region. 

"The wider region requires an attraction of scale that has strong appeal to the international market.” 

The Waterford News & Star have enquired as to whether a specific tourist offering has yet been identified. 

Other county projects listed within the report include an "orientation project", which aims to link key existing infrastructure, such as coastal experiences, greenways, blueways and walking trails and enhance existing outdoor resources to create a logical orientation route.

Another key project listed is enhancing the overall Waterford City experience for tourists.

This project places an emphasis on investment into the Cultural Quarter to develop the area as a focal point for cultural day time and evening experiences and a location to orientate visitors across the city quarters linked through a new approach to visitor orientation.

Plans will assess the potential for 'Dark Tourism' thematic experiences in Waterford City, integrating the night time economy with the Irish Wake Museum.

Outlined in the report are intentions to address Waterford City’s and Dungarvan’s "immediate requirement" for additional bed stock and growing hotel capacity, and plans to achieve and maintain Blue Flag status at as many Waterford beaches as possible to contribute to the Waterford coastal experience.