Waterford bridge superstructure set to arrive this month from Belgium
Works on Waterford's North Quay last week. Photo: Joe Evans
Waterford Council Executive announced the latest updates on the North Quays transport hub at the April Metro meeting.
According to the Executive, the infrastructural works are "well advanced", with particular elements expected for "substantial" completion by the end of 2025.
The bridge superstructure is set to arrive from Belgium this coming month, subject to final checks, inspections and certifications.
According to the latest report: "The superstructure will be in six sections and these will be lifted into position over a four-day period."
Councillor Seamus Ryan (Labour) said: "Most of the the submissions are disability access [focused] because with the best will in the world, lifts go out of order and you're then asking people to walk that very long and very difficult (path). You're asking people to use a very long stairs."
Cllr Ryan raised the question of installing "some kind of moving stairs or escalator" in the hub to allow for "mobility access from the ground up to the next floor".
On the submissions, Councillor Donal Barry (Independent) said: "Concern was raised over the efficacy of the roof covering given the height of doors. During heavy rain it's hard to see how the roof, being so wide open, can cover people waiting for lifts from the rain.
"I'm just wondering if some kind of canopy be put out over that door to give cover, especially to keep dry from rain."
Cllr Barry added: "There's an awful lot of steps coming down from that, I'd like to ensure that the latest anti-slip is being brought in, there could be issues there with safety."
Director of Services Michael Quinn said: "An alternative for disability access, an escalator would be better. I appreciate from a mobility point of view that would not meet disability requirements, it's actually a ramp that would be required.
"The difficulty with a ramping application would be, given the space available, a ramp would actually be a problem. But the mobility access issue is adequately addressed in both north and south side of the building."
Mr Quinn referred to a monitoring system by Irish Rail that would assist people in need.
He added: "In terms of cover for the roof, there is going to be a door provided outside the corridor under the roof so in inclement weather there will be some protection there."
