Waterford Council outlines capital investment plan: Third river bridge, new swimming pool and more
Increased funding has been provided in the Capital Programme to tackle dereliction and vacancy across Waterford. Photo: Joe Evans
Waterford City and County Council at its Plenary Meeting held last week were presented with a Capital Programme totalling €672 million, which sets out a roadmap for development across the city and county over the next four years.
Below is an outline of what is contained within the plan.
These account for just under a third of the total projected expenditure under the Programme over the next four years, and include the flagship North Quays regeneration project.
Other strategic projects comprise current and proposed URDF and RRDF-funded initiatives, including in Dungarvan, Tramore, Cappoquin, Ardmore, Dunmore East and Portlaw.
Increased funding has been provided in the programme to tackle dereliction and vacancy across the county.
The programme also includes a provision to fund Strategic Assessment Reports (SARs) for a third bridge crossing in Waterford City, and upgrade of the N25 national road.
Neither of these projects are included in the National Development plan (NDP), so the proposed SARs will be a first step in helping the Council make the case for Government funding.
Furthermore, a provision has been made to update the feasibility study carried out in recent years on the development of a swimming pool and sports facility for Dungarvan for consideration by the Council.
The Council will deliver a further 400 social homes by the end of 2026, to include affordable units and cost rental homes.
Approximately 45% of the overall Capital Programme budget has been allocated towards housing delivery.
Projects include construction of a new fire station in Kilmacthomas, taking in charge and resurfacing of roads in housing estates, a five-fold increase in funding for upgrading of footpaths in the city and towns and villages across the county, enhancement of the Council’s existing network of 50 playgrounds, and the addition of at least three new playgrounds across the county within the lifetime of the current Capital Programme.
The Council will implement a suite of projects identified in its Climate Action Plan to ensure achievement of its climate action targets, including the continuation of the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project to convert all 18,000 public lights to more energy efficient LEDs, installation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs), energy retrofitting of Council buildings, and provision of additional Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
The programme also includes funding to deliver Active Travel and new Greenway projects.
