Waterford Council project in running for major national award
The building at 29 The Glen after the works were completed.
A Waterford City and County Council renovation project has been shortlisted for a major national award.
The building at 29 The Glen, has been shortlisted for the Irish Building & Design Awards.
A formerly derelict property, the building was refurbished as part of Waterford City and County Council’s ongoing response to dereliction and vacancy within the city and has been shortlisted in the Retrofitting / Renovation Project of the Year category.
The category is aimed at celebrating outstanding retrofitting or renovation projects that transform existing structures through innovation, sustainability, and quality craftsmanship.
A spokesperson for Waterford City & County Council said the category "recognises projects that enhance building performance, extend lifespan, and breathe new life into older properties".
With regard to the Waterford property she said it "was identified as a unique opportunity to refurbish an existing vacant and derelict property within Waterford City Centre and to provide new sustainable social housing units within an existing residential area".
"Works to provide four, quality one-bedroom apartments commenced on site in January 2024 and were completed later that year in October 2024," she said.
"The building was first allocated to tenants in January 2025 and is currently fully occupied, with all units allocated to tenants from Waterford City and County Council’s social housing list, ensuring the continued support of residential amenity in the local area," she added.
The spokesperson said the development provides accessible and safe housing appropriate to the tenants' needs as well as enhancing connections to the wider community.
"There is significant evidence that the rejuvenation of vacant city centre properties not only provides sustainable living accommodation but alleviates social isolation and loneliness and improves overall health and wellbeing of its inhabitants," said the Council spokesperson.
Commenting on the nomination, Seamus De Faoite, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council said: “I would like to commend the team on their nomination for the thoughtful refurbishment of 29 The Glen. Not only has a former derelict building been brought back into use, but the units are also fully occupied and the sense of community is evident in the area."
“This project was also crucial in securing the preservation of a historically significant building, encouraging the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and helping to secure the preservation of these protected structures and culturally significant buildings within the city centre," said Mr De Faoite.
The overall IBDA 2026 category winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Dublin on March 13th.
