Waterford councillors fear for newly opened South Plaza in city
The newly opened South Plaza in Waterford City. Photo: Joe Evans
Two Waterford City Councillors recently raised concerns over the newly opened South Plaza in Waterford City.
Local Social Democrats Councillor Mary Roche questioned the council’s maintenance abilities for the Plaza at a recent sitting of the Metropolitan District of Waterford City and County Council, saying that although she’s pleased to see the Plaza open and that it looks “absolutely beautiful”, she wondered whether the council could ensure a regular maintenance schedule was put in place.
Cllr Roche’s concerns, she said, are caused by another Waterford City Plaza, which has been allowed to go to “rack and ruin” in recent years.
The William Vincent Wallace Millennium Plaza, Cllr Roche said, will cost the council a large sum to restore, which wouldn’t be an issue, she said, had the Plaza been properly and regularly cared for.
Cllr Roche also floated the idea of a large Waterford/Port Láirge sign for the newly opened South Plaza, as a potential "Hollywood-esque" showstopper for the city.
“It would just be a real showstopper and it could become a really iconic image of the city that, I think, would travel worldwide,” she said.
Responsibility for the maintenance of all Waterford City Plazas falls to Waterford City and County Council’s presentation team, Paul Johnston of Waterford Council said, adding that he has full confidence that the team will continue to maintain the plazas.
Mr. Johnston continued to say that the issues raised regarding the William Vincent Wallace Millennium Plaza would “hopefully” be dealt with in the new proposals Waterford Council have created.
