Waterford fishing villages form alliance to boost economic growth 

An alliance representing Waterford estuary’s coastal villages of Passage East, Cheekpoint, Ballyhack, Arthurstown, and Duncannon has been established.

The group have launched a campaign for major investment in the economic and social renewal of the villages on both sides of the estuary that borders Wexford and Waterford counties.

They aim to deliver an economic, social and environmental impact programme that halts decline and drives sustainable development within the local villages.

The group will also fight for the establishment of a strategic renewal plan by local and national agencies that will deliver vital new infrastructure and resources to develop marine tourism, renewable industries and innovative initiatives, while protecting cultural and natural heritage.

In a statement this week announcing its formation, spokesperson for Waterford Estuary Villages’ Alliance (WEVA), Walter Foley of Duncannon, said that “the collapse of inshore fisheries as the economic backbone of the estuary’s small shoreline villages over the past twenty years has led to major community decline and a threat to our unique heritage that needs to be addressed urgently".

“WEVA represents for the first time a unified and coherent voice for the estuary’s coastal villages in both counties whose views have not been heard in the past. 

"Ní neart go cur le chéile, the Irish phrase which means strength comes from unity, sums up our motivation."

Mr. Foley added that the group are currently in the process of getting in touch with relevant agencies and elected officials at local and national level seeking their support for the alliance and its goals. 

"We have already received commitments from leading local councillors in both counties and will be getting in touch with others to seek their support too."