Waterford 'open for business and seeking investors' - message at Diaspora Dinner

At its Diaspora Dinner, Waterford Chamber of Commerce emphasised the message that “Waterford is open for business and seeking investors.” The event gathered more than 90 business leaders connected to Waterford at The Dunmore in Rathmines and was sponsored by EY, the Waterford Local Enterprise Office, and Waterford Chamber Skillnet.

President of SETU, Prof Veronica Campbell was in attendance at the event, alongside Independent Waterford TD, Deputy Matt Shanahan; Sean McKeown, the Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council; Ronan Mulligan of Mulligan's Pharmacy, and Collette Devey, EY Ireland Chief Risk Officer.

Waterford Chamber President Niall Harrington opened the evening by outlining the city’s potential for growth and the importance of investment for revitalising the city centre. He highlighted Waterford's catchment area of over 634,000 people within an hour’s drive, suggesting this presents various development opportunities.

“Our population has risen by 12%, making Waterford the fastest growing regional city and this is achieved by the creation of new jobs and the provision of new homes, be it social, affordable, or private,” Mr Harrington said.

He also mentioned rising tourism numbers, citing attractions like Waterford Greenway and the House of Waterford Crystal, which has led to a shortage of hotel accommodation.

“The delivery of the additional funding into Waterford Airport is an absolute must for our region and a key ingredient to our tourism and business sector growth.” 

Mr Harrington expressed optimism regarding emerging infrastructure projects, including the North Quays.

Following his speech, architect Hugh Wallace presented the design of the North Quays development, which is anticipated to significantly impact the South East region. Mr Wallace is an award-winning architect and founding partner of Douglas Wallace Consultants but is most well-known as a judge of Home Of The Year and the presenter of the Great House Revival, both RTÉ television productions.

Economist, and Waterford native, Jim Power provided an overview of the local economy and introduced a panel of speakers from various sectors, emphasizing the collaborative efforts among stakeholders in Waterford.

Guests, including estate agents and retailers, networked during the event, discussing the potential for promoting Waterford and the surrounding region.

Afterwards, Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber, described the event as “a huge success” and said: “We were delighted to welcome such a strong and influential audience and we know many of the business contacts in the room have now gone away considering Waterford and the South East as a real alternative to Dublin.”