Waterford quay plaza proves problematic and expensive to develop
The plaza on The Quays in Waterford City
The William Vincent Wallace Millennium Plaza in Waterford City has proved too difficult and expensive to develop.
That is according to officials at the February sitting of the Metropolitan District Council.
The Director of Services for Economic Development, Michael Quinn said the plaza has “proved problematic”.
He said they have looked at various activities that could take place at the plaza. But it is too exposed, with little footfall.
“In due course, we will look at those kinds of public spaces, and it is an impressive facility, but in terms of its functionality, it has limited use.
"Quite happy to consider the different options, but it has proved problematic in the past,” said Mr Quinn.
Mr Quinn was responding to a query from Councillor Joanne Bailey, who said she thought more could be done to use the plaza. She pointed to the coffee dock that was there last summer.
“Are there any plans for the plaza this year? I think it’s a wasted space.
"I think now when we will come across the new bridge, you will see a blank space that you could be using for a farmers market on the weekend or something.
“I think that we really need to look at that area and put something there during the summer months,” said Cllr Bailey.
Mr Quinn replied and said the coffee dock didn’t do enough business to be viable.
Cllr Bailey asked that the outdoor team also look at the canopy.
Senior Executive Officer in the Environment Department, Dawn Wallace, said the canopy was cleaned last year, but replacing it is not an option.
“We got some prices for its replacement, and it is too expensive. The estimated price for the replacement of the canopy and the decking was in excess of half a million euros, so that needs a bit more work.
"I think it alludes to the use of that space more broadly,” said Ms Wallace.
