Darragh's Soapbox: Is Waterford City 'dying on its feet'?
A view of Waterford city by photographer Joe Evans.
Local councillors raised serious concerns last week regarding Waterford city in terms of its retail strategy and economy.
Raised at a meeting of the Metropolitan District Council last week were issues regarding the city’s traffic management and high commercial rates.
City Mayor Joe Kelly (Independent) said: “One person said to me that it's dying on its feet', whether it actually is or not, it's not doing terribly well. It's a complex issue and there's no simple answer."
Councillor Declan Barry (Independent) commented: "There's a perception that the city is 'dying on its feet', and I probably have to agree with that."
When asking people on the streets of Waterford this week, a similar sentiment was shared.
Most said that Waterford city centre had declined in recent years, with one local saying "why would anyone come to Waterford for shopping when they could go to Kilkenny and get something better?"
said: “It’s awful. The town is gone scruffy I think and it's rundown. Something needs to be done."
added: “When I was in college the place was good but it’s been getting worse and worse.
"What will help bring more people into town are things like Marks & Spencer, or Zara and H&M, which would help attract tourists. But the shops that are here are open and doing their best.”
Local man said that the city centre has been helped greatly by the recent influx for festivals, particularly during the summer months.
“There’s a lot planned for the summer this year, which will bring people out and it will do good for the city. There’s always a lot on at the weekends I think."
He added: “But I do think All Together Now should never have been put on the same bank holiday weekend as Spraoi. That takes people away from the city.”
