What kind tourist attraction does the North Quays need? 

We reported last week, Fáilte Ireland’s intentions to develop a ‘tourist attraction of scale’ on Waterford’s North Quays.

Their recent report outlined the necessity to develop a "visitor attraction of scale for the north side of the river and within or in the vicinity of the North Quays of Waterford City to become a transformational project for tourism across the South East Region"

Waterford News & Star enquired as to whether a specific tourist offering has yet been identified.

A Failte Ireland spokesperson responded: “Developing a Visitor Attraction of Scale is one of six catalyst projects identified in the Waterford DEDP. This project is at the early stages of concept and feasibility development, so there are no details yet on what this attraction may be. Waterford City and County Council will lead this project in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.” 

Given that no attraction has yet been decided on, we asked members of the public what they would like to see.

Wiktor Szpilka suggested the addition of a recreational park: “I think an entire park area different to People's Park, with cafés, ponds and shops would be something nice to attract people in."

Ann Marie and Terri said: “I think more features along the quays instead of just car parks is what we need, with cafés and a boardwalk, so people can stop and sit out by the river and take it in.

"Years ago you had Jury's Hotel to look out across the town, but now you can't really see much, so a boardwalk to sit down and look across the river at the city would be nice."

Sharon Doyle shared similar sentiment regarding Jury's Hotel (Ard Rí), saying that it's redevelopment would itself attract tourists: “It was a great hotel back in the day and I think someone should develop it to make it what it should be again. Its a shame having the north quays and having that sat there derelict."