The North Quays Project Team presented a progress update at the June Plenary Council meeting, highlighting significant milestones achieved across the development and outlining the next phase of works scheduled over the coming 18 months.

Sean Dobbs, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, said the current phase of construction is nearing completion, marking another important step in the transformation of Waterford’s North Quays and wider city centre.

Several key elements of the project are now complete and open to the public. In Ferrybank, access works on Abbey Road, Fountain Street and Dock Road have been fully completed apart from minor finishing works and snagging, along with all associated accommodation works at Our Lady of Good Counsel National School and neighbouring community facilities.

The Project Team also confirmed that the Ferrybank section of the South East Greenway, extending from Curraghmore to Abbey Road, will be available to open to the public from next week.

In the city centre, only minor snagging and finishing works remain on the South Quays Plaza, which is expected to open fully to the public in the coming weeks, providing a significant new public amenity for residents and visitors alike.

The new sustainable transport bridge is entering its final stage of delivery. Remaining works include surfacing, architectural lighting, seating installation and the removal of temporary river works, together with the installation of collision protection systems.

Meanwhile, final commissioning and fit-out works are progressing at the transport hub. These include the completion of public facilities, information and communications systems, wayfinding signage and surrounding public plazas.

Mr. Dobbs said, “The new train station will be a landmark public building for Waterford. These final elements will help create an attractive, welcoming and high-quality gateway to Ireland’s regional capital of the South East.”

Flood protection infrastructure, a critical component of the overall project, is also advancing. The eastern section of the railway flood defence scheme through the North Quays site has now been completed, while works on the western section at Sally Park, adjacent to Rice Bridge, are approaching completion.

As the current phase concludes, attention is turning to the next stage of delivery.

Over the next 18 months, construction will continue on key elements of the railway flood defence scheme, including new pumping stations and flood defence infrastructure through the car parks and entrance areas of Plunkett Station.

In parallel, Harcourt Developments is expected to commence Phase 1 of the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) before the end of this year. Initial works will focus on the construction of connecting podiums, plazas and parking facilities required to support the opening of the transport hub and sustainable transport bridge.

Iarnród Éireann will also complete new track and signalling infrastructure along the rail corridor. The new rail systems will then undergo the necessary regulatory testing, approvals and commissioning processes prior to entering public service.

All strands of the project, including flood defence works, SDZ development, rail infrastructure upgrades and regulatory approvals, are programmed to align for the coordinated opening of the transport hub and sustainable transport bridge towards the end of 2027.

Looking beyond this milestone, Phase 1 of the SDZ development will continue from 2028, delivering much-needed homes, hotel and office accommodation, enhanced public spaces and a vibrant new sustainable urban quarter on the north side of the River Suir.

The North Quays Project represents one of the most significant urban regeneration initiatives ever undertaken in the South East and will play a central role in supporting Waterford’s continued economic, social and sustainable growth for decades to come.

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