Latest news with #WaterfordCityandCountyCouncil
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Final bridge span installation marks a ‘momentous' week for Waterford
On Saturday, May 17, Waterford awoke to the impressive sight of the HEBO Lift 9 floating sheerleg crane being towed from Dunmore East to the Frank Cassin Wharf. With a lifting capacity of 800 tonnes and a lifting height of 67m, the HEBO is a powerhouse of immense engineering strength and technical precision. Arriving from Ghent in Belgium, the HEBO was tasked with the significant undertaking of lifting and installing Waterford's 207m Sustainable Transport Bridge. Within a few days HEBO was joined by four spans of the steel deck superstructure, towed by sea-going barges, the GPS Avenger and ANTEOS respectively, from Ghent via the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal, English Channel and Irish Sea to Belview Port and ultimately to the Waterford North Quays site. The steel deck superstructure was fabricated and fitted out at Victor Buyck Steel Construction's production plant, while the operation and control of the central opening span required the manufacture and assembly of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical components and instrumentation by Qualter Hall in England. The lifting operation required very slow and methodical progress with constant weather, tide and safety checks in place and on Wednesday, May 21, operations commenced. The North Main span, 65m in length and weighing over 500 tonnes, was lifted from the barge on Wednesday morning and then manoeuvred to the bridge site where it was initially installed onto temporary steel support frames pending final integration with the permanent concrete piers. Over the course of several hours, spectators flocked to the quayside to experience a remarkable day for Waterford as the first span was installed. The following day, the initial span was joined by the South Main span and again the spectacle was witnessed by hundreds from the South Quays. A pause in operations due to inclement conditions saw operations resume on Tuesday, May 27, and over two days the North and South Approach spans were installed to complete Waterford's newest river crossing. Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Jason Murphy said, 'This truly is a momentous day for Waterford. The vision of the Sustainable Transport Bridge spanning the River Suir has now been realised. 'There has been a cast of hundreds working diligently in the background to deliver one of the most exciting projects ever to Waterford. I would like to highly commend the Projects team at Waterford City and County Council, the funding agencies, Bam and Roughan and O'Donovan. ADVERTISEMENT 'Also, from the day the HEBO floating crane was towed from Belgium to the North Quays, the sense of excitement and anticipation was palpable, as evidenced by hundreds of spectators lining the quays to see a piece of history being made. For that I would like to thank Victor Buyck manufacturers, Qualter, Hall & Co. and of course, the tugboat crews and crane operators.' Now that the bridge is installed, the bascule leaves for the opening central span will be tested and put into operation, The bridge finishing works, which includes the final surfacing, lighting, street furniture, and parapet railings, will commence as well as the installation of the downstream bridge pier protection system. Similar to Rice Bridge, the sustainable transport bridge has an opening central span to allow river vessels to pass through, smaller boats can pass underneath the bridge, subject to tides. Known as a Bascule Bridge, the new bridge is 'double leaf', which means it opens from both sides of the central span. The public infrastructure project is being developed ahead of the private Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) development and the built interface between the two developments must be fully integrated and compatible. The fast-tracking of integration works as part of construction of the SDZ will facilitate the opening of the bridge to the public in Q4 2026. The SDZ development places a significant emphasis on connecting the north and south quays and improving the public realm through investment in new high quality civic spaces, including sustainable transport infrastructure, which will connect the Waterford and the South-East Greenways via the city centre and new sustainable transport bridge. With planning permission granted by Waterford City and County Council to Harcourt Developments (Hopcast Limited) for the development of the first phase of the North Quays Strategic Development Zone in April, the mixed-use development will comprise significant residential accommodation, office and hotel accommodation, retail offerings and high-quality public realm spaces. These consist of 350 residential units, office accommodation including ground floor creche and retail, 160-bedroom hotel and conference centre, a 163-room aparthotel, retail units on ground floor of residential blocks, and high quality public realm spaces to include public plazas, riverside boardwalk and greenway. The direct benefit to Waterford of the investment in the SDZ Site is anticipated to be in excess of €350m over the next six years, with 200 people employed during construction and upwards of 1,500 jobs to be created following completion of phase one of the development.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Appeal lodged against plans for 155 homes and apartments in Waterford
S&K Carey Ltd submitted plans to Waterford City and County Council (WCCC on February 20 this year seeking planning permission to construct a large-scale residential development (LRD) consisting of 155 homes at Duckspool, Dungarvan, County Waterford. The development consists of detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, along with 42 apartments in four three-storey duplex apartment blocks. It was given the green-light by Waterford planners on Wednesday, April 16, with Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor McGuinness describing the decision as 'a very positive step for Dungarvan at a time when the need for housing is acute'. Local resident John McGrath raised concerns about the development to WCCC, in relation to the master plan, traffic congestion, and environment. Mr McGrath wrote that the subject site provides access to a larger land bank which should be subject to a master plan for the area. A master plan should be developed 'in the first instance.' 'I would suggest therefore that this development is premature in that a master plan should now be drawn up for the entire area. A zoning map of the area with some notes, a creche and a spine road included as part of this planning submission does not constitute a master plan. The absence of a master plan is simply not acceptable as certain infrastructural, social and community obligations are being neglected or worse ignored.' Under traffic congestion, Mr McGrath maintained that a previous planning grant for a much smaller development on the subject site was conditioned by the council 'such that the developer was to contribute towards a new roundabout at the junction of the L-3168 and the N25. Five years on, a much larger development is now proposed for the site with no consideration been given for a roundabout at the junction of the N25 and the L-3168'. Traffic models prepared as part of the planning submission suggest that the project should be developed in advance of upgrading work to the local road network. 'As a local resident I would respectfully suggest that one must question the suitability and validity of the Traffic Impact Assessment and its findings,' he wrote. Additionally, in 2022, An Bord Pleanála granted permission for 218 housing units on the opposite side of the same road as the subject development. 'This grant was issued despite huge opposition from local stakeholder groups whose concerns were vast and varied,' wrote Mr McGrath. 'Some concerns were raised concerning infrastructure. "While the most robust opposition came from those with regards to environmental concerns, I wish to ask the local authority to consider the concerns raised by local stakeholders and in particular the environmental concerns which were presented with much gusto and hype before making any decision regarding permission on the subject site. 'In conclusion, I would ask WCCC to refuse planning permission for this development in its present application format,' added Mr McGrath. The case is due to be decided by An Bord Pleanála on or before September 1 next.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Cad As Duit? Placenames of the Déise roadshow invites Waterford people to name local places
Does your favourite fishing or swimming spot have a name? Does your grandfather have a local bóithrín named after him? Do you know what the fields around your house are called? The 'Cad As Duit? Placenames of the Déise' roadshow event, organised by Waterford City and County Council's Placenames Committee, will reach out to local communities to share the placenames they have collected so far and give people an opportunity to add the names of local places that they know. 'We would love to hear your stories about local placenames,' said a spokesperson. Waterford's residents are invited to drop in to the Copper Coast Visitor Centre at any time between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday, June 7, for a taste of Waterford's placename heritage through a mixture of short talks, stories and maps. Learn about the work of the Waterford Placenames Committee and how to search online for maps, records and other valuable placenames resources. 'Sit down and share your stories and add your local placename to our maps. We will take all the information we can get,' added the spokesperson. This event is being organised with support from Creative Ireland Waterford. This is a free bilingual event. Refreshments will be served, with no booking required. Contact Máire Seó Breathnach, Oifigeach Gaeilge at msbreathnach@ or Joanne Rothwell, Waterford City and County Archives at archivist@ for more information.
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
War on invasive species in Waterford to be in focus at Friday event
Ardmore Tidy Towns will host Dr Fran Giaquinto and Phoebe O'Brien for the launch of their new book, Identification Guide to the Non-Native Invasive Plants of Britain and Ireland, on Friday, May 16, during Invasive Species Week. The launch takes place from 12pm to 3pm in the Round Tower Hotel, which includes a fieldtrip to local habitats. The event is free to attend, and all are welcome. The afternoon will be filled with informative chats about the pressures of invasive plant species on Ireland's native flora, an insight into identification and an exploration of the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread. Following the launch, attendees will take a trip through the habitats of the village with both experts, as they point out several species which are of concern in Ireland, whilst also highlighting the important habitats that occur within this area that sits alongside the Ardmore Head Special Area of Conservation. Cllr Declan Barry recently raised the issue of invasive species at Waterford Council. He said a person reported the growth of Japanese knotweed. Cllr Barry asked management how prevalent the weed is in Waterford, as it has started to encroach from public on to private land. Marina Mulligan, Waterford City and County Council's biodiversity officer, said: 'It is a privilege to have both experts working in Ardmore over the summer for what will undoubtedly be two impactful projects for the area – it is great to see the local community of Ardmore taking this initiative which will provide valuable information towards monitoring habitats at a county level. 'The impacts of invasive plants on natural habitats can be devastating as they outcompete native species. Due to their ability to spread quickly across an area, they can also reduce the diversity of plant life found within a habitat by reducing light and changing soil nutrients. 'This has knock-on consequences for insects, mammals, fish and birds who depend on certain plants for food, laying eggs or nesting. People may be aware of Japanese knotweed and rhododendron but may not be aware of many other species like three-cornered leek, American skunk cabbage and Nuttall's waterweed.' Over the coming months, both botanists will be working closely with the local community on two significant biodiversity projects for the area. The event is supported by Waterford City and County Council, the Heritage Council and the National Biodiversity Data Centre. The first will survey the flora of the Ardmore Cliff Walk funded under the NPWS Peatlands and Natura 2000 Community Engagement Fund, and the second will involve carrying out habitat surveys to produce a Community Biodiversity Action Plan for the village under Community Foundation Ireland's Biodiversity Fund. The schedule for Friday's event is as follows. 12pm – 12.10pm Welcome and introduction to the event with Marina Mulligan, WCCC biodiversity officer 12.10pm – 1pm Book launch and conversation with Dr Fran Giaquinto and Phoebe O'Brien 1pm – 1.20pm Invasive Species Recording with Kate Moore, National Biodiversity Data Centre 1.30 – 3pm Fieldtrip: Discover the species and habitats of Ardmore with Dr. Fran Giaquinto, Phoebe O'Brien and Ardmore Tidy Town Committee.
Irish Independent
09-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Developers of derelict Co Waterford pub site ask for more time
Waterford City and County Council granted permission to Dalira Ltd to demolish Ryans Bar in Clachan, Ballybeg, Waterford, and build housing in its place, in 2020. The application originally involved the construction of a new building, ranging in height from two to four storeys and consisting of 390 sqm of commercial space and 45 residences. There was to be 25 two-bed apartments, 14 one-bed apartments and six studio apartments, together with south and west facing balconies. Provision is made for bin stores, car parking, bicycle storage, landscaped communal amenity space, a garden wall and railings along the southern boundary of the site, photovoltaic panels on the roof, and connections to all public services. On Tuesday, April 29 this year, Dalira Ltd requested an extension of duration to allow it time to complete the works. On the same day, a further application was lodged requesting an increase in the total number of apartments from 55 to 58. Both cases are due to be decided by June 23 this year. Previously, on March 14, the council granted conditional permission for modifications, increasing the total number of apartments from 50 to 55 apartments, subject to six conditions. The applicant was unable to complete the development before the expiry of the planning permission due to delays associated with Covid-19 restrictions. The pandemic disrupted progress, and re-establishing the site after the initial restrictions proved challenging, explained CDP Architecture on behalf of Dalira Ltd. 'Just as preparations to resume work were underway, the second and third waves of restrictions further delayed the project. These setbacks have made it difficult for the applicant to finish within the permitted timeframe,' according to the design consultant. Following the easing of restrictions due to Covid-19, further issues arose that have increased the delay, such as the availability of contractors to tender for a project of this size, the site conditions proving to be more difficult than normal and procuring the construction material was challenging during and post Covid. Planning permission was granted for the 45 apartments by the council on August 12, 2020, and five-year planning brings this to August 11, 2025 – along with additional units, 'bringing the total to 55 residential units.' 'We are availing of the Section 25 1A order for Covid, which is 56 days, and Section 251, which is 45 days, a total of 101 days. This will bring the expiry of the current planning to November 20, 2025,' added CDP Architecture. The development is due for completion in August 2026. The extension of duration is sought for an additional one year, to November 20, 2026. ADVERTISEMENT 'The applicant is committed to completing the development within the extension of the duration time frame,' wrote CDP Architecture. 'These 55 residential units are much-needed new residential units in the current housing crisis.' The pub had been destroyed by a fire years ago and had remained derelict since. Local people had come to describe the derelict pub as an eyesore, and news of the re-development has been welcomed by local businesspeople, and Waterford Mayor Cllr Jason Murphy.
