David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government committed to having a new national planning framework. As the Minister knows, that framework recognises Waterford as a regional city. The local authority has asked the Government to properly support the North Quays development which is very important to the economic development of Waterford city and county and the entire south east. Three years ago the local authorities entered into discussions with a private investor who was willing to put €400 million on the table, contingent on the provision of State funding. To date, we have received no solid commitment on numbers from the Government to ensure the project will proceed. There is a concern that it could slip if the Government's commitment is not put on the table. When will the Government announce the next round of funding from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund? I know that the Minister visited Waterford recently and saw the site. Will he commit that Government funding will be put on the table to allow the development to proceed in order that we can make Waterford the city it needs to be?

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