Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this matter and for the opportunity to discuss the North Quays project in Waterford, and particularly Waterford City and County Council's bid for the North Quays under the urban regeneration project. As the Senator outlined in detail, this is a significant project for the region. The urban regeneration and development fund, URDF, funding is designed to unlock the potential of our five cities and large towns. This project is key to doing that for Waterford and the region.

The Senator correctly pointed to the cumulative work carried out over the past six years by the previous Government. Indeed, the former Minister of State, Paudie Coffey, designated the area as a strategic development zone in an order made by the Government under SI 30 of 2016. That showed the commitment the then Government had to realising its potential under the URDF. Indeed, it made it a core central plank of the national planning framework in terms of our objective to have compact development. I understand the Senator was the mayor at the time an event was held in Waterford to try to progress this project. Since my appointment to the Department, the Senator has been quick to contact me about it and put forward the genuine case for it.

It is important that the Government backs this project. As regards the history, €6 million of URDF funding was allocated in November 2018 and a further €30 million of URDF funding was allocated in June 2019 to assist this project through the stages. I know from talking to the Senator and the former Minister of State, Paudie Coffey, how important this is for the region and the value that the city, the business community and the residents put on it. One must remember that this site has been derelict for decades and it has been a hindrance to unlocking the potential in the city. I believe this project will achieve this. It is important for our five cities and large towns, and, indeed, villages that they get regeneration funding to assist them.

On 26 November 2018, the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government announced URDF funding of €100 million for a total of 88 projects across the country. I referred to the two allocations that were made from the URDF for the North Quays project. In mentioning this project, I am mindful of places such as the Docklands in Dublin, which had a special designation and, in the context of an all-Ireland approach, what the Belfast quarters did for regeneration in that area of Northern Ireland. This can be key for Waterford city. I appreciate the Senator's concern to try to progress this project. He has my office inundated with queries about it. I also note that a media notice has been circulated for next Tuesday afternoon regarding a visit to Waterford. I hope that proves successful for the Senator and his hard work in the area.