John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In December, I raised on the Order of Business the matter of Waterford City and County Council's application to the urban regeneration and development fund, and I do so again this morning to highlight the necessity of Government support for what I believe will be a transformative regeneration project for Waterford city centre, focusing on 22 projects across the Viking triangle and cultural quarter areas of the city.

In November, the Government brought forward a decision on Waterford City and County Council's application for the north quays, and €110 million in Government support was given to the Waterford City and County Council to bring forward its plans for the 7 ha waterfront site. A project and application that has gone under the radar is the application for €27.6 million in support towards a €48.5 million plan to bring derelict and underutilised buildings back into productive use as incubation hubs, creative spaces, modern usable accommodation and areas where the community can meet and relax. In addition, there are public realm upgrade plans for O'Connell Street across to the new distillery on Mary Street, and a new plaza and park areas are planned for the entrance to the city in the area of the Beach Tower and along Spring Garden Alley to open up views of the medieval city walls. There are also plans to create a new square that links Greyfriars and Bailey's New Street, which would create new accommodation and expanded commercial space at ground-floor level.

As someone who lives in the city centre and is very passionate about the city centre and the plans to grow Waterford in the context of the 2040 plan, I believe this project is essential to realise my vision to make my city the best place in which to live, work and grow old. Will the Leader indicate when a decision and announcement will be made on the Waterford and projects in the south east? I understand they are going to be made for the south east at some point. Some clarity on that would be appreciated.