Plans for the regional development of Waterford City have been put forward.

Fine Gael representatives Tánaiste Simon Coveney and Environment Minister Richard Bruton visited the city to outline its plans.

The party has pledged to establish a Technological University for the South East, invest €59 million in high speed broadband and finalise details of the North Quay Project.

Further promises include the implementation of a South East Regional Enterprise Plan, Cycling Plan and to lead investment in local companies.

Speaking at the announcement yesterday, 30 January, the Tánaiste said: "Fine Gael is committed to the development of Waterford as a thriving city, a great place to live and work, and a major urban centre for the South East region.

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"The crash hit the South East particularly badly with unemployment reaching over 20.1 per cent at its peak. Big closures like Talk Talk and traditional manufacturing jobs had a devastating impact on the city and surrounding region. By implementing the South East jobs plans, Waterford has come a long way. Over 32,000 extra people are at work since 2012 in the South East. But there is a way to go to ensure the county reaches its full potential. Fine Gael in Government will continue that work so that the people of Waterford can continue to have pride in their county and the entire South East."

Minister Bruton added: "Fine Gael's objective is to implement a jobs plan for every region, focussing on what each region does best. This is the best way to ensure our cities, towns and villages prosper in the years ahead. The roll-out of high-speed broadband will be a game changer. So too will the delivery of a Technological University for the South East, which will drive economic and jobs growth and the regeneration of the North Quays. Project Ireland 2040 clearly lays out the plan and vision ensure Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford grow at twice the rate of Dublin and that towns and villages with fewer than 10,000 people benefit from the €1 billion Rural Fund. Our plan will ensure that Waterford continues to grow and develop as one of Ireland's best places in which to live, work and raise a family."

(CM/MH)