Waterford City and County Council has awarded the first two construction contracts for the Cappoquin Regeneration Project.

Marlhill Construction, located in Ardfinnan, has secured the contract for refurbishing Moore's Hotel on Main Street. Meanwhile, Conor Phelan Construction, based in Dungarvan, has been granted the contract for renovating three terraced townhouses situated at 6, 7 and 8 Main Street.

The construction contract for the derelict former Moore’s Hotel will transform the 150-year-old building into residential upper floor accommodation over ground floor commercial premises. Extensive reconstruction, refurbishment and conservation works will be completed over the coming 12 months with the new properties ready for occupation by the end of 2025.

This housing agreement will convert the empty terraced townhouses into three fresh residences, with additional mews accommodations at the rear on Green Street. Once more, substantial reconstruction and refurbishment efforts are planned over the next 12 months to complete the new homes, aiming for occupancy by the conclusion of 2025.

The Department of Rural and Community Development is investing over €6 million in the overall Cappoquin Regeneration Project through its Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF). Additional funding from both Waterford City and County Council and the Cappoquin Regeneration Company is enhancing this investment. The Regeneration Project is geared towards tackling vacancy and dereliction in the town centre while also enhancing investment in the public domain of the town centre.

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Other projects currently in design development under the RRDF Regeneration Project include the refurbishment of Fennell’s Pub & Uniacke's Shop on Main Street and proposed public realm works at Market Square and Main Street.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said: "This investment is a ringing endorsement of the potential of Cappoquin and surrounds, as a vibrant, sustainable, and vital area that will see families locate to and thrive in.

"The success of the Cappoquin Regeneration Project will be measured against the success of similar rural regeneration projects, such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the West Waterford Sports Hub, and the rejuvenation of Blackwater House. These have breathed new life and energy into Waterford’s rural communities and no doubt, we can anticipate the same outcome in Cappoquin with the delivery of new, energy efficient, modern family homes to the area."

Dr Ben Murphy, Chairperson and Director of Cappoquin Regeneration Company CLG, said that he and his fellow directors and members of Cappoquin Regeneration Company are delighted to see the first contracts of the town regeneration project being awarded. He added: "The company members have worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Cappoquin to reach this very important milestone for the town and acknowledges the support of the members and staff of Waterford City and County Council and the Tomar Trust in this regeneration project.

"We would also like to acknowledge the funding of the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund and we are very much looking forward to having another phase of the town centre regeneration project completed over the next 18 months."