Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD visited Waterford for a series of engagements, including a tour of the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project.

The Minister began at City Hall, meeting Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, Government Chief Whip Minister Mary Butler TD, and Minister of State for Local Government and Planning Minister John Cummins TD. Discussions covered key Department of Transport priorities, including climate action, roads, active travel and the transport infrastructure planned for the North Quays.

Minister O’Brien then visited the Sustainable Transport Bridge and the Transport Hub at the North Quays.

The North Quays is a flagship urban regeneration project representing one of the largest investments ever in the city and region, with €207m in approved public funding, including €100m from the Urban Regeneration & Development Fund (URDF) and €84m from the National Transport Authority (NTA).

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The scheme aims to deliver a more sustainable, liveable city centre by linking the north and south of the city and re-establishing the river and quays as a focal point.

In April last year, Waterford City and County Council granted planning permission to Harcourt Developments for the first phase of the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ).

The SDZ focuses on reconnecting the north and south quays and enhancing the public realm through investment in high-quality civic spaces and sustainable transport infrastructure, linking the Waterford and South-East Greenways via the city centre and the new sustainable transport bridge.

The mixed-use development will include significant residential accommodation alongside office and hotel space, retail offerings and high-quality public realm areas, with construction anticipated to commence in Q4 2026.

Minister O’Brien said: "Seeing the progress at Waterford’s North Quays today is hugely encouraging. This transformative project is unlocking the city’s potential, creating jobs, and setting the stage for long-term, sustainable growth in the region."

Speaking following the Minister's visit, Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council said: "We were delighted to welcome the Minister for Transport to Waterford to discuss a range of transport initiatives for the city and county.

"The Department recently announced an allocation of €360m for active travel projects, of which Waterford will receive over €9m for more sustainable transport options."