Waterford City and County Council has presented its Capital Programme 2025–2028 to elected members at today’s Plenary Council meeting (Thursday, 9 July), outlining €679.2 million of planned investment through to the end of 2028. The rolling programme sets out a structured pipeline of schemes at varying stages of development. The Council's estimated match funding requirement is €109.1 million, to be met through a mix of Government grants, development contributions, asset sales, reserves and loan finance.

Housing remains the largest component of the plan, with just over €242 million allocated to deliver approximately 1,050 additional social housing units by the end of 2028. The programme also makes provision for serviced sites in rural areas and the continued delivery of affordable and cost-rental schemes. Supporting funding includes major enabling works via the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund and strategic partnerships, such as the North Quays development with the Land Development Agency.

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A total of €179.2 million is assigned to economic development, including the continued delivery of the North Quays Development, described as the largest urban regeneration project of its kind outside Dublin. Investment will back regeneration projects across towns and villages including Dungarvan, Tramore, Lismore, Cappoquin, Portlaw, Ardmore and Dunmore East, alongside tourism initiatives such as the Attraction of Scale and the Tir na nOg Children's Experience in Waterford City, and the Water Sports Activity Facility in Ardmore.

Under Roads Infrastructure and Climate Resilience, €135.2 million will be invested to maintain and upgrade transport and public infrastructure. Key priorities include €86 million for active travel infrastructure; energy upgrades to public lighting; footpath restoration and accessibility improvements; climate resilience measures including SuDS and coastal protection; expansion of EV charging infrastructure; upgrades to public conveniences; and road safety and resurfacing works.

Among the projects to be delivered is the realignment of the R708 Regional Road to facilitate the planned extension of the runway at Waterford Regional Airport. The works are estimated at €800,000, with contributions of €100,000 each from Kilkenny County Council and Wexford County Council, €200,000 from Waterford City and County Council, and the remaining €400,000 to be provided by Waterford Airport Limited.

A further €23.4 million is allocated to community, sport and recreational facilities. This includes new fire stations in Kilmacthomas and Tallow, an upgrade of the Waterford Regional Sports Centre, development of new sports facilities in Dungarvan and Tramore, and investment in libraries, playgrounds and cultural infrastructure.