Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD, has confirmed €465,000 in funding to overhaul William Vincent Wallace Plaza on Waterford's city quays, enabling a people-focused redesign that prioritises accessibility and everyday use by residents and visitors alike.

Opened in 2001 as part of Waterford’s Millennium Projects, the plaza—often referred to as Millennium Plaza—has served for 25 years as a key gathering point, performance space and vantage point overlooking the River Suir.

Following decades of heavy use, the scheme will deliver substantial upgrades to surfacing, the existing canopy, lighting infrastructure and wider public realm finishes, with the goal of creating a more attractive, inclusive and lively destination in the heart of the city.

Minister Cummins TD, said: "I'm delighted to allocate a sum of €465,000 to Waterford City & County Council via the Local Government Fund, toward the refurbishment of Waterford’s William Vincent Wallace Plaza. The Plaza has been at the heart of our city for 25 years and in a time where the areas along our Quays are experiencing real positive change – it is also an opportunity to bring a new lease of life to existing infrastructure.

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"It has been clear for some time that this area, which is a prime location, next to some of our most well-known tourism assets, has needed a facelift – so when I was approached by Council Chief Executive Seán McKeown about the possibility of funding the project, I was delighted to be in a position to do so.

"I look forward to working with the team at Waterford City & County Council to bring this project to fruition, and I have no doubt that these refurbishment works will have an extremely positive impact for many years to come."

The vision is for a distinctive, landscape-led public space that puts people and nature first, offering a flexible, year-round setting for social interaction, community activity, rest and informal recreation, alongside events and performances. Planting and the site’s overall landscape character will be central to the redesign.

A planting strategy will prioritise form, seasonal colour and interest, biodiversity and long-term sustainability. New trees, extensive planting and strengthened green infrastructure will enhance environmental quality and user comfort, creating a more vibrant waterfront. Climate-resilient measures will support biodiversity and raise the ecological value of the city-centre public realm.

AIT Urbanism Landscape Architects have been appointed as design consultants by Waterford City & County Council. Construction is due to begin later this year, with completion expected early next year.