The fatal incident, involving a truck and a car, happened on the N20 in County Limerick the early hours of Wednesday | PICTURE: Brendan Gleeson
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24 Dec 2025
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24 Dec 2025
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The Clock Tower in Waterford city with the plaza under construction behind it. Photo: Google Maps.
The new plaza beside the Clock Tower in Waterford city is set to open in early 2026.
Social Democrats councillor Mary Roche enquired about the status of the plaza at the December Metropolitan District meeting of Waterford City and County Council.
Cllr Roche said: “My last thing is about the new plaza that has been put in by the Clock Tower.
“Firstly, I don’t think it’s acceptable that that plaza stays closed until 2027. It’s substantially completed as it is.
“As it is, we’re going to have to look at the pedestrian bridge for another year without being able to cross it but the plaza, I don’t think we can have the same reasons for keeping it closed.”
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She went on to describe a situation she encountered at the location recently, which she believes is an example of why the plaza should open soon.
“I saw a bunch of cub scouts coming along off a bus and walking on the road outside the Clock Tower to get down to the Waterford Eye.
“So I’m wondering if we can look at opening that plaza or at least opening access in behind the Clock Tower to make it safe as soon as possible.”
In response to Cllr Roche, Director of Services Michael Quinn provided some clarity on when the plaza will open.
Mr Quinn said: “The plaza will actually open in quarter one [of 2026]. It is relatively close to being completed.
“We had hoped that it would be open before Christmas [...] but it will be open separately to everything else.”
In its latest update, Waterford City and County Council described work on the South Quays as “well-advanced”.
The area is expected to provide a landscaped public realm area with seating, lighting, a green area and bicycle facilities.
A glass flood defence barrier is currently being installed along the river, and the plaza works are expected to be complete in January 2026.
At that point, final snagging checks and safety audits will be completed in advance of any opening to the public.
Public access from the South Plaza to the sustainable transport bridge will be closed off and secured until the bridge opens to the public.
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