Kilkenny councillors welcome progress of works at North Quays
Ongoing efforts to deliver a public transport hub and sustainable transport bridge on the North Quays site in Waterford have been welcomed by the councillors of Piltown Municipal District in South Kilkenny.
At present, the in-river works for the sustainable transport bridge that will span the River Suir are continuing.
This includes the construction of the second of four cofferdams for piling works for the bridge piers.
The piling and laying of foundations for the new public transport hub are also progressing.
The hub will include a new station building, two train platforms, a footbridge, pick-up and drop-off facilities and public realm spaces.
It has been agreed by Waterford City and County Council, Kilkenny County Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage that four sub-projects be progressed by Kilkenny County Council.
These projects are the Belmont Link Road, the N29 Port Road, Enhanced Greenway Connectivity and Abbey Road and Belmont Road Sustainable Transport Improvements.
Kilkenny County Council are now awaiting a response from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to a resource request to assist in the progression of the above sub-projects.
"It's great to be able to share concerns with Waterford," said Cllr Ger Frisby at this month's meeting of Piltown Municipal District.
"For example, there was some transport disruption in recent times along the quay here in Ferrybank and by raising the issue with we were able to help alleviate the issue."
Overall, it is hoped that the North Quays project will be a huge asset to South Kilkenny and improve connectivity between Waterford City and Ferrybank, a large urban settlement split between Kilkenny and Waterford.
The North Quays public infrastructure project is currently listed as one of the top ten projects in the National Planning Framework, and is being funded by the URDF, the National Transport Authority and Waterford City and County Council.
The overall level of estimated public infrastructure investment is €207m and Kilkenny County Council are a key partner in the delivery of the project.