Sod turned on North Quays project on Kilkenny/ Waterford border

The sod has been turned on the long-awaited North Quays public infrastructure project in Waterford today (Monday).

The Taoiseach was among those present at the ground-breaking ceremony this morning.

It follows a €170 million investment by the Government in the public infrastructure project to transform South Kilkenny and Waterford, and regenerate the wider Ferrybank, South Kilkenny and Waterford city area.

The public infrastructure works funded by the Government in the North Quays include enhanced multi-modal access routes, an integrated transport hub including the relocation of Waterford train station to a more convenient location, and the sustainable transport bridge.

The sustainable transport bridge will link the reallocated train station to new walking and cycling infrastructure.  These works will reduce the reliance on private car and facilitate alternative modes of transport for those accessing the area through the delivery of enhanced and integrated sustainable and active travel infrastructure. 

The main contract for these infrastructure works was awarded to BAM in November 2022 and today’s ground breaking ceremony signals the commencement of substantial construction works which are expected to be completed in 2025.

Mayor of Waterford City and County John O’Leary said: “Today is a momentous day for Waterford and the region. This breaking of ground represents more than just the start of works on access infrastructure in the city. It represents the start of Waterford’s renaissance.

 “As Ireland’s oldest city, with a rich tapestry of over 1,000 years of history, today marks a new phase in Waterford’s story… One very much with its sights set on moving forward. This transformative project is set to act as a catalyst in assuring Waterford’s economic potency, along with delivering a myriad of environmental, social and tourism benefits to the South-East.”