Calls for ‘disgraceful’ car parks to be removed from Quay in Waterford

The car parks that line the Quay in Waterford city should be removed, a council meeting has heard. 

Fianna Fáil councillor Jason Murphy raised the subject during the November Metropolitan District meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

Cllr Murphy said it is “great to see the sustainable transport bridge progressing”, and noted the area developing around the landing point of the bridge on the south quays.

He described the public area there as looking “very nice”, adding that it provides a stark contrast to the rest of the quay.

Cllr Murphy stated: “Let’s be honest about it, our quayside is one of the nicest riverside boulevards in the country.”

READ NEXT: Waterford Airport investor reveals plans for padel courts in popular location

The Fianna Fáil councillor expressed his dismay at the space that car parks currently take up on the quay, describing it as “disgraceful”.

“Could this council maybe have a look at approaching those car park owners with the intention of buying those car parks?”, he asked.

Cllr Murphy added that the council should look to take the car parks off the quay and “do something more productive with that space”.

In response, Senior Engineer Paul Johnston said the car parks were “not in local authority ownership but they do provide in some respects, a valuable service to the hotels along the quay”.

“Those who have those hotels do require a certain level of car parking”, he added.

Mr Johnston said the council does intend to look at “the overall setup” of the quay, particularly in relation to traffic.

However, he added that there was “always a need for some level of considerable parking” for certain businesses.