The Waterford City Region Advantage Dinner convened key stakeholders from government, enterprise, international embassies and academia to examine the South East’s role in Ireland’s long-term economic strategy and regional development objectives.
Organised by Waterford Chamber, in partnership with the regional Chambers of Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Dungarvan & West Waterford, and Tipperary, the event at Faithlegg, underscored the unique advantages of the region as a driver of investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, emphasised the South East’s potential as a region of scale and opportunity: “Through a combination of factors, the Waterford City Region is incredibly well positioned to drive Ireland’s next phase of balanced and sustainable growth. The delivery of the North Quays, the development of the Glassworks campus, and the emergence of the South East as a hub with the potential for transformative offshore renewable energy development are all critical projects that can define the future of this region. Together, they provide the foundations for a regional city of scale, one that will attract investment, nurture world-class talent, and contribute significantly to our national economy.”
The evening also featured an economic overview from Dr Loretta O’Sullivan, Chief Economist, EY Ireland, who outlined the economic trends shaping national and regional competitiveness.
Representing an international audience were Ambassadors from Canada, China, Belgium, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, along with representatives from the Embassies of Britain, France, South Africa and Japan, among others.
A Regional Investment Panel considered the role of major projects in infrastructure, higher education, tourism, and renewable energy, with contributions from Pat Power, Harcourt Developments; Noel Frisby Jr, Glassworks; Prof Veronica Campbell, President, SETU; Paul Keeley, Fáilte Ireland, and David Sinnott, Port of Waterford. Discussion centred on the ability of these investments to strengthen competitiveness, drive innovation, and enhance resilience across the South East.
A subsequent Regional Business Panel, chaired by Paul Nolan, Dawn Meats, heard from senior leaders of globally connected enterprises based in the region, including Unum, Integer, IBM, Sun Life, and Abbott. Panellists shared insights on sustaining business growth, fostering innovation, and developing the skills pipeline required to support the South East’s evolving economy.
In his closing remarks, Waterford Chamber President Kevin Doolin highlighted why the Waterford City Region is uniquely competitive. “What sets the Waterford City Region apart is not just our strategic projects, but the quality of life we can offer. This is a place where people want to live, work, and raise families. Housing remains more affordable here than in other parts of Ireland, our business communities are connected and well supported, and we enjoy world-class amenities, cultural assets, and natural beauty on our doorstep. By aligning the strengths of Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, and Tipperary, we are building a region of scale that offers both economic opportunity and an unrivalled lifestyle. That is the Waterford City Region advantage.”
The event was supported by a range of regional and national partners, including EY, SETU & the Walton Institute, Port of Waterford, Harcourt Developments, Glassworks, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Propeller BIC, Fáilte Ireland, Waterford LEO, WhiteBox Developments, and Waterford Chamber Skillnet.
The Waterford City Region Advantage Dinner concluded with the clear message that the South East combines affordability, connected communities, and world-class infrastructure with ambition and scale — making it Ireland’s most competitive and attractive region for people and for business.
