Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber, has said the impact of the funding announced today for the North Quays is a step closer to achieving the ambitions for Waterford and the wider region laid out in the National Planning Framework and will have an immediate effect in terms of job creation.
Commenting on the announcement of €170.6m of investment in the Waterford North Quays Infrastructure Project, Gerald said: “The development of the North Quays, providing residential, retail and commercial units, will create a significant number of jobs, both in the short term during the construction phase and on completion of the project. It is expected over 200 people will be employed during the development of the site which will commence next year and between 1,200 and 1,500 people employed in phase one of the development from 2025.
“The North Quays will have a tremendous impact on the city centre, with high spec office space, additional retail space and much needed housing. In terms of tourism, the proposed 4 star hotel, a visitor’s centre and of course a state of the art transport hub will be a fantastic boost to tourism offering in the city centre
“The coming on stream of SETU and the development of the airport have often been described as a game changers for the city. The same can be said here. Three massive projects within a short space of time - it brings optimism and hope. Waterford is on the move and today’s announcement is a welcomed step forward on that journey.”
