Waterford Chamber has unveiled a bold long-term vision for the future of Waterford and the South East, bringing together business leaders, Government representatives, international ambassadors, higher education, public sector, South East Chambers of Commerce and regional stakeholders at the Waterford City Region Advantage Dinner at Faithlegg.
Waterford & The South East 2075: A Regional Strategy for Prosperity & Connectivity, presented by Waterford Chamber following extensive research and stakeholder engagement led by Dr Ray Griffin of SETU, Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber, and Niall Harrington, Chair of Waterford Chamber's Infrastructure & Development Panel, sets out a long-term framework for transforming the region through investment in infrastructure, housing, healthcare, higher education, energy, enterprise and connectivity. It positions Waterford as the anchor city for a connected South East region of 650,000 people, with the ambition of unlocking the region's full potential, strengthening connectivity and creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth and opportunity across the South East.
The strategy was presented by economist Jim Power and Dr Ray Griffin of South East Technological University (SETU), before a panel of regional leaders examined how the vision can be translated into action.
The strategy identifies the South East as poised for tiger growth of +8% per annum, with an opportunity to double the regional economy from €20bn to €45bn by 2036.
Dr Griffin said the significance of the strategy lies in its long-term perspective. "The evidence is clear. The South East has the structural capacity to grow at tiger rates and double its economy within the next decade. What it requires is what has worked everywhere else: further connectivity to bind a 45-minute region of 650,000 people into a single economic unit; investment at scale in higher education to end the brain drain; and the regional governance architecture to make that investment stick for the next generation. These are not regional asks. They are a national policy choice."
REGIONAL GOVERNANCE
Central to that governance architecture is the proposed South East Authority for Regeneration (SEAR), a collaborative regional body designed to build on coordination work already under way in the region rather than impose a new structure from outside. Locally led, with representation from Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow and South Tipperary alongside business, civic society and SETU, SEAR would leave each local authority in full control of its own area while coordinating strategic planning, aligning investment across the region, and presenting a unified case to national government and EU bodies. It would be funded through a pooled model of exchequer, EU and local contributions, with annual reporting and citizen engagement providing transparent accountability.
The keynote address, in front of a host of International Ambassadors, Oireachtas members and business leaders, was delivered by Simon Coveney, Head of Global Affairs for EY EMEIA and former Tánaiste, who highlighted the importance of ambition and collaboration in securing the region's future.
"Waterford and the South East is a dynamic, ambitious region and an important part of Ireland’s economic story. The Waterford and South East 2075 strategy is hugely important as we navigate an increasingly uncertain global environment, where many of the rules and norms under which Ireland has thrived are fundamentally changing. With renewable energy and energy security set to play a crucial role in the years ahead, making the right decisions now will be key to seizing the opportunities ahead."
The dinner was supported by EY, which has a long-standing commitment to Waterford and the South East. Ronan Clinton, EY Ireland Waterford Regional Lead, says: "Waterford and the South East play a vital role in Ireland's economic success, and when Waterford thrives, the country benefits. With world-class talent and a strong mix of local and international businesses across the region, EY continues to invest in and grow its presence in Waterford. This is a region focused on the future, building the connectivity and talent needed to drive the South East forward for decades to come."
COLLABORATION
The strategy positions Waterford as a stronger regional capital and economic hub, with the capacity to serve a wider South East population and attract the investment, talent and infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth.
The unveiling was followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Jim Power, focusing on some of the critical building blocks of the region's future, including higher education and employment, healthcare, housing, offshore energy, regional collaboration and business growth.
Panel contributors included Prof Veronica Campbell of SETU, Gwen Daniels of UPMC Whitfield, Dr Ray Griffin, Simon Coveney, Niall Harrington of WhiteBox Developments, Sean Kirwan of ESB, Ivan Grimes of Waterford City & County Council and Anne Lannigan of Enterprise Ireland.
For outgoing Waterford Chamber President Eadaoin Carrick, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on her year in office and the ambition she believes exists across the region. "Tonight is about ambition. It is about believing that Waterford and the South East can be bigger, more connected and more prosperous, and then having the courage to set out what that future could look like. During my year as President, I have been struck again and again by the quality, ambition and commitment that exists across this region. The 2075 strategy captures that spirit. It gives us a long-term destination, but it is now up to all of us to turn that vision into action."
This message was reinforced by menu creators and chefs Jenny Flynn, Faithlegg and Luis Martin, Mara, who outlined the strength of the food and drinks industry and by Clare Barrett, House of Waterford and Visit Waterford, who spoke to MC Paul Nolan about the growth tourism sector in the South East.
SUPPORTING BUSINESS
The Advantage Dinner also showcased the strength of the local economy, with Waterford Local Enterprise Office-supported businesses including Beara Bitters, Oh My Cookies, CocoabyJudit, Garden Kitchen Chef and Da Costa Family showcasing their products, alongside drink producers Blackwater Distillery, Legacy Irish Cider, Waterford Whiskey, Dungarvan Brewing, O’Connell Whiskey and Curraghmore Whiskey.
Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley said the strategy represents the beginning of a longer-term campaign for the region. "Waterford & The South East 2075 is about changing the conversation. We need to be ambitious about the scale of opportunity in this region and equally ambitious about the investment and collaboration required to realise it. This is not a five-year plan. It is a long-term framework for the kind of region we want to leave to the generations that follow us."
He added: "The Advantage Dinner brought together many of the people who will be central to delivering that vision. The challenge now is to move from ambition to action and ensure that Waterford and the South East secure the investment, infrastructure and opportunities required to fulfil their potential."
The Waterford City Region Advantage Dinner brought together representatives from business, Government, local authorities, education, international diplomatic missions and the wider regional community, reinforcing Waterford Chamber's role in advocating for the region and building connections between the public and private sectors.
Waterford Chamber said the unveiling of Waterford & The South East 2075 marks the beginning of an ongoing programme of engagement around the strategy and its ambitions for the region.
Click here to download Waterford & The South East 2075.
