TWICE THE SIZE - DIT Update - Dublin Institute of Technology

FUTURE SCENARIOS FOR WATERFORD
SCENARIO 1: An Elephant in the Kitchen (National scenario: THE SOW OF LIBERTY)
By 2030 Waterford has managed to pull itself out of the economic slumber that prevented the
city from developing its role as the main economic driver in the South-East region since the
1970’s. Having undergone the first stage of a major infrastructural revamp between 2006 and
2012, access to Waterford City has been greatly improved. Attracting and maintaining
investment and development in Waterford City remained a priority in the belief that a strong
city would be a strong region. The twin goals of mobility and local and international economic
development were pursued relentlessly during these crucial years of development, with
substantial investment in road and broadband infrastructure.
Keeping in line with the National Development Plan 2000-2006, and the National Spatial Strategy
2002-2020, 2009 marked the completion of the Waterford City Bypass, followed by the Outer
Ring Road in 2010. By 2012, the motorway running from Waterford to Dublin was unveiled,
ensuring fast access to and from the region. The country’s main industries, comprising mainly of
agriculture, IT, tourism and fishing - are located within in the Eastern ‘city region’ that now
stretches from Belfast to Waterford. Waterford in 2015 boasts a strong entrepreneurial culture
and has become the focal point for foreign investment between most of the large towns in the
south East, including Clonmel, Kilkenny, Wexford, Carrick on Suir, New Ross, Dungarvan, and
Tramore. A high proportion of the declining manufacturing industry in the South-East Region is
now foreign owned. Waterford Crystal’s manufacturing plant moved out of the city, leaving
behind only its headquarters and visitors museum.
The main focus on the northward extension of the existing City centre, with emphasis on retail,
office, leisure and high density residential community complexes was aimed at utilising existing
infill opportunities in previously desolate areas, rather than scoping out new sites. The hype
around the development leading up to its completion in 2020 had managed to transcend regional
boundaries, and the North Quay development was fast becoming the envy of the nation.
Comprised of a 30,000 seat GAA grounds as the centrally located landmark, the development
was drawing crowds into the thousands, attending the inter-county hurling matches - a dream
come true for a place that was once known as the forgotten county. With a covered arena it
enables hurling to be played all year round, as well as a host of other sporting and cultural
activities.
Apart from the arena, the development also comprised of retail and office developments to
cater for the increasing interest in the area as a viable commercial district. Access to the
development from the south is via the newly built downstream City Centre Bridge, built
exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, and to link the increased employment and residential
activity on the North Quays with the existing City Centre on the South. The development was
funded through a public private partnership between Waterford’s local authority and a number
of businesses with vested interest in the area.
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