TWICE THE SIZE - DIT Update - Dublin Institute of Technology

SCENARIO 3: A Tale of Two Cities (National scenario: THE FRAGILITY OF MÉ FÉIN)
In light of this current situation, the only businesses likely to survive are indigenous industries,
who can adapt to local conditions. The South East as a region, having failed to perform in line
with other regional gateways during boom times has borne the brunt of the slump, and hopes of
being transformed into a vibrant regional centre, similar to its counterpart gateways, are
dashed.
Waterford people and the people of the South East in general have become increasingly
dejected over the unacceptable level of neglect in the region, particularly in the north. On the
cusp of becoming an attractive location for development, the city has been left to fend for itself
as other regions increasingly focus on their own development. Stagnant employment growth
coupled with age old deficiencies in the region’s transport infrastructure, impact negatively on
Waterford’s competitiveness. While Ireland’s rich regions get richer Waterford staggers behind,
unable to exploit its growth potential. Locally, Waterford people have little pride in the area;
regionally, Waterford is still in competition with other regions for just about everything;
nationally, Waterford lacks the reputation and profile of other regions; and internationally
Waterford is known more for a particular product than for the merits of the place. Frictions and
social conflicts have begun to surface around the northern fringes as citizens are beginning to
recognise the isolation of prosperity on the south. Increasing disparities between the rich and
poor are highlighted as plans for northward expansion of the city are shelved as regional purse
strings are tightened in the wake of a national economic slump.
While the South of the quays,
having benefited enormously
from the elevation of Waterford
Institute of Technology to
University status in 2010 and the
subsequent creation of its ICT
centre of excellence, has the
potential to adapt, the north
side of the city is in a bad way.
The ambitious plans for northern city expansion over the last decade have failed to come to
fruition. Waterford is a divided city. Concentration of the population on the south side is
wreaking havoc on infrastructure and environmental supplies. The provision of housing is
inadequate, waste treatment services do not have the capacity to sustain the growing
population, and water supplies are being affected. Congestion in the city is becoming a major
issue, as road projects remain incomplete. The Waterford Bypass due to be completed in 2012
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