Waterford Chamber today (16th February 2018) welcomes the publication of Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan.

Responding to the publication, Waterford Chamber President Paul Nolan commented: “Project Ireland 2040 has been years in the making and throughout this period of stakeholder consultation Waterford Chamber, together will all regional Chambers, proactively engaged in submitting recommendations to Government which, we are pleased to note, have significantly impacted upon the final document.

“We are particularly encouraged that priority has been given to delivering the North Quays SDZ regeneration project, as well as the provision of funding for Waterford Institute of Technology to develop as a Technological University, both of which are game changers for Waterford.

“We now have the opportunity to develop as a Centre of Excellence for Disruptive Technology, particularly paying reference to the €500m Innovation Fund announced today. This will compliment the existing businesses which have contributed significantly to the region heretofore. 

“While we welcome the commitment to improved connectivity to Dublin and Cork, we feel for the South East region to develop to its full potential, connectivity with Limerick and onto the Western corridor must be given priority. We will continue to work on behalf of our members and the wider business community to deliver this and have made a submission to the Southern Regional Assembly to this effect.

“The commitment to invest significantly in public transport is laudable and, along with the emphasis on re-developing brownfield spaces, will enhance our city environments and reduce urban sprawl, thus improving the quality of life and the attractiveness of the Waterford City region as a great place to live, work and do business in.”

Speaking on behalf of Waterford Chamber’s Retail Advisory Group, chairperson Jacqui Kielthy said: “We welcome the development of the North Quays, which will enhance the existing retail offering and go a long way towards addressing the estimated €350m retail leakage from the South East region. We look forward to meeting with representatives from Al Hokair and determining how we can work together to deliver a quality experience for the increased footfall.”

Join Waterford Chamber on Tuesday, February 27th in Garter Lane Arts Centre at 7.30am for a panel discussion led by John Moran, Former Secretary General at the Department of Finance & Director, European Investment Bank.