Responding to the announcement by Waterford City & County Council Chief Executive Michael Walsh that contracts have been signed with the Fawaz Alhokair Group for the redevelopment of the city’s North Quays and Michael Street, Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber said: “This is fantastic news for Waterford and perfect timing, as we can be clear in our message to An Tánaiste Simon Coveney and IDA Chairman Frank Ryan at our Annual Dinner this coming Friday that Waterford has a vision as the Capital City of the Region and that this development is the catalyst for change.

“With the CPO’s finally approved by An Bord Pleanala, along with the immediate plans to widen Browne’s Lane/Hennessey’s Road and the demolition of the former WIT building and adjacent properties, we will now begin to see the movement we have so long lobbied for.

“Our theme for this year’s Annual Dinner is ‘Think Global, Act Local’, and in light of these announcements that has never been more prevalent. We will be calling on the Tánaiste and the IDA to offer every support as we strive towards making Waterford a better place to live, work and do business.”