Trains full of people 'leaving Waterford City in droves' to visit vibrant Kilkenny on weekends - O'Neill

People are leaving Waterford in droves for thriving Kilkenny City each weekend, according to a local politician who has criticised Waterford City and County Council’s approach to retail and development.

Aontú representative Gary O‘Neill, from Ferrybank, says he is increasingly frustrated and baffled at the approach being taken by the local authority, calling it an ‘outdated, unsupported retail strategy that harms both sides of the river’.

He says says Ferrybank and South Kilkenny have been left behind for far too long, and the latest actions by Waterford City and County Council show a refusal to acknowledge the economic reality facing modern towns, cities, and communities.

“The North Quays development has crippled local business. Several have closed, we have no ATM, it’s beyond terrible,” Mr O’Neill says.

“And regardless of significant growth in the community, people in Ferrybank are being denied essential services. The vacant Ferrybank Shopping Centre is finally set for occupation, yet it’s being opposed through a judicial review initiated by Waterford Council. I believe this is economically indefensible.”

The decision to seek a judicial review by Waterford has been criticised by elected representatives in both Kilkenny and Waterford. A recent meeting of Waterford City and County Council heard that people were ‘furious’ over the move, with several councillors distancing themselves from the action by the council executive.
TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS

“Waterford City Council is clinging to an outdated approach while simultaneously imposing the highest commercial rates in Ireland,” Mr O’Neill said. “To think that Waterford has higher rates than South Dublin is staggering. If Waterford City centre is genuinely under threat, raising costs for retailers while blocking development in a neighbouring community makes no economic sense. Blocking Ferrybank’s long overdue access to services leaves one part of the metropolitan region behind so another can be protected.”

The Aontú representative praised Kilkenny City as an example, and said people in Waterford were voting with their feet by choosing to travel there instead.

“If anything, Waterford Council should be looking to Kilkenny, where vibrant small shop culture shows what actually makes a town centre thrive,” he said. “The train to Kilkenny on a Saturday is full of Waterford shoppers and pub goers. They are leaving Waterford City in droves, for a city that feels alive.

“Ferrybank’s prosperity is not an ‘existential threat’ to Waterford City. It ought to be considered as part of a healthy, modern, sustainable hub.”