Developers offer to meet residents over €100m plan

A CONSTRUCTION company which proposes developing a €100 million, shopping centre has said it is anxious to meet with residents and discuss concerns they have over the potential impact of the project.

Several of the 50 residents who gathered for an information meeting in Waterford on Monday night said that the Dundrum-style Brewery project is one which would better suit a greenfield site, rather than a city centre hub.

The developers, a consortium of business people under the banner of the KRM Construction Partnership, say they are more than willing to meet with residents and local people to discuss the project in detail.

Stephen Murphy, of Milltown Engineering Ltd, Bagnelstown, Co Carlow, is one of the three developers. He said last night that partnership is the way forward.

“We want to work together with the community on this. We are hoping they might come back with their concerns. We are more than willing to reach agreement.

“If anyone has concerns on the impact this work would have on their property, we would offer them a dilapidation survey - examining their property before and after construction work. We will also have a ban on trucks after a certain time, reducing the noise impact.”

The proposed complex incorporates 50 retail units, a foodcourt, sports bar and bowling centre, a 110-bed hotel with conference centre and swimming pool and parking for 850 cars.

An application for planning permission was submitted to Waterford City Council just before Christmas. It is proposed it be developed over three levels on a five-acre city centre site bordered by Michael Street, New Street, John’s Lane, Browne’s Lane, Stephen Street and Alexander Street.

Eight homes, one business premises, and the multi-storey car park at New Street will be demolished to facilitate the development.

At the open meeting on the plan, some residents raised concerns about the impact construction and demolition work would have on old houses in the immediate area.