Vandalised city landmark to open for Tall Ships Race

A WATERFORD city centre landmark targeted by vandals on numerous occasions is getting a major revamp and will be open in time for the Tall Ships Race, city officials have promised.

The spectacular Millennium Plaza on the quays is a haven on sunny days. But in recent times, it has been overrun by skateboarders and those engaged in anti-social activity. On several occasions, it has been destroyed by vandals and thugs.

But work on the site is now well underway; CCTV cameras are being installed and the revamped plaza will be open shortly, according to city council senior engineer Frank Roche.

“We will be reopening the plaza shortly and will be taking steps to ensure it’s not vandalised again. There will be security there throughout the Tall Ships Race. In the long-term, we are looking at various options for the site. It is our intention that this plaza should not go downhill rapidly again. We are looking at various options to protect it into the future,” Mr Roche said.

Just last month, city councillor Mary O’Halloran said by-laws should be introduced in Waterford to ban skateboarding, rollerbladers and mountain bikers from making areas like the plaza a no-go area for others.

Ennis Town Council in Co Clare has already brought in a by-law which means anyone caught engaging in such activity in public places is fined €1,200. The Fine Gael councillor wants the same laws to apply in Waterford.

“I’m appalled by the damage at the plaza here in Waterford.

“It’s an absolute disgrace. It’s being constantly damaged by these skateboarders and mountain bikers.

“They seem to be able to do what they please.

“Huge damage has been done to the plaza and large pieces are being chipped out of the seats there. Huge canopies have been defaced and polls holding up the canopy now state ‘Skateboarders Rule the Plaza’,” she said.