Angry residents vow to fight rezoned commercial plans for city

RESIDENTS in a part of Waterford city rezoned for commercial development have reacted angrily to the move.

The rezoning of the New Street area of the city from residential to commercial development was backed by city councillors who say rezoning is critical if the area is to compete with other commercial hubs such as Dungarvan, Kilkenny, Wexford and Clonmel.

But more than 1,000 signatures were gathered against the rezoning. And while no plans have yet been submitted to the council for redevelopment of the area, opponents say such a move will be strongly opposed.

Sinn Féin councillor Davy Cullinane, said the council is bowing to developers buying up properties in the area. “We can’t just simply react to developers. It is premature and it is unnecessary. I think it is unhealthy too.”

Independent councillor Mary Roche said Waterford faces huge commercial competition from other hubs near the city. “All of those towns have a very large hinterland and are competing with Waterford.”

Local Green Party activist, Brendan McCann said: “We might look to see if this area can be rezoned again, back to residential. If a planning application goes in, we will look at it very seriously,” he told WLR FM.