€3 million development talks

RESIDENTS and community group representatives in Waterford’s Ballybeg were meeting late last night to discuss their views on a €300 million-plus development of the former Waterford Crystal Sports Grounds which are before the City Council.

The proposed project includes an international conference and enterprise centre, hotel, eight-screen cinema, medical centre and retail park, which will completely transform the 22-acres of playing pitch.

The group includes representatives from the Ballybeg Community Development Project.

Group representatives were tight lipped last night about their views on the development.

Newry-based developer, Gerard O’Hare, from Parker Green International described what is proposed at the landmark site and the era ahead for the community as “a very exciting time for Waterford”.

It is proposed that the transformation of the former sports grounds will take place in two phases and it is phase one that Parker Green International have this week sought permission for.

The project, if cleared by planning officials, will create about 1,000 jobs in total, 400 of which would result from phase one.