Waterford’s rebranding to link past with future plans

A MASSIVE redevelopment and rebranding of Waterford’s Viking Triangle and an iconic pedestrian bridge connecting the Clock Tower with the city’s north quays are the centre-pieces of Waterford’s pitch to the Government under the Gateway Innovation Fund.

The proposals also include projects to maximise the amenity and tourism potential of the world-famous Mount Congreve gardens in Co Waterford; to market the development potential of the Waterford Institute of Technology West Campus and the IDA Ireland land-bank at Carriganore, Co Waterford, and to increase the capacity of and facilities at the port’s Waterford Container Terminal in Belview.

Seen as crucial to unlocking Waterford’s potential as gateway to the south-east, the fund was established under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 to stimulate targeted development in gateway locations and the Waterford City Council bid — prepared in partnership with neighbouring local authorities Waterford County Council and Kilkenny County Council — sets out how Ireland’s oldest city will look in 2011 when it welcomes back the Tall Ships Races.