Quality of life focus for inner city plan

A STRATEGIC plan governing the future of Waterford’s inner city will focus on heritage and arts-led regeneration, quality of life, environment, community safety and community development and socialinclusion.

The Waterford Inner City Strategic Plan 2008-2010 was launched yesterday following consultation between the St Brigid’s Family Resource Centre and local residents, community organisations and retailers.

With about 10,500 people living in the inner city — 25% of Waterford’s population — it was felt that the community needs its own local development plan, with focused responses from all agencies.

The aim is to ensure sustained good health and well-being for all residents, which includes future generations.

The area involved covers about nine square kilometres, accommodates 4,350 households and is home to a significant business and retail sector.

St Brigid’s Family Resource Centre has the main responsibility to ensure the delivery of the plan goes smoothly. There are four staff employed and the delivery of the plan will be a key part of their work.

Co-ordinator is Anne Goodwin, joined by full-time community development worker Mags Drohan, part-time community development worker Liz McEvoy and part-time administrator Catherina McEvoy.

The plan is divided into short, medium and long-term goals, to be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

According to St Brigid’s, this plan over time “has the potential to respond to the needs identified by local residents, and give a new lease of life to the inner city for all residents, businesses and visitors”.

They say that by highlighting heritage and arts, environment and social inclusion, the inner city can become a vibrant place for everyone.

Social and Family Affairs Minister Martin Cullen officially launched the plan yesterday and said that it grew from a needs analysis for the heart of the city by local agencies, community organisations, local residents and retailers

“I compliment you all on your achievement. The implementation of this ambitious, considered and appropriate plan with its short, medium and long-term goals will require co-operation,” he said.

The minister wished St Brigid’s Family Resource Centre director Dick Healy every success with the delivery of the plan.

“The work of this local family resource centre — one of two in the city — is very well known to me.”

The Sacred Heart at Richardstown Meadows on the Old Tramore Road is the second centre.

The strategic plan is funded by the Improved Cohesion Process.