Waterford told to avoid ‘vacuous’ university city label

WATERFORD does not want the “vacuous” title of being a university city alone.

The city should work instead towards enhancing its rich heritage, history and culture and making the most of its open spaces and extensive quays in tandem with its great learning ethos.

Those were the sentiments yesterday of Waterford Institute of Technology director Professor Kieran R Byrne.

Addressing the Perspectives ’07 seminar, a research and development initiative presented by Waterford-based street theatre company Spraoi, with support from Waterford Institute of Technology and the Arts Council, Prof Byrne said Waterford has huge potential.

With an announcement on university status imminent, Prof Byrne said the importance of highlighting the city’s rich culture as well as its growing status as a hub for learning has never been more important.

“We do not want the vacuous, ornamental title of a university city. We have to work on that. Waterford has an exceptionally rich heritage at the heart of its urban development. Ours is one of the first cities of Europe. It has demonstrated a capacity to renew itself.

“Waterford has wonderful public spaces. The river flows right up, in through the city. Development is focused on the hub, rather than down river which has happened more recently in Cork. In Galway, they have not yet got round to development in that area yet,” said Prof Byrne.

Cities such as Waterford should be doing everything they can to improve their profile by best using their open spaces for festivals and events, London-based expert Patrick Loy said.

Mr Loy manages the New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations in London. The event draws up to 500,000 on to its streets each year. He commended the work being done in Waterford to open up the city, make it more pedestrian friendly and ensure its open spaces are well-designed and capable of hosting gatherings and events.

“Improving the profile and standing of our cities should not be viewed as an optional extra. If you do not aim to go up a league, you will end up going down a league. Always pitch yourself one league above,” said Mr Loy.