Government approves purchase of Waterford Crystal site for student housing

The South East Technological University will now sign final contracts to buy 20.3 acres of the 37-acre site

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris with Professor Veronica Campbell, president of SETU, at the campus in Waterford.

The Waterford Crystal site is to become student housing for the South East Technological University (SETU), after Higher Education Minister Simon Harris granted approval for the move.

SETU will now sign final contracts to purchase 20.3 acres of the 37-acre Waterford Crystal site.

Speaking on Thursday after the acquisition was approved, Mr Harris said: "This is a major moment for the development of the South East Technological University"

We know this is an iconic site, which has been derelict for almost 15 years. Today, it becomes part of the SETU footprint in Co. Waterford.

“We know the history of the site but the future is now certain too. The Crystal site is no more. This is now another part of the SETU campus.” 

A Government spokesperson said that the purchase of the site would "satisfy a number of wider local and regional objectives through the re-using/re-purposing of a prominent brownfield site in the city."

President of SETU Professor Veronica Campbell warmly welcomed today’s announcement.

Professor Campbell said: "SETU is delighted to secure ministerial approval to move swiftly ahead with the purchase of the former Waterford Crystal site and we look forward to signing contracts within the fortnight.

Professor Veronica Campbell (left), president of SETU, said: "I would like to thank minister Harris (right) for his ongoing support and enthusiasm for this project."

"I would like to thank minister Harris for his ongoing support and enthusiasm for this project and I look forward to his further engagement on the re-imagining of this iconic site."

Dr Alan Wall, CEO of the Higher Education Authority, added: "The purchase of the Waterford Crystal site in Waterford is a significant moment in the history of SETU and a major milestone in the proposed expansion of the Waterford campus.

"The HEA and SETU have been working closely to ensure the conclusion of the acquisition of this iconic site. This strategic purchase will address a number of local and regional objectives and will facilitate future student growth for SETU.

"With the assistance of the HEA, SETU will proceed to develop a business case for the development of the proposed site under our Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund (TSSPF)."