The retail offering of the North Quays is expected to be about one third of what was originally envisioned, and will be a flexible space with the option of using it for offices, Waterford Councillors have heard.

The revised plans were presented to members of the Council by CEO Michael Walsh, and details of this meeting were published in the Waterford News and Star. 

Speaking to Damien on Déise Today this morning, Fianna Fail Cllr Eddie Mulligan said reducing retail space from 30,000 sq metres down to 10,000 was a "more viable and potentially sustainable offering into the future."

Cllr Mulligan added that the plans for the North Quays must revolve around getting the "right mix" of business, retail, hospitality, residential and recreational, to work within an expanded city centre.

However, other councillors have expressed fear that the shrinking down of the planned retail space could remove the need for people to visit Waterford for shopping. In response, Cllr Mulligan said the project needs to be looked at as a complete offering, similar to what was achieved with the Dublin Docklands.

The Council is in talks with developers with regards to progressing the North Quays. Eddie Mulligan said there's one investor in particular who is "willing to take the next step and put a substantial investment" into the project.  He added that we can expect a positive announcement by September of this year.

Responding to Michael Walsh's comments if any plans were to become vulnerable it would be the one to relocate the train station, Councillor Mulligan told listeners that he's confident this element of the project will still go ahead.

Have a listen to his full conversation with Damien through the link in this project.

And for all Deise Today podcasts, click here.