An Bord Pleanala has granted Waterford City and County Council planning permission for a 900-metre looped walkway in Cappoquin.
The loop will incorporate the Old Red Bridge and connect existing public and private accesses and informal access paths.
The news has been welcomed by Local Fine Gael Senator, John Cummins, who said:
“Last year my Fine Gael colleague Minister Heather Humphreys announced a funding package of €500,000 for phase 1 of the looped walkway. Unfortunately, it has taken a considerable period of time for An Bord Plenala to issue a decision on this project, however, Waterford City and County Council had no choice in going this route due to the Natura Impact and Appropriate Assessment Screening requirements”.
“This is a project which I have had the pleasure of working with the Cappoquin Regeneration Committee on and I have no doubt that when it is completed it will be an invaluable asset to the entire community. The project was purposely split into 4/5 phases to capitalise on funding opportunities, however, the first €500,000 is already in place and I hope that Waterford City and County Council will be able to progress phase 1 as soon as practicable.
He added: “I am aware that there are a few outstanding issues which need to be ironed out with the residents of the Port na hAbhann estate and I am assured that engagement will occur in relation to this. Phase 1 stretches from Millwheel Park at the Community Centre towards the rowing club along the quay wall”.
“I will continue to work with my Fine Gael colleague Cllr. Declan Doocey and the Cappoquin Regeneration Committee in relation to the funding requirements for phase 2 through 4 which will incorporate the restoration of the Old Red Bridge and railway embankment. Planning permission now paves the way for this project to proceed and I look forward to early delivery”.
Senator Cummins concluded by saying: “There are many projects that have been funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development which have been very slow to proceed right across the county which can be very frustrating. €14.4 million was allocated to Waterford in 2022 alone for everything from large-scale projects to smaller community-led initiatives and it is the cumulative impact over the last number of years which is starting to pay dividends.
