The new Metropolitan Mayor says the message that Waterford is ripe for investment must be spread far and wide.
Independent Davy Daniels made the remarks following his election yesterday evening.
He saw off a challenge from the council pact thanks to the backing of Sinn Féin, the Greens, Labour and independents Mary Roche and Donal Barry.
His opponent, Fianna Fáil's Jason Murphy, had the support of Fine Gael and Independents Joe Kelly and Joe Conway.
It's Davy Daniels' latest electoral victory in a long career, with his first coming at the local elections in 1974.
Congratulations to my Independent colleague Cllr Davy Daniels on being elected Mayor of #Waterford Metropolitan Council. pic.twitter.com/ReVhzZlMCO
— m a r y r o c h e 🇺🇦 🇾🇪 🇸🇩 (@maryroche) June 25, 2020
He told councillors that Waterford will fight back from the coronavirus pandemic.
"The lock-down has created so many serious issues for so many individuals, families and businesses."
Adding that "we will fight back with all the amenities required: beaches, magnificent coastline, the greenway, museums, theatres and sporting amenities".
He said it's a critical time for Waterford and called for certainty on projects including the North Quays, the technological university, the airport and 24/7 cardiac care.
"Waterford is ripe for investment. We must, like never before, get that message out there - invest in Waterford for quality of life.
"With the formation of a government on a knife edge this is a critical time for us and there is a lot of concern locally on the lack of financial commitments on a number of our vital capital projects."
Mary Roche was elected unopposed as deputy Metropolitan Mayor.
Fianna Fáil's Adam Wyse pointed out that it means many of Waterford's highest ranking councillors hail from the same area.
"It just struck me there, on the Dunmore Road we now have Councillor Daniels as Metropolitan Mayor, Councillor Mulligan and Deputy Plenary Mayor and Councillor Roche as Deputy Metro Mayor - all within 300 yards.
"If we can't sort out the traffic issues there now I don't think we will ever get them sorted out."
