Waterford City & County Council has granted planning permission for a major mixed-use development at Davitt’s Quay and T.F. Meagher Street in Dungarvan.

The development includes the demolition of the existing buildings with full site clearance and the construction of a six-storey mixed use development including a commercial unit to the ground and first floors and apartments to ground and upper floors.

The ground floor will comprise a commercial unit, three apartments, plant area, bicycle storage, bin storage, service area and lobby areas. The first to fifth floor will comprise a commercial unit, thirty four apartments and ancillary circulation/storage/ service and lobby areas.

A communal roof garden is also proposed to fourth floor with hard and soft landscaping. Also, signage, lighting, connection to public water and wastewater system and all ancillary and associated site development works.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom Cronin is among those welcoming the news.

“As Chairperson of the Housing Committee of Waterford City and County Council, I am particularly pleased to see this development receive the green light. At a time when there is a significant shortage of housing across West Waterford, the delivery of new homes in Dungarvan is urgently needed,” he said.

He added: “Importantly, under the council’s housing requirements, 20% of the residential units will be made available to Waterford City and County Council, providing homes that can contribute to our social and affordable housing programmes. This is a significant opportunity to increase the supply of housing in Dungarvan and to provide much-needed homes for local people and families.”

The development is also expected to bring additional commercial space and activity to the town centre, while regenerating a site which previously contained Murphy’s Bar & Restaurant and Waves Nightclub.

“Now that planning permission has been secured, I would encourage the developer to move forward with the next stages as quickly as possible so that construction can commence at the earliest opportunity,” said Cllr Cronin.

“Planning permission is an important milestone, but the real benefit will come when we see cranes on site and homes being built. We have families across West Waterford waiting for suitable accommodation, and we need to maintain the momentum and get these homes delivered as soon as possible.”