Waterford Metropolitan Mayor, Councillor Adam Wyse, has renewed calls for a stronger and more accessible connection between the North Quays development and the city centre—arguing that a dedicated electric shuttle service could be central to making the project a long-term success.

Speaking about the future of the strategic development, Mayor Wyse said that while the North Quays transport hub is set to bring significant footfall into Waterford via train, bus, taxi and car, the connection across the river must be “seamless, accessible, and weather‑resilient” if the city is to fully benefit.

“If people struggle to get across the river, particularly in poor weather or with mobility issues, then the connection simply is not good enough,” he said.
“The council’s goal is to make Waterford as disability friendly as possible, and accessibility must be the starting point for any new part of the city.”

Mayor Wyse highlighted that the concept of an electric shuttle is not new. He previously brought forward similar proposals in 2016 to ensure the North Quays would be fully connected to the city centre from the moment it opened. However, he said this element has “fallen away” over the years and now needs to be revisited.

“This was part of the original vision,” he said. “Somewhere along the line, that element was lost, and it is worth bringing it back into focus.”

The Mayor confirmed that he has contacted both the Minister and the National Transport Authority, which is currently carrying out a feasibility study, requesting that the electric shuttle proposal be given serious consideration.

“I hope the NTA can be supportive of this initiative and of the developer,” he said. “A clean, electric shuttle makes sense for the city, for accessibility, and for the success of the development itself.”

With the North Quays set to deliver more than 300 apartments as well as hotel and office spaces, Mayor Wyse stressed the need for long‑term planning rather than short‑term convenience.

“We have to plan for the next 50 years,” he said. “We cannot rely on ‘sure it’s grand’ thinking and expect Waterford to grow. If we want the city to move forward, we have to design it properly now.”

Looking further ahead, he said that extending the shuttle route through Barronstrand Street, Michael Street and the Apple Market would integrate the North Quays more deeply into the city’s commercial core—supporting footfall, business activity and urban vibrancy.

“This is about restarting a conversation that matters,” Mayor Wyse added. “If we get the connection right, Waterford benefits for generations.”

 

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.