
Plans to deliver People’s Park lighting will move forward after councillors approved the project at the December Metropolitan District meeting of Waterford City and County Council, despite renewed frustration over delays.
The council plans to install LED lighting throughout People’s Park to improve pedestrian safety after dark.
A public consultation attracted just two submissions, both supporting the proposal, before councillors considered it with two amendments attached.
Councillor Concerns
Councillors approved amendments requiring an Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment and an Agricultural Assessment, but several members criticised the impact this will have on timelines.
Fianna Fáil councillor Jason Murphy said he first proposed lighting for the park in 2019, with €100,000 allocated in the 2020 council budget.
While he questioned the pace of progress, he said he welcomed the prospect of the park remaining accessible during evening hours.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor Seamus Ryan, shared those concerns and warned the additional assessments would delay the project further.
He said the council should have completed these studies when the lighting was first proposed and described the process as “putting the cart before the horse.”
Independent councillor Joe Kelly also criticised the delays, saying issues routinely take years to progress.
He questioned when the lights would be switched off at night and whether the proposed lighting would be strong enough to improve safety.
Senior Engineer Paul Johnston told councillors that the assessments would determine both the lighting levels and operating times.
Sinn Féin councillor Joeanne Bailey questioned why the lights would need to be switched off at all and sought clarity on costs.
Mr Johnston confirmed the projected cost has risen to €250,000 but said the funding remains secure.
Following the discussion, councillors unanimously voted to allow the People’s Park lighting project to proceed, with further assessments now required before construction can begin.
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