Plans to examine the feasibility of a third crossing of the River Suir in Waterford are moving forward.

Waterford City and County Council is preparing to tender for a feasibility study which will examine potential options and locations for another river crossing in the city.

The issue was raised at September’s Plenary meeting in Dungarvan by Cllr. Adam Wyse.

He questioned whether another crossing in the area of the Tower Hotel and Lombard Street would be the best option, pointing to existing congestion in that part of the city.

Cllr. Adam Wyse called for the Council to consider more ambitious alternatives as part of the process, including the possibility of a crossing further outside the city or even a tunnel.

Director of Roads Gabriel Hynes confirmed that the feasibility study will not be limited to one predetermined location or option.

He said a crossing further outside the city could potentially play a role in facilitating the future growth of Waterford.

A consultant is expected to be appointed in the coming months, with the feasibility report expected to be completed around the middle of 2027.

The Waterford City and County Development Plan already identifies additional river crossings as potential pieces of infrastructure to support the future development of the city.

This includes a potential downstream crossing in the Maypark or Ardkeen area, which the plan says could improve connectivity across the River Suir, improve access to University Hospital Waterford and ease pressure on Rice Bridge.

The feasibility process remains at an early stage, and no location or form of crossing has yet been selected.