A peaceful protest took place on Monday, April 7th, in Ardmore, Co. Waterford, as more than one hundred residents gathered to voice their opposition to a plan by Fáilte Ireland to construct a water sports facility on the village’s beachfront.
The protest was organised by local community members who are concerned about the long-term impact the development will have on their village, its residents, and the environment.
The development, which has been allocated a budget of €1.2 million, aims to create a water sports hub at the beachfront to cater to tourism and outdoor activities. However, the local community has firmly rejected the project, arguing that it does not align with their needs or values, and is set to destroy a key aspect of the village’s identity.
Further protests took place today at the site of the development, where it’s understood locals remain this afternoon.
The water sports facility in question is part of plans by Fáilte Ireland to construct two facilities in Co. Waterford as part of a €19 million euro plan to develop water sports in Ireland.
- Tramore Water-Sports Activity Facility Centre, Promenade, Tramore, Co. Waterford
- Ardmore Water-Sports Activity Facility Centre, Public Car Park, Cois Tra, Ardmore, Co Waterford
Each centre will provide hot showers, changing and toilet facilities, secure storage, induction spaces, equipment washdown, and orientation points.
“Save Our Beachfront” – Residents’ Concerns
The primary concern voiced by protesters is the impact the development will have on the beachfront, which they describe as the heart of the village. Locals have stressed that the beachfront holds immense historical and cultural significance and that constructing a modern development there will ruin its unique character.
“I have lived in this village for over 80 years,” said local resident Tony Gallagher,” Young people now have no chance of owning or renting a home and as a result, the village is dying. I do not understand why millions of euros are being spent on outdoor showers instead of vital services; for example, we were marching for school buses last year.
“I believe government policy is eradicating village life and making a mockery of national rural development initiatives. The history of Ardmore and its stories and heritage are important. This development will ruin the beachfront and is an example of the Council prioritising commodities over communities.
A protest held in Ardmore on Monday evening attended by locals
Signs surrounding the site in question, Ardmore, Co. Waterford.
Misuse of Public Funds
In addition to the environmental and cultural concerns, locals argue that the €1.2 million allocated for the project would be better spent elsewhere, particularly in areas of real need for the community.
Protestors are questioning the decision to invest such a significant sum of public money into a development that the majority of the village does not support.
Impact on Older Residents
A key issue for many is the effect the development will have on older residents of the village, who often visit the beachfront to meet with neighbors, watch the sea, and enjoy the sense of community. Protestors have voiced their disapproval of the Waterford Council’s claim that the facility is an “age-friendly” project, arguing that it will actually displace older individuals from their cherished gathering spot.
Local resident Carole Troy gave voice to the community’s anger regarding the context of this development saying:
‘Ardmore is no longer the thriving community it once was. I believe the current generation and most definitely future generations are being forced out of the village by the council’s wanton granting of planning for large-scale holiday home developments and once-off holiday homes. The failure to engage with and listen to local concerns for many years has forced us into this crisis. The people of Ardmore are angry and will no longer allow their village to be destroyed by developers and bureaucracy’.
A protest held in Ardmore on Monday evening attended by locals
Community Engagement
Many locals have also expressed frustration at what they believe has been a lack of genuine engagement with the community throughout the planning process. While Fáilte Ireland and the local council have held consultations, residents feel their voices have not been truly heard, and that the process has been largely symbolic.
Another significant issue raised by residents is the suitability of the beachfront for such a development. Ardmore’s beachfront is prone to flooding, particularly during winter storms, and locals fear that the construction of a water sports facility will only exacerbate the situation. They are also concerned about the environmental impact the project could have, especially with regard to water quality.
A protest held in Ardmore on Monday evening attended by locals
Sewage Problems and Water Quality Concerns
In addition to flooding, there are longstanding concerns about sewage issues in Ardmore, and protestors are alarmed at the prospect of constructing a large facility near the beach, so close to where water quality is already a concern. With the current sewage problems unresolved, the residents worry that the development could negatively impact the area’s environment, further compromising the quality of local waters.
As the protestors made their voices heard, they called on the Waterford Council to reconsider the development and take the local community’s concerns into account. Their rallying cry—“Save the Beachfront”—echoed through the village as they urged the council to abandon the plans and find alternative solutions that would better serve the needs of the people of Ardmore.
Separately, an application for the construction of twenty-five houses in the village was refused this week as reported by WLR.
Waterford Council responded to the residents’ concerns to WLR in recent hours. For now, residents of Ardmore are determined to continue their fight to preserve the heart of their village and to ensure their voices are heard.
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