The Waterford Active Travel consultation process has sparked growing frustration among local councillors, following concerns raised at a recent council meeting.
During the December plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Fianna Fáil councillor Eamon Quinlan voiced strong criticism of how Active Travel projects engage with both councillors and the public.
His comments focused on changes made to the Tramore Ring Road Active Travel Scheme, which is currently under construction.
Concerns Over Design Changes
Cllr Quinlan said councillors provided input during consultations but were repeatedly told certain changes could not happen. However, later developments showed those changes were possible.
He highlighted one section of the scheme where councillors approved plans that included two footpaths. Without their knowledge or approval, the final build reduced this to a single footpath.
According to Cllr Quinlan, council officials later explained that plans shown during consultations often differ from the detailed designs engineers complete afterward. He said this gap creates serious issues for elected representatives.
Councillors Left Exposed to Public Complaints
Residents frequently contact councillors about works that do not match what was originally advertised. As a result, councillors often act as a complaints service for decisions they never approved.
Cllr. Quinlan said councillors are not shown final versions of schemes before construction begins. He warned that this leaves them exposed and undermines public confidence.
He formally asked the council executive whether they were aware of this practice, whether it happens across other departments, and whether it is legally sound.
Calls for Greater Transparency
Even if the process complies with regulations, Cllr. Quinlan urged the council to re-advertise final designs. He said the public should have the opportunity to view and comment on what will actually be built.
He warned that the current approach damages trust in infrastructure projects and weakens public engagement. Transparency, he said, must improve to protect confidence in future schemes.
Council Defends Active Travel Approach
Director of Services Gabriel Hynes responded by defending the consultation process. He said the Active Travel team communicates clearly through workshops with councillors.
Mr Hynes stated that officials bring significant changes arising from safety audits back to elected members. While minor adjustments can occur during construction, he said councillors receive updates if changes materially affect a scheme.
Safety Remains the Priority
Mr Hynes stressed that Active Travel projects focus on protecting pedestrians and cyclists. He said redesigned roads aim to slow traffic and reduce the severity of collisions.
He told the meeting that pedestrian and cyclist accidents in Waterford have increased over the past four years. This trend, he said, highlights the need for safety-led road design.
Although these schemes can inconvenience motorists, Mr Hynes said safety must remain the priority. He urged councillors to continue supporting Active Travel initiatives, warning that public backing depends on visible political support.
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