Waterford City and County Council presented a report on its Capital Programme 2025–2028 to the Elected Members at the Plenary Council meeting held today, Thursday 9th July.
The Programme provides for total projected investment of €679.2 million across housing, economic development, transport, community facilities, climate and infrastructure projects to the end of 2028. The rolling Capital Programme sets out a structured pipeline of projects at various stages of development. The Council’s total estimated match funding requirement is €109.1 million, which will be supported by a combination of Government grants, development contributions, asset sales, reserves and loan financing.
Housing Delivery
Housing continues to represent the largest element of the Capital Programme, with over €242 million allocated to deliver approximately 1,050 additional social housing units by the end of 2028. The Programme also includes provision for serviced sites in rural areas and continued delivery of affordable and cost rental schemes. Significant supporting funding for housing includes major infrastructure investment through the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund and strategic partnerships, such as the North Quays development with the Land Development Agency.
Economic Development
A total of €179.2 million is allocated to economic development, including continued delivery of the North Quays Development, the largest urban regeneration project of its kind outside Dublin. Investment will also support regeneration projects across towns and villages including Dungarvan, Tramore, Lismore, Cappoquin, Portlaw, Ardmore, Dunmore East and others, alongside tourism developments, including the Attraction of Scale and Tir na nOg Children’s Experience in Waterford City, and the Water Sports Activity Facility in Ardmore.
Roads Infrastructure and Climate Resilience
The Roads and Infrastructure programme will see €135.2 million invested in maintaining and upgrading transport and public infrastructure. Key priorities include: active travel infrastructure (€86m); public lighting energy upgrades; footpath restoration and accessibility works; climate resilience measures, including SUDS and coastal protection works; expansion of EV charging infrastructure; upgrade of public conveniences; and road safety and resurfacing works. Among the projects to be delivered are the realignment works on the R708 Regional Road, which are required to facilitate the extension of the runway at Waterford Regional Airport. The estimated cost of the project is €800k. In recognition of the project’s strategic importance in enhancing the region’s connectivity and supporting economic development, the Chief Executives of Kilkenny County Council and Wexford County Council have each kindly committed to securing a contribution of €100k from their respective Councils towards the works. Waterford City and County Council will contribute €200k, with the remaining €400k to be provided by Waterford Airport Limited.
Community, Sport and Recreational Facilities
A further €23.4 million is allocated to community, sports and recreation infrastructure, including: new fire stations in Kilmacthomas and Tallow; upgrade of Waterford Regional Sports Centre; development of new sports facilities in Dungarvan and Tramore; and investment in libraries, playgrounds and cultural infrastructure.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Liam Brazil, welcomed the scale and ambition of the programme, saying, “This Capital Programme represents a major and sustained investment in the future of Waterford. It delivers on the priorities that matter most to our communities, such as housing, roads, community facilities and quality of life.
“From the continued delivery of social and affordable homes, to major investment in our towns and villages, this programme will help shape a stronger and more sustainable Waterford over the coming years. I look forward to working with my fellow elected members and our local communities to ensure these projects are delivered effectively and continue to support growth across the entire county.”
Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, Sean McKeown, stated, “The Capital Programme sets out a clear pathway for delivering over €679 million in investment up to 2028. It is underpinned by a realistic funding strategy and a strong focus on securing external support from Government Departments and agencies. Importantly, it balances ambition with financial prudence that will enable us to deliver critical housing, unlock major regeneration opportunities and enhance infrastructure and services across Waterford City and County.”
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