Waterford Council has responded to recent unrest in Ardmore, Co. Waterford following the commencement of construction of a water sports facility in the locality as reported by WLR in recent hours.
In a statement to WLR, Waterford Council said the village was in need of urgent investment due to several factors including vacancy, dereliction, and socio-economic performance.
The statement begins”Waterford City and County Council received funding of €1.3million under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth Scheme to develop a water sports facility with the aim of increasing participation in water sports all year round for locals and visitors and to significantly improve the visitor experience of Ardmore.
“This FI funding served as a catalyst for the Department of Rural and Community Development to approve €3,273,638 for the Ardmore Regeneration Project through its Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF), with this investment augmented by additional funding from Waterford City and County Council bringing the total budget to €4,092,048.
“The suite of projects was identified via a collaborative Town Centre First process and the subsequent development of a Town Centre First Plan, which aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant, and attractive locations for people to live, work, and visit, while also functioning as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community through:
- Driving town/village public realm development
- Developing recreational amenities in town / village centre
- Upgrading/ refurbishing community centres / public realm.
The awarding of this funding stream is wholly contingent on a project that adheres to these stipulations and cannot be used for any other purposes.
The Part 8 public consultation process was launched in December 2023, with 24 observations /submissions received, and was unanimously passed by Waterford City and County Council elected representatives in January 2024.
The development will comprise:
– Construction of a relief road from the R673 to the strand and new car parking provision.
– Construction of sea defence measures – Ardmore to Duffcarrick
– New pedestrian walkway from the village to the sportsfield
– Improved public realm improvements and pedestrian safety measures
– Refurbishment of the ‘sandcastle’ (Public toilets / Lifeguard station / treatment room)
Additional Car parking spaces
Currently, there are 57 car parking spaces available. While the groundwork preparation requires the removal of 31 of these spaces, they will be augmented by 65 additional spaces in the immediate area, bringing the total to 91, with at least 17 spaces located on the seafront. When complete, the car parking area will be more accessible than the current provision and it is anticipated that it will encourage more locals to visit the area, dwell longer, interact socially, and enjoy an unobstructed sea view, according to Waterford City and County Council.
A temporary car park is expected to be complete by w/c April 28th, ahead of the tourist/bathing season, providing additional car parking spaces.
Water Sports Facility:
The Water Sports Facility will provide changing facilities, showers, and beach wheelchair storage. Outdoor seating and furniture will also be provided on the grounds of the Centre, which will encourage locals and visitors to dwell in the area and socially interact.
The building canopy/shelter area will also provide cover from inclement weather so users can avail of the outdoor seating in all weather conditions.
Such a facility also promotes physical activity and mental well-being as it encourages both locals and tourists to engage in active, outdoor recreation while providing shelter, changing facilities, and showers all year round.
The facility will enable universal use of all water activities, providing facilities that will allow equal access to users with disabilities or mobility issues.
During the construction phase of the Water Sports Facility, delivery vehicles will bypass the town centre via the temporary access road off the R673 regional road.
Social and affordable housing:
An Tobar Ciuin, Farrangarret, is currently being developed. The process is at Stage One and progressing to Stage Two of the competitive dialogue process will result in 28 social and affordable units being delivered in 2027.
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