Waterford’s new South Quays Plaza has opened to the public, just days after the Council confirmed works on the new public space were nearing completion.

People are now able to access and use the plaza, which forms part of the wider North Quays project and the ongoing transformation of Waterford’s waterfront.

Waterford City and County Council previously said the majority of works at the site had been completed, with a small number of minor snagging and finishing works remaining.

The Council had not given a specific date for the opening, instead saying the plaza would become accessible to the public in the coming days.

The new public space is now open and already being used by people along the city’s quays.

What do people think?

WLR News visited the South Quays Plaza following its opening to hear what people in Waterford make of the development.

Esther said the area was looking better, but questioned whether additional planting could be introduced and maintained.

‘Well look, it’s looking better. If they put flowers down, would they last?’

Anthony, another person WLR News spoke to, also welcomed the development and said it had helped brighten up an area of the city previously dominated by car parks.

‘I think it is giving a bright kind of view to the town, especially on the Quay, because it’s always been miserable.’

However, he felt there were elements of the finished space that could have been approached differently.

Anthony questioned the design of the benches and said he would like to see ‘a bit more greenery’ incorporated into the plaza.

He also suggested information boards could be installed to better connect the space with visitors to the city.

‘There’s no information board. There’s no tourism because there’s a vast amount of tourism here in town, especially.’

Despite his criticisms, Anthony said he believed the development had ultimately been worthwhile, while also welcoming the new bridge and its future connection towards the city’s new train station.

The South Quays Plaza forms part of the wider North Quays project, with further elements of the redevelopment still to be completed.