Munster Express Online

Councillor Gary Wyse has submitted a motion to Waterford City Council asking that the Council actively pursue and encourage the provision of a sports stadium/concert venue for Waterford as soon as possible.

Councillor Wyse said that, even if the City had to go into debt to finance such a project, that type of facility was urgently needed for Waterford and the South East region. Pointing out that people regularly travelled to Dublin, Cork, Belfast and Limerick to attend concerts, he said such a facility in this area would be a major asset to the city and provide a welcome income for hotels/guest houses, shops etc.

He cited Thomond Park in Limerick as a good example. Even as a 12,000 capacity venue hosting a one day Heineken Cup match, it was worth in the region of €4m to the local economy. Now that it was a 26,000 capacity with conference and banqueting facilities catering for up to 500 people, it would provide a major economic boost to Limerick and surrounding areas.

“We have seen the fantastic contribution that Spraoi has made to Waterford City economically and, from a tourist point of view, it has helped put us on the map. Now, imagine what it would do for this City if we were to have major acts/sporting occasions on a regular basis. In addition to generating employment opportunities, a facility like this would act as an economic catalyst for the area”, he said.

Councillor Wyse believes a facility could be provided maybe in conjunction with a body such as the GAA. However, Walsh Park was in an area that was not feasible to develop to a standard that would be commercially viable and, consequentally, we needed to look elsewhere, he said.

“If Waterford City is to progress to a position where it can compete with other cities in Ireland then we have to make plans now. People might comment that there is no money for this type of project but I firmly believe we have to make plans and be ready, at least, when the time comes”, declared Councillor Wyse.

Meanwhile, Councillor Wyse has submitted a separate Motion to the City Council asking that a pedestrian crossing be provided at the Candy store junction in Lower Grange/St.Johns Park. He said a number of residents had expressed their concerns to him regarding the busy junction where elderly people and school children had to negotiate a crossing where five roads met.