Demolition work is underway at the site of the old Waterford Crystal factory on the Cork Road.
The old factory and office buildings have been bought by Noel Frisby who is turning the site into a new business and technology park called ‘Crystal’ according to the signage and is on a substantial acreage of over 37 acres.
The plan is for purposely built units also.
The intention is to bring new companies to the Waterford site.
The IDA has complained in the past about lack of modern facilities and there is a plan to invest in the site following demolition work.
The offices where the Waterford had its administration unit are of good quality and could suit a modern IT company.
In the meantime people will look back nostalgically as the diggers remove rubble on what had been previously a hive of industrial activity during the hey day of Waterford glass production.
The building had been controlled by the receiver who was appointed over three and a half years ago.
It had been on the market for a considerable period, after the receiver had been put in there by Bank of America.
A certain amount of vandalism had taken place and some materials had also been removed prior to the property sale.
How sad. How very sad to see the Waterford Factory and offices demolished. In 1992,I stood in awe observing the huge Waterford crystal chandelier high above the magnificent display of Waterford Crystal special commemorative pieces designed and now in hands of people all over the world from The Bob Hope Trophy to the Waterford Collection in the White House and museus all over the world.
How could this happen. Who let it happen. A changing world did. To those of us who knew it then and see it now–we treasure its glorious past and wonder where the magnificent trophies and special pieces are today. Hopefully, some are in a museum in Dublin and not in the hands of those who permitted
to close and be demolished.
Like Ireland’s history..the Phoenix will rise from the ashes.
Thankfully, I produced a documentary on Waterford Crystal ages ago…long may it live.
Jacqueline Collins Beusse, New Jersey USA
PS How do I purchase your 50th Anniversary Tribute Commemorative Paper. I met and worked on President
Kennedy’s campaign for the presidency.Those years live on and on
in treasured memories.