Tramore’s future and direction requires an urgent reappraisal in order to make economic progress. That assertion comes from a local public representative who also suggests that the area might best be served by joining up with Waterford City under one local authority.
County and Town Councillor Joe Conway called this week for all interested parties to get together and plan ahead, at the same time claiming that the resort has been left behind Waterford and Dungarvan in the pecking order.
“After sustaining a number of reverses from An Bord Pleanála’, he reasons, “Tramore might well be left wondering where it needs to go to make economic progress as a town.
“Having traditionally fallen between two stools, the largest town in County Waterford still finds itself in the role of second bridesmaid – after Waterford City and Dungarvan. As a spatial strategy gateway, Waterford can expect to make inroads on whatever rising economic tide comes along. And with Waterford County Council’s – some would say – overweening emphasis on Dungarvan’s priority as the county town, Tramore would seem to be still a long way down the promotion pecking order.”
Islandkeane
Developing his argument, he goes on: “In the last decade or so, when the economy was forging ahead, Tramore was always struggling to build up a critical mass of investment. Housing gave an appearance of progress of sorts admittedly, but there were always worrying signs. In the face of some significant retail service improvement, we had negatives like the exit of the EBS and the refusal of financial outlets to locate in Tramore, such as Permanent TSB. The stock answer was, the City will look after your needs.
“Whatever about the pros or cons regarding the late Islandkeane proposal, the decision by An Bord Pleanála to overturn Waterford County Council’s granting of planning permission to develop an hotel and golf complex on the outskirts of Tramore has many ramifications for the town, the County Council and the area in general.
See Munster Express print edition for full story.
