Significant funding for Waterford City Centre after the announcement of €539,275 funding for Waterford City
Green Party TD welcomes significant funding for Waterford City Centre after the announcement of €539,275 funding for Waterford City under the Urban Animation Capital Investment Scheme. The pilot scheme will support sustainable tourism development through public realm and urban animation projects and the funding allocated to Waterford City & County Council will support Waterford City of lights – 21 illumination installations across Waterford City which will connect the City’s four zones: Viking Triangle, Cultural Quarter, Retail Spine and Apple Market.
The funding was announced by Deputy Ó Cathasaigh’s colleague Minister Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism in association with Fáilte Ireland. The aim of the funding is to transform and re-imagine urban spaces bringing the stories, culture, history and heritage of these locations to life through a variety of large-scale outdoor performance spaces, public art and light installations.
Speaking after the launch, Deputy Ó Cathasaigh said:
This is a real vote of confidence for Waterford City as we begin to emerge from COVID restrictions and re-imagine our public spaces. Waterford has a public realm second to none which has brought significant benefits during COVID restrictions. Outdoor dining is very popular now and the opportunities are there for year-round outdoor arts and cultural events and creating a city centre that is welcoming and vibrant – similar to European neighbours. This funding will link the city zones together in a meaningful way – which will benefit both locals and visitors alike and it further strengthens this Government’s commitment to developing the regions as outlined in the ‘Our Rural Future’ plan. It is hoped that all funded projects will become reality before the end of Summer 2022.
The pilot Urban Animation Capital Investment Scheme is a €5 million fund which will support also support projects in Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth and Dublin.
