Public Consultation Event: Tower Hotel, The Mall, Waterford – 13 April, 3.00pm to 6.30pm
Residents across Waterford and the wider Southern Region are being encouraged to take part in an important public consultation as the Southern Regional Assembly begins the review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans for Cork, Limerick and Waterford.
A local public consultation event will take place in the Tower Hotel, The Mall, Waterford (X91 VXE0) on Monday, 13 April, from 3.00pm to 6.30pm. Members of the public are invited to drop in to meet the Southern Regional Assembly Staff, learn about the review, and share their ideas for the future of the region and Waterford City. The venue is fully accessible, and all are welcome.
“This review is a once‑in‑six‑years opportunity for people in Waterford and across the Southern Region to shape how our communities develop,” said David Kelly, Director of the Southern Regional Assembly. “We encourage everyone to come along, share their ideas, and help us build a sustainable and thriving region.”
The RSES and Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans are the long-term strategic plans that guide how the Southern Region will grow and develop, shaping decisions on housing, transport, services, jobs, climate action, and public investment. It also underpins the Local Authority Development Plans, including the Waterford City and County Development Plan.
What the Assembly Wants to Hear from Waterford People
The Assembly is seeking views on key questions, including:
- How we plan for the homes, services and amenities our communities need
- Supporting vibrant, sustainable and well-connected towns and neighbourhoods
- Prioritising climate action and environmental protection
- Building energy independence
- Improving accessible, low carbon transport options
- Growing a strong, competitive and fair regional economy
- Enhancing skills, innovation and learning opportunities
For Waterford, the review will help shape priorities for metropolitan growth, transport connections, housing delivery, university‑related development, and economic opportunities across the city and county.
Issues Papers Now Available
To support public engagement, four Issues Papers, including the Waterford Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan Issues Paper, are now available:
- At the Southern Regional Assembly Office, O’Connell Street, Waterford (weekday office hours)
- At planning counters in all 10 local authorities across the Southern Region
How to Make a Submission
The public can share their views between 26 March 2026 and 5pm on 22 May 2026 through:
- Online: consult.southernassembly.ie
- Email: rses@southernassembly.ie
- Post: RSES Submissions, Southern Regional Assembly, Assembly House, O’Connell Street, Waterford, X91 F8PC
Why Your Voice Matters
Early public input helps shape the overall direction of the new strategies before detailed proposals are drafted. Further opportunities to comment will follow later in the review process.
The Southern Regional Assembly encourages everyone in Waterford, residents, community groups, business owners, commuters, students, and local organisations, to attend the Tower Hotel event on 13 April and have their say on the future of the region.