WMATS was developed by the NTA in collaboration with Waterford City & County Council, Kilkenny County Council, Southern Regional Assembly (SRA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The strategy provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in Waterford over the next two decades.
The projected 541% increase in cycling is set to be enabled by the delivery of a safe cycle network consisting of 100km of cycling track and a 54km greenway network. Among the primary cycling routes to be improved within the Waterford Metropolitan Area include:
- Abbey Road;
- Ashe Road to New Street through Barrack Street and Newgate Street;
- Carrickphierish Road to Morgan Street via Knockhouse Road and Gracedieu Road;
- Cleaboy Road to Lower Yellow Road through Upper Yellow Road;
- Cork Road to The Mall via Manor Street and Parnell Street;
- Kilbarry Road;
- Williamstown Road to John’s Hill along Upper Grange Road
The draft strategy recommends progressing with the development of a new sustainable transport bridge providing pedestrian and cycle connectivity across the River Suir. Through the provision of 43km of new and upgraded footpaths, the number of daily walking trips in Waterford will increase by 55% by 2040.
Another key objective of the draft strategy is the roll out the BusConnects programme in Waterford. This is set to include the provision of 63kms of bus lanes and bus priority measures across the Waterford metropolitan area. 75 new zero-emission buses and a park and ride facility will be required to service an expanded bus network spanning 100km.
The draft strategy also supports the relocation of Plunkett Station to a new site in the North Quays Innovation District to create a more direct access to Waterford City via the new sustainable transport bridge.
Future investment in road transport will be focused on maintaining, renewing and managing existing road infrastructure. This includes supporting the improvement of the existing N24 between Waterford and Cahir and the N25 between Waterford and Glenmore, in line with the provisions of the National Development Plan. The proposed Ferrybank Relief Bank would connect Belmont Roundabout to Newrath and help create an urban village within Ferrybank.
