Waterford Council acquire land in Tramore paving the way for large scale development

Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with the Land Development Agency, has purchased a seven-hectare site in the Knockenduff townland of Tramore, Co. Waterford.

The land in question lies north of the town, with neighboring estates Ballycarnane and Cluain Larach adjacent to the proposed development.

Waterford City and County Council has confirmed to WLR News that the development will have an element of "residential" and a "designated amenity".

The amenity in question is understood to be a sporting ground that will host several sports clubs in the town as was confirmed to WLR News by local representatives from the local authority.

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The statement continues, "Waterford City and County Council, together with the Land Development Agency, is purchasing a site at Knockenduff, Tramore, Co. Waterford.

"The site was being sold by the vendor as an overall parcel of land. This parcel of land of seven hectares is comprised of an element designated for residential and an element designated for an amenity.

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"The main reason for the overall purchase was to open this strategic land for the delivery of housing options. This site will allow for the provision of one hundred-plus social homes in the area.

"There are no confirmed proposals for the final use of the amenity element of the land purchase at present and any proposals for this use will be progressed in due course."

Amenity

While Waterford Council confirmed that there are "no confirmed" proposals for the final use of the amenity element of the development, local representatives from Waterford Council did confirm that a sporting development consisting of four acres will form part of the plans.

Local Councillor Lola O'Sullivan spoke to WLR News in recent days, outlining more about the development.

"There are a number of clubs and facilities in Tramore that have nowhere to go. Some of them have been in existence for over eighty years and don't have a home.

"This will be a communal area for all of those groups to have a home. It's very early stages. Acquiring the land is the first part and then getting the funding to develop the land for all of the community will be the next part of it

"There will be discussions with all the clubs as to what facilities they require. There has been a very concerted drive by a lot of the clubs in Tramore to push this forward. I know they're going to be very, very excited about it and I'm absolutely thrilled for them.

While it is not yet 'confirmed' officially from Waterford Council Executives or Departments that a sporting facility will be developed, local Councillor Blaise Hannigan also confirmed that plans are in place for a 'sporting ground' that will form part of the development in Knockenduff.

"The site we're talking about at the moment, I reckon there could be at least three clubs. This is the first step for the town going forward. Our population has grown out of control at this stage and we haven't got the facilities to look after young people who are coming through.

"We have two fantastic facilities in the town, Tramore AFC and Tramore GAA Club, with everything they require, however, we have another eleven clubs who came together last year and made a submission to the Council on what they require going forward as a town. When you look at our census going forward over the next two years, we're going to have over 13,000 people here in Tramore."

Timeline and clubs

When asked about what potential clubs might avail of the grounds, it was noted that the majority of clubs in Tramore are looking to avail of a new space to play.

Lola O'Sullivan continued by saying there are clubs of all shapes and sizes, as well as clubs that might not fit into the typical 'sporting' expectations that might want to use the facility.

"There are dance clubs and drama clubs [that may also want to avail of the space]", continued Cllr. O'Sullivan," Tramore has so much to offer children, and it helps a child to develop.

"I'm pleased to announce some of them who may avail of the space such as the Basketball club, Tramore Athletics Club, Tennis club, Tramore Rangers, and Tramore Rugby Club.

There are so many and in fairness, some of them, like the GAA and the Soccer Club came in to row behind some of the clubs that had no facilities, like Tramore Athletics Club, and Tramore Rugby Club, to encourage them to liaise with the powers that be.

"I would say that the final seal of the deal will more than likely be completed in the second quarter of the year. I know it is a comfort to the clubs who are desperately looking for facilities."

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