Minister cancels visit but says North Quays funding announcement imminent

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has pulled out of a visit to the site of the North Quays in Ferrybank scheduled for this morning at which he was expected to unveil funding for the landmark development.

The minister’s visit had been highly anticipated. Rob Cass, Director of Falcon Real Estates Ireland which is behind the €500 million regeneration project, last week said Minister O’Brien would be announcing “full North Quays funding” during the visit.

But in a statement issued this morning, a spokesperson for Minister O’Brien said: “Please note the visit of The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD and the Minister for Transport, Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan TD has been cancelled as a result of Government schedule.

“A press statement will issue from the Department following Cabinet tomorrow morning in relation to the Waterford Quays URDF.

“Minister O’Brien will visit Waterford City and County Council to discuss the project as well as housing development plans for the region at a future date. Apologies for the cancellation.”