Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, arrived in Wexford last Thursday to the official ‘turning of the sod’ on the most significant job creation initiative for County Wexford and the South East region, with Phase 1 of the iconic waterfront development at Trinity Wharf.
Tom Enright, Chief Executive – Wexford County Council, stated that “the Trinity Wharf development will provide an ideal property solution for the world’s leading companies to invest and grow. The ambitious economic project will deliver a public private partnership of €110 million investment in the flagship project and I want to commend Minister Darragh O’Brien who allocated over €20m under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund towards the project. The investment in the Trinity Wharf development will compliment the provision of the new purpose built university campus in Wexford by SETU. Wexford has a compelling case to present – in terms of an iconic location, availability of quality talent and a great lifestyle for an organisation’s people and their families to enjoy – all supported by a more economical operating cost base due to lower property and people costs and I have been encouraged by the strong level of interest from the private sector”.
Strategically located on the most prominent site in Wexford Town, Trinity Wharf boasts unrivalled panoramic views from its river front position. This 10-acre town centre site with its strategic location at Wexford Harbour provides an unrivalled development and commercial opportunity to create:
- A mix of modern office space with 200,000 sq ft commercial office space
- Hotel accommodation
- Restaurants and retail units
- Landmark cultural and events building with conference facilities
- 64 berth marina, a new boardwalk linking Trinity Wharf with Paul Quay and the Crescent, and an urban greenway
- High quality public realm
- Residential apartments
The development of Trinity Wharf is a landmark investment which will significantly enhance Wexford Town’s profile as an attractive environment for international companies seeking to locate in the county, or for existing companies looking to expand, providing property solutions that will meet investors’ expectations.
To date €20 million has been allocated under the Urban Regeneration Fund / Project 2040. A further €7m has been ringfenced by the elected members of Wexford Co Council demonstrating the support for this initiative to position Wexford for Foreign Direct Investment. Cllr. George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council commended his fellow elected members for their leadership in supporting the vision for Trinity Wharf by prioritising funding of €7m securing a total of €27 million to date by the public sector. He further stated that “The collaboration between Wexford County Council, the business sector and the local community creates a dynamic partnership to provide a wonderful legacy for future generations here in County Wexford at the home of the former Star Iron Works”’.
This phased delivery programme, through a partnership of public and private investment is driven by Wexford County Council and is supported by Project Ireland 2040.
Cllr. George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach stated ‘It is wonderful to turn the sod on the first of many major works contracts that will see the transformation of the old factory site into a new modern, state of the art urban quarter on Wexford Town’s waterfront”. He added that ‘The provision of world class commercial property solutions for multi-national companies will enhance Wexford’s reputation as a destination for companies in the life sciences, technology and financial services area’.
Minister Darragh O’Brien stated that it was fitting that the newly established Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) will be located on the waterfront here at Trinity Wharf, providing the first anchor tenant. The agency will be responsible for licensing for marine activities, in particular offshore renewable energy, which will play a key part of the climate action programme to reduce our carbon emissions by 2030 at national level. With the potential to create up to 200 jobs, it will be on a par with the Environmental Protection Agency already established at Johnstown Castle.
Wexford County Council estimate that Trinity Wharf has the potential to provide over 2,000 jobs over the next five to ten years.
Cllr Maura Bell, Mayor of Wexford, stated that “In a post Brexit economy Wexford is an ideal location as a European hub for multi-national companies seeking a location that will attract talent with a great life style. Today we create a future for our young people by investing in the new urban quarter that will see the delivery of a major capital project in the beautiful setting of Wexford Harbour.
Chief Executive, Tom Enright congratulated Glas Civil Engineering Ltd on being awarded the €2.5 million works contract. He commented that ‘Glas Civil Engineering is a firm with a strong track record of delivering projects in Wexford including the South East Greenway, and we are delighted to have them onboard’.
Phase 1 of the Trinity Wharf project is due to consist of:
- A new access road linking Trinity Street to the new railway level crossing at Trinity Wharf,
- Signalised junction at the Trinity Street junction
- New bus stops on Trinity Street
- Watermain upgrade from Parnell Street to Trinity Wharf
- Installation of deep services crossings under the railway line.
Tom Enright confirms that ‘these works are expected to complete in Autumn 2023, with the next works contract to commence in 2024.’
Cathaoirleach George Lawlor believes that ‘the collaboration between the Wexford County Council, the business sector and the local community creates a dynamic partnership to provide a wonderful legacy for future generations here in County Wexford.’
For more information please contact:
Angela Lawless
Economic Development Officer
Wexford County Council
Carricklawn
Wexford Email: angela.lawless@wexfordcoco.ie
