The initial, optimistic four-year timeline from 2018 was rendered unachievable by a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a change in the private development consortium, and significant unforeseen engineering requirements, such as the major flood defence scheme. These elements led to a prolonged design and procurement period, resulting in over 110 redesign variations and an increase in consultant fees.

However, the project is now advancing with clear and defined timelines. The spectacular installation of the sustainable transport bridge’s superstructure in May 2025, and the commencement of critical flood defence works in August 2025, serve as tangible evidence of this progress. The project is a long-term strategic investment, with its public infrastructure elements—the transport hub and the sustainable transport bridge—expected to be completed and operational in late 2026 and early 2027, respectively. The current construction is a necessary and temporary phase that will ultimately deliver a new, sustainable city quarter, realising the long-term vision of a revitalised Waterford.

In 2018 I noticed that many, if not all, water features and fountains were dry and non-operational

Back in July 2018, I spent some time photographing the People's Park in Waterford. I remember being fascinated by the old Victorian iron bridge, but to my dismay, the gate was locked on my first day. The next day, it was open, but I didn't have enough time to explore. Little did I know that this observation would be the starting point for a much larger story about the park's past and its exciting future.

The Granville Hotel is a historic four-star, family-run hotel located on Meagher Quay in the heart of Waterford City, Ireland. Overlooking the River Suir, the hotel dates back to the early 1700s and has played a significant role in the city's history, having hosted notable figures such as Daniel O'Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell, and Lord Frederick Roberts. It is also the birthplace of Thomas Francis Meagher, a key figure in Irish and American history and the designer of the Irish National Tricolour.

On a recent visit to the vibrant Waterford Walls festival, I was struck by a thought that goes beyond the art itself: the technical challenges artists face in a place like Ireland. As a street photographer who's had to cut short trips to Waterford because of the unpredictable weather, I have a healthy respect for the Irish climate. This year, with near-perfect conditions, I was able to spend time observing the artists at work and learnt about the often-unseen problems they encounter.

This post delves into the complex relationship between art, materials, and the environment at Ireland's largest street art festival. My observations, fuelled by conversations with some of the artists, highlight how a successful mural is not just a matter of creative vision, but also of meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of practical challenges.