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Wexford Quay Front Restoration Project

In the 1980s Wexford Borough Council embarked on a major infrastructural engineering project to improve the water quality of Wexford Harbour and to relieve the town's low-lying areas frequently prone to flooding due to tidal backup. A new protective breakwater was found to be necessary to protect the quay and fishing boats from storm damage. The project provided an enabling facility for the construction of a new town-centre marina for leisure craft, which is currently being planned. A new linear space with an area of 24 hectares has been created by the project, parallel and adjacent to the main retail commercial core of the town. The Wexford Quay Restoration Project with its new amenity area has become a major year-round attraction for visitors to Wexford. Also, judging by its intensive use by the people of the town, it ensures the continuance of their historic relationship with Wexford Harbour and the sea beyond in a very positive and sensitive manner.

The Jury said:
This waterfront project aims to shift the importance of the sea-front from 'city margin' to 'city shop-window', and give the area back to the citizens. The careful townscape and use of materials are of high design quality. Connections with the town are well structured. The image will improve with growing trees and the addition of street furniture.