Waterford Crystal site "must become campus of University of the South East" - Coffey

Responding to news of the sale of the 38-acre former Waterford Crystal site at Kilbarry, Fine Gael Senator Paudie Coffey has insisted that the one-off opportunity to buy the land for the University of the South East must not be missed.

"It is sad that the receiver has drawn a line under re-starting manufacturing at the Crystal, but the news is no surprise. Now we must look to the future."

"And the future for Waterford is a knowledge economy built around a local university. WIT is ready to become that university."

"Adding the Kilbarry site to the existing Cork Road premises will enable the University of the South East develop a world-class campus almost into the heart of the city. This will underline the democratic drive behind the University project, to create an institution that is open to the people."

"The enlarged campus can provide mainly for undergraduate teaching, with research facilities and postgraduate research focused at WIT's Carriganore site, beyond the bypass."

"We cannot afford to miss this opportunity. The receiver wants €10 to €20 million for Kilbarry. Given the way the Government and the banks have wasted money in recent years, this is not a large sum for securing our future."

"Money can be found by mothballing the Dublin Metro, a prestige project still soaking up cash just to please the Green Party."

"If the recession ends, some of the 38 acres can be sold off for housing. Once the University is established, such land will become valuable."

"Urgent steps could be taken to find ways of rezoning the Kilbarry site so that it can only be used for educational purposes. This will warn potential purchasers that Kilbarry is no bonanza bargain."

"This is a massive opportunity for Waterford City and the South East and it should not be missed."