Developers and investors have been clamouring for copies of a map that depicts what may well be the shape of Waterford's inner city in a few years. It shows the boundaries of the districts which the corporation has earmarked for projects which may gain designation - and therefore special tax concessions - under the Urban Renewal Scheme. This comes into effect nationally on August 1st next.
Waterford did well under the first urban renewal scheme, initiated in 1986. City manager Mr Eddie Breen says that an estimated £70 million was invested in the designated areas, and about 150 projects were completed.
For the new scheme, in which Waterford will be competing with other urban centres to secure designation, the parameters have been tightened. Priority given to designated areas will be based on a new concept of integrated action plans, which are to be prepared at local level.
These plans must address not only physical development but also wider issues of local socio-economic benefit, including training, education and social housing. An intensive consultation and participation process involving local organisations and community groups is also required.
Getting in early on this process, Waterford Corporation last week briefed a well-attended public meeting on its draft proposals. An 85-acre area was identified, surrounding the commercial core of the city. Within this, the corporation believes, integrated action plans for renewal should be located.
Some preliminary socio-economic analysis of this 85-acre area has been carried out. It contains about 1,250 people, in some 650 households. Forty-six per cent of the residents are in employment, while 25.5 per cent of the labour force is unemployed. Two hundred people, or 18 per cent of the population, are of retirement age, and 15 per cent of the population are in full-time education.
Only one-third of the buildings in the area are deemed to be in good condition, and some 12 per cent are vacant at ground level. The area contains over 90 buildings which have been listed for preservation - more than one-third of all listed buildings in the city.
The corporation has now thrown the ball to the public - particularly the landowners, residents, investors and developers - to offer their views on what areas should be designated, what types of developments are needed and so on.
These views will be taken into account in preparing the integrated area plan which will be submitted to the Department of the Environment.
The time allowed for this public debate is short. The plans have to be with the Department by March 31st, after a period of display locally for public inspection.
And Mr Breen told the meeting that it can be expected that only a portion of the area submitted by the local authority will be designated by the Minister.
Public feedback at last week's preliminary meeting was limited. Most people went off to study in detail the boundary lines of the area proposed by the corporation. They have the option of making written submissions up to the end of this month.
Inevitably there will be pressure for variations or extensions of the boundary line proposed. The corporation officials pointed out that this line is not written in stone - if a compelling enough case is made for areas or projects outside it they may be included.
One apparent anomaly was raised on the spot at last week's meeting. A member of the audience pointed out that the old Waterford County and City Infirmary, now a semi-derelict but imposing building in a commanding position on a height overlooking the city, is outside the line drawn provisionally by the corporation.
The infirmary, understood to be in the ownership of a Galway developer, is listed for preservation. It is a landmark Waterford building, and clearly a prime site for development.
"It is there, it's ready, and it's being ignored," said the questioner, asking if the designation area could be extended to include it.
Senior planner Mr Stephen Blair said he understood that there would be an additional and separate package of incentives for the renewal of such buildings.
Before this consultation process is over the corporation will face many similar representations.