Plans to shut the Applemarket to traffic during the Winterval festival have led to debate amongst businesses in the area.
Proposals submitted to Waterford Council would see John Street and the Applemarket closed from 11am to 7am the following day, from Thursday the 16th November to Tuesday the 2nd of January.
It's also been suggested that no parking be permitted on New Street for the same period.
Businesses held an emergency meeting on the issue on Thursday.
Some have called for vehicle access to be allowed during retail hours, and hit out at a lack of consultation, while others see it as a positive step towards the pedestrianisation of the area.
Fianna Fail Councillor Eddie Mulligan says a number of business owners rely on the movement of traffic through the area, but the traffic situation does need to be managed more effectively.
Eddie Mulligan says it's important to take note of how other countries deal with mixed use areas:
Deirdre Higgins owns Higgins Clothes Shop on John's Street.
She says the it needs to be kept as a mixed use area:
"Pedestrians and traffic should be allowed...just to stop it is wrong, there's plenty of time for nightlife after the shops have closed".
