Politicians and civic leaders in Waterford have strongly criticised the decision by Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn to locate the headquarters of the Vocational Educational Committee in the region in Wexford town.
The City of Waterford VEC says it is extremely disappointed by Minister Quinn's announcement.
The committee said the decision was made despite a report being presented to the Minister over the summer.
The report made the case for Waterford city as the most logical choice for the location of the headquarters.
The VEC said Waterford is the gateway city in the region, is the geographically central location and has excellent transport infrastructure.
The announcement states that sub-offices will be retained in Waterford city and Dungarvan.
