The woman, aged in her 40s, was discovered with critical injuries at a property in the Grange Heights housing estate earlier this evening.
Gardaí and emergency services responded to the incident at approximately 6:15pm.
She was rushed to University Hospital Waterford (UHW) where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene. It is understood he was known to the deceased woman.
The man is currently detained at a garda station in the Waterford division under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
He can be detained for questioning for up to 24 hours.
It is understood the alarm was raised by neighbours in the Grange Heights area.
The indications are that the woman suffered multiple injuries including suspected stab wounds.
The incident is being treated as a suspected prolonged assault.
A garda spokesperson said they are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
“The scene is currently preserved for technical examination,” a spokesperson said.
“A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation. An incident room has been established at Waterford garda station.
“A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the family of the deceased.”
Gardaí confirmed that the Office of the State Pathologist has been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course at Waterford morgue.
The scene at the Grange Heights housing estate
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Monday, April 27
A full forensic examination will be conducted by members of the Garda Technical Bureau.
Gardaí are conducting door-to-door inquiries in the local community to determine if anyone heard or saw anything suspicious in the area as they try to determine the circumstances in which the woman was injured.
CCTV security camera footage from the area will also be canvassed by officers.
Gardaí are also trying to establish a timeline for the incident and want to clarify precisely when the woman was last seen in public.
Locals have indicated that the woman is not an Irish national.
She is understood to be originally from East Europe and was working in Waterford.
However, she is believed to have been resident in Ireland for some time.
Waterford locals have expressed shock at the incident which occurred in a quiet residential area popular with young families.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.
“Anyone who was in the Grange Heights area on Monday (April 27) 2026 between 6pm and 6:30pm who may have camera footage, including CCTV or dashcam, is asked to provide this footage to investigating gardaí,” a spokesperson said.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on (051) 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666111 or any Garda station. Investigations are ongoing.”
