Year: 2025

Ardmore Tidy Towns will host Dr. Fran Giaquinto and Phoebe O’Brien for the launch of their new Identification Guide to the Non-Native Invasive Plants of Britain and Ireland on Friday, May 16^th during Invasive Species Week.

This event is supported by Waterford City and County Council, the Heritage Council and the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

The afternoon will be filled with informative chats about the pressures of invasive plant species on our native flora, an insight into identification and an exploration of the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread.

Following the launch in The Round Tower Hotel, attendees will take a trip through the habitats of the village with both experts as they point out several species which are of concern in Ireland whilst also highlighting the important habitats that occur within this area that sits alongside the beautiful Ardmore Head Special Area of Conservation.

Marina Mulligan, Waterford City and County Council’s Biodiversity Officer said, “It is a privilege to have both experts working in Ardmore over the summer for what will undoubtedly be two impactful projects for the area – it is great to see the local community of Ardmore taking this initiative which will provide valuable information towards monitoring habitats at a county level.

“The impacts of invasive plants on natural habitats can be devastating as they outcompete native species. Due to their ability to spread quickly across an area, they can also reduce the diversity of plant life found within a habitat by reducing light and changing soil nutrients.

“This has knock-on consequences for insects, mammals, fish and birds who depend on certain plants for food, laying eggs or nesting. People may be aware of Japanese knotweed and Rhododendron but may not be aware of many other species like three-cornered leek, American skunk cabbage and Nuttall’s waterweed.”

Over the coming months, both botanists will be working closely with the local community on two significant biodiversity projects for the area.

The first will survey the flora of the Ardmore Cliff Walk funded under the NPWS Peatlands and Natura 2000 Community Engagement Fund, and the second will involve carrying out habitat surveys to produce a Community Biodiversity Action Plan for the village under Community Foundation Ireland’s Biodiversity Fund.

With Biodiversity Week coming up, more information on Waterford events will be posted on waterford_biodiversity (Instagram), www.biodiversityweek.ie and Waterford City and County Council website.

The launch takes place from 12noon to 3pm on Friday, May 16th in the Round Tower Hotel, Ardmore, Co. Waterford, which includes a fieldtrip to local habitats. The event is free to attend, and all are welcome.

On May 2^nd, Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Adam Wyse cut the ribbon as Dovida (formerly Home Instead) introduced its new brand.

Dovida provides person-centred home care to over 7,000 people across Ireland. While the majority of its clients are ageing adults (over 65), 10% of Dovida’s client base is under 65, and children under the age of 18 currently make up one per cent of the people the organisation supports.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) and Waterford City and County Council are pleased to announce details of Bike Week 2025, which runs from Saturday May 10^th to Sunday May 18^th.

Among the events planned for all ages and abilities in Waterford is the Durrow to Dungarvan Cyle, Cycle Training for Older Adults, Waterford Greenway Night Cycle and the Bike, Beach and Yoga.

Bike Week is an annual celebration and promotion of the benefits of cycling, with hundreds of family friendly events including heritage cycles, maintenance workshops, and learn-to-cycle courses taking place across the country.

All 31 local authority areas are involved in Bike Week with events being organised jointly through the local authorities and local sports partnerships.

Hugh Creegan, Acting CEO of the NTA emphasises the importance of the week saying, “The engagement from the local authorities and local sports partnerships has once again been fantastic this year. It’s great to see so many events taking place all around the country.

“There really is something for everyone, from the popular family bike festivals and community cycles to local heritage and greenway cycles to school’s events.  I’d encourage everybody to get involved.”

Emma Smyth, Bike Week Co-ordinator with Waterford City and County Council adds, “There is a wide range of free and fun cycle events taking place in Waterford over Bike Week 2025.  The programme has something that will appeal to all, so if you are new to cycling or have clocked up the miles on the roads of Waterford, Bike Week will certainly have something that will suit your ability, your age and your pace.”

For more information and to see what events are taking place throughout Waterford city and county visit www.bikeweek.ie

Those taking part in Bike Week are encouraged to share photos or videos to social media using #BikeWeek and tagging their local authority and Transport for Ireland @TFIUpdates.