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Year: 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Charity cycle to raise awareness of mental health and suicide

Now in its 10th year, the annual Mental Health & Suicide Awareness Charity Cycle will take place on Easter Sunday, April 20th.

Starting from Lemybrien at 9am, with registration from 8am, there is the option of a 50k or 30k cycle, so whatever your ability or fitness levels, it’s a fun, healthy way to support a worthy cause.

Speaking of the event, Cllr. Liam Brazil, who was one of the founders of the Charity Cycle said, “This cycle is all about promoting positive mental health and trying to reduce the stigma that’s attached to both mental health and suicide.

“Every year we lose more than 500 people to suicide in Ireland and that is 500 families mourning the loss of a loved one and forever trying to understand why?  Statistics from the U.S. show that each suicide affects a large circle of 135 people who may be in need of support following a suicide death.

“If we can get people on their bikes, out in the beautiful countryside and talking about their mental health, that goes a very long way to alleviating the pain and pressures that they may be feeling.”

“The message is it that it is okay to not feel okay and mental health should be talked about openly the same way a physical illness can be discussed openly.  By removing the stigma, we can create a more open and understanding society, where everybody is comfortable talking about their mental health.”

The 10th Mental Health & Suicide Awareness 50k and 30k Charity Cycle will take in the picturesque villages of Kilmacthomas, Kilmeaden, Kill, Bunmahon and Durrow.  Entry is €25 per person.

To register or to donate visit https://suicideorsurvive.ie/event/waterford-charity-cycle-50k-and-30k/

By Waterford City & County Council

Published: Weekly Planning Lists

Stay up-to-date with the latest planning applications and decisions in Waterford City and County. Each Friday, we publish a comprehensive list detailing new applications, permissions granted, and other updates. Access the latest planning lists here to stay informed about developments in your area.

See https://waterfordcouncil.ie/documents/planning-lists/

By Waterford City & County Council

Housing Applicants : Have You Changed Address ?

Have you changed address recently ?If you are an approved housing applicant with Waterford City & County Council, you must inform the Housing Applications team in the Council if you change address. Failure to inform the
Housing Applications team of a change of address will result in removal from the social housing list.

Send current proof of your new address, utility bill, lease or rental statement to Housing Applications, Baileys New Street, Waterford or scan to housingapplications@waterfordcouncil.ie with your contact details.

To be considered for an allocation with Waterford City & County Council please engage with Choice Based Lettings (CBL) via www.waterfordcouncil.ie and make an expression of interest.

By Waterford City & County Council

Planning Permission granted for Phase 1 of North Quays SDZ Development

Waterford City and County Council has granted planning permission to Harcourt Developments (t/a Hopcast Limited) for the development of the first phase of the Waterford North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ).

The mixed-use development will include significant residential accommodation, as well as office and hotel accommodation, retail offerings and high-quality public realm spaces consisting of:

  • 350 residential units
  • ​​Office accommodation including ground floor creche & retail
  • 160-bedroom hotel and conference centre
  • 163-room aparthotel
  • Retail units on ground floor of residential blocks
  • High quality public realm spaces to include public plazas, riverside boardwalk and greenway.

The SDZ development places a significant emphasis on connecting the north and south quays, and improving the public realm through investment in new high quality civic spaces, including sustainable transport infrastructure, which will connect the Waterford and the South-East Greenways via the city centre and new sustainable transport bridge.

Commenting on the planning decision, Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council said, “This is a momentous day for Waterford and the wider region. The North Quays Infrastructure Project is progressing well, with the impressive integrated transport hub on Frank Cassin Wharf, the construction of the five access bridges over the rail corridor and new greenway, and the much anticipated arrival of the sustainable transport bridge from Belgium next month.

“This next phase of development on the North Quays is hugely significant as it amplifies the potential for jobs, investment, and residential and commercial development.”

The direct benefit to Waterford of the investment in the SDZ Site is anticipated to be in excess of €350m over the next six years, with 200 people employed during construction and upwards of 1,500 jobs to be created following completion of phase one of the development.

Construction of the private SDZ development is anticipated to start later this year.

Harcourt Developments is a Dublin-based property development and management company with a broad portfolio of award-winning projects, that boasts Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, Northern Ireland’s most important regeneration project.  The Titanic Quarter is a vibrant, mixed-use scheme of commercial space, plus residential, retail, and hospitality and tourism spaces.

Harcourt’s experience in developing Belfast’s Titanic Quarter will be invaluable in delivering the North Quays development, which comprises many similar elements.  The main objective of the North Quays is to attract further investment in Waterford City from indigenous and multinational companies, expanding the tourism and hospitality sectors in addition to increasing the housing stock.

The Land Development Agency is also engaging with Harcourt in respect of the residential elements of the project.  These investments are integral in achieving the objectives set out on the National Planning Framework, which calls for the rapid expansion of Waterford city to over 85,000 people.

-ends-

Images – Douglas Wallace Architects

By Waterford City & County Council

Uisce Éireann is delivering a critical upgrade to the wastewater network in Lismore.

Uisce Éireann logo

Friday, 11 April 2025: Uisce Éireann is upgrading the underground wastewater infrastructure at Lismore to provide a more reliable network and prevent sewer flooding. The work includes carrying out necessary upgrades to the existing wastewater network and construction of a new surface water outfall pipe. When complete, the upgrades will alleviate sewage spillages during periods of heavy rainfall onto the N72 and at a problematic manhole on the St. Declan’s walkway route.

The works are being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann’s Wastewater Below Ground Programme and are expected to be completed by the end of May 2025.

Commenting on the Project, Ger Mullally, Project Manager at Uisce Éireann, said, “This key project will help support Lismore’s future development. It will benefit the environment and deliver a reliable, sustainable, high-quality service to the people of Lismore and those visiting the town. We would like to thank the community in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete these necessary upgrades.”

Sections of work will take place along the N72, commencing at the St Declan’s Walkway, Lismore to Aglish (Lady Louisa Walk) entrance from the N72. The entrance to the walkway will be closed with no access from Friday, 18 April, and will reopen on Monday, 12 May. Walkers will need to enter/exit at Roundhill.

Work will also be carried out opposite the Lismore House Hotel, Lismore Gardens carpark, and Ferry Lane Junction. To facilitate the safe delivery of these works, a traffic management plan, in the form of a stop/go system, will be in place. Local and emergency access will always be maintained.

Shareridge will be carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7. We encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, Facebook and LinkedIn, and our customer care helpline, which is open 24/7 at 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Active Travel Safe Routes to School (SRTS) launches at two Waterford national schools

More children are now walking and cycling to two national schools in Waterford City following significant improvements made through the Active Travel Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme.

The SRTS programme aims to promote walking and cycling as safe, sustainable travel options for schoolgoers and has been highly successful in encouraging healthier lifestyles among pupils at St Saviour’s National School in Ballybeg and Waterford Educate Together National School in Carrickphierish.

At the official launch of the schemes on Friday 28th March 2025, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy commented: “It’s truly wonderful to see so many children opting to walk and cycle to school following these improvements.”

The SRTS programme, an initiative of the Department of Transport and supported by the Department of Education, is operated by An Taisce in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Active Travel Department in Waterford City and County Council at a local level.

Michael Murphy, Active Travel Senior Engineer, Waterford City and County Council, emphasised the importance of creating safe and welcoming spaces around schools. “When we improve the environment around schools, it naturally encourages children to walk and cycle, fostering healthier habits and safer communities,” Mr. Murphy said.

Patrick Pender, Principal at Waterford Educate Together National School, expressed his strong support for the initiative, emphasising its success in improving safety outside the school. “The reduction in cars around our school, combined with safer road crossings and junction improvements, has made a noticeable difference in creating a safer and more accessible environment for our pupils and their families. These changes are a welcome step towards making active travel a more viable and attractive option for children, encouraging more of them to walk, cycle or scoot to school.

“As these improvements take effect, we are excited to see initiatives such as the Walking Bus getting underway. This provides children with a structured and safe way to walk to school, fostering independence, promoting a healthier lifestyle, and strengthening the sense of community among those who travel together. Supporting active travel is a priority for us, and we look forward to building on this progress in the months ahead,” Mr Pender added.

Ciara Kavanagh, Principal at St Saviour’s National School, said the improvements have had a positive impact on the community. “While many of our pupils from the Ballybeg area have always walked to school, the new safety measures have made it safer and more accessible for everyone. We’ve noticed more children walking and cycling, which means they’re getting active, socialising before classes, and starting the day healthier and more energised,” Ms. Kavanagh said.

Finola O’Driscoll, Senior Programme Manager for Active Travel Investment in the NTA, said the NTA looks forward to empowering more Waterford communities in their active travel journeys. “Many of the children who attend these schools live in the immediate area and will now have a safer and more positive front of school experience due to reduced traffic congestion. Credit to those at St Saviour’s National School in Ballybeg and Waterford Educate Together National School in Carrickphierish for recognising the importance of ensuring the safety of the children coming to and from school,” Ms O’Driscoll added.

See the videos below for highlights from both events, including moments from the celebrations and performances.

By Waterford City & County Council

Upgrading to Pay & Display Parking machines in Dungarvan

From Monday, April 14th, Waterford City and County Council will begin on the replacement of Pay & Display parking machines throughout Dungarvan.

The upgrade will be carried out over several days with 20 new machines being installed at locations across the town.

These new machines will offer a much-improved experience for users, with a faster and more reliable service. They will accept both coin and secure debit/credit card payments, making it easier than ever to pay for parking, whether you prefer to use cash or card. The machines will also display clear tariff information and helpful on-screen messages.

Each machine will also be equipped with vehicle registration entry to facilitate free parking, where required, for customers.

Additionally, a new maintenance contract has been put in place to ensure ongoing support. A dedicated team will be responsible for keeping the machines in excellent working order, helping to provide a dependable and hassle-free service well into the future.

Waterford City and County Council traffic wardens will be available throughout the installation period to assist members of the public and answer any queries, while the maintenance contract the Council has put in place will also mitigate against delays in addressing any issues that may occur.

For those who prefer a fully contactless option, the online parking app www.waterfordeparking.ie remains available and provides a quick and convenient way to pay for parking without the need for coins or cards.

Waterford City and County Council’s eParking app is free to download and can be used for either a one-off parking payment or an account can be set up. The Waterford eParking service is in operation at Waterford City and County Council owned car parks, and on-street parking spots.

Roll-out of the upgraded Pay & Display parking machines will take place across Waterford city and Tramore in the coming weeks.

Waterford City and County Council appreciates the public’s patience during this short installation period in Dungarvan.

By Waterford City & County Council

Comhar Comaraigh Network Newsletter

Comhair Comeraigh - March 25

The March edition of the Comhar Comaraigh Network Newsletter is out now, bringing the latest updates, achievements, and events from across the Comeragh region, Co. Waterford.

It highlights key initiatives in rural social enterprise development, collaborative projects, and community successes.

The newsletter features updates on vibrant village regeneration, strategic plans for future funding, health initiatives, and rural tourism. Local accomplishments, like Tidy Towns awards, heritage preservation, and sporting victories, emphasise community spirit and growth.

Download here

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Closure arrangements for Waterford Festival of Food – 26th & 27th April 2025

Waterford City and County Council has confirmed temporary road closures in Dungarvan for the upcoming Waterford Festival of Food.


From 6am until 10pm Saturday 26th April the following roads shall close:

• Davitt’s Quay (from it’s Junction with Bridge Street to Harbour Street)
• Carberry’s Lane
• Galwey’s Lane
• Thompson’s Lane

Parking on all the above mentioned streets shall be restricted from 6pm the night before.
No parking shall be allowed on Davitt’s Quay during the road closures. Access to the Garvey’s
Supervalu Car Park on Davitt’s Quay shall be maintained via entrance on Cross Bridge Street,
with all vehicles exiting via Bridge Street.


Traffic Diversions – Saturday 26th April 2025

• All traffic travelling on the L3122 “The Lookout Road” shall be diverted via the L7158 Quay
Street to L3128 Church Street and onto the L3126 Emmett Street.

• All traffic travelling from the R911 T.F. Meagher Street shall be diverted onto the L3139
(North or South). There will be no access to eastbound traffic to the Causeway for the
duration of the event. Westbound traffic will be unaffected except for a 30 minute period
during the RNLI “Duck Race” event when the road shall close.

From 6am until 10pm Sunday 27th April the following roads shall close:
• Grattan Square
• Saint Mary’s Street
• T.F. Meagher Street
• Parnell Street
• O’Connell Street (from its junction with the R911 and Western Terrace)
• Crossbridge Street
• Galwey’s Lane
• Davitts Quay (from its junction with Castle Street to Thompson’s Lane)

Parking on all the above mentioned streets shall be restricted from 6pm the night before.


From 6pm until 10pm Sunday 27th April the following road shall close:
• L2060 Walsh Street


Traffic Diversions – Sunday 27th April 2025
• Travelling from the R911 The Causeway all traffic shall be diverted onto the L3139
(North or South)
• Travelling East on the R911 Saint Mary Street all traffic shall turn right onto the R672
O’Connell Street.
• All vehicles wishing to enter L3139 Davitts Quay from L3133 Harbour Street shall divert via
L7157 Castle Street to St. Augustine Street and onto L3126 Emmett Street.

Diversions will be in place, and access to local businesses will be maintained. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and follow all posted signage during the weekend festivities.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: South Quays Inbound Lane Closure

Waterford City and County Council and BAM wish to advise that the South Quays will be closed to inbound traffic from Rice Bridge from 8pm, Saturday April 12th to 6am, Monday April 14th inclusive.

The South Quays inbound lane closure is to facilitate deep excavation works to connect to the existing foul sewer as well as the installation of ducts for signalling and traffic light to the east and west of the Clock Tower.

Traffic diversions at Rice Bridge, temporary relocation of the bus stop at Meagher’s Quay and the closure of the pedestrian crossings at the Clock Tower will be in place and clearly indicated.  The public is advised to adhere to all local traffic management and follow the diversion route and directional signage for the duration of the works.  Outbound traffic is not affected.

Access for emergency services will be maintained for the duration of the works, and Merchants Quay and Clyde Wharf car parks will be accessible to outbound traffic.

Waterford City and County Council and BAM apologise for any inconvenience caused and seek the understanding and co-operation of the public during the course of these works.

By Waterford City & County Council

National Slow Down Day: A Call for Safer Roads in Ireland

National Slow Down Day

Today marks National Slow Down Day, a 24-hour initiative led by An Garda Síochána in collaboration with the Road Safety Authority (RSA). This campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding and encourage drivers to adopt safer driving habits. Gardaí are out in force across the country, monitoring speeds and reminding motorists of the critical importance of adhering to speed limits.

The initiative comes at a time when road safety remains a concern. Statistics highlight the stark reality of speeding: a pedestrian struck by a car traveling at 30 km/h has a 10% chance of fatality, but this risk skyrockets to 90% at 60 km/h. Already this year, over 32,880 Fixed Charge Notices have been issued for speeding, underscoring the need for greater vigilance on the roads.

As spring brings longer days and more vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists onto the streets, this initiative serves as a timely reminder for all road users to prioritise safety.

For updates and insights, follow the Garda Traffic X account. 

By Waterford City & County Council

Ban on Burning of Agricultural Waste

Ban on burning of agricultural waste

Waterford City and County Council wishes to remind landowners that the burning of waste, including garden and agricultural waste is banned and can lead to prosecution for landowners if it is undertaken.

Under the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal By Burning) Regulations 2009 a person who burns any waste can face prosecution and a fine of up to €5000 in the district court.

Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, said, “There was an exemption from the ban on burning agricultural waste up until 2023, however this is now also banned.  Farmers should use management techniques such as regular flailing to minimise the production of the green waste and alternative measures, such as mulching or composting the material, or using it to create a nature and biodiversity pile are suitable alternatives to burning.”

Mr Kane added, “Burning waste, including green waste can lead to the emission of particulate matter, a form of air pollution, which can exacerbate breathing difficulties in people with lung conditions such as asthma or emphysema.”

Financial support is available to farmers for biomass chipping equipment. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine through the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers for a wood/ biomass drying shed and for PTO-driven wood/biomass chipper equipment.

This equipment can be used by farmers to process agriculture green waste on farms.

For further information https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/environment/air-quality/disposal-by-burning/

By Waterford City & County Council

Major Update to Ireland’s Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines Aims to Keep Roads Safe

Vision Zero

ew guidelines provide updated advice for drivers with medical conditions, including stroke, epilepsy, diabetes, and sleep disorders.

7 April 2025 – The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and National Office for Traffic Medicine (NOTM) have today launched a major update to Ireland’s medical fitness to drive guidelines, ensuring they reflect the latest medical research and best practices in road safety.

The guidelines, Sláinte agus Tiomáint, provide critical guidance for healthcare professionals in assessing whether a patient is fit to drive following a medical diagnosis, injury, or treatment.

Key updates include:

  • New guidance on rehabilitation and return-to-driving pathways for those recovering from serious injuries, such as stroke or brain trauma.

  • Improved advice for medical professionals on how to sensitively manage conversations about driving cessation.

  • Clarifications and updates on a range of conditions, including epilepsy, diabetes, sleep disorders, and cardiovascular health.

The NOTM is located in the Centre for Innovative Human Systems in the School of Psychology in Trinity College Dublin.

Speaking at the launch in Trinity, Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, said: “With an ageing population and increasing numbers of drivers managing chronic health conditions, these guidelines are more relevant than ever. By aligning with international best practices and drawing on the latest medical research, we aim to ensure that medical fitness assessments are fair, transparent, and prioritise road safety.”

For many, driving is essential for maintaining independence and well-being. The updated rehabilitation framework acknowledges this, emphasising a multidisciplinary approach that includes medical professionals, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and optometrists to support people in safely returning to the road.

Continued driving may be enabled through licence restrictions which can specify car adaptations, daytime driving only, and speed and distance restrictions.

In cases where driving is no longer possible, the guidelines highlight licence restrictions and car adaptations as potential solutions to maintain mobility.

Additionally, the Government’s decision to provide a free travel pass for individuals medically unfit to drive for at least 12 months offers crucial support for those affected.

Professor Desmond O’Neill, Director of NOTM, added: “These updates reflect the evolving nature of road safety and medical science. We recognise the importance of balancing road safety with individual mobility and independence. By equipping healthcare professionals with clear, up-to-date guidance, we can ensure that decisions around fitness to drive are made with confidence, fairness, and safety in mind.

“If doctors and other health professionals routinely provide advice based on these guidelines to their patients, we can reduce crash rates by up to one third and also maintain safe mobility for longer for their patients.”

The revised Sláinte agus Tiomáint guidelines are available now on the RSA website.

By Waterford City & County Council

New RSA Research from Breathalyser Kiosks Indicates Almost Half of People Underestimate Their Alcohol Levels

Vision Zero

  • Over 24,000 tests conducted across Ireland as part of RSA pilot programme with Flinebox.
  • 45% of people tested thought they were under the legal limit, but their breath test results exceeded this.

 

4 April 2025 – New data from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) reveals a worrying trend—nearly half (45%) of people who tested their alcohol levels at Flinebox breathalyser kiosks mistakenly believed they were under the legal limit.

The findings come from an RSA pilot programme, which trialled Flinebox breathalyser kiosks at hospitality locations and events across Ireland over six months. The initiative aimed to give people real-time feedback on their alcohol levels, helping them make informed decisions before getting behind the wheel.

During the six-month pilot, over 24,000 breathalyser tests and surveys were conducted. The results highlight critical issues:

  • 45% of people who tested over the legal limit mistakenly believed they were fit to drive.
  • 64% of those who exceeded the blood alcohol legal limit of 0.50 g/l had said they were going to drive*.
  • 77% of those who mistakenly believed they were under the limit had said they were going to drive.
  • Young men aged 18-34 were most likely to underestimate their alcohol levels and say they were going to drive.

 

Sarah O’Connor, Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at the RSA, said: “We are urging drivers not to rely on guesswork when it comes to alcohol and driving. This data shows that many people wrongly assume they’re under the limit when they’re not – putting themselves and others at serious risk.

“We introduced the breathalyser kiosks as an education measure to help drivers get a clear, scientific measure of their alcohol levels. The pilot made it clear that people struggled to understand their own level of impairment. But the real message is simple: if you have a drink, don’t drive. The safest option is to plan ahead, arrange alternative transport, and never take a chance behind the wheel.

“This data is a stark reminder that our perception of how alcohol affects us is often flawed. While social acceptability has been on the rise up to 2024, the RSA’s events teams found the conversations it sparked among peers around drink driving and its acceptability were also very beneficial. Never ever drink and drive.”

The RSA pilot programme ran from August 2024 to February 2025, with Flinebox kiosks placed in hotels, bars, and event venues across Mayo, Galway, Cork, Limerick, Laois, and Westmeath. The RSA first introduced the technology at Electric Picnic and later at the National Ploughing Championships, and there will be further deployments at major events later this year.

Damien McManus, General Manager of Loughrea Hotel and Spa, said: “The introduction of the breathalyser to our hotel has been incredibly well received. Our guests have been keen to try it out and expressed how helpful it is to help them make informed and responsible decisions about driving. This initiative is a significant step toward enhancing road safety, and we are proud to be part of such a crucial effort.” 

The breathalyser kiosks use Dräger alcohol sensor technology, providing an accurate alcohol reading within 10 seconds. Users blow into a straw, and the screen displays their result, indicating whether they are under or over the limit. If over the limit, the system estimates how long it will take before it’s safe to drive.

Mary Walsh, Reservations Manager of the Broadhaven Bay Hotel, added: “The Flinebox breathalyser has proven particularly helpful and popular among guests on nights of and the morning after events such as weddings. It’s a fantastic initiative which hopefully other hotels will consider for their own premises as a resource for guests.” 

*When providing a result, the Flinebox device states that if you are a novice driver with less than two years of driving experience, you are not permitted to drive if your blood alcohol exceeds the lower limit of 0.20 g/l.

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