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Year: 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore business wins Senior Student Enterprise Award

Tramore Sea Salt Spray from Ard Scoil na Mara wins Best Senior Student Enterprise in Waterford and qualifies for the National Student Enterprise Finals. Joining the Tramore business is Protein Pros from Mercy Convent secondary school, who won Best Junior Student Enterprise.

The county finals took place on Tuesday March 5th at the Park Hotel in Dungarvan. Co-ordinated by the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, the final took place during Local Enterprise Week. The competition is the most successful programme of its kind in the country. 27,000 budding entrepreneurs from 380 secondary schools across the country have been running their own enterprises, with help from their teachers and Local Enterprise Offices.

Tramore Sea Salt Spray, winner of the Senior award, created, produced and sold a unique product to enhance hair texture and volume by using natural mineral-rich sea salt, giving your hair a beachy, tousled look while also nourishing and strengthening it. The team comprised of Ben Phelan, Arlo Barron, Donnacha Flannery and Sam Ahern.

While the first Junior winners in Waterford in nearly 10 years produced a product similar to protein balls, however they made various different protein shapes instead. They offered multiple flavours including biscoff, dairy milk, and peanut butter in the shape of stars and hearts. The team included Sophie Wall, Emily O’Regan, Casey Wyse and Layla Costello.

The Waterford Student Enterprise Programme started in September with over 1,000 students from 14 schools in Waterford City and County. They created their businesses, developed, branded, promoted and sold. But most importantly they learned what it felt like to run their own business.

Finally, 100 students represented 12 schools in Waterford County competed in the Waterford Student Enterprise Final on Tuesday March 4th at the Park Hotel in Dungarvan. 36 businesses in total, shortlisted from a total of 350 who commenced the competition in September, presented their business plans and challenged for the top prize in the county section of the Student Enterprise Programme.

Tramore Sea Salt Spray and Protein Pros will represent Waterford at the National Finals on May 8th, taking on 34 other businesses, the best of the rest of the country.

National finalists from all over the country will set-up enterprise displays before taking part in a series of judges’ interviews.  The judging panels take numerous factors into account, such as business reporting, innovation, market research, risk management and finances.

Praising the teachers and local schools involved in the programme, Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, said: “We run a very successful and popular Student Enterprise Programme here in Waterford, thanks to the support of the many schools and teachers in the area. The Student Enterprise Awards give local teenagers a taste of what it’s like to run their own business and to be their own boss. Along the way, the programme helps them develop important entrepreneurship skills, learning about sales, innovation, managing finances and finding new markets. Learning the fundamentals of running a business now, will help them throughout their studies and career.”

Further information about May’s National Finals is available through www.studententerprise.ie, which also has free resources and video tutorials for students and teachers for the 2025/2026 programme.

For more information, please contact your Local Enterprise Office at 35 the Mall in Waterford City or Civic Offices in Dungarvan. Alternatively, you can email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie .

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2025 winners’ list:

Best Display: –              School: Abbey Community College              Business: Beessentials

Best Innovation: –            School: Newtown Secondary School                      Business: Nubus

Students’ Choice: –          School: Ard Scoil na Mara, Tramore                         Business: Tramore Sea Glass & Shell Art

Best Interview: –             School: Blackwater Community School            Business: M A R S

Best use of Social Media: –     School: St. Augustine’s College                        Business: Knot Kidding

Most Sustainable: –           School: Waterpark College                                 Business: Return to Raffle

Merit Award: –               School: Waterpark College                              Business: Glisten Ireland

Junior Winner: –            School: Our Lady Of Mercy Secondary School        Business: Protein Pro’s

Senior 3rd: –                  School: Ard Scoil na nDeise                             Business:  LA Slick Stick

Senior 2nd: –                School: Ard Scoil na Mara, Tramore               Business: Tramore Sea Glass & Shell Art

Senior 1st:-                School: Ard Scoil na Mara, Tramore                        Business: Tramore Sea Salt Spray

Captions:

DSCF0428: Sophie Wall, Emily O’Regan, Casey Wyse and Layla Costello and their business Protein Pros from Mercy Convent Secondary School, Waterford receiving the Junior Student Enterprise Programme award from Councillor Damien Geoghegan and Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise Waterford LEO at the final of the Waterford Student Enterprise Programme in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan, hosted by the Local Enterprise Office – David Clynch

DSCF0445: Donnacha Flannery, Arlo Barron, Ben Phelan and Rob Kenny and their business Tramore Sea Salt Spray from Ard Scoil na Mara Tramore, receiving the Senior Student Enterprise Programme award from Councillor Damien Geoghegan and Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise Waterford LEO with judges Dermot Walsh, Sharon O’Brien, Jamie Whitty and David Walsh at the final of the Waterford Student Enterprise Programme in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan, hosted by the Local Enterprise Office – David Clynch

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford St. Patrick’s Festival Line-Up 2025

Waterford City and County Council, in association with Fáilte Ireland and EveryEvent, is delighted to announce a jam-packed four-day programme of St. Patrick’s Festival events from Friday, March 14th to Monday, March 17th.

The theme for this year’s festival is Saints & Scholars – A Celebration of Waterford’s rich heritage and will be marked by parades, performances, carnivals and music right through the Bank Holiday weekend. And best of all…most events are FREE!

While the festival is a celebration of Waterford’s people and communities, its culture and heritage, its diversity, and its musical and artistic talent, there will be tribute paid to St. Patrick and to Waterford’s very own Scholar, Luke Wadding, a 16th Century academic, author, historian and Franciscan.

Young people:  Kick-start your St. Patrick’s Festival weekend with free family fun activities at John Roberts Square.  Over the four-day festival, Waterford’s city centre will be abuzz with the return of the much-loved City Centre Fairground, perfect fun for the littlest family members.  Wobbly Circus has been enthralling and delighting for years, so don’t miss them throughout the weekend, along with Playful Streets for buckets of family fun activities.

Craft and entertainment:  With so much to choose from, don’t tie yourself up in knots, although the Celtic Knotwork Workshop in Waterford Cultural Quarter might be the perfect solution in case you do!  There’ll be no shortage of Shamrock Shenanigans at City Square Shopping Centre, while Little Irish Folklore Friends will introduce Liam the Leprechaun and his pals.

Music: Local talent will feature big and bold as the Suir Ukulele Strummers, Waterford Centre of Music Choir, The Knockadollys, City of Waterford Brass, Waterford Youth Arts and High Definition perform free gigs in the heart of the city, from the Waterford Cultural Quarter (WCQ) to John Roberts Square to the Apple Market Stage.

Late night entertainment:  The music continues into the evening with performances from Oisin O’Connor, Bonya, The Knotted Chords, Spancil Jills, BOOLABOOM, Sympos and Guests – follow the music trail from the Apple Market to the Waterford Cultural Quarter.  There’s also great live entertainment throughout the weekend at Dooley’s Hotel and Itty Bittys.  And if you fancy a nip, you can always enjoy a tipple of O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey in The House of Waterford.

Firedance in John Roberts Square is a locally-produced, spectacular, outdoor fire-lit procession weaving its way through John Roberts Square setting the stage for an extraordinary performance and showcase of fiery theatrics.

Culture & Tours: The Urban Greenway Self-guided tour quite literally puts the (green) spotlight on the city’s historical monuments and iconic buildings.  You can take the route the Vikings once took and see the city from the majestic River Suir aboard the Osprey Viking Cruise or join James Doherty for a Walking Tour of Waterford.

Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre has created an exhibition celebrating community creativity and highlighting people and place through art, while you can enjoy Ceiliúradh Cultúir – A Celebration of Culture featuring Irish sean-nós singing and dancing workshops at St. Patrick’s Gateway.

Also at St. Patrick’s Gateway, the inaugural Luke Wadding Convention featuring talks from Dr. Coleman Dennehy and Dr. John McCafferty will explore Wadding’s role and his influence which to this day is of world renown. The event will also feature a live performance of music from the 17th Century with famed international cellist Roger David.

Theatre:  The Theatre Royal has a St. Patrick’s Weekend programme that will appeal to lovers of rib-tickling comedy as funnyman Neil Delamare brings his razor-sharp observations on life and trad. 

St. Patrick’s Day Parade:  The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Saints & Scholars’ and will begin at 1pm sharp on St. Patrick’s Day, Monday March 17th.  Three-time Olympian and European Gold medallist Grand Marshall of Waterford’s St. Partick’s Day parade, Thomas Barr, along with members of Ferrybank AFC are expected to lead out over 2,000 participants in the parade.

The parade begins at Waterford Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay, past the Clock Tower and the Plaza, moving around to the Mall, with entries gathering at the Bridge Street end of the Quay at the start of the parade.

Optimum viewing positions are from the Quays, where there is plenty of room as well as at the Mall.  The parade will end at the Mall / Parnell Street junction and we ask that patrons do not congregate in Parnell Street as this area is designated for post-parade and production staff.

Waterford City and County Council is delighted to announce an Autism Family Friendly Area at the St. Patrick’s Day parade.  Working with Autism Friendly Waterford and 50 Shades of Exceptional we are proud to introduce this initiative as the First Autism Friendly City in Ireland.

A special area has also been reserved and sign-posted for wheelchair users / special access at Mall Lane.  This is on a first come, first served basis and intending patrons should make themselves known to stewards.

Last minute entries to the parade are still open to community groups from Waterford city, county and beyond – intending participants should complete the application form on the St. Patrick’s Festival website.

There will also be an online streaming of the Parade, so those who cannot attend but still wish to enjoy the celebrations.

To find out more details of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and four-day festival in Waterford visit www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com and keep an eye out on Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Festival social media channels.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Gold for Waterford Gallery of Art’s Olympic-themed exhibition

Waterford Gallery of Art was delighted to receive the ‘Best Exhibition of the Year’ award for its Olympic-themed ‘Muscles and Mind’ exhibition at the recent Waterford News & Star Green Room Awards 2025.

The revival of the modern Olympic Games in the late 1890’s by Baron Pierre De Coubertin embodied the ideal of a marriage between ‘Art and Sport, Muscles and Mind’. The ‘Muscles and Mind: Irish Art Olympians’ exhibition coincided with the launch of the Paris 2024 Olympics and told the story of arts inclusion in the games, and displayed works by the Irish artists that participated.

With support from Waterford City and County Council’s Arts Office, Creative Ireland, and the Olympic Federation of Ireland, the exhibition featured artworks from the Waterford Art Collection, as well as loans of work by some of Ireland’s most renowned artists who competed for their country between 1924 and 1948.

Artists exhibited included Jack B. Yeats, Letitia Hamilton, Seán Keating, Mainie Jellett, Fr. Jack P. Hanlon, Desmond Broe, Flora Vere O’Brien, Ina Boyle, Stella Steyn, Hilda Roberts, Sir John Lavery, Sir William Orpen and more.

The exhibition was a fantastic success for the gallery with visitors and artists – and for achieving great local and national press coverage, including curator Luke Currall featuring on the Moncrieff Show on Newstalk, Irish Times, RTE, the Independent and more.

The gallery was also grateful to be acknowledged and nominated for further awards including for their current ‘Bodies’, exhibition, ‘The People’s Choice Award’, and for the ‘Outstanding Arts and Cultural Event of the Year’.

Luke Currall, Visual Arts Co-Ordinator thanked all who visited, supported, exhibited, loaned work and nominated them, saying, “‘Muscles and Mind’ was a delight to work on, full of discoveries and surprises, and made us a lot of new friends on the way.

“We would particularly like to thank Pat McEvoy, Mary Frances Ryan and all at the News & Star, WLRfm and Theatre Royal. The awards are a fantastic evening showcasing the incredible amount of artistic talent, dedication and energy we have here in Waterford.

“Congratulations to all nominees and award winners, and here’s to a fantastic year ahead.”

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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council to Host Community Wellbeing Workshops

Waterford City and County Council, through its Community Department’s Health and Wellbeing program, is pleased to announce plans for a series of Community Wellbeing workshops across the Municipal Districts.

These interactive sessions will focus on enhancing community wellbeing by exploring key aspects of community development and will address a wide range of areas, including:

  • Wellbeing: Strategies for promoting positive mental health, stress management techniques, and support resources.
  • Physical Health and Activity: Encouraging healthy lifestyles, promoting physical activity, including active travel (walking and cycling).
  • Social Connection and Inclusion: Building stronger community bonds, fostering social interaction, and addressing social isolation.
  • Community Resilience: Developing strategies to address community challenges, building resilience, and empowering community members.

“Waterford City and County Council is deeply committed to the wellbeing of our residents,” said Cllr. Joe Kelly, Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford. “These workshops are a crucial step in empowering our communities to thrive. By focusing on mental and physical health, social connection, and resilience, we aim to create a stronger, more supportive environment for everyone.”

Sinéad Breathnach, Head of Community in Waterford City and County Council, added, “We believe that community-led initiatives are essential for creating lasting positive change. We are seeking expressions of interest from communities and community workers to collaborate with us in planning these workshops. By working together, we can ensure that the workshops address the specific needs and priorities of our communities.”

Waterford City and County Council is seeking expressions of interest from communities and community workers who are interested in collaborating on the planning of these workshops. Interested parties are encouraged to complete a short survey to:

  • Gauge community interest in the Community Wellbeing Seminar.
  • Identify key areas of concern and priorities for their community.
  • Plan a workshop that meets the specific needs of community members.

The survey can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D8CYM77

Waterford City and County Council encourages all interested community members to participate and contribute to the success of these vital workshops.

By Waterford City & County Council

Change to Customer Service opening hours

 

Please note the following changes to Customer Service office opening hours:

  • Dungarvan public offices at CSD will be closed until 10.00am (instead of 9:30 am) on Monday the 3rd of March only.
  • Waterford City public offices at CSD will be closed until 10.00am (instead of 9:30 am) on Friday the 7th of March only.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: 2025 Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme Open for Applications

The 2025 Traditional Farm Buildings grant scheme is open for applications.

Full details are available here: https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/projects/traditional-farm-buildings-grant-scheme.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5pm on Monday, 10th March 2025.

In 2025, particular encouragement is given for applications concerning the repair of traditional farming structures other than buildings. To support this effort, €500,000 will be specifically allocated for the repair of related farm structures such as walls, gate pillars and gates, walled orchards, cobbled yards, and masonry dungsteads.

Applications for farm buildings remain eligible, but applicants are not required to apply for a building.

A short information webinar for interested applicants will be hosted on Thursday, 6th February 2025 at 12pm.

By Waterford City & County Council

 €86,557 Community Recognition Funding announced for Dungarvan Community Allotments Project

The announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD of €86,557 Community Recognition Funding for the Dungarvan Community Allotments Project, Phase Two will see thirty nine community allotments delivered for the Dungarvan community.

The successful Grant application by Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership and Waterford City and County Council is Phase Two of a Community Project in Dungarvan. The overall project is redeveloping a derelict community garden into a horticulture educational and community allotment project, on the periphery of Colligan View housing estate in Dungarvan.

On a three-acre Waterford City and County Council site, a section of which had been previously used for a community garden that became abandoned and derelict, the project has seen the development of a horticultural education training centre, in collaboration with the Waterford and Wexford Educational Training Board.

According to Sinéad Breathnach  Senior Executive Officer Waterford City and County Council Community & Sports Department, “The intention is to provide a resource to local community groups of all ages, offering an opportunity to learn, to socialise, to be provided with information on training opportunities from a selection of agencies.  Now the project can be completed into a community garden with allotments for use by all the greater Dungarvan community.”

Phase One of the project with the support of a Department of Justice Community Safety Innovation Fund Safety Grant of €41,403, through the support and collaboration of WWETB, Waterford City and County Council and other partners, has seen the Community House regenerated and fitted out into a Community Further Education Training Centre with classes in horticulture and computers having started in September 2024.

The adjacent derelict gardens and allotments with extra land attributed by Waterford City and County Councils has been completely fenced in to deter previous vandalism, illegal dumping and Anti-Social Behaviour.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy welcomed the Minister’s announcement stating, “In keeping with the government’s renewed commitment to ensuring our growing, inclusive, local populations are supported in making our communities thriving places to live, work and raise a family, I am very happy to welcome this funding of €86,557. This sees a total investment of €127,960 in this All of Government supported project.

“This commitment by Government, supported by WWETB & WCCC collaborative investment, ensures that the people of Dungarvan can now enjoy this upgrade to their community recreational facilities and space.”

WLCSP is a new government initiative based within the Community Department of Waterford City and County Council, which brings together statutory services, the voluntary and community sector, local Councillors and community members to work together to identify and tackle community safety issues.

In this project, through the collaboration of the WWETB, Dungarvan Gardaí, the WCCC Outdoor, Community & Housing Departments it has delivered the only project of this nature in Dungarvan and is the only community horticultural educational project in this region of Waterford.

The project will be of benefit to the full Dungarvan Community by added provision of 39 Individual Allotments, consisting fifty percent with raised beds to ensure ease of use to our aged and mobility restricted community. Five allotments will be reserved for disabled users.

A new Committee is currently being established and will be trained by the WWETB on a bespoke course. If you would like to be considered for Committee membership, please contact communitysafety@waterfordcouncil.ie  

By Waterford City & County Council

Discovering, Connecting and Collaborating to enhance Tourism in Waterford

On Thursday, February 27th at Gardenmorris Estate, Kill, Co. Waterford over 100 tourism and hospitality businesses from across Waterford came together to discover, connect and collaborate to enhance tourism in Waterford. 

The Waterford Rural Tourism Network is made up of five cluster areas; Copper Coast, Blackwater Valley, Comeraghs, Gaeltacht na nDéise, and Waterford Estuary. The aim of the network is to build the capabilities of their individual business as well as enhance the overall tourism offering in Waterford.

Participants from the tourism sector, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, hospitality, and culture & heritage amenities, were in attendance, and enjoyed insightful panel discussions, a lively networking session and delicious food created by Ni Bhrian Restaurant.

All these elements were conducive to helping achieve the mission of the day, which was to discover rural Waterford and connect business from across the city and county.

WLRfm Journalist and Broadcaster Dymphna Nugent hosted a valuable panel discussion themed ‘Rural Waterford Unwrapped’.  The panel consisted of Joan Clancy of Joan Clancy Art Gallery, Caroline Fletcher O’Connor of Ballyin House, Claire O’Sullivan of Crough Lodge Wellness Retreat/The Mystic Holistic, Elaine Power of East Pier Fish & Chips, and Niall Waters from Surf SUP Tramore.

After the panel discussion Dymphna said, “It’s a pleasure to get to know more of what rural Waterford has to offer, and I know how I will be spending my summer, going from one attraction to the next and really getting to know what’s on our own front door.”

Attendees also heard from Julie O’Brien, Co-ordinator of the Network, of Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, who hosted further panel discussions exploring themes such as ‘Championing Each Other’, and ‘Collaborating to Champion Rural Waterford and County Waterford’. Julie also interviewed Rob Rankin, Owner of Vagabond Tours & Sustainable Tourism Network, who shared his insights on how Waterford can achieve its goal of becoming a leading sustainable tourism destination in Ireland.

Michael Quinn, Director of Economic Development with Waterford City and County Council said, “To create a world class destination requires a collaborative approach. Waterford Council’s delivery of infrastructure and amenities to bolster Waterford’s tourism offering is complemented by the commitment and vision of our local tourism and service providers.  In working together, we can realise the county’s full tourism potential.”

Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, “We have something very special here in Waterford… scenery, heritage, attractions, natural beauty and great food, however it is the people that visitors meet when they come to Waterford, that brings Waterford to life and creates a memorable experience.”

Mary Houlihan, Manager Ireland’s Ancient East spoke passionately about Waterford and highlighted how ‘tourism has the potential to build and sustain rural communities in the County.’ She stressed the importance of all stakeholders, industry and communities working together to make Waterford a compelling tourist destination for domestic and international visitors, saying, “Waterford’s variety of stunning landscapes and rich heritage gives Waterford a real opportunity to become an area that is known for the outdoors with an array of experiences available to suit different visitors.”

The event is part of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network development programme, funded and supported by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, and delivered by Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions, with support from key stakeholders Visit Waterford, Waterford Leader Partnership, and Waterford LEO.

If you would like to find out more about the Waterford Rural Tourism Network or join one of the five Clusters in Waterford, please email julie@runda.ie.

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Free to use images – Patrick Browne

31: Dymphna Nugent, WLR FM,  Niall Waters – Copper Coast, Surf SUP Tramore, Elaine Power – Waterford Estuary, East Pier Fish & Chips, Claire O’Sullivan – Comeragh, Crough Lodge Wellness Retreat/The Mystic Holistic, Caroline Fletcher O’Connor – Blackwater Valley, Ballyin House

21: Julie O’ Brien – Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions, Mary Houlihan – Failte Ireland, Michael Quinn – Waterford City & County Council

04: Clare Busher O’Sullivan – Visit Waterford, Orna Holohan – Waterford City & County Council, Julie O’ Brien – Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions, Ivona Carr – Fáilte Ireland, Richard Povey -Taste Waterford, Dymphna Nugent – WLR FM

17: Clare Busher O’Sullivan – Visit Waterford, Shauna Kenneally – House of Waterford, Andrew McDermott – Osprey Viking Cruises, Louise Prendergast – Viking Hotel Waterford, Michael Skehan – Granville Hotel, Ivona Carr – Fáilte Ireland, Jack Burtchaell – Waterford City Walking Tours

38: Waterford Rural Tourism Network event attendees

By Waterford City & County Council

Bain triail aisti – Seachtain na Gaeilge sna Déise with Waterford City & County Council

Seachtain na Gaeilge is being celebrated in Waterford again this year, with many events taking place throughout City and County. The Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council is collaborating with several different groups to provide a range of events and activities to celebrate the Irish language and culture of the Déise and here is a flavour of some of what will be on offer.

Ceiliúradh Cultúir — an intercultural event will take place in St Patrick’s Gateway Centre in Waterford City on Saturday, 15th March from 2-4pm, when Irish speakers (and those with ‘cúpla focal’) and members of some of Waterford’s newer communities will have the opportunity to come together to share a taste of their respective cultures. Members of the Waterford City branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will provide some traditional music, and there will be opportunities to learn some Irish songs and sean-nós dancing steps, all while using and learning “cúpla focal Gaeilge.” Refreshments will be provided, and all are welcome to attend this special event. So, if you would like to use your cúpla focal in a multi-cultural setting, call in to St Patrick’s Gateway Centre on Patrick Street on Saturday the 15th March any time between 2pm and 4pm. This event is being organised as part of Waterford’s St Patrick’s Day Festival.

Come along and join Donnchadh Ó Ceallacháin for a Bilingual Guided Tour of The Wake Museum, Cathedral Square on Wednesday 5th March. Tours will begin at 11 am and 1.15pm and all are welcome to come along to hear fascinating stories of life and death in Waterford, detailing traditions and superstitions, from early Christian times right up to the 20th century. Fáilte roimh chách.

Lá na gCiorcal – Ciorcail na nDéise
Waterford’s growing number of Ciorcail Chomhrá (Irish conversation groups) will have an opportunity to come together for a ‘cupán tae agus caifé’ and a chat on Wednesday, 12th March in the Coach House Coffee in Kilmacthomas. Members of Ciorcail Chomhrá from Dungarvan, Stradbally, Tramore and Waterford City will all get together to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge. If you are interested in joining a Ciorcal Comhrá and not sure how to do so, you can contact your local Library or the Irish Officer at gaeilge@waterfordcouncil.ie for details of a Ciorcal Comhrá near you!

Bilingual Table Quiz – this year’s Bilingual Table Quiz organised by the Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council will take place in the Cove Bar on the Dunmore Road, Waterford City on Thursday, 13th March at 8.00pm and is open to the public. It’s a fun night which gives people a chance to use their ‘cúpla focal’ in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and there will be plenty of spot prizes, music, and craic on the night. You can register in advance by contacting jlenane@waterfordcouncil.ie.

DÚN GARBHÁN LE GAEILGE
Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge is organising a number of events and activities around the Gaeltacht Service Town of Dungarvan during Seachtain na Gaeilge, including special screenings of Irish language films in Movies@Dungarvan for local schools, a Pop-Up Gaeltacht in Alice O’Connor’s Lounge Bar, Abbeyside and a St. Patrick’s Day Céilí open to all families in Lawlor’s Hotel, with a trad session beforehand for children. For more information on these events contact Bróna at dungarbhanlegaeilge@gmail.com or 0874785054.

waterford library services

Staff from the Libraries throughout city and county have organised a programme of bilingual/Irish events and activities, which will take place in the coming fortnight and all of which are free of charge. Dungarvan and Tramore Libraries will be hosting their regular Ciorcal Comhrá and Rannta le Chéile (Irish language rhymes for young children) and Portlaw and Ardkeen Libraries will run the ever-popular ‘Bingó as Gaeilge’ for local schools again this year and booking is essential at your local library.

Waterford Library Service has an extensive stock of Irish language books, which will be on display in various Libraries around the city and county during Seachtain na Gaeilge, with people encouraged to borrow and read the fabulous range of Irish language books that are available for both adults and children. Details of all events and activities can be obtained from your local Library and will also be shared on the Library Service website www.waterfordlibraries.ie and on social media.

We would like to thank all the individuals and groups for their co-operation and support in organising the programme of events and activities for this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge. Therefore, if you would like to practice your ‘cúpla focal’, or simply listen to our native language in use, please feel free to attend any of these free Seachtain na Gaeilge events. Bain sult as!

By Waterford City & County Council

Bain triail aisti – Seachtain na Gaeilge sna Déise le Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge

Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge á ceiliúradh i bPort Láirge arís i mbliana agus beidh go leor imeachtaí ar siúl ar fud na Cathrach agus an Chontae. Tá Oifigeach Gaeilge Phort Láirge ag comhoibriú le grúpaí éagsúla chun réimse leathan imeachtaí agus gníomhaíochtaí a chur ar fáil chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar theanga agus ar chultúr na nDéise agus seo blaiseadh de chuid de na rudaí a bheidh ar fáil.

Ceiliúradh Cultúir – beidh ócáid idir-chultúrtha ar siúl in Ionad Naomh Pádraig i gCathair Phort Láirge ar an Satharn 15 Márta óna 2-4pm, áit a bheidh deis ag cainteoirí Gaeilge (agus iad siúd le cúpla focal) agus baill de phobail níos nuaí na cathrach teacht le chéile chun blaiseadh dá gcultúir faoi seach a roinnt. Beidh baill de Chraobh na Cathrach de Chomhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann ag seinnt ceoil agus beidh deis blaiseadh a fháil ar ghnéithe de chultúr na hÉireann, lena n-áirítear ceol, amhránaíocht agus rince ar an sean-nós, agus iad ag foghlaim “cúpla focal Gaeilge.” Cuirfear sólaistí ar fáil agus beidh fáilte roimh chách chuig an ócáid speisialta seo. Mar sin, má tá fonn ort do chúpla focal a labhairt i gcomhluadar il-chultúrtha, buail isteach go dtí Ionad Naomh Pádraig ar Shráid Phádraig ar an Satharn, 15 Márta aon am idir a dó agus a ceathar a chlog sa tráthnóna. Tá an ócáid seo á n-eagrú mar chuid de chlár imeachtaí na Féile Pádraig i gCathair Phort Láirge.

Beidh Turais Treoraithe Dhátheangacha thart ar Mhúsaem an Tórraimh i gCearnóg na hArdeaglaise sa Chathair ar an gCéadaoin 5 Márta, a bhuíochas le Donnchadh Ó Ceallacháin. Tosnóidh na turais ar a 11am agus 1.15pm agus tá fáilte roimh dhaoine teacht chun éisteacht le scéalta spéisiúla faoin mbeatha agus faoin mbás i bPort Láirge, faoi na traidisiúin agus na piseoga ó ré na luath-Chríostaíochta go dtí an 20ú aois. Fáilte roimh chách.

Lá na gCiorcal – Ciorcail na nDéise
Tá borradh agus fás tagtha ar líon na gCiorcal Comhrá i bPort Láirge le blianta beaga anuas agus beidh seans ag na grúpaí éagsúla teacht le chéile i gcomhair chupán tae agus caifé i gcomhluadar a chéile ar an gCéadaoin, 12 Márta sa Coach House Coffee i gCoill Mhic Thomáisín. Beidh Ciorcail Chomhrá ó Dhún Garbhán, ón tSráidbhaile, ó Thrá Mhór agus ó Chathair Phort Láirge ag teacht le chéile chun Seachtain na Gaeilge a cheiliúradh. Má tá suim agatsa páirt a ghlacadh i gCiorcal Comhrá agus níl tú cinnte conas tabhairt faoi, déan teagmháil le do Leabharlann áitiúil nó leis an Oifigeach Gaeilge ag gaeilge@waterfordcouncil.ie do shonraí Chiorcal Comhrá in aice leatsa!

Tráth na gCeist Dátheangach – eagróidh Oifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Phort Láirge Tráth na gCeist dátheangach sa Cove Bar ar Bhóthar Dhún Mór sa Chathair ar an Déardaoin, 13 Márta ar a 8.00pm agus é ar oscailt don phobal i gcoitinne. Is oíche spraíúil í a thugann deis do dhaoine a gcuid ‘cúpla focal’ a úsáid in atmaisféar cairdiúil suaimhneach agus beidh go leor spotdhuaiseanna, ceol agus craic ar an oíche. Is féidir clárú roimh ré ach teagmháil a dhéanamh le Séamus ag jlenane@waterfordcouncil.ie.

DÚN GARBHÁN LE GAEILGE
Beidh Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge ag eagrú roinnt imeachtaí ar fud Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta Dhún Garbhán le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge, lena n-áirítear taispeáintí speisialta de scannáin Ghaeilge in Movies@Dungarvan do scoileanna áitiúla, Pop-Up Gaeltacht i dtigh tábhairne Alice O’Connor’s i nDún na Mainistreach agus Céilí Lá ‘le Pádraig atá oscailte do theaghlaigh in Óstán Lálor, le seisiún ceoil roimh ré do pháistí. Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi na himeachtaí seo, déan teagmháil le Bróna ag dungarbhanlegaeilge@gmail.com nó 0874785054.

Seirbhísí Leabharlainne Phort Láirge
Beidh roinnt imeachtaí Gaeilge agus dátheangacha á n-eagrú ag an bhfoireann os na leabharlanna éagsúla sa chathair agus sa chontae sa choicís amach romhainn agus iad ar fad saor in aisce. Beidh na Ciorcail Chomhrá agus seisiúin Rannta le Chéile ag leanúint ar aghaidh i Leabharlanna Thrá Mhór agus Dhún Garbhán agus beidh Bingó as Gaeilge á n-eagrú do scoileanna áitiúla i Leabharlanna Ard Chaoin agus Phort Lách agus is gá clárú roimh ré le do leabharlann áitiúil chun páirt a ghlacadh.

Tá stoc mór de leabhair Ghaeilge ag Leabharlanna Phort Láirge agus beidh na leabhair seo ar thaispeáint sna leabharlanna éagsúla le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge agus iachall faoi leith á cur ar dhaoine, idir óg agus aosta, leabhair Ghaeilge a léamh. Is féidir an t-eolas ar fad maidir leis na himeachtaí éagsúla atá á n-eagrú a fháil ó do Leabharlann áitiúil agus roinnfear iad chomh maith ar shuíomh gréasáin www.waterfordlibraries.ie agus ar na meáin shóisialta.

Gabhaimid buíochas le gach duine sna seirbhísí agus eagraíochtaí éagsúla as ucht a gcomhoibriú agus a gcuid tacaíochta chun an clár imeachtaí seo a eagrú mar cheiliúradh ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge i mbliana. Mar sin, má tá suim agat freastal ar réimse imeachtaí trí Ghaeilge, nó do chúpla focal féin a chleachtadh, tá rud éigint duit le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge i mbliana. Bain sult as!

By Waterford City & County Council

35 The Mall lights up for Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day 2025

This evening, February 28th, 35 The Mall will shine purple to mark Rare Disease Day, highlighting the challenges faced by over 300,000 people in Ireland living with rare conditions.

These diseases are often chronic, debilitating, and life-limiting, yet awareness and support can make a difference.  Join the movement and help spread the message.  See https://www.rarediseaseday.org/ for more.

#LightUp4Rare #RareDiseaseDay2025 💜

By Waterford City & County Council

Change to Customer Service opening hours

 

Please note the following changes to Customer Service office opening hours:

  • Dungarvan public offices at CSD will be closed until 10.00am (instead of 9:30 am) on Monday the 3rd of March only.
  • Waterford City public offices at CSD will be closed until 10.00am (instead of 9:30 am) on Friday the 7th of March only.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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

Cathaoirleach Reception for Jim Hyde

Jim Hyde reception

On Monday, February 24th, Jim Hyde was afforded a Cathaoirleach Reception by Cllr. Pat Nugent,  Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan / Lismore District Council at Dungarvan Civic Offices.

The event was a celebration of Jim’s recently published book, The Super 7.  The Super 7 highlights the heart and history of West Waterford, focusing on the towns and villages that make community so special – Lismore, Cappoquin, Tallow, Ballyduff Upper, Melleray, Villerstown, and Aglish.

Congratulating Jim on his achievement, Cllr. Nugent said, “The Super 7 not only celebrates the places themselves but also the people who make them so unique. These are places that hold so much history, culture, and character, and Jim has done a fantastic job of bringing that to life for us all to enjoy.”

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