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Year: 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Storm Éowyn Status Red Weather Warning

UPDATED

Due to Storm Éowyn Status Red Weather Warning, all Waterford City and County Council buildings and facilities will be closed on Friday, January 24th.

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 on Friday from 08:00am to 5:00pm on Friday, January 24th after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.  Alternatively, members of the public can email contact@waterfordcouncil.ie.

The public is advised to heed all public safety advice, to not travel and shelter in place during the duration of the Status Red weather warning which will be in effect in Waterford from 02:00am to 10:00am Friday, January 24th and will bring gale force winds with dangerous, damaging and destructive gusts in excess of 130km per hour.

Waterford City and County Council’s Integrated Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol is also in operation, with extra bed capacity available at McGwire House. The Outreach Team from Waterford Integrated Homeless Services has been in contact with any known rough sleepers to advise them of the shelter arrangements. All residents will be accommodated to shelter in place during the duration of the Status Red Warning.

Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050

Key public safety messages:

  • During Status Red Level wind warnings, the public is advised not to travel, stay indoors and shelter in place.
  • During Status Orange warnings, the public is advised to limit travel to essential only in areas where an orange level warning is in place. Essential services operators will continue to operate services subject to advice from Met Éireann on prevailing local conditions.
  • The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, destructive and damaging winds which will constitute a risk to life and property.
  • High seas; the public is advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
  • There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, Storm Éowyn may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to localised flooding.
  • The electricity network is expected to be severely impacted, the public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
  • The public is advised not to travel during the Status Red Warnings
  • The public is advised not to attempt to move any obstructions, i.e. fallen trees or structures during the storm event.
  • Ensure insofar as possible outdoor items like bins, garden furniture, play equipment (e.g. trampolines) are secured.
  • Charge mobile phones and prepare for potential power outages. Have a flashlight and batteries on hand.
  • Roads and pathways may be hazardous due to debris and fallen trees.
  • Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, family, or friends.
  • Report issues (e.g. blocked roads, etc) to the Council.
  • Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
  • ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.
  • Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to our free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council extends Local Enhancement Programme 2025 deadline

Waterford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and Waterford City and County Council are inviting applications for the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025. The call opened on the 2nd January and the closing date has been extended to 4.00pm Friday, 14th February 2025.

Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by Waterford LCDC through Waterford City and County Council, the Local Enhancement Programme is designed to improve and enhance community facilities for all, especially in disadvantaged areas and supports projects that align with Waterford’s Local Economic & Community Plans (LECP).

A total fund of €219,286 is available under 2 categories: Capital Fund (€187,960) and Current Fund (€31,326).

The Capital fund aims to support community groups and clubs, with minor capital works and improvements to their facilities such as carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficiency works, improved disability access and the purchase of equipment for community use.

The Current Fund supports non-pay running costs, such as energy or operational costs, e.g. rental/lease costs, utility bills, electricity bills, insurance, refuse costs, audit and accountancy fees, etc.

Closing date for applications to the Local Enhancement Programme is 4pm Friday, February 14th.

Further details and how to apply can be found at www.waterfordcouncil.ie.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Change to Customer Service opening hours tomorrow

opening times block

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

  • The public office at Bailey’s New Street will open at 10:00 am (instead of 9:30 am) on Friday, 24th January only.
  • The office in the Civic Buildings, Dungarvan, will open at 10:00 am on Monday, 27th January only.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

By Waterford City & County Council

Public Urged to Stay Away From Edges During Storm Éowyn

Water Safety Ireland is urging the public to stay away from waterways during Storm Éowyn, as high winds and severe weather conditions pose a significant danger, particularly when people’s curiosity to witness dramatic waves tempts them to take risks. Please remember: staying away from waterways is the safest option for you and your loved ones during this storm.

Most accidental drownings in Ireland (over 60%) happen when a person falls into water unexpectedly. High winds can push you into water and the resulting cold shock can cause an immediate loss of control over breathing, which can be fatal.

While many people live close to the coastline, the warning applies equally inland, where 12,000 loughs and a network of rivers and canals will be hazardous. However, no one needs to be at risk if they follow one simple rule: to stay S.A.F.E. is to Stay Away From Edges.

Key Dangers to Be Aware Of During Storm Éowyn:

1. Coastlines: High winds increase the risk of wave overtopping, which can easily sweep people off their feet and into the water.

2. Rivers: Stronger currents will run faster than usual, posing a serious threat to anyone falling in accidentally.

3. Lakes: Floodwaters can conceal the edges of lakes, creating hidden hazards.

Important Safety Advice:

· Avoid Open Water Swimming: Even if you are a seasoned open-water swimmer, do not swim during this storm. The conditions are extremely dangerous.

· Beware of Coastal Flooding: Floodwaters can expose manhole covers and drains, creating additional hazards.

By following the S.A.F.E. rule and staying away from edges, you can ensure your safety and that of your family. Remember, no view or experience is worth risking your life. Stay Safe – Stay Home.

Contact:

Joanne Walsh: 087-199.0339 / joannewalsh@watersafety.ie

Roger Sweeney: 087-678.9601 / rogersweeney@watersafety.ie Paul McGowan: 087-166.7103/ paulmcgowan@watersafety.ie

www.watersafety.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Storm Éowyn to bring dangerous, damaging and destructive conditions

Met Éireann has issued a Status Red Weather Warning for all of Ireland with warning of possible “danger to life”, with the public advised to shelter in place.

The Status Red Wind warning for Waterford will be in effect from 02:00am to 10:00am Friday, January 24th and will bring gale force winds with dangerous, damaging and destructive gusts in excess of 130km per hour.

A Status Orange Wind warning will be in place from midnight (00:00) to 16:00pm on Friday, January 24th and a Status Yellow Rain warning will be in place from 21:00pm Thursday, January 23rd to 05:00am on Friday, January 24th.

The impacts of Storm Éowyn include:

Danger to life
Extremely dangerous travelling conditions
Unsafe working conditions
Disruption and cancellations to transport
Many fallen trees
Significant and widespread power outages
Impacts to communications networks
Cancellation of event
Structural damage
Wave overtopping
Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather assessment team convened again this morning and is advising the public that Storm Éowyn will be a dangerous, destructive, nationwide multi-hazard event.

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise extreme caution during the duration of this weather warning.

“Storm Éowyn is an extremely dangerous, damaging and destructive storm and will track across the whole of the country, bringing gale force winds and gusts from the early hours of Friday morning through to Friday evening.

“We would urge the public to heed all public safety advice, to not travel and shelter in place during the duration of the Status Red weather warning.  The strong winds will lead to fallen trees, branches, and structural debris on the roads, making journeys extremely dangerous.

“With coastal water levels high there is also a risk of wave overtopping, and the public is advised to stay away from all coastal areas and adhere to the messaging from the Irish Coast Guard to stay back, stay high and stay dry. There is also potential for localised and spot flooding.”

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather assessment team will continue to monitor the situation and Council ground crews are on stand-by to put in place mitigation measures.  However, Council outdoor personnel will not operate during the duration of the Status Red warning and once the warning has passed will be on site throughout the city and county as soon as it is safe to do so.

Waterford City and County Council’s Integrated Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol is also in operation, with extra bed capacity available at McGwire House. The Outreach Team from Waterford Integrated Homeless Services has been in contact with any known rough sleepers to advise them of the shelter arrangements.

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 from 09:00am to 22:00pm on Friday, January 24th after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

On Saturday, January 25th, Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks will phone lines will be in operation from 09:00am to 13:00pm.

Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050

Key public safety messages:

  • During Status Red Level wind warnings, the public is advised not to travel, stay indoors and shelter in place.
  • During Status Orange warnings, the public is advised to limit travel to essential only in areas where an orange level warning is in place. Essential services operators will continue to operate services subject to advice from Met Éireann on prevailing local conditions.
  • The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, destructive and damaging winds which will constitute a risk to life and property.
  • High seas; the public is advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
  • There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, Storm Éowyn may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to localised flooding.
  • The electricity network is expected to be severely impacted, the public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
  • The public is advised not to travel during the Status Red Warnings
  • Ensure insofar as possible outdoor items like bins, garden furniture, play equipment (e.g. trampolines) are secured.
  • Charge mobile phones and prepare for potential power outages. Have a flashlight and batteries on hand.
  • Roads and pathways may be hazardous due to debris and fallen trees.
  • Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, family, or friends.
  • Report issues (e.g. blocked roads, etc) to the Council.
  • Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
  • ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.
  • Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to our free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Farmers Urged to heed Slurry and Fertiliser Spreading Rules ahead of Storm Éowyn

Waterford City and County Council reminds farmers of restrictions on slurry and fertiliser spreading within 48 hours of heavy rain.

Met Éireann has issued a weather advisory regarding Storm Éowyn which is forecast to track across Ireland on Thursday night and Friday.  This storm is expected to give rise to spells of heavy wind and rain.

Under the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2022, organic and chemical fertilisers or soiled water shall not be applied to land when it is waterlogged or when heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council shortlisted for three All Ireland Community & Council Awards

Waterford City and County Council has been shortlisted for three All-Ireland Community & Council Awards in 2025.

The awards, presented by the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) and sponsored by IPB Insurance, recognise the collaborative spirit demonstrated by communities and councils across the island.

Now in its nineteenth year the awards offer a valuable platform to showcase the achievements and positive impact of these partnerships within local areas as well as highlighting the unsung heroes in our communities.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “Being shortlisted in three categories of the All Ireland Community & Council awards is testament to the vision and dedication of the Council.  There is a great team working behind the scenes to consistently innovate, build, create, improve and maintain.”

In the Best Town / Village Regeneration category, Waterford City and County Council’s efforts in tackling dereliction and vacancy have been shortlisted. This award recognises interventions or initiatives which seek to regenerate or reactivate existing town or villages, and the needs of the people who live in them.

“Waterford’s efforts in tackling vacancy and dereliction are regularly cited as best practice, with the Council accounting for a substantial number of dwellings brought back into use through the Repair and Lease scheme.”

The Repair and Lease Scheme has been pioneered in Waterford and is a significant driver in providing high quality affordable housing solutions and at the same time has significantly addressed and delivered the return to use of vacant buildings in Waterford.  Almost 800 dwellings have been revitalised through such initiatives, signifying substantial progress in addressing vacancy and dereliction in Waterford.

“In the Dáil last year, Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said Waterford City and County Council is the leading local authority in delivering units under RLS, and Waterford was also recently cited as best practice in the draft Programme for Government,” the mayor added.

Waterford City and County Council has also been shortlisted in the Best Tourism Initiative category for the City of Lights project.

The local authority launched the City of Lights project, funded by Fáilte Ireland, to illuminate 19 key locations across the city. This initiative enhances Waterford’s tourism appeal by creating a captivating nighttime experience that showcasing the city’s rich heritage, boosting the local economy, and enhancing safety for visitors.

The light trail connects the four main areas of the city: the historical Viking Triangle, the vibrant Apple Market and City walls beyond, the retail spine, and the Cultural Quarter. This luminous trail unites these diverse districts, inviting all to explore their unique charm under the captivating glow of the night.

St. Joseph’s, Manor Hill has been shortlisted in the Best Housing Regeneration and Urban Planning category. This category acknowledges excellence within social housing projects which have been developed in the last three years enabling stability and sustainability within communities and is sponsored by The Southern Regional Assembly, Northern & Western Assembly and The Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly.

Located on a landmark site on Manor Hill, St. Joseph’s House contains 71 dwellings.  The former convent now consists of 50 units located within the main building, while 21 units are located in the various out-building clusters on the site.  The former chapel on the site has also been repurposed as a community space for multiple uses by tenants.

The 2025 All Ireland Community & Council Awards, sponsored by IPB Insurance take place in Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork on February 22nd.

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

The Coastguard Cultural Centre Tramore to host unique collaboration between photographer and poet

Image of Lafcadio Hearn, printed on a Hosta leaf, using developer made from Hosta leaves.During 2022, photographer Margaret O’Brien-Moran and poet Mark Roper visited the wonderful Japanese Gardens in Tramore on a regular basis. Their hope was to create a collaborative work based on their joint impressions of the Gardens during a calendar year.

The fruits of their labour can now be seen, in the exhibition ‘From The Japanese Gardens’, which runs at the Coastguard Cultural Centre in Tramore throughout the month of February.

The exhibition will feature photographs, a short film, scrolls, silk hangings and more. A book of short poems and images will be for sale. Margaret is an experimental photographer, seeking to replace chemicals in the development of her work, in the interests of sustainability.

For the exhibition, she has made various different kinds of images, such as Anthotypes, Cyanotypes, Sun Pictures and Eco Prints, using developers made from plants in the Gardens. There is, for instance, an image of Lafcadio Hearn (in whose honour the Gardens were made) developed using the plant Hosta. This has been printed onto a Hosta leaf, with the printed leaf then being preserved in resin.

The short poems in the book, by Waterford-based poet, Mark Roper, follow the course of a year in the Gardens, from January:

Such cold today –

even the trees

wear socks of moss.

through all the drama of Spring, Summer and Autumn, into December:

Winter sun. Leaves

all gone from the trees.

Quiet in the garden.

Light on stone.

Running stream.

 

In many different ways, the exhibition comes directly from The Japanese Gardens.

‘From the Japanese Gardens’ runs from Monday, February 3rd to Friday, February 28th 2025 at The Coastguard Cultural Centre, Doneraile Drive, Tramore West, Tramore, Co. Waterford X91 HP63 and is open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The exhibition will be launched on Friday 7th February at 7pm by speaker Agnes Aylward.  For further information call 086 3782722.

-ends-

By Waterford City & County Council

Change to Customer Service opening hours

opening times block

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

  • The public office at Bailey’s New Street will open at 10:00 am (instead of 9:30 am) on Friday, 24th January only.
  • The office in the Civic Buildings, Dungarvan, will open at 10:00 am on Monday, 27th January only.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

By Waterford City & County Council

Have Your Say on proposed Southern Entrance to Waterford’s Transport Hub

Southern Entrance Public Consultation

Waterford City and County Council has announced plans for a new southern entrance to the transport hub at the North Quays SDZ in Ferrybank.

The development includes curved external entrance steps, a passenger lift compliant with Part M of the Building Regulations, a new pedestrian access door from the southern platform, terraced planters, control gates with roller shutter systems, external blockwork treatment to the southern façade, external paving at ground level, and an extended roof canopy covering the lift and upper steps.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development are available for inspection on our Public Consultation’s platform.

The Council invites submissions or observations regarding the proposed development, focusing on the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Submissions can be made in writing to the Director of Economic Development at Waterford City & County Council, No. 35 The Mall, Waterford, clearly marked “Southern Entrance to Transport Hub,” by email to projectsteam@waterfordcouncil.ie, or online through the consultation portal.

All submissions must be received by 4 pm on 3rd March 2025.

We encourage residents and stakeholders to review the plans and share their opinions to help shape the future of Waterford’s transport infrastructure.

By Waterford City & County Council

NTA allocates €17 million for Active Travel Schemes in Waterford in 2025

The Department of Transport, through the National Transport Authority (NTA), has allocated €17 million for the ongoing delivery of active travel schemes in Waterford city and county.

The NTA has allocated €11.3 million for the sustainable transport bridge project in Waterford City and an additional €5.7 million Active Travel budget.

The NTAs investment of €5.7 million in Active Travel infrastructure for Waterford in 2025 is a significant step towards creating safer, more sustainable and accessible transport options for Waterford communities.

Construction of a major Active Travel project in Tramore is set to begin by summer. This will involve the development of a 3km pedestrian and cycle improvement route along the R675 Tramore Ring Road, spanning from Rivertown Roundabout to Newtown Roundabout. The scheme will feature a dedicated two-way cycle track separated from vehicular traffic, new signal-controlled pedestrian crossings, upgraded junctions and improvements to existing footpaths.

Furthermore, Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiatives are planned for Kilmacthomas Primary School, Scoil Mhuire in Butlerstown and St. John of God National School on the Passage Road in Waterford City. The SRTS programme aims to encourage walking, cycling or wheeling to school by improving access to school grounds and creating safe spaces for students in front of the schools.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “The allocation of €17 million by the NTA to key infrastructural projects in the city and county is to be welcomed.

“This investment will copper fasten Waterford’s commitment to building, maintaining and improving our walking, cycling and wheeling infrastructure.  It also encourages a positive sea change in attitudes towards active travel, which has infinite benefits to our communities, our environment and our health.”

The Mayor added, “Waterford’s ambitious goal of attaining Net Zero or carbon neutrality by 2040, through reducing major emissions and developing sustainability through collaboration, innovation and behavioural change will be exponentially aided by the development of Active Travel projects.”

Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer, Dylan White, said, “Projects such as the Tramore Ring Road pedestrian and cycle improvement scheme and the Safe Routes to School initiatives will make it easier and safer for people of all ages to walk, cycle or wheel.”

In addition, €500,000 has been allocated for the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme for Waterford, and €80,000 for Local Transport Plans in Dungarvan / Ballinroad, and Tramore.

By Waterford City & County Council

Transformative Ardmore Regeneration Projects to commence

Ardmore was identified by Waterford City and County Council as one of the priority towns in County Waterford that required significant public investment due to a number of factors including vacancy, dereliction, socio-economic performance and population decline.

Waterford City and County Council received funding of €1.3million under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth Scheme to develop a water sports facility which will provide best in class facilities for both the local community and visitors taking part in water activities.

This facility was a catalyst project which facilitated the Council to secure further funding through the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund to deliver a suite of much needed town centre infrastructural projects.

The suite of projects were identified via a collaborative Town Centre First process and the subsequent development of a Town Centre First Plan. The first phase of projects to be delivered include:

·       New relief road

·       Car parking area

·       Public realm works

·       A new Water Sports Facility (funded by Fáilte Ireland)

·       A new public footpath connecting the town to the GAA sports field

·       Refurbishment of sandcastle building (public toilets and Lifeguard Station)

Many of these projects had been long term objectives for Ardmore and for the first time there is a funding source available to make these possible.

The Water Sports Facility is designed to provide best in class facilities for water activity participants  that will attract tourists 365 days a year and has the potential to further develop water-based activities such as kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding and sea swimming for all users. The tender process has been completed and work will start on site in February 2025.

The Department of Rural and Community Development approved €3,273,638 for the Ardmore Regeneration Project through its Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF).  This investment is being augmented by additional funding from Waterford City and County Council bringing the total budget to €4,092,048. The current proposal is fundamental to the Council’s and community’s overall vision for the continued development of Ardmore in that it delivers critical pieces of enabling infrastructure by way of the relief road, parking for the Water Sports Facility, pedestrian safety measures, flood protection and public realm improvements which will directly facilitate and allow for the sustainable development and enhancement of the wider village. The aim of the proposal is to create an extension of the village core, along the proposed relief road, in which people will live, connect, and engage with their physical environment.

In addition to the delivery of the Water Sports Facility, the existing public toilets and lifeguard station located in the sandcastle building will be refurbished. Tendering for this work will be carried out over the next few weeks and works are expected to be complete by June 2025.

The land acquisition for the relief road and for future housing along the western side has been confirmed by An Bord Pleanála and this is the key to enabling the commencement of this exciting development for Ardmore. Detailed design of the relief road and public realm works can now commence.

This is Phase One of the Town Centre First Plan for Ardmore; the plan is being finalised at the moment and will be presented to Council for adoption in February.

Waterford City and County Council would like to thank the town team, Ardmore 365 for their input and support in the preparation of the Town Centre First Plan and looks forward to implementing future phases of the Ardmore Regeneration Project.

By Waterford City & County Council

St. Patrick’s Festival set to honour Waterford’s ‘Saints & Scholars’

Waterford City and County Council and EveryEvent, with the support of Fáilte Ireland, are delighted to announce the return of the St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival celebrations – four days of craic agus ceol, live entertainment, pageantry, and tradition from March 14th to March 17th.

The theme for this year’s festival is Saints & Scholars – A Celebration of Waterford’s rich heritage.  As with previous years the festival is a celebration of Waterford’s people and communities, its culture and heritage, its diversity, and its musical and artistic talent, with a nod to our very own renowned Saints and Scholars.

St. Patrick is in the company of esteemed Waterford ‘scholar’, Luke Wadding, who was instrumental in placing the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in the Church’s Calendar of Saints.

Born in Waterford in 1588, Luke Wadding was an academic, author, historian and a Franciscan, who was at one stage considered for Pope.  He is however best remembered for ensuring St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated world-wide after it was added to the liturgical calendar.

This was the starting point of Waterford’s long-held association with St. Patrick’s Day.  In February 1903, before March 17th was ever declared a National Day of Celebration, a meeting was held in the Town Hall in Waterford where the citizens unanimously voted to make St. Patrick’s Day a ‘general holiday’ where local businesses would close in order to allow everyone to celebrate.

That year Waterford was Ireland’s first city to hold a St. Patrick’s Day Parade and over 120 years later, that tradition is stronger than ever!

Details of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and festival event will be revealed in the coming weeks, however Johnny Codd, Festival Director, Waterford City and County Council said there will be plenty for all to enjoy.

“Waterford has a great track record in festivals and events.  We were the first to hold a St. Patrick’s Day Parade and this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival will not disappoint.  From parades and pageantry, live music and cultural events and festival fairgrounds to history tours, there really is something for all ages to experience and enjoy.”

Waterford City and County Council and EveryEvent are also inviting applications from community groups, sports clubs, charities and businesses, large and small, to take part in the parade to really showcase what a diverse and special place Waterford is.

John Grubb of EveryEvent said, “We’re hoping to see as many groups as possible line up for the Parade this year.  It’s a fantastically fun occasion for all participants and a great platform to showcase your club, society and community to Waterford.”

If your business, group or club would like to take part in Waterford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025 visit https://stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com/take-part-in-2025/ and register your interest.

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