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By Waterford City & County Council

Webinar today: Not Stopping Now! Nature’s Resilience

Aurora in Waterford

This is a reminder for the last in our series of nature webinars with An Taisce Climate Ambassadors and the Biodiversity Officer Network.

For Climate Action Week, today’s lunchtime episode of Not Stopping Now! Nature’s Resilience with WCCC Biodiversity Officer, An Taisce and The Heritage Council focuses on Dark Skies.

When: 1-2 p.m.

Date: Today 16th October

Link to Register: https://waterfordcouncil.ie/not-stopping-now-webinars/

Director of Dark Sky Ireland, Georgia MacMillan will join the team to chat about the importance of naturally dark skies, the implications for wildlife and how light pollution affects our ability to interact with the night sky. From bats, birds and insects to humans, circadian rhythms and astronomy, we will delve into the need for access to dark places. The talk will last approximately 40 minutes followed by 20 minutes for questions.

This promises to be a fascinating talk in an area that is of high importance to the public, communities and councils. See you there!

By Waterford City & County Council

Arts Practice & Specialist Grant Applications now live

Tá Iarratais ar Dheontais Chleachtais Ealaíona & Speisialaithe beo anois. Téigh go dtí www.waterfordarts.com. Tá an nasc i dTreoirlínte.
Dáta deiridh 4 Samhain ag 4pm.

Arts Practice & Specialist Grant Applications are now live. Go to www.waterfordarts.com. The link is in Guidelines.
Closing date November 4th at 4pm.

By Waterford City & County Council

The Spooky Tunnel Returns To Waterford Greenway!

Waterford City and County Council is looking forward to organising the fifth Spooky Tunnel experience at Ballyvoyle Tunnel, Waterford Greenway this Hallowe’en. This years’ experience will be in place for the public to enjoy from Friday 25th October to Thursday 31st October inclusive. This is a ‘walk through experience’ that promises to be a sight to behold for all age groups and best of all it’s free!

Ballyvoyle Tunnel, is an almost 400-metre-long brick lined tunnel, which was constructed during the 1870’s. It’s dimly lit recesses and arched ceiling are fantastically atmospheric at any time of year and form the perfect backdrop for a ‘spooktacular’ Hallowe’en themed display. 2018 was the first year of the experience and people were blown away by the sights and sounds of Samhain! Word of mouth quickly spread about the experience and visitor figures recorded at the tunnel were over twice those recorded for the same period in late October 2017. This success was replicated and even surpassed in in the intervening years and all involved are anticipating a similar response from members of the public this year.

Commenting in advance of this year’s Spooky Tunnel Cllr. Jason Murphy, Mayor of Waterford City and County said he is, “Looking forward to the 2024 edition of the Spooky Tunnel. It is fast becoming a Halloween tradition to visit the tunnel with family and friends over the mid-term break. Undoubtedly it is a Hallowe’en event which is unique to Waterford Greenway. It highlights how the Greenway has continued to evolve over the years and offer a visitor experience that sets it apart from other amenities. Best of luck to all involved!”

The Spooky Tunnel is part of a wider series of haunted happenings across Waterford city and county this Hallowe’en! From ghostly storytelling and pumpkin carving to scary movie screenings and haunted trails, there is something for everyone. Spraoi is hosting its spectacular ‘Fire & Shadows’ procession on Friday 25th October. Hallowe’en themed events take place in locations as diverse as Lismore Heritage Centre, Lismore Castle, Waterford Museum of Treasures, Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, Mount Congreve or catch the Spooky Express at Kilmeaden WSVR. Visit Waterford and hold on to your broomsticks, as the Déise promises a jam-packed schedule this Hallowe’en!

Check out Waterford Greenway social media for updates on the Spooky Tunnel and click on www.visitwaterfordgreenway.com for more information and to plan your visit to Waterford Greenway this Hallowe’en. Check out www.visitwaterford.com and related social media for more information on Hallowe’en events across Waterford.

Miss it as your peril!

By Waterford City & County Council

Sewing Repair Workshops and Demonstrations

Sewing repair workshops

Are you looking to make a positive environmental impact while enhancing your practical skills? Join us this Circular Economy Month for our Sewing Repair Workshops and Demonstrations!

Repairing clothes is one of the most effective ways to cut down on emissions and reduce waste. By learning how to mend items like zippers, buttons, and hems, you can give your wardrobe a new lease on life while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Here are the opportunities for you to get involved:

Sewing Repair Workshops:

  • Friday afternoons in October at Central Library
    Book at 051849975 / centrallibrary@waterfordcouncil.ie
  • Tuesday mornings in November at Carrickphierish Library
    Book at 051 849696
  • Thursday mornings in November at Portlaw Family Resource Centre
    Book at 0892027653

Sewing Repair Demos:

  • Dungarvan Library, 6 p.m., 10th October
    Book at 058 21141
  • Ardkeen Library, 10 a.m., 4th October
    Book at 051 849755

Don’t miss this chance to gain practical sewing skills and extend the life of your clothes. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to brush up on your sewing techniques, this free workshop is for you. Sign up today!

By Waterford City & County Council

Iarratais ar Scéim Deontais d’Fhéilte agus Imeachtaí 2025 ar oscailt anois

Iarratais ar Scéim Deontais de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge d’Fhéilte agus Imeachtaí 2025

Iarratais ar Scéim Deontais de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge d’Fhéilte agus Imeachtaí 2025 ar oscailt anois.

Ní mór iarratais a chur isteach ar líne ag www.waterfordfestivals.ie áit ar féidir le hiarratasóirí acmhainní a fháil chun cabhrú leo lena n-imeacht a chur i gcrích.

Is é 4.00pm ar an Luan, 4 Samhain, 2024 an spriocdháta le haghaidh iarratas.

By Waterford City & County Council

CUISLE CEOIL Commemorative Concert celebrates Ardmore’s bygone Irish College

A very special evening of Irish language song and traditional music took place in St. Paul’s Church, Ardmore on Friday night last, September 27th, when a packed church celebrated the legacy of Coláiste Deuglán, a thriving Irish College that existed in the seaside village of Ardmore one hundred years ago.

Organised by the Irish Office of Waterford City and County Council, the commemorative concert featured three choirs and local musicians, who shared memories of bygone days when the Irish language was spoken daily in Ardmore. Featured Gaeltacht male voice choir, Cór Fear na nDéise, directed by Darren Ó Droma were joined for this special event by the local Ardmore Community Choir and by children from the local national school, Scoil Náisiúnta Deuglán Naofa. The Ardmore Community Choir, directed by Anne Gartland opened the concert with a beautiful rendition of ‘Sliabh Geal gCua’ and all three choirs sang songs in Irish, including songs from a booklet entitled ‘Cuisle Ceoil’, a collection of songs of the Déise, which was published one hundred years ago in July 1924 by local Ardmore man, Mícheál Ó Foghlú, one of the founders of Coláiste Deuglán.

Cuisle Ceoil was used as a songbook by those who attended Coláiste Deuglán from the 1920s to the 1940s and Councillor Niamh O’Donovan, who attended the concert as a representative of the Mayor of Waterford City & County, spoke on the night of how “wonderful it is to hear those traditional songs, which are such an integral part of our Irish language heritage, being brought to life again here tonight, across the road from where they were formerly sung in Coláiste Deuglán and I am proud to support this and other projects celebrating the rich Irish language culture in Waterford.”

Councillor O’Donovan and Archivist Joanne Rothwell also accepted an original copy of the Cuisle Ceoil songbook and an original photograph of attendees of Coláiste Deuglán in 1938, items which were kindly donated by Olive Keane on behalf of the Keane family, to the Waterford City & County Archive on the night.

In addition to the three choirs, young local traditional musicians Laoise Keevers & Johnjoe Brockie, joined by Katie Halpin Hill from An Rinn, also performed on the night and Irish Officer, Máire Seó Breathnach gave a presentation on the history of Coláiste Deuglán. Máire Seó presented historic photographs of the College and those who attended and she outlined the connections to the Irish college that still exist in Ardmore to this day, as the audience included descendants of those involved with the Irish college at the time, including Mícheál Ó Foghlú’s granddaughter, Marie O’Sullivan.

A highlight of the evening was the finale, in which Cór Fear na nDéise were joined on stage by the children from Ardmore National School to sing ‘Ar Maidin Dia Máirt’ and all three choirs and the audience raised the rafters in song to bring a fitting end to a wonderful evening of entertainment.

The Cuisle Ceoil concert was funded by Creative Waterford programme.

By Waterford City & County Council

CUISLE CEOIL Coirm cheoil i gcomóradh ar Choláiste Gaeilge na hAirde Móire fadó

Tionóladh oíche iontach cheoil agus amhránaíochta Gaeilge in Eaglais Naomh Pól san Aird Mhór, Co Phort Láirge ar an Aoine seo caite, 27 Meán Fómhair mar cheiliúradh ar Choláiste Deuglán, Coláiste Gaeilge a bhí in ard a réime i sráidbhaile cois cósta na hAirde Móire céad bliain ó shin.

Eagraithe ag Oifig na Gaeilge de Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, bhí trí chór agus ceoltóirí áitiúla páirteach sa cheolchoirm speisialta seo, i gcuimhne ar uair nuair a bhí an Ghaeilge mar theanga labhartha laethúil san Aird Mhór. Bhí Cór Fear na nDéise, faoi stiúr Darren Ó Droma, mar aoianna speisialta na hoíche, agus in éineacht leo bhí Cór Pobail na hAirde Móire agus páistí ó Scoil Náisiúnta Deuglán Naofa san Aird Mhór. D’oscail Cór Pobail na hAirde Móire an coirm cheoil le leagan álainn den amhrán Sliabh Geal gCua, faoi stiúr Anne Gartland, agus chan an trí chór réimse d’amhráin Ghaeilge, ina measc amhráintí a foilsíodh i leabhrán dar teideal ‘Cuisle Ceoil’, bailiúchán amhrán na nDéise, a foilsíodh céad bliain ó shin, i mí Iúil 1924, ag fear áitiúil Mícheál Ó Foghlú, duine de bhunaitheoirí Choláiste Deuglán.

Bhí Cuisle Ceoil mar leabhar amhrán acu siúd a d’fhreastal ar Choláiste Deuglán idir na 1920daí agus na 1940daí agus labhair an Comhairleoir Niamh O’Donovan, a d’fhreastal ar an gcoirm cheoil mar ionadaí ar Mhéara Chathair & Chontae Phort Láirge, faoi “cé chomh hálainn is a bhí sé éisteacht leis na hamhráintí traidisiúnta, atá mar dhlúthchuid dár n-oidhreacht Ghaeilge, agus beocht curtha iontu arís anseo anocht, díreach trasna an bhóthair ón áit ar canadh iad i gColáiste Deuglán, agus tá bród orm tacú leis an ócáid seo agus le tograí eile a dheineann ceiliúradh ar chultúr saibhir na Gaeilge i bPort Láirge.”

Ghlac an Comhairleoir O’Donovan agus Cartlannaí Joanne Rothwell, le bunchóip den leabhrán Cuisle Ceoil agus de ghrianghraf daoibh siúd a d’fhreastal ar Choláiste Deuglán sa bhliain 1938 ar an oíche, dá iarsma a bhronn Olive Keane, thar cheann a muintir, ar Chartlann Phort Láirge.

Chomh maith leis an trí chór, sheinn ceoltóirí óga Laoise Nic Íomhair agus Johnjoe Brockie ón Aird Mhor, in éineacht le Katie Halpin Hill ón Rinn, sa choirm cheoil chomh maith agus thug an tOifigeach Gaeilge, Máire Seó Breathnach cur i láthair ar stair Choláiste Deuglán. Roinn sí sean-ghrianghrafanna den gColáiste agus daoibh siúd a d’fhreastal air, agus thug sí cur síos ar na ceangail atá fós idir an choláiste agus muintir na hAirde Móire sa lá atá inniu ann. Bhí sliocht cuid acu siúd a bhí bainteach leis an gColáiste sa lucht féachana ar an oíche, ina measc Marie O’Sullivan, gar-iníon le Mícheál Ó Foghlú.

Bhí an finale, nuair a roinn Cór Fear na nDéise an stáitse le páistí Scoil Náisiúnta Deuglán Naofa chun an t-amhrán ‘Ar Maidin Dia Máirt’ a chanadh, ar ceann de bhuaicphointí na hoíche agus tháinig an trí chór agus an lucht féachana le chéile chun an t-amhrán a chanadh le fonn agus le fuinneamh, mar chríoch chuí le hoíche iontach cheiliúrtha.

D’eagraíodh Cuisle Ceoil le tacaíocht ó chlár Éire Ildánach Phort Láirge.

By Waterford City & County Council

International Delegates Celebrate Erasmus + WikiWomen Initiative at Waterford’s Celtic Knot Conference

Metropolitan Mayor Cllr Joe Kelly Pictured with with members of the Wikimedia Malaysia User Group

The Celtic Knot Conference kicked off on Wednesday, 25th September, at the Tower Hotel, Waterford, bringing together international delegates from across the globe to discuss language diversity and digital inclusion. The conference has been running since 2017, beginning as a collaboration between Wikimedia UK and the University of Edinburgh. Over the years it has been hosted in Wales and Cornwall, and due to the pandemic moved online for a number of years. This year the conference returned with a hybrid model, having grown its international reach by going virtual. This year Wikimedia Community Ireland hosted the event, in partnership with Wikimedia UK supported by funding from the Wikimedia Foundation.

From Wednesday 25th to Friday 27th September delegates presented and discussed a variety of projects within the Wikimedia movement which work with various minoritised and indigenous languages around the globe. On Thursday, 26th September, Wikimedia Community Ireland hosted their Erasmus+ Multiplier event as part of the conference program, featuring the launch of the WikiWomen Schools Toolkit.

The day began with a networking coffee morning, providing attendees an opportunity to connect and discuss shared interests in language preservation, digital literacy, and gender equality. This was followed by a formal welcome from Metropolitan Mayor Cllr Joe Kelly, who addressed the gathering and officially opened the multiplier event.

“We are delighted to welcome delegates from around the world to Waterford, a city that proudly embraces its role in global digital initiatives,” said Cllr Kelly. “The WikiWomen project is an inspiring example of how we can bridge gender gaps and promote language diversity online, while connecting communities through shared knowledge and culture. It’s fantastic to see Waterford at the centre of such important work.”

Praising the initiative, Cllr Kelly continued “I am immensely impressed with the work being done here. This project isn’t just about Wikipedia; it’s about bringing people from all over the world together to share their cultures, experiences, and languages. It’s fantastic to see such collaboration and dedication, and I truly believe this is one of the most impactful projects I’ve encountered.”

The WikiWomen Schools Toolkit, developed as part of the Erasmus+ program, was a key focus of the event. Amy O’Riordan, Irish Language Officer with Wikimedia Community Ireland, introduced the project, emphasising its importance in the Digital Age. The toolkit is the first of its kind in Ireland, designed specifically for second-level students to improve their research, writing, as well as information and digital literacy skills through the Irish language, while also addressing the gender gap on Wikipedia and Vicipéid.

“The WikiWomen project, part of the Erasmus+ program, aims to close the gender gap on Wikipedia by empowering students to write about the achievements of notable women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people who are all under-represented online. It’s been incredible to see the enthusiasm and dedication from the students involved, and we are excited to continue this important work of linking digital literacy with language preservation, especially in the Irish language.” – Amy O’Riordan [Oifigeach Gaeilge at Wikimedia Community Ireland]

The highlight of the morning was a presentation by four students from Coláiste Oiriall, Co. Monaghan, accompanied by their múinteoir, Faela Mhic Dhomhnaill. The students shared their experiences working on the WikiWomen project, including their research on notable women and how it helped them develop both their communication and research skills, through a bilingual presentation through Irish and English.

Faela MhicDhomhnaill remarked, “This project has opened doors we never expected, allowing our students to contribute to something much bigger and to respect the collaborative efforts of the global Wikimedia community. It’s amazing to see them become part of this initiative.” The presentation was met with praise from all attendees, including John Walsh from Foras na Gaeilge, who described the project and students’ presentation as “absolutely inspirational and exceptional and exemplary.”

A panel discussion moderated by Sophie Fitzpatrick, Program and Communications Manager with Wikimedia Community Ireland, followed the student presentations. Panellists included Amy O’Riordan, Shannon Eichelberger (Chairperson of Wikimedia Community Ireland), Galder Gonzalez (Basque Wiki), and Faela Mhic Dhomhnailll. The panel explored the development of the toolkit, its impact, and the importance of collaboration between schools, GLAMs (Galleries,

Libraries, Archives, and Museums), and Wikimedia. Galder Gonzalez then gave a live demonstration of the WikiWomen Schools Toolkit, showcasing its accessibility and flexibility. He highlighted how the toolkit is available on Meta Wikimedia and can be translated into different languages. Within hours of the event, translations of the toolkit had begun into Malay, Brazilian Portuguese, and Central Borus Dusun.

The event also highlighted two significant global initiatives—Pitabangan and Wiki Loves Monuments. The Pitabangan initiative, organised by the Wikimedia Malaysia User Group, focused on creating and improving articles about Waterford in native languages from around the world. This nine-day global collaboration mirrors the Irish tradition of “meitheal,” where communities come together for collective work, strengthening cultural ties across borders and sharing knowledge in an open forum.

Additionally, the Wiki Loves Monuments competition, a global photography contest that encourages people to document cultural heritage sites, showcased stunning images of Irish landmarks. Both initiatives emphasise the role of digital platforms in preserving local culture and history on a global stage.

Hot to Get Involved

Wikimedia Community Ireland remains open to partnerships with schools and GLAMs interested in adopting the project and receiving support in implementing the toolkit. For teachers, students, and educational programs interested in getting involved with the WikiWomen project, this is a unique opportunity to promote gender equality and enhance digital literacy through the Irish language. Whether you’re looking to bring the program into your classroom, youth group, or community, we invite you to join this international effort. For more information about the general project, visit www.wikiwomen.eu.

Any Irish teachers or schools interested in participating can get in touch directly with Wikimedia Community Ireland’s Oifigeach Gaeilge via email at oifigeach.gaeilge@wikimedia.ie to learn how to implement the program and receive support. Let’s work together to close the gender gap and elevate minority languages on Wikipedia!

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford flies the Purple Flag once again in 2024

Waterford has, once again, received the coveted Purple Flag accreditation, which represents the gold standard of the management of evening and night-time economies.

This prestigious award underpins Waterford’s great blend of entertainment, dining, and culture, all the while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, and visitors in the evening and night-time economy, between the hours of 5pm and 5am.

In recognition of Waterford’s commitment to creating a dynamic, secure, and vibrant evening and night-time economy, the Purple Flag accreditation process is similar to the Green Flag Award for parks and Blue Flag for beaches.

Key successes noted in Waterford’s submission included the introduction of community safety wardens, increasing feelings of safety and support within the evening and night-time economy (ENTE), the positive approach to engagement with residents regarding noise levels, and being awarded the prestigious European City of Christmas 2024 title.

Jim ‘Flash’ Gordon, Proprietor of Revolution and Chair of the Purple Flag Committee said, “It is great that Waterford has once again been recognised as a vibrant and safe place, offering an eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, culture and arts.

“The importance and value of the nighttime economy cannot be underestimated.  Being recognised as a centre that combines entertainment, ambience, culture and choice, in a safe and inviting setting is a testament to the efforts of our collaborative partners, local business groups, community groups and the residents themselves.”

Part of the Purple Flag Waterford ethos is working with student bodies to reinforcing the message that we are all responsible for each other safety.

One such initiative was the recent attendance at Freshers 2024 Orientation in SETU Waterford, Cork Road and College Street campuses, to raise awareness for Purple Flag Waterford and promote an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out.

Julie Walsh, Purple Flag Administrator with Waterford City and County Council added, “We are delighted that Waterford has been successfully reaccredited the Purple Flag award for 2024.

“The successful reaccreditation is a result of the cumulative efforts of local businesses and stakeholders who work closely with Waterford City and County Council and An Garda Síochána to promote Waterford. We are looking forward to promoting Purple Flag and the impact it has on the ENTE in Waterford, in order to further develop a vibrant, safe evening and night-time environment for our residents and visitors to enjoy, experience and explore.”

An ongoing initiative to promote a safe night-time economy is the Ask for Angela campaign, which promotes safety and support in public spaces, especially for students participating in programmes in SETU and socialising at night in the city.

There are one hundred Purple Flag destinations around the globe across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia. This includes world renowned tourist destinations to small market towns.

By Waterford City & County Council

Former Ambassador to United States to address Waterford’s Age Well Expo

Waterford’s Age Well ExpoOn Tuesday, October 1st Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Adam Wyse will officially open Waterford’s Age Well Expo in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

This Age Friendly Waterford free event, in association with Healthy Waterford, UPMC Whitfield and Waterford City and County Council, will showcase the services, supports and activities available to older people to lead fulfilling, healthy and active lives.  On the day there will be over 30 exhibition stands including An Garda Síochána, HSE, ALONE, Waterford Volunteer Centre, Waterford Libraries, Fire Services, Waterford Sports Partnership and Waterford Healthy Homes.

Keynote speaker is Waterford native, Daniel Mulhall, a former Irish diplomat who has served as Ambassador to Malaysia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.Since his retirement in 2022, Mr. Mulhall has been Global Distinguished Professor of Irish Studies at Glucksman Ireland House, New York University, Parnell Fellow at Magdalene College, Cambridge and a Resident Fellow at the Institute of Politics, Harvard University.

Mr. Mulhall is Honorary President of the Yeats Society (Sligo), a consultant with the global law firm, DLA Piper and a director of Carlichauns Entertainment, an animated TV series based on Irish folklore.  

Throughout his life, he has lectured and published extensively on Irish history and literature. He is the author of Ulysses: A Reader’s Odyssey (New Island Books, 2022) and Pilgrim Soul: W.B. Yeats and the Ireland of his Time (New Island Books, 2023).

In 2019, Mr. Mulhall was awarded the Freedom of Waterford, has an Honorary Doctorate from the South East Technological University, and in September 2024 was inducted into the Irish American Hall of Fame. 

The Age Well Expo will take place in Park Hotel, Dungarvan (X35 CC97) from 11am – 4pm on Tuesday, October 1st.  Along with the information stands, numerous speakers including a Consultant Gastroenterologist, Cardiology CNM, Health and Wellbeing practitioner and Fraud Prevention team, there will be free Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Blood Glucose testing available and refreshments will be provided.

The event is free and all are welcome to attend.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Age Friendly Waterford to host its second Age Well Expo in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan

Age Well Expo

On Tuesday, October 1st Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Adam Wyse will officially open Waterford’s Age Well Expo in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan.

This Age Friendly Waterford free event, in association with Healthy Waterford, UPMC Whitfield and Waterford City and County Council, will showcase the services, supports and activities available to older people to lead fulfilling, healthy and active lives.

On the day there will be over 30 exhibition stands including An Garda Síochána, HSE, ALONE, Waterford Volunteer Centre, Waterford Libraries, Fire Services, Waterford Sports Partnership and Waterford Healthy Homes.

There will also be numerous speakers including a Consultant Gastroenterologist, Cardiology CNM, Health and Wellbeing practitioner and Fraud Prevention team.

There will be stands on a range of services provided by Waterford City and County Council. Information will be provided on how to reduce energy costs, housing grants, community engagement initiatives, recreational activities tailored for older adults and much more.

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, and Chair of Age Friendly Alliance, said, “The Age Well Expo 2024 will once again provide an invaluable opportunity for older people to engage directly with key support agencies and service providers in Waterford and is part of Waterford’s ongoing Age Friendly Programme, which continues to be driven by a positive ageing approach to enhance the quality of life for older people across Waterford City and County.”

Mr. McKeown added, “As we all age, we need to ensure that older people are active participants in our decision-making processes, so that we can develop Waterford as an ideal place to live for people of all ages—a place where everyone can age well and thrive.”

UPMC is delighted to partner again with Waterford City and County Council, Age Friendly Waterford and Healthy Waterford on this the second Age Well Expo. UPMC understands the importance of community-based support services to the older members of society and the role they play in the quality of a person’s life.

Gwen Daniels, General Manager of UPMC Whitfield said, “By collectively working together UPMC, WCCC, Age Friendly Waterford and Healthy Waterford hope to unite and support those who have contributed to our communities throughout their lives.

“In Waterford we have a great network of services for the older members of the community and this event hopes to highlight them and introduce as many people as possible to those services.”

Established in January 2014, Age Friendly Ireland coordinates the national Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme with the first Age Friendly Strategy for Waterford City and County being launched in 2017.  The Programme brings together, supports and provides technical guidance to the 31 local-authority-led, multi-agency Age Friendly City and County Programmes in every local authority area.

The Age Well Expo will take place in Park Hotel, Dungarvan (X35 CC97) from 11am – 4pm on Tuesday, October 1st.  Along with the information stands and guest speakers, there will be live music and entertainment, and refreshments will be provided.

The event is free, and all are welcome to attend.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Tales of the Little Blue Flower – heritage exchange between Mid and East Antrim and Waterford

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE was delighted to meet with Portlaw Heritage Group and culture and heritage staff from Waterford City and County Council during their visit to Mid-Antrim Museum at The Braid in Ballymena as part of a two-day study trip.

The study visit included guided tours of Raceview Mill, Broughshane and Gracehill Village, which recently secured UNESCO World Heritage status.

The theme of the project is based on commonalities in industrial heritage, concentrating on textiles such as the linen and cotton industries. A special event was held exploring how flax was traditionally grown, retted and scutched as part of the linen making process at Tenth Glen Heritage Farms who are involved in the cross-border project.

The trip was funded by Creative Communities on a Shared Island, an initiative of Creative Ireland. The project aims to develop connections between communities in Mid and East Antrim and Waterford through a variety of culture and heritage projects.

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Beth Adger MBE said, “We are pleased to see this joint two-year project underway between Mid and East Antrim Borough Council with Waterford City and County Council.

“Building Shared Creative Communities supports deepening understanding of the importance of how our industrial heritage shaped our locality and the potential of our micro creative industries and what is in common between the two areas.”

Katherine Collins, Creative Ireland Coordinator, Waterford City and County Council commented, “Creative Communities on a Shared Island funding provides us with a wonderful opportunity for Waterford and Mid and East Antrim to develop and enhance our shared sense of community. This can be achieved by fostering creative opportunities for connection through social interaction, engagement and dialogue and by examining our shared industrial heritage including the importance of craftmanship and innovation in the past and for the future

“We were delighted to have visited various locations in Mid and East Antrim and have had interesting discussions about shared heritage, creativity and culture which forms the basis for further collaboration. We look forward to hosting a return visit to Waterford and Portlaw later this year.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore’s latest amenity bowls over boarders

On Thursday, September 19th, the sun shone as Tramore’s newest outdoor amenity, the Skatepark on the Lower Prom, was officially opened by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy.

The high-quality facility was constructed in concrete and combines elements of bowl and street plaza features, designed with the specific needs of skateboarders in mind.

Cutting the ribbon, the Mayor said, “I’m delighted to officially open this top-class facility.  The skatepark is a wonderful addition to Tramore as it provides a welcome, free, fun, active space for all to enjoy.

“Set on the Prom and looking across at the sea, this skatepark is the icing on the cake for the town of Tramore.  Tramore combines natural beauty, fun, family-friendly amenities, and opportunities for healthy pursuits seamlessly.  The addition of the skatepark to the town is yet another asset that will make Tramore an even more inviting and welcoming destination for young people, locals and tourists alike.

“Waterford City and County Council will continue to invest in facilities such as the skatepark, to encourage healthier pursuits and a more sustainable lifestyle for all.

I’d like to commend the Environment Department, particularly Project Manager Brian Murray, and SEO Dawn Wallace, for bringing this high-calibre amenity to Tramore, in a very timely manner and for giving full consideration to the aesthetics of the structure.”

Concluding the Mayor said,

“Finally, I would like to wish all our skateboarders, young and old, the absolute best as they make full use of this brilliant new facility. May it be a place where skills are honed, friendships are formed, and lasting memories are made. From skating across the rails, perfecting a kickflip or an ollie, to working on tricks in the air, there is something for everyone here. The design of this park allows for creativity to develop and for you to work on your own unique style.”

The skatepark was designed with input from the local skateboarding community and the feedback has been very positive.  Those in attendance, including 4th class pupils of Tramore Educate Together NS and their teacher Katie McAuliffe, enjoyed a skateboarding demonstration by local skateboarders Peter Breen, John Twomey, Heather O’ Connor, David Hartley and Taylor O’Brien.

Dawn Wallace, Senior Executive Officer, Waterford City and County Council said,

“It was important that the views of those who will use the park be taken into consideration, and that input was invaluable throughout the process.  By consulting with the skateboarding community, we were able to deliver a practical, yet top-class skatepark that is accessible to all ages and all abilities.”

Specialist companies Browne Brothers Site Services Limited and Vulcano Skateparks were engaged to undertake the detailed design and construction.  The Skatepark was constructed in a sustainable manner, applying the principles of the circular economy in terms of reuse of materials and life cycle costing.  Any stone or concrete removed from the original skatepark was brought to a recycling facility where it will be crushed and reused as fill material on future projects.

Waterford City and County Council secured funding of €202,371 from the Community Recognition Fund from the Department of Rural and Community Development with additional funds of €90,924 provided by Waterford City and County Council.

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Images – Free to use: Noel Browne

1. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with children from teacher Katie McAuliffe’s 4th class, Tramore Educate Together NS.

2. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with skater Peter Breen, Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan and Senator John Cummins.

4. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with Senator John Cummins,  Dawn Wallace, Senior Executive Officer, WCCC, Brian Murray, Project Manager, Fergus Galvin former Director of Services WCCC, Cllr .Lola O’ Sullivan and Paul Johnston, Acting Director of Services, WCCC.

5.  Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy cuts the ribbon at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark

6. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with Fergus Galvin, former Director of Services WCCC, Dawn Wallace, Senior Executive Officer, WCCC, Brian Murray, Project Manager and Paul Johnston, Acting Director of Services, WCCC.

8. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark.

10. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with skater Peter Breen.

12. Skater Taylor O’Brien showing his skills at the official opening of Tramore Skatepark.

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