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Arts / Culture

By Waterford City & County Council

St. Patrick’s Day Short Story Competition

This year we are preparing to celebrate a very different St. Patrick’s Day and Waterford Libraries would love to celebrate your imagination by running a short story competition.

We are calling on 6 – 18 year olds to write a story, no more than 500 words, beginning with the line “I will never forget what happened on St Patrick’s Day……”

There are three age categories: age 6-9, age 10-14, age 15-18. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes in each category. Each winner will receive a €50 voucher and there will be plenty of spot prizes!

Winning entries will be published in local newspapers and will feature on WLR FM so get writing for Paddy’s Day 2021!

All entries are to be emailed to library@waterfordcouncil.ie not later than 5pm on Tuesday 9th March 2021. Please include your name, address, age category, phone number and parent/guardian name with the entry. Remember to insert “St. Patrick‘s Day Short Story Competition” in the subject line of the email.

 

Terms & Conditions

1. By entering this competition you consent to these terms and conditions.

2. This competition is open to children living in Co. Waterford only.

3. There are three categories: Age 6-9, Age 10-14, Age 15-18.

4. Stories must begin with “I will never forget what happened on St. Patrick’s Day….”

5. Stories must be no longer than 500 words.

6. Deadline for entries is 5pm 9th March 2021.

7. Entrants can submit as many entries as they wish.

8. All entries to be submitted in digital format (e.g. Word, email or other) to library@waterfordcouncil.ie by 5pm on 9th March 2021. Hard copies will not be eligible.

9. Entrants should include their name, address, age category, phone number and parent/guardian name in the email. This information will only be available to the Waterford Council Employees and will not be used for any other purpose. This information will be kept only for the duration of the competition and all contact and personal details will be disposed of thereafter in line with GDPR and Data Protection Regulations.

10. Please use ‘St. Patrick‘s Day Short Story Competition’ as the subject line of the email.

11. Entries must be the original and unpublished work of the entrant.

12. There will be no correspondence with the judging panel and no feedback provided to individual entrants and the decision of the judges is final.

13. The winning entry from each category will be published in Local Newspapers and will feature on WLR FM. Entries will also be posted on www.waterfordcouncil.ie (note only Christian names and age group category will appear online, we will not publish full personal details).

By Waterford City & County Council

ArtLinks Bursaries 2021 – Call for Applications

Waterford City & County Council in partnership with the ArtLinks partners in Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford is pleased to announce that they are currently accepting applications for the Professional and Emerging ArtLinks Bursary Awards 2021.

ArtLinks is a partnership of the four Local Authority Arts Offices in Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford and supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.  ArtLinks provides professional development opportunities and supports for established and emerging artists who are resident in the four partner local authority areas in the South East region.

Artists must be a current member of ArtLinks to avail of these supports. You must be registered on or before 28/2/2021 to be eligible to apply for these bursaries. Email artlinks.ie@gmail.com to request a membership application form if you are a new applicant.

This year the application process is online and the closing date for receipt of ArtLinks Bursary applications is Monday 15th March 2021 at 4pm.

Please note that there will be a separate application process for the Collaboration Award for collaborative projects between ArtLinks members, details of which will be announced in March 2021.

Application forms and guidelines are available to download from www.waterfordarts.com

For all ArtLinks enquiries please contact artlinks.ie@gmail.com

Follow @Artlinks.ie on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates.

By Waterford City & County Council

Biodiversity on Your Doorstep series – Learning from Nature

Biodiversity on Your Doorstep – Learning from Nature

22nd – 26th February. All events Free and online

Discover biodiversity in your own back yard whether it is in your own garden, the local Nature Park or Greenway. Learn how to protect and improve our local ecosystems. Join Europe Direct, Waterford, Waterford Libraries and Waterford Environmental Department for a week of FREE events from 22 – 26 February. All Events are online.

For more information check out www.waterfordlibraries.ie/biodiversity-on-your-doorstep

The EU’s biodiversity strategy for 2030 is a comprehensive, ambitious and long-term plan to protect nature and reverse the degradation of ecosystems. The strategy aims to put Europe’s biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030, and contains specific actions and commitments.

It is the proposal for the EU’s contribution to the upcoming international negotiations on the global post-2020 biodiversity framework. A core part of the European Green Deal, it will also support a green recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Keynote

Giving your Garden back to Nature – A Talk by Mary Reynolds

Monday 22 February 7pm – 8pm

Join Mary Reynolds, Chelsea Gold medal winning Irish landscape designer, bestselling author and nature activist who encourages us to change the way you think as a gardener. Stop fighting nature and go against the controlling instinct and instead encourage those weeds, encourage untidiness, encourage life to return. The more biodiversity you can establish in your patch of earth, the more complex a food web that is restored.

Booking:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/giving-your-garden-back-to-nature-a-talk-by-mary-reynolds-tickets-140064224867

Webinars

Bees, Birds & Trees – Biodiversity & Waterford Council

Tuesday 23 February 11am – 12noon

Join staff from Waterford City & County Council who will tell us about Kilbarry Nature Park, planting for biodiversity, actions to help pollinators, opportunities for schools and Tidy Town Groups as well as the Let the Dandelions Bee Campaign and some exciting Biodiversity Projects planned for 2021.

Waterford City & County Council Panel:

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer, Bernie Guest, Heritage Officer, Eoin Dullea, Horticulturist.

Claire Hartley, Head of Communications (Chair)

Booking: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bees-birds-trees-biodiversity-waterford-council-tickets-140106740031

Discover the new Digital Wildlife of Ireland Map!

Wednesday 24 February 11am – 12noon

Neil Tarrant, along with Mairéad Ní Chiaruáin, is the co-creator of Ireland’s first Digital Wildlife Map! This new online learning tool has been created especially for primary school students to help them and their families learn about the wildlife they can help protect in their communities. The interactive map is a fun way to learn all about the birds, mammals and fish native to Ireland. Children can explore the island of Ireland at home on the phone, tablet or computer, learn about which species are native to which areas, and test their knowledge with quizzes as they complete activities.

With everyone staying home during the current restrictions, and home-schooling ongoing, the Digital Wildlife of Ireland Map offers another resource for parents to engage children in learning and is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a device. The map can be accessed on the Libraries Ireland website at www.nature.librariesireland.ie.

Booking:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/discover-the-new-wildlife-of-ireland-map-tickets-139955642093

Learn how to spot Spring Flowers and become a Citizen Scientist with Oisín Duffy from the Waterford’s National Biodiversity Data Centre

Friday 26 February 11am – 12noon

Discover how to spot 20 easily identifiable spring flowers and how you can become a Citizen Scientist and learn how to record your findings and contribute to furthering plant conservation in Ireland. Also find out more about the National Biodiversity Data Centre which is based in Waterford and how Biodiversity data is a key requirement for understanding our natural surroundings.

Booking:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/learn-how-to-spot-spring-flowers-and-become-a-citizen-scientist-tickets-139945491733

By Waterford City & County Council

Social Enterprise Development Fund 2021 – Open for Applications

Social Enterprises called on to apply to €400,000 fund to address Ireland’s greatest social
challenges:

  • The Social Enterprise Development is a €3.2 Million Fund running from 2018-2022
  • €400,000 in cash grants will be made available as well as additional business supports
  • Rethink Ireland CEO calls social enterprises ‘critical’ to a just social and economic recovery from Covid-19 pandemic

€400,000 in funding is being made available to social enterprises to help lead the post-Covid economic and social recovery through Rethink Ireland’s Social Enterprise Development Fund 2021 which was officially launched today (21.01.2021). The objective of the fund is to find and back the best social enterprises in Ireland by making cash grants and strategic business support available to Awardees.

Social enterprises are businesses that work primarily to improve the lives of people. Their core objective is to achieve a social, societal, or environmental impact. Like other businesses, Sociale nterprises pursue their objectives by trading in goods and services on an ongoing basis. However,surpluses generated by social enterprises are re-invested into achieving their core social objectives.

The Social Enterprise Development Fund was created by Rethink Ireland in 2018 in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland and funded by IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Since the Fund’s foundation in 2018, the Fund has supported 40 social enterprises with cash grants and business supports and further 38 through their Genesis & Accelerator Programmes. It has enabled social enterprises to support 681 people to access employment, (the majority of whom are from minority groups) and mobilise 2430 volunteers. Previous social enterprises include:

1. Turn2me: Turn2me provides a safe, anonymous and confidential space to anyone aged 12 plus in Ireland seeking support with their mental health and well-being 24/7.
2. CyberSafeIreland: CyberSafeIreland empowers children, parents and teachers to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
3. Grow Remote: Grow Remote’s mission to enable people to work, live and participate locally by making remote employment both visible and accessible in their communities.

Commenting today, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD, said: “The Social Enterprise Development Fund plays an important role in supporting social enterprises who are making a positive difference to their communities. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have all been reminded of the importance of strong communities. The Social Enterprise Development Fund 2021 will help to grow Ireland’s strong and vibrant social enterprise sector.”

CEO of Rethink Ireland Deirdre Mortell, said: “Rethink Ireland is delighted to open applications for the Social Enterprise Development Fund for 2021. Social enterprises are at the heart of addressing Ireland’s greatest social challenges and strengthening communities. We believe they are playing a vital role in this pandemic and will play an even more critical role as we recover from the crisis.”

“Social enterprises employ people who would typically be considered far from the labour market, produce ethical and sustainable products and / or provide vital local services at more affordable rates than the private sector. They can and will contribute to a just economic, social and sustainable recovery and we are calling on social enterprises across Ireland to apply to our fund.”

George Jones, Chairman & Group Non Executive Director IPB Insurance said, ‘We are delighted to support Rethink Ireland and our Local Authority Members for the fourth year of the combined €3.2m Social Enterprise Development Fund. This initiative aims to provide critical support to the very best social enterprises across Ireland. Last year we were thrilled to support a social enterprise in every local authority area in the country for the first time and we are again encouraging social enterprises in every
county to apply to this year’s Fund’.

The 2021 Fund will be open for applications from 21st January until the 5th of March 2021. Further details are available on https://rethinkireland.ie/

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

New campaign to get Ireland reading during Covid-19

Pledge to read and find your perfect book at Irelandreads.ie

Ireland Reads is a new campaign to get the whole country reading this month in the lead up to a national day of reading on Thursday, February 25th.

Irish libraries have teamed up with publishers, booksellers, authors and others for the campaign, which is part of the government’s Keep Well initiative and aims to celebrate reading and all the benefits it can have for wellbeing and enjoyment.

The campaign is asking everyone to ‘squeeze in a read’ on Ireland Reads Day, Thursday, February 25th. A new website www.irelandreads.ie has been set up where people can pledge to read on the day and see how much time has been pledged by the Irish public so far.

The website also offers book recommendations suited to a person’s interests and the time they have available. There are more than 800 recommendations from librarians all around the country. A website user can simply enter their favourite type of book and how long they would like to read each day and the website will offer the perfect book suggestion and work out how long it will take to complete – a couch to 5k for books!   Campaign partners and libraries all over the country will be running ‘Ireland Reads’ initiatives and events throughout February in the build up to Thursday, February 25th.

A number of well-known campaign ambassadors from the worlds of writing, science, sport, health and broadcasting are on board to help promote the campaign, and you can find out what reading means to them and why they support the campaign at www.irelandreads.ie

While libraries are not currently open for browsing or borrowing due to Covid restrictions, library members can use the library Borrowbox service online and choose from more than 44,000 eBooks and 33,000 eAudiobooks.

Heather Humphreys, TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development said:

“Keeping well and looking after our mental health is vital during these challenging times. That’s why I am delighted to support this campaign to celebrate and encourage reading, which is part of the Government’s ‘Keep Well’ initiative.

“My Department of Rural and Community Development has invested heavily in our library service in recent years.

“And, despite the Level 5 restrictions, thousands of people have continued to avail of our library services online.

“In addition, many library authorities are currently delivering library stock to the housebound and vulnerable.

“So I would encourage everybody to join me in pledging to set aside some time during this month to relax with a good book and discover the joy of reading.”

Frank Feighan, TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health and Well Being said:

“As part of the Healthy Ireland ‘Keep Well’ campaign, ‘Ireland Reads’ is about promoting the power of reading for enjoyment and wellbeing. It’s about encouraging everyone to regularly take some time to sit and read a book, a poem, a comic, a newspaper or to ‘start a new story’- whatever works for them. In a year when we have all been searching for new ways to keep active and creative, and to step away our daily routines and connect with others, reading offers a way to escape. There is growing evidence that reading can lift our mood, reduce the symptoms of depression and improve wellbeing throughout life.”

It doesn’t matter how long you read for or what you read, it doesn’t matter whether you’re an avid reader, a reluctant reader, a lapsed reader or a new reader, this campaign is for you, says Colette Byrne, Kilkenny County Council Chief Executive on behalf of the public library sector:

“Right now, many of the activities we used to take for granted are not available to us, but you can always enjoy a good book, newspaper or magazine. These are all available free online and any time to library members. Libraries and library staff are waiting to welcome people back whenever that is possible, but until then we always have books to remind us of other people, other places, and better days. So, this month please pledge to take some reading time for yourself or to share with family.”

Find out about all that’s happening for Ireland Reads, get book recommendations and take the pledge to read on Thursday, February 25th at www.irelandreads.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

‘Stories from the Waterside’ website launch

‘Stories from the Waterside’ was a national story writing competition, organised LAWPRO in partnership with The Heritage Council and the Heritage Officers Programme, Waterways Ireland and Inland Fisheries Ireland.  It celebrates the connection between people and their local waterbodies through stories. Entries were received from across Ireland in both English and Irish. In total there was almost 500 entries in the competition, which ran throughout the period of the first COVID-19 lockdown The winning stories were published in a book called ‘Stories from the Waterside’.

The new website, which will be launched on Tuesday 02 February, will provide ongoing access to this unique collection of stories. Details of event are as follows:

Event:             ‘Stories From The Waterside’ online readings and reflections (in Irish & English) from the national story writing competition and launch of new dedicated website with all the stories.

Date:                Tuesday, 2nd Feb 2021 (World Wetlands Day)
Time:               7pm
Register:         https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/world-wetlands-day-2021-tickets-137399318059

The event will include readings and reflections on our local waterbodies and will see the launch of a new website to capture all the stories entered into the story writing competition. It will make all the stories available on a theme / county basis and the association with a local water body. The event is free to attend and open to all but registration is required (see above link).

Ends

By Waterford City & County Council

Deich mBliana na gCuimneachán Phort Láirge Scéim Deontas Pobail 2021

Cuireann Coiste Cuimhneachán Phort Láirge fáilte roimh iarratais do Scéim Deontas Pobail na gCuimhneachán 2021 do thionscadail a dhéanann comóradh ar Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán i gCathair agus i gContae Phort Láirge.

Tá deontais de suas go dtí €3000 ar fáil do thionscadail a dhéanfaidh comóradh ar Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán: Cogadh na Saoirse; corraíl oibrithe; athruithe sóisialta; saol cultúrtha Phort Láirge sna 1920daí; freagraí áitiúla ar Dháil Éireann; an sos cogaidh; críochdheighilt; ceangail áitiúla leis an domhain mór le linn na tréimhse seo; iondaíocht nua pholaitiúil ag an leibhéil áitiúil agus an Cogadh Cathartha.

Sé an dáta deiridh i gcomhair iarratais ná: 4 i.n. ar an Aoine, 5 Márta 2021

Foirm Iarratais ar fáil ar https://bit.ly/waterford100 nó déan teagmháil le Cartlannaí na Cathrach agus an Chontae, Joanne Rothwell archivist@waterfordcouncil.ie nó 0761102144 i gcomhair a thuilleadh eolais.

Tá an deontas seo mar chuid de thionscadail Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán atá maoinithe ag an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán. Chun a thuilleadh eolais a fháil, mar aon le sonraí na n-imeachtaí agus na dtionscadal ar fud na tíre, féach ar www.decadeofcentenaries.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Commemorations Community Grant Fund 2021

Waterford Commemorations Committee invites applications for the 2021 Commemorations Community Grant Scheme for projects to commemorate the Decade of Centenaries in Waterford City and County.

Grants of up to €3000 are available for projects to commemorate the Decade of Centenaries: the War of Independence; labour unrest; social changes; cultural life of Waterford in the 1920s, local responses to Dáil Éireann; the truce; partition; local connections with the wider world during the period; new political representation at a local level and the Civil War.

Closing date for applications is: 4pm Friday 5th March 2021

For applications Forms see https://bit.ly/waterford100 or contact the City and County Archivist, Joanne Rothwell archivist@waterfordcouncil.ie or 0761102144 for further information.

This grant is part of the Decade of Centenaries projects funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media. Check out www.decadeofcentenaries.com for more information and for details of events and projects throughout the country.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council Celebrates World Wetlands Day

This year celebrates  the 50th anniversary of  the Ramsar Convention  on Wetlands -the first modern day environmental treaty signed in Iran on February 2nd in 1971. The Ramsar Convention was established to raise awareness about the value of wetlands  in our environment. Two of Ireland’s 45 Ramsar Sites are in Waterford– Dungarvan Harbour and Tramore Bay.

You  can also put your photographic skills to the test and enter the Irish Ramsar Wetlands  Committee Photo Competition.  Find out  more on irishwetlands.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Build Waterford! deadline extended


Put your creative, engineering and building skills to the test and see if you can help us to Build Waterford!

Waterford City and County Libraries in partnership with the Waterford Europe Direct, Waterford are delighted to announce Build Waterford, an exciting new project to showcase and celebrate our local areas and encourage creativity.

To get involved all you need to do is re-create your favourite Waterford Location, Landmark or Locality using Recycled Materials, Lego, modelling clay or even digitally using Minecraft! Then send a photograph of the finished creation along with a short description, including what it’s made with and the reason for choosing to build it to us by email at: lboyle@waterfordcouncil.ie

A selection of entries received will be featured in a specially commissioned video, on our social media channels and on our website as an exhibition in the new S.T.E.A.M. Zone area on waterfordlibraries.ie during March 2021.

Closing date for project entries is now Friday 19th February 2021.
The Build Waterford Project is open to young people aged 18 and under. Parental permission must be included with all entries.
For more information please contact Lorraine Boyle at: lboyle@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2021 cancelled

Waterford City and County Council wishes to confirm the St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2021 will not go ahead in the usual format due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A decision on a re-imagined format will be made over the coming week in consultation with event organisers and funders.  For more information, please email stpatricksfestivalwaterford@gmail.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford receives €110k funding under Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2020

Six projects in Co. Waterford received almost €110,000 in funding under the scheme with four successful applications submitted by Waterford City and County Council and two by Waterford Leader Partnership. Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan welcomed the announcement of funding saying,  “investment in upgrading and maintaining trails and outdoor recreational amenities like these has become more important than ever. Throughout 2020 we saw that people really seized the opportunity to get out in the open air at one of the many outdoor amenities spread right across the county. Taking our daily exercise has now become a vital part of daily life as we navigate our way through this pandemic. It is vitally important that the Local Authority and communities are enabled to maintain our favourite walking and cycling routes and other amenities which allow people to enjoy these facilities at their very best. Well done to all involved with the funding applications and we all look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour this year”.

The following projects were successful in securing funding under Measure 1, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2020:

The Towers Walk, Ballysaggartmore: This charming, woodland walk can be found about 3.5km outside of Lismore on the Ballyduff Road. It is an ideal location for a pleasant walk and picnic at any time of year. The funding allocated will allow Waterford City and County Council carry out necessary maintenance works along the trail and at the imposing gothic gate lodges which date back to the 1850’s.

The Boolas Loop Walk and Nire Valley Walks: The Comeraghs have attracted hikers and hill walkers for many years now. There are networks of marked walking trails near Rathgormack and the Nire Valley, with a number of Fáilte Ireland National Looped Walks at both locations. The funding allocated here will allow repair works required to some of the trails.

Abbeyside Coastal Walk: Phase 1 of the Abbeyside Coastal Walk was funded under this scheme in 2019. Phase 2 will allow for a further enhancement and extension of this trail which has attracted many users since the walkway was opened in summer 2020.

Waterford Leader Partnership was also successful in being allocated funding for two projects under the funding scheme, one of which is Mount Melleray Monastery Walks. Three looped walks are located on the grounds of the Historic Mount Melleray Abbey. The Abbey is nearly at the halfway point on St. Declan’s Way, and these looped walks will provide either a gentle break for walkers and pilgrims to survey the Knockmealdowns on the pilgrim walk to Ardmore, or a pleasant walk for day visitors to the Café at the Monastery. Mount Melleray Monastery Walks will provide upgrades to: The Well Walk, 2.5 Kms, the Cross Walk 4.1 Kms and the Source Walk, 9.1 Kms. Works will involve an upgrading of the walks to meet NTO standards. Mount Melleray Abbey is in the process of completing its new Tourist Hostel to facilitate walkers on St. Declan’s Way. Nearly €400,000 is being invested in the new Tourism Facility, which is part funded by LEADER.

By Waterford City & County Council

Age Friendly Housing Technical Advisors in every Local Authority in Ireland

Minister of State, Peter Burke, TD, Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage officially launches the Local Government Age Friendly Technical Advisors.

On Tuesday, 8th December 2020 in Dublin’s Custom House, Minister of State, Peter Burke, TD, Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage officially launched the local authority based 31 Age Friendly Technical Advisors.  This launch is an important occasion, representing another substantial development in the joint policy statement, Housing Options for Our Ageing Population which was launched in February 2019 by both Department of Housing and Department of Health.  Minister of State, Mary Butler, TD, Department of Health also attended the launch and spoke about a collaborative approach to Health and Housing for Older People in Ireland.

In July 2020 Ireland’s new Programme for Government pledged a mission and vision of an Age Friendly Ireland.  The approach taken in the agreed programme for government is to support older people to live in their own homes and communities with dignity and independence, for as long as possible. The programme’s ambition is to enable everyone, of all ages, to live longer healthier lives in their own homes and communities.  This vision is central to the overarching principles of the World Health Organisations Age Friendly Framework and core to the joint departmental Housing options for our Ageing Population Policy.   The aim of the housing policy is to ensure that older people will have greater choice by developing a range of housing options that are suited to their needs, so they can plan ahead and, insofar as possible, choose the right home for them.

Age Friendly Ireland has supported the development and implementation of the policy document and in response to Action 4.13: ‘Local Authorities will identify and assign an individual on their housing teams to work with older people in terms of sourcing appropriate accommodation’, all Local Authorities have assigned a staff member to undertake this role so that this resource is available in all of the 31 local authorities across the country.

A member of staff at the appropriate technical level of expertise has participated in training provided by Age Friendly Ireland to enable them to become the local authority specific age friendly Housing Technical Advisor. This will ensure that they can provide specialist advice to the authority itself, to private sector interests who want to get involved in providing age-friendly housing and to individuals from the public generally.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister said  ‘The specific Action which brings us here today is Action 4.13, which introduced a novel idea that local authorities should appoint a member of staff as a technical advisor on age friendly housing with the intent that this person would be a resource for older people, for the local authorities, and indeed for anyone who wants to access information about age friendly housing.  In late 2019, my Department wrote to the Chief Executives of local authorities asking them to do this, and, in the wholehearted way in which they have embraced other elements of the Age Friendly Ireland programme they all agreed to do so.’

On behalf of the Local Authority sector, Chief Executive of Meath County Council, host to the Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service said,  ‘Today’s launch is a significant occasion, representing another substantial development in the joint departmental housing policy and also acknowledging the sterling work of local authorities, both Departments, the Age Friendly shared service and partner organisations on the Implementation Group.’

Ends

For further information see: https://twitter.com/agefriendlyirl

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council Festival & Event Grants 2021

Waterford City and County Council has allocated €1,287,300 in festival and event funding to aid with the development and promotion of events in Waterford City & County during 2021.   The allocation supports 70 festival and events throughout Waterford City and County with the aim to promote local festivals that have an economic, tourism, cultural/artistic or community benefit for Waterford.

Speaking following the adoption of the Festival Grants for 2021, Cllr Damien Geoghegan stated ‘As Mayor I am delighted that Waterford City & County Council is in a position to support so many events across Waterford in the coming year.  While 2020 has been a challenging year for all and many of our events could not be held, we are hopeful that by showing our continuing support for the many community and voluntary events across the county that these groups will be ready to bring vibrancy back into our communities when restrictions allow.  I would like to express my gratitude to the many voluntary and professional groups that put so much effort into their applications and help make Waterford a great place for our residents and for visitors.’

Name of Festival2021 Allocation
1848 Tricolour Celebration€4,500
A Slice of Culture€600
Arts Festival  Online Support€5,000
Bealtaine Living Earth Festival€1,500
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival€7,000
Campervan of Sound Music & Arts Festival€1,000
Camphire International Horse Trials and Country Fair€5,000
Capital of Culture/Music Generation€84,000
Celebration of International Women’s Day€1,500
Comeragh Christmas Craft Fair€1,200
Comeraghs Wild Festival€28,000
Copper Coast Festival 2021€500
Copper Coast Trad Fest 2021€2,000
Creative Ireland€15,000
Daonscoil na Mumhan€1,500
Deise Medieval Greenway2021€2,500
Dungarvan Aglow€20,000
DUNMORE EAST BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2021€10,000
Dunmore East Festival of Food, Fish and Fun€5,000
Dunmore East Walking Weekend€500
Festive Lighting€111,850
Festive Support briefing€5,000
Fun for Life 2021€500
Giggle of the Galaxy€2,000
Harvest Festival€65,000
Imagine Arts Festival€20,000
International Women’s Day Festival 2021€1,500
John Dwyer Trad Festival 2021€3,000
Knockanore Fete€1,000
Lismore Towers and Tales€5,000
ModPoets Fest 21€1,400
Nire Valley Drop MTB Challenge€1,750
O’Connell Street Festival€9,000
Pride of the Déise€2,050
Ravens Rock Rally€3,000
Robert Boyle Summer School€2,000
Seasonal Annimation in Dungarvan€10,000
Southeast Science Festival€5,000
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival€70,000
Sprog€2,000
St Patricks Day Parade, Waterford City€45,000
St. Patrick’s Day Dungarvan€5,000
St. Patricks Day Portlaw€1,000
Summer in the City 2021€59,000
Summer on The Mall€15,000
Tallow Tostal Festival€500
The Barony Of Gaultier Rose Festival.€550
THE BOOLEY HOUSE€1,000
The Carbally Art By The Sea Festival.€1,000
THE CELTIC BOX CUP€10,000
The Good Old Days Festival.€1,000
The LIT Young Writers Festival€1,800
Tionól Nicolás Tóibín€2,000
Tramore Christmas Festival€5,000
Tramore St Patricks Day Parade€5,000
Tramore Street Party€4,000
TUNEFEST€5,000
Viking River Festival€3,000
Vitamin Sea Festival€15,000
Waterford Film Festival€500
Waterford Heath and Wellbeing Family Fest€3,000
Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards€5,600
Waterford Viking Marathon€22,000
WATERFORD WALLS FESTIVAL€35,000
Waterford Writers Weekend€34,000
Well Festival of Arts & Wellbeing€4,000
West Waterford Festival of Food€50,000
Winterval€429,000
Wyse Park Arts Spectacle scheme€6,000
Yogafest€1,000
€1,287,300
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Made in Waterford and hosted in the EU :)