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By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Ring announces roll-out of “My Open Library” service to 17 further branches


22 libraries to receive Magic Tables which benefit people with dementia, autism and learning difficulties

Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, has today (Thursday 14th November) announced funding of almost €1.5 million to support the continued roll-out of the “My Open Library service” to 17 further library branches around the country.

The “My Open Library” service allows access to public libraries on a self-service basis from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year. The Department funding will be matched by local authorities to the value of c.€0.5 million, giving a total investment of almost €2 million.

Waterford Libraries will expand their My Open Library services to Lismore Library in the New Year following the announcement by Minister Michael Ring of funding amounting to  €119,932 destined for a new Open Library in Lismore, This funding will also provide two “Magic Tables” in the Dungarvan and Lismore branches.  These interactive tables are proving very popular with the public and are particularly helpful for both younger and older people with dementia, autism and learning difficulties

The public libraries strategy Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities aims to introduce the My Open Library service to 100 library branches by 2022. The service is currently available in 15 public libraries with a further three due to open before the end of 2019.

The service offers extended opening hours to library members of 8am–10pm, 365 days per year.

Automated access to the branch for library members during unstaffed hours (via membership card and pin code) forms an important part of this service.  Provision of self-service activities include, but not limited to:

  • issue and return of books and other library stock
  • internet access on PCs
  • use of wi-fi
  • printing and photocopying
  • study/reading spaces
  • meeting facilities

The service is available to library members aged 16 years and over (under 18 years with parental consent).   Announcing the funding the Minister said:

“The My Open Library service has been an amazing success. It is an exciting development and is transforming our libraries. I am delighted to provide this funding which will see a further 17 branches enabled to provide the service.

“The My Open Library service extends the availability of library services to customers at times that suit them best, providing greater flexibility and convenience through increased opening hours in addition to the invaluable staffed hours.

“It has facilitated increased access for students to study from early in the morning to late at night; families with working parents; commuters; people up-skilling; and community groups to use the meeting room facilities”

Minister Ring continued:

“Included in this funding package is funding for innovative technology including 22 ‘Magic Tables’ which have been piloted across the country over the last year and have been a great success. These tables are being used by carers and people with dementia, autism and learning difficulties and I have seen first-hand the joy they bring to people using them.

“My Open Library is one of a number of initiatives I have introduced to increase usage of our libraries which are a fantastic and free community resource. I have also abolished library fines in an effort to remove any barriers to people using the library service.”

The popularity of the My Open Library service is evident from statistics for the recent August Bank Holiday weekend when more than 1,334 people visited the 15 My Open Library branches. Deansgrange Library alone had 175 visits over the three days. These branches would traditionally have been closed for the bank holiday weekend i.e. Saturday to Monday inclusive.

Minister Ring thanked the library staff in the existing My Open Library branches, saying:

“The My Open Library service that is being provided would not have been such a success without the cooperation and commitment of the staff in these libraries. The staff as well as the users, are to be complimented for its success. I would encourage more local authorities to endorse and become involved in this initiative, to the benefit of their customers and the communities they serve.”

ENDS

Contact: Daniel Rowan
Special Adviser to Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development
087 6177320

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office
076-1006843 / 087-1734633
Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

“Towers and Tales” Schools Programme shortlisted for 2019 Excellence in Local Government awards

The Waterford Libraries’ “Towers and Tales” Schools Programme has been shortlisted for the 2019 Excellence in Local Government awards.

The Chamber’s Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards is an annual celebration recognising commitment, hard work, dedication and excellence within the local authority sector.

Towers & Tales logoWaterford Libraries: Towers and Tales Story Festival Schools Programme has been shortlisted in the Best Library Category at the 2019 awards. This category showcases innovative projects and highlights best practice, skill, enthusiasm, social inclusion and community engagement in the library services.

Waterford City & County Council Library Service has been a partner and supporter of the Towers and Tales Story Festival since its inception in 2015.  Lismore Castle is the spectacular setting for the annual festival which celebrates children’s books, illustration and storytelling in all its forms.

An abundance of high-profile authors and tailored events throughout the day ensures enchanting experiences for young and old alike.  These author events have been shown to have a profound and lasting impact, not only on reading skills but also inspiring creativity and connecting children to the wonder of books. However, many children cannot attend the festival for various reasons and most primary schools do not have resources to hold these events themselves.

Sarah McIntyre illustrates during the festivalThe Towers & Tales School’s Programme was therefore devised to bring these experiences to a wide range of children and offer all schools the opportunity to get involved.  Through the programme, Waterford Libraries bring Towers and Tales authors to schools, libraries and various venues across the county. This enables multiple classes from many different schools to experience unforgettable and transformational experiences with literature, art & creativity.

This year, 43 Waterford schools attended programme events involving over 1700 children. With the festival going from strength to strength, the development of this programme will continue to expand involving larger numbers of school children and fostering creative spirit.

The 2019 awards will be held in Dublin on November 28th, and all at Waterford City & County Council wish the “Towers & Tales” entry the best of luck!

By Waterford City & County Council

Museum Director Eamonn McEneaney honoured by Norway

Director of Waterford Treasures Museums to be appointed Officer of The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for his impressive work in raising awareness of the Viking history in Waterford.

On Friday 15th November at a special reception to be held in the Medieval Museum, The Viking Triangle, Waterford, museum director Mr Eamonn McEneaney, will be appointed Officer (Knight First Grade) of The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit by Her Excellency Else Berit Eikeland, Ambassador of Norway to Ireland, on behalf of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway.

The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit is conferred on foreign and Norwegian nationals as a reward for outstanding service in the interest of Norway.

Eamonn McEneaney receives this honour for his impressive work in raising awareness of the Viking history in Waterford, and his importance in strengthening the connections between Norway and Ireland.

Waterford, founded by Norse Vikings, is a city which remained strongly influenced by the Norse for hundreds of years thereafter.

Ambassador of Norway Else Berit Eikeland said; “I am honoured to present Eamonn McEneaney the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit on behalf of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. Eamonn McEneaney has done so much to raise awareness of the extent of the Viking and Norse connection and influence in early Medieval Ireland.”

END

HE Else Berit Eikeland
Ambassador of Norway to Ireland
The Royal Norwegian Embassy
Ferry House
48-53 Mount Street Lower
Dublin 2
D02 PT98

ebe@mfa.no

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Mount Congreve successful in award of €3,726,000 RRDF funding

Mount Congreve successful in award of €3,726,000 RRDF funding

Mr Michael Ring TD, the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development today (Wednesday 6th November) announced funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund 2019.

Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, as joint funding partners, were successful in the application for funding of €3,726,000 for the development of Mount Congreve house and gardens.

The funding of €3,726,000 will ensure Mount Congreve is a world class tourism destination with an enhanced visitor experience. The funding will allow for the redevelopment and restoration of the Mount Congreve Estate and will provide enhanced visitor amenities including repair of the historic greenhouse, improved access to grounds and pathways and provision of family friendly facilities.

The Mayor of the City and County of Waterford, Cllr. John Pratt said “This funding is particularly welcome and I am delighted to be in a position to develop Mount Congreve as a world class tourism destination for now and for future generations.”

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, part of Project Ireland 2040, commits a fund of €1 billion which will provide for investment in towns and villages, enhancing sustainable social and economic development, and can demonstrate coordination and integration between the community and public sector.

Notes to Editor – Mount Congreve application detail

Ambition

To develop a tourism destination which attracts 150,000 visitors annually.

  • Enhance the visitor experience to these gardens and planted woodlands which are of international importance.
  • Invest in the under developed assets on the Estate to generate additional employment and revenue opportunities as well as increased visitor numbers.
  • Ensure the long-term viability of this enormously important visitor attraction.

Location

  • The Mount Congreve Estate is situated five miles west of Waterford City on the River Suir and is easily accessible from the N25.
  • The 46km Waterford Greenway passes along the boundary of the Mount Congreve Estate and there is visitor access.
  • The Waterford & Suir Valley Railway travels along the edge of the Mount Congreve Estate.

This project proposes the following:

  • Development of the farmyard to incorporate the following facilities: new café; offices and meeting facilities; craft yard; small playground and retail unit.
  • Enhancement of the grounds and existing paths to facilitate improved accessibility and increased visitor numbers, along with a woodland playground.
  • Repair of the existing historic greenhouse.
  • Provision of controlled access to wetland zone, a unique natural ‘garden’.
  • Provision of a waste water treatment facility for 150,000 visitors.
  • Provision of new car/coach park for up to 200 cars and 5 coaches.
  • Total Proposal Cost is €4,968,000.

Project Ireland 2040 – The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Project Ireland 2040 is the Government’s overarching policy and planning framework for the social, economic and cultural development of Ireland. It includes a detailed capital investment plan for the next ten years, the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2027, and the National Planning Framework which outlines the broader policy principles and priorities in planning for future population and economic growth to 2040.

By Waterford City & County Council

The Celtic Routes Project – connecting Ireland and Wales

The Celtic Routes Project aims to encourage visitors to explore new areas of Ireland and Wales.

Led by Carmarthenshire County Council, the project will focus on the areas of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire in Wales and Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow in Ireland.

The project aims to highlight hidden gems, and transform less well known areas from transit zones to new touring sites. This will increase the time visitors spend in these regions and capitalise on the opportunities to boost local economies and add value to the combined tourism offerings within the regions.

Check out this inspiring video below …

Celtic Routes : Discover the Celtic Spirit / Darganfyddwch y Galon Geltaidd / Cuir Aithne ar an Meon Ceilteach (FULL) from Tinint on Vimeo.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Festivals Support Grants 2020 – deadline approaching

Calling all Festival and Event Organisers
DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY 8th, 5pm

Each year Waterford City & County Council provide funding for festival and event organisers to aid with the development and promotion of events in Waterford City and County.  The purpose of the grant scheme is to help groups and organisations to fund a diverse range of events that are inclusive and add to the reputational value of Waterford as a ‘happening place’.

This year submissions can be made online via a new information website www.waterfordfestivals.ie, which has been co-designed with both staff and festival and event organisers.

A helpline number, 0761102169, will be available during office hours where staff will answer queries in relation to online applications.

We are also holding ‘Walk In’ information sessions at:

  • Waterford Central Library on Wednesday 16th October from 6-8pm and
  • Dungarvan Library on Thursday 17th October from 6-8pm, with no appointment necessary.

To enable online registration festival and event organisers are asked to bring their organisation’s generic email address with them .

To apply, please visit www.waterfordfestivals.ie.
Closing date for applications is 5pm Friday, 8th November 2019.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Diverse Waterford Oral History Project – Workshop

As part of Waterford City and County Council’s Diverse Waterford Oral History Project, we are inviting community groups interested in oral history to an a workshop with Dr. Tomás Mac Conmara, Oral Historian and Author at Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford City on Wednesday 6th November at 5pm.

This workshop will include:

  • Presentation on the “Diverse Waterford Oral History Project”
  • Ethics & Legalities of oral history
  • Life Cycle and other approaches to collection
  • Research and Preparation
  • Controlling the interview environment
  • Interview Skills including demonstration of audio recording
  • Associative Collection and administration of your interview.

The workshop will be interactive and will allow time for discussion.  It will also be supported by illustrative audio clips, drawn from both Diverse Waterford interviews and the presenter’s collections.

This is a free workshop but places limited. Booking essential. You can reserve your place here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/diverse-waterford-oral-history-training-tickets-77756316235

This is a joint initiative of Waterford Libraries, Waterford City and County Archive and Creative Waterford. Please share with community groups who may be interested.

Dr. Tomás Mac Conmara is an Oral Historian and Heritage Consultant. He is author of The Time of the Tans, An Oral History of the War of Independence in County Clare.

For more information contact Sinead O’Higgins at sohiggins@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Festivals Support Grants 2020 now open

Calling all Festival and Event Organisers

Each year Waterford City & County Council provide funding for festival and event organisers to aid with the development and promotion of events in Waterford City and County.  The purpose of the grant scheme is to help groups and organisations to fund a diverse range of events that are inclusive and add to the reputational value of Waterford as a ‘happening place’.

This year submissions can be made online via a new information website www.waterfordfestivals.ie, which has been co-designed with both staff and festival and event organisers.

A helpline number, 0761102169, will be available during office hours where staff will answer queries in relation to online applications.

We are also holding ‘Walk In’ information sessions at:

  • Waterford Central Library on Wednesday 16th October from 6-8pm and
  • Dungarvan Library on Thursday 17th October from 6-8pm, with no appointment necessary.

To enable online registration festival and event organisers are asked to bring their organisation’s generic email address with them .

To apply, please visit www.waterfordfestivals.ie.
Closing date for applications is 5pm Friday, 8th November 2019.

By Waterford City & County Council

Diverse Waterford Oral History Project – Workshop

As part of Waterford City and County Council’s Diverse Waterford Oral History Project, we are inviting community groups interested in oral history to an a workshop with Dr. Tomás Mac Conmara, Oral Historian and Author at Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford City on Wednesday 6th November at 5pm.

This workshop will include:

  • Presentation on the “Diverse Waterford Oral History Project”
  • Ethics & Legalities of oral history
  • Life Cycle and other approaches to collection
  • Research and Preparation
  • Controlling the interview environment
  • Interview Skills including demonstration of audio recording
  • Associative Collection and administration of your interview.

The workshop will be interactive and will allow time for discussion.  It will also be supported by illustrative audio clips, drawn from both Diverse Waterford interviews and the presenter’s collections.

This is a free workshop but places limited. Booking essential. You can reserve your place here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/diverse-waterford-oral-history-training-tickets-77756316235

This is a joint initiative of Waterford Libraries, Waterford City and County Archive and Creative Waterford. Please share with community groups who may be interested.

Dr. Tomás Mac Conmara is an Oral Historian and Heritage Consultant. He is author of The Time of the Tans, An Oral History of the War of Independence in County Clare.

For more information contact Sinead O’Higgins at sohiggins@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 – next targeted call for funding

NEXT TARGETED CALL FOR FUNDING ADVANCE NOTICE
The following information workshops will be held in advance of opening the next official call for Expression of Interests (EoI) for funding under the new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

Attendance at the Information Workshop is compulsory if you intend to apply for funding.

DateVenueTime
Wed 23rd Oct 2019Waterford Leader Partnership, Presentations Building,
Mitchell Street, Dungarvan		9.30am -11am

To book please call on 058 54646 / 51505 or Email: info@wlp.ie

Following attendance at the above workshop, Waterford Leader Partnership CLG, on behalf of County Waterford LCDC, will seek Expressions of Interest (EOIs)

  • OPENING DATE FOR EOIs IS THURS 24th Oct 19 /CLOSING DATE IS 12PM Tues 29th Oct 19

Successful & unsuccessful EOI’s will be advised by 5pm on Wednesday 30th Oct ‘19. Invitation to application on Wed 30th Oct 19 with deadline for submission by 12pm Mon 18th Nov ’19

Invitation to application stage does not mean that you will be awarded grant aid as it is a
competitive process. (Please note that the minimum grant amount is €5,000 and the maximum is €30,000)

Funding may be awarded under all themes and sub themes to a maximum of 50% of the total project cost for private promoters and up to 75% for community group applicants. Consideration of the rate of aid offered will be done on a project by project basis.
CALL THEMES & BUDGETS AS FOLLOWS; Total Budget for Call €30,000.00.

Local ObjectiveStrategic ActionBudget
LO9 The promotion of water based renewable energy9.1 Development of Renewable Energy€30,000.00
Total Call Budget€30,000.00

NATIONAL FOOD CALL: Please note that we are accepting projects on a rolling basis subject to Departments budgets being available.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Festivals Support Grants 2020 now open

Calling all Festival and Event Organisers

Each year Waterford City & County Council provide funding for festival and event organisers to aid with the development and promotion of events in Waterford City and County.  The purpose of the grant scheme is to help groups and organisations to fund a diverse range of events that are inclusive and add to the reputational value of Waterford as a ‘happening place’.

This year submissions can be made online via a new information website www.waterfordfestivals.ie, which has been co-designed with both staff and festival and event organisers.

A helpline number, 0761102169, will be available during office hours where staff will answer queries in relation to online applications.

We are also holding ‘Walk In’ information sessions at:

  • Waterford Central Library on Wednesday 16th October from 6-8pm and
  • Dungarvan Library on Thursday 17th October from 6-8pm, with no appointment necessary.

To enable online registration festival and event organisers are asked to bring their organisation’s generic email address with them .

To apply, please visit www.waterfordfestivals.ie.
Closing date for applications is 5pm Friday, 8th November 2019.

By Waterford City & County Council

2020 Art’s Venue Grant Applications

Arts Centres are described by the national Arts Council as “full-time, public-facing, professionally managed, building-based arts organisations.

They support the creation, presentation and mediation of the arts across a range of artforms and arts practices. They support professional, collaborative, voluntary and amateur arts practice.” This is the description that Waterford City & County Council are adopting for the 2020 Venue Grants.

While these forms are part of our continuing alignment with national protocols we will be convening an open meeting with Venue Leaders to see is there a better or more efficient way with better local contexts and transparency for which to go forward with.

Please note closing date is October 22 at 4pm. Please read the guidelines before applying.

By Waterford City & County Council

Integration Strategy for Migrant Communities – Consultative Workshops

LCDC logo

Waterford City and County Council invites residents of Waterford, who have come from other countries and made Waterford their home, to Integration Strategy meetings in Dungarvan and Waterford City in November.

Waterford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is currently finalising an integration strategy for migrants and migrant communities.  To assist in this process, in early 2019 a Migrant Integration Forum – consisting of migrant representatives from across Waterford – was set up to support the Council in developing this strategy.

Further Information on our Integration Strategy

Information about the strategy is available on the Council’s website:

Dates

The LCDC wishes to give all migrants, including members of migrant communities (non-Irish nationals, foreign-born persons and dual nationals) an opportunity to influence and shape the strategy.  Therefore, we wish to invite you to attend a specially convened consultative workshop (roundtable) on either:

  • Monday, 4th November at 7pm in the Granville Hotel, Waterford City or
  • Tuesday, 5th November at 7pm in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan.

We welcome input from everybody at these meetings, not just the migrant community. The City and County Council and the LCDC look forward to working with you to implement and give effect to the strategy over the coming years.

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