Awards

Waterford City and County Council was delighted to recognise the contributions from our wonderful community groups at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy presented the awards in City Hall and was emphatic in his praise for the community and voluntary sector, saying, “ We are here this evening not only to acknowledge your participation in the parade but to take time to appreciate your greater contribution to society. Our Grand Marshall was Thomas Barr, whom you are all familiar with. Like all young people who go on to achieve great things, Thomas began his career under the stewardship of volunteers in his community in Ferrybank.

“Thomas is a great example of how important the community and voluntary sector is. Volunteers often become the best role models that young people can aspire to and that is a priceless asset for anyone to have in their life. The voluntary sector helps cultivate so many of our cherished stars and entertainers, every hurler that you watch on TV and every musician that you hear on radio started their career with the help of a community volunteer. You provide us with all these things and you do it without charge, selflessly giving your time for the benefit of others. Society truly could not function as it does without you, I congratulate you all and I implore you to keep up the good work.”

Ten Waterford secondary schools were represented at a reception in City Hall earlier today in recognition of their dedication to keeping their local areas litter-free.

The challenge, now in its fourth year is sponsored by Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota, in association with Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber, saw secondary schools from across the city and county partake in the challenge.

Waterpark College emerged as the overall winner of the Schools Litter Challenge, and received €1,500 prize money, sponsored by Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota. The competition, which was launched in October last year, encourages secondary schools to keep a designated local area litter free.

As part of the eight-week challenge, secondary school students identified litter black spots in their communities and carried out regular litter picking of the area.  In addition, the students learned about the sources of litter, and about the benefits of reusing and recycling items.

Prior to the awarding of certificates to the participating schools, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “I am delighted to welcome the participating schools to the Mayor’s Parlour this morning and must pay tribute to the trojan work they have undertaken throughout this Schools Litter Challenge. Now in its fourth year, it’s refreshing to see the enthusiasm and dedication from the students and their teachers hasn’t waned as each one continues to make a real difference in their local communities.

“It’s also refreshing and assuring to know that this generation of young people is dedicated and passionate about enhancing their communities, keeping them litter free, protecting the biodiversity of the area and being proactive in diminishing the environmental harm that litter, particularly single use plastics, causes.”

The mayor highlighted the support of Tom Murphy, a staunch advocate for Waterford for over fifty years, saying, “I’d like to thank Tom and the team at Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota for their unwavering support and for generously sponsoring this event.  We are delighted that Toyota has come on board to support this amazing initiative which aligns with their brand promise, which strives to make a positive and tangible difference to Irish society.”

Waterford City and County Council provided bags, gloves, litter pickers and high visibility vests to all schools and Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota sponsored the €1,500 prize for the winning school. 

Tom Murphy said it was inspiring to see the dedication and enthusiasm that the students put into this contest every year.  “Creating cleaner and greener streets around our beautiful county should be a top priority, and these students are excellent role models for all of us. The competition grows in strength every year and is something we look forward to supporting again with Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber.

“I must say congratulations to Waterpark College on winning this year competition and a very special thank you to all the schools, students and teachers that took part, and to Toyota who have embraced this competition from the start.”

Michael Oporowicz, Area Sales Manager, Toyota Ireland said, “At Toyota Ireland, sustainability is at the centre of everything we do, and we are proud to support initiatives like the Litter Challenge in Waterford. Tom Murphy’s dedication to this initiative aligns perfectly with our ‘Built for a Better World’ vision—giving back to the community and fostering a cleaner, better future for the generations to come. It’s fantastic to see a movement promoting environmental responsibility and empowering young people to make a difference.”

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council commented, “Well done to all the students and their teachers for once again embracing this initiative with such energy and commitment. Creating cleaner, greener localities and communities has so many positive effects, encouraging us all to make small changes that have a big impact.”

The secondary schools from across County Waterford that entered the competition were Blackwater Community School, St Augustine’s College, Ardscoil na nDeise, Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School, Mount Sion CBS Secondary School, Waterpark College (Overall Winner), Ursuline Secondary School, Dungarvan CBS, De La Salle College (Highly Commended), and St. Paul’s Community College.

The Lodges, a social housing development in Ferrybank, delivered in collaboration with Waterford City and County Council and ROJO Studio Architects, has been shortlisted in the Housing Project of the Year (Medium) category at the Building and Architect of the Year Awards 2025.

The awards celebrate the most innovative individuals and companies driving excellence in Ireland’s building and architecture industry. Organised by BusinessRiver, the event connects over 25,000 business professionals across various sectors and highlights outstanding achievements in design and construction.

This recently completed 14-unit social housing development exemplifies high-quality construction and thoughtful design.

The project was carefully planned to provide a mix of one-bed apartments, two-bed duplex units, and one-bed bungalows, catering to a range of housing needs.

Speaking of the nomination, Walter Holden, Senior Architect with Waterford City and County Council said, “It’s a great testament to the design vision of the team at ROJO Studio Architects.

“It was necessary for the development to not only optimise the tight confines of the Fountain Street site, but also be sympathetic to the prominent location and adjacent buildings. Even on a relatively small site, the development provides over-looked communal spaces and private amenity spaces for tenants and all units are finished to the highest A-rated energy efficiency.

“In essence, The Lodges is a practical, sustainable, community-focused housing solution that enhances the local area.”

Agnieszka Rojowska MRIAI, ROJO Studio Architects welcomed the nomination saying, “Working on this project was both exciting and challenging.  Throughout the process we had to be mindful that the overall design integrated contemporary architecture with the historic urban fabric to create a vibrant, community-focused space.

“The Lodges development is visible from multiple vantage points and has established a strong architectural identity in Waterford, and we are delighted that it has been shortlisted for these prestigious awards.”

Just a short walk from the North Quays development and only ten minutes from the city centre, The Lodges is a testament to the successful partnership between Waterford City and County Council, ROJO Studio Architects, Nevin Construction, and Frank Fox & Associates Construction Engineering.

The overall category winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Dublin on April 3^rd, 2025.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 20th Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Gala Awards were held on November 21st at The Park Hotel in Dungarvan. This event, organised by Waterford PPN in collaboration with Waterford City & County Council, Waterford Volunteer Centre, Expressway, Waterford Community Safety Partnership, South-East Energy Agency, BHP Insurance, Cairde Credit Union, Waterford Credit Union, and Local Link Waterford.

Among the 200 guests were Cllr. Pat Nugent, Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan/Lismore District, Minister Mary Butler, Senator John Cummins, council officials, sponsors, judges, Waterford PPN Secretariat members, and representatives from the nominees and shortlisted. Waterford PPN is a network of over 700 community, voluntary, social inclusion, and environmental groups across Waterford City and County. The awards highlight the incredible dedication by these groups and volunteers, and it is the only platform that celebrates the amazing work within the community.

Awards were presented across seven group categories, with additional awards going to three individual volunteers and an overall award. The group recipients were Cappoquin Rowing Club, Inner City Residents Association, Top of the City Gardens, Francis Court Age Action, Access I.T., Surprise Surprise Dungarvan & West Waterford, and Tournore Court Residents Association.

The individual awards went to Richie Purcell (Age Friendly Volunteer of the Year), Billy Harty (Board/Committee Member of the Year), and Eilish Norris (Junior Volunteer of the Year).

Tournore Court Residents Association were selected from all the category winners to represent Waterford at the Pride of Place National Awards next year. 

Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan / Lismore District, Cllr. Pat Nugent, congratulated the finalists saying:

“The breath of community work in Waterford is astounding and each and every one of these groups and individuals contribute so much to our communities.  “From residents associations to youth coaching, and age action initiatives to committee volunteers, these community and voluntary networks have a profound, positive effect on the communities they operate within.”

It was a fantastic evening of celebration for the selfless contributions of Waterford’s community and voluntary sector.

See www.waterfordppn for all videos and photos of attendees on the night.

Last night (November 21^st) Waterford City and County Council was successful in the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards with a win in the Urban Revival category.

This award recognises initiatives that promote urbanism through improving and enhancing the lived experience in urban environments, with Waterford City and County Council’s efforts in Reviving Urban Living by reducing Property vacancy and dereliction announced as the category winner.

Over 715 dwellings have been revitalised through various initiatives, signifying substantial progress in addressing vacancy and dereliction in Waterford’s towns and villages. By taking on projects that were previously deemed unviable, Waterford City and County Council has delivered impactful solutions and infused vibrancy and vitality throughout the city and county.

Receiving the award, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “This award is testament to the hard work, foresight, and dedication of Waterford City and County Council, and particularly the Planning Department.”

“Waterford has been long regarded as the exemplar in its efforts to tackle vacancy and dereliction, and I am delighted to see that recognised on a national platform.”

Claire Hartley, Acting Director of Housing, Waterford City and County Council added, “Our project ‘Reviving Urban Living by reducing Property vacancy and dereliction’ is one that substantially promotes urbanism through improving and enhancing the lived experience in urban environments, through activating and encouraging reuse of vacant and derelict properties.”

An outstanding example of the efforts to enhance urban living include St. Joesph’s House.  In June last year, the Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien TD cut the ribbon on the age-friendly housing development at the landmark site on Manor Hill, saying, “Waterford City and County Council is leading the way in delivering new social and affordable homes, and in particular in tackling vacancy which to be frank is a scourge in many villages, towns, and cities across the country.”

The former convent has been transformed with 50 dwelling units located within the main building and 21 located in the various out-building clusters on the site, while the former chapel on the site has been repurposed as a community space for multiple uses by tenants.

Over €4.9 million was approved through the Repair and Lease Scheme, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.  The funding was provided under Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland.  The Repair and Lease Scheme has been pioneered in Waterford and is a significant driver in providing high quality affordable housing solutions and at the same time has significantly addressed and delivered the return to use of vacant buildings in Waterford.

Waterford City and County Council was also a finalist in the categories of Heritage & Built Environment for the Irish Wake Museum, and in the Municipal District Initiative category for the Connecting Communities Roadshow series.

Now in its 21st year, the Awards, reflect the dedication and innovation taking place at local government level, and showcase best practice in local government and recognise the skills, hard work, innovation and enthusiasm within local government that can often go unrecognised.

With seven group categories and three individual categories, thirty shortlisted groups and individuals are gearing up for the Waterford PPN Awards 2024 taking place in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan on Thursday, November 21^st.

Now in its 20^th year, the awards scheme is the only platform in Waterford to recognise and celebrate the commitment and vibrancy of the community and voluntary sector in Waterford and recognises the value of the voluntary contribution made by community and voluntary groups and volunteers.

Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan / Lismore District Cllr. Pat Nugent congratulated the finalists saying, “The breath of community work in Waterford is astounding and each and every one of these groups and individuals contribute so much to our communities.

“From residents associations to youth coaching, and age action initiatives to committee volunteers, these community and voluntary networks have a profound, positive effect on the communities they operate within.”

Alison de Paor, Waterford PPN added, “The PPN Awards are a wonderful opportunity for community and voluntary groups to get the recognition they so rightly deserve.

“The adjudicating panel had the unenviable task of shortlisting the finalists from 120 to 30.  It goes to show that Waterford is extremely fortunate to have so many voluntary and community groups, who every day go about their business to make their communities even better.”

This year’s awards are in collaboration with BHP Insurance, Cairde Credit Union & Waterford Credit Union, Community Safety Partnership, Expressway, Local Link Waterford, South East Energy Agency, Waterford City & County Council and Waterford Volunteer Centre.

The Awards were adjudicated by Cork City PPN, Cork County PPN, Laois PPN, Leitrim PPN, Roscommon PPN, Cork Volunteer Centre, Tipperary Volunteer Centre and Wexford Volunteer Centre.

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in The Park Hotel Dungarvan, Thursday, November 21^st.

Waterford PPN Awards categories and shortlisted finalists can be found at https://www.waterfordppn.ie/awards/awards-2024/