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Pride of Place Awards 2024

On Saturday, November 2nd, Monaghan’s Hillgrove Hotel will host the prestigious IPB Pride of Place Gala Awards Ceremony, marking the 22nd year of celebrating community and resilience across Ireland. Organised by Co-operation Ireland and proudly supported by IPB Insurance, the awards spotlight extraordinary efforts by local communities, councils, and organisations in promoting inclusivity, well-being, and positive change.

This year, Waterford has put forward Renew Enterprises, part of Treo Port Lairge CLG, competing in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category. Renew Enterprises has earned this nomination through its work in fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and personal growth within Waterford.

In their words, “Being nominated for the Pride of Place Awards is an incredible honour and testament to the resilience, dedication, and spirit of our team and the community we serve. At Renew, we believe in the power of inclusion, sustainability, and second chances, and this recognition amplifies our commitment to creating meaningful impact. We are deeply grateful to our supporters, partners, and participants who continue to make our work possible, and we look forward to celebrating this journey with them.”

The Pride of Place Awards is a reminder of the positive change happening across Ireland, with local heroes and organisations shaping more inclusive futures. We congratulate all nominees and look forward to seeing the stories and initiatives that make up the spirit of Pride of Place on the night.

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Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards Shortlist Announced

PPN Awards 2024

Waterford PPN are delighted to announce the 2024 Community & Voluntary Awards shortlist. Now in its 20th 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 that recognises the value of the voluntary contribution made by community and voluntary groups and volunteers. The standard this year was extremely high, and the adjudicator’s had a tough task on their hands trying to whittle down the 120 entries.

Thank you to our sponsors and adjudicators who have supported the awards this year, thank you for making the awards possible. Congratulations to all those shortlisted and additionally, a big thank you to everyone who participated and entered. Keep up the amazing work you do in and for your communities.

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 the gala ceremony that takes place in The Park Hotel Dungarvan, Thursday the 21st of November.

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Three Waterford projects feature as “Excellence in Local Government Awards” Shortlist Announced

Excellence in Local Government Awards

Chambers Ireland has revealed the shortlist for the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2024.

In its 21st year, the Awards feature a total of 98 Local Authority projects shortlisted across 15 categories, reflecting the dedication and innovation taking place at local government level, and one Local Authority will be awarded the overall award and named Local Authority of the Year 2024.  These awards showcase best practice in local government and recognise the skills, hard work, innovation and enthusiasm within local government that can often go unrecognised.

This year, a record number of 191 submissions were received from 27 Local Authorities, underscoring the importance of these awards in showcasing the exemplary service provided by Local Authorities to their communities.  This year, Waterford City & County Council has 3 projects on the shortlist.

  • “Connecting Communities” – A Healthy Communities Project
  • The Irish Wake Museum
  • Reviving urban living by reducing property vacancy & dereliction in Waterford

Commenting on the announcement of the shortlist, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, said,

“The Awards showcase the inventiveness and innovation that Local Authorities are delivering, which so often goes unnoticed. I would like to congratulate each of the shortlisted Local Authorities and acknowledge the excellent work being undertaken at local government level nationwide.”

The Excellence in Local Government Award winners will be announced at the 21st annual ceremony on 21st November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Northwood, Santry.

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LEO announces Glas Award winners!

Local Enterprise Office, Waterford celebrates this year’s Glas Award winners, DHB Architects and Clem Jacob Hire

The awards, in association with Waterford City and County Council recognise and celebrate the micro businesses in County Waterford who have made significant advances in bringing green principles into their business models. None more so than DHB Architects and Clem Jacob Hire.

The Green Micro Enterprise of the Year, open to all with employees of 10 or less was won by DHB Architects, who impressed the judges with, “The conscientious way in which the business not only prioritises sustainable practices in its own company, but also in the work it does for its clients.”

The Green SME of the Year, open to those between 11 and 50 employees was won by Clem Jacob Hire. The judges were extremely impressed with the quality of entries, saying, “The standard of entries this year is only matched by the innovation they all brought to their sustainable practices. These companies are an inspirations to businesses in Waterford and beyond.”

DHB Architects has refurbished and continuing to invest in its existing ‘protected structured building’ for use as its offices in Waterford City centre thus supporting sustainable town centre first policies. The heating system in the building does not use fossil fuels, lights are all LED and the business uses two fully electric cars for office use to bring staff to sites that are not accessible by public transport. The company recently won national awards for work in sustainable regeneration of buildings and town centres.

Clem Jacob Hire’s entire fleet of machines are now running on HVO fuel (Hydro treated vegetable oil ) instead of diesel. Where possible a big part of its hire fleet is now hybrid, thus runs on battery & HVO. The company has a bank of solar panels planned for its workshop which will produce power for charging the hybrid machines. All company cars are now electric & will be charged by power produced with solar panels. It even collects rain water for power washing its machines.

Waterford City and County Mayor Cllr. Jason Murphy spoke at the event and presented the trophies, saying, “These businesses are all leaders in their sector. Even getting shortlisted for these awards is a fantastic recognition for them and a reflection on how farsighted they are.

“I’m sure it’s this awareness that drives them to invest in sustainable policies within their business. Waterford City and County Council understands this and that is why it has focused so much on environmental policies over the past number of years and will continue to do so in the future.”

Clem Jacob was thrilled to win, “Our green and sustainable practices are more than just window dressing. They are integral to every part of our business. It’s more than just the ‘right thing to do’, the policies we’ve implemented and changes we’ve made to the running of the business really save money, in the short term as well as the long term. Getting an award for these practices is a wonderful endorsement of everything we do.”

Each winner received a cash prize of €2,500 and a Glas trophy, designed and created by Brendan O’Donnell. The awards have been solely made from reclaimed and recycled materials. Solid oak is from cabinet drawers, while the plastic is a mix of milk bottles, lids from drinks containers from a cafe and hygiene product drums from a dairy farm.

Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Gareth Evans was delighted with the quality of entries for the awards, “Looking at the shortlist for this year’s awards we have such an impressive and diverse collection of businesses in Waterford, from the arts and design to products, plant and spirits. It’s a true reflection of how dynamic the Waterford business offering is.

“The Local Enterprise Office created these awards to promote sustainability in business in Waterford. They also promote what the LEO is offering businesses, showcase what is currently happening in the county, rewards those who are investing in their own and everyone’s future and most importantly they encourage others to do likewise.

“The LEO wants to show other businesses that investment in this area is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing too, for every business. Every finalist today will tell you that they have reaped the benefits of their investment, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg. We want these awards to grow and have more and more entries every year.”

For further information on the Glas and other Local Enterprise Office Awards, follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie 

REMINDER: Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards : Closing Soon

Speaking at the launch of the 20th Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards, Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy acknowledged the work of the PPN saying

“These awards were introduced 20 years ago, and I am delighted to be here today as these awards recognise and celebrate community organisations and volunteers who work so tirelessly in our communities; their outstanding contributions make their communities a great place to live, work, play and visit”.

The awards scheme is the only platform in Waterford to recognise and celebrate the commitment and vibrancy of the community and voluntary sector and recognise the value of the voluntary contribution made by community and voluntary groups and volunteers of all ages.

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

Frank Nolan Secretariat member from the Waterford PPN thanked all the sponsors saying “this the 20th year of the awards, I thank sincerely the organisations that have come on board this year to give honour to individuals and groups that contribute so much on a voluntary basis to the communities across County Waterford”

The award winners will be announced and presented at the gala dinner ceremony on Thursday 21st November in The Park, Hotel, Dungarvan. Representatives from nominated groups/volunteers will be invited to attend the ceremony.

Group Categories

  • Children & Youth – Sponsored by Expressway
  • Community Safety – Sponsored by Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership
  • Environment & Conservation – Sponsored by South East Energy Agency
  • Health & Wellbeing Sponsored by BHP Insurance
  • Spick & Span/Best Kept Residential – Sponsored by Waterford City & County Council
  • Social Enterprise – Sponsored by Cairde Credit Union & Waterford Credit Union
  • Social Inclusion & Community Support – Sponsored by Local Link Waterford

Winners of the above awards will receive €700 per category and there will be 2 runner prizes of €300 per category.

Individual Volunteer of the Year Awards – Sponsored by Waterford Volunteer Centre

  • Junior Volunteer of the Year
  • Age Friendly Volunteer of the year
  • Board/Committee Member of the year

The winner will receive a crystal award and a certificate of achievement.

Pride of Place National Award – Sponsored by Waterford City & County Council

The winning group (Chosen from the winners of the 7 category awards) will be put forward by Waterford City & County Council to represent Waterford in next year’s national Pride of Place awards.

Closing Date

Closing date for receipt of nominations is WEDNESDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 2024

For further information, Terms & Conditions and nomination forms please visit www.waterfordppn.ie call 058 21308 or email waterfordppn@gmail.com

So, go ahead and get nominating your local community group/club/organisation and volunteer champions.

Waterford City and County Council shortlisted for three Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards

Waterford City and County Council has been shortlisted in three categories of the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2024.

The awards are held in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and showcase best practice in local government and recognise the skills, vision and innovation within local government.

The Irish Wake Museum has been shortlisted in the Heritage & Built Environment category. This category celebrates best in class by a Local Authority to promote public interest in, and knowledge, appreciation and protection of local heritage sites.

Following extensive conservation of dwellings 3, 4 and 5 Cathedral Square which were originally built as almshouses in 1478, the Irish Wake Museum is now housed in the heart of the Viking Triangle.  The award-winning museum explores the theme of death and the customs and superstitions that surround the traditional Irish wake.

The conservation and exposure of many historical elements of the building such as the 15th century oak frame walls, original open fireplace, 18th century plasterwork with hand painted stencilling decoration and 19th century plasterwork which features soft animal hair in the mortar gives visitors the opportunity to see how this historic building has evolved over time.

In the Urban Revival category Waterford City and County Council’s efforts in Reviving Urban Living by reducing Property vacancy and Dereliction has been shortlisted. This award recognises initiatives that promote urbanism through improving and enhancing the lived experience in urban environments.

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.

The Connecting Communities Roadshow is shortlisted in the Municipal District Initiative category. This award recognises the impact of initiatives that maximise the contribution of the municipal district members to local authority effectiveness, particularly in terms of governance, local representation, conduct of council business, community engagement, and economic, social and local development generally.

Waterford City and County Council hosted a series of Connecting Communities Roadshows throughout the city and county, giving local communities the opportunity to engage with the Local Authority and its associated partners. These popular roadshows also provided insight and guidance about setting up community groups, sourcing funding for developing community initiatives and how to build a stronger, inclusive, and vibrant place to live.

The initiative was spearheaded by Waterford City and County Council’s Healthy Waterford branch and Waterford PPN, in collaboration with various departments within Waterford City and County Council and external stakeholder groups.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy commended the shortlisted projects saying, “I am delighted to see that Waterford City and County Council has been shortlisted in three categories of the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards. The shortlisted projects highlight the vision, dedication and commitment of the Council, its staff, external stakeholders and community groups in truly making Waterford the best place to live, work, visit and invest in.”

The 2024 Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, sponsored by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage take place in Dublin on November 21st.

Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards : Nominations Open

Speaking at the launch of the 20th Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards, Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy acknowledged the work of the PPN saying

“These awards were introduced 20 years ago, and I am delighted to be here today as these awards recognise and celebrate community organisations and volunteers who work so tirelessly in our communities; their outstanding contributions make their communities a great place to live, work, play and visit”.

The awards scheme is the only platform in Waterford to recognise and celebrate the commitment and vibrancy of the community and voluntary sector and recognise the value of the voluntary contribution made by community and voluntary groups and volunteers of all ages.

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

Frank Nolan Secretariat member from the Waterford PPN thanked all the sponsors saying “this the 20th year of the awards, I thank sincerely the organisations that have come on board this year to give honour to individuals and groups that contribute so much on a voluntary basis to the communities across County Waterford”

The award winners will be announced and presented at the gala dinner ceremony on Thursday 21st November in The Park, Hotel, Dungarvan. Representatives from nominated groups/volunteers will be invited to attend the ceremony.

Group Categories

  • Children & Youth – Sponsored by Expressway
  • Community Safety – Sponsored by Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership
  • Environment & Conservation – Sponsored by South East Energy Agency
  • Health & Wellbeing Sponsored by BHP Insurance
  • Spick & Span/Best Kept Residential – Sponsored by Waterford City & County Council
  • Social Enterprise – Sponsored by Cairde Credit Union & Waterford Credit Union
  • Social Inclusion & Community Support – Sponsored by Local Link Waterford

Winners of the above awards will receive €700 per category and there will be 2 runner prizes of €300 per category.

Individual Volunteer of the Year Awards – Sponsored by Waterford Volunteer Centre

  • Junior Volunteer of the Year
  • Age Friendly Volunteer of the year
  • Board/Committee Member of the year

The winner will receive a crystal award and a certificate of achievement.

Pride of Place National Award – Sponsored by Waterford City & County Council

The winning group (Chosen from the winners of the 7 category awards) will be put forward by Waterford City & County Council to represent Waterford in next year’s national Pride of Place awards.

Closing Date

Closing date for receipt of nominations is WEDNESDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 2024

For further information, Terms & Conditions and nomination forms please visit www.waterfordppn.ie call 058 21308 or email waterfordppn@gmail.com

So, go ahead and get nominating your local community group/club/organisation and volunteer champions.

Glas Awards Launched!

Glas Awards 2024

Local Enterprise Office, Waterford launches the 2nd Glas Awards, promoting sustainability in business in Waterford.

The awards, in association with Waterford City and County Council aim to recognise and celebrate micro businesses in County Waterford who have made significant advances in bringing green principles into their business model.

Launched by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Gareth Evans and Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, Gráinne Kennedy, these awards will showcase what Waterford business is doing to adopt sustainability policies, in a practical sense.

The awards are open to small and medium sized businesses based in Waterford County. The Green Micro Enterprise of the Year is open to all with employees of 10 or less, while the Green SME of the Year is open to those between 11 and 50 employees.

The Mayor sees this as another step towards Waterford’s green targets, “Waterford City and County Council adopted its Climate Action Plan in February 2024. The plan sets out how the Council will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations and in the services that we provide to the people of Waterford. Climate will be a consideration in all Council projects going forward from looking at energy efficiency to reducing waste. Every aspect of the community has a role to play, and these awards will highlight and reward the businesses who have started to play their part.”

Each winner will receive a cash prize of €2,500 and a themed trophy.

Gareth Evans is looking forward to seeing what work has been completed in the last 12 months, “We were thrilled with the level of entries in the first year of these awards. I am sure this year we will see even more entries. The quality of projects last year was really good, so this year’s applicants have a lot to live up to, but we know it will be very competitive and even better this year.

“Companies across Waterford County continue to make an extraordinary contribution and commitment towards growing a greener future. I really hope that these awards will demonstrate to all companies what can be done to improve sustainability for all businesses in Waterford and challenge each one of us to continue on our green journey to not only benefit future generations, but to improve our businesses now and participate fully in the green economy.”

Gráinne Kennedy is optimistic for the future, “Waterford business is taking on the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their operations, to make Waterford a sustainable place to work and do business. The Glas Awards is a great opportunity to showcase all that these businesses are doing”

The entry portal https://bit.ly/GlasAwards is now open on Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office website and remains so until 6th September 2024. The Glas Awards Final which will be held in Grow HQ, Waterford City on 1st October 2024.

For further information follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie

ENDS

 

Photo by Patrick Browne:  Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Gareth Evans and Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, Gráinne Kennedy.

Waterford Council achieves NTA’s Smarter Travel Mark certification

Waterford City and County Council recently achieved the Transport for Ireland (TFI) ‘Smarter Travel Mark’ bronze certification.

The Smarter Travel Mark recognises a commitment to sustainable travel initiatives.  The programme works with large employers and campuses to implement workplace travel plans, including a package of measures to encourage people to walk, cycle, use public transport, or reduce trips. The benefits of these initiatives include reduced emissions, better health and wellbeing for staff members, a more active lifestyle, and a cleaner environment.

Working towards the award as a Local Authority comes with its own unique challenges and rewards, and Waterford City and County Council is proud to be one of only a small number of Local Authorities in the country to have achieved this mark of recognition.

Cian Gill, Climate Action Officer with Waterford City and County Council said,

“We’re pleased to recognise the work done by individuals across multiple departments making sustainable travel more practical for staff members.  This includes all who helped with the travel survey data, departments making electric bicycles available for use, creating spaces for bicycles to be safely stored, and providing showers for use by active travellers.  We’d also like to thank the staff who maintain and promote the Cycle to Work scheme and the Tax Saver Tickets, and give special mention to all who made the wonderful range of Bike Week events possible, as well as the City Cycling events for staff.”

Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Adam Wyse added,

“I’d like to acknowledge the numerous Local Authority staff who have actively engaged with the various active travel programmes run by the Climate Action team over the last year and made great strides in highlighting the possibilities of behavioural change.  Everyone involved got into the spirit wholeheartedly and their contributions have played a massive part in Waterford City and County Council achieving this accreditation.

We have more miles to travel to achieve the silver standard, but I’m confident that with the guidance, advice, encouragement and more great initiatives from the Climate Action team that goal will be reached.”

ENDS

Free to use image – Patrick Browne
Photograph 1: (left to right at back, Lauren Walsh-Kett, Active Cities Officer, Barbera Stosic, Active Travel, Kieran Norris, NTA, Jemma Jacob, Road Safety Officer, left to right at front, Deputy Major Adam Wyse, Cian Gill, Climate Action Officer)

WAM Leader Awards 2024

On Tuesday last, 25th June, 2024, at the WAM Leader Awards at the House of Lords, Bank of Ireland, Dublin, Waterford City & County Council was presented with a WAM Leader Award for 2024 for Promoting the Employment of Graduates with Disabilities.

AHEAD works with and for disabled people to shape inclusive and empowering environments in tertiary education and employment.  Waterford City & County Council have successfully partnered with AHEAD and recruited WAM Graduates over the last three years.

Left to right;  Caroline McGrotty, AHEAD, Sinead McCann, H.R., Monaghan County Council, Jane Brophy, LGMA, Suzanne Gough, H.R., Waterford City & County Council, Deirdre Moore, AHEAD, Philip Carroll, WAM Project Officer, AHEAD.

GIY Ireland wins the 2024 Waterford Digital Awards

GIY wins LEO Award

Waterford Local Enterprise Office, together with Waterford City & County Council are pleased to announce GIY Ireland as their 2024 Waterford Digital Awards Overall Winner.

The ceremony, which took place at Dooley’s Hotel on Friday 7th June, aimed to recognise and reward SMEs based in County Waterford who have developed their ecommerce and digital platforms as part of their product offering. The awards were open to all businesses with less than 50 full time employees based in County Waterford.

GIY Ireland, the overall winner, empowers individuals globally to lead healthier and more sustainable lives by growing some of their own food. Its goal is to inspire over 100 million people by 2030, to engage in food growing at home, school, work, and within their community. Its aim is to foster a global community of food growers to contribute to a sustainable food system.

Michael Kelly, founder, was obviously delighted to win the award, “Delivering educational content via our digital channels is a critical activity to drive people towards new behaviours around food, particularly encouraging them to grow some of their own food. We’re so proud that these efforts have been rewarded today. We’d like to thank the team at the LEO for all its help over the years.”

The winners of each award category were:

  1. Best Business to Business Website

Street Art Ink

  1. Best Business to Customer Website

Irina Duane Photography

  1. Best E Commerce Website

Wrapped in Kindness

  1. Best Export Website

Klearcom

  1. Best in social media

GIY Ireland

The winner of each category received €1,000 towards technical advice, photography, videography and marketing. The overall winner received €2,500 in cash.

Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Waterford was delighted with the quality and standard of entries, “This is our 3rd Digital Awards and my first. Having spoken to the judges during the process, they were extremely impressed with the quality and quantity of entries. Being home to the oldest City in Ireland, Waterford has been and is an innovative county having to adapt many times. It’s great to see that innovative spirit continue with another fresh group of entries and winners, demonstrating the amazing talent we have, and what a great place Waterford is for new ideas.

“The training and Trading Online Vouchers enable our clients to transition to a model of digital sales and added promotional platforms. These developments reaped financial rewards for many, not to mention ensuring an income stream and growth over the years. The awards are just icing on the cake, and an opportunity to give them some public acclaim.”

For further information follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie

Waterford Digital Story Trail shortlisted in two categories of .ie Digital Town Awards

A digital story trail featuring augmented reality which offers tourists an engaging way to discover Waterford’s rich and fascinating history via their smartphone has been shortlisted in the Digital Tourism and Digital Changemaker categories of the .ie Digital Town Awards 2024

The .ie Digital Town Awards recognise and reward projects with a digital element created by town groups, individuals and local communities.

In February of last year, Waterford City and County Council in partnership with Imvizar, and with Fáilte Ireland funding under the Destination Towns Initiative, launched Waterford’s first Digital Story Trail (DST), which explores the history, culture, and heritage of 15 different locations across the city centre, including Reginald’s Tower, Waterford Crystal, the Watchtower and Arundel Square.

Through the use of augmented reality smartphone technology, visitors and locals can experience Waterford’s past by watching digital animations of characters and architecture appear as if they are in the physical world right in front of them. The trail can be accessed for free by scanning one of the numerous QR codes on signs located throughout the city trail or by visiting visitwaterford.com/digitalstorytrail/

This innovative experience seamlessly combines audio, augmented reality, and a simple-to-use web interface which allows visitors to interact with Waterford City’s rich past. Using a mobile device, visitors are transported to 15 key locations where they can listen to tales from historical figures and witness AR recreations of pivotal moments.

In addition to meeting life-like characters from Waterford’s past, scanning the QR code also provides an audio tale from an historical figure, coupled with interesting facts and a timeline of events. Spanning over a thousand years of Waterford’s history, tourists can listen as Reginald, a Viking King and warlord from the 10th century, as he describes his quest to launch raids all over Ireland and watch as Thomas Francis Meagher, Leader of the Young Irelanders in the 1848 Rebellion, raises the first Irish tricolour.

Waterford’s history of master craft making is also recognised.  Rachel Penrose, the wife of one of the founders of Waterford Crystal, William Penrose, appears in a recreation of an 18th century glass-blowing scene. Trail users can also meet Anastasia Fleming, a silversmith from the late 1700s, and see a reimagined façade of her silversmith shop.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway commended the initiative saying it truly brings Waterford’s history to life in a fun, engaging and fascinating way.  “With over 1,000 years of history to explore the Digital Story Trail takes the user on an intriguing journey, in which they can meet the characters that shaped Ireland’s Oldest City.”

Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “The Waterford Digital Story Trail was identified as an ideal way to introduce visitors to the varied stories and characters of Waterford. It provides visitors with free entertainment at any time of the day, taking about one and a half hours to complete.  Users can stop and start at any point, and it purposefully leads people past attractions, shops and café’s to encourage people to dwell longer in the destination.”

The DST has exceeded expectations attracting over 25,000 visitors and boosting the city’s tourism, particularly from international guests. In its first year 75% of users were from Ireland but through promotion international users increased to 43% in 2023 with US, UK, Germany, France and Spain being the top users. Beyond enhancing tourism, the trail has deepened the community’s connection to its heritage, making history more accessible and engaging through innovative technology.

The project’s success has not gone unnoticed. It was featured in the New York Times “52 places to go” list in 2024 and praised on RTE’s Nationwide for its exemplary approach to digital heritage storytelling.

This year’s shortlisted finalists cover the full spectrum of idea development and readiness, with the gala awards ceremony taking place in Athlone on May 24th.

-ends-

Image – Free to use Patrick Browne

Anastasia Fleming, an 18th Century silversmith, and Odin Lord of Valhalla with then Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary the launch of the Waterford Digital Story Trail in February 2023.

Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2024

Molly KeaneSince 1998, the Arts Office has been running this national annual Creative Writing Award to celebrate the rich literary life of the late Molly Keane.  Molly lived in Ardmore, Co. Waterford until she died in 1996. She started writing at a young age to ‘supplement her dress allowance’. Her first ten novels and four plays were published under the pseudonym M.J. Farrell. She married into the Keane family of West Waterford but sadly her husband died at the age of 36.

Molly ceased writing until 1981 when ‘Good Behaviour’ was published under her real name.  It became a publishing sensation and was well received as a masterpiece of black comedy for which she was short-listed for the prestigious Booker Prize in 1981.

The Arts Office, Waterford City & County Council by kind permission of the Keane family is now inviting entries for a previously unpublished short story for this years’ award.

The closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 14th June 2024 at 12 noon.

There is a cash prize of €250 plus a writing course under the auspices of the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore to the value of €300 for the winner and there is no entry fee.

Full guidelines and the online submission details are now live on the Waterford Submit platform see: https://submit.link/2CB