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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Poetry Prize 2018 – now open for submissions

The Arts Office, Waterford City & County Council is pleased to
announce details of the Waterford Poetry Prize 2018. The
Waterford Poetry Prize is open to all writers currently living on the island of Ireland.

The prize will be presented at the Waterford Writers Weekend,
26th to 28th October 2018 during the Imagine Arts Festival in
Waterford city.

There is no age limit and no entry fee for the Waterford Poetry
Prize 2018.

The first prize is €400 plus attendance at a designated writing
course at the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore in 2019. 2nd
prize €300. 3rd prize €200. The closing date for receipt of entries
is 4pm on Friday 10th August 2018.

The entry form and guidelines can be downloaded below and www.waterfordarts.com or by contacting the Arts Office on 058/41416.

By Waterford City & County Council

Winner of Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2018 announced

Waterford City & County Council’s Arts Office is pleased to announce that the winner of the national Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2018 is Anne O’Leary from Glanmire, Co. Cork with a story titled ‘Fortune’.

Anne has previously won the From the Well Short Story Competition 2017 and was runner-up in the UCC/Carried In Waves Short Story Competition 2015.

She was shortlisted for the Colm Tóibín International Short Story Award 2016 and highly commended in 2017. She was long listed for the Irish Novel Fair 2016 and RTÉ Guide/Penguin Ireland Short Story Competition 2015. Her work has been published in The Nottingham Review, Halo Literary Journal, Spontaneity, The Incubator and The Sunday People newspaper. Last year, she was awarded a mentorship bursary by the Munster Literature Centre to work on a novel project with 2017 Frank O’Connor Fellow, Marie-Helene Bertino.

‘Fortune’ is the twenty first winner of the Molly Keane Creative Writing Award run by Waterford City & County Council’s Arts Office with support from the Arts Council and by kind permission of the Keane family. Anne read her winning story at a presentation ceremony during the IMMRAMA Festival, Lismore (16/6/2018) and was presented with prize money of €500 and a commemorative certificate.

Margaret Organ, Arts Officer thanked all the entrants and the judges for their efforts. She made particular reference to judges Mona and Des Manahan who retired this year from the panel after sterling years of work.

The results of bursary support for Waterford writers to attend a three-day writing course at the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore were also announced as being awarded to Fergus Hogan, Waterford City, Siobhán Twomey, Lismore, Sandra Clarke, Dungarvan and Paul Edmondson/Waterford city.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Blue Flag and Green Coast Beach Awards 2018

Press Release

At a recent An Taisce awards ceremony, County Waterford’s beaches were awarded with 5 Blue Flag awards and 6 Green Coast awards for 2018.  These awards are only made to bathing areas with excellent water quality and beach management.

Clonea Beach, Dunmore East Main Strand, Dunmore Councillors Strand, Tramore and Ardmore were confirmed Blue Flag status.  Of particular satisfaction is the award of the Blue Flag to Ardmore after a gap of 21 years, following the recent commissioning of a new wastewater treatment plant for the village.

Green Coast awards were achieved for beaches at Guillamene, Newtown Cove, Ballyquin, Curragh, Goat Island, and Annestown.

County Waterford is renowned for its 100 km long stunning coastline.  For those wishing to walk, jog, swim, explore rock-pools, surf, scuba dive, fish, kite surf, observe wildlife or just relax, there is a place for you!  As part of its efforts to enhance this natural tourism attraction and provide amenities to the public and ensure good water quality, Waterford City & County Council is committed to ongoing management and stringent monitoring of the many bathing water areas dotted along the coast.  Lifeguards are provided at Dunmore, Tramore, Bunmahon, Clonea and Ardmore.

Waterford City and County Council collaborate with many bodies to manage the bathing areas, including the HSE, Irish Water, the EPA and Irish Water Safety.  Special credit must be paid to the Tidy Towns and Coastcare groups which, through their commitment to voluntary and community activities, play an essential role in caring for local bathing areas.

Keep an eye out at beach notice boards for water test results and other beach information and advice.  Results and information are also posted on the council’s website www.waterfordcouncil.ie and on the EPA’s website www.beaches.ie

Members of the public and interest groups are encouraged to provide suggestions on beach and coastal management in the county. Anyone interested should send their suggestions by email to bathing@waterfordcouncil.ie.  Remember, when you visit a beach, stay safe and leave no trace!

Let’s get out there and enjoy our beautiful coast!

 

ENDS

 

For Press Queries please contact

Claire Hartley     Administrative Officer, Communications and Customer Services

Clár Ní hArtgaile Oifegeach Cumarsáide & Seirbhísí Custaiméara,

Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge, Hall na Cathrach, An Meal, Port Láirge,

Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford. X91 PK15

|T 0761 102549|M 087 2905194| Email  chartley@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta bronnta ag Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge

Tá áthas ar Oifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge a fhógairt go bhfuil páirt-scoláireachtaí le bronnadh ar bheirt mhacléinn chun freastal ar chúrsa samhraidh Gaeilge i gColáiste na Rinne, Rinn Ó gCuanach an samhraidh seo.

Léiríodh suim mhór sa Scoláireacht a fógraíodh an mhí seo caite agus ba mhaith leis an Oifigeach Gaeilge, Máire Seó Breathnach buíochas a ghabháil le gach éinne a chur isteach ar an Scoláireacht. Bhí caighdeán ard iarratais agus dá bharr san, beartaíodh dhá pháirt-scoláireacht a bhronnadh ar bheirt chailín – Saoirse Ní Chaoimh ón bPasáiste agus Megan Ní Ghrádaigh ó Bhaile Mhac Cairbre. Comhghairdeachas leis an mbeirt úd agus tá súil againn go n-éireoidh go breá leo sa Choláiste agus lena gcuid staidéar amach anseo.

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The Irish Office, Waterford City & County Council is delighted to announce that two part-scholarships are to be presented to two students to attend a summer course in Coláiste na Rinne, An Rinn this summer.

The Irish Officer, Máire Seó Breathnach would like to thank all of those who applied for the Scholarship, which was announced last month. The standard of applications was high and it was therefore decided to present two part-scholarships to the following students: Saoirse Ní Chaoimh from Passage East and Megan Ní Ghrádaigh from Ballymacarbry. Congratulations to the lucky recipients and we wish them all the best, both for the Summer Course in An Rinn and for their future studies. Comhghairdeachas libh beirt.

Tuilleadh eolais/Further information: Máire Seosaimhín Breathnach, Oifigeach Gaeilge
Teil: 0761 10 2884 or e-mail: msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Arts and Summer School bursaries awarded

Waterford City & County Council’s Arts Office has announced details of the successful recipients for various artistic summer schools 2018.

In receipt of bursary assistance for the Drama League of Ireland Summer School at the University of Limerick are:

  • David Mansfield, Aisteorí an tSean Phobail
  • Pat Power, Dungarvan Dramatic Club

The recipients of assistance towards attending the Irish Youth Choir Summer programme
are:

  • Irinel Lineen, Kilmacthomas
  • Pax O Faoláin, An Rinn
  • Sarah Keane, Abbeyside, Dungarvan
  • Brian Hughes, Ballinacourty

Bursary support for the Irish Youth Orchestra of Ireland Summer School is awarded to:

  • Lucy Kirby, Newtown, Waterford City
  • Conor Power, Waterford City
  • Fódhla Dunne, Tramore

In addition the recipients of bursaries to attend the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, the artist’s
workplace at Annaghmakerrig, Co. Monaghan during 2018 have been awarded as follows:

  • Two week residency to: David Power/Musician/Cul na Smear and Petra
    Kindler/Theatre, Waterford city
  • One Week residencies to Christine O’ Brien/Visual Artist, Waterford city
  • Mary Tritschler/Visual artist, Dunmore East
  • Rachel Smith/Visual artist, Tramore
  • Ciara Gormley/Visual Artist, Modeligo

The Arts Office acknowledges the Arts Council’s support to the arts in Waterford.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Arts Bursaries now Open for Applications

The Arts Office of Waterford City & County Council has announced that applications are currently open to attend The Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig, the artists’ workplace in County Monaghan during 2018.

Artists can avail of residential stays during 2018 to work on specific artistic projects. The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 8th May 2018. Full details and the application form is available from www.waterfordarts.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Greenway scoops two awards in All Ireland Community and Council Tourism Awards

Waterford’s stunning Greenway has been crowned Ireland’s ‘Best Tourism Initiative’ in the LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) All-Ireland Community and Council Tourism Awards 2018 competition.

But, above and beyond that, it also won the overall best national award – the “Grand Prix Award for 2018” which is a one-off special commendation for outstanding excellence.

It’s a spectacular double coup as the 46km off-road cycling and walking trail edges towards its very 1st birthday celebrations on March 25th.

Paying tribute after the awards to the staff who built, maintain and promote the Greenway and the communities who have embraced it and made so many visitors feel welcome, Council CEO Michael Walsh said: “We strive for our county and our communities to be self-sufficient, to provide local employment, to enhance our local natural resources for the County’s economic, social and cultural benefit and also for the benefit of future generations. We’ve developed the Greenway and they have come – in their droves.”

Photographer – Paul Sherwood paul@sherwood.ie 087 230 9096
2018 All Ireland Community & Council Awards presented by IPB Insurance and LAMA (Local Authority Members Association), Croke Park Stadium. February 2018
Pictured Team of Waterford Greenway, Waterford County Council, winner of Grand Prix Award and the ‘Best Tourism Initiative’ award, Cllr Pat Nugent of Waterford County Council with ,George Jones, Chairman of IPB Insurance and Mags Murray, Chairperson of LAMA Executive at the 2018 All Ireland Community & Council Awards presented, by IPB Insurance and LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) in Croke Park Stadium on Saturday 3rd February. The event, now in its 12th year, celebrates collaborations between councils and communities, bringing national recognition to local projects and initiatives.

“The Waterford Greenway has transformed this county. There is no doubt about that. The economic benefits are evident everywhere you go. Coffee shops, hotels and other accommodation providers, bars, shops, restaurants, bike hire companies and more all reporting a boom in trade.

“But the real winners are the people of Waterford who have been such great Greenway ambassadors as well as the families, the groups, the individuals who use our Greenway again and again and who are reaping the health and wellbeing benefits. That will be its true legacy, I believe.”

Figures released in early December show that since it opened in March 2017,  247,545 have enjoyed using the Waterford Greenway. Of these, 105,639 were on foot and 141,906 have cycled it. Well over 9 out of 10 (94%) of visitors to the Waterford Greenway  www.visitwaterfordgreenway.com rated it as either excellent or good.

The Waterford Greenway is Ireland’s longest greenway and the spectacular, 46km off-road cycling and walking trail stretches from the Viking City of Waterford to the picturesque coastal town of Dungarvan.

Visitors are invited to travel along Waterford  Greenway in Ireland’s Ancient East from the City along the River Suir, by Mount Congreve Gardens, through Kilmacthomas, across eleven bridges, over three impressive viaducts and through a 400m long tunnel; with wonderful views of the Comeragh Mountains, the Copper Coast and Dungarvan Bay.

By Waterford City & County Council

Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2018 now accepting entries

Waterford City & County Council’s Arts Office is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting entries for the Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2018.

The late writer lived, until her death in 1996, in Ardmore, Co. Waterford.  Her first ten novels and four plays were published under the pseudonym M.J. Farrell.  In 1981 ‘Good Behaviour’ became a publishing sensation for which she was short listed for the prestigious Booker Prize.

Annually since 1998, to celebrate this rich literary life, the Waterford Arts Office, by kind permission of the Keane family has invited entries for a previously unpublished short story to a maximum of 2000 words.  There is no entry fee, no age limit and no restriction on the subject matter.  A prize of €500 will be awarded to the winner at a special ceremony during the IMMRAMA Literary Festival in Lismore, Co. Waterford in June 2018.

The closing date for receipt of entries is Thursday 15th March 2018 at 12 noon.

Full details and an entry form can be found below or by contacting the Arts Office on 058-41416.

By Waterford City & County Council

Portlaw features as 2017 IPB Pride of Place Winners Announced

Portlaw takes runners up spot in category three, Population Category 1000 – 2000

Co-operation Ireland/Irish Public Bodies Pride of Place Awards Ceremony 2017
Representatives from Portlaw, Co. Waterford, receive their award. Included are Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland; Tom Dowling, Chairperson, Pride of Place, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Gerry McMonagle and ; Michael Garvey, CEO IPB Insurance.
Photo Lorcan Doherty

The winners of the IPB Pride of Place Awards in association with Co-operation Ireland were announced last night at a gala awards ceremony in Letterkenny. The awards acknowledge the achievements and the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

The Portlaw Task Force, Co Waterford took the runner up award in Category three, which is for villages with a population of between 1000 and 2000 people.

During the ceremony 49 awards were announced in the main competition, the cities competition and special awards, ranging from groups supporting small rural communities to those involved in large inner city housing estates. Donegal County Council hosted the evening and celebrated Irish musicians Donal Lunney and Paddy Glackin entertained the audience before the winners were announced. RTE presenter Aengus MacGrianna was MC for the ceremony, which was attended by over 800 people.

Sponsored by IPB, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 15 years ago through a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development. It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

The winners were presented with their awards by Minister Joe McHugh TD, Government Chief Whip & Minister of State for Gaeilge, An Ghaeltacht and the Islands, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Gerry McMonagle,  Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland,  Michael McGreal, Vice Chair IPB Insurance and Tom Dowling, Chairperson, Pride of Place Committee.

Tom Dowling, Chairperson of IPB Pride of Place Competition said

“This unique competition is about showing respect and inclusion for every sector in our communities, young, old, rich or poor and creating communities to which the people are proud to say they belong”. He added that he was delighted that this year’s gala ceremony was held in Donegal.

Peter Sheridan, Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland said

“The Pride of Place Awards ceremony is an ideal opportunity for organisations to come together and learn from each other. This will be important as we prepare for the inevitable changes Brexit will bring to the island of Ireland. This evening, we have witnessed some of the finest examples of people working together to create a positive future and we all must continue to build on this so Irish society as a whole can benefit. I congratulate everyone who was nominated but I extend special congratulations to those groups who were triumphant this evening”.

Michael Garvey, Chief Executive Officer of title sponsor IPB Insurance, reaffirmed his company’s support for the competition, he said

“The IPB Pride of Place awards is an ideal platform to recognise the positive social impacts being made in communities across the island of Ireland. I would like to take this opportunity to commend all the communities involved for their spirit of collaboration and camaraderie in making it to the finals. It is also important to recognise the role of local authorities across the island of Ireland who work closely with their communities to support inspiring voluntary initiatives. These awards serve as one of the important ways that we can recognise those involved in working to make a difference in society”.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Gerry McMonagle said “I am delighted that Donegal has been chosen to host of this prestigious awards ceremony and that we welcomed over 800 people to celebrate and recognise the wonderful contribution that community groups make to life in their own local areas all across the island of Ireland.  This has been a great opportunity to showcase what Donegal has to offer and I hope all our visitors have had a wonderful experience and that they bring home with them fond memories of their trip to Donegal”.

By Waterford City & County Council

Co. Waterford Winner of the “Irish Poem of the Year”

Co. Waterford Winner of the “Irish Poem of the Year” in The Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards.

Dungarvan’s Clodagh Beresford Dunne has won the Irish Poem of the Year for her work “Seven Sugar Cubes” which appeared in the The Irish Times last April.

Clodagh has been the recipient of a number of literature awards and bursaries from  Waterford City and County Council  Arts Office and ArtLinks. The Arts Office would like to thank everyone who responded to their call to vote for Clodagh’s poem.  Comhghairdeas Clodagh, a worthy winner.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Greenway project wins award at Chambers Ireland “Excellence in Local Government” Awards 2017

(Left to right) Aidan O’Reilly, Principal Officer, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Paul Daly, Senior Engineer, Waterford Council, Paul Keeley, Director of Business Development at Fáilte Ireland, Cllr. Joe Conway, Waterford (Deputy Mayor), Ian Talbot, Chief Executive Chambers Ireland.

Waterford City and County Council fights off stiff competition to win  the “Supporting Tourism Category” for the Waterford Greenway,
at Chambers Ireland, Excellence in Local Government Awards 2017

Waterford City and County Council has deservedly won first prize at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government awards in the ‘Supporting Tourism’ Category for the Waterford Greenway project. The award was presented to Cllr Joe Conway, Deputy Mayor of the City and County of Waterford at an event held in Dublin on Thursday 23rd November 2017.

The award was presented in recognition of the development of the 46km off-road shared use Greenway along an old railway line between Waterford City and Dungarvan, which was developed by Waterford City and County Council with the assistance of state funding. Waterford Greenway is an important national tourism asset with the potential to be one of the key signature experiences in Ireland’s Ancient East encouraging visitors to engage with the wider tourism experience in Waterford in a meaningful and authentic way.

Greenways have a particularly strong appeal to visitors, both domestic and overseas. There is a rise in the popularity of walking and cycling holidays, while emerging consumer trends are towards good health, self-improvement and wellbeing.

Cllr Joe Conway said “Waterford Greenway is expected to provide a positive effect on increasing business in line with that experienced in similar projects within Ireland, such as the Great Western Greenway where 46.7% of local businesses have reported an increase in turnover. We are very fortunate and appreciative of this opportunity in Waterford”.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford well represented at the Retail Excellence Awards 2017

The Retail Excellence Awards 2017 will identify and celebrate those retailers who are delivering exceptional service and standards for their customers.

There are 30 stores nationwide shortlisted in the “Store of the Year” category.  Waterford have 4 entrants in this 30.

The stores are:

  • Applegreen, Waterford Road, Crobally Lower, Co. Waterford
  • House of Waterford Crystal, The Mall, Waterford City
  • Mulligan’s Pharmacy, Cedar House, Dunmore Road, Waterford
  • Tony Roche Menswear, Michael Street, Waterford City

2016 marked the inaugural Ireland’s Friendliest Place Award which truly boosted spirit and pride across many places nationwide.  Waterford City is nominated this year in the “Ireland’s Friendliest Place” category.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Dungarvan Poet nominated at the Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards

Clodagh Beresford Dunne.

It was announced at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, last Thursday, Nov 2nd, at the unveiling of the 2017 shortlists,  that Dungarvan poet, Clodagh Beresford Dunne, features on a list of four poets nominated for the Listowel Writers’ Week “Irish Poem of the Year” category in The Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards.

Now in its twelfth year, the Irish Book Awards were founded to celebrate and promote Irish writing, to the widest range of readers possible.

Each year it brings together a huge community passionate about books and writing – readers, authors, bookseller, publishers and librarians – to recognise and celebrate the very best of Irish writing talent.

The public are invited to vote for their favourite poem, before midnight on the 21st November, and the winner will be announced at a televised awards ceremony, in Dublin, on November 28th.

Clodagh Beresford Dunne, whose nominated poem “Seven Sugar Cubes” appeared in the The Irish Times last April, has been the recipient of a number of literature awards and bursaries from the Waterford City and County Arts Office and Art Links, and in 2016 she received the Arts Council of Ireland Emerging-Writer Award. Her poems have appeared in Irish and international print and online journals and she has given readings and interviews about her poetry in several universities in the USA.

She lives in Dungarvan with her husband and four children, and is currently assembling her first full collection for publication.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford features in ‘Irish Council for Social National Housing’ awards

The Housing Department of Waterford City & County Council has won an award in the ‘Irish Council for Social National Housing’ awards in the category for most creative design for our latest Housing scheme at Ormonde Square, Dungarvan on the site of the former Ormond Cinema.

Great credit is due to Derek Lyons Chief Technician for project managing the scheme and bringing it to completion. The scheme provides 15 new state of the art social housing units close to the centre of Dungarvan for mixed use including three fully disability adapted units.

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