Awards

Waterford’s coastline fared well as four beaches – Ardmore, Clonea, Tramore and Counsellor’s Strand, Dunmore East – were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag 2025. 

County Waterford also received six green accolades with Newtown Cove, Guillamene Cove, Kilfarrassey, Ballyquin, Curragh and Goat Island Beach all receiving a Green Coast Award,

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards. Originating in France in 1985 it was launched as an international programme as part of the “European Year of the Environment in 1987. In 1988, the first-year sites were awarded outside of France 19 beaches and 2 marinas received the Blue Flag in Ireland. The Green Coast award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty.

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.