Skip to content

Community Alerts

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Firefighters to attempt 5 peaks challenge

In an awe-inspiring effort, firefighters from Waterford City Station are gearing up to embark on an extraordinary journey – a challenging expedition to conquer the 5 highest peaks in the UK and Ireland, within a tight 48-hour window.

Set to kick off on the 6th of September, the mission aims to raise funds for a cause close to their hearts: the Irish Cancer Society.

The journey will see the Waterford men commence their adventure at the foot of Mount Snowdon in Wales, before moving on to Scafell Pike in England, then conquering the grandeur of Ben Nevis in Scotland.

But their journey doesn’t end there – after scaling the three highest peaks on island of Great Britain, they will make their way back to Ireland to ascend Slieve Donard in County Down, concluding their quest at Carrauntoohil in County Kerry. It’s a feat that demands not only physical prowess but also strategic planning and much determination.

Every penny raised through this challenge will go directly towards supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s vital work, making a real difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.

Participant Firefighter, Willy Walsh, commented : “We have already made progress toward our fundraising goal. Through various collections like city-wide bucket collections over the past few months, we’ve managed to raise approximately €8,000. However, our target is set at €10,000, and we are looking to the Waterford community for further support.

We have set up a JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wcfs and any donation, no matter the size, will make an impact and help us reach our goal.”

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Bathing Prohibition – Dunmore East Main Strand

 

Due to poor quality water results, a temporary bathing prohibition notice has been put in place for the Main Strand in DunmoreEast.

The prohibition will remain in place until compliant water quality results are returned.
Waterford City and County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused.

By Waterford City & County Council

Funding Increase for Repair and Lease Scheme

Waterford City & County Council are delighted to announce that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have confirmed that the maximum funding available under the Repair and Leasing Scheme has been increased from €60,000 to €80,000, including VAT, per unit.

This funding increase provides for recent cost increases and will allow even more vacant properties to be brought back into use. The Repair and Lease Scheme is complimentary to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant that is available for owner-occupiers and private rental.

Please contact the Vacant Homes Team in Waterford City & County Council for more information on vacanthomes@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council receives €9M to tackle long-term vacancy & dereliction

The Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers Eamon Ryan and Darragh O’Brien announced details on the 11th July of a €150 million fund which will be allocated to tackle long-term vacancy and dereliction in towns and cities across Ireland. Waterford City and County Council have received a €9M allocation. This was one of the highest allocations, second only to Dublin City Council, in the country.

Announced as part of the quarterly Housing for All progress update, the funding will be available to local authorities for towns and cities eligible for the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF). Within County Waterford the URDF centres are Waterford City, Dungarvan and Tramore.

The allocation of funding received follows the comprehensive submission by the Council where it identified suitable projects to increase the housing stock within the Metropolitan Area and Dungarvan. The Council will receive a grant for the entire 100% cost of acquiring suitable long term vacant and derelict properties or sites identified within the Counties URDF Settlements.

Michael Walsh, the CEO of Waterford City and County Council said:

“I am delighted with our allocation of €9M to tackle long term vacancy and dereliction in Waterford. This will transform our key settlements and promote vibrant communities in Waterford City, Dungarvan and Tramore.”

Kieran Kehoe, Director of Service with responsibility for Planning, Corporate, Culture, HR & IS in Waterford City and County Council said:

“This level of funding reflects the high priority that the Government has placed on boosting accommodation and tackling dereliction both nationally and within County Waterford. It also complements several existing schemes which the Council already have in place to tackle vacancy and dereliction. Through this fund we will increase the pace at which vacant and derelict buildings are brought back into productive use as new homes for people.”

The URDF Call 3 fund will help restore and transform the urban heart of many of our communities. It is envisaged that it will provide more homes for people in sustainable locations, allowing them to live close to local services, amenities and employment. Making use of our existing stock in a more efficient way makes clear environmental sense. For further information on the fund and derelict sites, please contact:

derelictsites@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Railway Square Pocket Garden on the right track

Waterford City and County Council recently completed works on a new pocket park at Railway Square.

The pocket park is a welcoming urban space consisting of plants and flowers in raised beds, and a spacious seating area, to encourage people to relax in a garden oasis in the heart of the city.

The area originally housed a small play park, however, this was repurposed as a pocket garden to mitigate anti-social behaviour.

The new park complements the regeneration the area is currently undergoing as it is close to the many commercial and retail outlets, giving staff and employees the opportunity to take a relaxing break in the city oasis.

Sean Gormley, Acting Senior Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council emphasised the importance of public green spaces. “Green areas are proven to have a positive effect, not just on our biodiversity, but also on our mental health and well-being.

“By introducing the pocket park to Railway Square, the area is now an inviting and open space, and it has become a popular meeting point for those who work and live in the area, encouraging a healthier outdoor and social culture.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway welcomed the addition of the pocket park to Railway Square.  “The original infrastructure invited an anti-social element and, unfortunately this precluded a lot of young children and families using the space for its intended purpose.

“Waterford City and County Council’s Environment team has successfully repurposed the space and intends to introduce more of these biodiversity pockets throughout the city and county.

“Ideally, these green urban areas will have a far-reaching impact by minimising the consequences of climate change, encouraging social cohesion and improving biodiversity and the quality of urban living.”

The main contract on Railway Square Pocket Park was undertaken by RFL ltd., with the overall cost of the project at €45,000.

By Waterford City & County Council

Independent Councillor new Mayor of Waterford City and County

Cllr. Joe Conway (Ind) has been elected as the new Mayor of Waterford City and County.

He was proposed by Cllr. Joe Kelly and seconded by Cllr. Lola O’ Sullivan at the AGM of the Plenary Council held in City Hall this afternoon (Thursday, June 29th).

Cllr. Conway becomes the first Mayor of Waterford City and County from Tramore.  He has a long and distinguished career in local politics, having been elected to Tramore Town Council in 2004 to Waterford County Council in 2009 and to the amalgamated City and County Council in 2014 and again in 2019, representing the Tramore/Waterford City west EA.  Cllr. Conway also served as Mayor of Tramore for two terms in 2007/8 and 2012/3.

From 2005 to 2009, Cllr. Conway represented Irish local government as a delegate to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

Cllr. Conway is a graduate of UCD’s School of Politics and has a deep affection for Irish history and An Ghaeilge.  He currently serves on the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Married to Sandra Dunphy, they have three children, Donncha, Ailbhe and Niamh.

Following the Plenary AGM, Waterford’s newest Mayor said, “I feel enormously privileged and honoured to be elected Mayor here today, following in a tradition that goes back well over 700 years in this astounding and historical city.”

He thanked proposer and seconder Councillors Kelly and O’ Sullivan, his predecessor Cllr. John O’Leary, his Council colleagues, Waterford City and County Council Chief Executive, senior management team and fondly recalled those “who may be watching us from a happier place afar,” Davy Daniels, James Tobin, Billy Kyne, John Carey, Dan Cowman and Ben Gavin.

Waterford’s newest Mayor paid special tribute to his wife of thirty-nine years, Sandra, “an Abbeyside lady who brought me to Waterford and who with me gave to the world and Waterford our three gorgeous kids, Donncha, Ailbhe and Niamh.”

He continued with a “charming adage from President Abraham Lincoln which goes something like this ‘The hen is the wisest of all the animal creation, because she never cackles until the egg is laid.’”

In conclusion, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Conway said, “So hopefully at the end of my term as Mayor – if God gives me good health – I will be able to look back on a fruitful year of endorsing the commercial, professional and community life of Waterford, promoting our image and products, forging strong relations with our neighbouring LAs (Local Authorities) and our twin cities, co-operating with Government in consolidating the Gaeltacht service town status of Dungarvan, and enhancing our environment by developing our Local Authority Climate Action Plan.”

Cllr. Declan Doocey was elected as Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County.

Last week, Cllr. Jody Power (GP) was elected as Mayor of Waterford Metropolitan district, Cllr. Seanie Power (FG) as Cathaoirleach of the Comeragh district, and Cllr. Pat Nugent (FG) as Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan / Lismore district.

-ends-

Images attached:

1.Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway (Photographer: Noel Browne)

2.Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway pictured with his family, wife Sandra, daughters Niamh and Ailbhe and son, Donncha Ó Conmhuí.

6.Cllr. Jody Power (GP) Mayor of Waterford Metropolitan district (Photographer: Noel Browne)

Cllr. Seanie Power (FG)  Cathaoirleach of the Comeragh district (Photographer: Sean Byrne)

Cllr. Pat Nugent (FG) Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan / Lismore district (Photographer: Sean Byrne)

By Waterford City & County Council

Communication boards installed in Waterford playgrounds

Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with Waterford Sports Partnership, has designed and installed communications boards in playgrounds throughout the city, with further roll-out scheduled for the county.

The communication boards consist of symbols, pictures and or photos that enable non-speaking or minimally speaking children to communicate with those around them.

By pointing to a specific image or symbol, those with speech and language difficulties will be able to communicate with those around them and minimise frustrations or misunderstandings.

The boards feature a variety of graphics representing feelings, actions, activities, and question symbols.

Sean Gormley, Acting Senior Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council said, “As part of Waterford City and County Council’s objective to make our playgrounds fun, enjoyable and accessible to all, we have started introducing the communication boards in 28 parks and play areas across the city and county.

“The boards have already been installed in the People’s Park, Ballybeg, Farronshoneen Park, Butler Community Centre and Mount Sion GAA grounds in the city, with delivery and installation scheduled in the coming weeks for the remaining sites.

“For some children who have speech difficulties or find it difficult to communicate verbally, these boards make it easier to convey what they are trying to communicate.  The symbols are clearly marked out and range from asking a question, to highlighting how they are feeling, or where they would like to go within the park.

“It’s a simple but very effective addition to our amenities and we hope it will encourage parents and families of non-speaking or minimally speaking children to enjoy all the facilities in our playgrounds.”

The communication boards were funded through Waterford Sports Partnership and manufactured by local print company, Graphic Image.

-ends-

Sites where communication boards are scheduled for installation:

 

Dungarvan:

Linear Park (beside LIDL)

Walton Park

Learn to Cycle Track

Tramore:

Inclusion Park on The Prom

Priests’ Road near Supervalu

County Waterford:

An Rinn

Ardmore

Bonmahon

Cheekpoint

Clashmore

Dunmore East

Fenor

Kilmacthomas

Kilmeaden

Lismore

Modeligo

Passage East

Portlaw

Rathgormack

Stradbally

Tallow

Lemybrien

By Waterford City & County Council

Deadline this week – Notice of Rent Review 2023

A Rent Review is currently being carried out for all Social Housing Tenants.

In order to ensure that we have the household correct and up to date details, tenants are requested complete the Rent Review Form regarding their household makeup and income details.  This document has been posted to all tenants but is also available below.

It is the tenant’s responsibility under their Tenancy Agreement to ensure that they submit the correct details to the Council for rent calculation purposes. Failure to return the form fully completed with the relevant proofs of income may result in a penalty rent being applied to the account.

Before returning the completed form, please ensure to include details of ALL occupants and the following relevant documents:

  • If in full/part time employment supply 3 recent consecutive payslips for all household members who are in employment.
  • If Self-employed submit recent Notice of Tax Assessment from Revenue.
  • Aged 18 and over in fulltime education submit proof from school or college.
  • Occupant Moved In provide the date of occupancy and previous address.
  • Occupant moved out provide the date they left and proof of new address.

Please return the form fully completed with relevant proofs of income by Monday 12th June 2023 to the Customer Service Desk, Waterford City & County Council, Bailey’s New St. Waterford X91 XH42, or Civic Offices, Davitt’s Quay Dungarvan, Co. Waterford X35 Y326.

Alternatively completed forms and supporting documentation can be scanned to the email address below.

Queries: rentreview@waterfordcouncil.ie | 051 849923

By Waterford City & County Council

Taking Pride in Waterford City and County

June 1st marked the first day of Pride Month as Waterford City and County Council celebrates LGBTQ+ people, culture and communities.

To mark the start of Pride Month, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan, along with members of the Dungarvan Pride Committee raised the Pride flag outside the Dungarvan Civic Offices.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Pride Festival in Dungarvan, 2023 sees the town’s festival returning bigger, brighter and better.

Emilene Stafford, Dungarvan Pride committee co-chair, is promising a festival that not only celebrates LGBTQ+ people, culture and communities, but an inclusive festival to be enjoyed by all.

“Last year’s festival was phenomenal and the positive feedback we received was the catalyst for us to make this year’s Pride Festival even better, featuring cinema screenings, information sessions and of course, Dungarvan’s second ever Pride Festival.  On June 8th we have a special screening of To Wong Foo at Dungarvan Cinema.  On June 15th there will be an open parent and family information session, hosted by Chillout LGBTI+ Youth Project, which provides a safe supportive community for LGBTQ+ people and their families.

“Dungarvan Pride Festival takes place in Walton Park on Saturday, June 17th. The line-up will feature MC and local Drag Queen Lady Fifi Fondue on the main stage with live music from AVI & Changing Channels, Understarling, Drag King Phil T Gorgeous, Lip Sync Battle and Edgar Kirby School of Performing Arts.  Walton Park will be jam-packed with activities for everyone to enjoy, such as The Wobbly Circus Jugglers, Acrobats & Aerial trapeze artists, Junior Einstein Science Club,  along with The Dog Lady Dog Show, Fairy House Building with Catherine Barron, and a selection of food and beverage trucks.”

Cllr. Geoghegan added, “What struck me about last year’s Pride festival was the colour, the warmth, the diversity and the sense of belonging. Dungarvan prides itself on being an inclusive town, and that was more than evident last year as young and old, gay and straight people, experienced that inclusivity throughout the month.

However, each of us has a responsibility to not just be welcoming and accepting each June, but every day of the year.”

In Waterford city, The Pride of the Déise committee has organised a jam-packed weekend celebration of LGBTQ+ people and communities.  Running from Friday, June 2nd to Monday, June 6th, the programme includes the Pride March, The Cultural Quarter Block Party, GAYncient History at Manor tree Youth and Community Centre and back by popular demand PRIDE Ride Greenway Cycle from Bilberry to Kilmeaden.

More information and the full programme of events for Pride of the Déise can be viewed at https://prideofthedeise.ie/

Pride Dungarvan and Pride of the Déise are proudly supported by Waterford City and County Council.

-ends-

Free to use images: David Clynch

By Waterford City & County Council

Water Safety Appeal from Coast Guard, RNLI & Water Safety Ireland for bank holiday weekend

The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have issued a joint water safety appeal as people are expected to enjoy the water this bank holiday weekend.

Even in good weather, water temperatures remain cold and the organisations have advised that those taking part in any waterbased activity should make sure they have the proper equipment and know how to do it safely.

The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland advise to always carry a means of calling for help and to keep it within reach at all times. When kayaking or paddle-boarding close to shore, conditions can turn quickly and wearing a buoyancy aid or lifejacket can make the critical difference. If you unexpectedly find yourself in the water and wearing a lifejacket, you have given yourself vital time to be brought to safety.

While the good weather is set to continue, always check the forecast, tide times and sea conditions before setting off. Get regular updates if planning to be out for any length of time. And be prepared to change your plans or cancel the trip if the forecast is unfavourable.

For those swimming, remember to acclimatise slowly, wear a bright swimming cap and consider a tow float to increase visibility. Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague. Swim in areas that are lifeguarded or are known locally to be safe.

Irish Coast Guard Operations manager Micheál O’Toole said; “We appeal to everybody to plan for and attend to their personal safety. We again are warning on the dangers of using inflatable toys such as LiLo’s on or near the water, be it seaside, lake or river. Please do not bring such items with you. We again express our thanks to all members of the emergency services who will be on duty over the weekend, in particular volunteer members of Coast Guard, RNLI, Community Inshore rescue boats and mountain rescue teams. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.”

RNLI Water Safety Lead Linda-Gene Byrne said: ‘The fine weather and brighter evenings will encourage more people onto the water and it’s great to see people out and about and enjoying it. If you fall in unexpectedly, remember to ‘Float to Live’ – lie on your back and spread your arms and legs, gently moving them to keep afloat. Keep floating until you feel your breath coming back before calling for help or swimming ashore if nearby. Taking a few minutes to check you have taken all the necessary equipment and advice for your activity and knowing what to do in an emergency will give peace of mind and help prevent accidents.’

Water Safety Ireland’s Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney said: “This weekend, please remember that although air temperatures have risen, our waterways are still too cold for extended swims. A full moon on Saturday will make the coastline more precarious and rip currents will be stronger. Swim within your depth at the lifeguarded waterways listed at www.watersafety.ie/lifeguards. A full moon also creates lower low tides that will expose even greater areas of the coastline which often tempts walkers to explore sandbanks. Be aware of being trapped by incoming tides, carry a fully charged mobile phone, and please provide constant uninterrupted adult supervision for any children in your care.”

The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland also wish to express their condolences to the families and friends of the two young men who lost their lives in jet ski accidents on Carlingford Lough and on Lough Derg.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or you think that they are in trouble, dial 112 or use marine VHF radio Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Ends

By Waterford City & County Council

Ten flags flown at Waterford’s Blue and Green Coast beaches

Waterford’s coastline was recently recognised by An Taisce as three beaches were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag and seven the Green Coast Award Flags.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches. The programme promotes environmental education, sustainable development of tourism, environmental management systems and ensure safety and access for beach users.

According to Katia Hunter, Executive Scientist with Waterford City and County Council, the awarding of the Blue and Green Coast Flags is a great endorsement of Waterford’s coastline.

“The beaches that received the Blue Flag in 2023 are Ardmore, Clonea and Tramore beaches.  All of these beaches not only returned excellent bathing water results, but a series of stringent environmental and safety-related criteria were also met.

“The Green Coast flags were awarded to Annestown, Ballyquin, Curragh, Goat Island Beach, Guillamene Cove, Newtown Cove and Kilfarrassey, as they all demonstrated excellent water quality, and were appropriately maintained and managed to ensure the protection of the natural environment.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’ Leary commended not only the Local Authority’s Environment Department, but also the work of voluntary groups that dedicate themselves to ensuring an unspoilt environment for all to enjoy.

“The work of volunteers from groups such as Clean Coasts, Tidy Towns, and ecological groups, have made huge inroads in assisting in the maintenance and management of our coastline and its amenities.

“These volunteers are passionate about preserving our natural environment, whether it’s through litter picking, wildlife conservation management or developing educational programmes.  By enhancing our natural amenities, they are heightening the enjoyment we can all derive from our beaches and coastline.”

Blue Flag began in Ireland in 1988 with 19 beaches and 2 marinas being awarded. Since then, the Blue Flag programme has grown from strength to strength with 84 beaches and 10 marinas being awarded in 2023.

Each year Blue Flag is awarded to over 4,500 beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators in 49 countries globally. Beaches are awarded for the bathing season (June 1st to September 15th in Ireland) and marinas are awarded for up to 12 months, depending on their period of operation. The awarded sites for Ireland are announced at the end of May each year.

-ends-

Images – free to use:

Tramore 1: Martin Kerins, Katia Hunter and Ella Ryan of Waterford City and County Council with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary

Tramore 2: Members of Clean Coasts (Tramore Tidy Towns and T-Bay Surf Club) with Waterford City and County Council staff and Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. John O’Leary.

Tramore 3:Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary and Katia Hunter, Executive Scientist, Waterford City and County Council

Clonea 2: Ms Hayes 3rd and 4th class from Garranbane National School, Elaine Doyle Clean Coasts Development Officer, Clare Morrissey, Mary Power and Yvonne Whelan Dungarvan Bay Open Water Swimmers, with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary.

Clonea 4; Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary, Katia Hunter and Claire Morrissey

About An Taisce:

An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, operates the programme in Ireland on behalf of the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE).

The Blue Flag programme is funded in Ireland by the Department of the Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Latest News
Made in Waterford and hosted in the EU :)