Community Alerts - Waterford City & County Council

4th June 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Humphreys announces €926,515 Outdoor Recreation Funding Boost for Waterford

Dunmore East Coastal walk

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced €16.1 million nationally to support 69 Outdoor Recreation projects. Under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2023 funding of €926,515 has been announced for four projects in County Waterford giving a further boost to outdoor recreation and local communities in the county.

The implementation of the ORIS scheme is aligned with the objectives of ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors – National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023 to 2027’. Projects funded under the ORIS scheme are delivered by Local Authorities and other key stakeholders. Waterford City and County Council will deliver the latest four projects being funded by this announcement in collaboration with local communities as well as other state agencies and partners.

ORIS provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland. The scheme supports outdoor recreation activities such as walking, trekking, cycling, kayaking and hiking. It helps to make use of the resources of the countryside that contribute to healthy active lifestyles, and it supports the economic and tourism potential of the area for both local communities and tourist visitors alike.

Today’s announcement by Minister Humphreys sees funding being allocated under ORIS Measures 2 and 3 for the following projects:

Crough Wood Walk – Embankment stabilization project: €175,505 in ORIS funding
Dunmore East Coastal Walk – Upgrade of Steps at Portally Cove: €108,000 in ORIS funding
Benvoy Beach – Upgrade of existing access to beach: €143,010 in ORIS funding
Ardmore Beach – Development of 870m walkway at Ardmore Beach: €500,000 in ORIS funding.

Welcoming today’s announcement Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway has said, “It is wonderful to welcome today’s funding announcement under the ORIS scheme. This funding will go towards developing and enhancing some of our favourite trails right across county Waterford. The timing of this announcement couldn’t be more fitting as it gives another boost to our outdoor recreation network right at the start of the summer season. Waterford is very grateful of the support that it has received in recent years from the Department of Rural and Community Development in support of our key outdoor recreation amenities and other rural projects.

“I would also like to thank staff of Waterford City and County Council and, in particular, the Rural Economic Development team which works hard to continually submit quality funding applications under this and other schemes in conjunction with our communities and other stakeholders.”

This latest announcement comes after an allocation of €100,000 under the ORIS Project Development Measure in January and a further €133,857 announced in April to fund six smaller scale outdoor recreation projects here in Waterford. The recognition of Waterford’s potential as an important outdoor recreation location by central government was further indicated last December when Waterford was selected to be one of just six counties to be part of a pilot scheme which will see the preparation of a County Outdoor Recreation Plan, a process which is currently ongoing.

For further information on Waterford’s fantastic walking, cycling and outdoor recreation opportunities visit www.visitwaterfordtrails.com and get out and active this summer!

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Image (Karen Dempsey)

Dunmore East Coastal Walk which has received funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in order to upgrade steps at Portally Cove as part of the continuing improvement of this walking trail.

31st May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Water Safety : Alert Minimize the risks with advice from Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland & RNLI

The Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland & the RNLI have issued advice to help keep people safe at Ireland’s waterways over the June bank holiday weekend.
Water based activities increase at this time of year, as do the number of incidents in which people get into difficulty. Minimize the risks with the following advice for a safe enjoyable bank holiday weekend.

How to enjoy water-based activities safely:

Check the forecast for your local area, including tide times and sea conditions for coastal activities.
Always carry a means of calling for help and keep it within reach.
Water temperatures are still cold. Acclimatise by getting in slowly, swim within your depth and avoid staying in the water for extended periods. Swimmers should be aware of rip currents and if caught in one should swim parallel to shore and then back to land.
Swim with others, never alone, in recognised, traditionally safe bathing areas. Lifeguarded waterways are listed at https://watersafety.ie/lifeguards/.
Supervise children at all times near water and never use inflatable toys in open water as currents and breezes can cause persons to be swept out to sea, endangering those onboard or others trying to assist.
If you find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly remember Float to Live. The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
Stranding is a risk when low tides expose areas of the coastline for walkers to explore sandbanks. Watch out for incoming tides, local signage, and always carry a fully charged mobile phone.
Wear a Personal Flotation Device when paddleboarding, kayaking or boating, or when angling from shore.
Avoid alcohol as it impairs judgment, balance and coordination – all essential for swimming and boating and avoiding hazards in the water.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or if you suspect that they are in trouble, dial 112 or use Marine VHF channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.

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Media Enquiries to:
Water Safety Ireland, The Long Walk, Galway. info@watersafety.ie / www.watersafety.ie; Tel: 091-564400
Joanne Walsh 087-199.0339 / joannewalsh@watersafety.ie
Padraig Judge 087-459.0156 / padraigjudge@watersafety.ie

18th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Greenway Tea-Time Cycle

The fun factor gauge is rising! So many people are enjoying #BikeWeek.

Over 20 young people from the 19^th & 29^th St Mary’s Ballygunner Scout Group with scout leaders Steve Silby, Niamh McCarthy and Sophie Counihan enjoyed Waterford Council’s Greenway Tea-Time Cycle in the City. It’s wonderful to see the interest.

Keep it going and check out www.bikeweek.ie for all the information you need to take part.

17th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Facilities Updates

Facilities Updates

Walton Park, Dungarvan has reopened following recent renovations and repairs.
The Multi Use Games Area in An Garraun estate, Tramore is closed for essential repair work until further notice.

16th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Are you ready for StreetFeast 2024 ?

An estimated 140,000 residents set to take part in Street Feast this year. Ireland’s national weekend of street parties and community celebrations takes place 25th and 26th May 2024

Annually there are more Street Feast participants than Electric Picnic attendees! From city slickers to countryside dwellers, everyone’s invited to the feast. Whether you’ve got a front yard, a street corner, or just a spot to gather, Street Feast knows no bounds.

President Michael D. Higgins said: “We must all by now realise the importance of community, inclusion, creativity and togetherness – all values that require support and a conscious effort of care, protection and solidarity. Initiatives such as Street Feast provide exactly that type of opportunity.”

Street Feast will be held over two days instead of one for the first time meaning a full weekend of celebrations. Over 1,250 communities across Ireland will share food and enjoy some conversation and camaraderie this summer – any excuse to connect with people in your neighbourhood. So let’s get planning.

Organisers say that no matter what kind of place you live in, everyone is invited to participate and host gatherings. It doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or house, all you need is a space to bring people together. Street Feast has had parties organised in front gardens, on streets and greens, in car parks, laneways, local parks and community centres.

Minister Joe O’Brien: “I am delighted to support Street Feast 2024. The core work of my Department is strengthening communities and enhancing social inclusion. It is important to find ways to connect with people and focus on the importance of neighbours in our communities. Street Feast provides a fantastic opportunity to make time for each other outside of family and friends. I would encourage local communities around the country to get involved in Street Feast 2024 and aim to build communities, tackle isolation and foster connections.”

Founder of Street Feast and Neighbourhood Network CEO, Sam Bishop, said: “For 14 years, Street Feast has been all about bringing folks together over food, fun, and fellowship. And the stats speak for themselves: 97% feel the neighbourly love post-feast, and a whopping 98% say their sense of belonging gets a boost. That’s the magic of community.”

Sam adds: “97% feel their neighbourhood is friendlier since hosting Street Feast and 98% say their sense of belonging has increased since Street Feast. That’s what it’s all about. Running it over two days instead of one will give people more opportunity to celebrate together.”

Register at StreetFeast.ie today and don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to bring your community together and celebrate. Once registered you’ll receive a FREE Street Feast party pack, complete with bunting, posters, invites and a brilliant DIY guide.

Street Feast wouldn’t be possible without the support of Government departments and Street Feast sponsors.

ENDS

3rd May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

May Bank Holiday Water Safety Appeal from Water Safety Ireland, Coast Guard and RNLI

Watersafety ireland Ahead of the May bank holiday weekend, Water Safety Ireland, the Coast Guard and the RNLI are jointly appealing to people to be safe and summer ready when planning an activity on or near the water. The organisations are urging people to ensure that boats and other watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, are checked and in good working order following the winter period. Engines should be serviced and all equipment, particularly lifejackets, should be in good condition.

If out on a boat, or other water vessel:

Wear a lifejacket, carry a reliable means of communication – a VHF radio and ideally a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) with mobile phone back up in a watertight case
Ensure that you tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back

If planning activities on the water:

Always bring a means of effectively communicating a distress
Use readily available sources of information to check the environmental conditions (weather and tides) in advance of your trip
Seek help immediately if you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, by using Marine VHF channel 16 or Dialling 112 and asking for the Coast Guard

If you are swimming:

Water temperatures are still cold at this time of the year, consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm
Acclimatise slowly
Wear a bright swimming cap and consider a tow float to increase your visibility
Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague

Kevin Whitney, Operations Manager at the Coast Guard reminded everyone to ‘Plan& Prepare’ before considering any water-based or coastal activity ahead of and during the summermonths: ‘Donot use inflatable toys in open water or swimout after anything drifting as things can quickly gobadly wrong. Be aware of potential dangers and well preparedbefore engaging in any water-based activities. The Be Summer Ready website at www.gov.ie/summerready provides good watersafety advice and we
urge the public to read this before venturing out on the water.’

Roger Sweeney, Deputy CEOat Water Safety Ireland said: ‘An average of five people drown in Ireland every fortnight and cold water is often a factor. Sudden immersion can cause a shock to your body, a loss of breathing control, dizziness, and panic. Hypothermia and muscle cooling soon makes swimming difficult or impossible, particularly for children who have less body fat. Keep cold water swims short and enter the water slowly, staying within your depth. Shore anglers should always wear a
lifejacket and walkers should carry a mobile phone and keep a close eye on incoming tides to avoid being stranded.’

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘Many people will be taking vessels to the water for the first time this year so this is a good time to think about checking your equipment, especially your lifejacket so that it is fit for purpose.

‘Others maybe planning a trip tothe beach and a swim in the sea. We would encourage swimmers to be mindful of rip currents which can be difficult to spot, but are sometimesidentified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea’s surface. Even the most experienced beachgoers can be caught out by rips so remember don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, wade don’t swim. If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore. Always
raise your hand and shout for help.’

If you see somebody in trouble on thewater or along the coast, orthink they are in trouble, use Marine VHF channel 16 or Dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

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30th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

National discussions to promote vibrant and thriving nighttime economy

Association of Town & City Management

Earlier this month the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) hosted a conference in Athlone giving delegates the opportunity to discuss and explore the further development of a thriving evening and nighttime economy.

Representatives involved in the management of nighttime destinations across Ireland were invited to discuss a range of issues including business supports, late night transport, events and Purple Flag accreditation.

The Purple Flag programme is the framework under which the vision for a vibrant, open, safe and appealing city for all can be achieved. Under the auspices of the flag, local stakeholders have been working together since 2015 to promote the evening and nighttime economy as a lever of economic and social prosperity for Waterford.

Most recently, Waterford received Purple Flag status in 2023, recognising Waterford’s blend of entertainment, dining, and culture, all the while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, and visitors in the evening and night-time economy, between the hours of 5pm and 5am.

Jim ‘Flash’ Gordon, Proprietor of Revolution and Chair of the Purple Flag Committee said, “The value of Purple Flag accreditation can’t be emphasised enough. It means that local stakeholders, both public and private bodies, are continually working in partnership to enhance Waterford’s evening and nighttime experience.

“It’s imperative that locals and visitors have a breadth of cultural, arts and music options available to them in the evening in a safe and welcoming environment, and while there can be challenges, Waterford is an exemplar as our Purple Flag accreditation confirms.”

In recognition of Waterford’s commitment to creating a dynamic, secure, and vibrant evening and nighttime economy, the Purple Flag accreditation process is similar to the Green Flag Award for parks and Blue Flag for beaches. There are one hundred Purple Flag destinations around the globe across Ireland, the UK, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia. This includes world renowned tourist destinations to small market towns.

Julie Walsh, Economic Development, Waterford City and County Council said, “This conference provided insightful and practical guidance in furthering Waterford’s nighttime economy offering. It also highlighted the challenges towns and cities around Ireland are facing and looked at ways to mitigate those, through cooperation, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.

“Through these strategic partnerships we can continue to focus on the nighttime economy and foster a vibrant, lively and safe Purple Flag zone, through cultural events, festivals and supporting areas such as late-night public transportation and hospitality, reinforcing Waterford as the Best Place to Live in Ireland.”

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Note to editors:

About ATCM: ATCM is a respected voice for town and city management at both a European and wider global level. A not-for-profit organisation with members that come from the public, private and third sectors. They include key stakeholders and thought leaders who develop and implement shared visions, strategies and action plans for town and city centres throughout Ireland and the UK.

30th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Digital Help Hub back at Central Library

Digital Health Hub

The highly-anticipated Digital Help Hub is back and ready to assist you this Friday at the Central Library Waterford starting from 10am till 1pm. This will take place every Friday in May. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert support in all things digital. Come and speak to one of the advisors.

26th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council launches ‘Bag It Bin It’ Education pack for national schools

Waterford City and County Council launches ‘Bag It Bin It’ Education pack for national schools

Waterford City and County Council’s Environment Department has produced an educational anti-dog fouling resource pack for Waterford’s national schools which emphasises responsible dog ownership.

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “The idea behind the education packs is to start a discussion with children about the hazards of dog poo. We all know it’s unsightly and smelly, but discarded dog poo can pose a health hazard as it contains harmful bacteria such as E-coli and parasites like roundworm.

“Not only that, parents with buggies, children, and vulnerable groups such as wheelchair users and the visually impaired, are particularly at risk of stepping in or wheeling through dog poo, and being exposed to health implications, not to mention the unpleasantness and inconvenience of getting poo on shoes, hands or wheels.”

The Bag It Bin It education pack has been distributed to all national schools in Waterford city and county. It includes lesson plans and worksheets for teachers, along with crossword puzzles, colouring pages and stories that highlight the importance of cleaning up your dog’s waste by bagging it and binning it.

Kieran O’Sullivan, Principal of Faithlegg National School said the education packs have been very well received by both students and teachers. “Great work has been done to raise awareness of the issue of dog fouling on footpaths, trails and parks, but this education pack has heightened the significance of this amongst our students. They have learned about the health hazards it can pose, and how harmful it is to the environment.

“All dog owners have a civic responsibility to clean up after their dogs and if we all bag it and bin it, we can protect our communities, our wildlife and our outdoor spaces.”

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Image: Ella Ryan WCCC with Alison Walsh and Jack O’Sullivan from Cheekpoint/Faithlegg Tidy Towns and members of Faithlegg National School Student Council.

24th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Diversity to be celebrated with free Music Event in the People’s Park

One Waterford, One People poster A family-friendly, free music event will celebrate diversity in Waterford this coming Bank Holiday Monday, May 6^th.

The One Waterford, One People event is organised by Waterford Trades Council with support from Waterford City and County Council, and community organisations and agencies including Waterford Area Partnership, Waterford Sports Partnership and Waterford New Communities Network.

The gathering will take place, weather permitting, in the People’s Park from 2pm to 5pm and will feature a global array of talented music acts from Ukraine, Brazil, India, the Philippines, Africa and more, along with a host of Irish musicians including a céilí band and drummers from Waterford Academy of Music and Arts.

David Lane, President of the Waterford Trades Council explains how the event will bring together many different nationalities who call Waterford home. “Celebrating the music and culture of different cultures and nationalities is important, especially as Ireland is now home to an estimated 160 different peoples from across the world. Waterford has a great tradition of welcoming people and getting people to work together for the betterment of all, and trade unions have been at the heart of that.

“Music events also help foster and deepen understanding of various ethnic backgrounds. The event in the People’s Park is exactly that, a gathering to celebrate One Waterford, One People as we all strive to make Ireland an even better place in which to live and work.”

Katherine Collins, Project Manager of Waterford’s Cultural Quarter (WCQ) said, “Waterford City and County Council is pleased to support this free event as it showcases and celebrates Waterford’s cultural diversity. This event is very much aligned with the goals of WCQ, in making Waterford an open, welcoming, creative, and vibrant place for people of all nationalities to live, work and play.”

The bandstand at the People’s Park will be the focal point for the event and Waterford Sports Partnership will also be providing games for children in the vicinity.

While there will be no food stalls in the park, families are encouraged to bring a picnic, enjoy the music, soak up the atmosphere, and bring home any rubbish generated.

The event, which takes place on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon, is weather dependent and further notices and updates will be provided closer to the date on social media postings.

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23rd April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council urges public to report use of single use plastics

Waterford City and County Council urges public to report use of single use plastics

In July 2021, the EU imposed a ban on the use of single use plastics, including plates, stirrers, cutlery and straws. The restrictions were introduced in order to replace the use of single use plastic with more sustainable alternatives.

Single use plastic can end up in the environment and lead to the problem of micro plastics in our seas and oceans and are some of the most common single use plastic items found on our beaches.

Today, the majority of businesses use biodegradable alternatives, however, there still remains a small cohort of businesses that continue to use environmentally harmful single use plastics.

Waterford City and County Council is urging members of the public to report premises still using single use plastic cutlery. Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer, Waterford City and County Council said, “We are still seeing single use plastic cutlery being offered to customers in cafés and takeaways in Waterford. Unless the business is taking back plastic cutlery to wash and reuse, the plastic cutlery is single use. Unfortunately, some manufacturers are labelling their products reusable, leading retailers to think they are okay.

“The consequences of single use plastics can be seen on our beaches and coastlines as 80% of marine litter is plastics. Not only is the litter unsightly, but plastic residues are also found in marine life, such as fish, shellfish and birds and invariably in the human food chain.”

Niall added, “Waterford City and County Council is encouraging members of the public to let us know about businesses that are still using single use plastic cutlery. It is not our intention to fine businesses initially, but to educate them about single use plastics, the alternatives that are available to them, and the benefits to the environment”.

The Single Use Plastic Regulations introduced a €2000 fixed payment notice for any producer placing single use cutlery on the market.

To report premises using single use plastics call Waterford City and County Council on 0818 10 20 20 or email contact@waterfordcouncil.ie

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17th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council leads the way in tackling vacancies

Last month, Dublin City University (DCU) and the Dublin Simon Community published “Opportunities and Challenges of Vacant ‘Above the Shop’ Units (VATSUs) for Residential Use in Ireland.”

According to the report, vacant above the shop units (VATSUs) are particularly complex units to bring into reuse, requiring significantly more flexibility, resources, risk mitigation and absorption, contingency planning, and multi-disciplinary work than other types of vacant units. The report addresses the challenges, opportunities and processes presented by the conversion/reuse of VATSUs for residential use.

Waterford featured prominently in the report as an example of where a local authority can activate and encourage the reuse of vacant above-shop buildings and spaces, in particular due to its widespread take up of the Repair and Leasing (RLS) scheme.

The report noted, “Property owners are working closely with local government officials to renovate vacant properties, including VATSUs, and increase social housing stock in the process. Following on this trend, one business owner has renovated two of their properties using RLS in recent years. Along with stripping both buildings back completely ‘from the floor to the roof’, renovations included putting in new walls, ceilings, floors, rewiring, replumbing, and kitchens. They also had to take out and rebuild the rear wall on one of the buildings, as it was in a poor state of repair, and put in a vented bin store outside each building.”

The continued uptake and delivery through the Repair and Lease scheme were noted, with Waterford accounting for a substantial number of dwellings brought back into use.

More recently in the Dáil on April 9^th Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said, “Waterford City and County Council is the leading local authority in delivering units under RLS.

“It participated in the original pilot scheme, commencing in October 2016. To end 2023, Waterford has delivered 312 homes under RLS, 56% of national delivery. This includes the largest RLS project to date, St Joseph’s House, Manor Hill, where 71 homes have been created in a previously vacant convent in a city centre location.”

In June last year, the Minister 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.

In County Waterford, 48% of homes provided to the end of 2023 by RLS are one-bed units, with a further 37% providing two-bed homes.

The Report Opportunities and Challenges of Vacant “Above the Shop” Units (VATSUs) for Residential Use in Ireland by Michelle Connolly of Dublin Simon Community and Dr Kathleen Stokes of Dublin City University can be found at:

https://www.dubsimon.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/19834_VATSU_Report_Web.pdf

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Image: St. Joseph’s House, Manor Hill

16th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta 2024

Tá áthas ar Oifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge a fhógairt go bhfuil sé i gceist Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta a bhronnadh ar dhaltaí meánscoile ó Phort Láirge i mbliana.

Bronnfaidh Oifig na Gaeilge scoláireacht(aí) ar dhalta(í) a chónaíonn i gCathair nó i gContae Phort Láirge (laistigh de limistéar riaracháin na Comhairle) chun freastal ar Chúrsa Samhraidh* de chuid Choláiste na Rinne i Rinn Ó gCuanach.

*Braithfidh dátaí an chúrsa ar an saghas scoláireachta a bhronnfar – scoláireacht lae nó scoláireacht chónaithe.

Is féidir foirmeacha iarratais agus sonraí iomlána na scoláireachta a fháil trí theagmháil a dhéanamh le:

Máire Seosaimhín Breathnach, Oifigeach Gaeilge, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge, Oifigí Cathartha, Dún Garbhán, Co Phort Láirge Teil: 058 22001 R-phost: msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie

Sé an t-am agus an dáta deiridh a nglacfar le hiarratais ná 5.00i.n. ar an Aoine, 3 Bealtaine 2024

The Irish Office, Waterford City & County Council is delighted to announce Gaeltacht Scholarships for second level student(s) from Waterford this summer.

A Scholarship(s) from the Irish Office will be available for a student(s) living in Waterford City or County (within the Council’s administrative area) to attend one of Coláiste na Rinne’s two-week summer courses* in the Gaeltacht area of west Waterford.

*The dates of the course will depend on the type of scholarship received – a day scholarship or a boarding scholarship.

Application forms and full details of the terms and conditions of the scholarships are available by contacting:

Máire Seosaimhín Breathnach, Irish Office, Waterford City & County Council, Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co Waterford Tel: 058 22001 E-mail: msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie

The final time and date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm on Friday, 3rd May 2024

8th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Expressions of Interest sought for 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme

Town & Village Renewal logo

Waterford City & County Council will administer the 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 and is a key initiative of Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025. The objectives of the 2024 Town and Village Renewal Scheme are focused to align with the commitments within Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy documents.

The focus of the Town & Village Renewal Scheme is on ensuring the development of Waterford’s rural towns and villages and making them more attractive places to live and work and increase their economic potential.

Waterford City & County Council now seeks expressions of interest from towns and villages, for funding of suitable projects under this initiative. Expression of interest form and details of the Scheme’s outline can be obtained by e-mailing townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie and completed expression of interest forms are to be returned before 5.00pm Friday 19th April 2024.

All applications will be subject to a selection process using National Criteria. Selected expression of interest applications will be developed into detailed bids for consideration for the 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme.