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Community Alerts

By Waterford City & County Council

One pesticide exceedance in Waterford drinking water supplies in 2022

Public urged to continue to consider the environment and alternatives to pesticides when gardening, farming and maintaining sports grounds 

Monday, 8 May 2023 – One exceedance for pesticides were detected in the public drinking water supplies in Kilmacthomas in 2022. This exceedance for 2,4-D was detected as part of Uisce Éireann’s public water supply monitoring programme. MCPA is still the most commonly detected pesticide in drinking water sources and is present in many commonly used herbicide products used to control thistles, docks and rushes.

There was an increase in the number of exceedances for pesticides in public drinking water supplies in Waterford county last year, according to Uisce Éireann. In 2021 the utility did not detect any exceedances for pesticides as part of its ongoing monitoring, however, this has increased to one in 2022.

The Kilmacthomas water supply abstracts raw water from a spring in the Kilmacthomas area which is vulnerable to runoff from land. Uisce Éireann is asking users of any herbicide or pesticide products to continue to consider the vulnerability of their local drinking water supplies to pesticide contamination and the importance of these supplies to local homes and businesses in the community.

Uisce Éireann and the NPDWAG are asking the farming community, greenkeepers, grounds keepers, and also domestic users of pesticides, to consider in each case whether they need to use pesticides at all. Pesticides must only be used where strictly necessary and only after the possibility of using other control methods has been carefully considered. Minimising pesticide use not only helps to protect water quality but also has multiple wider environmental benefits.

For example, leaving areas unsprayed can help native flowering plant species to grow and support a range of insects including bees and other vital pollinators. One third of Ireland’s bee species are threatened with extinction and by helping the bee population survive and thrive we are also helping to protect our precious water sources. For more information on practical ways to help bees and other pollinators, check out the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan at pollinators.ie. Farmers should also bear in mind that the application of herbicides reduces sward species diversity and could negatively impact on payments through agri-environmental schemes.

Where pesticide use is considered necessary, the NPDWAG continues to work with local communities to ensure that best practice measures to protect drinking water sources and biodiversity are always followed. Farmers and other landholders dealing with the challenge of rushes should note the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) guidance on the sustainable management of rushes. This approach is based on the concepts of containment or suppression and aims to minimise the use of pesticides. More information on this can be obtained from your local farm advisor or on www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/waterprotection

Patrick Duggan, Uisce Éireann’s Regional Drinking Water Compliance Specialist said: “In Co Waterford, the exceedances of the drinking water regulations for 2,4-D was noted in the Kilmacthomas public water supply following routine sampling. While our consultation with the HSE has concluded that the levels we detected did not represent a threat to public health, they are still however undesirable in drinking water and it is therefore imperative that users of pesticides are mindful of best practice when using herbicides or pesticides and seek out alternatives.”

Adding to this, Dr Aidan Moody, DAFM and Chair of NPDWAG, commented: “It is important that we maintain our focus on this issue and that there is a sustained effort by stakeholders to continue the good progress that has been made in recent years. Users of pesticides must always consider the possibilities for alternative control methods in the first instance and if the application of pesticides is considered essential make sure that they follow best practice measures to protect water quality.”

If pesticides have to be used, the basic steps to reduce risks to drinking water sources and the aquatic environment are:

  • Choose the right pesticide product (products containing MCPA are NOT approved for use in weed-wipers and are not permitted to be used from the end of September until the beginning of March).
  • Read and follow the product label.
  • Do not use pesticides if rain is forecast in the next 48 hours.
  • Make sure you are aware of the location of all nearby water courses.
  • Comply with any buffer zone specified on the product label to protect the aquatic environment. Mark out the specified buffer zone from the edge of the river or lake or other water course and drainage ditches.
  • Avoid spills, stay well back from open drains and rinse empty containers 3 times into the sprayer.
  • Store and dispose of pesticides and their containers properly.
  • Neverfill a sprayer directly from a water course or carry out mixing, loading or other handling operations beside a water course.

Further guidance:

 ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Public Participation: Identification of Bathing Waters

Local authorities must identify official bathing areas in their area every year so that they can be monitored for safety, water quality and their level of use.  To help with this process, Waterford City and County Council is asking people who swim at beaches, lakes and rivers to tell them if they think they should maintain existing designated bathing waters designations or give a new official bathing area designation to areas that are commonly used for swimming, but not identified at the moment.

Under European and Irish law, Irish local authorities must identify bathing waters each year so that these areas can be monitored to ensure they meet stringent microbiological water quality standards. In some cases, the official bathing areas are also the areas where local authorities focus their resources providing lifeguards during the summer season.  These laws also require that the local authority prepares detailed descriptions or profiles for each of the identified bathing water sites that describe not just the bathing area but also areas in the surface waters catchment area that could be a source of pollution. The profiles include an assessment the risk of pollution and what action would be taken if pollution occurs.

If you are a regular swimmer and want to help your Council decide which bathing areas should be classified as such, it might be helpful to consider the following:

  • How your swimming area has been used up to now
  • How many people use the site
  • What facilities exist at the site and how accessible it is
  • Any safety issues

If you wish to propose your favourite beach/river etc. as a new bathing water site or comment on an existing site please visit https://bit.ly/IdentificationOfBathingWaters2023

Closing date for submissions to Waterford City and County Council is 28/9/2023.

The bathing water quality results and annual classification of bathing waters can be viewed at www.beaches.ie. The latest available EPA report Bathing Water in Ireland Report can be viewed here: https://www.epa.ie/publications/

-ENDS-


Note to editors:

Local authorities are required under the Bathing Waters Directive and the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 (SI No 79 of 2008) to identify bathing waters on an annual basis. The Directive requires that water quality at all designated bathing waters meets stringent microbiological standards in order to protect the health of people who choose to bathe there.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Dungarvan Roundabout Sponsorship Scheme 2023

Waterford City & County Council is implementing a scheme for the sponsorship of roundabouts around our city and county.

The Council is seeking to engage with businesses and organisations who wish to enhance our city and county’s built environment while benefiting from advertising opportunities being offered on two roundabouts in the Dungarvan area.

An applicant may submit a tender for either one or both roundabouts. Where a number of tenders are received for a particular roundabout, the sponsorship will be awarded to the highest tenderer.

Overview

  • This tender relates to the sponsorship of two roundabouts on public roads on the N25 Dungarvan Bypass.
  • The two roundabouts are Springmount Roundabout and Strandside Roundabout which are located on the N25 Dungarvan Bypass.
  • The sponsorship duration will commence in June 2023 and conclude in December 2027.
  • The sponsorship fee is per annum for four years from 2024–2027 and for 2023 is for seven months pro rata of the annual fee from 2024–2027 as the sponsorship period will commence on 1st June 2023. Part payments will not be accepted.

Tender Documents
Full tender document, map, fee information, specifications, tender form etc. are available here in the TENDER DOCUMENT.

Communications
Communications in connection with the Tender or requests for clarification should be addressed to: Anthony Russell, Administrative Officer, Environment Department, Waterford City & County Council, Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

E-mail: arussell@waterfordcouncil.ie

The latest date for receipt of communications in connection with this tender is: 4:00pm on Friday, 5th May 2023.

Closing date for receipt of tenders is 4:00pm on Friday, 12th May 2023.

By Waterford City & County Council

May Bank Holiday water safety appeal from the Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland

As the weather improves, more people will participate in coastal and water-based activities. The three organisations say that while these activities are enjoyable, they should be properly planned. As alcohol is a contributory factor in around onethird of drownings in Ireland, they are also appealing to the public to stay away from waterways if alcohol has been consumed.

It is important to be summer ready and ensure that boats and other water vessels, including kayaks and canoes, are checked after the winter, to ensure that everything is in good working order and that engines have been serviced, with all equipment, particularly lifejackets, 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. Ensure that
you tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.

Micheál O’Toole from the Coast Guard is reminding everyone of the need to check the weather and tides before heading out on the water or visiting the coast: ‘We would advise people that the water is still cold at this time of the year, and cold watershock can affect everyone. We recommend exercising caution if entering the water for the first time this year, to wear brightly coloured swimming caps and use tow floats to improve visibility

“Never ever swim alone and always make sure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague. Things can go very badly wrong in a very short time, so we all need to be aware of potential dangers and be well prepared before engaging in waterbased activities. “The Be Summer Ready” website at www.gov.ie/summerready provides good advice about water safety and we would urge all those involved in water activitiesto take some time to read the material available on the site before venturingout on the water.’

Roger Sweeney, Water Safety Ireland’s Deputy CEO said: ‘Swimmers should be aware of rip currents which are a leading hazard at our beaches. They are often difficult to spot and can quickly weaken even the strongest swimmers and take them away
from shore. Never swim against a rip current. Instead, swim parallel to shore until you escape the narrow current and then swim back to shore at an angle. Learn more at www.watersafety.ie/rip-currents

Killian O’Kelly, RNLI Water Safety Education Manager, added: ‘If you’re going out on the water using a stand-up paddleboard, sit on top kayak, or personal watercraft, it is importantto consider the direction of the wind. Offshore winds, i.e., winds blowing
out to sea, are not suitable for these activities as they can push you further out to sea. Plan your route considering sheltered locations, wear a personal flotation device and have a suitable means of contact on your person that is easily accessible in any
emergency.

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

Ends

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Town Village Renewal Scheme 2023

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme supports projects to rejuvenate rural towns and villages across #Waterford, projects that will increase attractiveness of the town or village, enhance the town or village’s environment and amenities or promote the town or village’s potential for tourism.

Grant funding available is from €20,000 to  €500,000.

For more information click https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/economic-development/rural-economic-development/town-village-renewal.htm

To get the application form you can email: townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie

Closing date for submissions is Friday, 05th May 2023.

By Waterford City & County Council

Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta ar fáil

Tá áthas ar Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge agus Coiste Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge a fhógairt go mbeidh Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta ar fáil do dhaltaí meánscoile ó Phort Láirge.

Más mian leat freastal ar chúrsa coicíse i gColáiste na Rinne, i gceartlár na Gaeltachta an samhraidh seo, is féidir foirmeacha iarratais a fháil ó Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge.

Chun a thuilleadh eolais faoi na Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta a fháil, déan teagmháil le Máire Seó Breathnach, Oifigeach Gaeilge ar 058 22001 nó r-phost: msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie.

Is é an dáta deiridh d’iarratais ná an Aoine, 28 Aibreán.

Waterford City & County Council and the Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge Committee are delighted to announce Gaeltacht Scholarships for second level students from Waterford.

If you’d like to attend a two-week course at Coláiste na Rinne, in the heart of the Gaeltacht this summer, application forms are available from Waterford City and County Council.

To find out more about the Gaeltacht Scholarships call Máire Seó Breathnach, Irish Officer on 058 22001 or e-mail: msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie.

Closing date for applications is Friday, April 28th.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta ar fáil


Tá áthas ar Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge agus Coiste Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge a fhógairt go mbeidh Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta ar fáil do dhaltaí meánscoile ó Phort Láirge.

Más mian leat freastal ar chúrsa coicíse i gColáiste na Rinne, i gceartlár na Gaeltachta an samhraidh seo, is féidir foirmeacha iarratais a fháil ó Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge.

Chun a thuilleadh eolais faoi na Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta a fháil, déan teagmháil le Máire Seó Breathnach, Oifigeach Gaeilge ar 058 22001 nó r-phost: msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie.

Is é an dáta deiridh d’iarratais ná an Aoine, 28 Aibreán.

Waterford City & County Council and the Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge Committee are delighted to announce Gaeltacht Scholarships for second level students from Waterford.

If you’d like to attend a two-week course at Coláiste na Rinne, in the heart of the Gaeltacht this summer, application forms are available from Waterford City and County Council.

To find out more about the Gaeltacht Scholarships call Máire Seó Breathnach, Irish Officer on 058 22001 or e-mail: msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie.

Closing date for applications is Friday, April 28th.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Dungarvan Roundabout Sponsorship Scheme 2023

Waterford City & County Council is implementing a scheme for the sponsorship of roundabouts around our city and county.

The Council is seeking to engage with businesses and organisations who wish to enhance our city and county’s built environment while benefiting from advertising opportunities being offered on two roundabouts in the Dungarvan area.

An applicant may submit a tender for either one or both roundabouts. Where a number of tenders are received for a particular roundabout, the sponsorship will be awarded to the highest tenderer.

Overview

  • This tender relates to the sponsorship of two roundabouts on public roads on the N25 Dungarvan Bypass.
  • The two roundabouts are Springmount Roundabout and Strandside Roundabout which are located on the N25 Dungarvan Bypass.
  • The sponsorship duration will commence in June 2023 and conclude in December 2027.
  • The sponsorship fee is per annum for four years from 2024–2027 and for 2023 is for seven months pro rata of the annual fee from 2024–2027 as the sponsorship period will commence on 1st June 2023. Part payments will not be accepted.

Tender Documents
Full tender document, map, fee information, specifications, tender form etc. are available here in the TENDER DOCUMENT.

Communications
Communications in connection with the Tender or requests for clarification should be addressed to: Anthony Russell, Administrative Officer, Environment Department, Waterford City & County Council, Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

E-mail: arussell@waterfordcouncil.ie

The latest date for receipt of communications in connection with this tender is: 4:00pm on Friday, 5th May 2023.

Closing date for receipt of tenders is 4:00pm on Friday, 12th May 2023.

By Waterford City & County Council

Autism Friendly Waterford bid gets underway

The Autism Friendly Waterford initiative was launched on Sunday in the Tower Hotel with over 200 in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr John O’Leary said this initiative “will help overcome barriers and bring great benefits to the city”. Waterford has already been voted the best place to live in Ireland. This, he added, would be another feather in our cap if we became the first Autism Friendly City in Ireland with Waterford leading the way in creating a truly inclusive society.

Dick White from AsIAm, gave a brief overview of the programme. David Galvin, a teacher from the ASD unit in St. Paul’s Secondary School, spoke of the gaps in the education system that need to be addressed. He also outlined the wonderful work that is being done in St. Paul’s, not only to cater for autistic students, but also to create a culture of tolerance and acceptance of diversity amongst the school population.  Amanda Fox from the Cara Autism Support Service in the National Learning Network, spoke of her own late diagnosis and how she organised a party to celebrate it and to help her son come to terms with his diagnosis.

Maolíosa Ní Chléírigh, Tish Holton, Deborah Gray and Frances Jacob explained their vision of a three year programme, with businesses and public services being asked to take measures to become autism friendly by undergoing staff training, providing sensory accommodations and giving employment, where appropriate to autistic people.  80% of autistic people are underemployed because the system does not cater for them.

The event was sponsored by Healthy Ireland and Waterford Lions Club, with the support of WLR and the initiative is being rolled out in partnership with Waterford City & County Council and Waterford Chamber.

For more information visit the website at www.autismfriendlywaterford.com or email autismfriendlywaterford@gmail.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Town Village Renewal Scheme 2023

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme supports projects to rejuvenate rural towns and villages across #Waterford, projects that will increase attractiveness of the town or village, enhance the town or village’s environment and amenities or promote the town or village’s potential for tourism.

Grant funding available is from €20,000 to  €500,000.

For more information click https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/economic-development/rural-economic-development/town-village-renewal.htm

To get the application form you can email: townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie

Closing date for submissions is Friday, 05th May 2023.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City Marina : Visitor Berths Closed Until 2025

If you’re a boating enthusiast or a user of Waterford City’s marina, please take note of the latest update regarding the marina.

Construction work on the sustainable transport bridge across the River Suir has commenced. This bridge is a crucial part of the North Quays development, as it will connect the city’s north and south sides, creating new opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors alike. However, in order to facilitate these works, the visitor berths at Waterford City Marina have closed until 2025.

If you had planned to moor your yacht at the marina during this time, you may be disappointed to hear that it won’t be possible. However, it’s important to note that this closure is necessary to ensure the safety of all involved in the construction of the new bridge. The project is expected to take approximately 2.5 years, at which point the marina will to re-open to visiting yachts.

Waterford City & County Council apologises for this temporary inconvenience, but if you’re looking to explore the beautiful waters of Waterford and experience the city’s rich culture and history, mark your calendar for 2025, and plan your trip accordingly.

In the meantime, if you’re interested in securing a long-term berth at the marina, a waiting list is in place, and the Marina Superintendent can be contacted on 087-2384944.

The marina looks forward to welcoming visitors back in a few years’ time, and in the meantime, there are still plenty of other ways to explore and enjoy the vibrant city of Waterford.

By Waterford City & County Council

Step into summer in Waterford

With warmer weather on the horizon, businesses across Waterford city and county have started to welcome both domestic and international visitors for what is set to be a busy summer season throughout the city & county. With particular interest from the American market, international bookings to the region are already strong.

Waterford is well situated from Ireland’s major airports and ports. The Port of Waterford and the harbour in Dunmore East are also critical players in Waterford’s tourism industry, acting as a gateway to Ireland’s Ancient East, with 24 ships and 27,339 passengers to visit Waterford by cruise ship in 2023. It is a short distance from major cities such as Cork and Dublin and is easily accessible by public transport.

This week, Visit Waterford launched its 2023 summer campaign ‘Take A Hike, Visit Waterford’, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the extensive walking and hiking routes throughout Waterford city and county from the award-winning greenway to the UNESCO Copper Coast. Visit Waterford aims to entice locals and holidaymakers alike to step into the heart of Ireland’s oldest city and enjoy the locally sourced culinary offerings, finest hospitality and world-renowned cultural experiences both the city and county offer.

Sara Dolan, Chairperson of Visit Waterford and Commercial Director for Mount Congreve and Waterford Treasures, said: “The Irish tourism market is a very competitive industry, but we are very confident in Waterford city and county’s offering as a premium destination in Ireland’s Ancient East. The tourism industry here in Waterford is continually evolving and growing, offering an abundance of things to do and see across the county. Waterford’s diverse landscape is host to a wide range of impressive hiking and walking trails; it is the ultimate destination for adventure seekers, families and those on leisurely breaks. I would encourage old and new visitors to visit Waterford this summer.”

The recent re-opening of Mount Congreve Gardens at the beginning of March marked the start of a busy year for Waterford following a seven million investment, while both the Waterford Greenway extension to the city centre and the Museum of the Irish Wake are both set to open in the coming weeks, adding greatly to the city & counties vibrant cultural offering.

Cllr. John O’Leary, Mayor of the City and County of Waterford, said: “Not only does the summer season bring our ‘sunny southeast’ reputation to life, but it also brings back visitors to our city and county. We look forward to a busy summer, hoping to see local businesses thrive from increased footfall from domestic and international visitors. Spend the day hiking up the Comeraghs and exploring the coastal towns of Ardmore and Dunmore East, or take in the history of the Vikings and our ancient city – there is something for everyone. Waterford is a must-visit destination all year round, especially in the summer.”

Mealla Fahey, Project Manager at Lismore Heritage Centre and Director at Visit Waterford, added: “Waterford truly has so much to offer as a destination. Not only is Waterford home to Ireland’s oldest

city, bursting with history, but the county also boasts spectacular views from beaches and cliff walks to renowned landmarks across the county. From Lismore to Tramore, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With the much-loved Waterford greenway now running from Dungarvan right down to the city centre, it further links the west to east, strengthening Waterford’s tourism offering even More.”

Visit Waterford is supported by Waterford City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland, local hospitality, amenity, and entertainment providers. For further information on Visit Waterford head over to www.visitwaterford.com

Ends

By Waterford City & County Council

Town Village Renewal Scheme 2023

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme supports projects to rejuvenate rural towns and villages across #Waterford, projects that will increase attractiveness of the town or village, enhance the town or village’s environment and amenities or promote the town or village’s potential for tourism.

Grant funding available is from €20,000 to  €500,000.

For more information click https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/economic-development/rural-economic-development/town-village-renewal.htm

To get the application form you can email: townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie

Closing date for submissions is Friday, 05th May 2023.

By Waterford City & County Council

An Garrán residents’ association, Tramore runner-up at All-Island IPB Pride of Place awards

An Garrán residents’ association in Tramore named as runner-up at the All-Island IPB Pride of Place awards

The awards celebrate the best in community development, and recognise the efforts of people in making their local neighbourhoods better places to live, work and socialise.

An Garrán residents’ association was nominated by Waterford City and County Council, in the Urban Neighbourhood (Under 3,000) category.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 20 years ago though 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.

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