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SS Port Láirge propeller unveiled as monument

Today saw the official unveiling of a large refurbished propeller from the old port dredger SS Port Láirge by Dr. Eugene Broderick, Chair of Waterford Civic Trust, Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Jason Murphy and Mr. David Sinnott, CEO of the Port of Waterford company.

Waterford Civic Trust facilitated the agreement between the Port of Waterford Company and Waterford City and County Council to install the restored propeller on the roundabout at Merchant’s Quay, adjacent to the former Harbour Master’s offices.

Cllr. Murphy said, “In 1907, the SS Port Láirge dredger was acquired by Waterford Harbour Commissioners to replace the Urbs Intacta which had seen service on the river for many years.  Taking its name from the Irish name for the city, the SS Port Láirge was built at the Dublin Dockyard Company and in her day was the most modern vessel afloat, capable of carrying 500 tonnes of silt.

Affectionately known to the people of Waterford as the ‘Mudboat’ the SS Port Láirge  worked up and down the quays of Waterford for just over seventy-five years until 1983, keeping the River Suir open and the port berths free of mud and silt. The SS Port Láirge was the last working steamship of her type in these islands.”

Members of Waterford Civic Trust in attendance included Anne Cusack, Des Griffin, and Mary O’Halloran along with Eamonn O’Brien, the last surviving crew member of the SS Port Láirge and Cpt. Darren Doyle, Harbour Master Port of Waterford.

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Official Openings of Rural Development Projects

On May 16th,  Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor John O’Leary along with the Cathaoirleach of the Comeragh Municipal District, Councillor Liam Brazil officially opened a trio of new facilities in the Comeragh area.

First off was the new Lemybrien Playground where Councillor Brazil spoke about the great facility now in place which was very much designed with inclusivity and special needs in mind and which was proving a fantastic attraction for families from miles around. He also spoke of the contribution of the local community under the leadership of Kevin Lonergan.

Next it was on to Mahon Falls where Councillor O’Leary and Councillor Brazil jointly opened the newly expanded and improved car-park. Here, the emphasis was very much on the growing recreational value of the Comeragh Mountains to both local residents and visitors alike. A landscape which inspires everybody who visits there but also a landscape which needs to be valued and protected. Again, the contribution and involvement of the local community was acknowledged, particularly that of the Comeraghs Development Group, and the cooperation of local landowners, particularly Pat Keating and the commonage owners of the lands leading to the Falls.

The final destination was Kilmeaden where the Mayor officially opened the new Greenway link connecting Kilmeaden village to the Waterford Greenway at Kilmeaden Station. Councillor O’Leary paid particular compliments to the work of Waterford and Suir Valley Railway, to the Council staff involved and particularly to the contribution of landowners John and Joan Stephenson, who had allocated a significant amount of their personal property in order to accommodate the link.

In Kilmeaden also, the Mayor, in conjunction with the local Kilmeaden-Ballyduff group, launched a new initiative called the Kilmeaden-Ballyduff Community Garden, the work of which will bring substantial joy to the residents of the area over the next number of years. At the launch, the group was represented by Peter Jacob, Linda Spillane and Declan Finn.

Across all three facilities, there were distinct similarities which both Councillor O’Leary and Brazil alluded to. All three were of a recreational nature and encouraging of outdoor activity. They were funded by various but complementary government programmes – the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the Active Travel programme. There was community involvement in all schemes and, vitally, there was huge cooperation from local land owners. Finally, there was real commitment for those entrusted with delivering the projects, particularly the Council staff involved but also the contractors employed by the Council who did excellent work on all three projects.

The Mayor’s final wish was that everyone who used these facilities, locals and visitors alike, would get joy, health and a feeling of well-being from their presence and that the Comeraghs area would continue to be a source of joy and inspiration to all who visit her and enjoy her beauty.

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Free to use images – David Clynch

Bathing Prohibition Notice – Councillors Strand, Dunmore East

A bathing prohibition notice has been placed at Councillors Strand, Dunmore East, as a precaution due to elevated bacteria levels in the water.

Waterford City and County Council advises the public not to swim at Councillors Strand until the notice is lifted.

Further testing will take place over the coming days and the prohibition notice will be reviewed based on ongoing sampling results.

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 will be 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

Roadworks – R680 Fiddown to Portlaw

Roadworks in place on R680 from Fiddown to Mayfield, Portlaw on Wednesday 15/05/23 to facilitate road surfacing works.

Stop/go system with convoy in operation. Expect delays.

Please use alternative routes where possible.

Get on your bike for Bike Week

Celebrating the benefits of cycling, Bike Week 2023 kicks off with two full weeks of cycling events and workshops throughout Waterford city and county, from Saturday May 13th to Sunday May 21st.

From dawn cycles and Greenway night cycles, to disability cycle workshops and balance bike schools programme, Bike Week has something for all ages and all abilities.

Launched in 2009, National Bike Week has helped raise the profile of cycling as healthy and fun mode of transport, and it’s also great for the community and the planet. Waterford City and County Council, in association with Waterford Sports Partnership, has compiled a wide range of cycling activities.

If you think you’ve got 30km in the tank, the Passage East 30k spin takes place on May 21st.  This free event includes a 30km cycle from Waterford City to Arthurstown in Co. Wexford, taking in the Passage East Car Ferry, with light lunch provided. All participants must have their own bikes and helmets and be over 16 years of age.

The Waterford Greenway Night Cycle departs SETU Arena Carpark at Carriganore at 9pm on Friday May 19th. Participants over 12 years of age are welcome and must have their own bikes and helmets.

How about a spot of High Tea at Mount Congreve?  This women’s cycle departs Bilberry carpark at 10.30am on Saturday May 13th.  At Mount Congreve you can take a well-earned rest and enjoy a spot of high tea in one of the ‘great gardens of the world.’

Whether you’re in the city or county, enjoy a lunchtime cycle on Wednesday May 17th.  With cycles departing from Walton Park in Dungarvan and the House of Waterford on the Mall in the city, you’ll get to see the very best of your locality on two wheels.  Participants must be over 16 years of age and light lunch is provided.

There are dozens of fun events to choose from.  All events are free, but booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

To find out more about the wide range of events taking place throughout Bike Week in Waterford city and county, or to register for a Bike Week event visit www.bikeweek.ie

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Council not publishing Residential Zoned Land Tax supplemental map (RZLT)

Waterford City & County Council is not publishing a Residential Zoned Land Tax supplemental map (RZLT)

Residential Zoned Land Tax supplemental maps include additional land identified as being within the scope of the tax, over and above the land which has already been included
on draft maps published on November 1, 2022. Where no additional land has been identified as being in scope, Waterford City & County Council is not required to publish
a supplemental map in accordance with Section 653F of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.

Additional land may be identified for inclusion on the supplemental map due to changes in zoning or investment in services. Land which was identified through submissions made on the draft map or which has otherwise become known to the local authority as meeting the criteria for the tax may also be included.

As no additional land met these criteria Waterford City & County Council is not publishing a supplemental map.

Liam McGree
Senior Planner
Waterford City and 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:

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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/

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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.

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.

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. ‘

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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.

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.

 

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.