Community Alerts
Waterford City & County Age Friendly Alliance survey
This survey is being carried out on behalf of Waterford City and County Age Friendly Alliance. The Alliance wishes to ensure that priority issues relating to the quality of life of older people are addressed in a coordinated way by a variety of local bodies. The Age Friendly Strategy is intended to help to achieve this.
The intention of this survey is to gather the views of members of the community and of older members in particular, about the things which contribute to a high quality of life for older people.
By completing this questionnaire you will contribute significantly to the preparation of the Age Friendly Strategy for Waterford. Responses to the questionnaire are confidential and no specific comment or information is attributable to any individual.
More than 24000 people in Waterford using the toilet as a bin
Clean Coasts and Irish Water urge the public to ‘Think Before You Flush’ in a bid to safeguard our environment
Monday 3 October 2022: Irish Water and Clean Coasts are urging the public to continue to ‘Think Before You Flush’ as a recent survey has revealed that more than 24,000 people living in Waterford continue to regularly flush wipes and other sanitary items down the toilet. Worryingly those aged under 35 are twice as likely to dispose of ‘flushable’ wipes down the toilet, compared to those aged over 35. No wipes whether marked ‘flushable’ or not should be flushed down the toilet.
With sea swimming and the use of our beaches increasingly popular all year-round, it’s a timely reminder that our flushing behaviour has a direct impact on the environment and that making small changes can help prevent sanitary waste ending up on Ireland’s sandy beaches, rocky shores and secluded bays.
A new campaign video targeting under 35 years olds aims to connect with this audience in way that encourages real behavioural change.
Broadcaster Bláthnaid Treacy who is also supporting the campaign, said: “I am delighted to support the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign. For me, it is important that we all play a positive role when it comes protecting the environment. Collectively, small changes can have a huge impact so I would encourage everyone to consider their flushing habits. It is simple really, just ‘Think Before You Flush’.
Speaking about the survey results Ian O’Mahony, Irish Water said: “In 2018, our research informed us that 36% of people living in Ireland were regularly flushing the wrong things down the toilet. Irish Water have been working in partnership with Clean Coasts on the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign and during this time, we have made significant progress, as this figure has now reduced to 21%.
Whilst this represents a 42% improvement in people’s flushing behaviour, it still represents almost a million people nationally using the toilet as a bin: that’s more than 24,000 people living in Co. Waterford. The impacts of flushing the wrong things down the toilet are clear to see, as we are still removing thousands of sewer blockages from our network every month and continue to see this waste ending up on our beaches”.
“Following the latest survey findings, we have a call to action to those aged 35 and under in particular to be mindful of their flushing behaviour as this age profile can really help make the difference. We are keen to remind people that wipes should never be flushed down the toilet even if they are labelled as ‘flushable’. The impact of this waste ending up in our natural environment, on our beaches, shores and riverways is stark. Removing this waste from the sewerage network can be a nasty job which is easily avoided.
“Our message is simple: only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet. All other items including wipes and other sanitary products should go in the bin even if they are labelled as flushable.
This will reduce the number of sewer blockages, the risk of flooding to homes and businesses and the risk of pollution in the environment harming wildlife such as fish and birds and associated habitats. We have all witnessed the love story unfold between the public and swimming, whether that be at piers, beaches, lakes or rivers. A small change in our flushing behaviour can make a big difference to our natural environment – put wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary items in the bin and not down the toilet.”
Speaking about the campaign, Sinead McCoy, Clean Coasts said: “The Think Before You Flush campaign, through education and awareness, aims to prevent items like wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary items washing up on Ireland’s spectacular beaches.
While we have seen a positive improvement in the nation’s flushing behaviour since 2018, one in five adults still admit to regularly flushing unsuitable items down the toilet. By making small changes in our flushing behaviour, we can prevent the harm caused by sewage related litter in our marine environment. We are asking everybody to only flush the 3 P’s – pee, poo and paper – and put everything else in the bin.”
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Campaign highlights impact of a Driving Disqualification on those planning a J1 Visa
New Campaign Highlights Impact of a Driving Disqualification on those Planning a J1 Visa Programme next summer
- RSA, USIT Travel and AGS target new and returning college students with drink and drug driving campaign
- Video campaign ramps up the FOMO factor
29 September 2022: The Road Safety Authority (RSA) in partnership with USIT Travel, Ireland’s leading specialist in work abroad programs, and An Garda Síochána have come together to remind students ‘A drink or drug driving conviction may stop you from going to the U.S. on your J1. Or ever’. The core message of a new campaign launched today is aimed at new and returning students across Ireland as they settle back in college and begin considering a summer abroad next year on USIT’s J1 visa programme.
The new video campaign by the RSA, USIT Travel and An Garda Síochána tells the story of a group of friends experiencing the summer of a lifetime on their J1 visa in the United States juxtaposed against one of their peers back at home because he is disqualified from driving. The story highlights the contrast between an incredible summer abroad and the disappointment of missing out on such an experience as a result of reckless drink or drug driving behaviour.
The campaign is designed to show the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and how a drink or drug driving conviction or disqualification may impact someone’s chances on getting a J1 visa for the summer.
Mr. Sam Waide, CEO of the Road Safety Authority had this advice for students: “If you are returning to college this autumn, you will no doubt be looking forward to great opportunities and making new connections through the fantastic social activities throughout the academic year. Please remember to drink responsibly and plan how you will get back to your accommodation at the end of the night. If you live far from campus, arrange in advance to travel home with a group of friends through a cab share or public transport. Getting behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs can result in fatalities and serious injuries, and the consequences can also hamper the start of any career opportunities.”
Lisa Collender, USIT, said: “Every year, we facilitate thousands of Irish students with work placements abroad. Our mission for the J1 is to help students in 3rd level colleges to spend a summer working and travelling in the USA. The J1 programme has long been a milestone in many young people’s lives, where they not only experience personal growth but also contribute positively to the vital cultural connection between our two nations. The J1 visa programme is a fantastic opportunity for students to kickstart their travel and career dreams. This is why we want students to seriously consider how these dreams can be taken away with a drink or drug driving offence. Ask yourself: is the risk worth sacrificing a summer of a lifetime working abroad?”
Assistant Commissioner, Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána said: “We would like to wish everybody beginning their first year, and returning to college and university the very best. We hope that this will be a memorable and enjoyable experience. However, we want to remind everyone that college is a time in which we are preparing for the future, and as such we encourage you to enjoy yourself in a responsible manner and remember that the decisions we make today can affect our tomorrow. While the majority of people don’t drink and drive, some continue to take risks, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A drink or drug driving conviction can result in a driving ban of up to six years, it could impact on travel plans and job opportunities for young people, particularly those who want to pursue a J1 visa.”
To date in 2022, a total of 114 people have died on Irish roads, 11 more than the same period in 2021.
Ireland’s Road Safety Strategy
Ireland’s fifth government Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% over the next 10 years. This means reducing deaths on Ireland’s roads annually from 144 to 72 or lower and reducing serious injuries from 1,259 to 630 or lower by 2030.
The strategy is the first step in achieving the 2020 Programme for Government commitment of bringing Ireland to ‘Vision Zero’. This is to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by the year 2050.
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Waterford City & County Council clears the way for Make Way Day 2022
Every corner of Ireland will be put to the test for basic access issues this Friday, September 30th when the Make Way Day campaign returns, with a testing twist!
Campaign organisers, the Disability Federation of Ireland DFI, have developed an online tool that campaigners can use to test and rate their local area along with using MWD stickers to highlight the issues faces by people.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr John O’Leary welcomed the return of Make Way Day. “Make Way Day focuses on individual responsibility and explores what we can all do immediately to help our fellow citizens get from A to B, a very basic right. We in Waterford City and County Council are delighted to work with DFI and support the roll-out of Make Way Day across the city and county.”
“We all share public spaces and we are all entitled to share them equally and safely. However, for those with a disability, are infirm, visually impaired, or simply unable to manoeuvre obstacles, Make Way Day is about highlighting these issues, making the public aware of them and encouraging a change of behaviour.”
The backbone of the Make Way Day campaign is people with disabilities. An online tool empowers them to survey their area for obstacles and rate its accessibility. It will once again give them the chance to share their frustrations by posting photos of obstacles to social platforms with the hashtag #MakeWayDay22
DFI’s survey of campaigners earlier this year revealed that the most reoccurring obstacles are:
- Cars parked on footpaths
- Bins causing obstruction on footpaths
- Bikes illegally parked
Groups of people with disabilities, their allies, and local Access Groups from Waterford Disability Network will take part.
The tool will be available at www.makewayday.com on Make Way Day, Friday September 30th. It is easy to use and download to a phone and will be circulated widely on the campaign’s social media platforms.
According to the Disability Federation of Ireland, “Our aim is to have all neighbourhoods join up, to give us one comprehensive map of access in Ireland. We will coordinate all the results. We aim to and feed them back to the right people and work together towards clearer streets.”
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All pumped up for People’s Park new adult fitness park!
A new adult fitness park has recently been installed in Waterford’s People’s Park to encourage people to get out and get active.
With ten new pieces of exercise equipment including a sit-up press, decline bench, pull up station and shoulder press, the equipment is durable and robust enough to withstand the elements. The exercise equipment allows for a wide range of body weight exercises to be completed across all muscle groups and the set-up of the equipment enables users to experience an outdoor exercise circuit according to ability.
Waterford City and County Council, with support from Waterford Sports Partnership’s Active Cities Waterford project, replaced the old equipment that had been in situ for over 10 years. Commenting on the new gym equipment, Metro Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Jason Murphy said that the new addition to the People’s Park is guaranteed to be very popular.
“The gym equipment is of the highest standard and offers a full gym experience, for free and outdoors. It’s a wonderful addition to the Park, which I’m sure will attract those who are new to exercising in outdoor locations and expand the benefits associated with regular exercise to a greater number of people.”
“Safety has also been taken into consideration, as the bark mulch base is not only more environmentally friendly, with minimal impact on the natural environment, it also doubles as a fall-resistant material.”
Sean Gormley, Executive Engineer, Waterford City and County Council, added that the adult fitness area is an investment not just in the area, but in people’s health. “The cost of the gym equipment and installation was €46,272, and while it is a long-term investment in key infrastructure, it is also an investment in providing a safe and accessible place to promote health and well-being in Waterford.”
Waterford Sports Partnership was delighted to contribute to the costs of the outdoor gym under the Active Cities Waterford project, which is a Dormant Accounts funded project via Sport Ireland.
Elaine Mullan, Active Cities Officer with Waterford Sports Partnership, said “Having a quality outdoor gym such as this, available free to the public, is an example of how we want to make it easier for people in Waterford to be more active. Exercising in the outdoors brings with it added benefits and we look forward to seeing this new equipment used by young and old.”
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Help shape Waterford’s Age Friendly Strategy
Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Age Friendly Alliance are inviting the public to participate in a series of coffee morning workshops in the city and county, to help shape Waterford’s next Age Friendly Strategy.
Facilitated by Community Engagement Partners, the workshops will discuss topics such as community and health services, housing, active participation, transport, and isolation, with the view to developing a new strategy to ensure a better quality of life for older people.
Kevin Moynihan, Waterford City and County Council’s Community Department, is encouraging people to attend and participate in the free workshops. “Waterford’s next Age Friendly Strategy will be shaped by the people it affects. It is crucial that these opinions are heard in order to implement a strategy that delivers a better quality of life for older people in Waterford.”
“The format of the workshops is informal and guaranteed to be engaging. We’d love for the public will join us over a coffee for a discussion about ways to help us identify the principal actions that need be delivered by key public bodies and other agencies to enhance the quality of life for older people in Waterford City and County.”
The coffee mornings will be held at 11am September 20th in the Park Hotel Dungarvan, September 21st in The Tower Hotel Waterford and at Lismore Heritage Centre on September 30th, with the final coffee morning in O’Shea’s Hotel Tramore on October 5th.
Places are free and there will be people available to help with the discussion and identify some important areas to think about.
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Latest Bathing Water updates
For our latest bathing water quality results, please see https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/water/bathing-water/bathing-water-quality.htm
Updates
- A prohibition notice is in place at Tramore Pier following on from last year’s investigations.
- Bonmahon has been reopened.
- Boatstrand has a temporary bathing prohibition notice due to high enterococci as a result of the recent high rainfall. To be resampled on Wednesday.
ALERT: Bathing Prohibition at Bonmahon
BATHING PROHIBITION
Due to high bacterial count bathing is prohibited at Bonmahon. The likely cause of the high readings is the recent high rainfall.
Boil Water Notice issued for Touraneena Regional Public Water Supply
Boil Water Notice issued for Touraneena Regional Public Water Supply with immediate effect to protect the health of customers
Following consultation with the Health Service Executive, Irish Water and Waterford City & County Council have issued a Boil Water Notice for the area supplied by the Touraneena Public Water Supply to protect public health.
The population impacted by this notice is approximately 343 people. This notice is being issued due to elevated turbidity in the treated water. A map of the area is available to view on the supply and service section of www.water.ie
Experts from Irish Water and Waterford City & County Council are assessing the situation with a view to having the notice lifted as quickly and safely as possible. In the meantime, all customers of this supply are advised to boil water before use until further notice.
Pat Duggan, Irish Water, has acknowledged the impact this notice will have on the community and apologised for the inconvenience to customers: “We are working closely with Waterford City & County Council to restore drinking water quality for all impacted customers. We will monitor the supply over the coming days and will seek to lift the notice in consultation with the HSE as quickly as it is safe to do so.”
Vulnerable customers who have registered with Irish Water will be contacted directly about this notice. Anyone who has concerns can contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278 or log onto the water supply and service section of water.ie for information.
Water must be boiled for:
- Drinking;
- Drinks made with water;
- Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating;
- Brushing of teeth;
- Making of ice – discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.
What actions should be taken:
- Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads);
- Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling;
- Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink;
- Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water;
- Prepare infant feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been re-boiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na’ is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated.
Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.
Updates will be available on our Water Supply Updates section on water.ie including a map of the affected area, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Customers are advised to set their location on water.ie to view updates specific to their water supply. Further information in relation to the boil water notice is available from https://www.water.ie/water-supply/water-quality/boil-water-notice/
For customers who wish to check if their property is on the Boil Water Notice themselves, please go to the following link on the Irish Water website: https://www.water.ie/help/water-quality/results/ enter the property’s Eircode and then click the ‘More Details’ tab. You will then see if your property is on the Boil Water Notice.
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- Published: Weekly Planning Lists - April 18, 2025
- North Quays – Newsletter update April 2025 - April 17, 2025
- Reminder: 2025 Conservation Advice Scheme - April 16, 2025
- Waterford City and County Council hosts Housing Conference - April 15, 2025
- Boil Water Notice issued for Poulnagunogue (Poulavanogue) Public Water Supply in County Waterford - April 15, 2025
- Crough Wood Walk – Trail section closure for essential maintenance work - April 15, 2025
- Waterford St.Patrick’s Day Parade Award Winners 2025 - April 14, 2025
- Uisce Éireann’s investment in Waterford City continues to unlock Growth and Development - April 14, 2025
- Charity cycle to raise awareness of mental health and suicide - April 14, 2025
- Published: Weekly Planning Lists - April 11, 2025
- Housing Applicants : Have You Changed Address ? - April 11, 2025
- Planning Permission granted for Phase 1 of North Quays SDZ Development - April 11, 2025
