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Planned Road Closure tomorrow – John Roberts Square and Broad Street

In order to facilitate a “Celebration of Waterford as Ireland’s Best Place to Live”, there will be no access to vehicular traffic to John Roberts Square and Broad Street from 8am to 6pm on Saturday, April 30th.

This free family event in the heart of the city will feature lots of great music, fun, family-friendly activities and workshops for children from 12 noon to 6pm.

This road closure will allow the contractor to erect entertainment stages / facilities in John Roberts Square.

John Roberts Square and Broad Street will remain open to pedestrian traffic.

Planned Road Closure this weekend – John Roberts Square and Broad Street

In order to facilitate a “Celebration of Waterford as Ireland’s Best Place to Live”, there will be no access to vehicular traffic to John Roberts Square and Broad Street from 8am to 6pm on Saturday, April 30th.

This free family event in the heart of the city will feature lots of great music, fun, family-friendly activities and workshops for children from 12 noon to 6pm.

This road closure will allow the contractor to erect entertainment stages / facilities in John Roberts Square.

John Roberts Square and Broad Street will remain open to pedestrian traffic.

New Exercise Equipment for People’s Park

Waterford’s People’s Park will soon have new adult exercise equipment following a replacement of the existing equipment which was beyond feasible repair.

Working with Waterford Sports Partnership suitable equipment was selected, tendered and Browne Bros Ltd, Cork were awarded the contract.

Installation is expected approx. mid July 2022. The design of the equipment can be seen in the PDF below and will be located east of the Skate Park.

National Community Engagement Day

On Wednesday 27th April, An Garda Síochána, IFA and the members of the National Rural Safety Forum will invite local community members to partake in the National Community Engagement Day.

The day, last held in 2020 will involve over 800 communities from across the country meeting with their local Gardaí and community representatives to discuss matters of importance to them such as rural safety, crime prevention and security. The meetings will be informal and will last approximately one hour.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, from Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána said:

An Garda Síochána is delighted to partner with the IFA and other key stakeholders from the National Rural Safety Forum for a National Community Engagement Day to take place in 300 venues across the country on Wednesday, 27th April 2022. The National Community Engagement Day will provide an opportunity for people from all our communities, both rural and urban, to meet with their local gardaí. I especially welcome the event this year as it is the first time since 2020 that it could take place owing to Covid-19 restrictions. Engagement, partnership and problem solving with local communities is essential to our mission of keeping people safe. Members of An Garda Síochána will use this as an opportunity to meet informally with local communities, listen to their concerns, discuss ways to work collaboratively to reduce crime and fear of crime and offer crime prevention advice”.

Brian Rushe, IFA Deputy President and Co-Chair of the National Rural Safety Forum has commented that:

“It is crucial that we all work together to serve the best interests of people at risk in our communities and the National Community Engagement Day is the perfect platform for this. Community reassurance and crime prevention initiatives are at the centre of community welfare. IFA is thrilled to be working with An Garda Síochána and all members of the National Rural Safety Forum on this great initiative and are urging all communities to come out on the 27th April to make it a memorable day.”

#CommunityEngagementDay

Waterford Leads the Way in Closing the Digital Divide

During the early part of Covid-19, Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Libraries, Waterford Wexford Education Training Board, Waterford PPN, Waterford Area Partnership and the Waterford Older People’s Council, the HSE and the Disability Federation of Ireland worked together to find a solution to improve digital literacy in the community by training people in using their mobile phones, tablets and technology. Waterford PPN carried out surveys to identify support and training needs.

Two booklets have now been published online. The first produced by Richard Torney of the Older People’s Council is to help anyone who would like to know where the broadband connection points and free wifi points across the City and County area along with sites where training is available, with an accompanying map showing locations.

This live publication “Get Connected: WIFI Hotspots and other Services” is available on Waterford Libraries website and is regularly updated.

Richard Torney, Waterford OPC said, “We know that lots of people, older and younger, need help in using devices and online services. Those of us who have received training know that sometimes just understanding a simple tap of a button can make all the difference. I’d encourage everyone to look at the booklets and look for some help to make it easier to get online”

The second booklet “A Beginners guide to staying digitally connected” was produced by Nicola McCarthy Hanlon of WWETB  as part of the collaborative project. Nicola has been rolling out training across the county and this guide has proven to be invaluable during and after training and is available on Waterford Libraries website at http://waterfordlibraries.ie/get-connected/

Nicola McCarthy Hanlon, WWETB said, “There are so many options here in Waterford for people to get help with accessing technology and we will be working to make sure that everyone who wants to get more information on using phones and devices will have that available to them.”

Jane Cantwell, City & County Librarian added, “The partnership between the different groups has helped us to work together to rollout out training and information to those who would love to know more about technology and who, in our current world need to know more about technology in order to use services and to access information.”

For more information, call into any branch of Waterford Libraries or to sign up for training contact Nicola by email at nicolamcarthyhanlon@wwetb.ie

-ENDS-

For further information:

Jane Cantwell
Waterford City and County Librarian
jcantwell@waterfordcouncil.ie

Urgent request for Emergency Shelter & Accommodation

Waterford City & County Council is seeking emergency shelter and accommodation facilities in Waterford City & County for refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

Vacant and shared properties are urgently required for a minimum period of six to twelve months.

To pledge your accommodation or property,  please contact the Waterford City and County Council by emailing pledge@waterfordcouncil.ie or by telephone to 058 22059 between the hours of 10am to 7pm seven days a week.

Official opening of the Bird hide in Tramore – It’s for the birds!

Waterford’s newest bird hide was officially opened by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Kelly.

Located at Tramore Nature Park overlooking Tramore back strand, the project was funded by Waterford City and County Council, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in partnership with Tramore Eco Group, with financial support from Tramore Tidy Towns.

The location of the bird hide is of particular significance as Tramore’s back strand is an important habitat for a variety of birds, in particular little egrets, oystercatchers, herons, snipes and sanderlings.

With stunning views of the back strand, the bird hide provides shelter for birdwatchers and also houses a bird identification board, displaying over thirty bird species that frequent the area. This is particularly useful for school groups and anyone wishing to identify the various birds that they might see in the area.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Kelly commended the collaborative work of Waterford City and County Council, Tramore Eco Group and Tramore Tidy Towns.  “These groups have worked towards the common goal of getting this fantastic facility over the line.”

“Not only is the bird hide a wonderful addition to the landscape of Tramore, it is ergonomically designed and complements its surroundings.  I’m confident that it will be a big draw to birdwatchers from not just Waterford, but from all over the country.”

The outer wall is constructed from stone gabions with sedum grass and wildflower roof that blends in well with its surrounds, helps extend the roof life and also has ecological and environmental benefits.

The bird hide was designed by Waterford firm Bryan McCarthy & Associates, constructed by Liam Whelan Plant Hire Ltd., and Jim Wilson of Wildlife Ireland designed the Bird Identification sign.

 

Double celebrations planned for Waterford

The May Bank Holiday weekend will see not one, but two celebrations taking place in Waterford.

On Saturday, April 30th John Roberts Square in Waterford City will be a hive of music, magic, and free family entertainment from 12 noon to 6pm as Waterford City and County Council celebrates Waterford as Ireland’s Best Place to Live.

On Sunday, May 1st, Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber are teaming up to bring an afternoon of community fun to the new plaza in Tramore, with live music and street entertainment for all the family from 12pm to 4pm to mark the official opening of the new urban renewal space.

According to Cllr Joe Kelly, Mayor of Waterford City and County, “It’s shaping up to be a great weekend to showcase the very best of Waterford as Ireland’s Best Place to Live, as John Roberts Square will be a hive of activity with live music from great local groups, there’ll be a touch of magic and free workshops to keep the kids entertained for the afternoon.”

“Waterford is a vibrant, friendly, liveable city with strong community bonds and a wealth of musical and artistic talent.  What better way to showcase Waterford than with a free family-fun day, where are all are welcome to experience the warmth and welcome of Ireland’s Best Place to Live.”

Trevor Darmody of WAMA has put together a jam-packed programme that will entertain and enthral on the day.  “We’ll have a little magic and mayhem with magicians Jack Wise and Quentin Reynolds, great music from Skazoo and the Pearly Whites, along with some highly engaging kids craft workshops, the Big Dig Excavation and CALMAST slime-making taking place throughout the afternoon and it’s all free.”

The celebrations will extend to Tramore’s new plaza on Sunday, May 1st following the completion of the public realm works which were funded by investment of €3.6m by Waterford City and County Council and the Urban Renewal Development Fund, along with close to €1m invested by Irish Water.

Mayor Kelly added, “On Sunday, May 1st, I am looking forward to performing the official opening of the new space, which will add a vibrancy to Main Street, Tramore. It is now a beautiful space which can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, bring a Mediterranean feel to Ireland’s favourite seaside town.”

John McSweeney, Waterford Chamber President added, “The new plaza will bring a new focus to Main Street, enhancing the space and ultimately footfall. This in turn will benefit all the businesses in the area and of course offer a new space for the whole community to enjoy.”

“We have been working closely with our members and with Waterford City and County Council on this over the past number of years and we are delighted to celebrate the conclusion of the project with a community celebration for all.”

Local businesses will spill out onto the streets to showcase the new space, which adds a new focal point to the centre of Tramore. There will also be a live music stage, street art and WLR will be broadcasting live.

To find out more about the events taking place keep an eye on Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber social media pages. You can also download the programme of events for Waterford’s Best Place to Live Celebration on Saturday, April 30th here.

 

Urgent request for Emergency Shelter & Accommodation

Waterford City & County Council is seeking emergency shelter and accommodation facilities in Waterford City & County for refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

Vacant and shared properties are urgently required for a minimum period of six to twelve months.

To pledge your accommodation or property,  please contact the Waterford City and County Council by emailing pledge@waterfordcouncil.ie or by telephone to 058 22059 between the hours of 10am to 7pm seven days a week.

Urgent request for Emergency Shelter & Accommodation

Waterford City & County Council is seeking emergency shelter and accommodation facilities in Waterford City & County for refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

Vacant and shared properties are urgently required for a minimum period of six to twelve months.

To pledge your accommodation or property,  please contact the Waterford City and County Council by emailing pledge@waterfordcouncil.ie or by telephone to 058 22059 between the hours of 10am to 7pm seven days a week.

Closing today : Project Support Coordinators

Waterford City & County Council is recruiting a number of Project Support Coordinators to assist in the co-ordination of the response in and between the emergency accommodation shelters. The role will involve assisting with planning, monitoring and reacting to the needs of Ukrainian refugees as they arrive.

The Project Support Coordinators will ensure all premises, supplies and resources are used effectively, to the maximum benefit of those using the shelters.

For full details please see Information Booklet. Completed applications must be submitted through this link.

The latest date for accepting fully completed Application Forms via online link is Thursday, 14th April at 13:00.

Dungarvan’s overwhelming response to Ukrainian refugee plight

Waterford City and County Council has expressed its gratitude to the people of Dungarvan for their overwhelming response to the Ukrainian refugee plight.

Last weekend, fifty-five Ukrainian nationals, fleeing the Russian onslaught arrived in Dungarvan Sports Centre where they will be accommodated temporarily.

Sinéad Breathnach, Community Lead, thanked the people of Dungarvan and West Waterford for their response to the crisis.  “We initially put out a call to local businesses and community groups to assist us with the provision of essentials such as clothes, bedding and shopping vouchers and we have been inundated.”

“Local people, community groups and businesses have shown a tremendous generosity of spirit and have come in their droves with essentials such as clothes, new bedwear, white goods and food.  It’s hard not be affected by the devastating images we see of what is happening in Ukraine and people genuinely want to help in any way they can.  Their donations are helping to make such a traumatic, life-altering experience a little more comforting.”

The emergency accommodation has been greatly enhanced by the addition of items such as couches and TVs which have been donated by local businesses.  Waterford City and County Council is also supporting local business by purchasing all the necessary provisions from local providers.

“While it is only a stop gap for those who have fled Ukraine in search of safety, we feel it is crucial that the refugees feel welcome.  We are ensuring that their specific culinary and dietary needs are catered for, that they have access to online library services and that the necessary meetings with the relevant agencies such as Department of Social Protection and Department of Education are being set up with the help of translators.”

Of the fifty-five Ukrainian refugees in Dungarvan Sports Centre, twenty-two are aged between 2 and 19, with the remainder aged up to 67 years of age.

The Community Response Forum was established in Waterford last month by Waterford City and County Council to put in place the necessary structures and supports that are required for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Waterford.

-ends-

Closing this week : Project Support Coordinators

Waterford City & County Council is recruiting a number of Project Support Coordinators to assist in the co-ordination of the response in and between the emergency accommodation shelters. The role will involve assisting with planning, monitoring and reacting to the needs of Ukrainian refugees as they arrive.

The Project Support Coordinators will ensure all premises, supplies and resources are used effectively, to the maximum benefit of those using the shelters.

For full details please see Information Booklet. Completed applications must be submitted through this link.

The latest date for accepting fully completed Application Forms via online link is Thursday, 14th April at 13:00.