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By Waterford City & County Council

Stride to School initiative launched at St. Augustine’s College, Dungarvan

Students were out in force in Dungarvan on Wednesday 24th September 2025 for the launch of the Stride to School initiative at St Augustine’s College – an effort to encourage walking and cycling as fun, energising and sustainable ways for students to travel to and from school.

The initiative, supported by Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Sports Partnership, is part of a wider push to promote active travel across the county.

The Dungarvan students have welcomed Stride to School as a chance to socialise with friends, enjoy fresh air and exercise before class, and help reduce traffic congestion around the school.

Gary Morahan, Deputy Principal at St Augustine’s College, highlighted the social, environmental and health benefits of the initiative: “Stride to School is a fantastic opportunity for our students to mix with each other on the way to school. It’s very good for their physical health and mental wellbeing. As they walk to school each morning, they can chat and interact with each other. It’s also very good for the environment and helps to reduce traffic congestion around our school.”

Eamonn Cashin, teacher at St Augustine’s College, said the school community is “absolutely delighted” to start Stride to School: “The students are walking to school in their hi vis vests, they are safe, healthy, the sun is shining. It’s a fantastic initiative and I would love to see more schools in the area get behind it.”

Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer at Waterford City and County Council, commended the school for leading the way in encouraging healthier, more sustainable daily travel routines for its students: “St Augustine’s College has shown great leadership in getting Stride to School up and running. It’s starting to build momentum and will continue to grow over the coming months. We look forward to working with schools across Waterford to launch Stride to School and support them in changing travel behaviours.”

Jordan Kelly, Community Sports Development Officer with Waterford Sports Partnership, praised the students’ energy and commitment: “It’s fantastic to see the students walk and cycle to school at St Augustine’s College. It’s great for them to be able to get their exercise in before starting school, which will benefit them greatly throughout the day.”

If your school would like more information on how to join the Stride to School movement, email activetravel@waterfordcouncil.ie.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council clears the way for Make Way Day 2025

Mayor of Waterford Metropolitan District, Cllr. Adam Wyse and Jemma Jacob, Road Safety Officer, Waterford City and County Council.

Every corner of Ireland will be put to the test for basic access issues this Friday, September 26th when the Make Way Day campaign returns.

Campaign organisers, the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), in collaboration with Local Authorities and voluntary sectors, are highlighting the issues faced by people with disabilities in the public spaces we share.

DFI’s survey revealed that the most reoccurring obstacles are:

  • Cars parked on footpaths
  • Bins causing obstruction on footpaths
  • Bikes illegally parked

By highlighting the obstacles people with disabilities face day-to-day when accessing public spaces, paths and walkways, the campaign reminds the public that we all have the power to make one change that will have a big impact.

Mayor of Waterford Metropolitan District, Cllr. Adam Wyse welcomed the return of Make Way Day, saying, “Make Way Day is an initiative that not only highlights the everyday challenges people with disabilities, mobility issues or visual impairments face, but it also acts as a powerful reminder about how we all can play our part in improving road safety for all users.

“If there is an action that “blocks the way”, then we all need to stop, reconsider and change our behaviour. Cars parked on footpaths and kerbs, wheelie-bins discarded in the middle of paths, overhanging trees and branches and illegally chained bikes pose challenges to those with disabilities. We all share public spaces, and we are all entitled to share them equally and safely.”

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 #MakeWayDay25

The tool is available at www.makewayday.com, is easy to use and download and will be circulated widely on the campaign’s social media platforms.

According to the Disability Federation of Ireland, “Access is the most basic of all disability rights. The public footpaths are for everyone, and we can all agree on that. In a wider context, this one day focuses the mind on people with disabilities, their lives, and needs.”

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Check the Register – Ireland’s Presidential Election 2025

Are you ready to vote in Ireland’s Presidential Election on October 24th, 2025 ?

🗳️ In this first episode of our new ‘Quick Take series’, staff member Lisa reminds you to check the voter register and make sure your details are correct ahead of polling day. Checking the register is quick, easy, and ensures you can have your say. Visit www.checktheregister.ie today to confirm your entry on the electoral register.

Stay tuned for more Quick Take videos with clear updates on elections, civic engagement, and community information in Ireland.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council advises of restrictions on slurry spreading

Tractor Spreading Slurry

Due to the Status Yellow rain warning issued by Met Éireann for Waterford, slurry spreading must not be undertaken until after the rain has passed.  

The Status Yellow Rain warning is valid from 2pm Friday, September 19th until midnight (12am) Sunday, September 21st.

Under the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2022, organic and chemical fertilisers or soiled water shall not be applied to land when heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours.

Farmers are also reminded that the last day for slurry spreading this season is Tuesday, September 30th.

By Waterford City & County Council

Cyclists Complete ‘Giant Steps to Viking Shores’ Journey

The “Giant Steps to Viking Shores” cycle has triumphantly concluded as dedicated cyclists returned to Waterford, having completed a remarkable journey to promote home-grown Irish produce and healthy living. The initiative was supported by Healthy Waterford, a project hosted by the Waterford City and County Community Section. Healthy Waterford’s mission is to promote and support community wellbeing and supports and runs a multitude of collaborations with organisations throughout Waterford and beyond.

Participants pedalled their way across a challenging route, raising awareness for sustainable food choices and the importance of physical well-being. Upon their return to Waterford, the cyclists received a warm welcome from the community and local representatives.

Deputy Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. John Pratt, commended the efforts of all involved:

“It’s a proud moment to welcome back the cyclists who took on this fantastic challenge all the way from the Giant’s Causeway to Waterford. Their dedication not only highlights the strength of our community spirit but also shines a light on the importance of supporting local, home-grown Irish produce. Waterford is proud to stand behind initiatives like this that promote health, sustainability, and local pride.”

A key figure behind the event was Colman Power, one of the lead organisers and a well-known advocate for health, horticulture and nutrition. A proud member of the Kilmeaden Community and Ballyduff Lower GAA Club, Colman’s grassroots connection to farmers, suppliers and advocates played a vital role in rallying support and inspiring others to take part. Colman is also a member of the Healthy Waterford Network, a group for professionals in the field of health and well-being.

Colman said: “We had a great event to wrap up our cycle in Waterford. Local producers such as Barefoot farm gave us wonderful insights about locally grown produce done in a sustainable manner. We would like to thank all the other producers around Waterford who supported us on our last day and the many who did the same on our journey form the Giants Causeway”

The campaign was supported thanks to the backing of Healthy Waterford, whose ongoing commitment to promoting community well-being continues to make a tangible difference in local initiatives like this one.

As the cyclists return to well-earned rest, their efforts leave behind not just tire tracks, but a lasting message about the power of community, the value of Irish produce, and the importance of healthy living.

If you are a practitioner in the field of Health and Wellbeing and would like to find out more about the network contact Eoin Morrissey via eoinmorrissey@waterfordcouncil.ie

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Find AED Locations Across Waterford City and County

ARC GIS map

Waterford City and County Council has updated an interactive map to search for closest AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to your location.

The GIS (Geographical Information Systems) map contains the Eircode locations of the 71 AEDs across Waterford city, Dungarvan, Tramore and Cheekpoint.

An AED is a user-friendly, life-saving device that can be the difference between life and death in a cardiac emergency.  The AED location list is an invaluable resource for the public to familiarise themselves with the locations of AEDs that could potentially save a life.

In the event of an emergency, dial 999 or 112.

To find an AED closest to you, click Waterford City and County AED Locator

By Waterford City & County Council

Cuir do thuairim in iúl agus Seiceáil Clár na dToghthóirí

Tá Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, mar aon le hÚdaráis Áitiúla na tíre, ag impí ar gach duine féachaint ar checktheregister.ie.

Fiú má tá tú cláraithe cheana féin chun vótáil, is mithid anois do shonraí a sheiceáil agus iad a dheimhniú nó a nuashonrú trí d’Uimhir UPSP, eirchód, Dáta Breithe, uimhir theileafóin agus seoladh ríomhphoist a sholáthar.

Trí fhaisnéis a dheimhniú nó a nuashonrú, cuireann na sonraí seo ar chumas na n-údarás áitiúil an fhaisnéis a sholáthraíonn gach duine a chros-seiceáil agus a dheimhniú, ag cur le sláine an phróisis.

Tá Méara Chathair agus Chontae Phort Láirge, An Clr. Séamus Ryan ag moladh do gach duine i bPort Láirge clár na dtoghthóirí a sheiceáil, ag rá, “Má bhíonn do chuid sonraí ceart ar Chlár na dToghthóirí, cinntítear go gcloistear do ghuth.

“Is próiseas tapaidh agus éasca é, ach tá impleachtaí ollmhóra aige toisc go dtugann sé deis do gach duine atá i dteideal vóta a chaitheamh tionchar ceart a bheith acu maidir le todhchaí na hÉireann a mhúnlú.”

Dúirt Ivan Grimes, Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí, Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge: “Cinnteoidh an próiseas seo gur féidir le gach duine atá i dteideal vóta a chaitheamh a chinntiú go mbeidh bunús lena vóta.

“Ní mór do gach duine cuairt a thabhairt ar an suíomh agus seiceáil go bhfuil a gcuid sonraí cothrom le dáta. Dóibh siúd a d’athraigh seoladh nó a bhog go dtí toghlimistéar nua, cinnteoidh ionchur a UPSP, eirchód agus dáta breithe cruinneas chlár na dtoghthóirí. Éascaíonn úsáid UPSPanna seiceáil céannachta, mar sin ní bheidh ar fhormhór na ndaoine cuairt a thabhairt ar stáisiún na nGardaí chun foirmeacha a fhianú.”

Dúirt an tUasal Grimes freisin, “Beidh daoine 16 bliana d’aois agus 17 mbliana d’aois in ann réamhchlárú chun vótáil ar an suíomh chomh maith. Ansan, nuair a shroicfidh siad 18 mbliana d’aois, cuirfear leis an gclár iad go huathoibríoch. Ina theannta sin, is féidir iad siúd a bhfuil cónaí orthu i dtithe altranais nó in institiúidí cúraim sláinte a chur le liosta na vótálaithe speisialta, más rud é, mar gheall ar mhíchumas nó breoiteacht, nach bhfuil siad in ann dul chuig stáisiún vótála chun vótáil.”

Cé gur féidir athruithe agus nuashonruithe a dhéanamh trí chuairt a thabhairt ar www.checktheregister.ie, tá Foireann Toghchórais Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge ar fáil chun cabhrú le haon cheisteanna nó chun cúnamh a thabhairt chun do chuid faisnéise a chlárú nó a nuashonrú.

Is féidir leat ríomhphost a sheoladh chuig franchise@waterfordcouncil.ie, glaoigh ar 0818 10 20 20 nó glaoigh isteach go pearsanta go dtí Seirbhísí Toghchórais ag Halla na Cathrach agus Sráid Nua Bailey sa chathair, nó sna hOifigí Cathartha ag Cé Dáibhéid i nDún Garbhán.

By Waterford City & County Council

Have your say and Check the Register

Have your say and Check the Register

Waterford City and County Council, along with the country’s Local Authorities, is encouraging everyone to checktheregister.ie.

Even if you’re already registered to vote, now is the time to check and either confirm or update your details by providing your PPSN, Eircode, Date of Birth, telephone number and email address.

By confirming or updating information, adding these details allows local authorities to cross-check and confirm the information provided by each person, adding to the integrity of the process.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, is encouraging all people of Waterford to check the register, saying, “Ensuring your details are correct on the Electoral Registrar ensures that that your voice is heard.

“It’s a quick and easy process, but it has huge implications as it allows everyone who is eligible to vote to rightfully have a say in shaping Ireland’s future.”

Ivan Grimes, Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council added, “This process will ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote can make their vote matter.

“All people need to do is visit the site and check that their details are up to date.  For those who have changed address or moved to a new electoral area, an input of their PPNS, Eircode, date of birth will ensure the accuracy of the electoral register. The use of PPSNs facilitate identity checking, so now most people won’t have to visit a Garda station to have forms witnessed.”

Mr. Grimes added, “16- and 17-year-olds will also be able to pre-register to vote on the site. Once they turn 18, they will be automatically added to the register. Additionally, there is the option for those who live in nursing homes or healthcare institutions to be added to the special voters list, if due to a disability or illness, are unable to go to a polling station to vote.”

While changes and updates can be made by visiting www.checktheregister.ie, Waterford City and County Council’s Franchise team is available to help with any queries or provide assistance in registering or updating your information.

You can email franchise@waterfordcouncil.ie, call 0818 10 20 20 or call in person to Franchise services at City Hall and Bailey’s New Street in the city, or the Civic Offices at Davitt’s Quay in Dungarvan.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Do Not Consume Notice Issued for Ballyogarty Public Water Supply

Friday, 12 September 2025:  Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Uisce Éireann has issued a Do Not Consume Notice for all customers on the Ballyogarty Water Supply.

This notice has been issued to protect the health of approximately 576 customers due to elevated levels of naturally occurring Arsenic in the water.

Please note this is not a Boil Water Notice. Boiling the water is not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume. It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle-fed infants.

The notice applies to all areas supplied by Ballyogarty Public Water Supply including Ballyogarty, Graigueshoneen, Cooltubrid East and areas of Kilmacthomas including Union Road, Hillside Crescent, Hillside Close and Cruachán View.

A map of the Ballyogarty Water Supply is available on www.water.ie

James Joyce of Uisce Éireann has assured affected customers that all efforts are being made to lift the notice as soon as possible.

“Uisce Éireann understands the impact a Do Not Consume Notice has on the community, and we can assure impacted customers that we are working to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible,” said James.

This water should not be used for

  • Drinking
  • Drinks made with water
  • Food preparation, washing or cooking of food,
  • Brushing of teeth
  • Making of ice
  • Children under 12 months old should not drink this water
  • Children under 12 months old should not drink this water. This water should not be used for making up infant formula for bottle-fed infants. An alternative source of water should be used. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. ‘Natural Mineral Water’ can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated.
  • If bottled water is used to make up infant formula, it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute), and cooled in the normal way
  • A ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used.
  • Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink
  • Caution should be taken when bathing infants to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water
  • Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers, and filtered water in fridges

What can you use water for?

  • The water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing, flushing toilets, laundry and washing of utensils.
  • Uisce Éireann will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting this drinking water restriction as soon as practicable.

Alternative Water Supplies will be in place later this evening at Kilmacthomas GAA Club. The alternative water supply will be replenished daily. Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tanker and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure.

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann also has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council receives 15 submissions for Presidential Election Special Meeting

Waterford City and County Council has received 15 submissions to present at the Presidential Election Special Meeting, which will be held in the Civic Offices, Dungarvan on Friday, September 19th, 2025.

The closing date for receipt of relevant documentation, which includes a digital photograph, passport copy, and candidate manifesto was 5pm Friday, September 12th.  Any submissions received after this deadline are not considered.

The candidates seeking nomination who will present at the Special Meeting are:

  1. Cahill, Dolores
  2. Casey, Peter
  3. Delehanty, Nick
  4. Duffy, Gearoid
  5. MacGabhann, Dr. Donncha
  6. McCarthy, Cllr. Kieran
  7. McCormack, Lorna
  8. McGrory, Keith
  9. Morrissey Smyth, Catherine
  10. Mulligan, Sarah Louise
  11. Obi, Joseph
  12. O’Leary, Lucy Anne
  13. Parnell, David
  14. Stack, Dr. Cora
  15. Uunk, Gerben

Regardless of the number of candidates presenting at the Special Meeting, the Council can endorse only one. Once a nomination is made, no further nomination may be made by the Council. However, the Council is not required to put forward a nominee. It is entirely at the discretion of the members whether to nominate anyone.

Attendance in the public gallery will be restricted as priority will be given to candidates and their representatives.

Details of the schedule of the Special Meeting will be circulated to candidates later this week.

By Waterford City & County Council

Bus It for City Bus Day

On Saturday, September 20th, Waterford City and County Council’s Climate Action Team and Bus Eireann are asking everyone to take the bus as part of European Mobility Week.

Bus passengers will be in for a surprise as their bus could have quizzes and games to win prizes. 10 community groups across the city were successful in winning LEAP cards for their community and will be taking to the buses for the day to explore and enjoy the city.

While the focus is on bus travel on September 20th there will be plenty of cycling events in the days running up to the event.

European Mobility Week events will take place in 41 countries this September. The goal of the week is to focus on ways to travel that reduce traffic.

In Waterford, did you know that city motorists spend up to 52 hours a year sitting in traffic? That’s time that could be spent doing much more enjoyable activities, so there’s no better time to take the bus, and the more people take the bus the less traffic we will have.

Fares are as little as €1.35 for an adult with the LEAP card and even lower for young adults and free for those who are retired.  Parents can now apply for a child LEAP card that allows children between the ages of 5 and 8 to travel for free, and for those who have additional needs there is the Independent Travel Support Service to help you on your way.

Journey frequencies are on a 20-to-30-minute frequency and those who take the bus don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot. A relaxing journey for all, and a journey that is better for the planet.

Taking the bus instead of the car reduces the emissions of your trip by 40%. Taking the bus a few times a week could make all the difference.

If it’s been a while since you’ve been on the bus come and try it on September 20th or even take the bus on your way to Culture Night on September 19th.

This initiative is a partnership between Bus Eireann and Waterford City and County Council with support from the NTA.

By Waterford City & County Council

Bathing Prohibition: Clonea Strand

Bathing Prohibition

Bathing Prohibition – CLONEA STRAND

Bathing is prophibited at Clonea Strand, Co. Waterford until further notice.

Cause: Wastewater discharge.
Duration: Until further notice.
Action: Further investigation underway.

By Waterford City & County Council

Tomorrow: Road Closure – R685 Pickardstown, Tramore

Road Works - Update

The R685 at Pickardstown Shrine, Tramore will be closed from Monday 8th September to Monday 22nd September to facilitate emergency drainage works.

  • No through road during this period

  • Local diversions will be signposted

Waterford City & County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks road users for their cooperation.

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Closure Notice – R685 Pickardstown, Tramore

Road Works - Update

The R685 at Pickardstown Shrine, Tramore will be closed from Monday 8th September to Monday 22nd September to facilitate emergency drainage works.

  • No through road during this period

  • Local diversions will be signposted

Waterford City & County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks road users for their cooperation.

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