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Advice for Public on Dead Wild Birds / Rescued Wild Birds

Advice for members of the public that find dead wild birds & advice for
people involved in rescue and rehabilitation of birds

The purpose of this document is to provide advice to people who come across dead wild birds or who are involved in the rescue/rehabilitation of wild birds. A separate advice document is available for people who handle wild birds on an ongoing basis, such as bird ringers.

Wild birds, like poultry, can become infected with the viruses that cause Avian Influenza (AI). Certain species of wild birds, in particular wild migratory water birds are at a higher risk of becoming infected with AI due to the fact that they travel the farthest, regularly gather in large numbers and mix with many other water bird species.

These birds are considered to be the natural reservoir of many different AI viruses many of which are relatively harmless to birds and other animals. However certain types of avian influenza viruses can cause illness and often death in both migratory and native wild bird species and in poultry and captive bird species. In rare cases, some highly pathogenic strains and some low pathogenic strains can cause disease in humans but and such cases have been associated with close contact with infected birds.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) monitors the occurrence of
Avian Influenza in poultry and wild birds in Europe on an ongoing basis in order to assess the risk to Ireland.

A list of the wild bird species that are at highest risk of being infected is
available to view at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/15675-measures-to-reduce-the-riskof-introduction-of-avian-influenza/#information-and-advice-on-avian-influenza-in-wild-birds

Current situation with Avian Influenza H5N1 and information on public health risk

In November 2021 the Department detected a strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
(HPAI) H5N1 in a peregrine falcon found in Galway. This strain of H5N1 has not associated with human infections in Europe to date and the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre(HSE-HPSC) have advised that the risk to public health from H5N1 avian influenza is very low.

In addition the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has determined that Avian Influenza HPAI H5N1 poses no food safety risk for consumers. What members of the public should do if they find a dead wild bird. Members of the public that find dead wild birds particularly water birds such as swans, geese, ducks, birds of prey or other dead wild birds that are on the high risk list mentioned above are advised not to handle the birds.

Updated 15/11/2021
They should report them to the DAFM by contacting their local Regional Veterinary Office of DAFM or the Avian Influenza Hotline at 076 106 4403 (office hours) or 1850 200 456 (outside of normal office hours).

The Department will endeavour to collect species that are on the high risk list and test them for avian influenza viruses. This will provide vital information on the disease by helping us to detect it as early as possible and understand how the disease is distributed geographically and in what species of bird.

If a member of the public does handle or come into contact with dead wild birds, then normal hygiene precautions should be taken i.e., disinfect hands using alcohol wipes for example or sure scrub hands thoroughly with soap and hot water.

Advice for people involved in rescue and rehabilitation of sick or injured wild birds.
People that rescue and care for sick or injured wild birds should be aware of avian influenza.

Birds displaying any symptoms of avian influenza including general depression or weakness of unknown origin should not be brought into rehabilitation centres where they could potentially spread the disease to other birds. Any wild birds displaying symptoms of avian influenza should be reported to DAFM as described above without delay. For all other symptoms of disease in wild birds they should contact their Private Veterinary Practitioner for advice. A description of the symptoms of avian influenza can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/acacf-clinical-signs/

As birds can carry other diseases that are potentially transmissible to humans (e.g., bacteria such as Salmonella and Chlamydia) anyone handling birds should take appropriate hygiene precautions. This should include wearing disposable gloves, disposable or dedicated outerwear as well as taking care to always wash and disinfect hands after handling birds.

Further information on avian influenza can be found at:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/15675-measures-to-reduce-the-risk-of-introduction-ofavian-influenza/#advice-when-handing-dead-wild-birds

Tramore to light up for Christmas

Public realm works on Main Street, Tramore are due to be completed by the first week in December to coincide with the start of the festive season and the switching on of the Christmas lights in Tramore on December 2nd.

While weather conditions have hampered progress on some days, there is currently a full complement of pavers on site working to ensure the deadline is met.  The junction at Main Street and Queen Street will re-open to traffic once works are completed on Main Street.

The new paved area on Main Street, which will remain closed to traffic until the new traffic management system comes into place next year, will be the focus of some of the many Christmas activities being organised by Waterford Chamber with the support of Waterford City and County Council and local businesses.

Key attractions on Main Street will include a 20ft Christmas tree and a giant festive post box for children to post their letters to Santa.  Following new investment in festive lights by Waterford City and County Council, the area will be lit by a curtain of Christmas lights to add to the festive atmosphere.  Santa’s sleigh will take up prominent position at the Plaza and will make a picture perfect opportunity for children and families to pose for photos.

Lynda Lawton, Waterford Chamber of Commerce said, “We’re excited to plan a festive extravaganza for Tramore this Christmas. While the works have taken longer than originally anticipated, that fact that the finish line is in sight is a great relief for local businesses.”

“That’s why we intend to make Christmas in Tramore one to remember for the local community.  The lights that are being installed by the Council will really showcase the new Plaza, Main Street and Queen Street.  The Christmas tree will take pride of place in Main Street and the younger ones can rest assured that their letters will get to the Big Man himself when posted in the 12 ft Santa letter box.”

“Along with a host of other festive attractions and surprises throughout the town, Tramore is a must visit this Christmas.”

Following completion of paving on Main Street, works will refocus on the car park at Quish’s SuperValu.  Planned works at the junction of Strand Road and Gallwey’s Hill will commence in early January 2022 to avoid disruption to traffic over the festive period.

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Significant improvements in water supply in the Déise as Ardmore improvements begin

Irish Water, working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, is replacing problematic water mains in Ardmore, to support the economic and social development of the area, provide a more reliable water supply and tackle high levels of leakage.

The old, problematic pipes are being decommissioned and replaced and works will commence in early November and are expected to be complete by late December.

Approximately 710m of new mains will be constructed. The section of works will take place on Tower Hill from College Road to Rocky Road and continue on Rocky Road through to New Line Road, finishing where New Line Road meets Cliff Road.

The works will involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead, these will be replaced as part of this improvement work.

Works are part of Irish Water’s national Leakage Reduction Programme, which will see €500m invested nationally to tackle problematic pipes and leakage in Ireland’s ageing water network.

The works will be carried out by Shareridge Ltd., on behalf of Irish Water.

Speaking about the works, Irish Water’s Joe Carroll said;

“We are pleased to be working in Ardmore to improve the water supply network in the town. These are an important part of the ongoing improvement works that Irish Water, working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council are carrying out, in a town that is developing and growing in the past number of years.

“In order to safely and efficiently complete the works a road closure will be required from Tower Hill to where New Line Road meets Cliff Road. Access to either side of the works for locals and emergency traffic will be maintained as the works progress. Local access to either side of the works location will be maintained as the project progresses. Diversions will be signposted on approach with local access and emergency traffic facilitated.

“The works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions. I’d like to thank the community for their patience and coopertion as we carry out these works to improve the town’s water supply.”

More information:

For more information, please visit https://www.water.ie/projects/national-projects/leakage-reduction-programme/

ENDS

Boil Water Notice on Fews Public Water Supply lifted with immediate effect

Irish Water, working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, wishes to advise that the Boil Water notice that was issued on the Fews Public Water Supply on 28 October is now lifted with immediate effect. The notice has been lifted following the completion of remedial measures and the receipt of satisfactory monitoring results. This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive.

Ronan Walsh, Irish Water said: “All consumers on the Fews Public Water Supply can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

“Irish Water and the Local Authority/Health Service Executive Water Liaison Group will continue to meet and will review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.”

The Irish Water Customer Contact Centre (1800 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to this water notice. Further information is available on www.water.ie.

Irish Water and Waterford City and County Council acknowledge the patience, cooperation and assistance of the general public during the period of the boil water notice and greatly regrets any inconvenience caused to householders and the business community.

Irish Water continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

ENDS

For media queries please contact press@water.ie

The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan

Connecting Ireland is a major public transport initiative developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) with the aim of increasing connectivity, particularly for people living outside our major cities and towns.

The plan aims to improve mobility in rural areas, and it will do this by providing better connections between villages and towns by linking these areas with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide.

To view county-by-county proposals, network tables, and maps, please visit the Connecting Ireland website by clicking here.

To submit your feedback, please visit our survey by clicking here. The survey is available in both English and Irish.

Waterford communities see the benefits from Irish Water’s improving wastewater infrastructure

Waterford communities see the benefits from Irish Water’s progress in improving wastewater infrastructure

60% of Ireland’s raw sewage discharges now eliminated;
93% of treatment plants compliant with Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive;
10 wastewater treatment plants built or upgraded in 2020
14 new wastewater treatment plants starting construction in 2021 and eight in 2022
Irish Water’s consistent progress in upgrading wastewater treatment and eliminating the discharge of raw sewage to Ireland’s rivers, lakes and coastal areas is benefiting communities and enhancing the environment throughout Ireland.

In Waterford, investment in wastewater infrastructure in Lismore, Ardmore, Ballyduff/Kilmeadan, Cappoquin, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Stradbally and Tallow has led to improvements in water quality, while also supporting housing and economic development in these areas.

The latest EPA Urban Wastewater Treatment Report, published today, shows the progress being made, while also highlighting the need for continued investment in our essential wastewater services.

In the last six years, Irish Water has prioritised areas where it can support housing and development and have the greatest environmental impact, particularly in locations where raw sewage was discharging into our rivers and seas.

Over 60% of raw sewage discharges have been eliminated since 2015 – and replaced with treatment capacity for the equivalent of 120,000 people. As a result of the targeted investment in wastewater infrastructure, communities around Ireland are now reaping the rewards of a cleaner environment, safer bathing waters and greater opportunities for the development of new homes, businesses and tourism.

To date new wastewater treatment plants have been built in 17 locations where raw sewage had been discharged into the sea for decades. By the end of this year construction will have started in an additional 14 locations, with a further eight projects due to get underway next year and the remaining nine from 2023 onwards. This means that the majority of raw sewage discharges are on track to be removed by the end of 2025.

Nationally, the majority of all raw sewage discharges are on track to be removed by the end of 2025.

In addition to ending the discharge of raw sewage by building infrastructure where none previously existed, Irish Water has also been continuing with its programme of upgrading existing wastewater treatment plants and networks in towns and villages throughout Ireland. In 2020, a total of 10 wastewater treatment plants were built or upgraded (two built and eight upgraded), directly benefiting the equivalent of over 20,000 people in these communities while also protecting our wider environment. The number of plants on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Priority Action List is also continuing to fall, currently down to 97 from 148 in 2017.

In Waterford, upgrades of the wastewater treatment plant/network in Lismore, Ardmore, Ballyduff/Kilmeadan, Cappoquin, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Stradbally and Tallow have improved water quality and supported the development of new housing, tourism and businesses in these areas, including seaside towns with busy tourist trades and popular fishing locations.

Margaret Attridge, Regional Operations Manager at Irish Water, commented: “Having a modern, sustainable and functional wastewater network is critical in order to protect our environment and to support housing and economic growth in the years ahead. Irish Water is working closely with the EPA and our other partners, including local authorities, to ensure this can be delivered in the most efficient and sustainable way through the use of cutting-edge technologies, science and engineering expertise, and meaningful engagement with local communities around Ireland.

“There is no doubt that challenges remain. Much of the infrastructure for safely collecting and treating wastewater around the country has suffered from decades of under-investment. But Irish Water has a plan in place to address these deficiencies and we are making real progress. Continued investment will be required in the coming years to build a modern, fit-for-purpose wastewater network but we are confident that we are on track to achieving that aim.”

One of the key priorities in Irish Water is compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Due to the work undertaken to address long-standing issues with many wastewater treatment plants, the compliance rates have increased from 71% in 2014 to 93% in 2020.

The largest remaining location that is not compliant with the Directive is Ringsend, which treats 44% of the country’s wastewater load. To address this, Irish Water is investing over €500 million in the staged upgrading of Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant. This major upgrade, which is now underway, will allow the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant to treat the increasing volumes of wastewater arriving at the plant to the required standard, enabling future housing and commercial development. The project will deliver, on a phased basis, the capacity to treat the wastewater for a population equivalent of 2.4 million while achieving the standards of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

ENDS

Attention approved Housing applicants : Social Housing Assessment 2021

ATTENTION : APPROVED HOUSING APPLICANTS

Waterford City & County Council has recently undertaken a Social Housing Assessment. If you are an approved housing applicant whose file was not reviewed since 30th July 2020 and you are not on RAS, HAP or leasing scheme, you have until Friday 5th November 2021 to return the form received for the Social Housing Assessment 2021. Applicants may be removed from the housing list should they fail to return the form they received.

Please return the form and supporting documentation by post to the Housing Applications Office, Baileys New Street, Waterford or by email to ssha2021@waterfordcouncil.ie, instead of attending in person at the Customer Services Desk.

Waterford City & County Council announces Partnership with Dungarvan – Coláiste Dhún Garbhán

Waterford City & County Council announces Partnership with Dungarvan College – Coláiste Dhún Garbhán With Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) – Schools’ Business Partnership Programme

Waterford City & County Council is pleased to announce a new partnership with Dungarvan College – Coláiste Dhún Garbhán, facilitated by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), which was recently launched in Dungarvan.

Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), through its Schools’ Business Partnership, partners schools with businesses and organisations and is aimed at informing and empowering second level students and introducing them to the world of work. Under this programme second level students from 2nd Year in Dungarvan College – Coláiste Dhún Garbhán will gain insights into the variety of work in Waterford City & County Council by hearing “a day in my working life” stories from a number of staff carrying out some of the many different roles in the Council. Through this engagement the students will see first-hand potential career paths that can be open to them through school completion.  Also as part of the programme, the students and their teachers will visit some of the sites and infrastructure managed by the Council so they will see as well as hear about some of the many projects and services delivered by Council staff.

Other sessions with the students will include a session dedicated to skills development which will be linked into Class Based Assessments (CBA) and a presentation on Health & Safety, which is relevant to all roles and careers, whatever the path chosen. In a wrap up session, the students who have been involved will do the talking and will tell the Council about what they have learned and in what way the programme has benefitted them.

Speaking at the launch, Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council said that the Council is looking forward to partnering with BITCI and giving second level students an insight into the work of the Local Authority.  “For students in second level who are considering their further education or career paths, this programme will give them a better understanding and overview of the work of Councils.  There is a wide breath of disciplines and skillsets required in the many departments of the Council and by showcasing these, we believe that it will appeal to many students as a potential career.  Whether it’s environmental sustainability, community engagement, forward planning, economic development, infrastructural design, or ICT, the range of potential career paths available in the Local Authority is wide-ranging.”

Principal of Dungarvan College, Coláiste Dhún Garbhán, Danny Cunningham said, “We are delighted to be part of the the ‘Skills at Work Programme’ that will give the students an insight into the world of work and to help them to consider various career and study options upon completion of secondary school.”

Leonard Kelly extended his thanks of behalf of BITCI to Waterford City & County Council and Dungarvan College for their enthusiasm and engagement around this programme. He added, “In my role as regional coordinator For BITCI I’m looking forward to supporting the building of a strong and lasting partnership between Dungarvan College and Waterford City and County Council. What is about to begin, has the potential to be transformative in the lives of the young students involved”

Waterford City & County Council has previously worked on successful BITC partnerships with secondary schools in Waterford City as part of Transition Year Programmes.  Nationally BITC has developed hundreds of partnerships, involving over 40,000 students across Ireland. In its involvement in this programme, Waterford City & County Council joins a line-up of renown with companies including KPMG, Mazars, State Street, Irish Life, Davy, KBC all involved in school partnerships across the Country.

                                                                                                                                                            -ENDS-

Present at the launch were:

Back Row:-  Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services, Carmel Hourigan, SEO Human Resources and Karen Hallahan AO Human Resources from Waterford City & County Council along with teachers Helen Hogan and Rachel Ahern and Danny Cunningham, Principal of Dungarvan College – Coláiste Dhún Garbhán, Front Row – Second Year Students Dungarvan College – Coláiste Dhún Garbhán

Tramore Railway Station windows update

Under the Historic Towns Initiative 2021, the  Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Heritage Council  awarded   Waterford City and County Council an allocation of €77,500 for conservation works at The Railway Station in Tramore.

As part of the works the historic sliding sash windows and frames have been removed and taken to  the workshop at National Joinery in Wexford. There the paint was stripped back and  repairs were carried out . With the stripping back some on the numerals used  when assembling the windows  such as” VIII”  was revealed. The  very fine joinery work is evident  such as the mortice and tenon joints , which is where 2 pieces of wood meet , mainly at right angles such simple and strong detailing has contributed to the longevity of the  original windows.

Where wood is damaged, it is removed and replaced (spliced) with a new piece of wood. Works such as these   ensure   the embodied energy retention  by reuse of our historic stock. At present the windows are being painted and glazed.

We will keep you updated with their progress and their journey back to Tramore !

Ferrybank Neighbourhood Park officially opened

The Ferrybank Neighbourhood Park was the centre of attention this morning as the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Fidelis Doherty, Elected Members of Kilkenny County Council, Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Joe Kelly and Elected Members, invited guests and members of the local community gathered to mark the official opening of the new neighbourhood park by the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council and Mayor of Waterford City and County Council.

The Park secured funding from Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) together with funding from Kilkenny County Council and Waterford City and County Council.  It includes a playground, a meeting point for teenagers, outdoor gym, kickabout area, walking track, tree planting, a wildflower meadow and a terraced seating area for informal gatherings and events.  Local residents were involved in the planning and design of the Park through a very successful public consultation process carried out by Kilkenny County Council.

Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Fidelis Doherty explained that the benefits of the Park to the community are far reaching saying “This Neighbourhood Park is a welcoming addition to our Parks and Green spaces and will play a major role in improving the health and well-being of the people of Kilkenny and Waterford.  The new play area is also a fantastic addition for our children to explore and have fun. With South East Greenway cycling and walking route from Waterford to New Ross which passes close to the Park currently under construction, the future is certainly bright in terms of the availability of amenity facilities for both local residents and visitors to Ferrybank.”

The Park opened for use in October last year and is already much loved by local residents which is evident in the numbers using the facility.  With so many features and elements, the Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Joe Kelly, in addressing those at the event said:  “Waterford City and County Council are delighted and proud to be associated with this Project.  It is a wonderful addition to community life in the Ferrybank area.  It is great to see projects like this come to fruition and I know the Park will have a long-lasting and positive impact on the lives of local residents.”

END

Works commence of Waterford Greenway Extension

Works have commenced on the extension of the Waterford Greenway from Bilberry to the City Centre and are expected to be completed within 18 months.

The project will help augment the user numbers along this section of the Greenway and, in addition, provide users with a safer and more comfortable cycling and walking experience as they approach the City Centre.

The enhancement and improvement of the 2.1km stretch of the Greenway will also provide for the future Greenway links to New Ross, currently at construction phase, and Rosslare and Tramore.

Following a competitive tendering process the €6.8m contract was awarded to John Craddock Ltd. of Kilcullen.

The Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly welcomed the commencement of the project and the continuing commitment to enhance the Waterford Greenway.

“The Greenway has breathed new life into the city and county and the fact that this extension will give users a more comfortable cycling and walking experience is to be welcomed.”

“Having recently being recognised as the second best Greenway in Europe, at the 10th European Greenway Awards, just reinforces what we already know.  The Waterford Greenway is an amazing amenity and the envy of many cities and countries in Europe.”

“The extension from Bilberry to the City Centre will enable users to extend their journey from Dungarvan right into the heart of Waterford city, and eventually onto Tramore and New Ross.”

“The collaboration and cooperation of the regions’ local authorities in consolidating the Greenway network is testament to the significance in which the Greenway is held as a valuable tourist attraction and a means to promote leisure and encourage active movement.”

Further works will include 2 structural steel boardwalks, boundary treatment comprising of a combination of Reinforced Concrete retaining walls and paving works, including exposed aggregate, limestone/granite slabs and setts.

-ENDS-

Free to use images:  Patrick Browne

l-r:  Michael Walsh Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council, John Craddock of John Craddock Construction Ltd., Paul Flynn Executive Engineer Waterford City and County Council,  Alan Wright of John Craddock Ltd., Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Kelly, and Caroline Butler Project Director Clifton Scannell Emerson Associates.

John Craddock of John Craddock Construction Ltd, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Kelly and Michael Walsh, Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council.

Tramore Public Realm Works Phase 8 – Streetscape & Resurfacing Works

With works continuing to connect the upper and lower aspects of Tramore and enhance the town’s centre, Waterford City and County Council reports that the paving works on Main Street are close to completion.

Limestone kerbing and steps have been installed adjacent to the Vee Cafe and Seagull Bakery.  Currently the paving crew are installing the ‘infill setts’ (Portuguese granite) and assuming favourable weather conditions will complete the works to the junction of Broad Street and Queen Street.

In order to continue the works beyond Queen Street / Broad Street and onto the junction with Strand Terrace, a three to four week road closure will be required and the link from Broad Street to Queen Street will not be open to through traffic.

It is anticipated that these works will have a three week duration and will be complete towards the end of November.  All temporary traffic management and road closures will be notified via MapAlerter, local media and social media.

The contractor has also indicated that following completion of the above works, they will commence on the upgrade of the Gallwey’s Hill and Turkey Road Junction.  This will require a two to three week road closure.  However, a firm decision as to when these works will commence will be dependent on the progress on the Main Street works.

Works are also continuing on the link from Market Street into Quish’s SuperValu car park, and these works are expected to be completed in early 2022.

Michael Clarke, proprietor of Cahill’s of Tramore said that the Tramore business community welcomes the enhanced streetscape. “While there has been some disruption to services, we have been receiving weekly reports from the Council’s contractor on the project.”

“The enhancement of the public realm spaces in and around the town centre will certainly breathe a new lease of life into Tramore and regenerate the heart of the town, by making it more safe, attractive and welcoming for pedestrians, locals and visitors, while the additional car parking behind the library will be a great addition to the town centre traders.”

The shared surface area will be designed to facilitate seating outside food and beverage offers and capitalise on the outstanding views of Tramore Bay and back strand.

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Roads to be closed:
• L4116 Strand Street, L8076 Lower Strand Street, L4162 Turkey Road, L4162 Gallwey’s Hill, Tramore.

Diversion Route:
• Via L4163 Upper Branch Road; L8083 Pond Road; L4140 Patrick’s Street; L4116 Main Street; L4163 Queen Street; L8085 Broad Street; L4162 Church Road.

Objections or submissions may be made in writing to the Director of Services, Roads, Water and Environment, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford not later than 4pm on 19th October, 2021.

‘Top of the City’ Community Garden a success

A previously derelict site on St Carthage’s Avenue has gone through a complete makeover over the last 18 months thanks to the successful cooperation between Waterford City and County Council, community garden members and local businesses.

The project kicked off after a call from Mary Quigley, Administration Officer with the Council’s Property Management Department, who was eager to support the proposed project from the very beginning, and who suggested the name of the garden: ‘Top of the City’. Cllr Eamon Quinlan (FF) has been also passionately backing the project from the very beginning, supporting the garden in its rapid development.

Fairybush Landscaping, courtesy of Waterford City and County Council, cleared half of the land that was transformed into a growing area and an oasis of calm and tranquillity. The other half was cleared by passionate volunteers during the first lockdown, providing a safe outdoor space for engaging with nature, organising community events and marketing locally produced breads, eggs and vegetables. ‘The Forgotten Barracks’ – a documentary about the history of the garden, which is located in between the external and internal walls of the old Artillery Barracks, was released by the ‘Top of the City’ members during the Heritage Week in August 2021.

The garden on St Carthage’s Avenue is an example of the most perfect platform for cooperation between local authorities and community members. Anti-social behaviour has been significantly reduced due to the positive response to the project, supported by the cooperation with local Garda Station, who patrolled St Carthage’s Avenue more frequently.

There are plans of developing ‘Top of the City’ Garden even further in order to provide opportunities for the residents of the locality, especially those living in the nearest neighbourhood designated as disadvantaged.

Furniture Upcycling workshop with Marianne Heaphy

Join us for a fun introduction to furniture upcycling with Marianne of The Revamp Tramp at 7pm 21st October, as part of Reuse Month.

This free Introduction to Furniture Upcycling Workshop will start with how to prepare furniture for upcycling and detail all the materials that are needed. The techniques will include painting the furniture and achieving a beautiful spray-like finish. Decoupage using napkins and wallpaper will be demonstrated. Different options on revamping hardware will also be run through.

This event will take place online via MS Teams at https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDQzYTFjNzktMzI2Yi00ODIyLTg2MzctYjA4ZmVmNzE3Mzdi%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22fa6e1e23-c190-48ea-9570-2cb34708e857%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%223038be14-1af2-4539-add8-a349749d62cd%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d&btype=a&role=a.