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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford regains Ireland’s Cleanest City Title

Viking Triangle / Museum Quarter which received Grade A, “The lovely planted/paved areas looked very well and there was a very eye-catching sculpture outside the Museum of Time. There was a complete absence of litter throughout this extensive area.”

Once again Waterford has emerged as Ireland’s Cleanest City in the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) Anti-Litter League. The city ranked 8th out of 40 cities and towns and was classed as Cleaner than European norms.

Waterford City continues to score very well in the IBAL anti-litter league, and according to the latest survey, “Waterford City has retained its high-ranking position and was again Ireland’s cleanest city. With so many top-ranking sites, it’s not possible to mention them all, but some stand out for various reasons.”

Most of the sites surveyed received a Grade A ranking and these, amongst others, included the Greenway Car Park, Waterford Retail Park, Plunkett Train Station, Waterford Courthouse, the Tramore Approach Road and City Square Shopping Centre.

The Mall, also receiving a Grade A ranking was noted as having, “Plenty of signage indicates the historic nature and significant of many of the buildings along The Mall. There was no litter associated with the large building which was covered in scaffolding. All aspects of The Mall were in excellent order, not just very good with regards to litter but the overall presentation and maintenance of same e.g. visitor information signage/ 3D models/seating etc. and the recent restoration of ‘O’Sullivan’s’ is a wonderful addition to the area.”

The Quays Riverwalk from The Tower Hotel to the Bridge, was also graded A, with the report stating, “some of which has been boarded up for the extensive works taking place along the river. Excellent visitor information signage close to Reginald’s Tower. Large planter boxes looked very well, and the William Vincent Wallace Plaza was spotless. There was a virtual absence of litter along the remainder of the length of the riverwalk.”

The report also cited, “There was only one heavily littered site – the Bring Bank at Tesco Ardkeen.  Improvements were noted at ‘Woodpecker’ site, Apple Market Car Park and Site beside Vee Car Park.”

Ballybeg once again recorded a solid result, and despite a slight dip on previous years was classed as Clean to European norms. The report stated, “There were no litter blackspots. The residential area of Ardmore Terrace and Ballybeg Stores & Environs were much improved compared to previous IBAL surveys, just missing the top litter grade this time around.”  However, it was noted that the Ballybeg Bring Bank was not just littered but “dumped upon.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy welcomed the IBAL league results, saying, “This is another great result for Waterford City and for Ballybeg. Consistently, the city has performed outstandingly well in the IBAL Anti-Litter League.

“These results aren’t achieved by chance. It takes a dedicated Local Authority cleansing team, in tandem with an army of volunteer clean up groups, residents’ associations and community and business groups, who have the utmost pride in where they live and work.”

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, “I would like to acknowledge the work of Waterford City and County Council, the numerous volunteer clean-up groups and the local communities for their consistent hard work which year in, year out, never fails to deliver for Waterford City.

“This collaborative approach is clearly working as Waterford has upped its ranking and attained Cleaner than European norms classification – a first for the city.”

Details of the most recent Irish Business against Litter Survey can be found at https://ibal.ie/anti-litter-league/

By Waterford City & County Council

Shining a Light on Aphasia Awareness – 15th June

Aphasia Awareness - Mid-Atlantic Long Term Care

This June, we will be supporting Aphasia Awareness Day, an initiative highlighting a condition that affects thousands of people across Ireland.

Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to the brain, most often as a result of a stroke. It can severely impact a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, or write, making everyday communication a challenge.

To mark Aphasia Awareness Day on Sunday, 15th June, two Waterford landmarks, 35 The Mall in Waterford City and Devonshire Bridge in Dungarvan, will be illuminated in blue, the colour associated with aphasia awareness.

While building works mean that Waterford City Hall cannot be lit this year, wehope to  raise visibility and understanding of this condition.

#AphasiaAwareness #LightItUpBlue

By Waterford City & County Council

RSA Annual Conference Examines Drink & Drug-driving

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is hosting its Annual International Road Safety Conference today in Dublin, bringing together national and international experts to examine one of the most urgent challenges in road safety — driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.

This year’s conference comes at a pivotal time. Despite longstanding efforts, intoxicated driving continues to contribute significantly to road fatalities in Ireland and across Europe. It is estimated that 25% of all road deaths in the EU are alcohol-related, for example.

The conference will explore the latest research, behavioural insights, technological innovations, and international best practices to better understand and address the issue.

It coincides with the launch of the RSA’s new TV-led ad campaign, which challenges the social acceptability of drink-driving. It appeals directly to the public to protect their friends, and other road users, by ensuring their friends do not drink-drive.

According to data from the latest international E-Survey of Road Users’ Attitudes (ESRA, 2023), 9% of drivers in Ireland admitted to driving within one hour of taking drugs (other than prescribed or over the counter medication) at least once in the previous 30 days — higher than the EU average of 7%. And while drink-driving reports in Ireland are lower than the EU average, (10% versus 15% report driving after drinking alcohol at least once in the last 30 days), alcohol continues to play a devastating role in crashes.

RSA analysis of coronial data of driver fatalities between 2016 and 2020 revealed that 35% of drivers with toxicology results available tested positive for alcohol. That figure jumps to 70% for driver fatalities that occurred late at night and into the early morning (between 10pm-6am).

Speakers will address a range of topics, including evolving trends in drink and drug-driving, enforcement strategies, the role of medical and behavioural interventions, and the use of alcohol ignition interlock devices — a proven technology already in use across several European countries to prevent drink-driving among high-risk offenders.

The conference will also feature a presentation by Dr Kiran Sarma from the University of Galway, who will discuss the latest findings of an in-depth, RSA-commissioned, study of drug-driving.

International perspectives, including Belgium’s success in implementing an offender-based monitoring programme using alcohol ignition interlock technology, will also feature.

Seán Canney, Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports will open the conference. He said: “The research at this year’s conference is a powerful reminder that intoxicated driving has real, and often tragic, consequences. It is up to each of us — drivers, families, communities — to take ownership of our behaviour behind the wheel and drive safely.”

Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, said: “Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs means slower reaction times, reduced alertness, impaired judgment, and poor vision, which drastically increases the risk of serious collisions. We at the RSA are committed to educating and informing drivers of the risks, so that motorists can make informed decisions. Our new anti-drink-driving campaign launched by Minister Canney today and the recent anti-drug driving campaign is testament to that. Everyone has a role to play when it comes to road safety, and I urge everyone to do better so we can reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on Irish roads”.

Professor Desmond O’Neill, Director, National Office for Traffic Medicine, Trinity College Dublin said: “We have been collaborating with a working group in Ireland to develop a roadmap for an integrated alcohol ignition interlock programme, supported by a drink-driving rehabilitation course, for high-risk offenders. When fully implemented, this approach has the potential to significantly reduce repeat drink-driving offences, lower crash rates, and ultimately save lives on Irish roads.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Fertiliser & Slurry Spreading Restrictions for Waterford

Slurry

 

Met Éireann has issued a Level Yellow Thunderstorm warning for Waterford, effective from 10pm today (Wednesday, June 11th) until 3am on Thursday, June 12th.  Possible impacts include spot flooding and lightning damage.

Waterford City and County Council wishes to advise farmers of restrictions on slurry and fertiliser spreading within 48 hours of heavy rain.

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 it is waterlogged or when heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours.

By Waterford City & County Council

Summer Stars Reading Programme 2025

Summer Stars Reading Programme

Summer Stars Reading Programme runs from now until August 31st in Waterford Libraries.  Pick up your child’s Reading Card, complete it before August 31st and drop back to your local library.

Any child who completes the Summer Stars Reading Programme will receive a medal and certificate in October 2025.

Summer Stars is a free national programme running in all libraries across Ireland.  See www.waterfordlibraries.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Uisce Éireann upgrades to wastewater network in Tramore will facilitate future growth and development

The community of Tramore can look forward to an upgraded wastewater network in the town as Uisce Éireann undertakes work that will deliver greater reliability and improvements to the wastewater infrastructure. The critical upgrades to almost 1km of the existing wastewater network from An Gurruan Wastewater Pumping Station to along the R675 will help facilitate future growth and development in the area.

The works are being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann’s Wastewater Below Ground Programme and are expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

Commenting on the Project, Mark McKenna, Project Manager at Uisce Éireann, said, “This key project will help support Tramore’s future development. The upgrade will deliver a reliable, sustainable, high-quality service to the people of Tramore. We would like to thank the community in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete these necessary upgrades.”

Sections of work will commence at the existing An Garraun Wastewater Pumping Station, where the network will cross Riverstown Business Park Road at McCarthys Hardware. The network will then follow the route of The Estuary Road in the grass verge and connect to a previously upgraded section of network at the Dunes / Estuary interaction. The upgrade works will recommence in the scrub land at the Strand / Estuary interaction and continue across the R675.

To facilitate the safe delivery of these works, a traffic management plan, in the form of a stop/go system, will be in place. Local and emergency access will always be maintained. Works along the R675 road will start after the summer to minimise traffic disruption during the busy tourism season.

Shareridge will be carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

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

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.

Ends

By Waterford City & County Council

Bathing Prohibitions: Ardmore and Dunmore East Stream

Bathing Prohibition

Ardmore

Following testing of bathing water taken during a scheduled sampling at 03-06-2025, results have come back indicating elevated levels of bacteria. In order to avoid the risk of illness, bathing is prohibited at the beach until further notice.

Additional testing is taking place on 06-06-2025 to monitor the level of bacteria, and the beach will be re-opened when the bathing water returns to good status.

Dunmore East Stream

Following testing of the stream water taken during a scheduled sampling at  Dunmore East Stream on 03-06-2025, results have come back indicating elevated levels of bacteria.

In order to avoid the risk of illness paddling or playing in this stream is prohibited until further notice.

 THIS WATER MAY CAUSE ILLNESS

  • Unsuitable for bathing
  • Do not drink or swallow water from this stream
  • Avoid splashing stream water into your mouth
  • Do not use for washing utensils
  • Wash hands carefully with clean tap or bottled water before eating or handling food. Keep family pets out of streams where possible.

Additional testing has taken place to monitor the level of bacteria in this stream.

By Waterford City & County Council

Final bridge span installation marks a “momentous” day for Waterford

On Saturday, May 17th, Waterford awoke to the impressive sight of the HEBO Lift 9 floating sheerleg crane being towed from Dunmore East to the Frank Cassin Wharf.  With a lifting capacity of 800 tonnes and a lifting height of 67m, the HEBO is a powerhouse of immense engineering strength and technical precision.

Arriving from Ghent in Belgium, the HEBO was tasked with the significant undertaking of lifting and installing Waterford’s 207m Sustainable Transport Bridge.

Within a few days HEBO was joined by four spans of the steel deck superstructure, towed by sea-going barges, the GPS Avenger and ANTEOS respectively, from Ghent via the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal, English Channel and Irish Sea to Belview Port and ultimately to the Waterford North Quays site.

The steel deck superstructure was fabricated and fitted out at Victor Buyck Steel Construction’s production plant, while the operation and control of the central opening span required the manufacture and assembly of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical components and instrumentation by Qualter Hall in England.

The lifting operation required very slow and methodical progress with constant weather, tide and safety checks in place and on Wednesday, May 21st, operations commenced.

The North Main span, 65m in length and weighing over 500 tonnes, was lifted from the barge on Wednesday morning and then manoeuvred to the bridge site where it was initially installed onto temporary steel support frames pending final integration with the permanent concrete piers. Over the course of several hours, spectators flocked to the quayside to experience a remarkable day for Waterford as the first span was installed.

The following day, the initial span was joined by the South Main span and again the spectacle was witnessed by hundreds from the South Quays.

A pause in operations due to inclement conditions saw operations resume on Tuesday, May 27th and over two days the North and South Approach spans were installed to complete Waterford’s newest river crossing.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “This truly is a momentous day for Waterford.  The vision of the Sustainable Transport Bridge spanning the River Suir has now been realised.

“There has been a cast of hundreds working diligently in the background to deliver one of the most exciting projects ever to Waterford.  I would like to highly commend the Projects team at Waterford City and County Council, the funding agencies, Bam and Roughan & O’Donovan.

“Also, from the day the HEBO floating crane was towed from Belgium to the North Quays, the sense of excitement and anticipation was palpable, as evidenced by hundreds of spectators lining the quays to see a piece of history being made. For that I would like to thank Victor Buyck manufacturers, Qualter, Hall & Co. and of course, the tugboat crews and crane operators.”

Now that the bridge is installed, the bascule leaves for the opening central span will be tested and put into operation, The bridge finishing works, which includes the final surfacing, lighting, street furniture, and parapet railings, will commence as well as the installation of the downstream bridge pier protection system. 

Similar to Rice Bridge, the sustainable transport bridge has an opening central span to allow river vessels to pass through, smaller boats can pass underneath the bridge, subject to tides. Known as a Bascule Bridge, the new bridge is ‘double leaf’, which means it opens from both sides of the central span.

The public infrastructure project is being developed ahead of the private Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) development and the built interface between the two developments must be fully integrated and compatible.

The fast-tracking of integration works as part of construction of the SDZ will facilitate the opening of the bridge to the public in Q4 2026.

The SDZ development places a significant emphasis on connecting the north and south quays and improving the public realm through investment in new high quality civic spaces, including sustainable transport infrastructure, which will connect the Waterford and the South-East Greenways via the city centre and new sustainable transport bridge.

With planning permission granted by Waterford City and County Council to Harcourt Developments (t/a Hopcast Limited) for the development of the first phase of the North Quays Strategic Development Zone in April, the mixed-use development will comprise significant residential accommodation, office and hotel accommodation, retail offerings and high-quality public realm spaces consisting of:

  • 350 residential units
  • ​​Office accommodation including ground floor creche & retail
  • 160-bedroom hotel and conference centre
  • 163-room aparthotel
  • Retail units on ground floor of residential blocks
  • High quality public realm spaces to include public plazas, riverside boardwalk and greenway.

The direct benefit to Waterford of the investment in the SDZ Site is anticipated to be in excess of €350m over the next six years, with 200 people employed during construction and upwards of 1,500 jobs to be created following completion of phase one of the development.

By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore Beach Wheelchair Available for Public Use

Beach Wheelchair available Tramore poster

Waterford City & County Council is pleased to support accessible and inclusive recreation by offering a Beach Wheelchair at Tramore Beach, in collaboration with Tramore Life Saving Centre and Molly’s Café Tramore.
This specially designed wheelchair allows individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy Tramore’s beautiful beach safely and comfortably. The Beach Wheelchair is available for free public use and is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring access for all. 
Booking Information
  • Same-day bookings must be made before 10am.
  • Availability may vary based on weather and tide conditions.
How to Book
To book the Tramore Beach Wheelchair:
  • Contact Pauline Casey, Sports Inclusion Development Officer:
    📞 086 7837385
    ✉️ pcasey@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
OR
We are proud to promote equal access to outdoor amenities in Waterford and thank Tramore Life Saving Centre and Molly’s Café for their continued support in making this service possible.

By Waterford City & County Council

Public asked to avoid protected areas on Tramore Dunes following vandalism

Tramore DunesWaterford City and County Council has been made aware of damage to fencing along certain areas of the Tramore Dunes along with littering and fire damage. These areas have been fenced by Tramore community groups and WC&CC to protect the integrity of the dunes.

The Tramore Dunes are an important habitat. They are a legally protected Special Area of Conservation with many rare birds and plants. The dunes are also important in protecting coastal areas from storm surges and the breakdown of dunes elsewhere has led to coastal flooding.

It is vital that these dunes are preserved and so many people in Tramore have been working on strengthening and protecting the dunes.

Let’s work together to avoid damaging this fragile ecosystem.

Avoid the dunes if you can, however, if you can’t please:

  • use the marked paths
  • do not go into the fenced areas
  • take any rubbish with you

By Waterford City & County Council

Notice of Intention to hold an Event: Waterford Harvest Festival

In accordance with the Part XVI of the Planning & Development Act, 2000 as amended, Waterford City & County Council hereby gives notice that it intends to hold the following event: Waterford Harvest Festival, Waterford City, September 5th – 7th 2025.

This event is a celebration of food and culture, particularly highlighting artisan organic food production from the South East Region. The event shall be held throughout Waterford City Centre but particularly at locations in Arundel Square, Bakehouse Lane, John Roberts Square (inc Broad Street, Georges Street & Barronstrand Street), Little Patrick Street, Gladstone Street, Hanover Street, O’Connell Street, Micheal Street, John Street (Applemarket), Cathedral Square, Constitution Square and Wyse Park.

The event will include the following:

  • Family friendly activities with a food, food related, health or lifestyle element
  • Quality Market
  • Relevant, topical and interesting food & food related demonstrations, talks, discussions and activities,
  • Music
  • Presentation of Waterford’s food heritage.

The anticipated attendance at the event is 60,000 over the duration of the festival. The proposals including the Draft Event Management Plan may be inspected online at Waterford City & County Council’s website, for a period of 5 weeks commencing on 21st May 2025.

Submissions or observations in respect of the proposal may be made to Waterford City Council on, or before, 11th June 2025.

Submissions should be submitted via post to the address below or email to planning@waterfordcouncil.ie.
Harvest 2025 Event, Planning Department, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford City.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

First Bridge Spans Arrive in Waterford – Delivered by GPS Avenger

In the early hours of Sunday morning, 19th May, the GPS Avenger arrived on the River Suir, towing the first set of spans for Waterford’s new Sustainable Transport Bridge. The Cypriot-flagged tug, purpose-built for long-distance marine towage, navigated the estuary in spectacular weather, with its cargo destined to transform Waterford’s North Quays.

The bridge spans are now positioned at Frank Cassin Wharf where the HEBO 9 floating crane awaits the lifting and installation phase.

The bridge, a centrepiece of the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project, will provide a connection between Waterford’s city centre and the new North Quays development. Still to come are the final spans, en route aboard the tug Anteos, completing the picture before installation begins.

Keep following for updates as this landmark project continues to unfold.

📷 Photo credit: Peter Grogan
#SuirSpectacle #NorthQuays #Waterford2040

By Waterford City & County Council

Enormous Hebo 9 crane arrives in Waterford

This morning, under a sunny blue sky, the mighty Hebo 9 floating crane arrived off the coast of Dunmore East – marking an important moment in Waterford’s North Quays transformation.

Towed by the aptly named tug Dutch Power, the HEBO barge sailed into view with the colossal crane secured on deck. Towering and awe-inspiring, the Hebo 9 has now docked at Frank Cassin Wharf, where it awaits the arrival of additional barges carrying bridge sections.

The crane will then begin the detailed task of lifting those sections into place over the River Suir, forming the new Sustainable Transport Bridge – a centrepiece of the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project.

The HEBO Lift 9 is a seagoing floating sheerleg crane with a lifting capacity of 800 tonnes. Measuring approximately 67 metres in length and 27 metres in width, it is equipped with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing for precise manoeuvring during complex lifting operations.

Stay tuned and keep your eyes on the water – it’s a #SuirSpectacle you won’t want to miss.

Images: Peter Grogan – Creadan

By Waterford City & County Council

Boil Water Notice lifted for Poulnagunogue (Poulavanogue) Public Water Supply in County Waterford

Uisce Éireann wishes to notify customers supplied by Poulavonogue Public Water Supply following satisfactory sampling results, the Boil Water Notice is now lifted with immediate effect. This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

All consumers on the Poulavonogue Public Water Supply can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

Please note that there are two Poulavonogue supplies in the Clonmel area. This notice relates to the small scheme historically managed by Waterford County Council.

The Boil Water Notice was issued on 15 April to protect the health of customers.

Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann worked hard to lift the notice for impacted customers as quickly and as safely as possible.

Uisce Éireann’s Maura Phelan, acknowledged the impact of the notice on the community, adding: “Uisce Éireann regrets the inconvenience that the Boil Water Notice had on the community. I would like to thank them for their patience and support while our drinking water experts worked to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it was safe to do so. I would also like to thank the local councillors and the media for their assistance in sharing the information during the period of this boil water notice.”

Uisce Éireann and the Health Service Executive Water Liaison Group will continue to meet and will review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For further updates, visit the service and supply section of www.water.ie

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

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