Skip to content

€100,000 in Outdoor Recreation Funding Announced for Waterford

On Tuesday, November 21st, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys announced funding of almost €2.3 million nationally to support the development of 50 outdoor adventure projects across Ireland.

The investment under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) will be key to enhancing outdoor amenities such as our walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.

As part of this announcement two Waterford projects received a very welcome funding boost; Blackwater River Valley Outdoor Recreation Plan and Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Management Plan.

The Project Development Measures will fund the preparatory work required to bring large scale outdoor recreation projects to a shovel-ready stage.

Each project will receive €50,000 in funding under this round of ORIS funding with a minimum of a further 10% in funding being contributed by Waterford City and County Council. It is envisaged that the projects will be implemented in 2024.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway welcomed the funding announcement saying, “This funding announcement is significant for Waterford, as it will drive the impetus to bring these two large-scale projects to fruition.

“Waterford’s successful projects are located within two areas of outstanding scenic beauty namely the Blackwater River Valley and the Comeragh Mountains, and the development of these high quality recreation opportunities will only serve to enhance the areas and the communities within.”

Blackwater River Valley Outdoor Recreation entails the design of improved river access points to facilitate water-based activities at Ballyduff Upper and Lismore to include developing designs to planning stage, environmental assessments and submission of the resultant planning application. This work will build on a feasibility which was undertaken in 2022 to look at the potential of the Blackwater River Valley for Blueway, water trail and related land based outdoor recreation opportunities. It will also greatly add to ongoing projects in both Cappoquin and Villierstown seeking to enhance access to the River Blackwater for recreation.

Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Management Plan will see the development and management of high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities in the Comeragh Mountains focusing on core environmental, conservation, landscape, and socio-economic factors.

Widespread stakeholder and community engagement are planned as part of the preparation of this plan which will be consistent with objectives contained within the Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022 to 2028.

Similar to the River Blackwater project, the process of preparing the plan will very much consider the unique characteristics of this wonderful upland landscape.

The Rural Economic Development team in Waterford City and County Council looks forward to working with the local communities on these exciting projects in 2024.

-ends-

Waterford City & County Council seeks Expressions of Interest (EoI) for Ardmore Affordable Housing Scheme

Waterford City and County Council is actively considering the development of an affordable housing scheme at Ardmore, Co. Waterford.  Initially, the Local Authority is assessing the viability of, and the need for such a scheme in the area.

The Local Authority Affordable Housing Scheme provides for Local Authorities to make new homes available at a reduced price for first-time buyers whose mortgage and deposit will not cover the price of the home and who are seeking to purchase a newly-built home.

If you are a first-time buyer, unable to get a mortgage for a new home in the Ardmore area, the affordable housing scheme will provide for:

  • The purchase of a home using the income capacity of the purchaser(s) and the maximum mortgage available to them.
  • The Local Authority to take an equity stake in the home to cover the shortfall in the price to a maximum of 40% and a minimum of 5% which can be redeemed at any stage in the future or may be left in place until a future sale of the property.

While the final purchase price of the affordable housing has yet to be determined, the scheme will be targeted at those who cannot access social housing supports and cannot afford to purchase a property on the private market.

If you consider that you may qualify and are interested in declaring an interest provisionally at this point, you are invited to complete an Expression of Interest online survey, subject to the important information contained within the survey and acceptance of the terms outlined in it.

To complete the Expression of Interest online survey, visit Waterford City & County Council (submit.com)

The survey will remain open until 4pm, Sunday December 31st, 2023.

For further information about the Admore Affordable Housing Scheme (EoI) email affordablehomes@waterfordcouncil.ie

-ends-

Waterford City & County Council calls for dog owners to bag it and bin it!

Dog owners of Waterford are being urged to clean up their dog’s waste by bagging it and binning it!

Not only is dog poo unsightly and smelly, but it can also pose a health hazard. Dog poo on our streets, parks, trails and beaches can cause illness and lead to the spread of disease, as it contains harmful bacteria such as E-coli and parasites like roundworm. Not only this, but it can cause serious kidney disorders, diarrhoea, intestinal illnesses, and cramps.

Parents with buggies, children, and vulnerable groups such as wheelchair users and the visually impaired, are particularly susceptible to stepping in or wheeling through dog poo, and being at risk of these health implications, not to mention the unpleasantness and inconvenience of getting poo on shoes, hands or wheels.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “The majority of dog owners and dog walkers are responsible and ensure that they clean up after their pets.  However, there is a minority that believes their dog waste is not their responsibility.”

“The consequences of not bagging, binning or bringing it home are not pleasant.  Dog poo and discarded poo bags are a blight on the landscape, they spoil our wonderful natural amenities, and they are harmful to people and wildlife.”

By simply ensuring we all clean up after our dogs, we protect our community and our environment.”

Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer, with Waterford City and County Council added, “Dog waste should be bagged immediately and can be discarded in any public bin.  If there is no public bin in the vicinity of the walk, it should be brought home and disposed of in a suitable sanitary manner.

“Often is the case, some owners will bag it, but then leave the bags on trees or on walkways, which is unsightly and has a detrimental effect on the environment. Discarded poo bags are a threat to wildlife through ingestion and entanglement, and can end up in our rivers and lakes, causing further damage to our marine life…the consequences of which will be felt for generations to come.”

Waterford City and County Council encourages all dog owners to make the right decision and clean up after their pooches to protect our communities, our wildlife and our outdoor spaces.

-ends-

Images: Free to use (WCCC)

  • Lydia O’Connor (WCCC) and Peaches, Niall Kane Senior Executive Engineer (WCCC) and Ivy, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway and Ella Ryan Environmental Awareness Officer (WCCC) with Bess.
  • Ella Ryan Environmental Awareness Officer (WCCC), Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway and Niall Kane Senior Executive Engineer (WCCC) with Bess and Ivy.

Phase 3 of works at Farronshoneen Roundabout

Phase 3  of the construction works at Farronshoneen Roundabout are due to commence on Thursday, November 16th  and continue for 5 working days until Wednesday, November 22nd.

The works will entail the reconstruction of the east bound lane of the Outer Ring Road coming off the roundabout (i.e. between Farronshoneen Roundabout and Waterford University Hospital).

During this stage all routes will remain open to traffic, however Stop / Go controls will be in place on all four legs of the roundabout for the duration, resulting in some delays to traffic in the area.

Waterford City and County Council apologies for inconvenience caused.

Moladh chun bóithre atá ag freastal ar fhorbairt ag Fáinne Na Farraige a fhógairt mar Bhóithre Poiblí

Tugtar fógra leis seo de bhun Alt 11 Fo-alt (1)(b)(iii) d’Acht na mBóithre 1993 go bhfuil sé beartaithe agComhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge na bóithre thíosluaite a chlárú mar Bhóithre Poiblí.

  • Bóithre a fhreastalaíonn ar fhorbairt ag Fáinne Na Farraige, An Rinn

Tá an líníocht a thaispeánann na bóithre atá le glacadh i gcúram ar fáil lena iniúchadh thíos, nó is féidir féachaint ar chóipeanna inár Ranna Seirbhísí do Chustaiméirí i gCé Dáibhéid, Dún Garbhán nó ar Shráid Nua Bailey ar feadh tréimhse míosa suas go dtí an 13 Nollaig, 2023 agus an lá sin san áireamh.

Léarscáil (Cliceáil le haghaidh leagan níos mó)

Is féidir aighneachtaí nó tuairimí maidir leis an togra chun na bóithre a chlárú mar Bhóithre Poiblí a dhéanamh i scríbhinn suas go dtí an 27ú Nollaig, 2023. Cuir ainm na forbartha i líne ábhair nahaighneachta, le do thoil.

Sa Post: Aideen Jacob, Oifigeach Riaracháin, Rannóg na mBóithre, Áras Menapia, An Meal, Port Láirge.
Trí Ríomhphost: submissionsroads@waterfordcouncil.ie

Cuir ‘Glacadh i gCúram – Fáinne na Farraige, An Rinn’ i líne an ábhair le do thoil.

Proposal to Declare Roads serving development at Fáinne Na Farraige, An Rinn to be Public Roads

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 11 Subsection (1) (b) (iii) Roads Act 1993 that Waterford City and County Council propose to declare the roads mentioned below to be Public Roads.

  • Roads serving development at Fáinne Na Farraige, An Rinn

The drawing indicating the roads to be taken in charge are available for inspection below or copies can be viewed in our Customer Services Departments in
Davitts Quay, Dungarvan or Bailey’s New Street for a period of one month up to and including 13th December, 2023.

Map of Area Concerned (Click for larger)

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposal to declare the roads to be Public Roads may be made in writing up to 27th December, 2023. Please include the name of the development in the submission subject line.

By Post: Aideen Jacob, Administrative Officer, Roads Department, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford.
By Email: submissionsroads@waterfordcouncil.ie

Please put ‘Taking in Charge – Fáinne na Farraige, An Rinn’ in the subject line.

Strong Waterford representation at Pride of Place Awards

There was strong Waterford representation at Pride of Place Awards with Larchville Lisduggan Residents Association taking top honours.

Waterford was well represented at the All-Island IPB Pride of Place Awards which took place last weekend.

Larchville Lisduggan Residents Association took top honours in the Urban Neighbourhood (Village under 3,000) category, while CAPE-ability Club was represented in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category. The awards, hosted by Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council tool place in the Armagh City Hotel with almost 100 community initiatives throughout the island of Ireland represented. Now in its 20th year, the awards celebrate the best in community development, and recognise the efforts of people in making their local neighbourhoods better places to live, work and socialise.

Waterford City and County Council nominated Larchville Lisduggan Residents Association, in the Urban Neighbourhood (Under 3,000) category.

Speaking following the awards ceremony Larchville Lisduggan Residents Association Chair, John Burns was delighted with the award saying:

“It’s a great honour to be recognised and rewarded on a national platform.  The work of the association is done in tandem with all the residents.  There’s a fantastic community spirit and we love working towards the same goal of making Larchville and Lisduggan the safest, most welcoming and inclusive estates in the heart of Waterford.

“This award is testament to the hard work of every member of our community in making Larchville Lisduggan the best neighbourhood in Ireland.”

The judges’ comments outlined the positive contribution the residents association has made towards enhancing all elements of the wider Larchville Lisduggan community and acknowledged the hard work of an incredibly motivated group.

Michael Murphy of Waterford City and County Council’s Estate Management Team was delighted with the residents association’s phenomenal success, saying:

“Everything this residents association does is about strengthening community ties. I look forward to continuing to work with them as they solidify and develop the locality.”

Also nominated by Waterford City and County Council in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category was CAPE-ability.  CAPE-ability is a social and friendship group for young adults with diverse needs and abilities.  The parent-led club meets weekly and empowers and supports members to flourish through activities such as boxercise, cookery, circuit-training and much more.

Kevin Moynihan, Community Officer with Waterford City and County Council added,

“We are so lucky in Waterford to have a wonderful network of community groups that passionately and ardently work towards better communities.

“Larchville Lisduggan Residents Association and CAPE-ability

Club are just two examples of the big changes that can be made when we work together towards a common goal.  They are outstanding exemplars of People Power!”

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 20 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

-ends-

Waterford City & County Council win two awards at Chambers Ireland “Excellence in Local Government” Awards

Waterford City and County Council has been successful at the recent Chambers Ireland “Excellence in Local Government Awards”, with two category wins, for the Waterford Museums of Time and Silver, and Mount Congreve House and Gardens.

Waterford Museums of Time and Silver took top honours in the ‘Heritage and Built Environment’ category which celebrates best in class by a Local Authority to promote public interest in, and knowledge, appreciation and protection of local heritage sites.  The Museum of Time opened in 2021 with kind donations and support from David Boles, Colman Curran and Liz Clooney, and is the only museum dedicated to horology and timekeeping on the island of Ireland.  The Irish Silver Museum also opened its doors in 2021 in the old Deanery Building on Cathedral Square, Waterford with benefactors Noel and Stephanie Frisby generously donating to its establishment and displays.

Mount Congreve House and Gardens, lauded as ‘One of the Great Gardens of the World’, clinched the title, amid stiff competition, in the ‘Supporting Tourism’ category. This award highlights the efforts of Waterford City and County Council in enriching local tourism and encouraging community appreciation of regional attractions.

The transformative investment in Mount Congreve House and Gardens has resulted in a world-class visitor experience, as well as a café, and retail offering. The estate also boasts a variety of walking paths, each adorned with creative displays that vividly narrate its long history.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said the recognition by Chambers Ireland was a great endorsement of the projects and the Local Authority’s investment in them.  He praised the Council’s commitment to initiating and advancing such exceptional initiatives, saying:

“I am delighted to see Waterford City and County Council recognised on a national platform for their commitment in initiating and driving such wonderful projects.  Both Mount Congreve and The Museums of Time and Silver are very deserving winners in their respective categories.  Waterford has an enviable tourism offering, and it is great to see the work of our Council endorsed in the wider community in such a positive way.

Waterford City and County Council’s strong performance at the awards was also highlighted by four other shortlisted projects, in a diverse range of categories.

Alongside its wins, the Council’s shortlisted projects included Tramore Town Centre Public Realm Works in the ‘Urban Revival’ category, and the proactive Ukrainian Refugee Response in the ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ category. Their innovative communication strategy was showcased in ‘A Celebration of Waterford as Ireland’s Best Place to Live’, shortlisted in the ‘Communications’ category, while the Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability was evident in the ‘Climate Change’ category with the Business Rates Waiver initiative.

Commending all the projects put forward, Director of Economic Development at Waterford City & County Council, Michael Quinn commented:

“Our diverse array of projects reflect our commitment to not only address current community needs but also to proactively shape a sustainable future for Waterford. Each project, regardless of its category here tonight, is a step towards our vision of an inclusive, dynamic, and environmentally conscious city and county.”

The Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards are sponsored by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and took place in Dublin on November 23rd.

ENDS

Community Safety Initiative Grant launched

The Independent Chair of the Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership (WLCSP), Mr. Sean Aylward, has announced the commencement of the WLCSP Small Grants Fund. This initiative offers grants ranging from €1,000 to €5,000, specifically intended to aid local community organisations and service providers. The primary objective is to boost innovative projects and initiatives that cater to the requirements outlined in the WLCSP Community Safety Plan 2023-2028.

The WLCSP, a creation of the Department of Justice, embodies a novel government pilot scheme which aims to seamlessly blend the strengths of statutory services, the voluntary and community sector, local councillors, and community members. The united front is dedicated to pinpointing and resolving community safety concerns at a local level.

Expressing his gratitude towards the Department of Justice, Mr Aylward explained, “Community safety is a multifaceted notion, surpassing just the boundaries of policing and crime. It envelops the essence of individuals being secure and feeling protected within their communities. It encompasses various aspects, ranging from the visible presence of Gardaí to ensuring children have safe areas to play. These grants have been designed to invigorate and nurture local community safety endeavours, especially those that resonate with the objectives of the WLCSP Community Safety Plan”.

The fund commences with a generous allocation of €50,000, with individual grants ranging between €1,000 and €5,000. Interested parties should mark their calendars, as the application process will be advertised from Monday, 2nd October. Applications will be accepted between 6th October and 20th October. Successful applicants can expect allocation by 17th November, with the stipulation that the funds be utilised before the close of 31st December 2023.

For a comprehensive understanding and further details, individuals and organisations are encouraged to visit Waterford City & County Council’s website below.

https://waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/community-sport/community-safety.htm

ENDS

WLCSP Community Safety Small Grant Scheme 2023

Contact Details

Eddie Mulligan
Email : emulligan@waterfordcouncil.ie
Telephone : 087 7003486

Local Enterprise Office Waterford to celebrate National Women’s Enterprise Day

With the National Women’s Enterprise Day planned for October 19th, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, in collaboration with Network Ireland Waterford branch, Dungarvan West Waterford Chamber and Waterford Chamber will host a networking event at the Mount Congreve House, that promises to inspire and educate the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

This year’s “Empowering Business Together” themed day starts with a welcome reception at 3pm and an opportunity for attendees to get a Professional Headshot taken.

The event will kick off at 3.30pm with a ‘Meet the Media’ panel hosted by Nichola Beresford which will cover how to approach the media, the different mediums and what you should have prepared when approaching the media.

This is followed by afternoon tea in the magnificent setting of the Chinese Room in Mount Congreve House.

Finally, there will be an interactive Empowering Business Together Workshop which will allow attendees to choose what topics are discussed. Participants will be asked what they would like to hear on arrival, and this facilitated workshop will be tailored to the audiences’ needs.

Waterford’s National Women’s Enterprise Day Ambassador, Christine Murphy is founder and Creative Director of Urban Aran, an independent Irish Knitwear business in 2018. Based in Waterford, Urban Aran encapsulates the essence of her brand. The term “Urban” reflects her deep appreciation for urban landscapes. It is the imagery from cityscapes and professional street art in her home city of Waterford to minute detail including peeling paint on walls, which inspires her drawings and designs.

Christine was proud to be asked to be an ambassador for this year’s event, “I have interacted with the LEO for years and attended the NWED before, so was delighted to be asked to be an ambassador. The programme this year as always is geared to support women in business, and I’m thrilled to be involved.”

Brid Kirby, Acting Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Waterford said that the event will be of benefit to any female entrepreneur who is either thinking of starting a business or already in business, “The panellists at this event are highly renowned for assisting businesses in unleashing their potential and identifying opportunities for growth.  Supporting women in enterprise and addressing the key challenges confronting women in business is paramount to ensuring female entrepreneurs realise their full business potential.

“At Local Enterprise Office Waterford we have a broad range of support services, including events like this that enable entrepreneurs to take their business to the next level. National Women’s Enterprise Day not only showcases the work of successful female entrepreneurs, but also supports and fosters female entrepreneurship by encouraging more women to start their own business.”

National Women’s Enterprise Day is Ireland’s largest female enterprise event. It promotes, encourages and stimulates female entrepreneurship across Ireland. It is designed and led by women and is an annual high point in promoting entrepreneurship to women in Ireland. The Local Enterprise Office along with Enterprise Ireland provide a wide range of help, incentives, training, and development programmes to female entrepreneurs.

While help is available all year round, National Women’s Enterprise Day allows the LEO to turn the spotlight on female entrepreneurship. It attracts widespread media attention. It opens the prospect of entrepreneurship to women who may not have considered it before. It highlights what support is available. It provides valuable networking opportunities and connections with industry experts. And it celebrates the achievements of women in enterprise.

It tackles the real-life subjects affecting women in business. While finance, marketing, innovation, and new product development are important, so too are family, well-being, and mental health and these all have their place in National Women’s Enterprise Day.

National Women’s Enterprise event takes place from 3pm to 6.30pm in Mount Congreve House, Waterford on Thursday, October 19th.  Tickets cost €20.  To book your place visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/ . This event is a collaboration between Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Network Ireland Waterford branch, Dungarvan West Waterford Chamber & Waterford Chamber.

Photos by Noel Browne

Tamara Sheehan, Enterprise Executive, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Brid Kirby, Acting Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Lynda Lawton, Operations Officer, Waterford Chamber, Jenny Beresford, CEO, Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, and Mailo Power Founder/Owner of Monkey Cups.

HSE’s National Breastfeeding Week 2023 being marked in Waterford

                                                           

The HSE will be highlighting National Breastfeeding Week 2023 (1st to 7th of October) with participation in a number of events in the Waterford area.

The Breastfeeding Friendly Waterford Interagency Working Group have organised a suite of events scheduled throughout the week to support the launch of the National Healthy Ireland Framework “We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Waterford” and to promote and celebrate breastfeeding.

A Cuidiú coffee morning for all parents and the breastfeeding community in the Central Library, a launch by the Deputy Mayor in City Hall of the National Healthy Ireland “We’re Breastfeeding Friendly” framework and the unveiling of a mural in the city centre are among the activities organised by the Breastfeeding Friendly Waterford Interagency Working group, which the HSE will be supporting, along with other key partners in such ventures including Waterford City and County Council, the Sláintecare/Waterford Healthy Communities initiative, Cuidiú (parent to parent breastfeeding support group), Réalta Centre for Arts and Health, Waterford Libraries, Autism Friendly Waterford and CYPSC Waterford.

The theme of this year’s National Breastfeeding Week is ‘Making our communities and workplaces more breastfeeding friendly’ and it aims to raise awareness of local supports for parents and the expansion in law of breastfeeding breaks during work hours up until to a child’s second birthday.

According to its 2022 HSE figures, 62% of babies were breastfed when the Public Health Nurse made their first visit after birth. The figure has been rising since a rate of 55% was recorded in 2017.

The HSE, as part of an inter-agency group in the Waterford area, will be supporting a range of activities next week:

  • Monday 2nd October: 10am-12pm Cuidiú Coffee morning for all parents and members of the breastfeeding community , Central Library, Waterford.
  • Wednesday 4th October: 11am-12.30pm Launch of Healthy Ireland “We’re Breastfeeding Friendly” framework by the Deputy Mayor Cllr. Declan Doocey in the Large Room, Waterford City Hall.
  • Thursday, 5th October: 1-2pm Artist Talk with Dr. Afif El-Khuffash with poetry by Dr. Maria Tempany (Author on Motherhood and Poet), Réalta Centre for Arts and Health, with panel discussion to follow.
  • Friday 6th October: 12pm (to be confirmed) Unveiling of a mural by street artist Zabou in Ballybricken, Waterford City Centre (on gable end of Mulligan’s Pharmacy, Ballybricken X91 RY26), depicting an image supporting breastfeeding – commissioned through Waterford Walls and sponsored by Waterford City and County Council and Mulligans Pharmacy.

Throughout October, 10 breastfeeding related art pieces by Dr. Afif El Khuffash will be on display at the Central Library (x 5) and the Réalta Centre for Arts and Health (formerly Waterford Healing Arts Trust), University Hospital Waterford (x 5). Dr. El Khuffash is a Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician at Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital and is also a qualified International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

Speaking ahead of the National Breastfeeding Week events in Waterford, Claire Bulfin, (Midwife and Lactation Consultant at University Hospital Waterford) said:

“Parents can get support and advice on establishing breastfeeding from their Midwife and Public Health Nurse. They can also ask them questions about other aspects of caring for newborn babies, such as recognising what is normal in the early weeks and soothing a crying or unsettled baby. Hospital and community healthcare Lactation Consultants can offer support with specific breastfeeding queries and challenges.

“The number of breastfeeding groups is also growing in every county and such excellent support is readily accessible throughout Waterford City and County. The Cuidiú organisation (see www.Cuidiu.ie) have been fantastic, in addition to the Library services. There are also a range of online resources, such as virtual breastfeeding groups. Practical breastfeeding advice and so much more (including contact details for support groups etc.) on the HSE’s www.MyChild.ie – including the 7 day a week “Ask our Expert” live chat and e-mail breastfeeding support service.

“I encourage mothers to attend breastfeeding classes and get advice for their own situation in the antenatal period, to prepare them for what to expect in the early days and weeks. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing mums surprise themselves at how well they do, gaining confidence with every feed and enjoying breastfeeding their baby.

In addition to Lactation Consultants being in place in the region’s four maternity hospitals (University Hospital Waterford, Wexford General Hospital, St. Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny and Tipperary General Hospital), there are also HSE/South East Community Healthcare based Lactation Consultants across counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford.

Looking forward to the programme of activities marking this year’s National Breastfeeding Week, Brianna Connaughton (Health Promotion and Improvement Officer with HSE/South East Community Healthcare’s Health and Wellbeing Service) says:

“Improving breastfeeding rates will help to improve long term population health. Breastfeeding supports your child’s health now and over the long term. It’s also important for mothers too, supporting their recovery after birth, supports bonding with their baby and also reducing their risk of breast cancer and diabetes.”

“Looking at this year’s National Breastfeeding Week theme of ‘Making our communities and workplaces more breastfeeding friendly’ reminds me as to many mothers who have now returned to work and have seen first-hand the difference breastfeeding breaks in the workplace has made. Recent advances in legislation have made combining breastfeeding and returning to work more appealing and feasible. Breastfeeding breaks, as provided for, have helped some mothers breastfeed for longer than they intended to.”

! Important ! Annual Social Housing Assessment

Social Housing Assessment

Waterford City & County Council is currently undertaking the annual Social Housing Assessment.  If you are an approved housing applicant whose file was not reviewed since 11th August 2022 and you are not on RAS, HAP or leasing scheme, you will receive a letter outlining what you need to do to complete the online form.

Please complete the relevant form online at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/housing .  If you need a paper form you can obtain this by using the contact information in your letter.

All forms and supporting documentation to be submitted or returned by Friday 29th September 2023.

! Important ! Annual Social Housing Assessment

 

Social Housing Assessment

Waterford City & County Council is currently undertaking the annual Social Housing Assessment.  If you are an approved housing applicant whose file was not reviewed since 11th August 2022 and you are not on RAS, HAP or leasing scheme, you will receive a letter outlining what you need to do to complete the online form.

Please complete the relevant form online at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/housing .  If you need a paper form you can obtain this by using the contact information in your letter.

All forms and supporting documentation to be submitted or returned by Friday 29th September 2023.

PUBLIC MEETING this Saturday: Draft Town Centre First plan for Portlaw

 

Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with Portlaw Town Team, is pleased to announce the launch of the public consultation on the draft Portlaw Town Centre First Plan.

The plans will be on display in Portlaw Library and all are invited to an event to discuss the Town Centre First Plan and to celebrate the potential of Portlaw on Malcomson Square, between 12pm – 5pm on Saturday 23 September 2023.

Portlaw has been selected as one of 26 towns in Ireland to participate in this new initiative from the Irish Government.

The Draft Town Centre First Plan presents a vision for the future of Portlaw and a series of projects suitable for funding applications. The draft vision statement for Portlaw reads:

“As Ireland’s first model village and an inspiration to many, Portlaw was planned as the best possible place in which to live and work. With our unique streets, our waterways and woodlands, Portlaw is a special place with a story to tell. Today we look back with pride and forward with confidence, rediscovering and renewing Portlaw’s pioneering ambition for the town and all its people.”

The draft plan has been developed by the Portlaw Town Team, composed of local residents and business owners, with input from elected members and has been facilitated by urban designers, The Paul Hogarth Company and Hall Black Douglas architects. It includes proposals for new community facilities, active travel connections and civic spaces, all designed to complement the future restoration of Mayfield House and the former Tannery.

Chair of the Portlaw Town Team, Paudie Coffey explained that:

“We have been working hard over the past few months to prepare this plan for Portlaw, which builds on many years of work to improve the town and also on the recommendations of the 2022 Community Strategic Plan.”

Welcoming the public consultation process, Cathaoirleach of Comeragh District Council, Cllr. Seánie Power said that:

“The Council is delighted to be involved in this new planning initiative and that Portlaw – with its wonderful history, heritage and environment – is included as one of the pilot towns. It is now over to the people of Portlaw to take a look at the draft plan, give your feedback and share your ideas. The results will, hopefully, include a number of positive projects for the town and a period of significant regeneration and development”.

The public are invited to view draft plan online at www.waterfordcouncil.ie/PortlawTCF and to complete the short online survey by Thursday 28 September 2023.