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By Waterford City & County Council

Notice of Proposed Review of Casual Trading Bye-Laws

Waterford City & County Council has prepared a review of Casual Trading Bye-Laws for the regulation and control of Casual Trading within the City and County of Waterford.

A copy of the proposed Bye-Laws may be viewed on the Waterford City & County Council website at  www.waterfordcouncil.ie

Copies of the proposed Bye-Laws will be available for inspection at the following locations during office hours:

  • Customer Services Department, Bailey’s New Street, Waterford
  • Customer Services Department, Civic Offices, Co. Waterford between the period 15th December 2020 to 15th January 2021, both dates inclusive.

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed bye-laws review may be made in writing to The Director of Services, Department of Economic Development and Planning, Waterford City & County Council, 35 The Mall, Waterford City, or by email to
casualtradingreview@waterfordcouncil.ie no later than Friday 29th January 2021.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council statement regarding Homesavers Interim Planning injunction

** UPDATE **, 26th November 2020

Statement by Waterford City and County Council in the case V Centz Retail Holdings, trading as “Homesavers”

Waterford City and County Council wish to advise the interim planning injunction against Centz Retail Holdings, trading as “Homesavers” has been lifted by the High Court in a hearing yesterday (25th November 2020). The case to seek a Section 60 Planning Injunction will be before the High Court on 7th December 2020 for a full hearing.

 

Waterford City and County Council undertook court proceedings against Centz Retail Holdings Ltd  trading as “Homesavers”

following the commencement of trading by “Homesavers” at two locations in Dungarvan  and Kingsmeadow and the fitting out of a third unit in Tramore for retail use, without any authorisation or planning permission for general retail uses. This constitutes a material, and significant, change in use of each of the three properties concerned which was commenced by the operators without any prior consultation or engagement with the planning authority.

Waterford City and County Council sought the Interim Planning injunction in the context of its statutory function  to regulate development and ensure adherence to the proper planning  and sustainable development of its functional area and to protect the vitality and viability of the  City and town centres for the good of the local community including other retailers.

The High Court granted this interim injunction on Thursday 19th November and Homesavers have ceased trading in Dungarvan and Kingsmeadow, and the unit in Tramore remains closed, on foot of that court order.  However, Homesavers are continuing to challenge this interim injunction and the matter currently remains before the court.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Notice of Local Authority Budget

Notice is hereby given that the Budget of Waterford City and County Council for the Financial Year ending 31st December 2021 has been prepared and will be considered by the Waterford City and County Council at the Budget Meeting to be held at 5.00 p.m. on Friday 27th November 2020 as a remote (on-line / virtual) meeting as provided for in the Civil and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 (Section 29) (Local Authorities) (Designation) Order 2020 (S.I No. 445 of 2020).

A copy of same can be inspected free of charge by any member of the public at the Customer Services Desks, Baileys New Street, Waterford and Davitts Quay, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. The offices are open for the transaction of official business on an appointment basis only.

A copy of the Budget of Expenses will be supplied to any person making application at a price of €5.

Michael Walsh
Chief Executive, Waterford City & County Council.
17th November 2020.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford confirms allocation of €110m, securing North Quays SDZ key developments

Waterford confirms allocation of €80,600,000 Urban Regeneration Development Funding and €30,000,000 National Transport Authority funding which secures North Quays Strategic Development Zone key infrastructural developments

Waterford City and County Council welcomes the announcement of €80,600,000 funding from the Urban Regeneration Development Fund by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and €30,000,000 from the National Transport Authority for infrastructural works for the development of the North Quays Strategic Development Zone site. Today’s funding announcement is a significant step towards completion of the commercialisation of the site by Falcon Real Estate Development Ireland and enables the move to detailed design and construction phase.

The funding announced today will enable the completion of the three key infrastructural elements which Waterford City and County Council are progressing as well as associated infrastructural works that are being progressed by Kilkenny County Council   Since 2018 funding provided by both the Urban Regeneration Development Fund and the National Transport Authority has facilitated the project development.     The Sustainable Transport Bridge, City Centre Access Infrastructure and the Integrated Transport Hub are complete to detailed design and progressing to tender stage to appoint a main construction contract.

The Mayor of the City and County of Waterford, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan on confirming the funding announcement from National Government said “Today is an historic day for Waterford and the south east region. This funding announcement solidifies our commitment to the North Quays Strategic Development Zone which is the single largest enabler of regional economic growth.  Today represents an opportunity for Waterford City to realise its role as the largest urban centre in Ireland’s largest region. I am honoured to have worked with my colleagues in local and national government to secure this essential funding.”

The opportunity for Waterford to meet the targets as set out in Project Ireland 2040 is underpinned by today’s announcement. The Urban Regeneration Development Fund was established primarily to support the compact growth and sustainable development of Ireland’s cities and large urban areas.  Waterford’s role as an important driver of national growth and a regional city of scale is identified in the National Planning Framework and confirmed in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region and recently adopted Waterford City Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan 2020.

Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, Michael Walsh said, “We have worked in partnership with Kilkenny County Council, Irish Rail and Falcon Real Estate Development to bring this project to fruition and today is a really strong commitment by national government in Waterford‘s future as the economic capital of the south east. Notwithstanding the impact of COVID on our economy, Waterford is well placed to show resilience and recover with the delivery of 1,500 new full time jobs directly related to the construction phase of the project alone. In terms of the long term Waterford 2040 vision, we will work to continue to invest in regeneration in key locations which will reshape the region and drive economic growth.”

The North Quays project is the largest commercial development in Waterford and currently the largest urban regeneration project in the Country.  The combined private and public investment in the project is estimated at over €500m, with the private development delivering nearly 2,300 full time jobs by 2023  and with the creation of a further 4,500 indirect jobs in the community.   A 7% growth rate to Waterford’s economy is anticipated as well as a 1.5 % growth to the wider South East economy.

Visitor numbers to the region are expected to increase with the creation of a flagship visitor’s centre in the heart of the North Quays that can cater for one million visitors.  The provision of high quality office space and complimentary facilities will increase the attractiveness of the region for foreign investment.  This will, in turn, leverage increased economic activity for local business and the local economy.

The North Quays project will act as a catalyst for the development of commercial and residential land with direct sustainable access via the greenway to the City Centre and intercity locations allowing for active travel and associated health benefits, journey time saving, modal shift to more sustainable transport and reduced emissions.  This plan led, holistic and sustainable approach to development is in line with current Government policies and the National Planning Framework.  It will ensure the South act as a key enabler into the future for Waterford City and the wider region.

ENDS

Note to the editor
Project Ireland 2040

Project Ireland 2040 is the overarching, long-term strategy, setting out this Government’s infrastructure priorities for future growth and development. The strategy reforms how public investment is planned and delivered, explicitly aligning Ireland’s spatial planning with a capital investment plan, in order to provide the right infrastructure in the right places to cater to our growing population.

By 2040, there will be an extra one million people living in our country. Project Ireland 2040 aims to accommodate this growth in a balanced and sustainable way and put in place the investment required to enable prosperity. It is promoting compact growth in our regions throughout the country, ensuring that people are living close to the infrastructure and services that they need. Project Ireland 2040 is particularly focused on promoting the growth of our regional cities and urban centres outside of Dublin, in order to counteract the unrestrained growth of the capital and spread the effects of economic strength more evenly throughout Ireland.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Employers are invited to join the #KeepWaterfordSafe face covering Campaign !

Waterford City & County Council are currently leading the growing #KeepWaterfordSafe face covering campaign across employers in Waterford City & County in an attempt to stop the spread of Covid-19 in Waterford. 

We invite all employers to support us in this campaign by purchasing the #KeepWaterfordSafe face coverings and making them available to staff.  This combined effort would ensure that thousands of these face coverings would be in circulation ensuring that the important message of keeping Waterford safe from Covid 19 is ever present.    

We have teamed up with Azzurri to source a two-ply super soft polyester re-usable barrier mask FM004, successfully tested to Swift 19 and to AFNOR S76-00 standard, with adjustable ear loops so each wearer can achieve a comfortable fit to suit and it can be printed with your company logo along with the tagline #KeepWaterfordSafe, minimum order quantity is 100.

To join the #KeepWaterfordSafe Campaign contact Claire Flavin on 058 22035 or e-mail cflavin@waterfordcouncil.ie for further details and pricing information.

Let’s work together to #KeepWaterfordSafe !

By Waterford City & County Council

Trilateral Research establishes European Operations Centre in Waterford

Trilateral Research establishes European Operations Centre in Waterford, creating 40 new jobs in the South East

Trilateral Research Ltd., a leading UK headquartered research, consultancy and technology development company, has announced plans to add 40 new roles in Ireland over the next four years. The company’s Irish office, based in Belview Port, Waterford, will grow to incorporate the company’s machine learning, AI and software specialisms alongside their research, data protection and cyber-risk services. The roles available at Trilateral’s new European Operations Centre in Waterford, are in the areas of software development, data science and data ethics as well as administrative support.

Trilateral Research’s Co-Director, Kush Wadhwa said, “We are delighted to expand our work in Europe via the Waterford office and have been fortunate to avail of the high-quality talent pool of technology experts here in Ireland.”

Rachel Finn, Sr Practice Manager and Head of Irish Operations added that “The South East is an emerging technology hub, and it is an excellent launch-pad for regional, national and international collaboration”.

Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said: “This is great news for Waterford. Trilateral is a cutting-edge company and their decision to double their headcount over the next year and to create 40 new jobs over the next four years is a welcome boost for the South East. The government is focused on creating new opportunities across the country and we will be working to secure further investment for all regions, in the months and years ahead.”

CEO of IDA Ireland Martin Shanahan said: “Today’s announcement is a further vote of confidence in Waterford and the South East region’s ability to provide a highly skilled and talented workforce for companies like Trilateral Research. It demonstrates the South East’s strong value proposition. This investment is aligned with IDA’s strategy of growing regional investments. I wish to congratulate Trilateral Research on today’s announcement and wish them every success.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Employers are invited to join the #KeepWaterfordSafe face covering Campaign !

Waterford City & County Council are currently leading the growing #KeepWaterfordSafe face covering campaign across employers in Waterford City & County in an attempt to stop the spread of Covid-19 in Waterford. 

We invite all employers to support us in this campaign by purchasing the #KeepWaterfordSafe face coverings and making them available to staff.  This combined effort would ensure that thousands of these face coverings would be in circulation ensuring that the important message of keeping Waterford safe from Covid 19 is ever present.    

We have teamed up with Azzurri to source a two-ply super soft polyester re-usable barrier mask FM004, successfully tested to Swift 19 and to AFNOR S76-00 standard, with adjustable ear loops so each wearer can achieve a comfortable fit to suit and it can be printed with your company logo along with the tagline #KeepWaterfordSafe, minimum order quantity is 100.

To join the #KeepWaterfordSafe Campaign contact Claire Flavin on 058 22035 or e-mail cflavin@waterfordcouncil.ie for further details and pricing information.

Let’s work together to #KeepWaterfordSafe !

By Waterford City & County Council

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE RESTART GRANT SCHEMES

The Restart Grant Plus Scheme, will close from midnight on Saturday 31st October. A new COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) was established as part of Budget 2021 on 13th October 2020 and is being operated by the Revenue Commissioners

If you did not apply for the original Restart Grant scheme, which was introduced at the end of May 2020, and believe that you may have been eligible, then please contact us at restart@waterfordcouncil.ie for further information. This process will close at midnight on 31st October.

By Waterford City & County Council

A reminder from the HSE, Waterford Council and the Gardaí on when to isolate

The HSE, Waterford City and County Council and the Gardai are reminding people that have Covid 19 symptoms of the necessity to isolate themselves from everyone and contact a GP. 

·         If you’re concerned about any symptoms, stay at home and contact your GP.

·         If you’re  waiting for the results of a test, stay at home, away from others. Your household contacts must also stay at home while you are waiting for the result of your test.

·         If you’re the close contact of a case – stay at home and restrict your movements for 14 days.

·         If you receive a positive test result – you need to stay at home, and isolate yourself from others for 10 days. For more information go to www.hse.ie/coronavirus   

As Level 5 restrictions apply, the HSE, Waterford City and County Council and An Garda Siochana are urging people in Co. Waterford to remain vigilant, comply with the restrictions and remember four simple things they can do to help:

1.      Reduce your contacts with other people.

2.      Wear a mask.

3.      Keep your distance.

4.      Wash your hands.

We may all feel that we’re ok, and that this advice is for others. But remember, we are all in this together and every single one of us needs to do the very best we can to prevent the spread of the virus and keep each other safe.

Information about level 5 restrictions is at www.gov.ie

(ends)

Note:

For what to do when you’re waiting for a test, when you get a result – and when you need to isolate, see: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/managing-coronavirus-at-home/self-isolating-and-restricting-movements-differences.html

For up to date public health advice and a comprehensive range of other important information on Covid 19, please see https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council operations : Level 5 restrictions

As providers of essential services, the offices of Waterford City & County Council remain open on an appointment basis only.

In line with current public health guidance on remote working, an appointments based service will be in operation where necessary to reflect local arrangements for service delivery.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES PLEASE CALL OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICE AT 0761 102020 OR EMAIL contact@waterfordcouncil.ie

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

By Waterford City & County Council

Extension of Home Loan/Mortgage Payment Break for Waterford City & County Council Borrowers

Home Loan Borrowers can apply for a Mortgage Payment Break, whether for the first time, or for those already approved for a break a further extension can be applied for.

The Terms and Conditions are outlined on the Covid-19 2020 Frequently Asked Questions document. Please note that continued payment of you Mortgage Protections Insurance to Waterford Council is required during any break. During any break approved borrowers will be contacted directly by the Council to discuss future payments.

Application forms should be completed and returned to Frank Hennessy (fhennessy@waterfordcouncil.ie) or Liz O’Mahony (lomahony@waterfordcouncil.ie) by email, or post to Liz O’Mahony, Finance Department, Waterford City & County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.

By Waterford City & County Council

Déise’s clean waterways a welcome retreat during Covid-19 restrictions

With so many people taking a holiday at home this year, it’s not surprising that Waterford was one of the first places on many people’s list as their top go-to destination. Ireland’s oldest city with its stunning natural harbour and the county’s expansive coastline welcomes thousands of water sport enthusiasts every year. Catching the perfect wave, learning how to kayak or just letting the kids or the dog paddle in the clean Déise waterways is an experience to savour.

But it wasn’t always that way. In 2014, raw sewage from the equivalent of 12,000 people was being discharged from Waterford into the Celtic Sea every day, impacting on tourism and the environment.

Working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, Irish Water has eliminated the discharge of raw sewage in Waterford through the construction of new wastewater infrastructure in Ardmore and Dunmore East. The works also ensured that the water quality in the county’s rivers and lakes improved, it safeguarded human and environmental health while also protecting marine life. The works also ensured compliance with European and national regulatory standards.

The Mayor of Waterford, Councillor Damien Geoghegan sees the significance of the improvement even more so as the pandemic continues to enforce itself on the country. “With the latest Covid-19 restrictions meaning we must stay within our own counties; you begin to appreciate more what you have on your own doorstep. We are blessed in Waterford that we have so many fantastic locations where people can enjoy the sea and waterways with their families all year around and now that we can boast they are free from raw sewage; it is an extra feather in our cap”

Michael Tinsley, who is Wastewater Portfolio Delivery Manager for Irish Water outlined what the works delivered. “The investment of €24 million delivered seven new wastewater treatment plants in towns and villages across Co. Waterford. including Ardmore, Ballyduff/Kilmeadan, Cappoquin, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Stradbally and Tallow. These areas have benefitted from these works and although Covid-19 has restricted business this year, there is no doubt that these locations are well positioned by way of wastewater infrastructure to plan for the future.”

Tourism plays such a pivotal role in the economy of the county too. 2018 was a record year for tourism in the county with 797,000 tourists generating €163 million in revenue. Orna Holohan is Tourism Officer with Waterford County Council; she believes the works have helped the industry immensely.

“Almost 90% of international tourists consider an unspoilt natural environment and beautiful scenery important when choosing a holiday destination. The pristine coastline of Waterford, which includes five Blue Flag beaches, six Green Coast sites and many more hidden gems, is an invaluable tourism asset for the County. Recent improvements in water treatment ensured Ardmore attained Blue Flag status and that further holiday homes and tourism infrastructure could be built in our picturesque towns & villages. When you interlace Waterford’s coastal splendour with meandering rivers, friendly urban centres, rugged mountains and the famous Waterford Greenway, the important role water quality plays in creating a world class tourism destination is clear.”

Since 2014, Irish Water has built new wastewater infrastructure for 16 towns and villages across the country, ending the discharge of raw sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas; the equivalent of 100,000 people’s worth, every day. Across the bay from Waterford, Irish Water will commence works to eliminate raw sewage entering the sea at the Barrow, Nore, Suir estuary in 2021 with a new wastewater treatment facility being built to serve Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Duncannon in Wexford. Half of the raw sewage entering waterways in Ireland has now been eliminated and there is a plan to remove the remainder.

Good news in uncertain times.

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor of Waterford welcomes jobs announcement by Zevas Communications for Dungarvan

The Mayor of the City and County of Waterford, Cllr Damien Geoghegan welcomes today’s announcement of 30 new jobs in Dungarvan.

Cllr Geoghegan, attending the press launch in Dungarvan today, said “I welcome Zevas Communications to Dungarvan and welcome this significant jobs announcement. I am particularly heartened by the reasons for choosing Dungarvan as a location for expansion. The quality of life which Dungarvan and indeed all of Waterford offers is second to none and this announcement is living proof of what we have to offer in Waterford.”

David Cashman, Chief Commercial Officer at Zevas said, “Dungarvan is full of potential and this is something we want to harness. At Zevas, we are characterized by our people, they are firmly our Number 1 strength, and I’m looking forward to adding to this talented team. We have big plans and I’m excited for what we can do in the South East.”

Zevas Communications currently employ 200 people in Cork and Dublin and have been looking at a “hub strategy” for expansion since 2019. Established in 2001, Zevas have a client list from across Europe, North America and Asia and are specialists in “Go To Market” design, outbound sales and inbound customer service management.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council informs recipients of pilot Shop Front Improvement Scheme

16 businesses across Waterford City centre have been successful in their application for funding under a pilot Shop Front Improvement Scheme.  The aim of the scheme, launched by Waterford City and County Council in August, is to support business owners to enhance the appearance of commercial premises in the city centre.

There were 27 applicants to the scheme, with projects totaling over €69,000 and successful applicants were selected following an assessment of the condition of the building, the potential of the works to have an impact on their area and on the location of the business.

In addition to improving the appearance of the city centre, the scheme has a knock on effect of supporting a number of local trades people who submitted quotes to the businesses for works to be undertaken as part of the scheme including painting, signage etc.,  All works funded under the scheme are to be completed before the year end.

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