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Council News

By Waterford City & County Council

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) surveying in Waterford

Surveying and design works for the National Broadband Plan (NBP) rollout continues in Waterford from the 15th of February. National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are the company undertaking the fibre network roll-out to enable high speed internet connectivity for 544,000 premises across the country.

NBI would like the public to know that contractors will be on the ground in these counties, both inspecting and recording pictures of infrastructure such as poles, cables and underground ducts. The teams have been fully trained in physical distancing practices, hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment and how to engage with the public in a safe manner if and when required.

In Waterford, the surveys will commence in the Comeragh MD Area.

The contracting company commencing this work will have vehicles and signage with both their own, and NBI logos. Employees will also wear hard hats and high visibility vests featuring the NBI logo. All contractors will also carry official ID cards & essential worker letters.

Please Note – there will be no excavation/build works being completed at survey stage.

The NBI customer call centre number is 0818 624 624 (local call rate) or email contactus@nbi.ie for any queries. For further information on the NBP see http://www.nbi.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

St. Patrick’s Day Short Story Competition

This year we are preparing to celebrate a very different St. Patrick’s Day and Waterford Libraries would love to celebrate your imagination by running a short story competition.

We are calling on 6 – 18 year olds to write a story, no more than 500 words, beginning with the line “I will never forget what happened on St Patrick’s Day……”

There are three age categories: age 6-9, age 10-14, age 15-18. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes in each category. Each winner will receive a €50 voucher and there will be plenty of spot prizes!

Winning entries will be published in local newspapers and will feature on WLR FM so get writing for Paddy’s Day 2021!

All entries are to be emailed to library@waterfordcouncil.ie not later than 5pm on Tuesday 9th March 2021. Please include your name, address, age category, phone number and parent/guardian name with the entry. Remember to insert “St. Patrick‘s Day Short Story Competition” in the subject line of the email.

 

Terms & Conditions

1. By entering this competition you consent to these terms and conditions.

2. This competition is open to children living in Co. Waterford only.

3. There are three categories: Age 6-9, Age 10-14, Age 15-18.

4. Stories must begin with “I will never forget what happened on St. Patrick’s Day….”

5. Stories must be no longer than 500 words.

6. Deadline for entries is 5pm 9th March 2021.

7. Entrants can submit as many entries as they wish.

8. All entries to be submitted in digital format (e.g. Word, email or other) to library@waterfordcouncil.ie by 5pm on 9th March 2021. Hard copies will not be eligible.

9. Entrants should include their name, address, age category, phone number and parent/guardian name in the email. This information will only be available to the Waterford Council Employees and will not be used for any other purpose. This information will be kept only for the duration of the competition and all contact and personal details will be disposed of thereafter in line with GDPR and Data Protection Regulations.

10. Please use ‘St. Patrick‘s Day Short Story Competition’ as the subject line of the email.

11. Entries must be the original and unpublished work of the entrant.

12. There will be no correspondence with the judging panel and no feedback provided to individual entrants and the decision of the judges is final.

13. The winning entry from each category will be published in Local Newspapers and will feature on WLR FM. Entries will also be posted on www.waterfordcouncil.ie (note only Christian names and age group category will appear online, we will not publish full personal details).

By Waterford City & County Council

Biodiversity on Your Doorstep series – Learning from Nature

Biodiversity on Your Doorstep – Learning from Nature

22nd – 26th February. All events Free and online

Discover biodiversity in your own back yard whether it is in your own garden, the local Nature Park or Greenway. Learn how to protect and improve our local ecosystems. Join Europe Direct, Waterford, Waterford Libraries and Waterford Environmental Department for a week of FREE events from 22 – 26 February. All Events are online.

For more information check out www.waterfordlibraries.ie/biodiversity-on-your-doorstep

The EU’s biodiversity strategy for 2030 is a comprehensive, ambitious and long-term plan to protect nature and reverse the degradation of ecosystems. The strategy aims to put Europe’s biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030, and contains specific actions and commitments.

It is the proposal for the EU’s contribution to the upcoming international negotiations on the global post-2020 biodiversity framework. A core part of the European Green Deal, it will also support a green recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Keynote

Giving your Garden back to Nature – A Talk by Mary Reynolds

Monday 22 February 7pm – 8pm

Join Mary Reynolds, Chelsea Gold medal winning Irish landscape designer, bestselling author and nature activist who encourages us to change the way you think as a gardener. Stop fighting nature and go against the controlling instinct and instead encourage those weeds, encourage untidiness, encourage life to return. The more biodiversity you can establish in your patch of earth, the more complex a food web that is restored.

Booking:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/giving-your-garden-back-to-nature-a-talk-by-mary-reynolds-tickets-140064224867

Webinars

Bees, Birds & Trees – Biodiversity & Waterford Council

Tuesday 23 February 11am – 12noon

Join staff from Waterford City & County Council who will tell us about Kilbarry Nature Park, planting for biodiversity, actions to help pollinators, opportunities for schools and Tidy Town Groups as well as the Let the Dandelions Bee Campaign and some exciting Biodiversity Projects planned for 2021.

Waterford City & County Council Panel:

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer, Bernie Guest, Heritage Officer, Eoin Dullea, Horticulturist.

Claire Hartley, Head of Communications (Chair)

Booking: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bees-birds-trees-biodiversity-waterford-council-tickets-140106740031

Discover the new Digital Wildlife of Ireland Map!

Wednesday 24 February 11am – 12noon

Neil Tarrant, along with Mairéad Ní Chiaruáin, is the co-creator of Ireland’s first Digital Wildlife Map! This new online learning tool has been created especially for primary school students to help them and their families learn about the wildlife they can help protect in their communities. The interactive map is a fun way to learn all about the birds, mammals and fish native to Ireland. Children can explore the island of Ireland at home on the phone, tablet or computer, learn about which species are native to which areas, and test their knowledge with quizzes as they complete activities.

With everyone staying home during the current restrictions, and home-schooling ongoing, the Digital Wildlife of Ireland Map offers another resource for parents to engage children in learning and is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a device. The map can be accessed on the Libraries Ireland website at www.nature.librariesireland.ie.

Booking:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/discover-the-new-wildlife-of-ireland-map-tickets-139955642093

Learn how to spot Spring Flowers and become a Citizen Scientist with Oisín Duffy from the Waterford’s National Biodiversity Data Centre

Friday 26 February 11am – 12noon

Discover how to spot 20 easily identifiable spring flowers and how you can become a Citizen Scientist and learn how to record your findings and contribute to furthering plant conservation in Ireland. Also find out more about the National Biodiversity Data Centre which is based in Waterford and how Biodiversity data is a key requirement for understanding our natural surroundings.

Booking:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/learn-how-to-spot-spring-flowers-and-become-a-citizen-scientist-tickets-139945491733

By Waterford City & County Council

Vacancies with Waterford City & County Council

 

 

 

 

Waterford City & County Council is advertising this week for the following;

ADVERT NO. 1

  • Senior Engineer (Active Travel Team) – 5 Year Temporary Contract
  • Senior Executive Engineer (Active Travel Team) – 5 Year Temporary Contract

Closing date for the above is 4pm Friday, 26th, February, 2021.

ADVERT NO. 2

  • Senior Executive Architect (Projects Office) – 5 Year Temporary Contract
  • Executive Engineer Panel

Closing date for the above is 4pm Friday, 19th February, 2021.

All application Forms and Information Booklets are available from our website www.waterfordcouncil.ie for all 4 competitions.

By Waterford City & County Council

Deich mBliana na gCuimneachán Phort Láirge Scéim Deontas Pobail 2021

Cuireann Coiste Cuimhneachán Phort Láirge fáilte roimh iarratais do Scéim Deontas Pobail na gCuimhneachán 2021 do thionscadail a dhéanann comóradh ar Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán i gCathair agus i gContae Phort Láirge.

Tá deontais de suas go dtí €3000 ar fáil do thionscadail a dhéanfaidh comóradh ar Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán: Cogadh na Saoirse; corraíl oibrithe; athruithe sóisialta; saol cultúrtha Phort Láirge sna 1920daí; freagraí áitiúla ar Dháil Éireann; an sos cogaidh; críochdheighilt; ceangail áitiúla leis an domhain mór le linn na tréimhse seo; iondaíocht nua pholaitiúil ag an leibhéil áitiúil agus an Cogadh Cathartha.

Sé an dáta deiridh i gcomhair iarratais ná: 4 i.n. ar an Aoine, 5 Márta 2021

Foirm Iarratais ar fáil ar https://bit.ly/waterford100 nó déan teagmháil le Cartlannaí na Cathrach agus an Chontae, Joanne Rothwell archivist@waterfordcouncil.ie nó 0761102144 i gcomhair a thuilleadh eolais.

Tá an deontas seo mar chuid de thionscadail Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán atá maoinithe ag an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán. Chun a thuilleadh eolais a fháil, mar aon le sonraí na n-imeachtaí agus na dtionscadal ar fud na tíre, féach ar www.decadeofcentenaries.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Commemorations Community Grant Fund 2021

Waterford Commemorations Committee invites applications for the 2021 Commemorations Community Grant Scheme for projects to commemorate the Decade of Centenaries in Waterford City and County.

Grants of up to €3000 are available for projects to commemorate the Decade of Centenaries: the War of Independence; labour unrest; social changes; cultural life of Waterford in the 1920s, local responses to Dáil Éireann; the truce; partition; local connections with the wider world during the period; new political representation at a local level and the Civil War.

Closing date for applications is: 4pm Friday 5th March 2021

For applications Forms see https://bit.ly/waterford100 or contact the City and County Archivist, Joanne Rothwell archivist@waterfordcouncil.ie or 0761102144 for further information.

This grant is part of the Decade of Centenaries projects funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media. Check out www.decadeofcentenaries.com for more information and for details of events and projects throughout the country.

By Waterford City & County Council

Important information for persons recently arrived from Brazil regarding the new Brazilian strain of COVID-19

All passengers who have arrived in Ireland from Brazil in January are requested to come forward for a free COVID-19 PCR test. This test can be obtained by going to a GP and seeking a referral.

  • These travellers are also strongly advised to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of arrival.
  • The HSE’s contracted isolation facility at the Citywest Hotel complex is available to those who are unable to self-isolate in their own homes for any reason and is an option for people from Brazil in this situation.

Todos os passageiros que chegaram do Brasil em janeiro devem se apresentar para um teste PCR COVID-19. Este teste pode ser obtido indo a um Clinico Geral ( GP)  e solicitando um encaminhamento. Os GPs já foram informados e facilitarão o teste sem custos.

  • Estas pessoas  também são fortemente aconselhadas  o autoisolamento por 14 dias a partir da data de chegada.
  • A instalação de  isolamento do HSE no complexo Citywest Hotel está disponível para aqueles que são incapazes de autoisolamento em suas próprias casas por qualquer motivo e é uma opção para as pessoas que chegam do Brasil nesta situação.

By Waterford City & County Council

Primary school litter-picking programme inspiring and empowering the next generation of environmentalists

Inspiring young environmentalists, one litter picking adventure at a time

Primary school children in Waterford are taking a stand against litter in their area, through a unique school based litter-picking programme called Picker Pals. The programme, run by environmental NGO VOICE (Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment) motivates and equips children with “Picker Packs” containing everything children need to go litter-picking. At the end of Picker Pals’ first year in operation, 6 Waterford schools, along with 109 schools from 9 different local authority areas are involved in the programme. “VOICE is delighted that Waterford City and County Council are funding the programme locally and supporting this very exciting journey, which aims to see a Picker Pack in every classroom in the country over the coming years,” says Mindy O’Brien Co-ordinator of VOICE.

Using upcycled and fully reusable packaging, Picker Pals provide each classroom with bespoke story and activity books, in both Irish and English, and picker-uppers which are taken home by a different child every week. Each child goes on a litter-picking adventure in their local area with their family and reports back to their classmates on their activity.  The Picker Pals song helps spread the message about tackling litter in a fun and upbeat manner to motivate children to get involved in this important social and environmental issue. “It’s not just about learning about litter. It’s not just about becoming aware of litter. It’s about actually getting out there and picking up litter. Picker Pals gets children onto the first rung of the environmental ladder,” says Patrick Jackson, Picker Pals Creator.

Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a marked increase in the amount of litter in our towns and cities. Waterford City and County Council are working hard to address the issue of litter. “We make litter picking equipment available throughout the year to schools, community groups and individuals carrying out a clean-up of their local area. The Picker Pals programme supplements our litter programme and has been especially valuable during the last few months. It has helped to strengthen our environmental message in schools at a time when we are unable to visit them ourselves. It also helps children to understand how they can make simple, positive changes in their own neighbourhood. The initiative is not about cleaning up the whole neighbourhood but to pick up a few items of litter and engage in conversation around the issue of littering,” said Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer at Waterford City and County Council.

St Mary’s Primary School in Dungarvan is seeing many of the same benefits. “The girls in our school are really enjoying being involved in the Picker Pals programme. They are very keen to play their part in looking after their local environment and are having great fun with their families while doing so. We are delighted to be part of this great new programme,” said Fiona Fitzgerald, Principal at St. Mary’s.

Despite the fact that schools are out for the next few weeks, Picker Pals can still provide the perfect break from online learning and home schooling. Litter-picking can become part of people’s home schooling experience and give everyone a good reason to get out of the house, to get some fresh air, and to make the world better.

Litter-picking can provide many benefits. In Waterford, the combination of the council and concerned groups’ actions sees Waterford City ranked 8th in terms of cleanliness out of 37 towns and cities across Ireland, in the latest IBAL litter survey.  Angela Kenny, Picker Pals Project Manager talks about other benefits from litter-picking activities. “Litter-picking can have a really positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing, getting people out of the house, relieving stress and anxiety and giving a great sense of achievement and empowerment. It is a perfect lockdown activity.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Sad passing of Des Manahan, Waterford RIP

Waterford City & County Council are saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Des Manahan, Waterford and wish to extend sympathies on behalf of the Mayor, Chief Executive and staff of the Council to his wife Mona and all the Manahan family.

Strongly linked with the Waterford theatre scene, Des’s presence will be missed by his many friends, and theatre goers across Waterford and beyond.

Des and Mona together served as Grand Marshalls of the 2019 Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Parade and our picture shows then Mayor, Cllr. John O’Leary presenting them with a momento of the occasion.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

By Waterford City & County Council

Economic Incentive Scheme for Vacant Properties in Urban Areas 2021-2022

Waterford City & County Council is offering incentives over a three year period to attract new retail and other businesses within the core retail area of the City Centre, towns and village centre of Waterford in order to bring vibrancy and vitality to the city and town centres.

It is intended to ensure that any incoming retail or service use will respect and enhance the multifaceted character of the area and will allow and encourage a diversity of uses to increase its overall attractiveness for shopping, leisure and business purposes.

There will be a strong presumption in favour of grant-aid for higher order comparison retail outlets including fashion outlets – both multiple and independent stores, ‘lifestyle stores’, flagship stores, niche and specialist retailers such as home furnishings, beauty products, jewellery and bookshops.

Level of Support available under the Economic Incentive Scheme

For more details on the scheme, please read the scheme guidelines or contact one of the Economic Development Team. To apply for the scheme, register here.

Waterford City Centre
Maureen Fitzsimons – mfitzsimons@waterfordcouncil.ie, 087 7649173

Dungarvan town centre
Bernadette Drohan – bdrohan@waterfordcouncil.ie, 087 2586597

All other areas in Waterford
Lisa Grant – lgrant@waterfordcouncil.ie, 087 2124242

Code of Conduct between Landlords and Tenants for Commercial Rents

On 01 October 2020, the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation published its Code of Conduct between Landlords and Tenants for Commercial Rents. This voluntary code, which is to apply until 31 July 2021 seeks to give guidance to landlords and tenants where commercial tenancies have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The Code does not apply to all tenancies and specifically states that where tenants are in a position to pay rent in full, they should continue to do so.

By Waterford City & County Council

Update from Housing Supply, Maintenance and Improvement Section

Following the close of construction activity with effect from 6pm Friday 8th January as part of the national effort to halt the spread of COVID-19, a limited number of social housing projects, including voids, were designated as essential sites.

In Waterford these include units at the following locations (please note that not all work locations are listed below):

  • Slievekeale, Waterford City
  • Mount William, Waterford City
  • Doyle Street, Waterford City
  • Larchville, Waterford City
  • Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford
  • The Courtyard, Waterford City
  • Mount Neil, Carrickphierish, Gracedieu, Waterford City
  • Wadding Manor, Ferrybank, Waterford City
  • Units in Lighthouse Way, Dunmore East
  • Units in Monksfield, Dungarvan
  • Units in The Sycamores, Shandon, Dungarvan

Housing adaptation grants have been designated as essential, where the homeowner is agreeable to works being undertaken in their home.

Maintenance of the Council’s housing stock will continue on a prioritised emergency and urgent basis only. All requests should continue to be made through the Council’s Customer Services Department.

The government also announced that in the case of private homes that are practically complete and scheduled for habitation by 31 January 2021, including where snagging, and essential remediation work, such as pyrite works is nearing completion, works can continue to enable homeowners access their homes. This would include heating, water, broadband and electricity installation to enable homes be occupied.

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.

 

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