First Count Result : Lismore LEA
First count results of the Lismore Electoral Area announced by Returning Officer, Paul Johnston.
As no candidates reached the quota, count two will commence shortly.
Council News
First Count Result : Portlaw-Kilmacthomas LEA
First count results of the Portlaw Kilmacthomas LEA just announced.
Liam Brazil (FG) and Seánie Power (FG) both exceeded the quota of 1,299 and have been deemed elected.
Count 2 will commence tomorrow morning.
First Count begins in Waterford Local Elections
The first count of our local elections has officially started.
Our returning officer for the day, Paul Johnston, announced the beginning of proceedings shortly after 7pm. This election will determine who will sit on Waterford City & County Council for the next 5 years.
Mr. Johnston addressed candidates, officials, volunteers, and observers present, highlighting the importance of accuracy and transparency in the counting process.
Each vote is carefully sorted and counted into a pigeon hole bearing the name of each candidate.
For those interested in following the progress and results of the count, updates will be available on the Waterford Elections Hub. You can also find real-time information and join the discussion on social media using the hashtag #WaterfordElections2024
First Count commencing approx. 5pm
Local Election Update: First Count This Afternoon
Verification of European ballot papers is almost complete here at SETU arena. Local Election count will commence at approx. 5pm, Saturday.
Before the local votes are tallied, count staff are finalising the separating and counting of the European election ballots. This process is vital to ensure accurate results for both elections.
Stay tuned for updates as the counts progress, and don’t forget to check the Waterford Elections Hub for real-time information and detailed results, onmce available.
Local Elections Freephone for visually impaired voters
Waterford City and County Council has set up Freephone number to assist visually impaired voters in the upcoming Local Elections on June 7th.
Voters can use the dedicated service to hear the details of the candidates running in their local electoral area for the June 7th Election. The order of candidates will be as they appear on the ballot paper.
Each individual candidate has a corresponding number assigned which will be on the Ballot Paper Template (BPT) available at the voter’s Polling Station.
Voters who may be visually impaired are advised to ask the Presiding Officer to attach a template to their ballot paper so that they can vote in secret on June 7th and ensure their preference is accurately recorded.
Raised numbering and Braille on the template guide the voter to the relevant candidate location on the Ballot Paper. It is removed once the ballot paper has been marked and the ballot paper is placed in the ballot box, entirely indistinguishable from all the other marked ballot papers.
Vision impaired voters will also continue to have the option of marking their ballot papers with the assistance of a companion or Presiding Officer at the polling station.
The freephone number is 051 849 670 and is available until the close of polls at 10pm on Friday, June 7th.
#WaterfordElections2024
-ends-
Minister for Transport visits North Quays site
On Friday, May 31st Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD visited Waterford’s North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) site.
The public infrastructure works are funded with a public investment of €207m, including €100.6m of Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) funding and a further €70m from Minister Ryan’s Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA).
With works significantly advanced on the site, Minister Ryan viewed the progress on the public infrastructure works, including the multi-modal access routes, public transport hub and sustainable transport bridge.
The new state-of-the-art transport hub will be unique in Ireland and will put Waterford at the forefront of integrated and sustainable city centre transport infrastructure.
The sustainable transport bridge will link the reallocated train station to new walking and cycling infrastructure. These works will reduce the reliance on private car and facilitate alternative modes of transport for those accessing the city centre through the delivery of enhanced and integrated sustainable and active travel infrastructure.
During his visit, Minister Ryan TD said, “I was in Waterford for the ground-breaking ceremony for the North Quays in March of last year. The scale of the works and the progression of the project in such a short time is to be commended.
“This development, one of the largest of all 35 Pathfinder Projects to deliver sustainable mobility and public transport projects, is transformational for Waterford and the surrounding areas, fulfilling the vision of delivering a sustainable, attractive and liveable city that builds on Waterford’s reputation as the Best Place to Live.”
The infrastructure, along with the new foul and stormwater pumping stations in Ferrybank which was recently completed, will enable the commercial development on the SDZ Site by Harcourt Developments. Plans include offices, residential, retail, accommodation, and tourism investment in conference/exhibition facilities, as well as a 4-star hotel and visitor centre. All of which will be developed to be sustainable, high-quality and climate resilient.
The Minister met with Michael Walsh, on the last day of his term as Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, Paul Johnston Acting Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council, Grace O’Sullivan MEP, Oireachtas members Marc Ó Cathasaigh TD, Mary Butler TD and Senator John Cummins, along with Councillors Cristíona Kiely and Jody Power.
Welcoming the Minister, Michael Walsh said, “The progress of this publicly funded project is evident. This development has sent a ripple of excitement through Waterford and the region.
“The end result will not only be transformative for Waterford and the region, but it will also give connectivity and balance to the city, as both sides of the river Suir will be optimised in terms of energy, community spirit and commercial activity.”
-ends-
360 NQ Video link – https://youtu.be/bGAYQTHOxYc
Images – Free to use: Patrick Browne
People’s Park Fountain gets contemporary upgrade
The Fountain in the People’s Park was unveiled today (May 29th) by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway.
The new fountain, which has retained the shape and limestone capping of the previous fountain, consists of a 7-metre stainless steel spray ring with 88 individual water jets along with a dynamic colour change lighting display and a water filter system that can be monitored and accessed remotely.
Speaking at the unveiling, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “This is a wonderful addition to the People’s Park, and I’m delighted that so many people will be able to enjoy the calming sound and relaxing ambience that the fountain brings to this space.
“For anyone taking a stroll in the park, having a bite of lunch outdoors or enjoying the play areas for children, the new fountain is sure to be a big draw.
“What was once marshland almost 170 years ago, is now a vibrant, green, biodiverse and family-friendly public space which is on all of our interests to enjoy, respect and preserve.”
In addition to the construction of the new fountain, the Carlisle Bridge which links the People’s Park to Waterford Court House across the River Pill was also reopened. Carlisle Bridge dates back to 1857 when it was built to provide a pedestrian link between the Courthouse and the People’s Park. The bridge, which is a very earlier example of the use of reinforced concrete construction, was opened by the 7th Earl of Carlisle after whom it was named.
In recent years much of the original iron work and lattice work on the bridge had become heavily corroded and in late 2023 Waterford City and County Council appointed Cumnor Construction to undertake a refurbishment of the bridge, which included the replacement of corroded wrought iron work, a full back to bare metal stripping of the old paint and repainting in colours that would in keeping with those used during the Victorian period.
The bridge was refurbished at a cost of almost €200,000 which was largely funded by grant funding from the Department of Transport’s Bridge Rehabilitation Works Programme.
Commenting on the fountain works, Dawn Wallace, Environment Senior Executive Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “We are delighted with the results. The People’s Park is a wonderful public amenity that contains modern, accessible facilities such as the playground, playing pitch, skate park and adult gym, but what makes it particularly special is that it retains the history of the place.
“The bandstand has stood prominently in the heart of the 16-acre park since 1869 along with the Russian canons which were captured by the British Army at the Battle of Sebastopol in 1854. These significant historical features are now complemented by the new upgraded fountain and refurbished pedestrian access bridge, which means there is something for everyone to enjoy in this expansive natural space.”
The overall cost of the fountain refurbishment was €160,000 and works were completed earlier this month by contractors Fountainworks of Navan with civil support works carried out by Liam Whelan Plant Hire of Dungarvan.
Digital Story Trail picks up Digital Changemaker Award
Waterford Digital Story Trail picked up the Digital Changemaker Award at the.ie Digital Town Awards 2024 which were held in the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone on Friday, May 24th.
Recognising and rewarding projects across the country for their use of digital technologies and innovation that have had a transformational effect, the .ie Digital Town Awards featured projects which included themes such as ethical and sustainable tourism, digital infrastructure and digital at the heart of the community. With a total prize fund of €60,000, the Digital Story trail project also received €3,000 in prize money.
In February of last year, Waterford City and County Council in partnership with Imvizar, and with Fáilte Ireland funding under the Destination Towns Initiative, launched Waterford’s first Digital Story Trail (DST), which explores the history, culture, and heritage of 15 different locations across the city centre, including Reginald’s Tower, Waterford Crystal, the Watchtower and Arundel Square.
Waterford Digital Story Trail brings the stories of Waterford to life as you wander through the historic streets of Ireland’s Oldest City. This innovative experience seamlessly combines audio, augmented reality, and a simple-to-use web interface which allows visitors to interact with Waterford City’s rich past. Using a mobile devise, visitors are transported to 15 key locations where they can listen to tales from historical figures and witness AR recreations of pivotal moments, such as the crafting of Waterford Crystal and the first design of the Irish flag. This trail educates and entertains, making history accessible and engaging for all ages.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway congratulated the award-winning project saying, “This project is truly deserving of the Digital Town Digital Changemaker Award. The innovative technology has brought Waterford’s past to life. This novel approach gives locals and visitors alike the chance to delve into Waterford’s rich history and learn more about the fascinating people who shaped it.”
Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City and County Council, on receiving the award said, “It is fantastic to receive this award, particularly as there were such high calibre nominees in the Digital Changemaker category.
“Waterford Digital Story Trail has set a new benchmark for interactive cultural experiences, fostering a renewed interest in Waterford’s past among locals and visitors alike. Its impact goes beyond immediate tourism gains, offering a lasting contribution to the appreciation and preservation of local history.”
Adele Keane, Creative Producer, Imvizar said, “We are honoured to be recognised as Digital Changemakers. We hope that the Digital Story Trail will inspire other towns and cities to adopt Waterford’s innovative approach to making history more interactive and accessible.”
The DST has exceeded expectations attracting over 25,000 visitors and boosting the city’s tourism, particularly from international guests. In its first year 75% of users were from Ireland but through promotion international users increased to 43% in 2023 with US, UK, Germany, France and Spain being the top users. Beyond enhancing tourism, the trail has deepened the community’s connection to its heritage, making history more accessible and engaging through innovative technology.
This is not the first time this project’s success has been recognised. It was featured in the New York Times “52 places to go” list in 2024 and praised on RTE’s Nationwide for its exemplary approach to digital heritage storytelling. A variety of recent accolades in Waterford have recognised Mount Congreve, Waterford Greenway, Tramore and Waterford Treasures.
To find out about Waterford’s Digital Story Trail visit Waterford Digital Story Trail (visitwaterford.com)
Bealtaine Dusk Chorus
Dusk Chorus takes place at Tramore Library Waterford City and County Libraries on Thursday 30th May at 6.30pm with performances by the Bealtaine Choir and WWETB students.
Refreshments will be served and all are welcome to come along! This free, fun event is part of the National Bealtaine Festival celebrating creativity and arts as we age.
Local Elections Candidate Nomination Week Closes
Waterford City and County Council wishes to advise that the Local Elections Candidate Nomination Week has closed, and the period of withdrawal has now passed.
Paul Johnston, Acting Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council and Local Elections Returning Officer stated, “Over the course of the nomination week, we received 79 representations from candidates or their proposers, all of which have been validated. These candidates will contest for 32 seats across six electoral areas in Waterford City and County on June 7th.”
Details of all candidates contesting Waterford Local Elections 2024 can be found on Waterford Elections Hub website Waterford Elections (arcgis.com) or users may enter their Eircode to find candidates in their particular area.
-ends-
Mayor of Waterford City and County welcomes UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) to Waterford
Earlier this year, Waterford was invited to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. The invitation followed the collaborative work between Waterford City and County Council, Kilkenny County Council, the Southern Regional Assembly, SETU and Waterford Chambers in setting out the ambition and commitment in Waterford to fostering lifelong learning opportunities for all its citizens.
On Wednesday May 8th Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway welcomed Raúl Valdés-Cotera, Chief Programme Coordinator at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning in Hamburg, Germany and Coordinator of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities to City Hall, where they discussed partnership and collaboration between agencies under the themes of Empowering Individuals and Transforming Societies.
Welcoming Mr. Valdés-Cotera, the Mayor said, “I myself am an advocate of lifelong learning having progressed from being the one taught in the classroom to being the one doing the teaching…a combined learning journey of over 50 years. The benefits of lifelong learning can never be overstated. All of us representatives here today are committed to Waterford and the wider region becoming a leading Learning Region within the global network. Working with SETU, the Southern Regional Assembly, Waterford Chambers and WWETB, our ambition is to lessen the inequities within disadvantaged areas and marginalised communities through creating lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
Michael Quinn, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added, “The advantages of being part of this global network are far-reaching and as we strive to become a Learning City there is further potential to bring cutting-edge technology and innovation to the SME sector through learning initiatives.”
Mr. Valdés-Cotera said, “A people-centred and learning-focus approach builds the basis of a learning society. We are delighted that Waterford is joining a network of 356 cities across 79 countries.
“This network provides a platform for members to exchange inspiration and knowledge and demonstrate best practice on inclusive lifelong learning. We are looking forward to working with all the stakeholders to cultivate and grow lifelong learning in the region.”
Following the reception in City Hall, Mr Valdés-Cotera met with members of Waterford Chamber of Commerce Skillnet team, followed by a visit to WCQ Place (Waterford Cultural Quarter), Waterford’s newest Community and Cultural Hub at Barker Place on O’Connell Street and concluded with a tour of SETU Department of Architecture at the Granary building.
As a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, Waterford can grow and develop as a recognised city of learning and build upon the strong stakeholder commitment and political support of the Learning City Initiative. The Designation of Waterford as a UNESCO Learning City is strongly supported by regional policy and advances the ambition set out in the Southern Regional Assembly’s Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy to develop Waterford City as a UNESCO Learning City, joining Limerick and Cork City as part of a network of Learning Cities and to develop the entire Southern Region as a UNESCO Learning Region.
-ends-
Two Construction Contracts Awarded for Cappoquin Regeneration Project
Waterford City and County Council has awarded the first two construction contracts for the Cappoquin Regeneration Project.
Marlhill Construction from Ardfinnan has been awarded the contract for the refurbishment of Moore’s Hotel on Main Street, and Conor Phelan Construction from Dungarvan have been awarded the contract for the refurbishment of three terraced townhouses at 6, 7 and 8 Main Street.
The Department of Rural and Community Development is investing over €6m in the overall Cappoquin Regeneration Project through its Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF). This investment is being augmented by additional funding from Waterford City and County Council and the Cappoquin Regeneration Company. The Regeneration Project aims to address vacancy and dereliction in the town centre and invest in the town centre’s public domain.
The construction contract for the derelict former Moore’s Hotel will transform the 150-year-old building into residential upper floor accommodation over ground floor commercial premises. Extensive reconstruction, refurbishment and conservation works will be completed over the coming 12 months with the new properties ready for occupation by the end of 2025. The housing contract will transform the vacant terraced townhouses into three new homes with ancillary mews accommodation at the rear on Green Street. Again, extensive reconstruction and refurbishment works over the coming 12 months will deliver the new homes for occupation by the end of 2025.
Further projects currently in design development under the RRDF Regeneration Project include the refurbishment of Fennell’s Pub & Uniacke’s Shop on Main Street and proposed public realm works at Market Square and Main Street.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway acknowledged that it was a significant day for Cappoquin, saying “This investment is a ringing endorsement of the potential of Cappoquin and surrounds, as a vibrant, sustainable, and vital area that will see families locate to and thrive in.
“The success of the Cappoquin Regeneration Project will be measured against the success of similar rural regeneration projects, such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the West Waterford Sports Hub, and the rejuvenation of Blackwater House. These have breathed new life and energy into Waterford’s rural communities and no doubt, we can anticipate the same outcome in Cappoquin with the delivery of new, energy efficient, modern family homes to the area.”
Dr Ben Murphy, Chairperson and Director of Cappoquin Regeneration Company CLG, said that he and his fellow directors and members of Cappoquin Regeneration Company are delighted to see the first contracts of the town regeneration project being awarded.
“The company members have worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Cappoquin to reach this very important milestone for the town and acknowledges the support of the members and staff of Waterford City and County Council and the Tomar Trust in this regeneration project.”
He added, “We would also like to acknowledge the funding of the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund and we are very much looking forward to having another phase of the town centre regeneration project completed over the next 18 months.”
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2023
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced funding of €4.1 million to develop and enhance over 150 outdoor recreation projects.
The investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be key to enhancing our mountain trails, forest walks, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.
It will also provide a boost to local economies by attracting more visitors to our rural communities.
Up to €30,000 will be invested in each project under today’s round of funding – with a focus being placed on small scale enhancements, upgrades and repairs.
The Waterford projects being funded include:
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:
“With summer just a couple of months away, I’m really pleased to announce over €4.1 million to develop over 150 outdoor recreation projects right across Rural Ireland. The investment I’m announcing today will greatly enhance the natural amenities right on our doorstep – from our walkways, mountain trails and forest walks, to our cycleways, beaches and rivers. I believe the projects receiving funding today will play an important role in attracting more visitors to our rural towns and villages. So my big message as Minister today is to get out and explore those hidden gems in your community. The clocks are going forward this weekend – a perfect reason to go on that hike or cycle and enjoy the great outdoors.”
Minister Humphreys continued:
“The Government’s Rural Development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’ and the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’, have together set the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come. The health benefits from engaging in outdoor activity combined with the economic and social benefits that can be achieved by this investment for rural Ireland, will no doubt serve us well in to the future. That is why I am making this funding available today and I look forward to making further announcement for larger scale investment in this sector in the coming weeks.”
A full list of successful projects is available here .
The announcement today will also benefit local communities with new or enhanced outdoor facilities while also helping to support local economies by continuing to offer domestic and international visitors an attractive and exciting array of outdoor amenities.
This funding will be invested in 151 outdoor recreation projects, bringing the total number of projects funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, since its establishment in 2017, to almost 1,600 nationwide.
These projects, under Measure 1, are to receive funding of up to €30,000 and will be delivered by September 2025. Further announcements of successful projects under Measures 2 and 3 of ORIS 2023 will be made in the coming weeks.
The funding announced today is in addition to the €2.3m which was announced in November 2023 for 50 projects under the Project Development Measure of ORIS.
ENDS
Gilbert O’Sullivan granted Freedom of Waterford City and County
Gilbert O’Sullivan was made a Freeman of Waterford City and County at a ceremony in City Hall on Wednesday, March 27th.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway bestowed the honour on the Waterford born singer-songwriter whose career has spanned over five decades.
Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan formally proposed that the Freedom be conferred on Gilbert O’Sullivan, and the motion was seconded by Cllr. Joe Kelly.
Born on December 1st, 1946, on the Cork Road in the city, Gilbert’s family relocated to Wiltshire, and it was here that his musical journey began, playing the piano and honing his craft not through formal lessons, but playing by ear.
Gilbert’s first single Nothing Rhymed was released in 1970, an overnight success featuring in the Top 10 music charts across the UK and Europe. His 1971 debut album Himself was littered with the most perfect examples of his art and craftsmanship. His second, 1972’s Back to Front, firmly cemented Gilbert amongst the world’s best, with Top 10 singles and No. 1’s around the world, including the classic Alone Again (Naturally) which topped the US charts for six weeks and earned him three Grammy nominations.
British recognition soon followed with the songs Clair and Get Down reaching the summit of the UK singles charts and his LP Back to Front topping the album charts. In the same year at the 18th Ivor Novello Awards, Gilbert was named ‘Song Writer of the Year’.
Mayor Conway said “It is with great honour and pride that I, as the Mayor of Waterford City and County, extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to Gilbert O’Sullivan – a signal composer and performer from Waterford roots who has made an indelible mark on the world of modern music.
“Personally, as a fan of his work for a half-century now, I regularly enjoy his Berry Vest compilation as I drive the miles here and there – my personal favourite being the very sparse and captivating Miss my love today, but I also have a naughty chuckle still at Permissive Twit.
Mayor Conway added, “I could go on, detailing the milestones and accolades that Gilbert O’Sullivan has achieved throughout a career spanning fifty years. However, the essence of the man is captured not just in the length of his career, but in the depth of his impact on music and the hearts of those who have had the privilege to witness his journey.”
In proposing the motion Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan said, “It is a singular honour for me to propose the motion to admit Gilbert O’Sullivan to the Freedom of Waterford City and County in recognition of his enormous service to the music industry for the last fifty years.
“Waterford-born Gilbert has carved out a remarkable career with his unique blend of melody, wit, and surreal humour, earning global success and critical acclaim.”
Upon receiving Waterford’s highest accolade, Gilbert said, “I am truly honoured to be granted the Freedom of Waterford City and County.
“To be here today surrounded by family and friends is a very special moment and one I will never forget.”
The Freedom of Waterford City and County has been a coveted privilege and honour since civic government replaced military governors in 1195. The Freedom allowed the recipient to trade freely within the city, and it was from among the freemen that members of the Council were chosen. According to the Great Parchment Book, in order to be admitted to the freedom, one had to provide the Council with two half barges of stone, which was uses to build a wall around the city.
Honorary Freemen of Waterford include Isaac Butt, Charles Stewart Parnell, Eamon de Valera, John Tracy, Mary Robinson, Anna Manahan, Dan Mulhall, Henry de Bromhead and Prof. Louise Richardson.
-ends-
Images: Free to use – Noel Browne
1/2/4: Gilbert O’Sullivan and Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway
5: Gilbert and wife Aase, with Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway
Latest News
- Imminent arrival of Sustainable Transport Bridge significant milestone in North Quays Public Infrastructure Project - May 14, 2025
- RSA Urges Road Users to Be Aware of Sun Glare - May 14, 2025
- Minister Foley announces €500,000 in funding for playgrounds around the country - May 14, 2025
- Europe Day Celebrated by Europe Direct Waterford & Team Europe - May 13, 2025
- Book of Condolence for Garda Kevin Flatley - May 13, 2025
- Invasive Plant experts to launch Identification Guide to the Non-Native Invasive Plants - May 12, 2025
- Launch of Public Consultation for SouthEast EV Strategy - May 12, 2025
- Southern Regional Assembly commemorates a decade of regional leadership - May 12, 2025
- Have Your Say: Identify Waterford’s Favourite Bathing Waters - May 12, 2025
- Published: Weekly Planning Lists - May 09, 2025
- Progress update on North Quays Public Infrastructure Project & Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) - May 09, 2025
- Dovida Launches in Waterford - May 09, 2025
