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Departmental Press Release

By Waterford City & County Council

New Campaign calls for citizens to fight against Illegal Dumping & Fly Tipping

New Communications Campaign calls for all Citizens to get involved in the Fight Against Illegal Dumping and Fly Tipping in Ireland.

– There has been an 11% increase in the number of calls reporting illegal dumping during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Every county, city, town and village across Ireland is being called upon to join the fight against illegal dumping through a new communications campaign, “Your Country – Your Waste”, launched on Friday November 13, 2020, by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD.

The “Your Country – Your Waste” campaign has been developed as part of the 2020 Anti-Dumping Initiative,* and includes a tailored suite of information and awareness messaging for use by Local Authorities, community and voluntary groups during 2020 and into 2021. It will begin with a week-long social media campaign on mywaste.ie’s** social media platforms.

Speaking at the launch Minister Ryan said, “Earlier this year, my Department provided €3 million for the 2020 National Anti-Dumping Initiative which will fund over 300 projects to tackle the problem of illegal dumping. Illegal dumping negatively impacts our communities, destroys our environment and costs significant exchequer funding to remove. The “Your Country – Your Waste” campaign delivers on a commitment made in the enforcement chapter of the recently-published Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. It will highlight relevant contact numbers and email addresses to help make it easy for people to report illegal dumping. The campaign will enhance collaboration between the public and the relevant authorities on awareness raising and in taking action.”

There has been an 11% increase in the number of calls reporting illegal dumping during the Covid 19 pandemic. This year, €1 million of the Anti -Dumping Initiative allocation was ring fenced to deal with particular issues arising from the Covid-19 crisis. The increase in the number of reports received through the National Complaints Procedure by city and county councils indicates that people do not want illegal dumping or fly tipping in their counties, cities, towns, villages or countryside and are willing to assist in combatting this behaviour.

Nicholas Bond, Coordinator for WERLA***, Southern Region said, “As illegal dumping complaints are on the rise, the public are encouraged to inform Local Authorities of instances of illegal dumping activity, which can then be followed up and investigated thoroughly.

“Materials produced as part of this campaign, will be utilised by both local authorities and local and voluntary community groups and will visually highlight the negative aspect of illegal dumping and encourage citizens to report incidences of illegal dumping to their local authority,” he said.

He also advised, “Waste services continue to operate normally during the pandemic and householders should ensure that they only use an authorised waste collector or their local civic amenity or recycling centre to dispose of household waste.”

For more information on campaign materials please go to mywaste.ie

Ends

Note to Editor:

*The 2020 Anti-Dumping Initiative aims to reduce incidents of illegal dumping nationally by providing funding for projects to tackle the problem, using a collaborative approach involving local authorities, communities and other State Agencies. Education and awareness measures play a key role in encouraging long-term behavioural change in this area.

**mywaste.ie: Mywaste.ie is Ireland’s official guide to managing waste. On the mywaste.ie site you will find everything you need to know about how to manage your waste responsibly and efficiently. People are encourage to browse this site for local waste services, recycling facilities, information on preventing, reusing and disposing of waste.

***WERLA: Three Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLA), covering the Connacht-Ulster, Eastern Midlands and Southern Regional, were established in 2015 with responsibility for co-ordinating the waste enforcement actions of local authorities, setting priorities and common objectives for waste enforcement and ensuring consistency of enforcement of waste legislation while leaving local authority personnel as first responders on the ground.

By Waterford City & County Council

Launch of “Think Before You Flush” campaign

Irish Water deals with 2,000 sewer blockages caused by wipes every month

To launch the fifth year of the Think Before You Flush campaign, Clean Coasts in partnership with Irish Water are inviting the public to join the celebration of World Toilet Day on Thursday November 19.

The United Nations’ World Toilet Day celebrates toilets and raises awareness of the 4.2 billion people worldwide living without access to safely managed sanitation. It is about taking action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

The Think Before You Flush campaign highlights the problems caused by flushing items such as wipes and cotton buds down the toilet. Research has found that 30 percent of people living in Ireland admit to flushing items such as wipes and cotton buds down the toilet, causing detrimental effects on the wastewater network and the marine environment. Every month Irish Water clears approximately 2,000 blockages from the wastewater network. About 75 percent of blockages are caused by inappropriate items such as wipes and sanitary products being flushed down the toilet. As a result of COVID-19, people are using more wipes than ever to keep hands and surfaces clean. While it is critical that we follow the HSE guidance on hand-washing and coughing etiquette, it is important that we dispose of items like wipes correctly. A simple solution is to dispose of wipes, cotton buds and other sanitary products in the bin and to only flush the 3 P’s – pee, poo and paper down the toilet.

On World Toilet Day, Clean Coasts are reminding people that our actions at home can help to keep our beaches clean. To spread awareness and celebrate World Toilet Day, Clean Coasts are running an online competition to win a year’s supply of sustainable toilet paper. Competition details on available on @TheUselessProject and @CleanCoasts Instagram pages.

Speaking about the campaign Sinead McCoy, Clean Coasts Officer said: “The Think Before You Flush campaign was set up as a result of finding sewage related waste such as wipes on Irish beaches. 80 percent of marine litter originates from inland sources. Something as simple as a wipe can travel from a flushed toilet to the ocean and finally the beach possibly causing blockages and damage to marine life as it makes its journey. We are delighted to partner with Irish Water to spread this important message. Simply put a bin in your bathroom and always #thinkb4uflush”.

Talking about the size and scale of the problem associated with flushing the wrong things down the toilet, Niall O’Riordan, Regional Operations Wastewater Lead, Irish Water said, “Every day people flush thousands of sanitary items such as wet wipes and cotton buds down the toilet instead of simply putting them in the bin. This causes blockages in our network, pumping stations and wastewater treatment plants. We clear approximately 2,000 blockages from our wastewater network every month.

Mr. O’Riordan continued “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Clean Coasts to deliver this important campaign together. We would like to thank the public for their ongoing support in the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign and together with Clean Coasts shine a light on the importance of World Toilet Day”.

Whilst ‘Think Before You Flush’ is a national campaign that is promoted across the country, every year we work with numerous communities including businesses and schools to deliver educational workshops and engage the local residents in the campaign.

More information about the Think Before You Flush campaign can be found at www.thinkbeforeyouflush.org

Ends

By Waterford City & County Council

“Keep Well” campaign launched

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin T.D, the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly T.D, and Minister of State for the Department of Health, with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan T.D., have today (Thursday October 29th) launched the “Keep Well” campaign which aims to support people and communities to mind their physical and mental health over the coming months.

The Government Plan for Living with COVID-19: Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021 highlights the important role that individual and community resilience will play in contributing to our ongoing response to COVID-19.

Today’s launch is a call to action to everyone across our society. It is an invitation to individuals, communities, voluntary groups, sporting organisations, those involved in creativity and the arts, local heritage and history, businesses, as well as local and national government to find ways to support everyone to discover new activities and routines that will do us good.

The “Keep Well” campaign is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines. It will provide guidelines, information, and tips on things that will help us keep well through the coming months. All of this will be available on gov.ie/healthyireland

Today’s launch includes the allocation of funding from Sláintecare to support a number of initiatives through the Healthy Ireland Fund that will be rolled out over the coming months. Information about local resources and initiatives will also be available through Ireland’s Local Authorities.

This launch builds on the “In This Together” campaign which happened earlier in the year. The “Keep Well” campaign is focussed on five main themes:

• Keeping active – keeping active and being outdoors, even during the winter, is important to help physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Sport Ireland is leading a series of initiatives that will support people to stay active in their own local areas throughout the winter. In addition, sporting organisations and clubs are invited to develop ways to support local communities.

• Staying connected – staying connected with people, addressing isolation, supporting volunteerism and initiatives that support person-to-person connection is important to our wellbeing.

 

Building on the Community Call response earlier in the year, Local Authorities are being supported to provide a local community helpline and befriending service. Working with partner organisations, including An Garda Síochána, NGOs and Volunteer Ireland, there will be a particular emphasis on identifying and supporting those most at risk of isolation.

• Switching off and being creative – switching off and being creative or learning something new, getting back to nature and finding ways to relax can help our general wellbeing.

The Local Authorities and libraries, with advice from the Creative Ireland Programme, and working with partners at national and local level, will provide a range of initiatives to support individual and community creativity in the arts, crafting, culture and heritage.

• Eating well – by nourishing our bodies and minds, we can develop a better connection between the food we eat and how we feel and positively impact our physical and mental wellbeing.

Bord Bia will provide information and resources to support healthy eating this winter. Safefood will implement the next phase of their “START” campaign, focussing on making the most of family time and adding healthy habits. In addition, the network of libraries around the country will facilitate a major initiative with Grow It Yourself in early 2021, to support more people to grow their own food – in whatever small way they can – helping to forge greater connections between growing food and eating well and develop community networks.

• Minding your mood – equipping people with information on where to go if they need support. This will also be linked with the local community helpline to ensure that people can access the support they need.

The HSE will launch a series of “Minding Your Wellbeing” resources in the coming days. In addition, the Children and Young Peoples’ Services Committees (CYPSC) around the country are being supported to provide enhanced services to children, young people and families over the coming months.

Speaking at the launch, An Taoiseach said:

The adjustment required of us all in the months since this pandemic came into our lives has been difficult for everyone but I am proud of the way we have adapted and come together to protect ourselves and others in the face of the threat posed by COVID-19. The necessary restrictions imposed to protect life, health and our healthcare services have had to continue for longer than many of us may have hoped at the outset and I understand that many of us are now experiencing fatigue. The aim of this new campaign is to equip people with ideas and strategies to help us through the winter. This will help strengthen communities and individuals and restore hope that brighter days are coming.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said:

Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have been faced with many worries and stresses, and all of these have taken their toll. We are learning to live with COVID-19, but still many of us have concerns regarding our own health and wellbeing and that of our loved ones during this time. At the heart of the “Keep Well” campaign is helping people – individuals and communities – to make a plan to do things that are good for them over the coming months. People will be encouraged to plan to do something that is good for us each day or week and will be supported with information and resources to help them to do so. While we know it will be a difficult winter, the Keep Well campaign will help us to care for our health and wellbeing through the coming months. There is something for everything in the wide-ranging campaign and I would encourage every one of us to engage with it.
Minister for Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said:

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is delighted to support and contribute to the ‘Keep Well’ campaign across a number of pillars. In particular, the need for everyone to get active and stay active has never been more important and is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing. Sport and physical activity has shown itself to be resilient throughout the difficult months since March, with research showing more people taking the opportunity to get active than ever before. Sport Ireland will lead the physical activity pillar of the campaign and, regardless of what level of restriction is in place, will be providing innovative and engaging supports and guidance for people to be active both at home and in the outdoors. Our message to everyone is that no matter what your age or circumstances there is an activity for you to enjoy.
The Creative Ireland Programme at local level has a range of cultural and creative activities for people to enjoy and stay connected. Given my own background, I’m particularly proud of COVID Care concerts. Some of most talented and experienced musicians and singers are travelling to perform outside nursing homes; 182 performances already. This will continue during the winter months and into 2021.”

Minister for Social Protection; and Community & Rural Development & the Islands, Heather Humphreys commented:

Local volunteers and community groups are at the heart of the Community Call. The new “Staying Connected” initiative will tap into local community spirit, encouraging neighbours to look out for each other and mobilising local volunteers to reach out to those who are lonely and isolated. My Department will be supporting local community and voluntary groups in this important work, ensuring everyone in our communities can keep well during this challenging time.
Minister of State for the Department of Health, with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan said:

I am delighted to support the launch of the “Keep Well” campaign today. As we prepare to face the difficult winter ahead, it is now more important than ever to ensure that we eat healthily, be as active as possible, and mind our mental wellbeing. One of the key messages of Healthy Ireland is that health is everybody’s business. One of the strengths of Healthy Ireland is the partnership which we have built with all of our stakeholders. That partnership is now in a great position to deliver this campaign and in the coming months, all of these partners will be delivering local programmes, initiatives and amenities. We will also see a programme of “citizen empowerment” wellbeing activities, supporting healthy living initiatives including community food, creativity, managing chronic diseases and positive ageing. I want to encourage everyone to take part in these activities to the fullest extent possible, so that both individually and together, we, as a nation, can face this challenge.

Executive Director of Sláintecare, Laura Magahy commented:

I am delighted that Sláintecare is funding this important “Keep Well” campaign to support everyone to make a personal plan that will help them get through the coming weeks and months. Sláintecare is the vision to reform Ireland’s health and social care services. It is about creating a health and social care service that meets the needs of our population, attracts and retains the best healthcare professionals and offers the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Sláintecare is also about promoting the health of our population to prevent illness, a pillar that is delivered by Healthy Ireland as it works to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone living in Ireland. This campaign will put local people at the centre of solutions for their own communities and, through the collective efforts of the campaign partners and supporters, will help meet the Sláintecare objective of preventing ill-health and keeping people well.
On behalf of the local authority sector, Philomena Poole, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

Local authorities have planned a range of programmes and initiatives to help everyone in the community to keep well and active in these trying times. Whether through creativity, arts, sports programmes, reading, heritage, or outdoor amenities, your council aims to have something to interest everyone. We will also be working very closely with our local communities and partner agencies to deepen and expand the Community Call helpline service, check in with people, and make sure that anybody who needs help or support during Covid-19 can easily access it. Local authorities are delighted to be at the forefront of the ‘Keep Well’ campaign and look forward to using our local reach to make sure everyone in every county can do just that.

By Waterford City & County Council

Irish Water lifts Water Conservation Order

Irish Water lifts Water Conservation Order following heavy rainfall and recovery of sources

Following recent heavy rainfall and improving river and ground water conditions Irish Water has lifted the Water Conservation Order, more commonly known as the hosepipe ban that was put in place with effect from 9 June. The Water Conservation Order was issued in a bid to safeguard water supplies for essential purposes, in particular water needed for sanitation purposes during the COVID-19 crisis.

Earlier this week, Irish Water again met with key groups including Met Éireann to discuss the forecast and the OPW and EPA who monitor the levels of lakes and rivers to review and assess their data.

The Water Services Act, which allows for a Water Conservation Order, requires Irish Water to ‘form the opinion’ that ‘a serious deficiency of water available for distribution exists or is likely to exist’. Following a review of Irish Water data together with the latest information from Met Éireann, the OPW and the EPA, the utility is now in a position to remove the Water Conservation Order from 5pm on Wednesday 8 July.

When the Water Conservation Order was issued, 27 of Irish Water’s 900 drinking water schemes were in drought with another 50 at risk of going into drought. Thereafter the situation deteriorated rapidly with the number of schemes in drought or at risk of drought peaking at 98.

Thankfully from a water supply perspective over the past couple of weeks there has been above average rainfall in many areas of the country. This has resulted in the recovery of some of the water supplies that were in drought or at risk of drought. Currently only 17 schemes remain in drought and a further 61 are at risk. While the overall numbers are trending downwards, the situation is not uniform across the country and the recovery of some sources is very fragile.

Commenting on the lifting of the Water Conservation Order, the Managing Director of Irish Water Niall Gleeson said,

“Irish Water is continuing to monitor the affected water sources as their recovery is fragile and subject to change. We will continue to liaise with Met Eireann, the OPW, the EPA and other key stakeholders to discuss the impact of weather on our sources. Should we enter a spell of prolonged warm and dry weather, and if the sources go into drought again, we may need to reconsider and re-impose a Water Conservation Order. Safeguarding the water supply for homes and communities across the country is a critical priority for us.

“It is really important that members of the public develop good household habits at this time and conserve water, regardless of rainfall. Any non-essential use of water should be discouraged, whether we are in a drought or not.

“We would like to thank the public for their efforts in conserving water in their homes and gardens over the past number of weeks and to remember those good household habits should the good weather return. Thanks also to our large water users who have worked proactively with us to use water more efficiently in their businesses. We are grateful for their diligence at this time.”

ENDS

Media queries: press@water.ie / 087 145 8896

By Waterford City & County Council

Documentary: The Story of Water

Watch the documentary on The Story of Water in Ireland, airing Tuesday 7th July at 7pm on Virgin Media One. It reveals the full story behind the challenges facing the public water and wastewater network.

Follow #storyofwater on social media and @IrishWater on Twitter.

By Waterford City & County Council

Irish Water warns recent rainfall not sufficient as more schemes develop drought

June 23, 2020 –  Despite recent rainfall, Irish Water says that the number of schemes in drought around the country has increased from 35 to 37 and the ones in potential drought has grown from 52 to 59 since the start of the Water Conservation Order on 8 June. The need for the Water Conservation Order was due to the exceptionally dry spring, the driest for 70 years in some parts of the country according to Met Éireann.

Irish Water Lead Brian O’Leary says, “Unfortunately short periods of rainfall, such as those we have experienced last week, are not sufficient to return raw water sources to normal levels. A minimum accumulation of 100mm rainfall and a return to normal precipitation levels thereafter would be needed to offset the impact of the unseasonal lack of rainfall since March. We are keeping the situation under continuous review and are liaising closely with other key agencies such as Met Éireann, the OPW, the EPA, amongst others and if the situation improves we will consider lifting the Water Conservation Order. However any change is unlikely in the short term.

“In Waterford, the Ballymacarbery Water Supply Scheme and the Fews Water Supply Scheme, near Kilmacthomas are in potential drought.”

Irish Water would like to thank the public for their cooperation and the efforts they have made to conserve water in their homes and gardens over the last week and to appeal to them to continue supporting us in safeguarding water for essential uses.

ENDS

For media queries, please contact aibuckley@water.ie  

Editors notes

Since the Water Conservation Order came into effect, demand in the Greater Dublin Area has dropped to an average of 560 million litres per day from a high of 615 Million litres on the Saturday of the June Bank Holiday weekend. It is worth noting that the weather has been cooler with some rain since the beginning of the Order and Irish Water typically sees higher demand on dry, sunny days.

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Humphreys announces details of €250m Restart Grant

Minister Humphreys has announced today, Friday 22nd May 2020, that Local Authorities are now taking applications for €250m Restart Grant.

  • Minimum grant of €2,000 and maximum grant of €10,000.
  • Businesses reopening under Phase 1 and Phase 2, and those who have stayed open since the crisis hit, encouraged to apply now.
  • Online Application Forms are available on local authority websites for Micro Enterprises and Small Businesses – see here for Waterford’s form.

The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, today (Friday, 22nd May 2020) announced that the application form for the new €250m Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses is now available online on all local authority websites.

The Restart Grant is aimed at helping micro and small businesses with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures.

Eligible businesses who have stayed open throughout the crisis, as well as those who are reopening under Phase 1 (from 18 May) and Phase 2 (8 June) of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, are encouraged to apply now for the Restart Grant. These applications will be prioritised for payment by the local authorities.

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD said, “I want to ensure that eligible companies with the most immediate need to get back up-and-running receive the grant support as quickly as possible.  For this reason, the businesses listed in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Roadmap, as well as those who stayed open all along, will be prioritised. Businesses know the dates on which their premises can reopen, and we want to avoid long waiting times for the grant. As a result, I am urging businesses to wait until a few weeks before their business is due to reopen before submitting their application to the local authorities.

The Minister added: “Staff in the local authorities will endeavour to process applications quickly, but a quick turnaround will be difficult to achieve if every business applies immediately.”

To avail of the Restart Grant, applicants must be a commercial business and be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and:

  • have an annual turnover of less than €5m and employ between 1 to 50 people;
  • have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover to end June 2020;
  • commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed;
  • declare the intention to retain employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.

The grant will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, or a minimum payment of €2,000, whichever is the higher, and will be subject to a maximum payment of €10,000.

If a company is currently in a rateable premise but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply. The local authority can pay the grant based on an estimate of what the rates demand for 2019 would have been.

Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online directly to local authorities and further information is available on the application form.  If there are queries that are not addressed on the application form, businesses can contact the Business Support Unit in each local authority.

This direct grant support is part of the wider €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes The Wage Subsidy Scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cash-flow amongst our SMEs.

All information including the application form will be available on your local authority website, the details of which are at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/942f74-local-authorities/

ENDS

 

Notes for Editors

Business Categories, based on the Government’s Roadmap for a phased re-opening of the economy, are as set out below:

Phase 1 (18 May)
Hardware, garden centres, opticians, motor/cycle repairs, office products, electrical, IT equipment, phone sales/repairs, outdoor construction, public amenities.
Phase 2 (8 June)
Small retail outlets, marts.
Phase 3 (29 June)
Creches for essential workers, retail outlets with street entrance, cafes, and restaurants for on-premises consumption.
Phase 4 (20 July)
Creches, ‘high-risk’ services including hairdressers, tourism accommodation.
Phase 5 (10 August)
Bars, theatres, cinemas, gyms, shopping centres.

Business Support Call Centre

The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has established a Business Support Call Centre for information on the business supports available to businesses and enterprises affected by COVID-19. It can be reached at infobusinesssupport@dbei.gov.ie or (01) 631 2002.

The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI)

The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) plays a key role in implementing the Government’s policies of stimulating the productive capacity of the economy and creating an environment which supports job creation and maintenance. The Department has lead responsibility for Irish policy on global trade and inward investment and a remit to promote fair competition in the marketplace, protect consumers and safeguard workers.

For further information, members of the media can contact Press Office, D/Business, Enterprise and Innovation, press.office@dbei.gov.ie or (01) 631-2200

If you no longer wish to receive emails from the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation Press Office, please notify us by email to press.office@dbei.gov.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Stay Local, Stay Apart & Stay Safe in the Outdoors

Agencies and organisations involved in the delivery and promotion of outdoor amenities have welcomed the recognition of the importance of the outdoor recreation in Phase 1 of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

Outdoor recreation plays an important role in supporting the physical and mental well-being of society and people are encouraged to enjoy the outdoors while adhering to Government protocols and public health guidelines.

One significant change in Phase 1 means that from May 18th, people can exercise using outdoor public amenities – either on their own or in a group of no more than 4 people – where social distancing can be maintained and where there is no contact with other people.

As part of a phased reintroduction of opportunities to be active in the outdoors, and recognising the over-riding principles of the Government’s Roadmap, a nationwide approach to participating in outdoor recreation has been adopted.

Agencies and organisations are advising members of the public to:

  • Follow Government protocols and public health guidelines
  • Stay local and within a 5km radius of your home for exercise
  • Exercise with members of your household or a maximum of 3 people from outside your household
  • Observe physical distancing by keeping at least 2 metres apart
  • Park legally and responsibly if driving to outdoor amenities
  • Keep dogs on a lead at all times
  • Respect the natural environment and dispose of waste properly

The outdoors is a valuable amenity for all members of society to enjoy. People are encouraged to take personal responsibility and adhere to the spirit of the guidance so that the outdoors remains accessible to all for the duration of restrictions.

For more information on being active in the outdoors, visit:

Sport Ireland Outdoors: www.sportireland.ie/outdoors

Forest Recreation : www.coillte.ie

National Parks : www.npws.ie

Heritage Sites : www.opw.ie

Leave No Trace Ireland : www.leavenotrace.org

Inland Waterways: www.waterwaysireland.ie

Beach Information : www.beaches.ie

This Statement is endorsed by:

  • Angling Council of Ireland
  • Athletics Ireland
  • Canoeing Ireland
  • CARA
  • Coillte
  • Comhairle na Tuaithe
  • Cycling Ireland
  • Dept. of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht
  • Department of Rural and Community Development
  • Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
  • Dublin Mountains Partnership
  • Fáilte Ireland
  • Fisheries Ireland
  • Get Ireland Walking
  • Irish Farmer’s Association
  • Irish Orienteering Association
  • Kildare County Council
  • Leave No Trace
  • Mountain Rescue Ireland
  • Mountaineering Ireland
  • National Parks and Wildlife Service
  • Office of Public Works (OPW)
  • Rowing Ireland
  • Sport Ireland
  • The Heritage Council
  • Visitor Safety Group (VIS)
  • Waterford City and County Council
  • Waterways Ireland
  • Wicklow County Council
  • Wicklow Uplands Council

Ends

For Further Information:

David Gash,
Communications Manager
Sport Ireland

dgash@sportireland.ie

087-2277643

Notes to the Editor:

Sport Ireland has today published guidance on Exercising in the Outdoors From 18 May – 8 June (Phase One) this can be downloaded here.

By Waterford City & County Council

Use of online public library service soars during COVID-19 crisis

New membership rates almost double versus same period last year

467% increase in people taking e-learning courses

Mr Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural & Community Development, has called on members of the public to avail of the excellent content and services offered by the online public library service during the COVID-19 crisis.

Minister Ring, whose Department is responsible for public libraries, also highlighted the significant increase in users of the online library service since this emergency began.

There has been a near doubling of new library memberships during the COVID-19 crisis compared to the same period last year. Over 30,000 new members joined the library in March 2020 compared to just over 17,000 in March 2019.

Furthermore, there has been a considerable rise in usage of specific library services in the week commencing March 29th compared to the week commencing March 1st, including in the following areas:

  • 313% increase in new users of eBooks and eAudiobooks service
  • 467% increase in e-learning courses being taken
  • 227% increase in language courses being taken
  • 246% increase in usage of the online newspapers/e-magazines

Minister Ring said:

“This increase in usage of our online library services shows the benefits that people are getting from our libraries during this crisis. While the doors of our public libraries are temporarily closed, it’s great to see that people are availing of the vast array of reading and educational material online.

“During this challenging period, the online library service provides excellent ways to entertain and educate children as well as opportunities for adults to learn a language or skill or enhance their well-being.

“I am really heartened by the increase in membership and usage of our online libraries and I urge more people to sign up and avail of the wonderful content and services available. This is your library service, it is completely free and there is so much to be gained from it.”

If you are not a member already you can become an online library member by completing the online registration at www.librariesireland.ie/join-your-library

Our online public library service offers:

  • over 33,300 eBooks and 25,200 eAudiobooks
  • 4,000 magazines
  • 2,500 online newspapers from over 100 countries
  • over 500 e-learning courses
  • over 100 online language courses

In response to the increased demand, Minister Ring recently allocated €200,000 to purchase over 5,000 new eBooks and eAudiobooks.

Minister Ring concluded:

“We have invested significantly in our online library service in recent years and it has really come into its own in recent weeks. This has been made possible by our library staff and management who in a very short time period have re-purposed the library service so as to enable the public to get the best out of our libraries during this time.

“Library staff are continuing to innovate in order to keep people entertained and educated online, including through online STEAM Workshops, Virtual Coding Workshops, online photography courses, virtual bookclubs, and writing competitions.

“The national Spring into Storytime reading programme is also underway in co-operation with Irish publishers and authors, with lots of online story times and author readings for children of all ages throughout April and May. A large number of the libraries have also collaborated with Engineers Ireland to manufacture 3D facial shields for health workers.”

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Covid-19:  Ireland launches “The Community Call” in major nationwide volunteering effort

The Community Call, a major initiative that links local and national government with the community and voluntary sectors, was announced today by Government. 

The Community Call is an unprecedented mobilisation of both state and voluntary resources to combat the effects of Covid-19.

The purpose of the Community Call is to coordinate community activity, direct community assistance to where it is needed, and marshal the volunteering energy of the country.

The immediate focus is on the elderly and the most vulnerable, and mobilising rapid response in every country to make sure everyone is looked after. In the coming weeks the focus will expand to broader the well-being of our society and how communities can work together to help the country through the Covid-19 crisis. 

The Community call was announced April 2nd by the Tánaiste Simon Coveney TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring TD, the Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform John Paul Phelan TD, and the Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly who represented the Local Authortities. Speaking at the launch, An Tánaiste Simon Coveney TD said:

“We are all finding it very strange to be home and to be keeping away from our family and community. But those that are vulnerable or in need of a bit of help need to know that they are not alone. The government is tapping into the reach of our local authorities in every corner of Ireland as well as the extraordinary dedication of a legion of voluntary groups and charities. For those who need some help, it is there for you.”

Speaking at today’s event, Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, praised the outstanding contribution of the community and voluntary sector to the national effort to address the effects of the COVID-19 crisis. 

“Since the very start of this emergency, the community and voluntary sector has been working on the ground and also at national level with my Department, to prepare for the Community Response which we are outlining today.  One of our greatest assets in this country is the strength of our local, community and voluntary networks”, the Minister said. 

“We are now asking that those networks – formal and informal – be mobilised so that everyone in our communities can look after each other.  If your neighbours or relatives are required to stay at home – check with them to see if they need supports.  And if you are in that category yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help – whether it’s with shopping, fuel delivery, collecting medicines or any other necessities of daily life.  The Local Authority helpline is there as a safety net, to ensure that everyone is looked after.”

For more information, go to Gov.ie

At National level, Community Call will be overseen by a group from the Department of An Taoiseach, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Department of Health, and the County and City Management Association.

The Community Call will be overseen and managed locally by our Local Authorities, led by the county Chief Executives.  The CEOs, the most senior public official in every county, have been tasked with making this work, and are leading a dedicated community Forum in each county to coordinate and connect the wide range of services and supports that area available.  The forum involves an extensive list of state and voluntary organisations.  A dedicated phone line is now operational in every county, details at. gov.ie and the national number 0818 222 024 is also now in operation.

The following is the list of each local authority’s helpline phone numbers.

Local Authority Community Call Number  

Carlow County Council   1800 814 300   

Cavan County Council    1800 300 404   

Clare County Council      1890 252 943   

Cork City Council             1800 222 226   

Cork County Council       1800 805 819   

Donegal County Council               1800 928 982   

Dublin City Council         01 222 8555      

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council             01 271 3199      

Fingal County Council    01 890 5000      

Galway City Council        1800 400 150   

Galway County Council  1800 928 894 and 091 509 390 

Kerry County Council     1800 807 009    

Kildare County Council   045 980 202      

Kilkenny County Council              1800 500 000    

Laois County Council      1800 832 010    

Leitrim County Council  071 965 0473    

Limerick City & County Council   1800 832 005    

Longford County Council             043 334 4255    

Louth County Council     1800 805 817   

Mayo County Council     094 906 4660   

Meath County Council   1800 808 809   

Monaghan County Council          1800 804 158    

Offaly County Council    1800 818 181    

Roscommon County Council       1800 200 727    

Sligo County Council       1800 292 765    

South Dublin County Council      01 414 9043      

Tipperary County Council            076 106 5000    

Waterford City and County Council         1800 250 185   

Westmeath County Council        1800 805 816   

Wexford County Council              053 919 6000   

Wicklow County Council              1800 868 399   

By Waterford City & County Council

Business Continuity Voucher with LEO Waterford

Minister Humphreys introduces new measure as part of COVID-19 Business Supports Package

The new Business Continuity Voucher is now available through Local Enterprise Offices and is open to sole traders and companies across every business sector that employ up to 50 people, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys T.D. has announced (March 25).

The voucher is worth up to €2,500 in third party consultancy costs and can be used by companies and sole traders to develop short-term and long-term strategies to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. The goal is to help business owners make informed decisions about what immediate measures and remedial actions should be taken, to protect staff and sales.

Making the announcement, Minister Humphreys T.D. said: “I know this is still a very worrying time for all businesses. And as part of the package of supports that I announced earlier in the month, I am making a €2,500 voucher available through the Local Enterprise Offices from today to enable enterprises to avail of vital business continuity advice, to assist them with developing short-term and long-term strategies to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. “

She added, “The voucher will give companies access to contingency planning advice that will help them continue trading through this crisis and to be ready for the recovery phase, when it comes. This voucher will also assist enterprises to prepare a business case for application to emergency financial interventions that are available through the Banks, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland or through Microfinance Ireland”.

Richie Walsh, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford, welcomed the new support package. “This is a critical time for small businesses. While businesses are, understandably, caught up in the here and now, this scheme will support companies to make sound, informed decisions on the immediate measures needed to continue to trade in this challenging environment and develop a strategy to assure future business viability.”

“Amongst other things, the Business Continuity Voucher will also include measures such as preparing a business case for application to emergency funding, reducing costs, implementing remote working procedures and exploring supply chain financing options. I would urge small business in Waterford, regardless of their industry or sector, to apply for this voucher. Local Enterprise Office Waterford will work with all businesses to provide practical and pragmatic contingency planning advice.”

The scheme is open to all types of businesses that employ up to 50 people. To apply, companies or sole traders fill out a short application form and submit it directly to Local Enterprise Office Waterford. When a company is issued with a voucher for third party consultancy, they begin working directly with a qualified expert, selected from existing Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland panels.

To apply for the Business Continuity Voucher, companies submit a short application form to their Local Enterprise Office. Forms are available to download from www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Response

Details of other business supports available from the Department of Enterprise, Business and Innovation can be found at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/

ENDS

For further information:

Karen Cheevers
B2B Communications, 086 2300700

About the Business Continuity Voucher (through Local Enterprise Offices)

Sole traders and businesses*, employing up to 50 staff, are eligible to apply for a Business Continuity Voucher to the value of €2,500 towards third party consultancy costs to assist with developing short-term and long-term strategies to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the voucher is to provide contingency planning advice to assist enterprises to continue trading through the crisis.

The primary aim of the scheme will be to support companies make informed decisions on the immediate measures needed to continue trading in the current environment while securing the safety of all employees and future business viability through identification of remedial actions.

The Business Continuity Voucher is available to support businesses:

i. Develop a business continuity plan

ii. Assess current financial needs in the short term to medium term

iii. Reduce variable costs, overheads and expenses,

iv. Review and explore supply chain financing options

v. Implement remote working processes or procedures

vi. Leverage HR expertise

vii. Leverage ICT expertise

viii. Prepare a business case for application to emergency financial interventions available through Banks, SBCI (Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland) and Microfinance Ireland.

Application forms are available from www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Response and completed forms are submitted to the relevant Local Enterprise Office by e-mail.

Please note: The Business Continuity Voucher is available to all businesses employing up to 50 across all sectors. The applicant must be an Irish-owned enterprise with up to 50 employees. An application must be submitted in the name of a company registered with the Companies Registration Office and incorporated in the Republic of Ireland at the time of application. Applications will also be accepted from Sole Traders and Partnerships.

By Waterford City & County Council

Summary of Government announcement in response to Covid-19

via RTE News

A rundown of the new restrictions:

  • All theatres, clubs, gyms, leisure centres, hairdressers, marts, markets, casinos, bingo halls, betting shops, libraries and other similar places are to shut.
  • All hotels and non-essential retail outlets will close – a list of those was provided.
  • All cafes and restaurants should limit to take away and deliveries only.
  • All sporting events are cancelled – including those behind closed doors.
  • All playgrounds and holiday/caravan parks are to close.
  • All places of worship are to restrict numbers visiting.
  • All household contacts of someone waiting for a test should restrict their movements.
  • All non-essential visiting to other persons homes should be avoided.
  • All scheduled cruise ships to Ireland will cease.
  • Factories or construction sites should not have to shut – authorities can work with them to make sure physical distancing is possible.
  • There will be an increased presence of park rangers and gardaí in parks and public places to ensure that physical distancing is being observed.
  • Significantly raise the amount of money available on cashless card transactions.
  • All organised indoor and outdoor events of any size are not to take place
  • Social distancing, in as far as practicable, is to be ensured between the clients/patients in confined settings, such as long term care facilities, either for the elderly or people with special needs, psychiatric institutions; homeless shelters; prisons.

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Ring announces roll-out of “My Open Library” service to 17 further branches


22 libraries to receive Magic Tables which benefit people with dementia, autism and learning difficulties

Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, has today (Thursday 14th November) announced funding of almost €1.5 million to support the continued roll-out of the “My Open Library service” to 17 further library branches around the country.

The “My Open Library” service allows access to public libraries on a self-service basis from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year. The Department funding will be matched by local authorities to the value of c.€0.5 million, giving a total investment of almost €2 million.

Waterford Libraries will expand their My Open Library services to Lismore Library in the New Year following the announcement by Minister Michael Ring of funding amounting to  €119,932 destined for a new Open Library in Lismore, This funding will also provide two “Magic Tables” in the Dungarvan and Lismore branches.  These interactive tables are proving very popular with the public and are particularly helpful for both younger and older people with dementia, autism and learning difficulties

The public libraries strategy Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities aims to introduce the My Open Library service to 100 library branches by 2022. The service is currently available in 15 public libraries with a further three due to open before the end of 2019.

The service offers extended opening hours to library members of 8am–10pm, 365 days per year.

Automated access to the branch for library members during unstaffed hours (via membership card and pin code) forms an important part of this service.  Provision of self-service activities include, but not limited to:

  • issue and return of books and other library stock
  • internet access on PCs
  • use of wi-fi
  • printing and photocopying
  • study/reading spaces
  • meeting facilities

The service is available to library members aged 16 years and over (under 18 years with parental consent).   Announcing the funding the Minister said:

“The My Open Library service has been an amazing success. It is an exciting development and is transforming our libraries. I am delighted to provide this funding which will see a further 17 branches enabled to provide the service.

“The My Open Library service extends the availability of library services to customers at times that suit them best, providing greater flexibility and convenience through increased opening hours in addition to the invaluable staffed hours.

“It has facilitated increased access for students to study from early in the morning to late at night; families with working parents; commuters; people up-skilling; and community groups to use the meeting room facilities”

Minister Ring continued:

“Included in this funding package is funding for innovative technology including 22 ‘Magic Tables’ which have been piloted across the country over the last year and have been a great success. These tables are being used by carers and people with dementia, autism and learning difficulties and I have seen first-hand the joy they bring to people using them.

“My Open Library is one of a number of initiatives I have introduced to increase usage of our libraries which are a fantastic and free community resource. I have also abolished library fines in an effort to remove any barriers to people using the library service.”

The popularity of the My Open Library service is evident from statistics for the recent August Bank Holiday weekend when more than 1,334 people visited the 15 My Open Library branches. Deansgrange Library alone had 175 visits over the three days. These branches would traditionally have been closed for the bank holiday weekend i.e. Saturday to Monday inclusive.

Minister Ring thanked the library staff in the existing My Open Library branches, saying:

“The My Open Library service that is being provided would not have been such a success without the cooperation and commitment of the staff in these libraries. The staff as well as the users, are to be complimented for its success. I would encourage more local authorities to endorse and become involved in this initiative, to the benefit of their customers and the communities they serve.”

ENDS

Contact: Daniel Rowan
Special Adviser to Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development
087 6177320

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office
076-1006843 / 087-1734633
Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

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