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Taking the Pulse of the region’s tech sector

RIKON Research Centre, in partnership with regional economic agencies, Local Authorities, and SETU, was commissioned to document key data relating to the Southeast tech firms’ operations in Waterford and the Southeast.

The premise of the Tech Pulse survey was to serve as a deep-dive document into the sector and will be used to inform policymakers, investors and start-ups about the region’s tech landscape, within the context of the wider economic landscape.

With contributions from 71 tech companies of varying scales in Waterford and the Southeast region, the findings highlighted that the Southeast region is home to one of the country’s most vibrant tech clusters, with an eclectic mix of established multinationals to new and agile start-ups the region represents a place of opportunity for business and investment.

There are a variety of reasons why companies are choosing to invest in the Southeast region.

The Southeast has a thriving ecosystem of both multinational companies and indigenous startups. The Southeast tech sector is made up of both domestic and international businesses with 35% of businesses operating for more than 20 years.

Within the SME population, 19% are in the medium category, 29% small, and 52% micro. Across the different sizes there is a bullish outlook on employment growth over 1, 2, and 5-year time horizons.

Waterford’s tech ecosystem offers diverse career development opportunities, from skill diversification and industry adaptability to continuous learning.

The Southeast region supports personal and professional growth, enabling employees to advance within the sector without needing to relocate. There are approximately 6000 tech professionals across an estimated 900 businesses.

The region’s talent pool was also cited as a factor in attracting investment in the region. The region has been home to some of the strongest recent population growth in line with the national development plan and national planning framework for regional cities.

The Southeast region and Waterford City has been home to some of the fastest population growth between census years, with the region well placed to continue the pipeline students through the regions’ strengthening third level education, headlined by the South East Technological University (SETU).

With SETU home to almost 20,000 students per year, over 1,300 are directly studying towards a career in tech.

In terms of cost competitiveness, economic potential, and business friendliness the Southeast region preforms strongly. The region boasts the lowest operating costs and reduced industrial property costs (ISEDO). The Southeast also offers significantly lower residential rental and house purchase costs.

Regional residential rents are 21% below national average and Waterford City rents are 22% below the regional city-averages. While those looking to purchase would see a 10% and 27% drop in the same comparison.

Quality of life is highly regarded in the region by the tech sector, with 94% respondents rating the quality of life as good or very good, education at 81% and the natural environment at 91%.

Companies in the region are also most likely to offer remote-friendly and hybrid roles to their workforce (66%), with 83% indicating that they intend to continue their current remote working policies into the future.  Commute times approximately 7% below the national average is also a contributing factor to positivity regarding the quality of life in the region.

The tech sector is known for its innovative spirit and that is no different in the Southeast, where 94% of respondents reported active engagement in innovation, be that product or process.

Speaking of the findings, Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise, Waterford Local Enterprise Office said, “The main takeaways from the Tech Pulse survey are extremely positive and bode well for the continued growth of the region’s tech sector.

“There is a culture of innovation and dynamism within the tech sector. This, coupled with a favourable quality of life environment, access to a deep academic talent pool and operating from the one of the fastest growing regional economies in Europe, has resulted in a robust and progressive tech cluster in the region.”

With a mix of affordability, a growing wealth of talent and opportunities for collaboration the area continues to attract companies looking to expand or establish themselves.

The balance of economic potential and innovation creates a compelling setting where businesses can draw on local talent to drive success. The region’s steady growth positions it to remain a key contributor to the country’s tech sector.

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Notes to editors:

The Southeast Tech Pulse was undertaken by RIKON Research Centre, in partnership with the region’s Local Authorities, regional economic agencies, SETU and in collaboration with Red Hat, Voxgig, Sun Life, Klearcom and the Walton Institute.

RIKON is a hybrid centre of innovation in Business and Technology Management and engages in academic and applied research. Through its business consultancy department, RIKON has an established specialism in solving business problems and creating commercial opportunities through pioneering research advancements across business strategy, economics, innovation, design, operational excellence, and technology optimisation.

Pride of Place Awards 2024

On Saturday, November 2nd, Monaghan’s Hillgrove Hotel will host the prestigious IPB Pride of Place Gala Awards Ceremony, marking the 22nd year of celebrating community and resilience across Ireland. Organised by Co-operation Ireland and proudly supported by IPB Insurance, the awards spotlight extraordinary efforts by local communities, councils, and organisations in promoting inclusivity, well-being, and positive change.

This year, Waterford has put forward Renew Enterprises, part of Treo Port Lairge CLG, competing in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category. Renew Enterprises has earned this nomination through its work in fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and personal growth within Waterford.

In their words, “Being nominated for the Pride of Place Awards is an incredible honour and testament to the resilience, dedication, and spirit of our team and the community we serve. At Renew, we believe in the power of inclusion, sustainability, and second chances, and this recognition amplifies our commitment to creating meaningful impact. We are deeply grateful to our supporters, partners, and participants who continue to make our work possible, and we look forward to celebrating this journey with them.”

The Pride of Place Awards is a reminder of the positive change happening across Ireland, with local heroes and organisations shaping more inclusive futures. We congratulate all nominees and look forward to seeing the stories and initiatives that make up the spirit of Pride of Place on the night.

ENDS

Reminder: Portlaw Public Meeting – Town Centre First Plan

Portlaw Public Meeting

 

For the last two years, the community (particularly through the Portlaw Community Enhancement Committee) has been working with the Council, the Paul Hogarth Company and Hall Black Douglas Architects to prepare a Town Centre First Plan for Portlaw.

The Council and the Enhancement Committee now wish for the plan to be validated by the community at large and, to that effect, a public meeting is being held in the Community Centre, Portlaw on this Wednesday night, 30th October at 7.30 p.m.

Come along, we want to hear from you!

The Town Centre First Plan and Implementation Plan are accessible at https://lnkd.in/e_ZgKzmg

County Waterford LEADER 2023-2027 : Targeted Call for Projects

County Waterford LEADER 2023-2027 : Targeted Call for Projects

Please be advised that the following information workshops will be held in advance of opening the next official call for Expression of Interests (EoI) for funding under the new LEADER 2023 – 2027 Programme:

  • 12th November 2024: Park Hotel, Dungarvan, 7:00-8:30 pm
  • 13th November 2024: Tramore Lifeguard Station, 7:00-8:30 pm
  • 14th November 2024: The Red Hall, Lismore, 7:00-8:30 pm

Attendance at one of these workshops is compulsory for those intending to apply for funding. Please book your place by calling 058-54646 or 058-51505 or by emailing claire.connors@wlp.ie or info@wlp.ie before 12 noon on Friday, 8th November 2024. Following attendance, the EoI form will be provided, which must be submitted by 2 pm on Friday, 15th November 2024.

Further details can be had in the download below.

Summary - Targeted Call for Funding

Financial Support to assist businesses in the Hospitality and Retail Sectors

Power Up grant
Power Up grant of €4,000 is available to businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors
Register before Friday 8th November.

Local Authorities are now emailing businesses who may be eligible for the Power Up grant. The email includes details on how to register. Don’t delay with registering, the Power Up registration Portal is open for a limited time in order to get payments to businesses before the end of the year.

Registering is similar to ICOB registration and is quick and easy. Please go to enterprise.gov.ie/powerup for further information.

If you have not received an email and think you may be eligible please contact your Local Authority.

What is the Power Up grant?
The Government announced the Power Up grant as part of Budget 25 for businesses in the Retail and Hospitality sector.  The Power Up grant has a budget of €170 million and the grant to eligible businesses will be €4,000.

Who is eligible for Power Up?
There are two types of qualifying business:

  • A business that received the second payment of ICOB and continues to meet the ICOB criteria
  • Businesses in the hospitality and retail sector that did not have a rates bill in 2023 may qualify if they meet the criteria. Those businesses should check with their local authority to check eligibility once the scheme goes live.

Read full details on the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment website.

How Ireland’s oldest city is fostering Ireland’s newest IT talent

Irish Times articleOur Communications team was excited to collaborate recently with The Irish Times on a special feature titled “How Ireland’s Oldest City is Fostering Ireland’s Newest IT Talent.”

This article highlights the innovative strides Waterford is making in the tech industry, from nurturing homegrown talent to attracting global expertise.

It showcases the unique blend of historical roots and modern initiatives that make Waterford an attractive hub for digital growth and education.

Read the full story to learn more about how you can Think Waterford First right here in Ireland’s oldest city.

Portlaw Public Meeting – Town Centre First Plan

Portlaw Public Meeting

 

For the last two years, the community (particularly through the Portlaw Community Enhancement Committee) has been working with the Council, the Paul Hogarth Company and Hall Black Douglas Architects to prepare a Town Centre First Plan for Portlaw.

The Council and the Enhancement Committee now wish for the plan to be validated by the community at large and, to that effect, a public meeting is being held in the Community Centre, Portlaw on Wednesday night, 30th October at 7.30 p.m.

Come along, we want to hear from you!

The Town Centre First Plan and Implementation Plan are accessible at https://lnkd.in/e_ZgKzmg

LEO announces Glas Award winners!

Local Enterprise Office, Waterford celebrates this year’s Glas Award winners, DHB Architects and Clem Jacob Hire

The awards, in association with Waterford City and County Council recognise and celebrate the micro businesses in County Waterford who have made significant advances in bringing green principles into their business models. None more so than DHB Architects and Clem Jacob Hire.

The Green Micro Enterprise of the Year, open to all with employees of 10 or less was won by DHB Architects, who impressed the judges with, “The conscientious way in which the business not only prioritises sustainable practices in its own company, but also in the work it does for its clients.”

The Green SME of the Year, open to those between 11 and 50 employees was won by Clem Jacob Hire. The judges were extremely impressed with the quality of entries, saying, “The standard of entries this year is only matched by the innovation they all brought to their sustainable practices. These companies are an inspirations to businesses in Waterford and beyond.”

DHB Architects has refurbished and continuing to invest in its existing ‘protected structured building’ for use as its offices in Waterford City centre thus supporting sustainable town centre first policies. The heating system in the building does not use fossil fuels, lights are all LED and the business uses two fully electric cars for office use to bring staff to sites that are not accessible by public transport. The company recently won national awards for work in sustainable regeneration of buildings and town centres.

Clem Jacob Hire’s entire fleet of machines are now running on HVO fuel (Hydro treated vegetable oil ) instead of diesel. Where possible a big part of its hire fleet is now hybrid, thus runs on battery & HVO. The company has a bank of solar panels planned for its workshop which will produce power for charging the hybrid machines. All company cars are now electric & will be charged by power produced with solar panels. It even collects rain water for power washing its machines.

Waterford City and County Mayor Cllr. Jason Murphy spoke at the event and presented the trophies, saying, “These businesses are all leaders in their sector. Even getting shortlisted for these awards is a fantastic recognition for them and a reflection on how farsighted they are.

“I’m sure it’s this awareness that drives them to invest in sustainable policies within their business. Waterford City and County Council understands this and that is why it has focused so much on environmental policies over the past number of years and will continue to do so in the future.”

Clem Jacob was thrilled to win, “Our green and sustainable practices are more than just window dressing. They are integral to every part of our business. It’s more than just the ‘right thing to do’, the policies we’ve implemented and changes we’ve made to the running of the business really save money, in the short term as well as the long term. Getting an award for these practices is a wonderful endorsement of everything we do.”

Each winner received a cash prize of €2,500 and a Glas trophy, designed and created by Brendan O’Donnell. The awards have been solely made from reclaimed and recycled materials. Solid oak is from cabinet drawers, while the plastic is a mix of milk bottles, lids from drinks containers from a cafe and hygiene product drums from a dairy farm.

Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Gareth Evans was delighted with the quality of entries for the awards, “Looking at the shortlist for this year’s awards we have such an impressive and diverse collection of businesses in Waterford, from the arts and design to products, plant and spirits. It’s a true reflection of how dynamic the Waterford business offering is.

“The Local Enterprise Office created these awards to promote sustainability in business in Waterford. They also promote what the LEO is offering businesses, showcase what is currently happening in the county, rewards those who are investing in their own and everyone’s future and most importantly they encourage others to do likewise.

“The LEO wants to show other businesses that investment in this area is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing too, for every business. Every finalist today will tell you that they have reaped the benefits of their investment, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg. We want these awards to grow and have more and more entries every year.”

For further information on the Glas and other Local Enterprise Office Awards, follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie 

Waterford flies the Purple Flag once again in 2024

Waterford has, once again, received the coveted Purple Flag accreditation, which represents the gold standard of the management of evening and night-time economies.

This prestigious award underpins Waterford’s great blend of entertainment, dining, and culture, all the while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, and visitors in the evening and night-time economy, between the hours of 5pm and 5am.

In recognition of Waterford’s commitment to creating a dynamic, secure, and vibrant evening and night-time economy, the Purple Flag accreditation process is similar to the Green Flag Award for parks and Blue Flag for beaches.

Key successes noted in Waterford’s submission included the introduction of community safety wardens, increasing feelings of safety and support within the evening and night-time economy (ENTE), the positive approach to engagement with residents regarding noise levels, and being awarded the prestigious European City of Christmas 2024 title.

Jim ‘Flash’ Gordon, Proprietor of Revolution and Chair of the Purple Flag Committee said, “It is great that Waterford has once again been recognised as a vibrant and safe place, offering an eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, culture and arts.

“The importance and value of the nighttime economy cannot be underestimated.  Being recognised as a centre that combines entertainment, ambience, culture and choice, in a safe and inviting setting is a testament to the efforts of our collaborative partners, local business groups, community groups and the residents themselves.”

Part of the Purple Flag Waterford ethos is working with student bodies to reinforcing the message that we are all responsible for each other safety.

One such initiative was the recent attendance at Freshers 2024 Orientation in SETU Waterford, Cork Road and College Street campuses, to raise awareness for Purple Flag Waterford and promote an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out.

Julie Walsh, Purple Flag Administrator with Waterford City and County Council added, “We are delighted that Waterford has been successfully reaccredited the Purple Flag award for 2024.

“The successful reaccreditation is a result of the cumulative efforts of local businesses and stakeholders who work closely with Waterford City and County Council and An Garda Síochána to promote Waterford. We are looking forward to promoting Purple Flag and the impact it has on the ENTE in Waterford, in order to further develop a vibrant, safe evening and night-time environment for our residents and visitors to enjoy, experience and explore.”

An ongoing initiative to promote a safe night-time economy is the Ask for Angela campaign, which promotes safety and support in public spaces, especially for students participating in programmes in SETU and socialising at night in the city.

There are one hundred Purple Flag destinations around the globe across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia. This includes world renowned tourist destinations to small market towns.

Tramore’s latest amenity bowls over boarders

On Thursday, September 19th, the sun shone as Tramore’s newest outdoor amenity, the Skatepark on the Lower Prom, was officially opened by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy.

The high-quality facility was constructed in concrete and combines elements of bowl and street plaza features, designed with the specific needs of skateboarders in mind.

Cutting the ribbon, the Mayor said, “I’m delighted to officially open this top-class facility.  The skatepark is a wonderful addition to Tramore as it provides a welcome, free, fun, active space for all to enjoy.

“Set on the Prom and looking across at the sea, this skatepark is the icing on the cake for the town of Tramore.  Tramore combines natural beauty, fun, family-friendly amenities, and opportunities for healthy pursuits seamlessly.  The addition of the skatepark to the town is yet another asset that will make Tramore an even more inviting and welcoming destination for young people, locals and tourists alike.

“Waterford City and County Council will continue to invest in facilities such as the skatepark, to encourage healthier pursuits and a more sustainable lifestyle for all.

I’d like to commend the Environment Department, particularly Project Manager Brian Murray, and SEO Dawn Wallace, for bringing this high-calibre amenity to Tramore, in a very timely manner and for giving full consideration to the aesthetics of the structure.”

Concluding the Mayor said,

“Finally, I would like to wish all our skateboarders, young and old, the absolute best as they make full use of this brilliant new facility. May it be a place where skills are honed, friendships are formed, and lasting memories are made. From skating across the rails, perfecting a kickflip or an ollie, to working on tricks in the air, there is something for everyone here. The design of this park allows for creativity to develop and for you to work on your own unique style.”

The skatepark was designed with input from the local skateboarding community and the feedback has been very positive.  Those in attendance, including 4th class pupils of Tramore Educate Together NS and their teacher Katie McAuliffe, enjoyed a skateboarding demonstration by local skateboarders Peter Breen, John Twomey, Heather O’ Connor, David Hartley and Taylor O’Brien.

Dawn Wallace, Senior Executive Officer, Waterford City and County Council said,

“It was important that the views of those who will use the park be taken into consideration, and that input was invaluable throughout the process.  By consulting with the skateboarding community, we were able to deliver a practical, yet top-class skatepark that is accessible to all ages and all abilities.”

Specialist companies Browne Brothers Site Services Limited and Vulcano Skateparks were engaged to undertake the detailed design and construction.  The Skatepark was constructed in a sustainable manner, applying the principles of the circular economy in terms of reuse of materials and life cycle costing.  Any stone or concrete removed from the original skatepark was brought to a recycling facility where it will be crushed and reused as fill material on future projects.

Waterford City and County Council secured funding of €202,371 from the Community Recognition Fund from the Department of Rural and Community Development with additional funds of €90,924 provided by Waterford City and County Council.

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Images – Free to use: Noel Browne

1. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with children from teacher Katie McAuliffe’s 4th class, Tramore Educate Together NS.

2. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with skater Peter Breen, Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan and Senator John Cummins.

4. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with Senator John Cummins,  Dawn Wallace, Senior Executive Officer, WCCC, Brian Murray, Project Manager, Fergus Galvin former Director of Services WCCC, Cllr .Lola O’ Sullivan and Paul Johnston, Acting Director of Services, WCCC.

5.  Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy cuts the ribbon at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark

6. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with Fergus Galvin, former Director of Services WCCC, Dawn Wallace, Senior Executive Officer, WCCC, Brian Murray, Project Manager and Paul Johnston, Acting Director of Services, WCCC.

8. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark.

10. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with skater Peter Breen.

12. Skater Taylor O’Brien showing his skills at the official opening of Tramore Skatepark.

Cappoquin Regeneration Projects progressing well

Works are progressing well on the first phase of the Cappoquin Regeneration Project.

In April of this year, Waterford City and County Council awarded construction contracts for the refurbishment of Moore’s Hotel on Main Street, and for the refurbishment of three terraced townhouses at 6, 7 and 8 Main Street.

Marlhill Construction from Ardfinnan was awarded the main contract for the refurbishment of Moore’s Hotel on Main Street, with the Design Team led by Aughey O’Flahery Architects of Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. 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.

Conor Phelan Construction from Dungarvan was awarded the contract for the refurbishment of three terraced townhouses at 6, 7 and 8 Main Street, with Design Team led by DHB Architects of Waterford.  This project will transform the vacant terraced townhouses into three new homes with ancillary mews accommodation at the rear on Green 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.

Further projects include the Town & Village Renewal Scheme. The Soccer Club project elements include a new boundary fence at the soccer club, community garden and extended walkway within the site. 

The Cappoquin Railway Loop Walk Phase 1, funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme starts at the slipway and runs along the riverbank to the boathouse. Works are expected to commence in Q3 2024 with completion in Q2 2025. 

It is envisaged that this will be the first phase of a project that would eventually see the development of the entire Cappoquin Railway Loop Walk with the centrepiece being the refurbishment of Old Red Bridge railway viaduct.

The final phase of the Cappoquin Regeneration project will enhance the public realm spaces, with particular focus on the Market Square and the Twig Bog area to improve pedestrian and traffic flow.  A consultant will be appointed in the coming months to complete the design and prepare tender documents

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Image 1863:  Before – Moore’s Hotel
Image 4912 / Rear – Works progressing well on Moore’s Hotel

Glas Awards Launched!

Glas Awards 2024

Local Enterprise Office, Waterford launches the 2nd Glas Awards, promoting sustainability in business in Waterford.

The awards, in association with Waterford City and County Council aim to recognise and celebrate micro businesses in County Waterford who have made significant advances in bringing green principles into their business model.

Launched by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Gareth Evans and Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, Gráinne Kennedy, these awards will showcase what Waterford business is doing to adopt sustainability policies, in a practical sense.

The awards are open to small and medium sized businesses based in Waterford County. The Green Micro Enterprise of the Year is open to all with employees of 10 or less, while the Green SME of the Year is open to those between 11 and 50 employees.

The Mayor sees this as another step towards Waterford’s green targets, “Waterford City and County Council adopted its Climate Action Plan in February 2024. The plan sets out how the Council will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations and in the services that we provide to the people of Waterford. Climate will be a consideration in all Council projects going forward from looking at energy efficiency to reducing waste. Every aspect of the community has a role to play, and these awards will highlight and reward the businesses who have started to play their part.”

Each winner will receive a cash prize of €2,500 and a themed trophy.

Gareth Evans is looking forward to seeing what work has been completed in the last 12 months, “We were thrilled with the level of entries in the first year of these awards. I am sure this year we will see even more entries. The quality of projects last year was really good, so this year’s applicants have a lot to live up to, but we know it will be very competitive and even better this year.

“Companies across Waterford County continue to make an extraordinary contribution and commitment towards growing a greener future. I really hope that these awards will demonstrate to all companies what can be done to improve sustainability for all businesses in Waterford and challenge each one of us to continue on our green journey to not only benefit future generations, but to improve our businesses now and participate fully in the green economy.”

Gráinne Kennedy is optimistic for the future, “Waterford business is taking on the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their operations, to make Waterford a sustainable place to work and do business. The Glas Awards is a great opportunity to showcase all that these businesses are doing”

The entry portal https://bit.ly/GlasAwards is now open on Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office website and remains so until 6th September 2024. The Glas Awards Final which will be held in Grow HQ, Waterford City on 1st October 2024.

For further information follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie

ENDS

 

Photo by Patrick Browne:  Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Gareth Evans and Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, Gráinne Kennedy.

National Broadband Plan connection now available for Waterford homes near Tallow

National Broadband Ireland logo

  • Over 2,100 Waterford homes, businesses and farms near Tallow can now connect to fibre broadband on National Broadband Ireland network
  • Over half of premises included in National Broadband Plan in Co Waterford can avail of a high-speed connection today

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the National Broadband Plan on behalf of the Government, has said that over 2,100 Waterford properties in its Tallow deployment area can now avail of a high-speed fibre broadband connection. The area covers the rural surrounds of Tallow, Lismore, Ballyduff and Aglish.

16,000 premises in Co Waterford are included in the State’s Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Waterford will receive €59m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

There are 2,122 Waterford premises in the Tallow deployment area that can now join the National Broadband Ireland network. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people living nearby to visit nbi.ie/map and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect.

Works have already been completed for over half of the premises included in the National Broadband Plan in Co Waterford as a total of 9,110 premises can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband. There have been 2,849 connections made so far across the county.

Progress continues across Waterford with network build works now underway throughout the county. Currently, construction is in progress for almost 1,700 Waterford premises in the Ballinamult deployment area, which are anticipated to be connected to the NBI network between January and June 2025. National Broadband Ireland’s website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates. Signing up to the NBI email notifications at https://nbi.ie/eoi is the easiest way to get the most up-to-date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order.

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, saidWe are delighted to announce that over 2,100 Waterford premises near Tallow can now order high-speed broadband services through the National Broadband Ireland network. This will enable those who connect to experience the life-changing benefits of high-speed broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second.

“We are thrilled to be over the half-way mark as over 9,100 homes, businesses and farms in Co Waterford can now order a high-speed fibre connection to the National Broadband Ireland network. This includes almost 3,900 near Waterford city, over 1,200 premises near Youghal as well as over 2,000 premises along the Waterford-Tipperary county border near Carrick-On-Suir and Clonmel.

“We are working hard on the ground to progress other areas of the county through engineering survey, design and construction phases. We are encouraging Waterford residents to visit the NBI website to check their Eircode and sign up for updates.”

As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area.   

Some 72 RSPs have already signed up to sell services on the National Broadband Ireland network and 68 are certified as ready to start providing connections as of today. To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the National Broadband Ireland network, visit NBI.ie/buy.

National Broadband Ireland contractors have been on the ground across the country and over 274,261 premises nationwide can order or pre-order broadband on the NBI network so far.

The National Broadband Ireland website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates. Signing up to the NBI email notifications at https://nbi.ie/eoi/ is the easiest way to get the most up to date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order.  

Keep up to Speed!  

NBI is encouraging people to check their eligibility and register for updates at www.nbi.ie to receive regular notifications related to their own premises as works progresses in their area.  

Broadband Connection Points

In advance of the Fibre-to-the-Home rollout, the NBP provides for the delivery of Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) nationwide. 955 of these sites, including Public BCPs, are now ‘live’. Public BCPs – which include sports clubs, community centres and tourist sites – will provide free public access to high-speed internet in the rollout area. Other BCP categories include schools and marts.

BCPs will pave the way for rural communities to receive the benefits of broadband, from mobile working, e-learning and mobile banking, to digital tourism. You can view BCPs at www.nbi.ie/bcp-map/. An example of some of the locations of Broadband Connection Points in Waterford include Modeligo Community Hall, Mount Melleray Community Hall and Knockanore Community Centre. Primary schools in the Intervention Area are now connected for educational access as part of the NBP.

(ENDS) 

Minister Higgins visits Local Enterprise office in Waterford

Minister of State for Employment Affairs and Retail Business, Emer Higgins T.D., visited the Waterford Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) last Thursday May 2nd.

This was the Minister’s first visit to a Local Enterprise Office. On arrival the Minister was greeted by Deputy Mayor, Declan Doocey, Head of Enterprise, Gareth Evans and Senior Enterprise Development Officer Jacqui Gaule. The Minister was then introduced to council officials and members of the LEO team as well as some of their client companies.

Minister Higgins said:

“I am delighted to visit the Waterford Local Enterprise Office and meet with the LEO teams and their clients. This is my first opportunity to visit a Local Enterprise Office as Minister for State and it is a pleasure to see the hard work that is happening on the ground and to see first hand the work the LEOs and the Department are doing to support these businesses.”

The Minister was then introduced to LEO clients who were invited in to showcase their businesses. Mark Bergin of Coffeehouse Lane explained how they sell their own artisan manufactured, ethically sourced premium hand-roasted coffee through independent retail stores, the food service sector and SuperValu. Coffeehouse Lane were the winners of a Waterford Glas Awards in 2023.  Minister Higgins then met Stephanie Wickham of ExPat Ltd., who specialise in international tax advice across multiple jurisdictions. ExPat Taxes were the overall winner of the LEO Waterford Digital Awards in 2023 and will represent Waterford at this year’s National Enterprise Awards which are taking place in the Mansion House later this month.

The Minister was introduced to silversmith Gene O’Shea who specialises in quality, handmade pure silver jewellery.  Each piece is designed and created by Gene and is hallmarked at Dublin Castle.  Minister Higgins then spoke with Tony Hayes of the Irish Handmade Glass Company. They specialise in coloured, mouth blown and hand-cut crystal and their products range from tableware to lighting and decorative ornaments to jewellery.  They also work with leading companies designing corporate awards and gifts for events.

The Minister met with Keith Molloy of Molloy’s Butchers Ardkeen, also a winner at the 2023 Waterford Glas Awards. The company deliver produce in reusable crates with no single use cardboard or plastics accepted with all packaging either 100% home compostable or infinitely recyclable. Molloy’s encourage their customers to bring their own reusable containers and offer an incentive of 25% off to encourage this practice.

Minister Higgins then spoke with Dermot Harrington and Ken O’Shea of Reso Health.  The company are developing a platform to provide precision nutrition for professionals in the workplace.  This platform will combine an onsite dispenser with an employee-controlled app to deliver a range of nutritional supplements targeted specifically to the user.

The Minister finished her visit with a short walk to Strong Roots Jewellery where she met owner Michelle Dunne, an artist and metalworker who creates bespoke jewellery. Using the Celtic Tree Calendar as her inspiration her jewellery is based on the strong roots that shape us, nature, family, friends and hobbies.

On the conclusion of her visit, Minister Higgins said:

“The hard work of the LEO office here in the Waterford can be seen in every business I have met today. It is fantastic to see that the strategy of my Department and the LEO Network has helped create an environment in which these business can thrive.”