Skip to content

Economic Development

By Waterford City & County Council

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

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

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

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

Level of Support available under the Economic Incentive Scheme

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

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

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

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

Code of Conduct between Landlords and Tenants for Commercial Rents

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

By Waterford City & County Council

Trilateral Research establishes European Operations Centre in Waterford

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Waterford City & County Council

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE RESTART GRANT SCHEMES

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

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

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor of Waterford welcomes jobs announcement by Zevas Communications for Dungarvan

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

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

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

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

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council informs recipients of pilot Shop Front Improvement Scheme

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

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

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

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Humphreys announces second tranche of rural Towns and Villages supports

Minister Humphreys announces second tranche of rural Towns and Villages to receive COVID-19 adaptation supports

  • 120 additional towns and villages to benefit from €3.3 million
  • Funding to help communities shop, socialise and work safely during COVID-19
  • 226 projects have now benefited from Town and Village Renewal Scheme since July

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Friday, 11 September 2020) announced details of the projects that have been approved for funding under the second round of the enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme that supports towns and villages to respond and adapt to COVID-19.

The focus of the funding is on measures and interventions that help towns and villages to adapt to social distancing requirements and to provide safe environments that encourage people into towns and villages to shop and socialise.

In the latest allocation of funding by Minister Humphreys, €3.3 million has been approved for 120 projects countrywide.

This is in addition to the €2.8 million that was announced under Round 1 of the scheme in August.

Examples of the successful projects being funded under the latest allocations include:

  • Cavan: Creation of outdoor meeting and event space at Ballyconnell Market Square;
  • Cork: Purchase of stage and amplification equipment for hosting medium scale events and concerts in West Cork;
  • Donegal: Establishment of outdoor food market in Donegal town;
  • Laois: Converting car parking spaces into outdoor spaces (parklets) for public seating and dining, as well as the enhancement of other central areas in Stradbally with landscaping and street furniture;
  • Tipperary: Repurposing eight community buildings throughout the county to facilitate Broadband Connection Points and remote working.
  • Mayo: The creation of three covered outdoor spaces for community based exercise classes and other community events in Belmullet and Westport.

Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said:

“I’m delighted to announce a second round of funding for projects under the enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The challenges of recent months have highlighted the central role that our towns and villages play in the lives of people in rural areas.  They are where we live, work, shop and socialise.

“The impact of COVID-19 has brought changes to all of our daily lives, but the projects I am approving today will assist rural towns and villages to adapt to those changes.  It is important that we make our towns and villages as welcoming as possible and that we provide the infrastructure to allow people to engage with local shops and services, and with each other, in a safe manner at this time.

“The €3.3 million in funding which I am allocating today to 120 towns and villages is for projects that can be delivered quickly and which will encourage people into our towns and villages, and giving them the confidence to spend more time there. Today’s funding is in addition to an allocation of €2.8 million made to 120 projects in August and is supported through the Government’s July Stimulus Package.”

The Minister continued:

“Once again the Local Authorities, together with their local communities, have brought forward projects that will help meet the specific needs of their own areas. A wide variety of innovative measures are being supported under this round of funding, including the purchasing of marquees and equipment to facilitate outdoor events and festivals, and the provision of sheltered outdoor meeting spaces.

I’m also pleased to be able to provide support for the fit out of a number of Broadband Connection Points throughout the country, which will be vital for people in remote locations to stay connected or to work remotely.”

Full details of the 120 projects supported under Round 2 are available on the gov.ie website here.

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006993 / 086-7912704

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council launches free Wifi in Grattan Square, Dungarvan – WiFi4EU

Waterford City & County Council welcomes the rollout of Free Public Wi-Fi across Waterford.  This free service is now live in Grattan Square, Dungarvan. The Wifi4EU initiative is an EU funded scheme which hopes to develop more digital communities and improve digital access across the European Commission area.

WiFi4EU aims to advance free and open access to Wi-Fi for citizens in public spaces including squares, libraries, community centres, public parks, leisure centres, sports centres, art facilities, and community and council facilities.

The deployment of Wi-Fi in Waterford’s tourist centres is seen as a critical element to our upcoming Digital strategy. Additionally, free public Wi-Fi is seen as an enabler for economic growth and promotes Dungarvan as progressive town. Waterford City & County Council hopes to bring Wi-Fi to the Waterford Tourism experience through digital services, making it more accessible and opening new ways to enjoy the cultural and environmental heritage of Waterford.

According to Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services, “The WiFi4EU initiative complements well the upcoming Digital strategy by promoting wireless access to internet by citizens and visitors in public places. The deployment of free Wi-Fi hotspots is the first step in allowing everyone access to infrastructure and services”.

TheWiFi4EU initiative is been supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and is providing match funding to that provided by the European Commission. The Irish Government has defined a National Broadband Plan (NBP) which aims at guaranteeing that all citizens and businesses have access to a modern and reliable broadband network.

“Waterford City & County Council now plan to leverage the WiFi4EU programme to cover other key places across the county, and expand the network through Waterford City & County  The new hotspots will be placed in tourism centres and public areas, with the goal of finding a balance between services for citizens and tourism services. The service will be rolled out further to Walton Park, Waterford’s Cultural Quarter, Tramore, Lismore and Waterford Greenway carparks in the coming weeks.” explained Jack Doyle, Broadband Officer .

The network will also enable deeper insight into tourists’ footfall and habits, allowing data-driven improvements to provide a service tailored around tourists’ needs while fully respecting personal data.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Join our Webinar: Waterford City & County Development Plan

Join our 3 webinars pertaining to the Waterford City & County Development Plan 2022-2028

18th August – Environment and Heritage – https://t.co/J5cf8CJpAv
• Environment – Ray Maloney, Senior Executive Officer, Environment Department
•Natural Heritage – Bernie Guest, Heritage Officer, Planning Department
•Built Heritage – Rose Ryall, Conservation Officer, Planning Department

19th August – Local Placemaking – https://t.co/a5QaMmOLIa
• Placemaking – Morris Conway, Executive Architect, Economic Development Department
• Local Development – Vinnie O’Shea, Administrative Officer, Economic Development
• Open Space – Eoin Dullea, Horticulturist, Environment Department

20th August – Economy, Education and Agriculture – https://t.co/q4F73J37Dc
• Economy – Gerald Hurley, CEO Waterford Chamber & Jenny Beresford, CEO Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber
• Education – Dr. Richard Hayes, Vice President for Strategy, WIT
• Agriculture– Mr. John Geraghty, Lecturer at the School of Science and Computing, WIT

By Waterford City & County Council

Business “Restart” Grant – temporarily unavailable

Following the Government announcement on 23rd July 2020, the application form for the Business Restart Grant is temporarily unavailable as the scheme is currently being revised by Central Government.

Applications under the new scheme will open in due course.  Please check our wbesite for further updates.

Waterford City and County Council appreciates your patience in this matter.

For any queries, please email restart@waterfordcouncil.ie or call Customer Services at 0761 10 20 20.

By Waterford City & County Council

Popular Waterford Figures Supporting ‘Shop Local’

What do rugby international Niamh Briggs, Chef Paul Flynn and radio personalities Kieran O’Connor and Damien Tiernan have in common? They are all ambassadors for a new shop local campaign created by Waterford Chamber and Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

These popular Waterford figures are passionate about the need to support local right now and into the future and are asking you to buy Shop Local gift vouchers to ensure your money is spent locally.

This is the first time Waterford Chamber and Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber have come together to advertise Chamber Shop Local Gift Vouchers. Between both Chambers, these vouchers can be spent in over 250 local businesses.

This campaign is also running in conjunction with WLR FM who are consistent advocates for supporting local and it is also supported by Waterford Council.

Vouchers can be bought from both Chamber offices in Waterford City and Dungarvan or online at  www.waterfordchamber.ie/ and www.dungarvanchamber.ie/

Tune in to WLR FM during July and August to hear the popular figures asking you to choose Chamber Shop Local Gift Vouchers and there will also be some vouchers up for grabs. But above all, please remember to ‘Shop Waterford Support Local’.Local Ambassadors

By Waterford City & County Council

Notice of intention to review existing Development Plans and create new Development Plan

Pre-Draft Public Consultation Stage

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 11(1) of the Planning and Developments Acts 2000-2019 of the intention of Waterford City & County Council to commence its review of the existing Waterford City Development Plan 2013-2019 (as extended) Waterford County Development Plan 2011-2017 (as extended) and the Dungarvan Town Development Plan 2012-2018 (as extended) and to prepare a new Waterford City and County Development Plan for the period 2022-2028.

The new development plan will be the first unitary plan for the entire functional
area of Waterford City and County Council as heretofore provided for under the above stated development plans and local areas plans for the settlements of Lismore,
Portlaw and Tramore. The preparation of a new development plan shall be
strategic in nature for the purposes of developing objectives and policies to deliver an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area
of the development plan and the core strategy.

Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment

The Planning Authority will carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as part of the review process, pursuant to Article 13B of the Planning and Development (SEA) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 436 of 2004), as amended by the Planning and Development
(SEA)(Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 201 of 2011).

For this purpose, the Planning Authority will prepare an Environmental Report of the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the new development
plan. The provisions of Article 13C to 13J of the SEA Regulations (as amended) shall apply while undertaking the SEA.

In addition, a Stage One Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening (and Stage Two AA, if required) pursuant to Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC and the
Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended), and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) in compliance with ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management
Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2009’ will also be carried out as part of the development plan preparation process.

Strategic Issues Paper

The preparation of the new Waterford City & County Development Plan will take two years to complete and will involve three stages of public consultation. As part of the first stage, the Planning Authority is engaging in pre-draft public consultation with the general public and a wide range of organisations and interest groups.

In order to stimulate debate and encourage participation at this first stage, a Strategic Issues Paper and a dedicated online consultation portal has been prepared providing a
synopsis of the plan making process and suggested issues affecting development in the city and county.

A copy of the Strategic Issues Paper is available at consult.waterfordcouncil.ie along with other material to assist in understanding the development plan and its process. Copies of the Strategic Issues Paper can also be obtained at the following locations, during normal
working hours, from Monday 20th July 2020 until Monday 14th September 2020 (both dates inclusive):

  • Customer Care Desk, Baileys New Street, Waterford City
  • Customer Care Desk, Civic Offices, Dungarvan; and,
  • Waterford City & County Council Branch Libraries.

Public Consultation Events

While Waterford City & County Council wishes to ensure that the draft development plan will be informed by public engagement, as a result of Covid 19, new ways of communicating fully with the public and interest parties will be required at this pre-draft stage. To this end it is intended to hold a number of public webinars throughout the public consultation period, full details of which will be posted on the consultation portal
consult.waterfordcouncil.ie and in local press. Individuals, groups, organisations or representatives will be invited to discuss any element or issues stemming from the
existing Waterford City, Waterford County or Dungarvan Town Development Plans and to play a part in shaping the new Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022 –
2028.

In the interim members of the public are advised to engage with the consultation portal, the strategic issues paper and associated online content which are specifically
designed to facilitate the easy making of submissions.

Making a Submission

Submissions or observations regarding the preparation of the new Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022-2028 may be made to the Planning Authority from
Monday 20th July 2020 until Monday 14th September 2020 (both dates inclusive) and can be submitted by one of the following ways:

1. In writing to: Senior Planner, Planning Department, Waterford City and County Council, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford City;
OR
2. In electronic format through consult.waterfordcouncil.ie

Please make your submission by one method only (i.e. in hard copy or via the website consultation portal). This will avoid the duplication of submission reference numbers
and will streamline the process. All submissions should be clearly marked ‘City and County Development Plan 2022 – 2028’.

In respect of making a submission or observation please note the following;

  • Submissions should relate to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
  • Children or groups or associations representing the interest of children are entitled to make submissions or observations regarding the objectives and policies to deliver an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area of
    the development plan and core strategy.
  • The planning authority intends to review the zoning of the area of the development plan; however, requests or proposals for the zoning of particular land for any purpose shall not be considered at this Pre-Draft Stage.
  • If you consider that you have a disability, please give details of any special requirements for public consultation purposes that you may have in order
    that appropriate arrangements can be made if necessary.
  • All submissions must include your name and contact address, a map (where appropriate), and where relevant, details of any organisation, community
    group or company, etc, which you represent.
  • The closing date for receipt of submission to this pre-draft stage of the development plan is Monday 14th September 2020 at 4.00pm. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Data Protection:
Note: Submissions received by the Planning Authority will be published on Waterford City & County Council’s website at consult.waterfordcouncil.ie within 10 working
days of receipt, along with your name in accordance with the Planning & Development (Amendment) Act 2018. Your contact details will not be published. Please do not include personal, confidential or other sensitive information in submissions.

Any queries you may have regarding data protection should be addressed to:
dataprotection@waterfordcouncil.ie

Michael Quinn
Director of Services
(Economic Development & Planning Services)
Designated Public Official under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.

 

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Dungarvan Town Centre reopens with renewed sense of Summer Vibrancy

Dungarvan Town Centre is enjoying a welcome return to business with the installation of over 60 planters by Waterford Council’s Presentation Team. The Council initiative is a welcome and positive addition to the town centre. The planters have been designed and manufactured by Dungarvan based Coffey Structural Engineering and are a bespoke concept developed by the Waterford Council’s Presentation Team. Installation of the 60 planters began yesterday and will continue during early July.

The colour and vibrancy added by the tasteful planting and outdoor seating in Grattan Square and other town centre areas is bringing a renewed sense of adventure to Dungarvan for the summer season.

Cllr Damien Geoghegan, Mayor of the City and County of Waterford said “It is wonderful to see Dungarvan open for business and to have so many local pubs and restaurants open out onto our stunning public realm areas. Dungarvan is a perfect location and locals and visitors alike will enjoy the relaxed holiday atmosphere brought about by turning our town centre “inside out”. I look forward to enjoying all that Dungarvan has to offer over the summer months and being part of getting Waterford City, towns and villages back to business.”

Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council and Dungarvan Town Manager said “As part of WCCC’s continued support to local cafés, restaurants and other food outlets, Waterford Council has designed, procured and installed over 60 planters across Dungarvan town in order to provide safe and attractive outdoor seating areas in Grattan Square, Davitts Quay and Lower Parnell Street.  These areas will provide additional space in order for the businesses to achieve compliance with social distancing requirements. The locations and design were agreed with local Councillors in Dungarvan Lismore Municipal District and with Dungarvan Town Centre management group. This scheme will work in tandem with our street furniture grant scheme and will provide a further attraction to tourists who choose Dungarvan and West Waterford as their holiday destination.”

Waterford City and County Council is providing grant assistance to all eligible businesses through the Outdoor Furniture Scheme which is open until 31st August 2020. Online applications can be made at www.waterfordcouncil.ie and grant assistance up to €2,000 is available under the scheme.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford businesses encouraged to apply for Local Authority Restart Grant in Phase 2 of Roadmap to Recovery

As the country moves into Phase 2 of the Government’s Roadmap to Recovery, small businesses that have managed to operate through the pandemic, recently reopened or are due to reopen are being encouraged to apply for the Local Authority Restart Grant through Waterford City and County Council.

The Restart Grant gives direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures and is available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover up to June 30th, 2020.

Businesses due to reopen under Phase 2 (June 8th) include small retail outlets and marts.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council said the grant, is based on the equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019 and if a company is currently in a rateable premise but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply.

“Now that we are moving into Phase 2, more and more small businesses will be in a position to reopen.  Some will have continued to operate but will have experienced a loss in revenue and staff numbers while bearing ongoing costs.  For others, the cost of reopening will be a challenge.  The Restart Grant, which is a minimum of €2,000 and maximum of €10,000, can be used to help defray ongoing fixed costs or meet the cost of reopening, such as replenishing stock or implementing the necessary health and safety protocols to ensure customer and employee safety.”

“Small retail businesses due to open in Phase 2 should apply for the grant via Waterford City and County Council and they will be prioritised.  As we gradually move into the next phases and more sectors open up, these businesses should apply.  Over the coming weeks and months in Phases 3, 4 and 5 more retail outlets, offices, restaurants, hotels, cafes, pubs, childcare facilities and indoor recreational centres are scheduled to reopen.  These businesses too should begin the process of applying for the Restart grant in order to avoid delay.”

Applications for the Restart Grant can be made via www.waterfordcouncil.ie and the closing date for receipt of applications is August 31st, 2020.

Processing of applications and payment of the Restart Grant will depend on the initial surge of applications but, as far as is feasible, will be prioritised according to scheduled re-opening dates in the national Roadmap.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:

About the Restart Grant

Micro and small businesses are particularly vulnerable to the economic effects of Covid-19.  Many businesses, even while closed, continue to incur costs including fixed costs without being able to generate revenues.  It is recognised that businesses will also incur costs in preparing their businesses to reopen and meeting the needs of employees and customers.  The Restart Grant is designed to alleviate the pressure on businesses in this context.

To avail of the Restart Grant, a business must 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 closed and/or 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 retaining employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS)

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

For further information:

Karen Cheevers, B2B Communications
086 2300700

Latest News
Made in Waterford and hosted in the EU :)