Economic Development - Waterford City & County Council

5th March 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore business wins Senior Student Enterprise Award

Tramore Sea Salt Spray from Ard Scoil na Mara wins Best Senior Student Enterprise in Waterford and qualifies for the National Student Enterprise Finals. Joining the Tramore business is Protein Pros from Mercy Convent secondary school, who won Best Junior Student Enterprise.

The county finals took place on Tuesday March 5th at the Park Hotel in Dungarvan. Co-ordinated by the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, the final took place during Local Enterprise Week. The competition is the most successful programme of its kind in the country. 27,000 budding entrepreneurs from 380 secondary schools across the country have been running their own enterprises, with help from their teachers and Local Enterprise Offices.

Tramore Sea Salt Spray, winner of the Senior award, created, produced and sold a unique product to enhance hair texture and volume by using natural mineral-rich sea salt, giving your hair a beachy, tousled look while also nourishing and strengthening it. The team comprised of Ben Phelan, Arlo Barron, Donnacha Flannery and Sam Ahern.

While the first Junior winners in Waterford in nearly 10 years produced a product similar to protein balls, however they made various different protein shapes instead. They offered multiple flavours including biscoff, dairy milk, and peanut butter in the shape of stars and hearts. The team included Sophie Wall, Emily O’Regan, Casey Wyse and Layla Costello.

The Waterford Student Enterprise Programme started in September with over 1,000 students from 14 schools in Waterford City and County. They created their businesses, developed, branded, promoted and sold. But most importantly they learned what it felt like to run their own business.

Finally, 100 students represented 12 schools in Waterford County competed in the Waterford Student Enterprise Final on Tuesday March 4th at the Park Hotel in Dungarvan. 36 businesses in total, shortlisted from a total of 350 who commenced the competition in September, presented their business plans and challenged for the top prize in the county section of the Student Enterprise Programme.

Tramore Sea Salt Spray and Protein Pros will represent Waterford at the National Finals on May 8th, taking on 34 other businesses, the best of the rest of the country.

National finalists from all over the country will set-up enterprise displays before taking part in a series of judges’ interviews. The judging panels take numerous factors into account, such as business reporting, innovation, market research, risk management and finances.

Praising the teachers and local schools involved in the programme, Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, said: “We run a very successful and popular Student Enterprise Programme here in Waterford, thanks to the support of the many schools and teachers in the area. The Student Enterprise Awards give local teenagers a taste of what it’s like to run their own business and to be their own boss. Along the way, the programme helps them develop important entrepreneurship skills, learning about sales, innovation, managing finances and finding new markets. Learning the fundamentals of running a business now, will help them throughout their studies and career.”

Further information about May’s National Finals is available through www.studententerprise.ie, which also has free resources and video tutorials for students and teachers for the 2025/2026 programme.

For more information, please contact your Local Enterprise Office at 35 the Mall in Waterford City or Civic Offices in Dungarvan. Alternatively, you can email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie .

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2025 winners’ list:

Best Display: – School: Abbey Community College Business: Beessentials

Best Innovation: – School: Newtown Secondary School Business: Nubus

Students’ Choice: – School: Ard Scoil na Mara, Tramore Business: Tramore Sea Glass & Shell Art

Best Interview: – School: Blackwater Community School Business: M A R S

Best use of Social Media: – School: St. Augustine’s College Business: Knot Kidding

Most Sustainable: – School: Waterpark College Business: Return to Raffle

Merit Award: – School: Waterpark College Business: Glisten Ireland

Junior Winner: – School: Our Lady Of Mercy Secondary School Business: Protein Pro’s

Senior 3rd: – School: Ard Scoil na nDeise Business: LA Slick Stick

Senior 2nd: – School: Ard Scoil na Mara, Tramore Business: Tramore Sea Glass & Shell Art

Senior 1st:- School: Ard Scoil na Mara, Tramore Business: Tramore Sea Salt Spray

Captions:

DSCF0428: Sophie Wall, Emily O’Regan, Casey Wyse and Layla Costello and their business Protein Pros from Mercy Convent Secondary School, Waterford receiving the Junior Student Enterprise Programme award from Councillor Damien Geoghegan and Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise Waterford LEO at the final of the Waterford Student Enterprise Programme in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan, hosted by the Local Enterprise Office – David Clynch

DSCF0445: Donnacha Flannery, Arlo Barron, Ben Phelan and Rob Kenny and their business Tramore Sea Salt Spray from Ard Scoil na Mara Tramore, receiving the Senior Student Enterprise Programme award from Councillor Damien Geoghegan and Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise Waterford LEO with judges Dermot Walsh, Sharon O’Brien, Jamie Whitty and David Walsh at the final of the Waterford Student Enterprise Programme in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan, hosted by the Local Enterprise Office – David Clynch

20th February 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Construction contract signed for Shandon Development Project

Waterford City and County Council recently awarded the construction contract for the Shandon housing development project (Dungarvan) under the Accelerated Delivery Programme to Nevin Construction of Maritana Gate, Waterford.

The project consists of the construction of 38 residential units, comprising 22 two-and three-bed houses and 16 one-and two bed apartments along with a community facility. The works will include parking and amenity areas, boundary treatments, landscaping and all associated site works.

This new development will consolidate existing residential areas close to Dungarvan town, and support local schools, amenities, and commercial uses in the general Shandon area.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy acknowledged that it was a significant day for Dungarvan, saying, “This investment in Shandon and by extension Dungarvan is to be welcomed. The delivery of social housing is a cornerstone of Waterford City and County Council’s housing policy. These energy efficient, modern homes will mark the start of a new chapter for so many young families and will bring additional vibrancy to the area.”

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council added, “Waterford City and County Council’s housing delivery programme is regarded as one of the strongest in the local authority sector.

“The delivery of projects such as the Shandon housing project is part of the Council’s strategy to further develop the pipeline of social housing across the city and county, in collaboration with our housing, planning and property management sections, and in tandem with government support agencies and stakeholders.”

Nevin Construction was awarded the contract which was procured through a Multi-Supplier Framework for the provision of Design & Build Dwelling Projects with values between €5,000,000 and €18,000,000 (Type 3 Projects) including associated works for use by Kilkenny, Carlow, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow County Councils.

The Shandon housing development is being delivered under the Government’s ‘Housing for All – a New Housing Plan for Ireland‘. Under the Housing for All initiative, Waterford City and County Council has unveiled new social housing units at various locations throughout the city and county, including Ballygunner, Green Road and Ballynaneashagh in Waterford City, Mary Street in Dungarvan, Cappoquin, Crobally Upper in Tramore, and Fountain Street in Ferrybank.

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Image: Noel Browne

Caption: The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy is pictured with Bernard Nevin, Managing Director, Nevin Construction, CE Waterford City and County Council, Sean McKeown, Walter Holden, Senior Executive Architect, WC&CC (Housing), Michael Landers, DML Architects and Thea O’Riordan, Executive Quantity Surveyor, WC&CC.

20th February 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Have Your Say on proposed Southern Entrance to Waterford’s Transport Hub

Waterford City and County Council has announced plans for a new southern entrance to the transport hub at the North Quays SDZ in Ferrybank.

The development includes curved external entrance steps, a passenger lift compliant with Part M of the Building Regulations, a new pedestrian access door from the southern platform, terraced planters, control gates with roller shutter systems, external blockwork treatment to the southern façade, external paving at ground level, and an extended roof canopy covering the lift and upper steps.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development are available for inspection on our Public Consultation’s platform.

The Council invites submissions or observations regarding the proposed development, focusing on the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Submissions can be made in writing to the Director of Economic Development at Waterford City & County Council, No. 35 The Mall, Waterford, clearly marked “Southern Entrance to Transport Hub,” by email to projectsteam@waterfordcouncil.ie, or online through the consultation portal.

All submissions must be received by 4 pm on 3rd March 2025.

We encourage residents and stakeholders to review the plans and share their opinions to help shape the future of Waterford’s transport infrastructure.

18th February 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

We Need Your Opinion : Thomas Street Creative survey

Waterford City & County Council are seeking your views on the proposed development of the Thomas Street Creative Project.

The Pocket Park and Community Art House project presents a number of key opportunities for Waterford. The introduction of biodiversity rich green spaces within the urban fabric of the city, space for artists to work, collaborate and engage with the wider community, space for community and residents to engage with art practice and each other.

The Thomas Street Creative is an initiative to inform and shape the local community and the cultural direction of Thomas Street in the heart of Waterford’s Cultural Quarter (WCQ).

With your input Waterford City and County Council aims to create a community space, comprising Pocket Park and Community Art House, that will best serve the needs and interests of those who live, work and play here!

We would appreciate it if you could take 5 minutes to complete the short survey below.

TAKE OUR SURVEY

18th February 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Start strong, grow smart, and thrive global at Local Enterprise Week 2025.

Waterford Local Enterprise Office has announced a programme of 24 events across 5 days during Local Enterprise Week 2025, taking place for Waterford City and County businesses from March 3rd to March 7th.

This year’s Local Enterprise Week will feature many new events including informative and engaging workshops, seminars, presentations and advice clinics aimed at local businesses, whether in pre-start, start-up or as an established business looking to grow.

The Local Enterprise Office has gathered experts in finance, marketing, social media, A.I. and sustainability. There are networking events, advice clinics and regional business awards, all crammed into one week at the start of March.

While favourites like the ever popular ‘Social Media Mash-Up’ returns to the Local Enterprise Week there are new and innovative events such as a Digital Innovation Clinic with the Walton Institute. You’ll get the opportunity to discuss your Digital Innovation project with an expert from the Walton Institute and explore how their expertise could potentially assist you to realise your ambition.

This clinic will explore how your limited company could avail of an Innovation voucher to access up to €5000 worth of expert time with Walton institute to work on a project in areas such as software development, communications services, immersive technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data analytics, future networks, digital platforms, and Internet of Things (IoT).

The ’Get Exporting Workshop’ is an excellent opportunity for businesses looking to scale up and seek new markets. It gives a practical step-by-step approach to get started exporting. This includes identifying target markets, currency exchange, invoicing, and trade finance, not to mention access to grants, trade missions, and expert advice.

Tuesday March 4th celebrates the future of enterprise in Waterford with the Student Enterprise Programme County final in the Park Hotel. 36 businesses from 12 schools will compete on the day for a place at the National Finals in May.

Two events not to be missed are, the Grow Digital Workshop which will assist you in securing up to €5,000 to transform your business, and an extremely interesting Going Green workshop which will help unlock an energy efficiency grant of €10,000.

The Local Enterprise Office also celebrates International Women’s Day with Waterford Chamber, Dungarvan Chamber and Network Waterford supporting three events across the week.

Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford Gareth Evans is looking forward to what promises to be a busy and productive week, “Local Enterprise Week is the perfect opportunity for many businesses to dip into a specific area of interest and gather information on a topic that may be relevant to their business now or in the future. It also provides the perfect opportunity for someone who may be interested in starting a business to get an idea of some of the key areas of focus and how to take those first steps.

“Waterford Local Enterprise Office is delighted to work in conjunction with various key business support organisations and state agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, Network Waterford, Dungarvan Chamber and Waterford Chamber, to provide a programme that gives start-ups and small businesses opportunities to help them on the path to growth.”

To register for Local Enterprise Week events taking place in Waterford city and county from March 3rd to 7th, visit https://www.localenterprise.ie/!AK56SF . Most events are completely free of charge while some have a nominal booking fee. As with every year, many of the events are expected to book up quickly so early booking is strongly advised.

28th January 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Public Meetings this week : County Outdoor Recreation Plan in development for Waterford

A five-year plan for outdoor recreation in Waterford is being developed for the first time in collaboration with a number of leading stakeholders.

These include Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Sports Partnership, Waterford Leader Partnership, Fáilte Ireland, Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Get Ireland Walking who have joined together to steer the development of the plan, which is being facilitated by Outscape. It is important for everyone with an interest in the outdoors to get involved as your input will play a vital role in shaping a plan that reflects the county’s natural beauty and the aspirations of our community.

The aim of the plan is to promote the enjoyment of outdoor activities in our natural landscapes, while also ensuring that these activities are sustainable and accessible to a broad section of the population.

The meetings are taking place on the following dates:

Wednesday 29th January: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, SETU Arena, Carriganore, Waterford, X91 XD96
Thursday 30th January: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, X35 CC97

Anyone interested in attending can register at this link – https://forms.office.com/e/Y33zPg2Jgh

It is hoped the plan will reflect the diversity of outdoor pursuits outlined in Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the national outdoor recreation strategy, and includes activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, fishing, horse riding, rock climbing, running, orienteering along with many water activities including open water swimming, surfing, kayaking, SUP, canoeing, sailing to name a few. Air based activities such as paragliding or hang gliding are also included.

The development of this plan is made possible through funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

For further information, please contact David Abbott, Outdoor Recreation Officer with Waterford Sports Partnership on 086 1650970 or dabbott@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

ENDS

21st January 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Have Your Say on proposed Southern Entrance to Waterford’s Transport Hub

Waterford City and County Council has announced plans for a new southern entrance to the transport hub at the North Quays SDZ in Ferrybank.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development are available for inspection on our Public Consultation’s platform.

The Council invites submissions or observations regarding the proposed development, focusing on the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

All submissions must be received by 4 pm on 3rd March 2025.

We encourage residents and stakeholders to review the plans and share their opinions to help shape the future of Waterford’s transport infrastructure.

17th January 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Have your Say! County Outdoor Recreation Plan in development for Waterford

A five-year plan for outdoor recreation in Waterford is being developed for the first time in collaboration with a number of leading stakeholders.

The meetings are taking place on the following dates:

Wednesday 29th January: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, SETU Arena, Carriganore, Waterford, X91 XD96
Thursday 30th January: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, X35 CC97

Anyone interested in attending can register at this link – https://forms.office.com/e/Y33zPg2Jgh

The development of this plan is made possible through funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

For further information, please contact David Abbott, Outdoor Recreation Officer with Waterford Sports Partnership on 086 1650970 or dabbott@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

ENDS

16th December 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Public Consultation: Villierstown Quay Enhancement Works

Waterford City and County Council invites your input on proposed enhancement works for Villierstown Quay, including improved access to the River Blackwater, upgraded recreational facilities, and landscape improvements.

This project aims to boost local amenities, enhance health and wellbeing, and support sustainable tourism in the area.

Submit your views and feedback by visiting: https://consult.waterfordcouncil.ie – closing date is February 5^th 2025.

#PublicConsultation #Waterford

6th December 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford’s plans for Heritage-led regeneration

Waterford's plans for Heritage-led regeneration Last month, Irish Local Authorities joined the European Urban Initiative Capacity Building team in Limerick for a training session on how to better integrate the New European Bauhaus values of aesthetics, sustainability, and participation into projects and urban strategies from the early stages of development.

Through THRIVE, Irish cities can receive funding for the design and implementation of regeneration projects, provided they incorporate the values of the New European Bauhaus.

Waterford is one of five urban centres to benefit from funding of up to €7 million each under THRIVE, the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, awarded under one of Ireland’s two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regional Programmes.

This funding will be utilised to regenerate the largest early 18th Century townhouse, 18 Lady Lane, on one of the oldest streets in Waterford City’s Viking Triangle.

18 Lady Lane will be converted into a visitor attraction, Tír na nÓg, the land of young people, to create a magical journey of discovery celebrating children’s past, present and future while conserving the original fabric and decorative internal features of the building to ensure authenticity is retained.

Morris Conway, Senior Architect with Waterford City and County Council explains, “The THRIVE heritage-led thinking ties in very well with Waterford City and County Council’s thinking. We have been actively pursuing a policy of heritage-led regeneration, especially in Waterford city centre and in our town centres.

“This is a project that tries to promote heritage and cultural experience to younger generations, to children and younger people. It’s something that had come through our museum experiences, our outreach programmes with our libraries, and also our community involvement schemes.”

“Sustainability, togetherness and beauty are the pillars of the New European Bauhaus. Our taking has always been around sustainability, both environmental, economic and social sustainability. So, it tied in very much with the new European Bauhaus. Sometimes, heritage building, a cultural use, can work well because it can be light touch,” Mr. Conway added.

Rose Power, THRIVE Programme Executive, Southern Regional Assembly said, “With THRIVE, what we’re trying to do is something a little bit more innovative, a little bit different. It works on the basis of urban regeneration, but we were looking to target the areas that most need that regeneration.

“This is about being bold, being brave, being innovative, and having a huge level of ambition to create projects that will be genuinely transformative for all of the citizens in our towns and cities across Ireland. The New European Bauhaus gives us that approach.”

Funded by the ERDF during the 2021-2027 programming period, Irish Regional Assemblies launched the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme – THRIVE. The programme aims to financially support Irish local authorities in renovating derelict heritage buildings in their town centres.

Tír na nÓg is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.

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Image:

Attending the NEB EUI Capacity Building event in Limerick were:

l-r: John McGrath, Meath County Council, Rose Power and Catherine Connaughton, Southern Regional Assembly, Billy Smyth, Cork County Council, Elizabeth Hore, Wexford County Council and Morris Conway, Waterford City and County Council.

15th November 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford allocated €196,468 funding for Community Safety

The Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership, chaired by Sean Aylward, recently welcomed a total of €196,468 in funding for two of the thirty-three successful projects allocated a total of just over €3 million from the Community Safety Fund by Helen McEntee TD, Minister for Justice.

Sean Aylward, welcoming the funding said, “These funds, the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Síochána, will make a real difference in the heart of our communities, in response to community led proposals to improve community safety.

“This funding helps the members of the Partnership, guided by the people who best understand the safety needs of their community implement proposals to make a real positive difference. I believe both these projects will lead to improved safety in Waterford.”

The Getting Kilcohan Back on Track Project has been allocated € €70,768. This proposal by WLCSP, in collaboration with Treo Port Lairge and An Garda Siochána, consists of eight-week innovative programs to engage with target groups and raise awareness about the benefits of safe usage of e-scooters, e-bikes and bikes on our roads, respect for our communities and introducing paths to education and apprenticeships.

It is intended as a part of the programs to educate participants on the dangers of unsafe modifications and reckless driving in the communities and the life changing injuries that can occur amongst other life learning skills.

Treo Port Lairge CLG is a community-based organisation that works with young adults aged 16+ in Waterford. The main aims of Treo are to facilitate more positive lifestyle choices by participants, reduce their criminal activity, and encourage progression to further education, training, and or employment. Danny Murphy, CEO Treo Port Lairge said, “Treo Port Lairge is delighted to be a collaborative partner of WLCSP in this successful project fund application and we hope to make our roads and communities safer for all to commute.”

Danny outlined how “this new initiative provides a comprehensive programme to raise awareness about the benefits and safe usage of e-scooters, e-bikes, and motorcycles on our roads by educating a target group through awareness of road safety measures and the benefits of safe practices.”

During this programme, the participants will engage with the Road Safety Authority, Waterford’s Roads Policing Unit in addition to workshops with former 15-time Irish Champion and competing world motorbike racer, Hilton Hincks.

The second project, a Safehub Waterford Pilot project was granted €125,700 to examine if personal safety and protection can be increased in Waterford City by using a newly developed SafeHub App.

This innovative safety solution has been developed on a mobile App, having previously been successfully trialled in a college campus environment and is now proposed to trial as a potential solution to increasing the feeling of safety in Waterford City, identified in the WLCSP Community Safety Action Plan.

Waterford was one of the three pilot locations for the Community Safety Partnership concept, which are now being implemented nationwide by the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. The WLCSP is based within the Community Department in Waterford City and County Council.

14th November 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Enterprise Office goes Digital

The Local Enterprise Office has launched its new online digital supports for small and medium sized enterprises. Grow Digital for Business is an initiative from the Local Enterprise Office designed to give its clients a digital edge.

The LEO’s expert digital consultants will assist these clients through analysis of gaps, exploration of opportunities and guidance in implementation of new digital solutions.

They’re intended to reduce the stress of running a business by reducing paperwork, improve results and efficiencies, integrate CRM systems, retain staff and improve overall performance.

Head of Enterprise in Waterford, Gareth Evans encourages all who are eligible to explore these new supports to contact the office, “For more information on your eligibility and in order to discover how Digital for Business can give you edge we’re encouraging all small businesses in Waterford to contact the team here at the Local Enterprise Office.

“Digital for Business is open to small enterprises with between 1 and 50 paid employees who are not currently clients of Enterprise Ireland or the IDA, they must be established and trading for at least 6 months, and operate within County Waterford.”

The support the LEO can offer via Digital for Business includes, analysis of existing digital systems in the business to identify potential gaps in meeting business needs, exploration of opportunities to optimise existing systems and to integrate with new solutions to enhance business operations and guidance on the implementation of new or enhanced digital solutions.

It does not cover costs associated with routine or business as usual upgrades of digital systems already in use that would not lead to a significant improvement in the business.

Once you have completed your Digital for Business you can take the next step on your digital journey with the Grow Digital Voucher. This offers small and medium businesses with up to 50 employees financial support to embrace digital technology. A Digital for Business project report must be completed within the previous two years. With this you can apply for up to €5,000 to embrace new technologies including cyber security, stock control or online booking or payment systems.

Funding will be in the form of a grant. The grant aid will be 50% of eligible costs with minimum grant aid of €500 up to a maximum grant of €5,000 per application. Enterprises can be approved for a maximum of two Grow Digital Voucher projects up to a maximum cumulative grant value of €5,000 as identified in their Digital for Business project to support their Digitalisation journey. Approval of a second Grow Digital Voucher is dependent on the demonstrated achievement of the progression of the business as outlined in the Digital for Business report. Allowable expenditure will be towards supporting the Digitalisation progression of the applicant.

All applications for Grow Digital Voucher should be discussed with your Local Enterprise Office in Waterford. Investigate your options and eligibility via the LEO’s website, www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie

6th November 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Faithlegg House Hotel features in ‘Shop Waterford and Support Local’ Christmas campaign

Waterford City and County Council is proud to support the ‘Shop Waterford, Support Local’ campaign this festive season. As the newly awarded European City of Christmas, Waterford invites everyone to explore our unique local businesses, diverse food and drink producers, and night-time economy. Let’s ‘Shop Waterford and Support Local’ to celebrate and strengthen our city and county.

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Faithlegg House Hotel

Tucked away in the scenic County Waterford countryside, Faithlegg House Hotel offers more than just luxury accommodation—it’s a haven for food lovers, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. At the heart of Faithlegg’s dining experience is a commitment to regional flavours and seasonal Irish produce, bringing the best of the area directly to your plate.

From the refined Roseville Rooms Restaurant to the more relaxed Aylward Lounge, the menus on offer highlight seasonal Irish ingredients. Faithlegg partners with local suppliers like Knockanore Cheese, Viking Cider, and Flahavan’s oats, ensuring every dish reflects the quality and heritage of the region.

Executive Chef Jenny Flynn explains, “Keeping our menus local and seasonal is at the core of the food ethos here in Faithlegg. I am lucky to be surrounded by such a high standard of produce carefully cultivated by the suppliers I have formed very important relationships with. I choose local not just because it is sustainable but because it really is the best. It’s a pleasure to work with people who are so passionate and committed, and I count myself lucky to have our kitchen based in a region where the quality is unparalleled. We are, after all, a circular economy and to support each other is mutually beneficial—when they grow, we grow!”

What sets Faithlegg apart isn’t just the quality of its food but the stories behind the ingredients. The hotel’s connections with local farmers, fishmongers, and artisan producers mean that each meal celebrates the richness of the region. The kitchen doesn’t rely on global imports; it champions the produce that’s just a stone’s throw away, adding depth to your dining experience.

For example, if you’re indulging in their Irish beef, you can be confident it’s sourced from trusted local suppliers like Dawn Meats. The seafood dishes, too, are a highlight—particularly when you know the catch has been sourced sustainably from the nearby coast. Pair this with a carefully curated wine or local craft beverage, and the connection between plate and place becomes even clearer.

There’s also a special quirkiness to some of Faithlegg’s offerings. The menus, while refined, don’t shy away from putting a twist on traditional Irish fare. Expect familiar ingredients presented with a fresh perspective, yet always grounded in local heritage.

In a time when the concept of “buying local” has never been more important, Faithlegg is a shining example of what can be achieved when businesses prioritise their local economy and food heritage. It’s not just about the food; it’s about supporting a network of suppliers, keeping traditions alive, and celebrating the best of what Ireland has to offer. Whether you’re a guest or simply stopping by for a meal, Faithlegg offers an authentic taste of the region with every bite.

ENDS

5th November 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

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.

-ENDS-

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.