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Meabhrúchán : Scéim Athnuachana Bailte & Sráidbhailte 2024 Léiriú Spéise

Town & Village Renewal logoRiarfaidh Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge Scéim Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte 2024, arna maoiniú ag an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail. Maoinítear an Scéim Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte faoi Thionscadal Éireann 2040 agus is príomhthionscnamh í de chuid Ár dTodhchaí Tuaithe — Beartas Forbartha Tuaithe na hÉireann 2021-2025. Tá cuspóirí Scéim Athnuachana na mBailte agus na Sráidbhailte 2024 dírithe ar ailíniú a dhéanamh leis na gealltanais laistigh dár gcáipéisÍ pholasaí Ár dTodhchaí Tuaithe agus Tús Áite do Lár an Bhaile.

Tá an Scéim Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte dírithe ar a chinntiú go bhforbrófar bailte agus sráidbhailte tuaithe i bPort Láirge agus áiteanna níos tarraingtí a dhéanamh díobh chun cónaí agus oibriú iontu agus chun a n-acmhainneacht eacnamaíoch a mhéadú.

Tá léirithe spéise ó bhailte agus ó shráidbhailte á lorg anois ag Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge chun tionscadail oiriúnacha a mhaoiniú faoin tionscnamh seo. Is féidir foirm léirithe spéise agus sonraí faoi imlíne na Scéime a fháil trí ríomhphost a chur chuig townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie agus tá foirmeacha léirithe spéise comhlánaithe le seoladh ar ais roimh 5.00i.n. Dé hAoine 19 Aibreán 2024.

Beidh gach iarratas faoi réir próiseas roghnúcháin a úsáideann Critéir Náisiúnta. Forbrófar iarratais léirithe spéise roghnaithe ina dtairiscintí mionsonraithe lena mbreithniú do Scéim
Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte 2024.

Reminder: Expressions of Interest sought for 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme

Town & Village Renewal logo

Waterford City & County Council will administer the 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 and is a key initiative of Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025. The objectives of the 2024 Town and Village Renewal Scheme are focused to align with the commitments within Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy documents.

The focus of the Town & Village Renewal Scheme is on ensuring the development of Waterford’s rural towns and villages and making them more attractive places to live and work and increase their economic potential.

Waterford City & County Council now seeks expressions of interest from towns and villages, for funding of suitable projects under this initiative. Expression of interest form and details of the Scheme’s outline can be obtained by e-mailing townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie and completed expression of interest forms are to be returned before 5.00pm Friday 19th April 2024.

All applications will be subject to a selection process using National Criteria.  Selected expression of interest applications will be developed into detailed bids for consideration for the 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme.

Expat Taxes wins Waterford National Enterprise Award

National Enterprise Award Winner_Waterford 2024

Expat Taxes Ltd., a Waterford company specialising in tax for expatriates has been named as Waterford’s Enterprise Award winner and will go on to represent Waterford at the 24th National Enterprise Awards which will take place in the Mansion House, Dublin, on Thursday May 23rd 2024.

The announcement was made as part of the Local Enterprise Office’s Local Enterprise Week at the Mayor’s Parlour on Friday March 8th.

Expat Taxes Ltd. is a boutique Irish tax practice that simplifies taxes for people moving to or from Ireland. As Chartered Tax Advisers and Chartered Accountants with over 15 years’ experience they are experts in expatriate tax. It offers tax advisory and tax compliance services. Its aim is to make taxes less stressful and to help its clients navigate the complex work of international tax.

The aim of the National Enterprise Awards is to spotlight, showcase, encourage and support a culture of enterprise and entrepreneurship in our communities in Ireland, to promote entrepreneurship and to celebrate the achievement of the core client portfolio of the LEOs.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway who presented the award was impressed with the winner, saying, “Expat Taxes represents the new outward looking Waterford. As our city and county continues to grow, progress and attract investment, companies such Expat provide a valuable and seamless service to those thinking of locating to Waterford and Ireland.

“I’d like to wish Stephanie and her team the best of luck as they go on to represent Waterford at the National Enterprise Finals.”

Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford, congratulated the winners, “The National Enterprise Awards are very much a benchmark for excellence for small businesses across the country.  Expat Taxes has demonstrated its calibre, innovation and resourcefulness and is a very deserving winner of the Waterford award. To be so successful after just a few shorts years in business is a real achievement and I’m sure they will go on to represent us well on the national stage.”

Stephanie Wickham, owner, was obviously delighted to win the award, “After winning the Waterford Digital Award last year we know how important they can be for our profile. We’re really looking forward to representing Waterford on the national stage in May and would like to thank the team at the LEO for all their help over the years.”

The other four finalists in the Waterford NEAs were:

  • Euro Tachograph Solutions Ltd
  • CMC Hygea Ltd
  • Reso Health Ltd
  • Uoto Ltd

The Waterford Enterprise Awards took place as part of a very successful Local Enterprise Week programme of events.  There were over 300 events which took place across the country, run by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices from March 4th to 8th.

Stiúideo Shortcourse wins Student Enterprise Awards

Stiúideo Shortcourse wins Student Enterprise Awards

Maebh Dimond from Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge wins Best Student Enterprise in Waterford and qualifies for the National Student Enterprise Finals.

Stiúideo Shortcourse, winner of the Senior award, created, produced and sold local greeting cards providing creative new designs in Irish with recycled materials and crisp card designs for special occasions. Stiúideo Shortcourse’s key focal point is promoting the Irish language through sustainable sources. Maebh, from Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge took part in the Local Enterprise Office’s Student Enterprise Awards on Tuesday March 5th at the Tower Hotel in Waterford City.

The Waterford Student Enterprise Programme started in September with 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 11 schools in Waterford County and competed in the Waterford Student Enterprise Final on Tuesday March 5th at the Tower Hotel in Waterford City. 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. Stiúideo Shortcourse will represent Waterford at the National Finals on May 9th, taking on 34 other businesses, the best of the rest of the country.

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.

National finalists from all over the country will set-up enterprise exhibition displays before taking part in a series of judging 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: “The Student Enterprise Programme encourages and enables students to take on the world of business and develop an entrepreneurial mind-set. By fostering an enterprising culture in the classroom, the Local Enterprise Offices are working with teachers and schools to help nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

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 2023/2024 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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Scéim Athnuachana Bailte & Sráidbhailte 2024 Léiriú Spéise

Town & Village Renewal logoRiarfaidh Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge Scéim Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte 2024, arna maoiniú ag an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail. Maoinítear an Scéim Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte faoi Thionscadal Éireann 2040 agus is príomhthionscnamh í de chuid Ár dTodhchaí Tuaithe — Beartas Forbartha Tuaithe na hÉireann 2021-2025. Tá cuspóirí Scéim Athnuachana na mBailte agus na Sráidbhailte 2024 dírithe ar ailíniú a dhéanamh leis na gealltanais laistigh dár gcáipéisÍ pholasaí Ár dTodhchaí Tuaithe agus Tús Áite do Lár an Bhaile.

Tá an Scéim Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte dírithe ar a chinntiú go bhforbrófar bailte agus sráidbhailte tuaithe i bPort Láirge agus áiteanna níos tarraingtí a dhéanamh díobh chun cónaí agus oibriú iontu agus chun a n-acmhainneacht eacnamaíoch a mhéadú.

Tá léirithe spéise ó bhailte agus ó shráidbhailte á lorg anois ag Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge chun tionscadail oiriúnacha a mhaoiniú faoin tionscnamh seo. Is féidir foirm léirithe spéise agus sonraí faoi imlíne na Scéime a fháil trí ríomhphost a chur chuig townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie agus tá foirmeacha léirithe spéise comhlánaithe le seoladh ar ais roimh 5.00i.n. Dé hAoine 19 Aibreán 2024.

Beidh gach iarratas faoi réir próiseas roghnúcháin a úsáideann Critéir Náisiúnta. Forbrófar iarratais léirithe spéise roghnaithe ina dtairiscintí mionsonraithe lena mbreithniú do Scéim
Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte 2024.

Expressions of Interest sought for 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme

Town & Village Renewal logo

Waterford City & County Council will administer the 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 and is a key initiative of Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025. The objectives of the 2024 Town and Village Renewal Scheme are focused to align with the commitments within Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy documents.

The focus of the Town & Village Renewal Scheme is on ensuring the development of Waterford’s rural towns and villages and making them more attractive places to live and work and increase their economic potential.

Waterford City & County Council now seeks expressions of interest from towns and villages, for funding of suitable projects under this initiative. Expression of interest form and details of the Scheme’s outline can be obtained by e-mailing townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie and completed expression of interest forms are to be returned before 5.00pm Friday 19th April 2024.

All applications will be subject to a selection process using National Criteria.  Selected expression of interest applications will be developed into detailed bids for consideration for the 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme.

Local Enterprise Office Waterford announces programme for Local Enterprise Week 2024

Waterford Local Enterprise Office has announced a programme of 14 events across 5 days during Local Enterprise Week 2024, taking place for Waterford City and County businesses from March 4th to March 8th.

This year’s Local Enterprise Week will feature a host of 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.

You can learn from the experts in finance, marketing, social media, A.I. and photography. You can create digital opportunities for business, audit your website and source funding.

A key event in this packed programme is the ever popular ‘Social Media Mash-Up’, taking place on Thursday March 7th from 10am to 12.30. Hosted by Teresanne O’Reilly it features digital marketing expert Muriel Foley of MGFD; Stephanie Wickham of Expat Taxes, winner of last year’s Digital Marketing Awards; Kevin Doolan, Director of Innovation at Walton Institute for Information and Communication Systems Science and Paul Dower, founder of Waterford in your pocket.

Tuesday March 5th celebrates the future of enterprise in Waterford with the Student Enterprise Programme County final in the Tower Hotel. 42 businesses from 12 schools will compete on the day for a place at the National Finals in May.

Later in the week the Local Enterprise Office celebrates International Women’s Day with a Dungarvan Chamber event on Thursday evening and a Networking Breakfast event on the Friday morning in the Viking Hotel.

Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford Gareth Evans is looking forward to his first Enterprise Week, “This year’s Local Enterprise Week programme has something for everyone, whatever phase your business is in, or whatever sector your business is in.  The range of events and the calibre of speakers and facilitators have been specifically chosen by the team here in Waterford to address, with practical insight, what is required in achieving your business goals.

“The Local Enterprise Offices are tasked with assisting start-ups and small businesses to “Make it Happen”, each office strives to give these businesses the opportunities and resources to unleash their potential and make the path to growth as unhindered as possible. They also give those thinking of starting or expanding a business access to the full range of supports provided by State bodies and expert third parties, and that cross pollination is well reflected in the 2024 Local Enterprise Week programme.

“Waterford Local Enterprise Office is delighted to work in conjunction with various key business support organisations and state agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, Dungarvan Chamber and Waterford Chamber of Commerce 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 4th to 8th, visit https://www.localenterprise.ie/!AK56SFMost 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.

ENDS

Waterford officially recognised as European City of Christmas 2024 at ceremony in Madrid

At a ceremony at Torrejón de Ardoz in Madrid on January 3rd, 2024, Waterford was officially recognised as the European City of Christmas 2024 by the International Jury of the European Capital of Christmas.

Waterford was proudly represented by Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway, along with his wife Sandra, Finn Brophy, Executive Technician with Waterford City and County Council’s Economic Development Department, and members of Winterval Organising Committee, Trevor Darmody, John Grubb, and Tina Darrer.

In December last year, the International Jury of the European Capital and City of Christmas 2024 competition unanimously voted to award the European City of Christmas 2024 title to Waterford City.

The International Jury, chaired by Prof. Dr. Danuta Hübner, Member of the European Parliament, was impressed with Waterford City and County Council’s submission, citing, ‘The City of Waterford is an extraordinary jewel of Christmas harmony and aesthetics and represents values such as solidarity, which lies with the local communities as well as a strong commitment to its heritage as a hallmark of identity, material and above all immaterial and culture.

On accepting the award on behalf of the people of Waterford, Mayor Conway greeted the judging panel and attendees in Spanish and said, “On behalf of the people of Waterford, I want to say how happy we are to be here in Madrid to receive our recognition as the European City of Christmas 2024.”

He added, “I want to endorse the splendid work done by Waterford City and County Council for their continued faith and support of Winterval Waterford…to our management team, and in particular Finn Brophy, Trevor Darmody, John Grubb, and Tina Darrer from Waterford’s vibrant commercial and hospitality sectors, for their inspiring and diligent work for our lovely city in Ireland’s southeast.

“I wish also, of course, to record our thanks to all involved in the judging of the event and express special thanks to Alberto Gutiérrez Alberca, president of the Christmas Cities Network, who led the creation of the Award in 2017 and the people of Torrejón de Ardoz for their tremendous hospitality.”

Winterval, Ireland’s Christmas Festival, was created by Waterford City and County Council in partnership with local stakeholders in 2012 and is regarded as the country’s premier Christmas festival.  The festival concluded on December 23rd, having run for six weeks and enjoyed a ‘record-breaking’ year with 700,000 people enjoying an abundance of Christmas magic and festive family favourites in Ireland’s Best Place to Live.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council congratulated the team involved in securing the title of European City of Christmas, saying, “Winterval is synonymous with Christmas in Waterford and Ireland, and now has rightfully been acknowledged as being on a par with European cities of Christmas such as Genoa, San Sebastián, Liège and Valkenburg.

“The input from the Local Authority, the organising committee, stakeholders and the local business community has been exceptional and steadfast, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and hard work in bringing this prestigious title to Waterford.”

Waterford, now part of the European Christmas City Network, will be assisted in forging alliances with Christmas cities within the network and working with European Christmas cities to share knowledge, experience, and creative ideas.

The European Christmas City Network, which is supported by the European Parliament, was founded to promote the values of European culture diversity, and especially the different and varied Christmas traditions throughout Europe that have transcended in the world.

In addition to Waterford been recognised as the European City of Christmas 2024, Brno in the Czech Republic was recognised as European Christmas Capital, while special mention was given to the small municipality of Almanza in Spain with less than 600 inhabitants.

The International Jury of the European Capital and City of Christmas will visit Waterford in 2024 and plans are already underway to create a festive spectacular befitting of the European City of Christmas title.

For further information about the European Capital and City of Christmas visit www.europeancapitalofchristmas.org

Image attached :

17:

Miguel López-Valverde Argüeso, Minister of Digitalization of the Community of Madrid, John Grubb (Every Event Ltd), Festival Director of Winterval, Trevor Darmody (WAMA Ltd) Festival Director of Winterval, Finn Brophy, Waterford City and County Council and Event Controller of Winterval, Mayor of Torrejón de Ardoz, Alejandro Navarro Prieto; Danuta Hübner, President of the International Jury, former European Commissioner for Regional Policy and Trade, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland and MEP; Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway and Tina Darrer (Dooleys Hotel) Member of the Winterval Committee.

Big plans for Waterford designers at Showcase 2024

Waterford’s craft and design industry will have strong representation at this year’s Showcase Creative Expo, which takes place from January 21st to 23rd 2024 in The RDS in Dublin.

Running for over forty years, Showcase has an impressive track record in attracting Ireland’s most talented makers and designers, along with buyers from over twenty countries. It offers the chance to explore the best of Ireland’s creativity from over 450 exhibitors including leading Irish designers and manufacturers and the very best emerging home-grown creative talent.

Four craft and design companies will be showcasing the very best of Waterford creativity, design and innovation, with the assistance of Local Enterprise Office Waterford.

 

Fiona Fahy, Feed Me Mother

Feed Me Mother is Ireland’s first sustainable breastfeeding and maternity clothes brand. It’s dedicated to empowering breastfeeding mothers to look and feel stylish and comfortable. The idea came to its founder Fiona after the birth of her first child in 2017, “Sustainable clothing that supports mothers in their postpartum journey is very important to me. I wanted a breastfeeding wardrobe that reflected my own style and personality, that was comfortable but gave me the confidence to feed freely, anywhere I wanted. And I knew I couldn’t be alone in feeling this way.”

 

Lynn Shead, Natures Alchemy

Natures Alchemy offers natural skincare products with a herbal medicine twist. All products are infused with organic herbs and flowers to add extra layers of healing and protection to your skincare routine. Founder Lynn is looking forward to the opportunity Showcase provides, “I’m very excited to attend Showcase in January for the first time with Waterford Local Enterprise office. Really looking forward to seeing all the other amazing Irish businesses on show, meeting small business friends in person there as well as finding new stockists that will bring Natures Alchemy to new parts of the country.”

 

Kayleigh Sutton, Phat Poly

Kayleigh is a self-taught Maximalist Jewellery Designer, creating handcrafted colourful and fun jewellery in her home studio, which is located in Tramore in Co. Waterford. Phat Poly, creates eye-catching and kitsch earrings that were lightweight and guaranteed not to cause skin irritations. Commenting on her business, “What I love about how I run my business is how often I get to play with ideas and create new designs. Unlike mainstream jewellery brands, you can find new Phat Poly designs most months! This keeps things fresh and exciting for me and my customers.”

 

Kim Whyte, Pawpear

Pawpear exists to connect people through the slow art of the handwritten message. Its exquisitely colourful stationery is designed and made in Ireland, and inspired by its richness of culture, nature and heritage. Founder Kim plans to make the most of Showcase, “As a new brand it’s hugely important to have face-to-face discussions with customers, build relationships and get feedback on our product, pricing and packaging.  Showcase Ireland will hopefully help me meet lots of interesting retailers face-to-face rather than by email or over the phone.”

 

Working in partnership with the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) around the country set up a dedicated area within Showcase every year – the Local Enterprise Showcase – enabling up to 100 designers, manufacturers and craftspeople to sell directly to international buyers.

Jamie Whitty, Business Advisor at LEO Waterford said that Showcase is an invaluable stepping stone to any craft-maker or designer getting an audience with potential clients.  “With buyers from Ireland, Europe, the USA and Asia, Showcase is truly established as the must-see trade event.  For anyone in the fashion, jewellery, home or giftware business the event offers exposure to new international markets.

“Not only is their place subsidised by the LEO, in advance of the expo the businesses will avail of training and briefing days in order to help them perfect their pitch and give them the tools, advice and insights to take full advantage of this fantastic opportunity.”

If your business is in pre-start, start-up or established business phase and would like to find out more about what business support services are available from LEO Waterford visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/ or call to LEO Waterford offices at 35, The Mall, Waterford or the Civic Offices in Dungarvan.

-ENDS-

 

Photo:  Karen Dempsey Photography

Fiona Fahy of Feed Me Mother, Lynn Shead of Natures Alchemy, Jamie Whitty LEO Business Advisor, Kim Whyte of Pawpear and Cayleigh Sutton of Phat Poly. 

New Head of Enterprise at LEO Waterford

“I hope my experience in building relationships will enable the Local Enterprise Office to play a key role.”

Local Enterprise Office Waterford has a new Head of Enterprise. Gareth Evans, who joined the LEO and started in his new role on November 6th brings a wealth of expertise in enterprise and economic development with him.

With 20 years’ experience working in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, Gareth is looking forward to this new challenge, “Every role and every organisation brings a new set of opportunities and challenges, but I find it always revolves around people. Waterford as a City and Council is on the cusp of some remarkable developments, but this is on the back of years of work by those who have strived to bring Waterford to this stage. The indigenous business community, the multinationals who have made this their home and the organisations who help make it happen, none more so than the team at the Local Enterprise Office.

“I’m excited to take up this position and help the LEO drive Waterford business forward over the next few years. I hope my experience in building relationships will enable the Local Enterprise Office to play a key role. I like to work closely with business partners, building networks across all stakeholders. The onus is on both the public and the private sectors to work together using their unique positions to benefit Waterford going forward.”

Most recently Gareth was the Chief Technical Advisor and Team Leader of a four-year SME development programme in Zambia, funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, operating under the Ministry of SME Development. He also led a team which developed a new national SME development policy and resulted in an increase in inward investment of over £83m, international trade contracts in excess of £25m and an increase in revenues of over 230% for participating businesses.

He was the lead economic development consultant on a programme for rural finance expansion impacting over 600,000 households & businesses, and managed global networks of economic development programmes and microfinance institutions.  “My work has included leading collaborative design workshops with local and national government, the private sector and general public, to produce economic development strategies, policy documents and implementation plans that meet the needs of local communities and businesses in complex and changing environments.”

Gareth can be contacted at Local Enterprise Office Waterford on the Mall in the City or Civic offices in Dungarvan, or via email on gevans@waterfordcouncil.ie if you have any specific queries.

Local Enterprise Office Waterford is here to help you start a business, expand an existing business or reach new markets. It provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland.

ENDS

RIAI recognises Rupert Maddock for contribution to architecture

The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has awarded the RIAI Gandon Medal to Rupert Maddock, BArch, MLA, FRIAI, for his contribution to the advancement of architecture.

The Gandon Medal is a lifetime achievement award that recognises a sustained output of quality of work over many years, and was presented by RIAI President Charlotte Sheridan MRIAI at a special reception at RIAI HQ in Merrion Square, Dublin on Thursday, November 30th, saying, “I am delighted to be awarding Rupert Maddock the RIAI Gandon Medal in recognition of his exceptional achievement in public practice, and the role he played in revitalising Waterford city, towns, and villages in the county.”

Rupert has enjoyed a long and rewarding career in architecture, having recently retired as City and County Architect with Waterford City and County Council.

A graduate of UCD and University of Pennsylvania, Rupert’s career has spanned over 40 years.  He joined the then Waterford Corporation in 1997.

Leading the Projects Team within the Economic Development and Planning Departments, the team has provided award-winning in-house architectural services to the Local Authority.

Transformational public realm projects, spearheaded by Rupert include the Millennium Project, which entailed the design of the William Vincent Plaza, and the design of John Roberts Square, creating a pedestrianised, decluttered and multi-purpose destination public realm space.

In addition to projects such as the redesign, development and conservation of the People’s Park, the Clock Tower, the Franciscan Friary and Mount Congreve, Rupert’s passion and undoubted forte is the preservation of Waterford’s rich history and heritage.

Under his tenure, Waterford has cultivated an enviable portfolio of museums, under the Waterford Treasures collective, which includes the Medieval Museum, The Bishop’s Palace, The Irish Museum of Time, the Irish Silver Museum and the latest addition, The Irish Wake Museum.

The Medieval Museum has received prestigious national and international accolades including the RIAI Irish Architecture Award for Best Public Building, the International UK Civic Trust Award and the EU prize for Contemporary Architecture, the Mies van der Rohe Award.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, paid tribute to Rupert on his achievement.  “For Rupert to be recognised by his peers for his contribution to architecture is only fitting.  Rupert’s dedication, vision and design ability have helped to transform Waterford to a best-in-class vibrant, accessible and rich city.

“He and his team have delivered almost thirty major projects that have had a tangible and positive impact on the lives of the people of Waterford.  From public realm works, to art installations and housing schemes, Rupert has played a key role in making design quality a key driver in all aspects of the cultural and economic development of the city and county.

“Rupert’s contribution has enriched the lives of the people of Waterford, and I would like to congratulate him on this outstanding achievement and thank him for his exceptional service with Waterford City and County Council.”

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Image attached:

Rupert Maddock receiving the James Gandon Medal from RIAI President Charlotte Sheridan MRIAI (Image: WCCC)

Rupert Maddock was honoured with the Gandon Medal for Lifetime Achievement at the RIAI (Image: Conor Healy)

About the RIAI James Gandon Medal:The RIAI introduced the James Gandon Medal in 2011 and each President of the RIAI has the honour of selecting a recipient for the Medal during their two-year term of office.

Previous winners of the Gandon Medal were Shane de Blacam and the late Jonn Meagher (1947-2021); Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara of Grafton Architects; James Pike of OMP Architects; Des McMahon of Gilroy McMahon Architects; Dr Ronnie Tallon of Scott Tallon Walker Architects; and the US-based Irish architect Kevin Roche.

Works progressing well on North Quays Infrastructure Project

It’s almost a year to the day since Waterford City and County Council and BAM entered into contract for the construction of the new integrated transport hub at the North Quays, a sustainable transport bridge, as well as enhanced multi-modal access infrastructure.

In the twelve months since contracts were exchanged works have been progressing well and are scheduled to be complete in 2025.  That progress is very evident on the ground, with works continuing in all areas of the site and construction cranes dotting the skyline.

Two of the cofferdams required for the foundations of the Sustainable Transport Bridge are now substantially complete and these works will continue in 2024. The piers require the construction of four cofferdams, a watertight enclosure to allow construction work below the waterline. The cofferdams are created by driving interlocking piles through the bed of the River Suir to form the watertight enclosures. The water is then pumped out of the cofferdam to create a dry workspace to facilitate the construction of the pier foundations.

Meanwhile the steel superstructure for the bridge is being fabricated in Belgium and will be transported to Waterford to be lifted into position once the foundations and piers are complete.  Works have also commenced on the Southern landing point with sheet piling works visible from the South Quays.

Piling and foundations for the new Public Transport Hub and rail platforms are also close to completion and the construction of the main building block is underway.

Five new access bridges that will provide multi-modal access over the rail corridors providing connectivity between the Ferrybank area, the Greenway corridor, Public Transport Hub, Sustainable Transport Bridge, and the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) development are simultaneously under construction.

Commenting on the programme of works, Michael Quinn, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council said, “The North Quays Infrastructure project is advancing on time and on budget. In the space of a year the volume and scale of works is very apparent with activity to the North of the Strategic Development Zone site, the South Plaza and in the River Suir.”

“While roadworks and associated traffic management continue to operate on Dock Road in Ferrybank, and are being managed to minimise delays and disruption, Waterford City and County Council appreciates the public’s cooperation during the construction phase, and we will endeavour to continue to engage actively and directly with local communities and stakeholders.”

Mark Phelan, Construction Director with BAM added, “’We are delighted with the progress on this project, which stems from the collaboration with Waterford City and County Council, the design team ROD, our supply chain partners, our workforce and the local community working together as a team.

“We are also pleased to be collaborating with South East Technological University (SETU) in using the project as a living laboratory for SETU students via our ‘Building a Bridge to Education’ programme to enrich their hands-on construction experience in parallel to their academic modules.

“We are committed to delivering this project in a sustainable way that will boost the quality of life, the economy, and the sustainability of the region, and are very satisfied that our sustainability initiatives on the project are yielding positive results.”

Separately, the works contracts for the relocation of the Ferrybank Pump Station will be complete in early 2024. An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the Western Rail Flood Defence and Integrated Drainage System in February this year.

The overall 2.4km system will provide flood protection for both existing and new rail infrastructure and make it climate resilient into the future. The design of the system is being advanced, and construction will commence in 2024.

Harcourt Developments are currently finalising their planning scheme for the private SDZ development for submission to Waterford City & County Council. The mixed-use development will include significant residential accommodation, as well as office and hotel accommodation, retail offerings and high-quality public realm spaces. Construction of the private SDZ development is anticipated to start in 2024.

Harcourt Developments is a Dublin-based property development and management company with a broad portfolio of award-winning projects.

Their portfolio boasts Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, Northern Ireland’s most important regeneration project.  Located in the world-famous birthplace of Titanic and home to the Game of Thrones television production, Titanic Quarter is a vibrant, mixed-use scheme with over 1.8 million sq.ft. (140,000 sqm.) of commercial space, plus residential, retail, and hospitality and tourism spaces. Titanic Belfast is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions.

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Local Enterprise Office Waterford to celebrate National Women’s Enterprise Day

With the National Women’s Enterprise Day planned for October 19th, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, in collaboration with Network Ireland Waterford branch, Dungarvan West Waterford Chamber and Waterford Chamber will host a networking event at the Mount Congreve House, that promises to inspire and educate the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

This year’s “Empowering Business Together” themed day starts with a welcome reception at 3pm and an opportunity for attendees to get a Professional Headshot taken.

The event will kick off at 3.30pm with a ‘Meet the Media’ panel hosted by Nichola Beresford which will cover how to approach the media, the different mediums and what you should have prepared when approaching the media.

This is followed by afternoon tea in the magnificent setting of the Chinese Room in Mount Congreve House.

Finally, there will be an interactive Empowering Business Together Workshop which will allow attendees to choose what topics are discussed. Participants will be asked what they would like to hear on arrival, and this facilitated workshop will be tailored to the audiences’ needs.

Waterford’s National Women’s Enterprise Day Ambassador, Christine Murphy is founder and Creative Director of Urban Aran, an independent Irish Knitwear business in 2018. Based in Waterford, Urban Aran encapsulates the essence of her brand. The term “Urban” reflects her deep appreciation for urban landscapes. It is the imagery from cityscapes and professional street art in her home city of Waterford to minute detail including peeling paint on walls, which inspires her drawings and designs.

Christine was proud to be asked to be an ambassador for this year’s event, “I have interacted with the LEO for years and attended the NWED before, so was delighted to be asked to be an ambassador. The programme this year as always is geared to support women in business, and I’m thrilled to be involved.”

Brid Kirby, Acting Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Waterford said that the event will be of benefit to any female entrepreneur who is either thinking of starting a business or already in business, “The panellists at this event are highly renowned for assisting businesses in unleashing their potential and identifying opportunities for growth.  Supporting women in enterprise and addressing the key challenges confronting women in business is paramount to ensuring female entrepreneurs realise their full business potential.

“At Local Enterprise Office Waterford we have a broad range of support services, including events like this that enable entrepreneurs to take their business to the next level. National Women’s Enterprise Day not only showcases the work of successful female entrepreneurs, but also supports and fosters female entrepreneurship by encouraging more women to start their own business.”

National Women’s Enterprise Day is Ireland’s largest female enterprise event. It promotes, encourages and stimulates female entrepreneurship across Ireland. It is designed and led by women and is an annual high point in promoting entrepreneurship to women in Ireland. The Local Enterprise Office along with Enterprise Ireland provide a wide range of help, incentives, training, and development programmes to female entrepreneurs.

While help is available all year round, National Women’s Enterprise Day allows the LEO to turn the spotlight on female entrepreneurship. It attracts widespread media attention. It opens the prospect of entrepreneurship to women who may not have considered it before. It highlights what support is available. It provides valuable networking opportunities and connections with industry experts. And it celebrates the achievements of women in enterprise.

It tackles the real-life subjects affecting women in business. While finance, marketing, innovation, and new product development are important, so too are family, well-being, and mental health and these all have their place in National Women’s Enterprise Day.

National Women’s Enterprise event takes place from 3pm to 6.30pm in Mount Congreve House, Waterford on Thursday, October 19th.  Tickets cost €20.  To book your place visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/ . This event is a collaboration between Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Network Ireland Waterford branch, Dungarvan West Waterford Chamber & Waterford Chamber.

Photos by Noel Browne

Tamara Sheehan, Enterprise Executive, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Brid Kirby, Acting Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Lynda Lawton, Operations Officer, Waterford Chamber, Jenny Beresford, CEO, Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, and Mailo Power Founder/Owner of Monkey Cups.