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Environmental Campaigns

By Waterford City & County Council

Stride to School initiative launched at St. Augustine’s College, Dungarvan

Students were out in force in Dungarvan on Wednesday 24th September 2025 for the launch of the Stride to School initiative at St Augustine’s College – an effort to encourage walking and cycling as fun, energising and sustainable ways for students to travel to and from school.

The initiative, supported by Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Sports Partnership, is part of a wider push to promote active travel across the county.

The Dungarvan students have welcomed Stride to School as a chance to socialise with friends, enjoy fresh air and exercise before class, and help reduce traffic congestion around the school.

Gary Morahan, Deputy Principal at St Augustine’s College, highlighted the social, environmental and health benefits of the initiative: “Stride to School is a fantastic opportunity for our students to mix with each other on the way to school. It’s very good for their physical health and mental wellbeing. As they walk to school each morning, they can chat and interact with each other. It’s also very good for the environment and helps to reduce traffic congestion around our school.”

Eamonn Cashin, teacher at St Augustine’s College, said the school community is “absolutely delighted” to start Stride to School: “The students are walking to school in their hi vis vests, they are safe, healthy, the sun is shining. It’s a fantastic initiative and I would love to see more schools in the area get behind it.”

Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer at Waterford City and County Council, commended the school for leading the way in encouraging healthier, more sustainable daily travel routines for its students: “St Augustine’s College has shown great leadership in getting Stride to School up and running. It’s starting to build momentum and will continue to grow over the coming months. We look forward to working with schools across Waterford to launch Stride to School and support them in changing travel behaviours.”

Jordan Kelly, Community Sports Development Officer with Waterford Sports Partnership, praised the students’ energy and commitment: “It’s fantastic to see the students walk and cycle to school at St Augustine’s College. It’s great for them to be able to get their exercise in before starting school, which will benefit them greatly throughout the day.”

If your school would like more information on how to join the Stride to School movement, email activetravel@waterfordcouncil.ie.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Repair and Reuse Event, Tonight at 7:30pm

Bike repair workshop

Get ready to breathe new life into your outdoor equipment and clothing at our upcoming Repair and Reuse Event on Wednesday 24 September at 7:30 PM in St Patrick’s Gateway Centre.

Whether it’s mending walking shoes, fixing your bike or revamping old kit, this fun and informative evening will have you covered. Hear from inspiring speakers, including how one local club runs a swap station, and pick up practical tips to keep your gear going for longer.

Featuring MC Outdoors, Renew Enterprises and more.

Let’s work together to reduce waste and protect our environment.

Book your spot: Eventbrite link

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council advises of restrictions on slurry spreading

Tractor Spreading Slurry

Due to the Status Yellow rain warning issued by Met Éireann for Waterford, slurry spreading must not be undertaken until after the rain has passed.  

The Status Yellow Rain warning is valid from 2pm Friday, September 19th until midnight (12am) Sunday, September 21st.

Under the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2022, organic and chemical fertilisers or soiled water shall not be applied to land when heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours.

Farmers are also reminded that the last day for slurry spreading this season is Tuesday, September 30th.

By Waterford City & County Council

Repair and Reuse Event: Give Your Sports Gear a New Lease of Life

Bike repair workshop

Get ready to breathe new life into your outdoor equipment and clothing at our upcoming Repair and Reuse Event on Wednesday 24 September at 7:30 PM in St Patrick’s Gateway Centre.

Whether it’s mending walking shoes, fixing your bike or revamping old kit, this fun and informative evening will have you covered. Hear from inspiring speakers, including how one local club runs a swap station, and pick up practical tips to keep your gear going for longer.

Featuring MC Outdoors, Renew Enterprises and more.

Let’s work together to reduce waste and protect our environment.

Book your spot: Eventbrite link

By Waterford City & County Council

Stride to School encourages Waterford students to get active the fun way

Students at Ardscoil na Mara secondary school in Tramore taking part in the Stride to School initiative.

Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with Waterford Sports Partnership, is inviting secondary schools to take part in Stride to School, a new active travel initiative aimed at encouraging healthier, more sustainable journeys to and from school.

Stride to School promotes walking and, where possible, cycling as fun and energising ways for students to start and end their day. The initiative supports students’ physical and mental wellbeing, helps ease traffic congestion, and contributes to a cleaner environment. It also builds independence and fosters stronger connections and friendships within the school community.

Similar active travel initiatives in other schools have been successful, creating a strong sense of community among those who take part. Ardscoil na Mara secondary school in Tramore started the active travel initiative in 2023 and has since seen a 40% decrease in the number of students travelling by car – significantly helping to reduce carbon emissions in the local area.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Séamus Ryan said: “As Mayor, I’m proud to support the Stride to School active travel initiative, which encourages healthier, more active lifestyles for our young people and builds a stronger sense of community across Waterford. Stride to School is all about making the journey to and from school more fun and social. Walking or cycling with friends is a great way to feel energised and connected.”

Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer at Waterford City and County Council, said: “Walking to school sets a positive tone for the day. It’s a great way for students to socialise before and after classes, get some exercise, reduce traffic, and make the school environment safer for everyone. We hope to support secondary schools across Waterford in starting the Stride to School initiative.”

Jordan Kelly, Community Sports Development Officer at Waterford Sports Partnership, added: “Students are encouraged to walk with friends or in groups where possible, as this supports sustainability, enhances safety, and makes the journey more enjoyable. Active travel is a brilliant way to build daily physical activity into their routine without even thinking about it.”

If your school would like more information on how to join the Stride to School movement, email activetravel@waterfordcouncil.ie.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Clean Air Together Waterford

Clean air together poster

We are looking for people living in Waterford City and Environs to take part in this clean air project.

It will only take a few minutes, to stick up an air sensor outside your house and past it back to the EPA after one month.

We need 400 people to sign up across the city, so if you live in the city, (or know people who do), can you consider signing up for this project.

We are looking to get all areas of the city covered, including into south Kilkenny, so please help out.

Clean Air Together Waterford City is an exciting citizen science project led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with Waterford City and County Council.

The project aims to recruit 400 participants to measure levels of the traffic-related air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), across Waterford City and environs.

If you are interested in participating you can sign up today by visiting www.cleanairtogether.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Become an EPA Citizen Scientist and measure air quality in Waterford City this October

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Waterford City and County Council, today launched Clean Air Together Waterford, a citizen science project to measure air quality in Waterford.  

Four hundred people, businesses and community groups across Waterford City and environs are needed to sign up to help measure levels of the air pollutant Nitrogen Dioxide this autumn. Kicking off in October, the project will help us better understand air quality in Waterford city, and what needs to be done to improve it. 

These ‘Citizen Scientists’ will use small measurement tubes to assess levels of Nitrogen Dioxide, a major traffic-related pollutant known to be harmful to our health and the environment. Together with all of the other data collected, these measurements will give a detailed snapshot of air pollution from traffic in the city.

Speaking ahead of the launch, EPA Director, Dr Micheal Lehane said, “The EPA is delighted to be bringing the Clean Air Together project to Waterford City. The project is a great opportunity for the people of Waterford city to become Citizen Scientists and play an active part in developing a better picture of – and learning more about – air pollution in their own city. Data from this project will also provide important air quality data to the EPA and the Council.

“Taking part in the project is free and open to all residents, businesses or community groups in Waterford City and its environs. Please visit  www.cleanairtogether.ie to find out more and register to participate”.  

Taking part could not be simpler – you don’t need to be an expert, and the project is open to everyone. Once registered and selected, you will be sent a test kit with a measurement tube and easy instructions on how to get started. Participants will install their measurement tube on Thursday 2nd October and leave it in place for four weeks as it captures levels of Nitrogen Dioxide. Participants collect the tube on Thursday 30th October and post it back to the EPA, free of charge. The tube will be analysed and a map of all results showing Nitrogen Dioxide levels measured across the city will be published early in 2026.

When the project is completed, the EPA will publish a map showing the results at www.cleanairtogether.ie, allowing you to compare your results to those in other parts of the city.

Celebrating the project’s launch, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said:, “I very much welcome this campaign to Waterford City and its environs and would encourage the people of Waterford to get involved.  We can all play our role in helping to alleviate air pollution in our city.

“The importance of clean, breathable, quality air can never be underestimated. Its benefits are manifold and have wide-ranging implications on our health, our well-being, our communities and our environment.  The data gathered from the Clean Air Together campaign will not only help the EPA and Waterford City and County Council better understand nitrogen dioxide pollution in Waterford City, but more importantly it will help influence policies and put measures in place to reduce these levels.” 

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council added, “This initiative aligns very well with Waterford City and County Council’s ambition for the city to attain carbon neutrality by 2040.  The reduction of major emissions and the development of meaningful sustainability must be done through innovation and in equal measure, collaboration and behavioural change.

“That is why the engagement of the public in this Clean Air Together project is paramount for the Council and the EPA to identify what steps can be taken to reduce nitrogen dioxide in our communities and to help to make Waterford the home to Ireland’s Cleanest Air.” 

You can find more information and register to participate on the Clean Air Together project website. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 17th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

New footpath in Tramore improves safety and connectivity for residents

For many years, wheelchair user Helen Cullen found it difficult to exit the front of her home on the Waterford Road in Tramore. “I didn’t feel safe coming onto a main road and having to look through the windows of parked cars just to see if I could access the route to the beach or town,” Helen said.

Following the completion of a new footpath delivered by Waterford City and County Council under its Active Travel Programme, safety and connectivity have now significantly improved for Helen and other residents in the area.

“Before the works, I had to use my back entrance, but now I can safely use a new ramp and wheel straight onto a lovely new footpath and go about my day,” Helen said. “The new path has made the area much safer. The place looks fresher and better. It’s great.”

The new footpath connects to existing pedestrian infrastructure and serves as an important link for people walking to local destinations such as Tramore AFC and Tramore GAA Club. It also improves access for those who use the route to walk to the Ring Road and the town centre.

The Waterford Road, Tramore Active Travel scheme is part of Waterford City and County Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable, active travel options for residents and visitors. Construction recently started on a dedicated two-way cycle track on the Tramore Ring Road.

“We all know how important it is to feel safe walking in our own communities,” said Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Séamus Ryan. “Whether it’s a child walking to football training, someone from the area heading into town, or a wheelchair user like Helen coming out her front door, this new footpath is already making a real difference. It’s part of our ongoing work to make Tramore and Waterford safer, more connected, and easier to get around on foot or by bike.”

Tramore AFC also welcomed the new footpath. Club Treasurer Stuart Kennedy said: “Our members, especially the younger ones, now have a safe route to walk to training and matches. Parents can feel confident knowing their children are walking safely on the new path, without having to navigate a busy road.”

ENDS

Photos: Helen Cullen

By Waterford City & County Council

Biodiversity events during National Heritage Week

As part of National Heritage Week, Waterford City and County Council’s Biodiversity Office is hosting a series of wildlife-related events throughout the city and county.

 

Tues. 19th August:

11a.m. – 1p.m. Loch sa Leabharlann, a dual-language interactive talk with WCCC Biodiversity Officer and NPWS Conservation Ranger, Éinne Ó Cathasaigh on the species and habitats of Ireland and their connection to our language. We will bring some of the habitats of the count to you in Dungarvan Library – you do not need to be an Irish speaker to join in. All ages welcome.

Register here or walk in on the day: Loch sa Leabharlann | An interactive dual-language talk on habitats Tickets, Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 11:00 | Eventbrite

7.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m. Bankside Bat Walk on the Colligan River.

Join WCCC Biodiversity and Waters team for a two-hour exploration in Colligan Woods of the freshwater habitats and the animals that call its waters and woodlands home. Starting with a delve into the animals living underwater and then taking out the bat detectors to find out how many species of bat live here. All ages welcome, please ensure to wear appropriate clothing.

Limited capacity. Attendees must register here in advance: Heritage Week: Bankside Bat Walk on the Colligan River Tickets, Tue, Aug 19, 2025 at 7:30 PM | Eventbrite

 

Weds. 20th August:

1p.m. – 2p.m. Not Stopping Now! For the Ocean lunchtime webinar series continues with a Heritage Week special on ‘Marine Research’ in Ireland. We will be joined by research Anthony Adu-Gyamfi to chat about Life amongst the Seaweed Farms and his research on animals living within these areas in close proximity to seagrass habitats. Kerry Biodiversity Officer will talk through the extent of Ireland’s marine area and the work that is being carried out by MTU in Tralee Bay on Angel Sharks. This is a collaboration between WCCC, An Taisce Climate Ambassadors, The Heritage Council, Kerry CoCo, ATU Marine and Freshwater Research Centre and MTU.

Online event, register here: https://eeu-antaisce-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U5rz97HRTfCJ5ttJV2PDNQ

Thurs. 21st August

Starting at 1p.m. Seagrass Sessions Photography Workshop for ages 18+ with Dr. Tasneem Khan. Tell the story of seagrass through the camera lens. The Waterford County County Council Climate Action Office invites you to explore, document and celebrate our hidden seagrass meadows off Tramore, on a half day, shallow water photography workshop with biologist and photographer Tasneem Khan. This will happen from the meeting spot at Lisselan Intake, Tramore.

Register here: Seagrass Sessions : Photography Workshop | SEA School

Sat. 23rd August

10a.m. – 4p.m. One-day Pollinator Planting Workshop for communities in Portlaw with Aoife Munn. Ages 18+

Topics covered include:

  • Pollinator planting techniques,
  • Drought resistant plants,
  • Mini pond building
  • Wildlife movement
  • Rewilding and managed areas
  • Water conservation and much more!

Participants will need to bring gardening gloves and a keep cup (reusable cup of any type) with them on the day and a packed lunch. Tea and Coffee will be supplied.

The course is lively and interactive with free gifts to take home for all participants.

Attendance by registration only at: www.tinyurl.com/PollinatorPlantingPortlaw

Please note booking is only through the links provided.

All events are registration only except for Loch sa Leabhlann in Dungarvan Library.  All events listed can be found on www.heritageweek.ie when filtered for Waterford.

By Waterford City & County Council

Clean Air Together Waterford

Clean Air Together Waterford

Clean Air Together Waterford City is an exciting citizen science project led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with Waterford City and County Council.

The project aims to recruit 400 participants to measure levels of the traffic-related air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), across Waterford City and environs.

If you are interested in participating you can sign up today by visiting www.cleanairtogether.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Paying the consequences of illegal dumping

A woman was recently fined €150 by Waterford City and County Council for the illegal disposal of waste.

Following a dumping incident on the outskirts of Waterford City, evidence was recovered which identified the owner of the waste being a resident in the city.  This woman said she had paid someone who called to her door offering to take her waste.

Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer, with the Environment Section of Waterford City and County Council said, “Unfortunately there are unscrupulous people out there.  If you have waste to get rid of, make sure the person you are using has a waste permit.  Authorised collectors are required to have their name and permit number on their vehicle, and you can verify that they are genuine by visiting the National Waste Collection Permit office website or by asking to see a copy of their permit.”

“People are responsible for their waste until it is accepted at a permitted facility and giving your waste to an inappropriate person can result, on summary prosecution, to a fine of up €5,000.”

Information about valid waste collection permit holders can be found at National Waste Collection Permit Office – Search Permits (nwcpo.ie)

By Waterford City & County Council

Free Pollinator Planting Workshop will have you buzzing!

Free Pollinator Planting Workshop

Join Waterford City and County Council’s Environment team for a free full-day pollinator planting workshop at Clodiagh House, Portlaw, Co. Waterford on Saturday, August 23rd.

As part of National Heritage Week 2025, which celebrates the country’s natural, built and cultural heritage, this one-day workshop will reveal the best ways to support native wildlife with native planting.

From hedgerows to rewilding find out how low maintenance native planting can look amazing and provide the best habitats for our wildlife.  There will be plenty of time for questions and answers with Horticulturist and Environmentalist Aoife Munn.

Topics covered on the day will include:

  • Pollinator planting techniques
  • Drought resistant plants
  • Mini pond building
  • Wildlife movement
  • Rewilding and manged areas
  • Water conservation and much more

The workshop is supported by Waterford City and County Council’s Environmental Awareness Officer and Biodiversity Officer under funding from WCCC and the NPWS Local Authority Biodiversity Action Fund, and forms part of a set of community training events that work towards advancing biodiversity knowledge in the county during the development of the Waterford Biodiversity Action Plan with the Heritage Council.

The workshop is free to attend but booking is advisable. To book your place on this free full day pollinator workshop (10am-4pm) in Portlaw with thanks to St Brigid’s Family Resource Centre click FREE One Day Pollinator Planting Workshop Tickets, Sat, Aug 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

By Waterford City & County Council

Glas Awards Launched!

Local Enterprise Office, Waterford launches the 4th annual Glas Awards, promoting sustainability in business in Waterford.

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

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

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

The mayor sees this as another step towards Waterford’s green targets, “The link between the Council and business in Waterford is so important. Last year, following a call by Waterford City and County Council, over 1,000 local businesses signed up to a Business Pledge for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford.

“The scheme, originally launched in 2022, has supported thousands of businesses across the city and county in transitioning to carbon neutrality by identifying opportunities for reducing energy usage and costs, exploring the potential of renewable energy while availing of a discount on their commercial rates.

“These awards are another opportunity to reward businesses for their climate actions.”

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

Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford explains how these awards are just one element to their Green offering, “We find small changes can really make a big impact. Our clients understand the growing importance of sustainability, both in business and in the world around us. What we show them through our ‘Green for Business’ initiative is an understanding of the significant benefits that it can have for a business, on everything from efficiencies to cost savings.

“Green for Business is a FREE programme that helps small businesses take the first step towards becoming more sustainable, giving them access to a green consultant who’ll show them the small changes that can have a big impact on both their company.”

Gráinne Kennedy, Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, is optimistic for the future, “Waterford business is taking on the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their operations, to make Waterford a sustainable place to work and do business.

“Waterford City and County Council adopted its Climate Action Plan in February 2024. The plan sets out how the Council will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations and in the services that we provide to the people of Waterford. Climate will be a consideration in all Council projects going forward from looking at energy efficiency to reducing waste.

“Every aspect of the community has a role to play, and these awards are a great opportunity to showcase all that these businesses are doing”

The entry portal https://submit.link/3WK is now open on Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office website and remains so until 4th September 2025. The Glas Awards Final will be held in The Garden Room, Waterford Treasures on 8th October 2025 from 12.30 to 2.30pm.

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

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford gets into gear for fun cycling challenge

Waterford’s workplaces and students got into gear for the Waterford Wheels cycling challenge during Bike Week 2025.

Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with the National Transport Authority, Waterford Sports Partnership, and Cycling Ireland, hosted the cycling challenge encouraging staff and students across workplaces and educational institutions in Waterford to cycle as part of their daily commute.

Launch events in Waterford City and Dungarvan gave participants a healthy start to their day, cycling together and building a sense of community.

Teams from the South East Technological University (SETU) and Malone O’Regan Consulting Engineers in Waterford City recorded the highest average cycle journeys during the challenge. Both teams received Altitude vouchers as prizes.

Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer at Waterford City and County Council, said: “The Waterford Wheels challenge was a great way to encourage more people to take up cycling, with the friendly competition adding extra motivation. As safer cycling infrastructure continues to grow across Waterford, cycling can become an easier and more enjoyable way to get to work, school or college.”

Cian Gill, Climate Action Officer at Waterford City and County Council, said: “There was good participation in our first Waterford Wheels challenge. We’re excited to build on the enthusiasm for cycling and sustainable commuting with organisations across Waterford. It’s really encouraging to see more people making cycling part of their daily routine.”

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