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Outdoor Spaces

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford regains Ireland’s Cleanest City Title

Viking Triangle / Museum Quarter which received Grade A, “The lovely planted/paved areas looked very well and there was a very eye-catching sculpture outside the Museum of Time. There was a complete absence of litter throughout this extensive area.”

Once again Waterford has emerged as Ireland’s Cleanest City in the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) Anti-Litter League. The city ranked 8th out of 40 cities and towns and was classed as Cleaner than European norms.

Waterford City continues to score very well in the IBAL anti-litter league, and according to the latest survey, “Waterford City has retained its high-ranking position and was again Ireland’s cleanest city. With so many top-ranking sites, it’s not possible to mention them all, but some stand out for various reasons.”

Most of the sites surveyed received a Grade A ranking and these, amongst others, included the Greenway Car Park, Waterford Retail Park, Plunkett Train Station, Waterford Courthouse, the Tramore Approach Road and City Square Shopping Centre.

The Mall, also receiving a Grade A ranking was noted as having, “Plenty of signage indicates the historic nature and significant of many of the buildings along The Mall. There was no litter associated with the large building which was covered in scaffolding. All aspects of The Mall were in excellent order, not just very good with regards to litter but the overall presentation and maintenance of same e.g. visitor information signage/ 3D models/seating etc. and the recent restoration of ‘O’Sullivan’s’ is a wonderful addition to the area.”

The Quays Riverwalk from The Tower Hotel to the Bridge, was also graded A, with the report stating, “some of which has been boarded up for the extensive works taking place along the river. Excellent visitor information signage close to Reginald’s Tower. Large planter boxes looked very well, and the William Vincent Wallace Plaza was spotless. There was a virtual absence of litter along the remainder of the length of the riverwalk.”

The report also cited, “There was only one heavily littered site – the Bring Bank at Tesco Ardkeen.  Improvements were noted at ‘Woodpecker’ site, Apple Market Car Park and Site beside Vee Car Park.”

Ballybeg once again recorded a solid result, and despite a slight dip on previous years was classed as Clean to European norms. The report stated, “There were no litter blackspots. The residential area of Ardmore Terrace and Ballybeg Stores & Environs were much improved compared to previous IBAL surveys, just missing the top litter grade this time around.”  However, it was noted that the Ballybeg Bring Bank was not just littered but “dumped upon.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy welcomed the IBAL league results, saying, “This is another great result for Waterford City and for Ballybeg. Consistently, the city has performed outstandingly well in the IBAL Anti-Litter League.

“These results aren’t achieved by chance. It takes a dedicated Local Authority cleansing team, in tandem with an army of volunteer clean up groups, residents’ associations and community and business groups, who have the utmost pride in where they live and work.”

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, “I would like to acknowledge the work of Waterford City and County Council, the numerous volunteer clean-up groups and the local communities for their consistent hard work which year in, year out, never fails to deliver for Waterford City.

“This collaborative approach is clearly working as Waterford has upped its ranking and attained Cleaner than European norms classification – a first for the city.”

Details of the most recent Irish Business against Litter Survey can be found at https://ibal.ie/anti-litter-league/

By Waterford City & County Council

Public asked to avoid protected areas on Tramore Dunes following vandalism

Tramore DunesWaterford City and County Council has been made aware of damage to fencing along certain areas of the Tramore Dunes along with littering and fire damage. These areas have been fenced by Tramore community groups and WC&CC to protect the integrity of the dunes.

The Tramore Dunes are an important habitat. They are a legally protected Special Area of Conservation with many rare birds and plants. The dunes are also important in protecting coastal areas from storm surges and the breakdown of dunes elsewhere has led to coastal flooding.

It is vital that these dunes are preserved and so many people in Tramore have been working on strengthening and protecting the dunes.

Let’s work together to avoid damaging this fragile ecosystem.

Avoid the dunes if you can, however, if you can’t please:

  • use the marked paths
  • do not go into the fenced areas
  • take any rubbish with you

By Waterford City & County Council

 €86,557 Community Recognition Funding announced for Dungarvan Community Allotments Project

The announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD of €86,557 Community Recognition Funding for the Dungarvan Community Allotments Project, Phase Two will see thirty nine community allotments delivered for the Dungarvan community.

The successful Grant application by Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership and Waterford City and County Council is Phase Two of a Community Project in Dungarvan. The overall project is redeveloping a derelict community garden into a horticulture educational and community allotment project, on the periphery of Colligan View housing estate in Dungarvan.

On a three-acre Waterford City and County Council site, a section of which had been previously used for a community garden that became abandoned and derelict, the project has seen the development of a horticultural education training centre, in collaboration with the Waterford and Wexford Educational Training Board.

According to Sinéad Breathnach  Senior Executive Officer Waterford City and County Council Community & Sports Department, “The intention is to provide a resource to local community groups of all ages, offering an opportunity to learn, to socialise, to be provided with information on training opportunities from a selection of agencies.  Now the project can be completed into a community garden with allotments for use by all the greater Dungarvan community.”

Phase One of the project with the support of a Department of Justice Community Safety Innovation Fund Safety Grant of €41,403, through the support and collaboration of WWETB, Waterford City and County Council and other partners, has seen the Community House regenerated and fitted out into a Community Further Education Training Centre with classes in horticulture and computers having started in September 2024.

The adjacent derelict gardens and allotments with extra land attributed by Waterford City and County Councils has been completely fenced in to deter previous vandalism, illegal dumping and Anti-Social Behaviour.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy welcomed the Minister’s announcement stating, “In keeping with the government’s renewed commitment to ensuring our growing, inclusive, local populations are supported in making our communities thriving places to live, work and raise a family, I am very happy to welcome this funding of €86,557. This sees a total investment of €127,960 in this All of Government supported project.

“This commitment by Government, supported by WWETB & WCCC collaborative investment, ensures that the people of Dungarvan can now enjoy this upgrade to their community recreational facilities and space.”

WLCSP is a new government initiative based within the Community Department of Waterford City and County Council, which brings together statutory services, the voluntary and community sector, local Councillors and community members to work together to identify and tackle community safety issues.

In this project, through the collaboration of the WWETB, Dungarvan Gardaí, the WCCC Outdoor, Community & Housing Departments it has delivered the only project of this nature in Dungarvan and is the only community horticultural educational project in this region of Waterford.

The project will be of benefit to the full Dungarvan Community by added provision of 39 Individual Allotments, consisting fifty percent with raised beds to ensure ease of use to our aged and mobility restricted community. Five allotments will be reserved for disabled users.

A new Committee is currently being established and will be trained by the WWETB on a bespoke course. If you would like to be considered for Committee membership, please contact communitysafety@waterfordcouncil.ie  

By Waterford City & County Council

Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy : Public Consultation

Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy

Waterford City and County Council is in the process of developing the Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy and Action Plan and has appointed Outscape to assist in the preparation of the plan.  This project is being funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2023 – Project Development Measure.

The purpose of the Strategy is to provide a vision for the development of quality, well-planned and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities in the Comeragh Mountains, which will not only benefit local communities and economy, but also ensure the protection and conservation of this wonderful upland area.  The project output will consist of a 10-year vision and roadmap, including a high-level action plan with more detailed actions for Years One to Three.

Waterford City and County Council is inviting the views of local communities and general public on how recreation could be managed in the Comeraghs to allow us all to connect and engage with outdoor recreation in this region of natural beauty.

A public consultation event will be held in The Park Hotel, Shandon Rd., Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, X35 CC97 at 7p.m. on Wednesday September 11th.

Alternatively the Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy survey can be completed online at https://arcg.is/WyfeW

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By Waterford City & County Council

Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy : Public Consultation

Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy

Waterford City and County Council is in the process of developing the Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy and Action Plan and has appointed Outscape to assist in the preparation of the plan.  This project is being funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2023 – Project Development Measure.

The purpose of the Strategy is to provide a vision for the development of quality, well-planned and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities in the Comeragh Mountains, which will not only benefit local communities and economy, but also ensure the protection and conservation of this wonderful upland area.  The project output will consist of a 10-year vision and roadmap, including a high-level action plan with more detailed actions for Years One to Three.

Waterford City and County Council is inviting the views of local communities and general public on how recreation could be managed in the Comeraghs to allow us all to connect and engage with outdoor recreation in this region of natural beauty.

A public consultation event will be held in The Park Hotel, Shandon Rd., Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, X35 CC97 at 7p.m. on Wednesday September 11th.

Alternatively the Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Strategy survey can be completed online at https://arcg.is/WyfeW

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By Waterford City & County Council

New Tramore Skatepark set to ‘bowl over’ skateboarders

Work is progressing well on Tramore’s newest outdoor amenity, the Skatepark on the Lower Prom.

The high-quality facility will be constructed in concrete and combine elements of bowl and street plaza features.  It has been designed with the specific needs of skateboarders in mind with input from the local skateboarding community.

Dawn Wallace, Senior Executive Officer, Waterford City and County Council said, “The skatepark is shaping up really well, and even at this early stage the feedback from skateboarders and the local community has been extremely positive.

“Not only will the skatepark be an attractive and accessible outdoor recreational facility, but it will also be a fabulous asset to the town and significantly improve the aesthetics on the Lower Prom and make Tramore an even more inviting destination for tourists, day-trippers and locals.”

Brian Murray, Assistant Engineer with Waterford City and County Council added, “This new state of art skatepark is to replace the former facility on the site. The former skatepark was a great draw for dedicated skateboarders, however over a period of twenty years the infrastructure constructed from steel and fibreglass deteriorated gradually.

“The new concrete skatepark will be much more resilient to the elements and provide a safer boarding experience for all users.”

Local skateboarding groups were consulted in the creation of the preliminary design, and specialist companies Browne Brothers Site Services Limited and Vulcano Skateparks were engaged to undertake the detailed design and construction.

The input from the skateboarders was very much taken on board and when officially opened later in the Autumn, skaters of all abilities will be able to effortlessly complete their ollies, frontside 180s, laser flips and kick flips in the bowl section, while at the street plaza area, skaters can negotiate street obstacles such as railings and ledges.

The main funding stream for the project is the Community Recognition Fund from the Department of Rural and Community Development with additional funds provided by Waterford City and County Council.

The new Tramore Skatepark will be officially opened by the Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy in September.

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Images:  Peter Breen: T Bay Surf Centre

By Waterford City & County Council

Public Notice: Playground Repairs

Brown Brothers Ltd, on behalf of Waterford City & County Council, will be completing repairs and replacements in Comeragh area Playgrounds over the next three weeks. The schedule is as follows:

  • Bunmahon: This week
  • Portlaw: Starting July 18th
  • Portlaw and Kilmacthomas : From tomorrow until Monday July 22nd
  • Modeligo: End of this week

Minor repairs will also occur in Stradbally and Rathgormack. Playgrounds will remain open where possible, but temporary closures of a day or two may be necessary.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

By Waterford City & County Council

Works commence on new Tramore Skate Park

New Skate Park on the Prom in Tramore

Works will commence on the new Skate Park on the Prom in Tramore from Monday, July 22nd and will be completed within eight weeks.

The new skate park will consist of ramps, bowls and street plaza features that will make for a thrilling skateboarding experience for boarders of all abilities.

With some minor traffic disruptions expected along the Prom, Waterford City and County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused.

By Waterford City & County Council

Anne Valley Walk – temporary closure

Anne Valley walk

Due to essential maintenance works, part of the Anne Valley Walk will be temporarily closed, Monday to Friday until the end of June.

Closure Details:

  • Closed Section: Main car park to Castle car park
  • Open Section: Castle car park to Annestown remains accessible

Closure Period: Monday to Friday until the end of June.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your understanding.

By Waterford City & County Council

People’s Park Fountain gets contemporary upgrade

The Fountain in the People’s Park was unveiled today (May 29th) by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway.

The new fountain, which has retained the shape and limestone capping of the previous fountain, consists of a 7-metre stainless steel spray ring with 88 individual water jets along with a dynamic colour change lighting display and a water filter system that can be monitored and accessed remotely.

Speaking at the unveiling, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “This is a wonderful addition to the People’s Park, and I’m delighted that so many people will be able to enjoy the calming sound and relaxing ambience that the fountain brings to this space.

“For anyone taking a stroll in the park, having a bite of lunch outdoors or enjoying the play areas for children, the new fountain is sure to be a big draw.

“What was once marshland almost 170 years ago, is now a vibrant, green, biodiverse and family-friendly public space which is on all of our interests to enjoy, respect and preserve.”

In addition to the construction of the new fountain, the Carlisle Bridge which links the People’s Park to Waterford Court House across the River Pill was also reopened.  Carlisle Bridge dates back to 1857 when it was built to provide a pedestrian link between the Courthouse and the People’s Park. The bridge, which is a very earlier example of the use of reinforced concrete construction, was opened by the 7th Earl of Carlisle after whom it was named.

In recent years much of the original iron work and lattice work on the bridge had become heavily corroded and in late 2023 Waterford City and County Council appointed Cumnor Construction to undertake a refurbishment of the bridge, which included the replacement of corroded wrought iron work, a full back to bare metal stripping of the old paint and repainting in colours that would in keeping with those used during the Victorian period.

The bridge was refurbished at a cost of almost €200,000 which was largely funded by grant funding from the Department of Transport’s Bridge Rehabilitation Works Programme.

Commenting on the fountain works, Dawn Wallace, Environment Senior Executive Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “We are delighted with the results.  The People’s Park is a wonderful public amenity that contains modern, accessible facilities such as the playground, playing pitch, skate park and adult gym, but what makes it particularly special is that it retains the history of the place.

“The bandstand has stood prominently in the heart of the 16-acre park since 1869 along with the Russian canons which were captured by the British Army at the Battle of Sebastopol in 1854.  These significant historical features are now complemented by the new upgraded fountain and refurbished pedestrian access bridge, which means there is something for everyone to enjoy in this expansive natural space.”

The overall cost of the fountain refurbishment was €160,000 and works were completed earlier this month by contractors Fountainworks of Navan with civil support works carried out by Liam Whelan Plant Hire of Dungarvan.

By Waterford City & County Council

Maintenance works at Kilbarry Nature Park

Over the coming weeks (15/01/24 – 09/02/24) we will be carrying out management and maintenance works at Kilbarry Nature Park, including the clearance of vegetation from the side slopes.

The purpose of the same is to implement a maintenance programme to ensure establishing trees are permitted sufficient space and not hampered by aggressive growing and fast colonising vegetation such as gorse and briars. This is in line with best practices for tree establishment in the Forestry and Landscape Guidelines.

20-meter sections will be cleared of gorse, briars and other aggressive vegetation shall be controlled with strategically planted trees being maintained. Works will be completed in advance of the nesting season under Section 40(1) (a) of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000.

By Waterford City & County Council

BMX Pump Track latest addition to Dungarvan’s Linear Park

 

 

The BMX Pump track comprises of a 120-metre-long beginners track and a 420-metre advanced track and is the ideal amenity for BMXers to test their ability to ‘pump’ speed from the track using the rollers

As part of the project, Waterford City and County Council consulted with BMX Ireland and Cycling Ireland for advice on the specification for a BMX Pump Track and to ensure the most authentic ‘pump’ experience for its users.

Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan / Lismore District Cllr. Pat Nugent was delighted to officially open the track and said “It’s wonderful to see the addition of such an accessible, high calibre track to the park.  The feedback from Cycle Ireland, BMX Ireland and the local visitors to the park has been so positive.

“The amenities in this park have flourished and the Learn to Cycle track, performance area, skatepark, BMX Pump track and the imminent completion of an adult exercise area are all fantastic additions to the community landscape and will encourage people of all ages to get out and about and try something new in a safe, family-friendly outdoor area.”

Waterford City and County Council secured funding of €195,000 under the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Sports Capital Programme.

Peter Jones, Waterford Sports Partnership commented, “The input of Cycling Ireland and BMX Ireland was invaluable throughout the process.  In consultation with their members, we were able to deliver a top-class track that is as accessible to beginners as it is challenging to advanced riders.”

Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added, “As a Smarter Travel Town, Dungarvan is leading the way in providing outdoor cycle and walking facilities to encourage a more sustainable and healthier lifestyle to all ages.  The Local Authority will continue to invest in such amenities so that the benefit can be reaped by everyone in the town and surrounding areas.”

The Pump track was constructed in a sustainable manner, applying the principles of the circular economy in terms of reuse of materials and life cycle costing.  Recycled aggregates were used in the build-up of all slopes, banks and ramps and these were provided by quarries in the Dungarvan area.

Works were completed earlier this month by contractors Trailbreaker, along with VeloSolutions which developed the plan for the track.

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor of Waterford supports ‘Love This Place’ campaign

 

 

Last month, Leave No Trace (LNT), Ireland’s only outdoor ethics programme, which promotes the responsible use of the outdoors launched its fourth National Awareness Campaign urging the public to enjoy our outdoor spaces (including parks, open countryside, and beaches) with care and respect to protect wildlife and fragile natural ecosystems.

Members of the public are urged to make a Promise to #LoveThisPlace, confirming their love of the outdoors with simple, positive actions to protect and respect outdoor spaces.

This year’s campaign culminates in a day of environmental action on National ‘Love This Place’ Day on Friday, July 28th, which coincides with World Nature Conservation Day.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway voiced his support for the campaign.  “Each of us, with minor changes to our attitudes and actions, can make a big difference.  By taking litter home or binning it, practicing responsible dog ownership and committing to respecting and protecting our environment and cultural heritage, we will all derive the benefits of our outdoor spaces and recreational areas.

“These small changes will lead to significant positive results and help improve our environment and biodiversity, as well as our physical and mental well-being.”

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council, added “The Love this Place campaign runs throughout the summer months, but we should love our places and spaces 365 days of the year.  The Love this Place campaign sets out simple guidelines for us all to help keep Ireland litter free, to protect our wildlife, protect our land and coast and to embrace our island and cultural heritage.  All it takes is small individual changes to make a significant collective difference for the better.”

Further information and guidance for individuals, communities and organisations is available from https://www.leavenotraceireland.org/love-this-place-leave-no-trace

 

Images (WCCC):

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway, Dawn Wallace and Ella Ryan, Environment Department, Waterford City and County Council with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway

By Waterford City & County Council

Railway Square Pocket Garden on the right track

Waterford City and County Council recently completed works on a new pocket park at Railway Square.

The pocket park is a welcoming urban space consisting of plants and flowers in raised beds, and a spacious seating area, to encourage people to relax in a garden oasis in the heart of the city.

The area originally housed a small play park, however, this was repurposed as a pocket garden to mitigate anti-social behaviour.

The new park complements the regeneration the area is currently undergoing as it is close to the many commercial and retail outlets, giving staff and employees the opportunity to take a relaxing break in the city oasis.

Sean Gormley, Acting Senior Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council emphasised the importance of public green spaces. “Green areas are proven to have a positive effect, not just on our biodiversity, but also on our mental health and well-being.

“By introducing the pocket park to Railway Square, the area is now an inviting and open space, and it has become a popular meeting point for those who work and live in the area, encouraging a healthier outdoor and social culture.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway welcomed the addition of the pocket park to Railway Square.  “The original infrastructure invited an anti-social element and, unfortunately this precluded a lot of young children and families using the space for its intended purpose.

“Waterford City and County Council’s Environment team has successfully repurposed the space and intends to introduce more of these biodiversity pockets throughout the city and county.

“Ideally, these green urban areas will have a far-reaching impact by minimising the consequences of climate change, encouraging social cohesion and improving biodiversity and the quality of urban living.”

The main contract on Railway Square Pocket Park was undertaken by RFL ltd., with the overall cost of the project at €45,000.

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