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Documentary: The Story of Water

Watch the documentary on The Story of Water in Ireland, airing Tuesday 7th July at 7pm on Virgin Media One. It reveals the full story behind the challenges facing the public water and wastewater network.

Follow #storyofwater on social media and @IrishWater on Twitter.

Waterford signs up to Covenant of Mayors

As one of his final acts as Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr. John Pratt signed the Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy on behalf of the Council.

In doing so Mayor Pratt committed the Council to reducing CO2 emissions within its administrative area by at least 40% by 2030 through improved energy efficiency and greater use of renewable energy sources and increasing its resilience by adapting to the impacts of climate change.

The Council’s commitment to the Covenant of Mayors follows the unanimous adoption of a motion proposed by then Councillor, Marc O’Cathasaigh in October 2019 and is in line with the Council’s Climate Adaptation Strategy adopted in 2019.

In order to meet their mitigation and adaptation targets signatories to the Covenant of Mayors commit to preparing a Baseline Emission Inventory and a Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and submit a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan. They also pledge to mainstreaming mitigation and adaptation considerations into relevant policies, strategies and plans.  Much of this work has already been completed as part of the Council’s Climate Adaptation Strategy.

In signing the Covenant, Cllr, Pratt acknowledged that local authorities are key drivers of the energy transition and fight against climate change at the level of governance closest to citizens and share the responsibility for climate action with regional and national government.  Climate change mitigation and adaptation can bring multiple benefits to the environment, society and the economy.  Tackled together they open up new opportunities to promote sustainable local development  including building inclusive, climate resilient and energy efficient communities; enhancing the quality of life; stimulating investment and innovation; boosting the local economy and creating jobs; reinforcing stakeholder engagement and cooperation.

The Council will be required to report on the implementation of its Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan every two years.

Bring Nature Back to your Garden

Many people are taking delight in the abundant birdsong that can be heard all around us now that life has quietened down in the current pandemic. A new booklet “Gardening for Biodiversity” is now available to help you attract more bird life, bees and butterflies to your garden and do your bit for nature.

Developed by wildlife author Juanita Browne and supported by the NPWS, Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, the Heritage Council and Local Authority Heritage Officers, this free booklet offers practical advice for beginner wildlife enthusiasts and DIYers.

Leave a strip of dandelions, delay mowing your grass, build a log pile or even a bird bath and watch your garden become a haven for wildlife.

Check out biodiversityireland.ie and their Facebook page for identification swatches and recording apps to help you identify all the different species of birds, flowers and bugs.

It’s all in our Nature !

SCOOP THE POOP – Dog Dirt Causes Disease

Dog dirt is smelly, sticky, disgusting and can cause disease. It should not be left for others to take care of in public places.

The Litter Pollution Acts 1997 – 2009 require dog owners to clean-up after their pets foul in public places such as public roads, footpaths,parks and beaches. An on the spot fine can be imposed on the owner of a dog who fouls in a public place,
which, if not paid could, lead to prosecution and a much larger penalty.

Dog dirt can cause disease. Toxocara is a common worm found in dogs. Infectious stages of this worm can be found in dog faeces. Public parks,public pathways and beaches are high risk areas.  Toxocara can also infect humans, mainly causing illness in young children. The
infection can last between six and twenty four months. Infection can cause damage
to the liver, lungs and eyes, sometimes leading to blindness.

Dog owners cause a health risk to others by not removing dog faeces from public places and disposing of it in a proper manner. The worm eggs can only infect humans if swallowed. Children are at risk of infection when they handle dogs or handle toys, footballs, soles of shoes or buggy wheels which have been contaminated with dog faeces.

Do not let your dog foul in a public place,but if it does foul in a public place,you are
required to collect and dispose of the faeces in a suitable sanitary manner, so that the
public is protected from this nuisance. It is as easy as taking a bag with you every
time you walk your dog in a public place. Simply place the bag over the faeces and
lift it whilst pulling the bag downwards with your other hand. Tie a knot in the bag
and dispose of it in a litter bin or take it home for disposal. Wash your hands when
you arrive home. Alternatively, Pooper Scoopers are available free of charge from
Kilkenny, Carlow, South Tipperary,Waterford and Wexford County Councils.

Remember – Scoop the poop

  • Worm your dog routinely (every three months is advised)
  • Wash your hands after handling your dog
  • Ensure your children wash their hands thoroughly following play outside and before eating.
  • DOWNLOAD THIS LEAFLET

Advice for dealing with Household Waste if you test positive

Please follow the guidelines on MyWaste Ireland for handling personal or household rubbish, including how to properly maintain your bins.

If you are tested COVID-19 postive, put all your personal rubbish (waste) such as gloves, masks, wipes, tissues etc. into a bin bag and tie when almost full. Place this bag into a second bag, and tie a knot. Store the bag somewhere safe for 3 days and then put the bag into your wheelie bin for collection.

REMINDER: Schools Competition from “The Let Dandelions Bee” campaign

The Let Dandelions Bee campaign wants you to give the mower a rest for just a short few weeks while the dandelions bloom this Spring.

@BioDataCentre says dandelions are our wild bees’ most favourite food! Wild bees do most of our most pollination, but their numbers have been declining. So, let’s give them a hand this Spring by letting dandelions grow in our lawns. Why not enter the schools competitions, photo competition, and more…

Primary Schools Competition – Primary Schools Competition – win a biodiversity workshop & €200 of bee-friendly plants for your school, & a €50 One4all voucher for the winning entrant. We have such a prize for 3 primary schools from anywhere on the island of Ireland. To enter, draw up a poster that shows how important dandelions are for bees in Spring. Entry details and our website coming soon … Ends Friday 3rd April (just before Easter holidays)

Secondary Schools Competition – Secondary Schools Competition – win a biodiversity workshop and €200 of bee-friendly plants for your school, & a €50 One4all voucher for the winning entrant. Prizes for 3 secondary schools from anywhere on the island of Ireland. To enter, draw up a 3-post social media campaign that shows how important dandelions are for bees in Spring. Entry details and our website coming soon … Ends Friday 3rd April.

Free saplings for National Tree Week 2020

Free saplings for National Tree Week 2020

Tree Council of Ireland and Coillte are again partnering for National Tree Week which takes place 21st – 27th March 2020 and this year’s theme is “Healthy Trees Healthy Planet”.

This is to promote tree health and the important role trees play in protecting our planet by taking on climate change and providing natural renewable resources. It also references the health benefits, both physical and mental, that trees and forests provide.

The Tree Council has provide a number of saplings such as oak, birch, alder, and rowan to Waterford City and County Council for the community. Schools and community groups can register their events with the Tree Council (https://www.treecouncil.ie/registeranevent) and then contact Waterford City & County Council to obtain saplings, subject to availability.

Contact eryan@waterfordcouncil.ie or 0761 10 2020) #treeweek2020

Schools Competition from “The Let Dandelions Bee” campaign

The Let Dandelions Bee campaign wants you to give the mower a rest for just a short few weeks while the dandelions bloom this Spring.

@BioDataCentre says dandelions are our wild bees’ most favourite food! Wild bees do most of our most pollination, but their numbers have been declining. So, let’s give them a hand this Spring by letting dandelions grow in our lawns. Why not enter the schools competitions, photo competition, and more…

Primary Schools Competition – Primary Schools Competition – win a biodiversity workshop & €200 of bee-friendly plants for your school, & a €50 One4all voucher for the winning entrant. We have such a prize for 3 primary schools from anywhere on the island of Ireland. To enter, draw up a poster that shows how important dandelions are for bees in Spring. Entry details and our website coming soon … Ends Friday 3rd April (just before Easter holidays)

Secondary Schools Competition – Secondary Schools Competition – win a biodiversity workshop and €200 of bee-friendly plants for your school, & a €50 One4all voucher for the winning entrant. Prizes for 3 secondary schools from anywhere on the island of Ireland. To enter, draw up a 3-post social media campaign that shows how important dandelions are for bees in Spring. Entry details and our website coming soon … Ends Friday 3rd April.

Waste Prevention Grant Scheme 2020

Tugann an scéim seo tacaíocht do ghrúpaí pobail céimeanna a thógaint chun cosc a chur ar dhramhaíl agus chun gníomhaíochtaí ath-úsáide agus deisithe a chur chun cinn go háitiúil, ag spreagadh chomhpháirtíochta idir gnóthaí áitiúla, scoileanna, carthanachtaí agus grúpaí deonacha.

Tá Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge ag tabhairt seans do ghrúpaí pobail cosc ar dhramhaíl a chur chun cinn i mbliana, ag tabhairt deise dóibh féachaint ar dhramhaíl i slí difriúil, féachaint an féidir linn ár n-acmhainní a láimhseáil i slí níos fearr agus geilleagar ciorclach a spreagadh.

Déanfar measúnú i gcomhair mhaoinithe ar thionscadail a bhfuil aidhm shonrach acu, atá ag díriú ar ghrúpa faoi leith agus gur féidir leo an méid dramhaíl atá cosctha a mheas (de réir meáchain) laistigh de thréimhse an tionscadail. Déanfar tionscadail a mheas bunaithe ar chritéir mheasúnaithe áirithe agus is ceart go mbeadh aghaidh tugtha ar na critéir seo i sonraí an iarratais; ní mor duit a bheith eolaíoch ar na critéir mheasúnaithe faoina mbeidh do thionscadal á mheas (mar atá léirithe ar an bhfoirm iarratais).

Sé €500 an t-uasmhéid atá ar fáil do gach tionscadal chosc ar dhramhaíl a fhaigheann maoiniú. I measc na dtionscadal a bhfuair maoiniú cheana bhí ceardlanna pobail uaschúrsála trínar cruthaíodh táirgí inbhuanaithe ó dhramhaíl, cosc ar dhramhaíl bia, imeachtaí deisiúcháin/uaschúrsála le linn Mí Athúsáidte (Deireadh Fómhair gach bliain), ceardlanna deisithe rothar agus tionscadail a spreagann daoine chun fáil réidh le plaisteach aon-úsáide laistigh den bpobal.

Conas Iarratas a Dhéanamh:

Tá an fhoirm iarratais don Deontas chun Dramhaíl a Chosc ar fáil ag http://bit.ly/WastePreventionGrant2020  nó ón Rannóg Comhshaoil, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge, uimhir ghutháin 0761 10 20 20. Is ceart an fhoirm iarratais a líonadh isteach agus í a sheoladh ar ais go dtí an Rannóg Comhshaoil faoin spriocdháta 13 Márta 2020.


This scheme supports communities to take steps on waste prevention, re-use and repair activities in their local areas, and encourage partnership between local businesses, schools, charities and voluntary groups.

Waterford City and County Council is offering community groups an opportunity this year to promote waste prevention, creating an opportunity to look at waste differently and to determine if we can handle our resources better and encourage a circular economy.

Funding will be considered for projects with a definitive aim, targeting a specific group and can provide an estimate of waste prevented (by weight) within the project period.  Projects will be assessed by assessment criteria and these criteria should be reflected in the project details; be aware of the assessment criteria against which your project will be evaluated (illustrated on the application form).

The maximum funding for each waste prevention project is €500.  Previous examples of funded projects include up-cycling community workshops creating sustainable products from waste, food waste prevention, repair/up-cycling events for Re-Use Month (October annually), bicycle repair workshops and projects that encourage the elimination of single use plastic within a community setting.

How to Apply:

The waste prevention grant application form is available at http://bit.ly/WastePreventionGrant2020  or from the Environment Section, Waterford City and County Council, phone no.: 0761 10 20 20. The Grant Application Form should be completed and returned to the Environment Section for consideration by the closing date 13th March 2020.

Relocation of Bring Site Facility at Millar’s Marsh

Waterford City & County Council wishes to advise that for operational reasons, the Bottle Banks & Textile Banks have been relocated from Millar’s Marsh to Waterside Car Park.

No Waste Is To Be Deposited At the Old Location. Offenders Will Be Prosecuted


Mr F Galvin

Director of Services
Waterford City & County Council
February 2020

Waterford Council ends Single Use Plastics

A Single Use Plastics Policy was adopted at the recent meeting of the Plenary Council  on 13th February. This policy will result in the elimination of single use plastics from all Council buildings, hired venues, catering and all events organised by Waterford City & County Council.

In addition, all events licensed or funded by Waterford City & County Council will be required to demonstrate measures to eliminate single use plastics and segregation of waste during and after the event and their subsequent disposal.

Following a draft prepared by the SPC for Environment, Climate Action and Biodiversity, the policy was brought to the Plenary Council where it was adopted, with immediate effect.

“Plastic is designed to last forever but is often used just once. Single-use plastic includes products such as straws, bottles, cups and cutlery; any plastic item that’s made for temporary use”, said Fergus Galvin, Director of Services for Roads, Water and Environment.

“Although we might not think much of it when we buy bottles of our favorite drink or buy a sandwich in a plastic box, these choices have a serious impact on the health of our planet and ourselves. This policy enables us to say a firm ‘no’ to single use plastics in our organisation. We are now building on the existing ban on single use bottles and cups in the Council Chambers by extending a ban on all single use plastics across the range of Council buildings and events.”

ENDS

Background: In January 2018, the European Commission adopted the first-ever Europe-wide strategy on plastics. The strategy envisages that all plastic packaging on the EU market will be recyclable by 2030, the consumption of single-use plastics will be reduced and the intentional use of micro plastics will be restricted. This strategy will transform the way products are designed, produced, used, and recycled in the EU. One of the first key legislative proposals to emerge on foot of the EU Plastics Strategy was the “Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment”, which was published on 28 May 2018.

In January 2019, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Minister Richard Bruton T.D. announced that government departments, public bodies, and schools will lead the way in the response to cutting down on single use plastics, with a number of measures, including no longer purchasing single-use plastic cups, cutlery and straws for use within their offices.

The single-use plastics directive which was adopted in May 2019 builds on the EU’s existing waste legislation but goes further by setting stricter rules for those types of products and packaging which are among the top ten most frequently found items polluting European beaches. The new rules ban the use of certain throwaway plastic products for which alternatives exist. In addition, specific measures are introduced to reduce the use of the most frequently littered plastic products.  Ireland has supported the ambition of this proposal throughout all the negotiations.

Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant 2020

Waterford City and Council invites submissions from community groups, youth groups, schools or other community development organisations, based in County Waterford, who are interested in receiving funding for public education and awareness initiatives regarding litter or graffiti.

Is your group planning a project to raise litter awareness in County Waterford by holding a cleanup, running an event or creating an information board?

Or maybe you are planning an anti-graffiti awareness initiative? If so, you may be eligible for a grant towards the cost of the project.

Conditions and criteria used in selecting anti-litter and anti-graffiti awareness community initiatives:

1. All projects should seek to promote greater public awareness and education in relation to litter and/or graffiti and should have a particular focus on involving schools, youth groups, environmental groups, voluntary groups or community groups.
2. Grants should be used, where possible, to leverage local business co-funding of anti-litter or anti-graffiti education/awareness measures.
3. If successful a payment of 50 % of the approved grant shall be paid to the name of the
Organisation specified on the Grant Application form. Please ensure that this name is the sameas the name on the Organisation’s bank account. The balance grant of the remaining 50% will be paid following receipt of a completion grant form and evidence of monies spent.
4. Projects that receive funding will be obliged to submit a completion report on their project in 2020 detailing expenditure.
5. Projects should be to a high standard and should aim at establishing or replicating best
practice in relation to litter or graffiti education/awareness measures. Please note only
applications with education awareness will be considered. The grant is not for structural items, such as street furniture, signs or CCTV cameras etc.

How to apply:
1. The application form for this grant is available from the http://bit.ly/AntiLitterGrant2020 or by phoning 0761 10 20 20
2. The grant application form should be completed and returned to the Environment Section for consideration by the closing date 7th March 2020.

Celebrate World Wetlands Day this Sunday, February 2nd

World Wetlands Day occurs annually on February 2nd, marking the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands signed in Ramsar, Iran on February 2  in 1971. It was established to raise awareness about the value of wetlands for  amenity and recreation, wildlife habitats and  treatment of pollution and flood control. Two events are being organised for Sunday February 2nd  by Waterford City& County Council as part of the Irish Ramsar Committee’s celebration of World Wetlands Day.

At 11 am join naturalist and wildlife photographer  Paddy Dwan for  a guided walk along the wonderful  Anne Valley Wetlands.   Meet at the Anne Valley Car Park in Dunhill at 11 a.m.

At 2pm John Power  and the West Waterford Eco Group will lead a guided walk overlooking Dungarvan Harbour which is one of Ireland’s 45 designated Ramsar sites. This is  a perfect time of year to appreciate  visiting wintering birdlife  around our shores – Brent Geese, Golden Plover, Godwits, Curlew, Dunlin and Redshank. John and his colleagues  will be on hand to help you identify these birds  and they  will have spotting scopes and binoculars to help closer identification.  Meet at the Pitch and Putt Car park  below at the Sports Centre at 2pm.

Find out more  about World Wetlands Day on irishwetlands.ie

Take the Pledge – Prevent food waste this Christmas

Will you take the pledge to go a week without food waste?

More than a quarter of food produced is wasted.

We’re asking people to make a pledge to try and go a week without wasting food. We’re not talking about peelings and banana skins, it’s about that half loaf of stale bread or leftovers in the fridge. Go ahead, give it a try.

MAKE OUR PLEDGE TODAY 
It’s simple, it’s free and makes a real difference. We are challenging everyone to reduce food waste to combat climate change. Sign up to take part, join our monthly newsletter and a receive a digital copy of the Stop Food Waste pocket guide.

Sign up at: https://stopfoodwaste.ie/go-a-week-without-food-waste