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Waterford Clothes Swap @ Central Library

Clothes Swap event

Come along and upgrade your wardrobe! Step away from fast fashion and exchange your clothes for something new to you!

Book your FREE Spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/waterford-clothes-swap-tickets-1343775511729

Europe Direct Waterford, Waterford Council Climate Action Team and Waterford Libraries are coming together to organise a Clothes Swap on:

Wednesday 28 May in Central Library, Lady Lane in Waterford City from 5pm – 6:30pm with Clothes Drop Off from 11am onwards. This is a FREE Event and all are welcome.

Details:

  • Bring up to five pieces of clean adult clothing (in good repair) to the library, between 11am and 5pm and swap then for a voucher for the same number of pieces.
  • The Swap opens from 5pm where you can browse the donated pieces and find out more about mending and bringing new life to your clothes.
  • There will also be a Clothes Repair Demo on the evening.

The EU has a Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles to create a greener textiles sector. The aim is a major shift inside the industry and among consumers, creating a whole new sustainable ecosystem for textiles by the end of this decade Read More.

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

Biodiversity Week in Waterford

Biodiversity Week in WaterfordWelcome to Biodiversity Week 2025 (16th – 25th May).

There are lots of brilliant free events being run across the county and country where you can learn more about wildlife, habitats and species in your local area. Biodiversity Officers in each county are busy this year are creating Biodiversity Action Plans and will be collecting local information at these events. We have created an exciting programme of events this year in Waterford, we would love to see you join us!

Follow @waterford_biodiversity on Instagram to keep up-to-date on the latest news and events throughout the week.

Tramore beach regains Blue Flag Status

2025 Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards Recognise Ireland’s Best Beaches and Marinas

99 Blue Flags and 70 Green Coast Awards awarded in 2025

Today, An Taisce announced the International Blue Flag and Green Coast Award recipients for 2025. The awards were presented by Mr. James Browne TD – Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage at the presentation ceremony held in the Ravenport Resort in Curracloe, County Wexford this afternoon.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Browne, who presented the award flags said, “Given that the Blue Flag programme is an internationally recognised symbol of high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety, I am honoured to present a record number of awards today – 99 Blue Flags and 70 Green Coast Awards.

“We’ve come a long way since the beginning of Ireland’s Blue Flag awards in 1988, when 19 beaches and 2 marinas were recognised.

“This didn’t happen by magic. Great credit must go to local authorities, An Taisce, coastal communities and particularly all those local volunteers who have worked tirelessly around the country to keep so many of our coastal areas, beaches and marinas in pristine condition for us all to enjoy.

“Presenting these awards on a great day in Curracloe and – in the current good weather – anticipating the happy days ahead for so many families on this very beach over the summer, I am particularly proud that the beautiful beaches and marinas from around my own home county of Wexford are amongst those recognised today.”

Ms. Cathy Baxter, Director of Education and Community Action at An Taisce said, “We were delighted to be back in the sunny Southeast once again, to present The Blue Flag and Green Coast Award Flags for the 2025 season. There are an unprecedented number of sites receiving awards this year. We would like to congratulate all the Local Authorities, marina operators and Clean Coasts groups responsible for managing the awarded beaches and marinas to the excellent standards required. I would also like to thank Wexford County Council for hosting us here in Curracloe today.”

Waterford’s coastline fared well as four beaches were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag – Ardmore, Clonea, Tramore beaches and Counsellor’s Strand, Dunmore East.  The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards. Originating in France in 1985 it was launched as an international programme as part of the “European Year of the Environment in 1987. In 1988, the first-year sites were awarded outside of France 19 beaches and 2 marinas received the Blue Flag in Ireland.

County Waterford also received six green accolades with Newtown Cove, Guillamene Cove, Kilfarrassey, Ballyquin, Curragh and Goat Island Beach all receiving a Green Coast Award, which recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty.

Dawn Wallace, Environment SEO with Waterford City and County Council said, “We are particularly delighted that Tramore Beach regained its Blue Flag status. It was one of three beaches nationally that did not retain its Blue Flag for 2024.  So, to not only regain the flag, but to record an ‘excellent’ rating is great news for locals and tourists alike as they flock to the coast this summer.

“Counsellor’s Strand in Dunmore East recorded vastly improved water quality, also securing an ‘excellent’ rating, which is testament to the work of the Council and local environmental groups.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy also commended not only the Local Authority’s Environment Department, but also the work of voluntary groups that dedicate themselves to ensuring an unspoilt environment for all to enjoy.

“The work of volunteers from groups such as Clean Coasts, Tidy Towns, and ecological groups, have made huge inroads in assisting in the maintenance and management of our coastline and its amenities.

“These volunteers are passionate about preserving our natural environment, whether it’s through litter picking, wildlife conservation management or developing educational programmes.  By enhancing our natural amenities, they are heightening the enjoyment we can all derive from our beaches and coastline.”

Waterford Clothes Swap @ Central Library

Clothes Swap event

Come along and upgrade your wardrobe! Step away from fast fashion and exchange your clothes for something new to you!

Book your FREE Spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/waterford-clothes-swap-tickets-1343775511729

Europe Direct Waterford, Waterford Council Climate Action Team and Waterford Libraries are coming together to organise a Clothes Swap on:

Wednesday 28 May in Central Library, Lady Lane in Waterford City from 5pm – 6:30pm with Clothes Drop Off from 11am onwards. This is a FREE Event and all are welcome.

Details:

  • Bring up to five pieces of clean adult clothing (in good repair) to the library, between 11am and 5pm and swap then for a voucher for the same number of pieces.
  • The Swap opens from 5pm where you can browse the donated pieces and find out more about mending and bringing new life to your clothes.
  • There will also be a Clothes Repair Demo on the evening.

The EU has a Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles to create a greener textiles sector. The aim is a major shift inside the industry and among consumers, creating a whole new sustainable ecosystem for textiles by the end of this decade Read More.

New active travel upgrades in Dungarvan

 

It was a picture-perfect day as the active travel upgrades to Shandon Road in Dungarvan were officially celebrated, marking the completion of a project that’s already made a big difference to the town.

From safer, more accessible footpaths to better parking regulation and measures that slow down traffic, these upgrades have been positively received by the Dungarvan community.

The project was funded by the National Transport Authority and delivered by Waterford City and County Council.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Jason Murphy said: “The active travel upgrades on Shandon Road really show the Council’s commitment to making Dungarvan a safer, more accessible place for everyone. Better footpaths encourage more people to walk to the town centre, local shops, schools, parks, matches and the Greenway. It’s all about making it easier to get around on foot and enjoy everything Dungarvan has to offer.”

Chairperson of Waterford GAA, Neil Moore, said: “The improvements to footpaths and pedestrian access around Fraher Field have made a real difference for everyone attending the GAA pitch. Safer, more accessible footpaths are encouraging more people to walk to matches and training, supporting active travel for players, spectators and families alike.”

Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, with its Local Advisory Office located on Shandon Road, has experienced the positive impact of the active travel improvements. Teagasc Regional Manager for Waterford/Kilkenny, Richard O’Brien, said: “Investing in accessible, active travel routes like Shandon Road supports healthier communities, vibrant local economies and a more sustainable future for everyone. These improvements are an important step in supporting Dungarvan as a growing and thriving town.”

Dungarvan Men’s Shed has also praised the active travel improvements on Shandon Road. Nicky Sheehan, a founding member of Dungarvan Men’s Shed, said: “Many of us regularly use this route, whether it’s for our walking group or just going about daily activities. The safer, smoother footpaths make it much easier and more enjoyable to get around, and it’s encouraging even more of us to get outside and stay active.”

Public Consultation: Draft Litter Management Plan 2025 – 2028

Waterford City & County Council is committed to keeping our streets, parks, and communities clean – but we need your input!

The Draft Litter Management Plan 2025 – 2028 is now open for public consultation, and this is your opportunity to shape how we tackle litter and waste in Waterford. Whether it’s improving bin facilities, addressing illegal dumping, or promoting waste reduction, we want to hear your views.

The draft plan is available online at consult.waterfordcouncil.ie, where you can also make a submission.

How to Submit Your Feedback

🖥 Online: consult.waterfordcouncil.ie (Preferred)
📩 Email: envsubmissions@waterfordcouncil.ie
📮 Post: Environment Dept., Waterford City & County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford
🗓 Deadline: 4:00 PM on April 30, 2025

Download Draft Document

Active Travel Safe Routes to School (SRTS) launches at two Waterford national schools

More children are now walking and cycling to two national schools in Waterford City following significant improvements made through the Active Travel Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme.

The SRTS programme aims to promote walking and cycling as safe, sustainable travel options for schoolgoers and has been highly successful in encouraging healthier lifestyles among pupils at St Saviour’s National School in Ballybeg and Waterford Educate Together National School in Carrickphierish.

At the official launch of the schemes on Friday 28th March 2025, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy commented: “It’s truly wonderful to see so many children opting to walk and cycle to school following these improvements.”

The SRTS programme, an initiative of the Department of Transport and supported by the Department of Education, is operated by An Taisce in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Active Travel Department in Waterford City and County Council at a local level.

Michael Murphy, Active Travel Senior Engineer, Waterford City and County Council, emphasised the importance of creating safe and welcoming spaces around schools. “When we improve the environment around schools, it naturally encourages children to walk and cycle, fostering healthier habits and safer communities,” Mr. Murphy said.

Patrick Pender, Principal at Waterford Educate Together National School, expressed his strong support for the initiative, emphasising its success in improving safety outside the school. “The reduction in cars around our school, combined with safer road crossings and junction improvements, has made a noticeable difference in creating a safer and more accessible environment for our pupils and their families. These changes are a welcome step towards making active travel a more viable and attractive option for children, encouraging more of them to walk, cycle or scoot to school.

“As these improvements take effect, we are excited to see initiatives such as the Walking Bus getting underway. This provides children with a structured and safe way to walk to school, fostering independence, promoting a healthier lifestyle, and strengthening the sense of community among those who travel together. Supporting active travel is a priority for us, and we look forward to building on this progress in the months ahead,” Mr Pender added.

Ciara Kavanagh, Principal at St Saviour’s National School, said the improvements have had a positive impact on the community. “While many of our pupils from the Ballybeg area have always walked to school, the new safety measures have made it safer and more accessible for everyone. We’ve noticed more children walking and cycling, which means they’re getting active, socialising before classes, and starting the day healthier and more energised,” Ms. Kavanagh said.

Finola O’Driscoll, Senior Programme Manager for Active Travel Investment in the NTA, said the NTA looks forward to empowering more Waterford communities in their active travel journeys. “Many of the children who attend these schools live in the immediate area and will now have a safer and more positive front of school experience due to reduced traffic congestion. Credit to those at St Saviour’s National School in Ballybeg and Waterford Educate Together National School in Carrickphierish for recognising the importance of ensuring the safety of the children coming to and from school,” Ms O’Driscoll added.

See the videos below for highlights from both events, including moments from the celebrations and performances.

Ban on Burning of Agricultural Waste

Ban on burning of agricultural waste

Waterford City and County Council wishes to remind landowners that the burning of waste, including garden and agricultural waste is banned and can lead to prosecution for landowners if it is undertaken.

Under the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal By Burning) Regulations 2009 a person who burns any waste can face prosecution and a fine of up to €5000 in the district court.

Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, said, “There was an exemption from the ban on burning agricultural waste up until 2023, however this is now also banned.  Farmers should use management techniques such as regular flailing to minimise the production of the green waste and alternative measures, such as mulching or composting the material, or using it to create a nature and biodiversity pile are suitable alternatives to burning.”

Mr Kane added, “Burning waste, including green waste can lead to the emission of particulate matter, a form of air pollution, which can exacerbate breathing difficulties in people with lung conditions such as asthma or emphysema.”

Financial support is available to farmers for biomass chipping equipment. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine through the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers for a wood/ biomass drying shed and for PTO-driven wood/biomass chipper equipment.

This equipment can be used by farmers to process agriculture green waste on farms.

For further information https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/environment/air-quality/disposal-by-burning/

More children starting the day active following improvement works at two Waterford national schools

More children are now walking and cycling to two national schools in Waterford City following significant improvements made through the Active Travel Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme.

The SRTS programme aims to promote walking and cycling as safe, sustainable travel options for schoolgoers and has been highly successful in encouraging healthier lifestyles among pupils at St Saviour’s National School in Ballybeg and Waterford Educate Together National School in Carrickphierish.

At the official launch of the schemes on Friday 28th March 2025, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy commented: “It’s truly wonderful to see so many children opting to walk and cycle to school following these improvements.”

The SRTS programme, an initiative of the Department of Transport and supported by the Department of Education, is operated by An Taisce in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Active Travel Department in Waterford City and County Council at a local level.

Michael Murphy, Active Travel Senior Engineer, Waterford City and County Council, emphasised the importance of creating safe and welcoming spaces around schools. “When we improve the environment around schools, it naturally encourages children to walk and cycle, fostering healthier habits and safer communities,” Mr. Murphy said.

Patrick Pender, Principal at Waterford Educate Together National School, expressed his strong support for the initiative, emphasising its success in improving safety outside the school. “The reduction in cars around our school, combined with safer road crossings and junction improvements, has made a noticeable difference in creating a safer and more accessible environment for our pupils and their families. These changes are a welcome step towards making active travel a more viable and attractive option for children, encouraging more of them to walk, cycle or scoot to school.

“As these improvements take effect, we are excited to see initiatives such as the Walking Bus getting underway. This provides children with a structured and safe way to walk to school, fostering independence, promoting a healthier lifestyle, and strengthening the sense of community among those who travel together. Supporting active travel is a priority for us, and we look forward to building on this progress in the months ahead,” Mr Pender added.

Ciara Kavanagh, Principal at St Saviour’s National School, said the improvements have had a positive impact on the community. “While many of our pupils from the Ballybeg area have always walked to school, the new safety measures have made it safer and more accessible for everyone. We’ve noticed more children walking and cycling, which means they’re getting active, socialising before classes, and starting the day healthier and more energised,” Ms. Kavanagh said.

Finola O’Driscoll, Senior Programme Manager for Active Travel Investment in the NTA, said the NTA looks forward to empowering more Waterford communities in their active travel journeys. “Many of the children who attend these schools live in the immediate area and will now have a safer and more positive front of school experience due to reduced traffic congestion. Credit to those at St Saviour’s National School in Ballybeg and Waterford Educate Together National School in Carrickphierish for recognising the importance of ensuring the safety of the children coming to and from school,” Ms O’Driscoll added.

Waterford City and County Council hosts Second Waterford Student Climate Conference

Waterford City and County Council’s Climate Action Team hosted its second Student Conference at the Fusion Centre in Dungarvan last week (Wednesday, March 26th).

Eight secondary schools from across Waterford City and County sent teams to the conference which was also attended by members of Waterford community groups.

Each partaking school was represented by a teacher and a small team of ‘climate ambassadors’.  While the first Student Climate Conference in 2023 focussed on contributing to the writing of the Waterford Climate Action Plan, the emphasis this year was on community action.

Welcoming the students to the Fusion Centre at Dungarvan, Grainne Kennedy, Climate Action Coordinator, Waterford City and County Council said, “While we have achieved a tremendous amount already in the first year of Waterford’s Climate Action Plan, there is still a lot of work to come. And taking the longer view, our successes will come from cultivating an informed, engaged youth who can build on the great work communities are already doing.”

Students then had the opportunity to learn from various Waterford communities and businesses that have carried out a great variety of climate actions.

Cian Gill, Climate Action Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “Sometimes people might have an idea that climate action is something technical, very scientific, and maybe even a bit mysterious – definitely not the sort of thing that anyone can do! They are often pleasantly surprised to learn that many actions they already feel positive about, and may already be doing, are a part of climate action.

“Today, we’re hearing from groups such as Árdscoil na Mara who have a ‘walk-to-school’ campaign, Affane-Cappoquin-Tourin, who have been saving and reusing rainwater, and Clashmore Community Council, who have made unused green areas more biodiversity-friendly. We also learned how to set up school sustainability squads with Education for Sustainability, and how to grow our own food with specialist Colman Power.”

Students from Abbey Community College talked about how they had been inspired saying, “We could utilise the spaces we already have for flower planters and to grow vegetables and organic produce in them, so we can use them when we come back to school in September to maybe cook them in Home Ec.”, while Waterpark College said, “We’ve been inspired by the speakers to create some sort of zen garden or pollination path.”

For more information about Waterford City and County Council’s Climate Action Plan, visit https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/environment/climate-action/ or email climateaction@waterfordcouncil.ie

 

Waterford Educate Together National School launches successful Walking Bus Initiative

Waterford Educate Together National School Launches Successful Walking Bus Initiative
Waterford Educate Together National School (ETNS) in Carrickphierish, Waterford City has proudly launched its first-ever walking bus, following recent improvements made under the Active Travel Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme.

On Wednesday 5th March 2025, the school kicked off this exciting initiative with great success. The walking bus was supported by Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Sports Partnership, as well as the school’s dedicated parents and staff.

A walking bus consists of a group of children walking to school under the supervision of responsible adults. The route includes several stops, where children can join the walking bus along the way. Schools have the flexibility to schedule their walking bus on a designated day each week or month.

The walking bus initiative brings numerous benefits, including promoting healthy, active travel habits among children, fostering road safety awareness, and boosting children’s focus throughout the school day.

The event marked a significant milestone in the school’s commitment to encouraging sustainable, active commuting and fostering a safer, healthier environment for its pupils.

On the day, Principal at Waterford Educate Together National School, Patrick Pender, said: “We had lots of children and parents take part in our first walking bus, and it was great to have the support of Waterford Sports Partnership and Waterford City and County Council in getting this initiative started. It really is a fantastic initiative. Thanks to everyone involved for their support.”

Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer at Waterford City and County Council, said: “It is wonderful to see the walking bus initiative get underway at Waterford Educate Together National School. By starting a walking bus, schools not only help reduce traffic and emissions but also provide children with a refreshing start to their day. The children arrive at school feeling energised and ready to learn, having had an enjoyable walk to school with their friends.”

Active Cities Officer at Waterford Sports Partnership, Lauren Walsh Kett, said: “It’s great for the children to be able to build in a little bit of physical activity into their day before they start school.”

 If you would like advice on starting a walking bus, contact the Active Travel team at activetravel@waterfordcouncil.ie.

ENDS

Six Waterford communities awarded strategic funding to support influential local biodiversity action

Over the years, communities across Waterford have demonstrated the positive effects that local biodiversity action can have for both nature and people.

Community Foundation Ireland, in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, has awarded a total of €33,000 to six Waterford communities in 2025 under their Biodiversity Fund, set up in 2019.

The support for this grant comes from philanthropists and donors to Community Foundation Ireland matched with public funding.

This will support the development of five Community Biodiversity Action Plans for Ardmore, Clonea Power, Dungarvan, Dunhill and Bunmahon guided by the expert knowledge of ecologists to protect local biodiversity. In addition, Clashmore and Kinsalebeg will receive €8,000 towards the implementation of biodiversity actions under their existing plan.

In recognition of the power of community-led conservation, Waterford City and County Council Biodiversity Officer, Marina Mulligan said, “It is brilliant to see community efforts rewarded and it is an exciting time for biodiversity action in the county. These communities are at the heart of supporting habitats through running biodiversity projects and raising awareness of the unique species in their localities.

“This grant is generating a network of community actions which can be incorporated into local authority biodiversity action plans and can harness collaboration between community groups, Biodiversity Officers, NPWS, ecologists and environmental NGOs for the improvement and restoration of habitats. This is particularly important at a time where 85% of Ireland’s EU-Protected habitats are in unfavourable condition, the Nature Restoration Regulation has been adopted and where urgent action is required to reverse biodiversity loss nationally. The more communities participating in these initiatives, the greater the benefits for wildlife.

Congratulations to Ardmore Tidy Towns, Clonea Power Tidy Village, Dungarvan Tidy Towns, Dunhill Tourism Walking Trail, Tidy Towns Bunmahon and Clashmore and Kinsalebeg Community Council. Community-led collaborative conservation is growing. With these groups at the helm locally and with the support of ecologists, I have no doubt that impactful actions can be achieved.”

Making the announcement, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said, “If we are to successfully tackle our national biodiversity crisis, we must all work together. This partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Community Foundation Ireland is a great example of how we can empower and support community organisations to learn about their local biodiversity and use that knowledge along with their creativity to come up with a plan which is unique to their area. I’m really impressed with the range of projects involved and excited to see the outcomes of their work.”

Under the partnership the connectivity of the Foundation to local communities built up over 25 years as a philanthropic hub is matched with the expertise and knowledge of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.  More than €591,000 is being provided under the current round to 94 projects.

Congratulating the Waterford awardees, Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said, “We are particularly proud that local efforts to protect habitats, plants and wildlife are increasingly growing into a national movement. The fact that this current grant round is impacting in every county shows the groundswell of support for biodiversity action.

“The partnership of the Foundation, its philanthropists and community partners together with the National Parks and Wildlife Service is effective and works. Our natural heritage is being protected for generations to come.”

 Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service added, “NPWS is delighted to work with the Community Foundation of Ireland and to support the community groups participating in enhancing their local biodiversity. This is exactly the whole-of-society approach we advocated for in the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan.”

Do your part – Be SepticSMART

Waterford City and County Council reminds owners of septic tanks and other small waste water treatment plants that regular maintenance of the system can prevent longer term problems.

14,000 houses in Co. Waterford rely on a septic tank or other domestic waste water treatment system to treat the sewage from their homes and businesses. Timely maintenance of these systems is vital to ensure they operate efficiently and can prevent more costly repairs being required in the longer term.

Eamonn Morrissey, Senior Executive Scientist in Waterford City and County Council said, “Desludging septic tanks and other treatment systems is vital to ensure they continue to work optimally. Solids which are flushed down the toilet end up in the septic tank, with the liquids going into the percolation area to be broken down by bacteria. If the solids are not removed from the septic tank regularly, they can end up blocking the percolation area and this can mean a new percolation area may need to be dug.”

He added, “Malfunctioning percolation systems can lead to polluted water ponding on the surface of peoples gardens and potentially polluting their drinking water wells.”

The recommended frequency of desludging depends on the size of the septic tank or waste water treatment system and the number of people using it.

The table below shows how many years are recommended between desludging.

Be SepticSMART

If you are unsure of the size of your tank, you should use the figure for 2.5m³.

More details on septic tanks and how to maintain them, including a list of companies permitted to desludge them can be found on Waterford City and County Council’s website at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/water-services/water-quality/septic-tanks/

-ends-