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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

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.

Communication boards installed in Waterford playgrounds

Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with Waterford Sports Partnership, has designed and installed communications boards in playgrounds throughout the city, with further roll-out scheduled for the county.

The communication boards consist of symbols, pictures and or photos that enable non-speaking or minimally speaking children to communicate with those around them.

By pointing to a specific image or symbol, those with speech and language difficulties will be able to communicate with those around them and minimise frustrations or misunderstandings.

The boards feature a variety of graphics representing feelings, actions, activities, and question symbols.

Sean Gormley, Acting Senior Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council said, “As part of Waterford City and County Council’s objective to make our playgrounds fun, enjoyable and accessible to all, we have started introducing the communication boards in 28 parks and play areas across the city and county.

“The boards have already been installed in the People’s Park, Ballybeg, Farronshoneen Park, Butler Community Centre and Mount Sion GAA grounds in the city, with delivery and installation scheduled in the coming weeks for the remaining sites.

“For some children who have speech difficulties or find it difficult to communicate verbally, these boards make it easier to convey what they are trying to communicate.  The symbols are clearly marked out and range from asking a question, to highlighting how they are feeling, or where they would like to go within the park.

“It’s a simple but very effective addition to our amenities and we hope it will encourage parents and families of non-speaking or minimally speaking children to enjoy all the facilities in our playgrounds.”

The communication boards were funded through Waterford Sports Partnership and manufactured by local print company, Graphic Image.

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Sites where communication boards are scheduled for installation:

 

Dungarvan:

Linear Park (beside LIDL)

Walton Park

Learn to Cycle Track

Tramore:

Inclusion Park on The Prom

Priests’ Road near Supervalu

County Waterford:

An Rinn

Ardmore

Bonmahon

Cheekpoint

Clashmore

Dunmore East

Fenor

Kilmacthomas

Kilmeaden

Lismore

Modeligo

Passage East

Portlaw

Rathgormack

Stradbally

Tallow

Lemybrien

National Food Waste Recycling Week 2023

Separating food waste is a positive climate action that we can all make

25th May 2023: Now in its second year, the National Food Waste Recycling Week will run from the 5th until the 11th June 2023. This campaign, managed by MyWaste.ie will provide practical advice, with easy to follow hints and tips to encourage everyone to recycle more of their food waste.

In Ireland, we waste about 800,000 tonnes of food each year, according to current best estimates. Growing, processing and transporting food uses a huge amount of resources, such as land, water, energy and fertiliser. If food is wasted, these resources are wasted too. The EPA estimates that food waste costs the average Irish household about €60 per month or €700 per year.  That’s an annual national cost of €1.29 billion.

This year’s campaign aims to ensure that people understand that food waste needs to be fully separated from all packaging such as plastic or other containers to prevent contamination at the compost and anaerobic digestion facilities leading to higher quality recycling.

The overall aim of the campaign is to generate awareness of the role of food waste recycling in diverting this valuable resource from landfill and allowing it to be transformed into renewable energy and fertilisers for horticulture and agriculture use in Ireland. This will have a lasting impact as it will create green jobs here now and into the future. The campaign is being managed by Ireland’s three regional waste management planning offices* and funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Properly recycled food waste can be used to produce energy through anaerobic digestion and to produce clean, organic fertiliser.

Minister Ossian Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and the Circular Economy, said: “Did you know that you can save money and cut carbon at the same time, just by sorting your food waste? During this year’s National Food Waste Recycling Week, we’re going to show businesses and households how to easily cut food waste. It’s more money in your pocket but it’s also a source of clean energy and climate-friendly fertiliser.”

Minister Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, said: “This National Food Waste Recycling Week my message to everyone is straightforward. We all have a role to play in reducing food waste. It benefits our local environment, can help us reach our climate targets, helps us show our farmers, fishers and food producers that we value their products and of course it can help us save money on our grocery bills. Working together with colleagues in government we are committed to our global climate targets and protecting our local environment. There is a wealth of information on how every household can reduce their food waste at MyWaste.ie and I encourage everyone to consider trying out some of their practical ideas that can help you to play your part.”

Pauline McDonogh, Circular Economy Coordinator, Southern Waste Region, said: “Organic waste collected in the brown bin accounted for 11% of all household waste managed in 2020 (199,823 t). The tonnage of organic waste increased of 25% when compared to the 2019 tonnage (159,385 t). However, previous EPA studies have shown that most household organic waste (over 60%) continues to be placed in the residual (black) or recycling bins and therefore not recycled**. 

From January 1st, 2024, under new national legislation to be introduced later this year all waste management companies will be obliged to provide food waste recycling bins for compostable material which will radically improve Ireland’s management of food waste. This campaign is focused on continuing to educate people on what can be put into their food waste recycling bin. It will highlight the importance of separating waste food from its packaging to ensure we reduce contamination and achieve high quality recycling. This is good for the Irish environment as it is a closed production process and supports our circular economy.”

Events will be held nationwide to highlight National Food Waste Recycling Week 2023, supported by local authorities, the Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Association of Ireland (Cré) and members of the Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA).

In addition, MyWaste.ie team will be hosting talks each day at the Bloom Sustainable Living Stage during the Bord Bia Bloom Festival. Here, visitors will be able to hear from the MyWaste.ie experts as well as gardener Marie Staunton on how food waste recycling works and its benefits using several interactive exhibits. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions at each session.

People are encouraged to check locally for information on the events happening across the country. At many of these events, subject to availability, attendees will receive a food waste caddy, each with a starter pack of caddy liners, free compost for their gardens and an information leaflet.

For more information on the National Food Waste Recycling Week 2023, see www.mywaste.ie/national-food-waste-recycling-week/

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No Butts About It! Waterford City & County Council’s new initiative to tackle cigarette waste

In an initiative to encourage smokers to properly dispose of their cigarette butts, Waterford City and County Council recently installed ‘ballot bins’ in Waterford City, Tramore and Dungarvan.

The ballot bins feature an engaging voting system that is a fun way to get people to vote by placing their cigarette butts in one of two voting slots.  The ballot bins feature customisable questions and smokers can vote on the topic.

The polls will be regularly updated and will feature Yes / No polls with questions such as ‘Were Ross and Rachel on a break?’ or ‘Pineapple on Pizza?’ Other polls will offer a choice of answers such as ‘Best Blaa filling? Red Lead or Crisps’ and ‘Which came first? The Chicken or the egg’.

While the topics may be fun and engaging, cigarette butts pose a real societal and environmental problem.  They are the most common form of litter in both Waterford and indeed the world, with an estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts thrown away every year.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary praised the initiative, saying “Cigarette butts are a scourge. Not only are they the most common source of litter, they are also an ecological nightmare, posing a real danger to people, wildlife, and marine life.

“Cigarette butts are single-use plastics and can take up to 13 years to break down.  If the ballot bins encourage smokers to dispose of their cigarette butts responsibly and safely, it will make a massive change for the good of our children and our environment.”

Niall Kane, Acting Senior Executive Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, “This campaign is part of Waterford City and County Council’s aim to reduce littering on our streets, in our seas and our countryside.  With cigarette butts accounting for 40% of all litter in Waterford, they really are a blot on the landscape.  Towns and cities that have previously installed ballot bins have seen cigarette butt litter reduced by up to 46%, so they are proven effective.”

The ballot bins are located in Grattan Square in Dungarvan, Strand Street in Tramore and John Robert’s Square in Waterford city.

Waterford City and County Council will regularly update the ballot polls with topical and humorous conundrums.

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Deadline tomorrow: Local Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant 2023

Waterford City and County 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.

Examples of projects previously funded under this grant include:

  • Dog fouling – community projects on dog fouling have been effective in the past, putting responsibility firmly back on the dog owner to clean up after their dog. Stencils can be provided to groups who wish to buy paint to stencils messages onto black spot areas/effected streets in their community, etc. Similarly, if an awareness campaign wished to tie in with the Council’s campaign by erecting posters locally, holding a number of local awareness events (virtually or in person) or by acting as a Green Dog Walker ambassador within their community, such a project could be funded. School assembly talks/class workshops could be held either virtually or in school (depending on school/COVID restrictions in place at the time) to highlight the issue.
  • Roadside litter – A local poster competition could be run with schools. These could be displayed at local takeaways, deli counters, cafes and shops to remind customers to bring their litter home with them and not throw it from the car. A digital competition could be run with a local secondary school to use on your group’s social media account.

Apply online via : http://bit.ly/AntiLitterGrant2023

Closing date for applications: close of business on 18th May 2023.

Deadline today : Local Circular Economy Grant 2023

Are you part of a group that wants to help to take steps on waste prevention, re-use and repair activities in your local area?

Waterford City and County 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 initiatives regarding the circular economy, reuse and repair.

A circular economy is based on long-life products that can be renewed, reused, repaired, upgraded and refurbished to preserve natural resources, protect habitats and reduce pollution. It is about finding ways to keep items in use longer and not generating as much waste in the first place.  It’s about rethinking the way we do things – redesigning the items we use – changing attitudes and changing behaviours about what we buy and what we throw away.

The main focus for projects this year should be on projects to promote a circular economy e.g. repairing, reusing, building skills and knowledge in the community to facilitate repair and reuse, changing attitudes and behaviours to how we use items, reduce use of single use items (encourage use of reusable items). Applications for projects under these themes will be prioritised for funding. Why not apply for funding to help you carry this project out?

How to apply:

  1. The application form for this grant is available from the http://bit.ly/WastePreventionGrant2023
  2. The grant application form should be completed and returned to the Environment Section for consideration by the closing date 5pm on Wednesday 17th May 2023.

Local Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant 2023

Waterford City and County 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.

Examples of projects previously funded under this grant include:

  • Dog fouling – community projects on dog fouling have been effective in the past, putting responsibility firmly back on the dog owner to clean up after their dog. Stencils can be provided to groups who wish to buy paint to stencils messages onto black spot areas/effected streets in their community, etc. Similarly, if an awareness campaign wished to tie in with the Council’s campaign by erecting posters locally, holding a number of local awareness events (virtually or in person) or by acting as a Green Dog Walker ambassador within their community, such a project could be funded. School assembly talks/class workshops could be held either virtually or in school (depending on school/COVID restrictions in place at the time) to highlight the issue.
  • Roadside litter – A local poster competition could be run with schools. These could be displayed at local takeaways, deli counters, cafes and shops to remind customers to bring their litter home with them and not throw it from the car. A digital competition could be run with a local secondary school to use on your group’s social media account.

Apply online via : http://bit.ly/AntiLitterGrant2023

Closing date for applications: close of business on 18th May 2023.

Local Circular Economy Grant 2023 (formerly Waste Prevention Grant)

Are you part of a group that wants to help to take steps on waste prevention, re-use and repair activities in your local area?

Waterford City and County 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 initiatives regarding the circular economy, reuse and repair.

A circular economy is based on long-life products that can be renewed, reused, repaired, upgraded and refurbished to preserve natural resources, protect habitats and reduce pollution. It is about finding ways to keep items in use longer and not generating as much waste in the first place.  It’s about rethinking the way we do things – redesigning the items we use – changing attitudes and changing behaviours about what we buy and what we throw away.

The main focus for projects this year should be on projects to promote a circular economy e.g. repairing, reusing, building skills and knowledge in the community to facilitate repair and reuse, changing attitudes and behaviours to how we use items, reduce use of single use items (encourage use of reusable items). Applications for projects under these themes will be prioritised for funding. Why not apply for funding to help you carry this project out?

How to apply:

  1. The application form for this grant is available from the http://bit.ly/WastePreventionGrant2023
  2. The grant application form should be completed and returned to the Environment Section for consideration by the closing date 5pm on Wednesday 17th May 2023.

One pesticide exceedance in Waterford drinking water supplies in 2022

Public urged to continue to consider the environment and alternatives to pesticides when gardening, farming and maintaining sports grounds 

Monday, 8 May 2023 – One exceedance for pesticides were detected in the public drinking water supplies in Kilmacthomas in 2022. This exceedance for 2,4-D was detected as part of Uisce Éireann’s public water supply monitoring programme. MCPA is still the most commonly detected pesticide in drinking water sources and is present in many commonly used herbicide products used to control thistles, docks and rushes.

There was an increase in the number of exceedances for pesticides in public drinking water supplies in Waterford county last year, according to Uisce Éireann. In 2021 the utility did not detect any exceedances for pesticides as part of its ongoing monitoring, however, this has increased to one in 2022.

The Kilmacthomas water supply abstracts raw water from a spring in the Kilmacthomas area which is vulnerable to runoff from land. Uisce Éireann is asking users of any herbicide or pesticide products to continue to consider the vulnerability of their local drinking water supplies to pesticide contamination and the importance of these supplies to local homes and businesses in the community.

Uisce Éireann and the NPDWAG are asking the farming community, greenkeepers, grounds keepers, and also domestic users of pesticides, to consider in each case whether they need to use pesticides at all. Pesticides must only be used where strictly necessary and only after the possibility of using other control methods has been carefully considered. Minimising pesticide use not only helps to protect water quality but also has multiple wider environmental benefits.

For example, leaving areas unsprayed can help native flowering plant species to grow and support a range of insects including bees and other vital pollinators. One third of Ireland’s bee species are threatened with extinction and by helping the bee population survive and thrive we are also helping to protect our precious water sources. For more information on practical ways to help bees and other pollinators, check out the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan at pollinators.ie. Farmers should also bear in mind that the application of herbicides reduces sward species diversity and could negatively impact on payments through agri-environmental schemes.

Where pesticide use is considered necessary, the NPDWAG continues to work with local communities to ensure that best practice measures to protect drinking water sources and biodiversity are always followed. Farmers and other landholders dealing with the challenge of rushes should note the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) guidance on the sustainable management of rushes. This approach is based on the concepts of containment or suppression and aims to minimise the use of pesticides. More information on this can be obtained from your local farm advisor or on www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/waterprotection

Patrick Duggan, Uisce Éireann’s Regional Drinking Water Compliance Specialist said: “In Co Waterford, the exceedances of the drinking water regulations for 2,4-D was noted in the Kilmacthomas public water supply following routine sampling. While our consultation with the HSE has concluded that the levels we detected did not represent a threat to public health, they are still however undesirable in drinking water and it is therefore imperative that users of pesticides are mindful of best practice when using herbicides or pesticides and seek out alternatives.”

Adding to this, Dr Aidan Moody, DAFM and Chair of NPDWAG, commented: “It is important that we maintain our focus on this issue and that there is a sustained effort by stakeholders to continue the good progress that has been made in recent years. Users of pesticides must always consider the possibilities for alternative control methods in the first instance and if the application of pesticides is considered essential make sure that they follow best practice measures to protect water quality.”

If pesticides have to be used, the basic steps to reduce risks to drinking water sources and the aquatic environment are:

  • Choose the right pesticide product (products containing MCPA are NOT approved for use in weed-wipers and are not permitted to be used from the end of September until the beginning of March).
  • Read and follow the product label.
  • Do not use pesticides if rain is forecast in the next 48 hours.
  • Make sure you are aware of the location of all nearby water courses.
  • Comply with any buffer zone specified on the product label to protect the aquatic environment. Mark out the specified buffer zone from the edge of the river or lake or other water course and drainage ditches.
  • Avoid spills, stay well back from open drains and rinse empty containers 3 times into the sprayer.
  • Store and dispose of pesticides and their containers properly.
  • Neverfill a sprayer directly from a water course or carry out mixing, loading or other handling operations beside a water course.

Further guidance:

 ENDS

Reminder: Ballinacourty Greenway Spur Improvement Works – Public Meeting

Waterford City and County Council is organising a public information event regarding the Ballinacourty Greenway Spur widening and improvement project. This is a ‘drop in’ event which will take place in St. Laurence’s Community Hall, Ballinroad, X35 KT53 on Tuesday 9th May between 5 and 8 p.m.

Interested parties are invited to attend to meet and discuss the current proposals with members of the project team and to view project plans and particulars. Those in attendance will also be advised as to how they might get involved in the Part VIII Planning process, which commences on the same date and will close for public submissions on 20th June 2023.

The proposed development will consist of:

  • Improvement works to the existing pathway by widening the path and by carrying out some drainage works along the route in the townlands of Kilgrovan and Ballynacourty, Co. Waterford:
  • Widening southern section between L7010 Ballinard and L7011 Ballinclamper Road a distance of approx. 450 metres to 3 metres wide.
  • Widening the northern section between L7011 Ballinclamper Road and L3011 Clonea Strand Road a distance of approx. 630 metres to 5 metres wide
  • Provision of a pedestrian crossing on the L-7011 at Ballinclamper and improvement of the sight lines at this crossing.
  • Provision of one agricultural crossing point along the route which will be formed by way of gated access.
  • Connecting two of the main car parks serving the Clonea Strand Blue Flag Beach at Ballinclamper and at Ballinard with a new pathway between the Greenway and the car park.
  • Addition of a new picnic and amenity area at Ballinclamper car park on Council owned lands which will include some surfacing works.
  • Enhancement of the existing amenity area/bike parking at Ballinard car park.

The proposed enhancement works are being funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme which is administered at national level by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure.

It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland. To date this scheme has funded numerous recreation schemes around Co. Waterford since its inception in 2017.