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Events & Festivals

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Closures: REMINDER – L’Etape Ireland Cycle Event

L'etape IrelandNotice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, will close the following public roads to through traffic on 28th September, 2025 to facilitate the L’etape Ireland Cycle Event.

Roads to be closed

  • Closure #1 – Ticincor Climb (L7082)
  • Location: From the junction of R680 to junction of R671 (Ballymacarbry Village)
  • Time: 09:15 AM – 10:45 AM Note: Local access available
  • Closure #2 – R668
  • Location: From R671 Junction (Newtown Crossroads) to junction of R668 (Convent Road)
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Closure #3 – L1026 Lyre East Road
  • Location: From Lyre East Road to junction of R672
  • Time: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Closure #4 – Beary’s Crossroads L7025
  • Location: From Junction of R672 (Beary’s Crossroad) to junction of R676
  • Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Closure #5 – Seskin Hill
  • Location: From junction of R676 to junction of R680
  • Time: 1:15 PM – 4:20 PM

All residents and road users are advised to plan accordingly. Local access will be facilitated where possible and safety marshals will be present throughout the route.

By Waterford City & County Council

An Exhibition of Photographs by James Hughes opens at The Index Gallery, Central Library

Carn Stove - James Hughes

The Decoration of Absence: The Silent Traces of Irish Interiors

An Exhibition of Photographs by James Hughes opens at The Index Gallery, Central Library

Waterford Libraries is delighted to welcome photographer James Hughes to Waterford as part of a Creative Waterford Shared Island Exchange between Waterford City and County Council and Mid & East Antrim Borough Council.

Hughes’ Photographic Exhibition The Decoration of Absence: The Silent Traces of Irish Interiors will be opened by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan at the Index Gallery Central Library on Wednesday, October 1st at 6.30pm and all are welcome to attend.

James Hughes is a Northern Irish photographer and artist, whose photographic practice ranges from social documentary through commercial to fine art photography.

His first photographic experience was of a childhood spent using a box brownie (made by his mother when she worked for Kodak). James is self-taught, and influenced by late 20th century photography and literature, influences that he continues to link through his practice to-date.

James has an extensive background of research in photography (MA, MPhil). A celebrated photographer, with many exhibitions and awards, his work is represented internationally in museums and galleries, commercial work also has its place while he continues to pursue his personal career and passion through photography, art and poetry.

This exhibition is supported by Creative Communities on a Shared Island, funded by Creative Ireland, is a joint two-year initiative between Waterford City and County Council and Mid & East Antrim Borough Council to develop and enhance our shared sense of community through the lens of creativity in areas such as heritage, literature and the arts and is also part of the Imagine Art Festival Programme.

The exhibition runs at the Index Gallery, Central Library from October 1st to 31st, 2025 (Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 10am-5pm, Wed 1-8pm and Sat 10am-1pm and 2-5pm).

You can view Hughes’ work at https://www.jameshughesfoto.com/

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Charting a Century of Local Government Change

 

Waterford City and County Council is pleased to present a seminar on Sweeping Changes – Separation and Centralisation in Local Government Reform.

Taking place in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan on Saturday, October 4th, this free event examines the sweeping changes the 1925 Local Government Act brought to local governments with the abolition of Rural District Councils. Don’t be fooled by the title though, this seminar will be rife with rows, repudiations and tales of embezzlement and prison.

The seminar will explore centralisation in Local Government reform by the new Free State Government.

The abolition of the Rural District Councils was not well received by many in Waterford, and, in fact, the members of Waterford County Council officially repudiated their own Chairman, Senator P.W. Kenny for his support of that abolition. The requirement for all new local authority staff to pledge allegiance to the Free State was another source of contention and there was no great love for the idea of one County Medical Officer in Waterford Corporation or Waterford County Council.

1925 was a difficult year all round in Waterford. There was concern about unemployment in the city, distress in Ballingoul and the Council was beset with not one, but two, cases of embezzlement.

The seminar will be opened by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan.

Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD will provide the opening address on The Future of Local Democracy-Local Government Reform in Ireland.  Dr. Aodh Quinliven will speak on The Dead Hand – A historical perspective on local government in Ireland and Dr. Arlene Crampsie will address Taking Power from the people – abolishing the Rural District Councils.

Waterford City and County Archivist, Joanne Rothwell will focus on The 1925 Act in Action in Waterford.

The event will close with a light lunch for attendees. The event is free to attend, however, pre-booking is necessary. To book your place visit Eventbrite at: https://bit.ly/sweepingchanges

By Waterford City & County Council

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

Bike repair workshop

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

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

Featuring MC Outdoors, Renew Enterprises and more.

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

Book your spot: Eventbrite link

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Closure Arrangements – L’Etape Ireland Cycle Event

L'etape IrelandNotice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, will close the following public roads to through traffic on 28th September, 2025 to facilitate the L’etape Ireland Cycle Event.

Roads to be closed

  • Closure #1 – Ticincor Climb (L7082)
  • Location: From the junction of R680 to junction of R671 (Ballymacarbry Village)
  • Time: 09:15 AM – 10:45 AM Note: Local access available
  • Closure #2 – R668
  • Location: From R671 Junction (Newtown Crossroads) to junction of R668 (Convent Road)
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Closure #3 – L1026 Lyre East Road
  • Location: From Lyre East Road to junction of R672
  • Time: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Closure #4 – Beary’s Crossroads L7025
  • Location: From Junction of R672 (Beary’s Crossroad) to junction of R676
  • Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Closure #5 – Seskin Hill
  • Location: From junction of R676 to junction of R680
  • Time: 1:15 PM – 4:20 PM

All residents and road users are advised to plan accordingly. Local access will be facilitated where possible and safety marshals will be present throughout the route.

By Waterford City & County Council

Tugann Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge cuireadh don phobal cabhrú chun Port Láirge níos cuimsithí a mhúnlú

Tá Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, i gcomhar le Comhpháirtíocht Spóirt Phort Láirge, tar éis tús a chur le Plean Spóirt Áitiúil a fhorbairt atá dírithe ar rannpháirtíocht i spórt agus i ngníomhaíocht choirp a mhéadú ar fud na Cathrach agus an Chontae.

Tá sé seo ag teacht le Beartas Náisiúnta Spóirt an Rialtais 2018–2027 agus tacaíonn Spórt Éireann leis faoi Ghníomhaíocht 8 den bheartas.

Séard a bheidh sa Phlean Spóirt ná creat ardleibhéil 5 bliana don chontae ar fad, ina mbeidh gníomhaíochtaí spriocdhírithe chun rannpháirtíocht i ngníomhaíochtaí spóirt agus coirp ar fud an Chontae a mhéadú agus Port Láirge níos gníomhaí agus níos sláintiúla a chothú. Áireofar ann roinnt tosaíochtaí faoi thrí théama straitéiseacha: Daoine agus Pobail Ghníomhacha, Spásanna agus Áiteanna Gníomhacha agus Cumarsáid agus Comhpháirtíochtaí Gníomhacha.

Tá Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge ag tabhairt cuireadh don phobal freastal ar aon cheann de na ceithre cheardlann comhairliúcháin phoiblí a bheidh ar siúl sa chathair agus sa chontae i mí Mheán Fómhair agus i mí Dheireadh Fómhair.

De réir Sinéad Breathnach, Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin Sinsearach, Rannóg Pobail agus Spóirt Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, ní féidir an iomarca béime a leagan ar na tionchair dhearfacha a bhíonn ag gnáth-rannpháirtíocht spóirt agus choirp.

“Tá na buntáistí forleathan agus ní hamháin go mbíonn tionchar dearfach acu ar an meabhairshláinte agus ar an tsláinte choirp, ach méadaíonn siad an idirghníomhaíocht shóisialta freisin, cruthaíonn siad timpeallacht níos sláintiúla agus laghdaíonn siad costais cúraim sláinte níos fadtéarmaí sa tsochaí.

“Tabharfaidh na ceardlanna comhairliúcháin phoiblí seo deis don phobal a dtuairimí agus a léargais a roinnt agus cabhrú linn chun Port Láirge níos cuimsithí, níos gníomhaí agus níos sláintiúla a mhúnlú.”

Beidh na ceardlanna comhairliúcháin phoiblí éascaithe ar siúl idir 6pm agus 8pm sna háiteanna seo a leanas:

  • Ionad Pobail Rainbow, Coill Mhic Thomáisín, X42 XW90, Dé Luain 29 Meán Fómhair
  • Óstán na Páirce, Dún Garbhán, X35 CC97, Dé Máirt 30 Meán Fómhair
  • Óstán Dooleys, Port Láirge, X91 P86C, Dé Céadaoin 1 Deireadh Fómhair
  • Óstán Majestic, Trá Mhór, X91 WC1Y Déardaoin 2 Deireadh Fómhair

Tá na himeachtaí seo saor in aisce, agus tá fáilte roimh chách freastal orthu, ach is fearr clárú roimh ré. Is féidir leat é sin a dhéanamh trí ríomhphost a sheoladh chuig gmulhall@waterfordcouncil.ie

Beidh deis ann chomh maith do thuairimí a chur isteach trí shuirbhé comhairliúcháin ar líne, a bheidh ar fáil go luath.

Is mian linn go léir cabhrú chun Port Láirge níos ionchuimsithí a chruthú.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council invites the public to help shape a more active inclusive Waterford

Waterford City and County Council, in collaboration with Waterford Sports Partnership, has commenced the development of a Local Sports Plan aimed at increasing participation in sport and physical activity across the City and County.

This aligns with the Government’s National Sports Policy 2018–2027 and is supported by Sport Ireland under Action 8 of the policy.

The Sports Plan will be a high-level countywide 5-year framework with targeted actions to increase participation in sport and physical activities across the County and foster a more active and healthier Waterford and will include a number of priorities under three strategic themes: Active People & Communities, Active Spaces & Places and Active Communications & Partnerships.

Waterford City and County Council is inviting members of the public to attend any of the four public consultation workshops taking place in the city and county in September and October.

According to Sinéad Breathnach, Senior Executive Officer, Community and Sports department at Waterford City and County Council, the positive impacts of regular sport and physical activity participation cannot be underemphasised.

“The benefits are far-reaching and not only have a positive impact on mental and physical health, but also increase social interaction, create a healthier environment and reduce longer-term healthcare costs in society.

“The public consultation workshops will provide an opportunity for the public to share their views and insights and help shape a more inclusive, active and healthier Waterford.”

The upcoming facilitated public consultation workshops take place between 6pm and 8pm at:

  • Rainbow Community Centre, Kilmacthomas, X42 XW90, on Monday September 29th
  • The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, X35 CC97, on Tuesday September 30th
  • Dooleys Hotel, Waterford, X91 P86C, on Wednesday October 1st
  • Majestic Hotel, Tramore, X91 WC1Y Thursday October 2nd

These events are free, and all are welcome to attend, however pre-registration is preferred.  You can do so by emailing gmulhall@waterfordcouncil.ie

There will also be the opportunity to submit your views through an online consultation survey, which will be available shortly.

Let’s all have our say in helping to create a more active inclusive Waterford.

By Waterford City & County Council

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

Bike repair workshop

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

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

Featuring MC Outdoors, Renew Enterprises and more.

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

Book your spot: Eventbrite link

By Waterford City & County Council

Writers at Waterford Libraries welcome Journalist and Author Aoife Barry to Ardkeen Library

Author Aoife Barry

Waterford Libraries are delighted to welcome author and journalist, Aoife Barry, to Ardkeen Library on Saturday 20th September at 3pm, as part of their popular Writers at Waterford Libraries series.

The freelance arts journalist will explore how we can all make sense of today’s media landscape. The event is open to all and designed to spark discussion about how we find, question, and share information in our daily lives.

Former assistant news editor at The Journal, Aoife is author of the bestselling non-fiction book Social Capital (HarperCollins Ireland), which was nominated for an Irish Book Award.

She has interviewed people including Fiona Shaw, Pedro Pascal and former President Mary McAleese. She writes a weekly arts column for the Sunday Times and has had bylines across publications including the Irish Times, the Irish Independent, Tatler, The Journal and Irish Examiner. She features regularly on RTÉ Radio One and Today FM and her essays and fiction have been published by ROPES journal and Banshee, and broadcast on Sunday Miscellany. She is also an event moderator and writing facilitator.

Whether you’re curious about journalism, concerned about disinformation, or simply interested in how media shapes our world, this is an opportunity to learn and engage with one of Ireland’s most thoughtful voices.

The event is free to attend but booking is essential. Phone Ardkeen Library on 051 849755 to reserve your place.

This event is part of the Skills for Life and the Writers at Waterford Libraries series, which is a programme of Waterford City and County Council Library Service.

For further details see http://waterfordlibraries.ie/writers-at-waterford-libraries/

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Libraries to Celebrate National Public Libraries Open Day 2025

Waterford Libraries to Celebrate National Public Libraries Open Day 2025

Initiative encourages communities to take a closer look at range of free services offered

to all by public libraries 

Dungarvan Library, Central Library in Waterford City and Ardkeen Library will join libraries across Ireland on Saturday, September 27th to celebrate National Public Libraries Open Day 2025.

The nationwide campaign invites the public to “Take a Closer Look” at the modern, inclusive, and vibrant services libraries offer today. It highlights the evolving role of libraries in Irish society as places of entertainment, learning, connection, creativity, and community support.

This year’s campaign highlights that library membership is free and open to all, while raising awareness of the wide range of services available. In addition to a wide range of books, today’s libraries offer free access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, eMagazines, and eLearning Courses, alongside programmes of events for all ages, access to printing services, creative and study spaces. Public libraries are welcoming, accessible, inclusive community spaces that offer services and spaces to children and adults who are neurodiverse, while fostering wellbeing, life-long learning, and connection for everyone.

To mark National Public Libraries Open Day 2025, WLRfm will broadcast live from Ardkeen Library from 12 to 3pm on Saturday, September 27th with balloon making, facepainting and several prizes to win on air and in the library.

Mary Conway, Waterford City and County Librarian at Waterford Libraries said, “At Waterford Libraries we see every day how libraries are community spaces where people connect, form friendships, and feel part of something bigger.

“We’re proud to offer a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone in our community, from toddlers discovering story time to retirees joining book clubs, students preparing for exams, and jobseekers using our digital resources. Libraries help people feel less isolated and more empowered, whether through a quiet moment with a book or a lively community event. We warmly welcome everyone to visit us on Public Libraries Open Day and at any time to explore all that Waterford Libraries has to offer.”

Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development at the Local Government Management Agency added, “Public libraries have evolved into vibrant community hubs that support learning, creativity, wellbeing, and connection. Beyond books, they offer access to IT services, digital tools, creative spaces, and inclusive programmes such as Right to Read, Summer Stars, Family Time at the Library, Literacy for All, Skills for Life, and digital lending services.

“National Public Libraries Open Day is a chance to explore everything your local library has to offer. Whether you’re looking to learn something new, connect with others, or simply discover what’s available, libraries are welcoming spaces full of opportunity.”

Everyone is encouraged to join the national conversation using the hashtags #LibrariesOpenDay and #TakeACloserLook.

For more information, visit www.waterfordlibraries.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor of Waterford City and County welcomes donation of Waterford Scouts County Log Books

During National Heritage Week, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan welcomed the donation of log books from Waterford Scouts County to Waterford City and County Archives. The event was held at Waterford Central Library in Lady Lane.

The log books date from 1999 and are a great record of scouting in Waterford showcasing the members from beavers to venture scouts and beyond as they developed their skills and talents but most of all as they had fun out and about in Waterford. The photographs, programmes and tasks documented in the log books give a great view of the history of the scout groups in Waterford from Dungarvan to Waterford City and of all of those who volunteered with the Scouts.

The log books are not only a testament to Waterford County Scouting but also a testament to the commitment and passion for Waterford Scouting of Brian Fanning, who has been collating and documenting Waterford County Scouting in these log books for more than 20 years.

In attendance on the night were Chief Scout of Ireland, Eoin Callanan and Waterford County Commissioner, Seán Hayes along with a great showing of scouts from across the county, who were delighted to be given an opportunity to thank Brian Fanning for his work in showcasing their contributions to scouting.

The original log books have been donated to Waterford City and County Archives in addition to printed sets of volumes for the public to view.

These volumes were printed with the support of a number of sponsors and supporters: Waterford Credit Union; Lisduggan Credit Union; Waterford Courts Service; Mediforce; Doyle Concrete; RTS – Heating & Cooling systems; The Butler Family; The Collins Family; 15th/25th Waterford Sacred Heart Scout Group; 17th/20th/30th Waterford St Pauls Scout Group; AM Construction; Sean Hayes – Architect; Waterford Scout County and Walsh Butler Electrics. The volumes were printed by DVF Print and Graphic Solutions and bound by Thomas Carroll.

To arrange to view the log books contact the Waterford City and County Archivist at archivist@waterfordcouncil.ie or the Local Studies Librarian at lstudies@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Seagrass Sessions – see the wonder of Tramore’s Seagrass Ecosystem at the Vitamin Sea Festival

Seagrass Sessions

“Seagrass Sessions – Come see the wonder of Tramore’s Seagrass Ecosystem in the Vitamin Sea Festival”

From the afternoon of September 18th to September 21st the Tramore Coast Guard Centre will host an exhibition dedicated to Seagrass.

The workhorse of the sea, many of us will hardly have noticed seagrass. Lately though, the work it does taking up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and its importance in providing a home for young fish is causing us all to take notice. This exhibition will show us all the beauty of Seagrass through photography and tapestries.

The Seagrass Sessions have been all about putting the spotlight on Seagrass in Tramore. Organised by Waterford City and Council’s Climate Team, in conjunction with the Seaschool and local artist Síle Walsh and funded by Creative Ireland, participants in the Sessions have been able to create wonderful art while learning about this precious resource.

The first Seagrass Session was a photography event, led by Tasneem Khan of the Seaschool on August 21st . Tasneem, a noted ecologist and photographer led the group in taking shots under the water to capture the grass and the species that live amongst it across a morning. The team got to grips with the underwater cameras and tried their best not disturb the visions below them.

Taking the photographs from the first Seagrass Session as their inspiration, a second Seagrass Session group met on August 25th in TBay Surf Club. Led by artist Síle Walsh the group made their own tapestries using waste materials collected off the beach by Síle. Each unique and colourful piece captured the wonder of the Seagrass whether it was the movement in the piece or a representation of the variety of life that lives within the Seagrass beds.

Both the photographs and the tapestries will be on display upstairs in the Tramore Coast Guard Centre along with lots of information on the importance of Seagrass beds and how we can protect them.

The exhibition opens at 3:30pm on September 18th. All are welcome.

By Waterford City & County Council

Europe Direct Regional Soapbox Public Speaking Competition 2025

EU Direct Soapbox Competition 2025

Europe Direct Waterford is delighted to announce the Regional Final of this year’s Soapbox Public Speaking Competition on Thursday 9th October.

Have your say at this year’s Regional Europe Direct Soapbox public speaking competition in Waterford. You could win an iPad or Samsung Tablet, sponsored by the European Commission Representation.  Regional winners will go on to represent their region in the national competition in Dublin.

Date and venue of the Europe Direct regional Final: Thursday 9th October at 10am in the Dr. Mary Strangman Large Room, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.

Please Note:

Entrants are invited to deliver a three-minute speech for or against the topic:  Likes, Lies and Legal Limits: “Is It Time the EU Banned Social Media for Under-16s?”

  • Contestants will compete in one of two categories: Ages 16 & under OR 17 & over (Limit of 6 entries per category for schools).
  • The winner of both categories will be announced on the day of the event and invited to attend the National final to compete for €1,000 One4All vouchers.
  • Runner up prizes will also be presented on the day.
  • The date and venue for the National final in Dublin is currently under review. 

To Enter:

  • Download the application form & read the competition rules from the Europe Direct Waterford page or call into any of our branches. Read your checklist before returning the application form.
  • Return your application form by email to both: pryan@waterfordcouncil.ie & katkins@waterfordcouncil.ie or in person to any of our library branches.
  • Emailed application forms will be issued with a confirmation of receipt. Please contact Central Library on 051-849975 if you don’t receive confirmation.
  • Application forms can also be dropped into or posted to any branch of Waterford Libraries by closing date: 4 pm on Monday 6th October. We regret we can’t consider applications after that date.
  • Be sure to read through the Europe Direct Soapbox Competition Rules first!

For more information contact the Europe Direct Centre at Central Library: Phone: 051-849975

Application Form Checklist Rules

Testimonial from Soapbox winner

“The Soapbox was an absolutely wonderful experience, and I would do it again if I could. I had a wonderful time both from the competition and social aspect. I learned so much about both Irish and EU politics from the study I did for my speech. Just taking part was enough for me, but winning was a better feeling than I can ever describe! If you or someone you know is interested in public speaking or the world around you, I would highly recommend entering the soapbox competition.”

Did You Know ?

The term soapbox originates in the use of an empty crate as a platform by speakers to give speeches, often impromptu, to passers-by from around the turn of the last century. The most famous location for soapbox oratory is Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, London, which has been a setting for public speaking since the 1870s.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Harvest Festival Returns This September

Harvest Fest

The Waterford Harvest Festival is set to return from 5 to 7 September, filling Ireland’s oldest city with food, music and family fun. Now in its sixteenth year, the festival has become one of the highlights of Waterford’s cultural calendar, attracting visitors from across the country.

Across the three days, the city will host a packed programme of events including artisan food markets, live cooking demonstrations, family activities and headline music performances. Among the highlights this year are the new Harvest Tea Cruise on the River Suir, offering afternoon tea prepared by award-winning chef Keith Boyle while sailing from the marina to Waterford Castle.

The festival will also see the return of Beats, Bites & Bubbles, a lively street dining celebration featuring local food producers, street performers and live music. Concerts are planned throughout the weekend, with acts such as Mick Flannery, John Spillane and Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones taking to the stage.

This year’s programme has been designed to offer something for everyone, with a mix of free and ticketed events to suit all ages and budgets. There will be a strong focus on local produce, sustainability and accessibility, with dedicated sensory-friendly spaces and eco-friendly measures in place.

Tickets for special events will go on sale from Friday 4 July, while applications for food and drink producers to join the festival market will open on Tuesday 9 July. Full details are available at waterfordharvestfestival.ie.

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