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By Waterford City & County Council

Ballinacourty Community enjoys Playful Streets on Clonea Beach

Ballinacourty Community Enjoys Playful Streets on Clonea Beach

Over 100 residents of Ballinclamper in Ballinacourty came together for a fun-filled community event that included the popular Playful Streets programme. Local filmmaker John Foley documented the event with some fantastic shots capturing the activities on Clonea Beach.

The event provided an opportunity for residents to meet their local authority community team, the Waterford Sports Partnership, Creative Waterford, and Ready Steady Play. The Playful Streets programme is aimed at promoting active lifestyles and community engagement through play.

By Waterford City & County Council

Funding available to community groups in Waterford for National Heritage Week events

Belle LakeLocal Authority Waters Programme opens grants scheme of €30,000 for Water Heritage Day 2024 

Friday, 28th of June 2024: The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) encourages community groups in County Waterford to apply under the ‘Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme 2024’ to celebrate Water Heritage Day on Sunday the 25th of August.

To make an application see: LAWPRO Small Grants and Events Scheme 2024 | Online Consultation Portal of the Waters and Communities Office

Consult with your local Community Water Officer, Catherine Seale-Duggan   for advice Communities Team – Local Authority Water Programme (lawaters.ie) Deadline for applications is Tuesday, 16th July 2024.

 LAWPRO works in partnership with the Heritage Council, and  you can register your event on www.heritageweek.ie/get-involved/organise-an-event

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Joins international celebrations for Canada Day

Waterford City is going red to celebrate Canada Day, and its unique historical connection with Newfoundland.

Between 1790 and 1830, 35,000 Irish people entered the former colony, with Waterford the primary port of embarkation. Three centuries of shared history with St. John’s means you can travel over 3,500km from Waterford, arrive in St. John’s and still hear familiar accents and colloquialisms from the locals there.

For Canada Day, on Monday July 1st, iconic landmarks and monuments across the island of Ireland are illuminating red in recognition of the shared history, heritage and cultural connections between Ireland and Canada.

Jocelyn Black, Senior Publicity & Communications Executive with Tourism Ireland said: “We are delighted that Waterford is joining in Canada Day celebrations to showcase their deep connections with Canada and to symbolize the friendship between the island of Ireland and Canada. Ireland is renowned for its warm hospitality, and what better occasion to emphasize the bonds between our nations than by celebrating our people, unity, and shared humanity – along with commemorating the historical connections that unite us.”
 
Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, said he was “thrilled that Waterford is joining in this celebration which highlights the very real connections between Ireland and Canada and in particular the shared history of Waterford and Newfoundland. Watch out for the many iconic buildings, including Reginald’s Tower, Bishop’s Palace, William Vincent Wallace Plaza and City Hall, which will all be lit-up in red for Canada Day. We wish the people of Canada the very best on their National Holiday and invite them to come and explore Waterford City and County and the strong connections between our two countries.”
Waterford City was twinned with St John’s in Newfoundland in 2003 to recognise and celebrate the historical connections between the two cities. Mass emigration from the South East to Newfoundland from the mid-18th century onwards created strong historical links and many people in St. John’s will know their ancestors boarded ships to Canada on what is now called Canada St. or that their home was called St. John’s after St. John’s Parish in Waterford City. Couples from St. John’s in Newfoundland still return to St. John’s church in Waterford City to get married in the place their ancestors would have know.
In Newfoundland, the 1st July is also a day of remembrance for the hundreds of soldiers from the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who died on this day in 1916 in Beaumont-Hamel, at the Battle of the Somme, in France during the First World War. It was a very poignant day for the island of Newfoundland, and was firmly marked in Newfoundlanders’ calendars before they became part of Canada in 1949.
Waterford is honoured to participate in Canada Day celebrations, in partnership with Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, to highlight our strong links with Canada and demonstrate a symbol of friendship between the island of Ireland and Canada.

You can keep in touch with events on social media by following the hashtag #IrelandCanadaConnections, @DiscoverIrelandCA on Facebook, @GoToIrelandCA on X and @TourismIreland on Instagram!
 
ENDS
Photos: Patrick Browne

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor of Waterford opens Book of Condolence following tragic accident

book of condolence

Waterford City & County Council’s Mayor, Cllr. Jason Murphy (FF), has expressed deep sorrow to the families and friends of Gilbert Collins and Avu Idris, who lost their lives in a tragic accident earlier this week.

He has opened a Book of Condolence for the Waterford community to express their sympathies and support to the grieving families.

Mayor Murphy said, “Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this devastating loss. We can only imagine what both families are going through – for two young boys to die at such a young age.”

Members of the public may sign the Book of Condolence at City Hall, The Mall, and the Civic Offices, Dungarvan, 9.30am-1pm and 2pm-4pm, Monday to Friday, or sign the online book at this link.

By Waterford City & County Council

Abbey Road Closure – arrangements

A sewer upgrade for the North Quays Infrastructure works requires a temporary closure of a section of Abbey Road starting on Monday 1st July, until 16th August. Pedestrians and local access will be facilitated during the works, and the traffic diversion route will be signposted.

JJ Kavanaghs will be continuing their local bus service during the works on an altered timetable (see below).

Waterford City and County Council regrets the inconvenience and disruption caused to local residents and commuters while these works progress.

Abbey Road – Temporary Road Closure

By Waterford City & County Council

Plant Sensor Workshop in Central Library

Plant Sensor workshopWe have an exciting workshop coming up in Central library in partnership with Walton Institute (SETU), Europe Direct Waterford and LEAF.  This workshop would suit anyone interested in keeping their potted plants healthy at home by using a monitoring plant sensor and learning how to use free mobile apps.

Get ready for an exciting and interactive workshop where you’ll learn to connect a plant sensor to your phone via Bluetooth! Discover how to monitor your plant’s health by tracking air temperature, sunlight intensity, soil moisture, and fertility—tailored to each plant’s needs. Learn how to add plants for monitoring and explore free mobile apps to also help you identify plants in your home and garden.

Let your plants communicate their needs to you!

  • Take-Home Goodies: Participants will receive a potted herb and plant sensor to take home, courtesy of Literacy & Food Education (LEAF) project, especially prepared for you by GIY.
  • Share Your Progress: We’d love to hear about your journey, so we’ll also reach out to gather your feedback and see how you’re doing.
  • Facilitator: Aileen Drohan, Walton Institute (SETU) https://waltoninstitute.ie
  • Max no. of Participants: 12
  • Workshop date: Friday 12th July 10.30am-12.30pm
  • Venue:  Research Room, Central Library, Lady Lane.
  • Registration: Places are limited: Book your FREE place now by calling Central Library on 051 849975. Leave your name, email and a contact number with a staff member.

This workshop is running in partnership with Europe Direct Waterford.

By Waterford City & County Council

Date Extended : EOI for Cost Rental Housing, Dungarvan

Turn Key AcquisitionThe closing date for Expressions of Interest for this scheme has been extended to 14th July 2024.

Cost rental housing provides affordable rented accommodation to people on middle incomes. It is aimed at people who are above the threshold for social housing but have difficulty affording private rented accommodation. It is called “cost rental” because the rent you pay is based on the cost of building, managing, and maintaining the homes.

This makes the rent cheaper than standard rents. The rent for cost rental homes will be at least 25% below regular market rents in an area.

Waterford City and County Council is currently seeking expressions of interest from people who wish to avail of Cost Rental options in Dungarvan and Abbeyside, Co. Waterford.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Abbey Road, Ferrybank – Temporary Road Closure

Abbey Road – Temporary Road Closure

From June 28th to August 16th 2024, Abbey Road will be closed, and traffic will be diverted to the N29/Port Road.

The North Quays Public Infrastructure works are funded with a public investment of €207m, including €100.6m of Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) funding and following cabinet approval, a further €70m from the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The works include enhanced multi-modal access routes, a public transport hub including the relocation of Waterford train station to the North Quays, a sustainable transport bridge and extensive flood defence system.

The sustainable transport bridge will link the relocated train station to new walking and cycling infrastructure.  These works, through the delivery of enhanced and integrated sustainable and active travel infrastructure, will reduce the reliance on private car and facilitate alternative modes of transport for those accessing the city centre.

Separate contracts for new foul and stormwater pumping stations in Ferrybank are now completed.

The next phase of road infrastructure works will proceed to the Abbey Road area in Ferrybank.  Deep excavation work on Abbey Road necessitates a temporary road closure.  To minimise disruption, these works have been scheduled during the school summer holidays.  Local access will be facilitated to those living within the closed area (see red dots above) but no through traffic is permitted.

From June 28th to August 16th 2024, Abbey Road will be closed, and traffic will be diverted to the N29/Port Road.  Please follow all directional signage and utilise designated pedestrian crossings.

Waterford City and County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused.

-ends-

By Waterford City & County Council

Cllr. Joe Kelly elected Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford

Cllr Joe Kelly elected Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford

At the AGM of the Metropolitan District of Waterford held in City Hall on Monday 24th June, independent Councillor, Joe Kelly, was elected as Metropolitan Mayor for a one-year term.

Cllr. Kelly was proposed by Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan of Fine Gael, and seconded by Cllr. Blaise Hannigan.  Cllr. Kelly’s appointment comes after he had previously served as plenary Mayor of Waterford City & County from 2021-2022, as well as Metropolitan Mayor in 2018.   Also nominated for the position were Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald of Sinn Féin and Cllr. David Daniels, Independent.

Cllr. Frank Quinlan of Fine Gael was elected as deputy Mayor, having been nominated by Cllr. Eamon Quinlan of Fianna Fáil.

Speaking after his appointment, a delighted Cllr. Kelly said:

“I am deeply honoured to be elected as the Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford for a second time. This city & county holds a special place in my heart, and I am committed to representing it with dignity and pride. The importance of the democracy in which we live, and work cannot be undervalued.  It gives all the Councillors here present our mandate to work for those that elected us.”

Cllr. Kelly, beginning his fourth term as an elected representative, thanked his family and especially his wife Frances, as well as paid tribute to those Councillors who were not returned in the recent election.  In what was a first Metropolitan AGM without his presence, Cllr. Kelly paid tribute to the late Davy Daniels, a long serving member of the Council who passed away since the last meeting.

The Metropolitan Council is the constituent part of the overall Waterford City & County Council, which represents the Waterford City, Tramore, Passage East and Dunmore East areas and their hinterlands.  There are 18 elected representatives for this district, which is made up of three local government electoral areas, each with 6 Councillors – Tramore & Waterford City West, Waterford City East and Waterford City South.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City retains title of Cleanest City in Ireland

In the most recent IBAL report, Waterford was classed as Cleaner than European Norms and was ranked 12th out of 40 town and cities surveyed. Ballybeg ranked 11th and was also classed as Cleaner than European Norms. 

The judges report noted that “Again our cleanest city, Waterford City has actually improved on its previously strong showings, with only one heavily littered site, beside Vee Car Park. It was particularly encouraging to see notable improvements at a couple of sites e.g. ‘Bring Facility’ at Tesco Ardkeen (very much deserving of the top litter grade) and the Miscellaneous Woodpecker Site was much improved but clearly requires constant monitoring.

Some sites deserve special mention, particularly with regards to the overall presentation and maintenance of same:  Viking Triangle / Museum Quarter was exceptionally good;  Broad Street / Barronstrand Street was attractively laid out with lovely seating, trees providing coverage for those looking for a place to sit in the shade and very good street furniture;  works continue apace at the beautiful People’s Park – it was excellent with regards to litter;  the residential area of Bowefield / Riverpark was spotless;  substantial works have taken place along Grattan Quay / approach from Greenway – the result is a lovely, welcoming route into the city.”

“Ballybeg has scored exceptionally well this time around – well done to all concerned.  With seven top ranking sites there are some which deserve a mention, particularly the Bring Facility at Tesco Ballybeg as this has regularly been a heavily littered site in previous surveys.  All approach roads presented well.  The residential areas of Ardmore Terrace and Clonard Park were both much better than previous IBAL surveys – this time around they just missed the top litter grade.”

Areas such as the People’s Park, Viking Triangle and the approach from the Greenway were regarded as excellent sites, were well presented and maintained, and a complete absence of litter was noted throughout.

Fergus Galvin, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council said that Waterford’s achievement as Ireland’s Only Clean City was a great accolade for the city and one that has been achieved by the hard work of the community and staff alike.

“There has been great investment from local schools, voluntary committees and business communities and that commitment has resulted in Waterford topping the cleanest city table.”

“Environmental awareness initiatives such as the Anti-litter challenge for secondary schools, Tackling Single Use Plastics, Picker Pals, and the Gum Litter Task force have paid dividends, by not only helping keep public realm spaces spotless, but also instilling younger generations with a sense of pride in our place.”

The IBAL report noted that there was a near-30% fall in the prevalence of can-related litter since the previous survey. While plastic bottles were also less common than in any past survey, they remain the third most prevalent form of litter on our streets. “It’s early days and we’re still seeing too many plastic bottles on our streets, but we can expect further improvement as people become accustomed to the Deposit Return Scheme and the legacy non-returnable items are flushed out of the system. Ultimately, we should see can and plastic bottle litter disappear entirely”, says IBAL’s Conor Horgan.

–ENDS–

By Waterford City & County Council

Calls for Expressions of Interest – Appointment of Chairperson to Local Community Safety Partnership

Waterford City & County Council invites expressions of interest for consideration for appointment as Chairperson of a new Local Community Safety Partnerships which is to be established in each Local Authority area in line with the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.

Expressions of interest should be submitted by email to recruitment@waterfordcouncil.ie by 4p.m. on Monday, 15th July 2024.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council elects new Mayor at Annual General Meeting

Cllr Jason Murphy is elected Mayor of WaterfordThe newly elected Waterford City & County Council held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, 21st June, at City Hall, Waterford marking the beginning of a five-year term for the new membership, following the Local Elections of June 7th.

The AGM saw the election of Cllr. Jason Murphy of Fianna Fáil as the new Mayor of Waterford City & County, alongside the appointment of a new Deputy Mayor, Councillor Adam Wyse of the same party.

Cllr. Murphy was proposed by Cllr. Wyse and seconded by Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan (FG), and his appointment comes after previously having served as Mayor for the Metropolitan District of Waterford City.

The AGM was attended by all 32 Council members, the Council executive, Matt Shanahan TD, several former Oireachtas members, clergy mambers including Bishop Cullinane, and several former mayors. The Council Chamber’s public gallery was full to capacity with family members and well-wishers of those elected.

During the meeting, the newly elected Mayor thanked all present for the honour and expressed his gratitude towards voters at the recent local elections.  He also thanked his family for their support, as well as the outgoing mayor Cllr. Joe Conway, promising to work diligently to represent Waterford and address the concerns of all constituents.

He said, “I am honoured to take on the role of Mayor of this great City & County. I am committed to continuing the work of my predecessors and representing all the people of Waterford from Tallow in the west to Dunmore in the East.”

Cllrs. Murphy, Wyse and each political grouping added their sentiments and best wishes to those of the outgoing Mayor, Cllr. Joe Conway.  In his outgoing address, Cllr. Conway bid a warm welcome to the newly elected Councillors present (7), noting that the Council now had a broad range of experience on which to draw, with 2 former Councillors regaining their seats, as well as some first-time public representatives. “We are grateful to have such high-calibre members joining the Council,” he said.

Speaking briefly on his election to the office of Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Adam Wyse said “It is a privilege to be elected as Deputy Mayor and I look forward to working alongside Cllr. Murphy to address the needs of our constituents and make a positive impact on our city and county.”

This year’s AGM was particularly noteworthy as it followed the recent local elections, which resulted in the addition of seven new councillors to the Council.  At the same time, five sitting Councillors lost their seats, and two sitting Councillors did not stand for re-election, whereas two former Councillors regained their seats.

The term of the Mayoralty in Waterford lasts for one year.


Ends

Photo: Cllr. Jason Murphy, pictured with family members, on his election to the position of Plenary Mayor of Waterford.

For further information, please contact: Waterford City & County Council’s Communications team on communications@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Abbey Road, Ferrybank – Temporary Road Closure

Abbey Road – Temporary Road Closure

From June 28th to August 16th 2024, Abbey Road will be closed, and traffic will be diverted to the N29/Port Road.

The North Quays Public Infrastructure works are funded with a public investment of €207m, including €100.6m of Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) funding and following cabinet approval, a further €70m from the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The works include enhanced multi-modal access routes, a public transport hub including the relocation of Waterford train station to the North Quays, a sustainable transport bridge and extensive flood defence system.

The sustainable transport bridge will link the relocated train station to new walking and cycling infrastructure.  These works, through the delivery of enhanced and integrated sustainable and active travel infrastructure, will reduce the reliance on private car and facilitate alternative modes of transport for those accessing the city centre.

Separate contracts for new foul and stormwater pumping stations in Ferrybank are now completed.

The next phase of road infrastructure works will proceed to the Abbey Road area in Ferrybank.  Deep excavation work on Abbey Road necessitates a temporary road closure.  To minimise disruption, these works have been scheduled during the school summer holidays.  Local access will be facilitated to those living within the closed area (see red dots above) but no through traffic is permitted.

From June 28th to August 16th 2024, Abbey Road will be closed, and traffic will be diverted to the N29/Port Road.  Please follow all directional signage and utilise designated pedestrian crossings.

Waterford City and County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused.

-ends-

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford PPN Celebrates a Decade Long Service to Communities

PPN logoWaterford Public Participation Network is the designated networking and representational body of community groups, organisation & clubs etc. in Waterford City & County.

This year sees PPNs nationally reach ten years in existence and this week we at Waterford PPN honour the decade long service we have provided to communities across Waterford.

Muriel Tobin, Waterford PPN Coordinator, expressed gratitude.

“I am very fortunate to have been with Waterford PPN since its inception and witnessed our community’s remarkable growth, resilience and cohesion in some challenging times. Our partnerships with Waterford City & County Council, Elected Reps, PPN Reps and collaborators has strengthened over the past decade making Waterford a great place to live, work and visit. A heartfelt thanks to our members, passed & present Secretariat members, representatives & staff, Waterford City & County Council and the DRCD for a decade of support”.

With us representing and supporting the voice of over 700 member groups, this at the very least represents 5,000 people engaged in community activity within the Waterford PPN family in our County.

Economically, volunteers contribute greatly to the fabric of Irish society and, at a low valuation of €15 per hour, we can estimate a conservative contribution of these Waterford volunteers among PPN members at €3.9 million per year, if they only volunteer 1 hour per week each, and most do more than this.

PPNs were established under The Local Government Act 2014 and has grown from 11,962 groups to 19,950 in 2023, echoing our growth. This is a monumental representation of community activity in our state and has been led by PPNs in providing empowerment and voice at a local level, providing training, funding information and consultations to the community.

Waterford PPN have over 50 reps sitting on Waterford City & County Council committees and other non-LA Boards representing the community & voluntary voice of Waterford and the community has greatly benefited from the dedication of representatives over the past decade. If you are interested in representing your community on Waterford City & County Council boards/committees then check out the vacancies page on our website and our members newsletters.

Frank Nolan, Waterford PPN Secretariat Committee said,

“During my tenure as a member of the PPN Secretariat, it has been a pleasure serving Community Groups across Waterford. Over the past decade, I’ve seen the tremendous benefits. The PPN is a central community hub, supporting our diverse and vibrant county. Waterford City & County Council has been our main partner, and we look forward to continuing our excellent relationship to provide first-class voluntary service, support, information, and guidance”.

This year we are also celebrating another year of the Community & Voluntary Awards, the only platform in Waterford that recognises and celebrates the commitment and vibrancy of the community and voluntary sector and the value of the voluntary contribution made by community and voluntary groups and volunteers.

Sinéad Breathnach, SEO, Community & Sports Department, Waterford City & County Council said,

“Congratulations to Waterford PPN on a successful and effective 10-year tenure here in Waterford.  The PPN is the main link through which Waterford City & County Council connects with the community, voluntary, environmental, and social inclusion sectors and is a valued key stakeholder and partner in enabling communities to part-take in policy formation and overseeing various Council activities. We are very lucky to have such a great secretariat and administrative team working closely and positively with us over the past 10 years, and we look forward to continuing with this successful collaboration into the future.”

Funding: Community groups/organisations/clubs etc MUST be registered with Waterford PPN to be considered for future local and most national grants, where you will get a unique PPN number that will be required as part of applications.  If you haven’t done so already, it is advised that you register as soon as possible. Register online at www.waterfordppn.ie or contact Muriel Tobin or Alison De Paor at waterfordppn@gmail.com , 058 21198/058 21803

“The 10 Year Anniversary of the PPNs will be celebrated Nationally at this year’s National PPN Conference, which will be hosted by Limerick PPN, Limerick City and County Council and supported by the DRCD.

Looking forward, we encourage you and others to join us in continuing the journey to greater inclusion, empowerment, and representation of community interests.

“Together we are stronger”

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