Latest News & Announcements - Waterford City & County Council

31st October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

All-Ireland Minor Ladies Football Champions honoured with Civic Reception

On Wednesday, October 29^th, the Waterford Minor Ladies Footballers were honoured with a Civic Reception at Waterford’s City Hall, in recognition of winning the ZuCar U-18 C All-Ireland title.

Having edged out Armagh with a one-point win in the All-Ireland Semi Final, the Waterford players, through outstanding teamwork, grit and composure claimed the All-Ireland title on July 26^th. A pulsating final against Westmeath saw the Déise team claim their second U-18 title in a row with a scoreline of 5-20 to 3-10.

The team, management, and family members were greeted warmly by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, Elected Members and the Council’s management team.

Mayor Ryan welcomed the team and said, “This group of young women came together from 14 different clubs across the county, travelling long distances, training early mornings and late nights, and put in huge effort, all for the love of their sport and their county. That level of dedication, week in and week out, is something to be immensely proud of.

“Under the guidance of manager Fiona Laffan and her backroom team – a group I’m told, who between them hold an incredible 54 All-Ireland titles – these players developed not just as footballers, but as teammates, leaders and strong young women. Fiona, along with Noirin, Catriona, Raivis, Hannah, and all the support crew, have shown what experience, encouragement, and passion can achieve.”

The Mayor also acknowledged captain Ava Connolly, who couldn’t be present on the day and vice-captain Deirdre Roche, along with all the players “who pulled on the Déise jersey this season” saying, “You’ve given Waterford people something to cheer about, and you’ve set an example for younger girls watching from the sidelines, dreaming of doing the same one day.”

Mayor Ryan then handed over to Cllr. Niamh O’Donovan who formally proposed the motion and congratulated the team on their resounding success saying, “As someone who’s passionate about women’s sport, this is close to my heart.

“This team from 14 clubs from all over the county represents exactly what’s best about community sport…talent, teamwork, a shared sense of belonging and community spirit. These young women have shown what commitment looks like, what leadership looks like, and they’ve given the next generation a reason to believe ‘that could be me someday’.”

The motion was seconded by Cllr. John O’Leary who added, “Isn’t it fantastic that we can now say Waterford has two All-Ireland winning teams this year? It really shows the strength of underage sport in our county and the commitment of the people behind it. This is an achievement you’ll remember for the rest of your lives!”

Manager Fiona Laffan then spoke saying, “It means a great deal for us to be here today, not only to celebrate the success of the girls, but also to recognise the hard work and commitment that went into making this year a success.”

Paying tribute to the backroom team, she said they gave their time freely out of love of the game and their contribution can’t be measured. She also thanked the County Board for its ongoing support and belief in the team which “has been phenomenal”

She thanked the sponsors, the parents, families and all the supporters and concluded, by commending the players, saying “they have been nothing short of exceptional and played with a level of maturity far beyond their years and represented their county with pure class, both on and off the pitch.”

30th October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Major water main upgrade begins in Lismore

Customers in Lismore are set to benefit from further investment to upgrade aged water mains in the town, ensuring a more secure and reliable water supply for local homes and businesses.

A major upgrade to the towns water mains is set to commence in early November, replacing almost 3km of ageing water mains along Deerpark Road and Lismore Bridge.

Dave Murphy, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: “These works demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing a more resilient and reliable water supply for homes and businesses in Lismore. By replacing ageing mains, we are reducing leakage and strengthening the network now and into the future. We appreciate the continued support and patience of the local community as these critical works progress.”

The project will be delivered by Shareridge on behalf of Uisce Éireann and is expected to be completed early 2026.

Earlier this year, Uisce Éireann’s Leakage Reduction Programme arrived in Lismore, delivering targeted improvements, including the identification and repair of leaks on the water network in the town, including on the customer-side and key improvements to enhance underground flow control. These works reduced leakage in the area, saving thousands of litres per day and improving the reliability of water supply to our customers.

This project to replace almost 3km of water main is also being delivered as part of Uisce Éireann’s Leakage Reduction Programme which continues to deliver significant benefits to communities across Ireland, including improved water quality, provision of a more resilient and sustainable water supply for customers, and considerable water savings.

The first phase of works will take place along Deerpark Road from its junction with Main Street towards Deerpark North. The second phase will commence in early 2026 along the N72, from Lady Louisa’s Walk over Lismore Bridge.

Members of the public can report any leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278 or online at Report a Leak.

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at our Text Updates page.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie

30th October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Former Governor of Mountjoy to address Waterford’s Age Well Expo

On Wednesday, November 19^th, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Seamus Ryan will officially open Waterford’s Age Well Expo and Waterford Older People’s Council (OPC) AGM in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

This Older People’s Council (OPC) Age Friendly Waterford free event, in association with Age Friendly Waterford and supported by Waterford City and County Council, HSE and UPMC Whitfield will showcase the services, supports and activities available to older people to lead fulfilling, healthy and active lives.

On the day there will be over 40 exhibition stands, talks from keynote speakers and interviews with local organisations and community groups providing insightful and topical information to everyone who strives to keep active, keep social and age well.

Keynote speaker for this popular event is Mr. John Lonergan, former Governor of Mountjoy Prison and Age Friendly Ambassador.

The Bansha-native began his distinguished career in the Irish Prison Service in 1968. Over 42 years, he witnessed and navigated the complexities of the prison system, ultimately serving as the Governor of Mountjoy Prison for over 22 years and the top-security prison at Portlaoise for nearly four years.

Lonergan’s tenure as a prison governor was marked by a deep commitment to understanding and improving the lives of those within the prison system. This approach was rooted in the belief that meaningful change comes through dialogue, empathy, and respect for human dignity. He often spoke out about the need for rehabilitation and education as key components in reducing recidivism and supporting inmates’ reintegration into society.

Upon retiring in 2010 Lonergan published his autobiography, “The Governor,” offering an honest and compelling account of his experiences and the challenges faced within the Irish penal system. His second book, “Parenting-Raising Your Child in Ireland Today,” which provides practical advice for parents and supports Barnardos, a children’s charity, was published in 2013.

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council and Chair of Age Friendly Alliance, said, “Waterford City and County Council is once again delighted to support the Age Well Expo. We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from previous events, reflecting the significant benefits this initiative delivers to our community.

“The event not only provides older people with essential information and insights to enhance their quality of life, but it also offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with a broad network of key support agencies and service providers. These meaningful interactions have a profoundly positive impact, empowering older individuals to make informed choices about ageing well and living life to the fullest in Waterford.”

The Age Well Expo will take place in Park Hotel, Dungarvan (X35 CC97) from 10am – 4pm on Wednesday, November 19^th.

The event is free, and all are welcome to attend.

28th October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Winners of Waterford Poetry Prize 2025 announced

The Arts Office, Waterford City & County Council is pleased to announce the winners of the Waterford Poetry Prize 2025, unveiled at the closing event of the Waterford Writers Weekend.

First place is awarded to David McLoghlin, Ballincollig, Cork. He is the prize-winning author of three collections of poetry with Salmon Poetry, most recently Crash Centre, shortlisted for the 2025 Pigott Prize. His writing has been published in Poetry Ireland Review, Literary Hub, Poetry Foundation, broadcast on RTE’s Poetry People, WNYC’s Radiolab, and many other journals in the USA and Ireland. His writing has been translated into Spanish, Bulgarian and German. He has received recognition and support in the form of prizes, grants and fellowships from The Arts Council, The Sewanee Writers’ Conference, The Patrick Kavanagh Awards, The Katherine and Patrick Kavanagh Fellowship, and a teaching fellowship from New York University. He also writes personal essays and memoir and has work forthcoming in University of Michigan Press’s “Under Discussion” series. He teaches Creative Writing (poetry and memoir) widely in Ireland and in the USA (via Zoom). The winning poem of the Waterford Poetry Prize 2025 is titled ‘West Cork Model Railway Village, Clonakilty’.

Second place goes to ‘Anaphora’ by Jackie Gorman a poet from Athlone. Her work has been widely published in journals such as Poetry Ireland Review, The Honest Ulsterman, The Lonely Crowd and others. Her debut collection was published in 2019 by the Onslaught Press, UK and described by Martin Dyar in Poetry Ireland Review as an “engrossing and ecologically attuned debut.” She has a Masters in Poetry Studies from DCU and was the recipient in 2024 of the John Broderick Emerging Writers Bursary. She has previously received the Listowel Writers’ Week Single Poem Award and was part of the Poetry Ireland Introductions Series. She has completed residences at Cill Rialag and the Tyrone Guthrie Centre and has received two Agility Awards from the Arts Council.

Third prize goes to Róisín Leggett Bohan from Cork. She has won the Patrick Kavanagh Award 2025 and was runner up last year. She has been shortlisted for The Alpine Fellowship Poetry Prize and Aesthetica Creative Writing Award. Her work features in Poetry Ireland Review, The Stinging Fly, The Manchester Review, Banshee, Magma, Aesthetica, The Pomegranate London and RTE Radio 1. Several of her poems are published in Beginnings Over and Over: Four New Poets from Ireland (Dedalus Press, 2025). Róisín was awarded a literature bursary from The Arts Council. She holds an MA in Creative Writing from UCC and is the co-founder of HOWL New Irish Writing. Her poem which is placed third in the Waterford Poetry Prize is called ‘If I were from Mandalore, lifted by a gargantuan raptor’.

Margaret Organ, Arts Officer and Curator of the Waterford Writers Weekend thanked everyone from around the country for sending in their poems and said that this years’ adjudicator Jessica Traynor had difficult decisions to make and the winning poems are an indication of the quality of poems submitted.

If you would like to hear Jessica read the winning poems and the reason for her choices see below.

ENDS

Arts Office 058/41416

28th October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Council urges public to help prevent illegal Hallowe’en bonfires

Stockpiling for bonfires is illegal As Hallowe’en approaches, Waterford City & County Council is reminding the public not to supply waste materials such as pallets, tyres, or old furniture for use in bonfires.

Uncontrolled burning of waste is illegal and releases toxic pollutants that are harmful to both human health and the environment.

The Council is asking residents to stay vigilant and report any stockpiling of combustible materials. If you notice waste being gathered for bonfires, please contact the Council’s Waste Enforcement Section on 0818 10 20 20.

24th October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council wins National Age Friendly Recognition & Achievement Award 2025

Waterford City and County Council is delighted to announce that St. Joseph’s House on Manor Hill has won the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Award 2025 in the Safety & Security (Housing) Category. The award was accepted by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan, at a ceremony held in The Galmont Hotel and Spa, Galway, on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025.

St. Joseph’s House was a former religious convent constructed by the Little Sisters of the Poor in 1874, who dedicated their lives to caring for the elderly. Today, St. Joseph’s House is an age-friendly housing development, designed for people aged 55 and over for a minimum of 25 years, with a strong focus on tenant engagement.
In June 2023, the development on the landmark site of Manor Hill was officially opened by then Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien TD. The former convent was transformed into 71 dwellings, with 50 units located within the main building and 21 located in the various out-building clusters on the site, while the former chapel has been repurposed as a community space for multiple uses by tenants.

Over €4.2 million was approved through the Repair and Lease Scheme, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The funding was provided under Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland. The Repair and Lease Scheme has been pioneered in Waterford and is a significant driver in providing high-quality, affordable housing solutions while also bringing vacant buildings back into use.

St. Joseph’s House provides age-friendly housing appropriate to the needs of older adults in Waterford, in line with the Waterford Age Friendly Strategy, promoting and supporting independent living and ageing in place.

In addition, Waterford City and County Council provides onsite support to tenants through the employment of a Tenant Engagement Officer, whose role includes the development of tenancy supports and the co-ordination of community, health, and social supports. A tenants’ forum was also established, ensuring the continued development of a positive sense of community and assisting in the development of supports and services for residents into the future.

Speaking following the announcement, Claire Flavin, Age Friendly Ireland Programme Manager for Waterford, said:

“This award recognises Waterford City and County Council’s ongoing commitment to age-friendly housing, tenant support, community development, and wellbeing. It marks a very proud moment for Waterford, leading the way in inclusive living for older adults across our city and county. Congratulations to everyone involved with St. Joseph’s House, and sincere thanks to the adjudication panel.”

ENDS

24th October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford one of Ireland’s top improvers in EPA Environmental Enforcement Report

Local Authority Environmental Enforcement Performance Report 2024

Waterford City & County Council has recorded one of the strongest performances in the country in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Local Authority Environmental Enforcement Performance Report 2024, marking a notable three-year journey of progress and achievement.

The EPA report tracks local authority performance across 19 National Enforcement Priorities (NEPs) covering waste, water, air and noise. In 2024, Waterford achieved Strong or Excellent ratings in 17 out of 19 NEPs, up from just three in 2022, an improvement described by the EPA as one of the most notable in Ireland.

Among the examples of effective local enforcement highlighted in the report was a Waterford case study on the removal of improperly stored silage bales near a protected lake, which eliminated a serious pollution risk and demonstrated best practice in agricultural enforcement.

Chief Executive Seán McKeown said the results are a testament to hard work and shared purpose:

“This report underlines Waterford’s commitment to protecting our environment and ensuring compliance with environmental standards at every level. Waterford is recognised as one of the most notable local authority improvers over the last 3 years thanks to the remarkable collective effort of the Environment Team, and it shows what can be achieved when staff, management and the community work together for a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment.”

Dawn Wallace, Senior Executive Officer with the Council’s Environment Department, added:

“Our teams take huge pride in this result. It’s proof that careful planning, proactive inspection and effective follow-up make a real difference. We’ll continue to build on this success and maintain momentum in the areas of air and water quality, which remain priorities nationally.”

Nationally, the EPA found that 79% of all assessments were rated Strong or Excellent in 2024, up from 59% in 2022, with notable gains in tackling illegal waste and improving construction and demolition waste management.

Waterford City & County Council has pledged to maintain its strong performance as it moves into the 2025–2027 cycle of the EPA’s Local Authority Performance Framework, ensuring continued progress and innovation in environmental protection across the county.

ENDS

22nd October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Free de-icing salt for schools ahead of Winter

De-icing salt on a road As winter approaches, Waterford City & County Council is offering schools across the county a supply of de-icing salt to help keep footpaths and access roads safe during icy conditions.

The Council will deliver the salt directly to participating schools, but each school must have a suitable bunker or storage area available on site to store it. Schools interested in receiving a supply are asked to email their request, including full contact details, to contact@waterfordcouncil.ie

21st October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council acquires site of the Lismore home of International Travel Writer

Waterford City and County Council has recently had the opportunity to acquire the site of the home of international travel writer, Dervla Murphy.

Lismore in County Waterford was home to one of its most famous daughters, Dervla Murphy, a woman ahead of her time in a man’s world doing incredible things.

Murphy travelled solo around the globe starting in 1965 in India, cycling everywhere she travelled, chronicling her adventures and over her lifetime published 26 books.

She was a modest person choosing to live a simple life and never sought the limelight despite her success as a writer. She always returned to her home in Lismore where most of her books were written and was deeply connected to the community. She passed away in May 2022 at the age of 90.

From a heritage perspective the site is hugely significant. There is the remnant of a 17th-century cattle market plus redeveloped outbuildings on 0.6 acres site located directly off the main street in the centre of Lismore.

It is not just the physical heritage that has value and opportunity. There is the intangible heritage, as the home of an international travel writer this is where Murphy retreated to from the four continents of the globe, organised her thoughts and produced volumes of insightful material, books on international issues pre the internet age.

This is the site from where she established the travel-writing festival, Immrama which has served Lismore well for almost 25 years.

The local community has campaigned to have the site preserved as a public building and develop the site as a cultural and heritage place. It has both national and international significance and its preservation will be an additional attraction to the beautiful Heritage Town of Lismore.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan welcomed the attainment of such a prestigious holding saying, “Dervla Murphy was a true trailblazer. At a time when the world was far less open to women traveling alone, she set out, alone, on a bicycle, crossing continents with nothing but determination, curiosity, and a deep thirst for understanding. What would be considered a remarkable journey today was, in the 1960s, a remarkable feat.

“She held a special place in her heart for Lismore and that affection was deeply reciprocated by the people of Lismore. Now, with the Council’s acquisition of the site of her beloved home, we are presented with a rare and wonderful opportunity to create a heritage space that not only honours Dervla’s remarkable legacy but also brings her writings, her global observations, and her boundless sense of adventure to life.”

The acquisition of the site has been financed by the Building and Land Acquisition Measure from the Department of Rural and Community Development & Gaeltacht. A survey and evaluation of the site will be undertaken, and a cultural heritage and development study will be commissioned to explore the range of options for development of the site.

Waterford City and County Council wishes to express its gratitude to the local community and to local auctioneer and valuer, Michael O’Leary, in their vision and assistance in the acquisition.

21st October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council warns of hazards of Halloween bonfires

With Halloween fast approaching Waterford City and County Council is appealing to the public to be aware of the hazards of bonfires and is also urging businesses not to supply any waste material to persons who do not hold a valid waste collection permit.

Niall Curtin, Chief Fire Officer, Waterford Fire Service issued a warning regarding the dangers of bonfires. “Halloween is a particularly busy time for Waterford Fire Service. Last year, Waterford fire brigades attended 20 bonfires and other outdoor fires on Halloween night and the weeks leading up to it.

“Bonfires have the potential to harm people with burns, inhalation of toxic fumes and injury from exploding cylinders and cannisters. In addition, every year we see community and amenity areas significantly damaged in the aftermath of such fires.”

Waterford Fire Service is providing some tips on having a safe and injury-free Halloween:

If you find yourself in an area where there is a bonfire,
Supervise children, don’t let them get too close to a fire as many Halloween costumes can easily ignite causing horrible injuries
Move away from the area if you see items being thrown onto the bonfire
Be careful if decorating your home. Keep lit candles away from combustible decorations.
Examine any decorative lighting and stop using them if you see damage or notice any overheating
The lead up to Halloween is always a good time to test smoke detectors in your home

Chief Curtin added, “Unfortunately, on more than one occasion we have been faced with anti-social behaviour at these fires. This behaviour has hindered fire personnel doing their jobs in a safe manner. Please allow our brigades to carry out their jobs safely. Injuries to firefighters and damage to vehicles may have an adverse impact on our ability to respond to other urgent emergencies in our community. For any fire emergencies over the Halloween period dial 112 / 999 and ask for the Fire Service immediately.”

The burning of waste in bonfires, and particularly the burning of highly combustible materials may lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council Environment Department has requested that businesses or members of the public do not supply waste material to anyone who does not hold a valid waste collection permit.

“The uncontrolled burning of waste, particularly in bonfires, is illegal and releases toxic pollutants into the air, which are known to be damaging to our health and environment. The use of accelerants on bonfires can pose a significant safety risk and threat to the public. We would urge the public to report materials being hoarded such as pallets, tyres, combustible waste or old furniture, by getting in touch with the Council’s Waste Enforcement Section.”

Members of public are also advised not to buy, use or supply fireworks. Illegal fireworks may be manufactured without safety standards and can cause serious damage to users, particularly children.

Parents should monitor their children and ensure they do not play with fireworks. Throughout the country, every year children end up tragically injured and often scarred for life, after using illegal fireworks.

To report the storage and collection of materials for bonfires call Waterford City and County Council on 0818 10 20 20. Report fireworks to the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

21st October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Strong line up for Waterford Writers Weekend 2025

The Arts and Library service of Waterford City and County Council has something for everyone with the Waterford Writers Weekend taking place in Dungarvan and Waterford city between October 23^rd and 26^th. Masterclasses and workshops with Ireland Professor of Poetry, Vona Groarke; the Irish Writers Centre series with Danielle McLaughlin and the schools programme is fully subscribed.

Highlights include much loved Waterford poets Thomas McCarthy and Molly Twomey reading from each other’s 2025 collections and in conversation with City and County Librarian, Mary Conway on the Friday evening in Central Library as a free event. Vanessa Fox O’ Loughlin has a session in the Waterford Gallery of Art on the Saturday afternoon on Getting Published, also free of charge. Speakeasy- Open Mic, the Waxed Lemon journal launch and announcement of the winners of the national Waterford Poetry Prize are much anticipated.

Dungarvan’s events include Croí, a free event in the Old Market House Arts Centre, Dungarvan on Thursday 23^rd October from 7pm. This concert is a musical and poetic response to the HeART of Gaza Children’s exhibition by renowned uilleann piper David Power and poet Áine Uí Fhoghlú. There is limited seating, so booking in advance is required. Details are in the festival programme about how to reserve seats for all events.

Poet Jessica Traynor has a workshop and reading in Dungarvan on the Saturday afternoon. On Saturday evening, the festival hosts the writer, director and actor Séamus O’ Rourke in conversation with Dymphna Nugent, WLRfm in the Arts Centre in Dungarvan. Séamus has over two million hits on YouTube and social media with his short stories, recitations and sketches. He recently released ‘A Lock of Poems, Recitations and Good Ones’ – a collection of his much-loved poems and recitations, he is well known as the author of the books ‘Standing in Gaps’ and ‘Leaning on Gates’. This event will be a conversation on his rural and writing life with Séamus reading from his work.

Festival Curator, Margaret Organ, Arts Officer explained, ‘This is just a taste of what the weekend has to offer with all events at low cost or no cost, using our own venues. This quality offering for both readers and writers is open and accessible to all’.

Details of the full Waterford Writers Weekend Programme and how to book for events in Dungarvan and Waterford city is now available on www.waterfordarts.com

21st October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore hosts Sustainable Toy Swap & Play Event

Families in Tramore and further afield recently took part in a fun and eco-friendly Swap & Play event hosted by Waterford City and County Council and Tramore Tidy Towns in partnership with The Toy Library.

The Toy Library Swap & Play event on October 18^th at Tramore GAA Hall, provided children and families with the opportunity to swap pre-loved toys, engage in play, and learn about sustainability and reducing waste.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said, “We are delighted to be hosting this Toy Swap as part of Climate Action Week, especially as it is International Repair Day today also. We are especially fortunate to be working with Tramore Tidy Towns on this initiative and couldn’t have pulled it together without them. I would like to say a special thanks to them for working with both us and the Toy Library to bring the event to fruition.

“Waterford has been taking part in the National Climate Action Week all week, with climate-themed events taking place for the public across the county. Reusing and swapping toys is a positive climate action.”

Mayor Ryan added, “A swap event is a great opportunity to learn about sustainability while providing children and families with the opportunity to swap pre-loved toys. These events are designed to promote toy reuse, reduce waste, and encourage Circular Economy actions in communities.”

Giorgia Anile, founder of The Toy Library, stated, “Play is a serious business. Our mission, as a social enterprise, is to drive radical change in the way we engage with toys, starting from children and their families. Toys are the most plastic intensive industry in the world, and most have a short shelf life.

“There are better ways to provide our kids with the variety of toys they need, while also caring for our planet. We are delighted to be working with Waterford City and County Council, which has demonstrated a serious commitment to climate action and sustainability for their youngest citizens.”

21st October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Winterval Road Closure arrangements

Winterval logo Waterford City & County Council has announced a series of temporary road closures to facilitate this year’s Winterval Christmas Festival, taking place from November 21st to December 23rd 2025.

Closures will affect areas around Arundel Square, Michael Street, Peter Street, O’Connell Street, John Roberts Square, the Viking Triangle, and other key festival zones on various dates throughout the festive season. These closures are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and to accommodate Winterval events, including the Christmas Lights Switch-On, markets, and performances across the city centre.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and follow all temporary signage and diversions. Access for residents and emergency vehicles will be maintained where possible.

📄 Full details, including dates and affected streets, can be found in the official notice here:

Winterval 2025 - Road Closures

20th October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council Approves Major Investment Proposal for Waterford Airport

Waterford City and County Council at a Special Council Meeting held today, Monday 20^th October 2025, has approved a landmark investment proposal that will secure the future of Waterford Airport and deliver a transformative €30 million redevelopment project – fully funded through private investment. The proposal, which was brought forward by the Bolster Group and is being advanced through a new company, Waterford Airport Ltd (WAL), will deliver the full Airport Development works set out in the existing Business Plan, without the need for Government funding. This includes a major runway extension and infrastructure upgrades that will enable the return of commercial passenger services to the airport.

Cllr. Seamus Ryan, Mayor of Waterford City and County, welcomed the decision, saying, “This is a historic day for Waterford and for the entire South East. Waterford Airport is a critical piece of regional infrastructure, and I am confident this €30 million investment will lead to a return of commercial air services to Waterford. This represents a huge vote of confidence in Waterford and is a game changer for the region. It will help us attract further inward investment, create jobs, drive tourism and bring the South East closer to the world.”

The Airport Development Works – estimated at €30 million – will commence early next year and will take approximately 12 months to complete. They include extending the existing runway to 2,287 metres and widening it to 45 metres so that it can land large jet planes, expanding car parking facilities and Terminal and ground equipment upgrades. The project will pave the way for the return of scheduled passenger services by the end of 2027, with a target of handling upwards of 400,000 passengers annually within five years, as set out in the Airport Business Plan.

Mayor Seamus Ryan added, “The Council has been steadfast in its support for Waterford Airport over many years. This investment represents the best possible outcome – securing the airport’s future, ending the requirement for ongoing Council subvention, and securing significant private investment without cost to the Exchequer. It will transform Waterford Airport into a commercially viable regional airport that serves over half a million people across the South East.”

The Council has approved three key resolutions to enable the investment, including the disposal of lands, and the waiving of a previous loan of €670,000. The Council made these decisions on strong economic and social grounds, as outlined in a report presented by the Council’s Chief Executive, Sean McKeown, including inward investment, improved regional connectivity and tourism.

The investment proposal removes the need for annual financial subvention from the Council. Since 2016, Waterford City & County Council has supported the airport’s operations through its revenue budget. The identity of the private investor remains confidential at this stage, but the investor’s legal representative, namely Mason, Hayes and Curran have confirmed that the investor is a US national with significant business interests and that they have the financial capacity to deliver the project. The Council were assured that the investment will be subject to FDI screening by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment under the Third Country Transactions Act 2023, to ensure it poses no national security or public order concerns, before it can proceed.

Sean McKeown, Waterford City and County Council Chief Executive said, “This investment will transform Waterford Airport into a fully functional and commercially viable regional airport, restoring direct air connectivity to the South-East. It will enhance the competitiveness of Waterford and the wider region in attracting investment and supporting high-value employment. It will also strengthen our tourism offering, support balanced regional development and enhance quality of life for people across the region.”

The Board of Waterford Regional Airport plc met in recent weeks, prior to the Special Council Meeting, to consider the proposal and they unanimously accepted the terms of the investment, which provides that the asset disposal to the new company – Waterford Airport Ltd – will facilitate the discharge of all existing commercial debts and liabilities of the airport. The proposal will also ensure the retention all employees and maintain the existing Search and Rescue (SAR) services as contracted for a further 10 years.

The Chairman of the existing Airport company, namely Michael Walsh, welcomed the decision today by Waterford City and County Council, saying, “I welcome the decision of the Council to support this investment proposal. I am confident the investment provides a clear and credible pathway to long-term commercial viability for the airport, while safeguarding existing jobs and strengthening the region’s connectivity. It reflects a shared vision between the Council, the Board and the new investor of Waterford Airport as a driver of economic growth and opportunity. The next step will be to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders to consider the investment proposal. This is an important part of the process, and we will be issuing a recommendation to shareholders in the coming days to accept the investment proposal. Subject to their approval, we look forward to working with the investor to move swiftly into the delivery phase of the development.”