Latest News & Announcements - Waterford City & County Council

30th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Over 1,000 businesses take the Pledge for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford

Local climate action ambassadors
Following a call by Waterford City and County Council, over 1,000 local businesses have signed up to a Business Pledge for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford.

The scheme, formerly known as the Commercial Energy Discount Scheme, was originally launched in 2022, and has since supported thousands of businesses across the city and county in transitioning to carbon neutrality by identifying opportunities for reducing energy usage and costs, exploring the potential of renewable energy while availing of a discount on their commercial rates.

As part of Waterford City and County Council’s roadmap to delivering a carbon neutral Waterford by 2040 businesses were once again invited to take the pledge to strive towards a cleaner, greener Waterford, and commit to completing at least two actions in the next 12 months that will reduce the carbon footprint of their business.

All 1,003 businesses which took the pledge and committed to two sustainable actions will have a 9% discount applied to their commercial rates.

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council was pleased with the uptake. “There has been a fantastic response to the business pledge initiative. It highlights the appetite of Waterford businesses to commit to more sustainable business practices that not only have a positive impact on the environment, but also on their operating costs.

“Waterford is the first and only Local Authority to implement such a scheme, and it is just one component of our extremely ambitious strategy in the Climate Action Plan 2024–2029 to achieve energy efficiency and reduce emission targets significantly.

“In our ambition to be Ireland’s first carbon neutral city it is heartening to see the groundswell of support from the local business community.”

Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, Gráinne Kennedy added, “Waterford City and County Council, working in tandem with local businesses, can collectively make Waterford the most sustainable place in Ireland to do business.

“We had fantastic support from local businesses across the city and county and I’d particularly like to extend our gratitude to our local “ambassadors”, Dooley’s Hotel, Cantec Group, Powerflow Electronics and Blossom & Berry Florists, who all enthusiastically picked up and ran with the sustainability baton.”

The scheme was open to businesses with annual rate bills less than €10,000 or operate in the hospitality and leisure industries and provided details of the actions they will take to become more sustainable in the coming year, with the 9% commercial rates discount applied in December.

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Local climate action ‘ambassadors:

Top (l-r) Claudia O’Neill Blossom & Berry Florists and Fergal Power Powerflow Electronics

Bottom (l-r) Greg Tuohy Cantec Group and Tina Darrer Dooley’s Hotel

29th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Walking and cycling preferred modes of transport for Waterford students

Students want to see more investment in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in Waterford, was a key message at the South East Technological University’s (SETU) recent Climate and Biodiversity Week.

The programme of events at SETU Cork Road campus aimed to engage students and staff and inspire efforts throughout the University to combat climate change.

Waterford City and County Council’s Active Travel and Climate Action teams met with students throughout the week, and it was clear that many students prefer to walk or cycle to college as part of their daily journeys.

“We spoke to a range of students including those studying public health, engineering, business and exchange students about their preferred ways of getting to college daily. Walking is most convenient for students living in the city, as it’s cost effective and an easy way to increase their activity levels,” said Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer, Waterford City and County Council.

“Cycling is also popular, and the general feeling is that more students would take up cycling to college if the cycling infrastructure on key routes to the university’s campuses is improved.

“We also met students travelling from Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary who are opting to use a combination of public transport and walking or cycling to get to college,” added Mr White.

The Walking and Cycling Index was published earlier this year and found that every day those who walk and cycle take nearly 16,000 cars off the road in the Waterford Metropolitan Area. Walking and cycling instead of driving in the Waterford Metropolitan Area save on greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 61,300 flights from Dublin Airport to London Heathrow Airport annually.

Active Travel projects are funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel Programme and are managed and delivered at a local level by Waterford City and County Council. Recent public consultations have been held in Lismore Park and St John’s Park respectively, to allow the public feed into proposed Active Travel projects in these areas of Waterford City.

Other activities during Climate and Biodiversity Week included local suppliers showcasing energy-efficient devices. These displays showed renewable energy options for the home, including solar PV panels and solar lighting, providing attendees with insights into more sustainable living.

Cian Gill, Climate Action Officer, Waterford City and County Council said, “It was interesting that many students we met expressed an interest in careers within the renewable energy industry, so for them, it was a chance to talk to organisations operating in that industry today and get an idea of what the career is like, and what might be on offer in the near future,”

There was also a focus on fashion and environmental impacts of a throw-away clothing culture. There was a clothes swap event, alongside a sewing workshop that demonstrated how to repair and upcycle garments rather than discarding them. These activities encouraged participants to rethink their approach to clothing consumption and waste.

Mícheál Ó Cadhla, Community Climate Change Officer at Waterford City and County Council added, “At a time when all organisations need to be showing leadership on sustainability and climate action, it was great to see the range of activities across SETU, especially on the Cork Road Campus in Waterford. There is clearly a strong interest from the student body in the practical steps which they can take to tackle climate change.”

29th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Temporary Development Contributions Waiver

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Those seeking to avail of the Government’s Temporary Development Contribution Waiver need to submit the relevant Commencement Notice or 7 Day Notice to the Building Control Management System (BCMS) on or before 17th December 2024 to ensure they meet the scheme deadline. No submissions after the deadline can be accepted.

More information can be found at gov.ie – Circular PL 02/2024 – Extension of the Temporary Development Contribution waiver and Uisce Éireann Water Connection Charge refund arrangements

29th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor of Waterford City and County signs Mayors for Peace declaration

On Friday, October 25^th, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy attended the Mayors for Peace Signing Ceremony at Leinster House in Dublin.

At the 2nd UN Special Session on Disarmament held at the UN Headquarters in New York in 1982, then Mayor Takeshi Araki of Hiroshima called for cities throughout the world to transcend national borders and join in solidarity to work together to press for nuclear abolition.

Mayors for Peace, an international organisation dedicated to the promotion of peace was established that year in Japan by the Mayor of Hiroshima, in response to the deaths of 140,000 people, following the atomic bombing of the city on August 6^th, 1945.

Since its foundation, Mayors throughout the world have signed the Mayors for Peace declaration to show they support the commencement of negotiations towards the elimination of nuclear weapons.

The invitation to Leinster House was extended to the Mayor of Waterford City and County by Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, where Mr. Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima and president of Mayors for Peace lead the signing ceremony.

Speaking of the occasion, Mayor Murphy said, “This is a hugely significant occasion that copper fastens the commitment and solidarity of Mayors throughout Ireland and the world in promoting peace, and striving for the eradication of nuclear weapons and the devastation they cause.

“There are almost 8,500 member cities across 166 countries working for a world without nuclear weapons, and as Mayor of Waterford City and County I am honoured to work with the Mayors for Peace organisation in helping to build a better future for generations to come.”

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Images:

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy signing Mayors for Peace declaration and Mr. Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima.
Attendees at the signing of the Mayors for Peace signing ceremony at Leinster House.

28th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Portlaw Public Meeting – Town Centre First Plan

For the last two years, the community (particularly through the Portlaw Community Enhancement Committee) has been working with the Council, the Paul Hogarth Company and Hall Black Douglas Architects to prepare a Town Centre First Plan for Portlaw.

The Council and the Enhancement Committee now wish for the plan to be validated by the community at large and, to that effect, a public meeting is being held in the Community Centre, Portlaw on this Wednesday night, 30th October at 7.30 p.m.

Come along, we want to hear from you!

The Town Centre First Plan and Implementation Plan are accessible at https://lnkd.in/e_ZgKzmg

26th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Daylight Saving Reminder: Clocks Go Back This Sunday

Clocks go back this Sunday

Don’t forget, Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, 27th October 2024, when the clocks go back by one hour at 2:00 am.

This change means brighter mornings but earlier evenings as we head into winter. Remember to adjust your clocks and make the most of the extra hour in bed!

For more details, visit this guide at RTÉ.

25th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Published: Weekly Planning Lists

Stay up-to-date with the latest planning applications and decisions in Waterford City and County. Each Friday, we publish a comprehensive list detailing new applications, permissions granted, and other updates. Access the latest planning lists here to stay informed about developments in your area.

See https://waterfordcouncil.ie/documents/planning-lists/

25th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

County Waterford LEADER 2023-2027 : Targeted Call for Projects

Please be advised that the following information workshops will be held in advance of opening the next official call for Expression of Interests (EoI) for funding under the new LEADER 2023 – 2027 Programme:

12th November 2024: Park Hotel, Dungarvan, 7:00-8:30 pm
13th November 2024: Tramore Lifeguard Station, 7:00-8:30 pm
14th November 2024: The Red Hall, Lismore, 7:00-8:30 pm

Attendance at one of these workshops is compulsory for those intending to apply for funding. Please book your place by calling 058-54646 or 058-51505 or by emailing claire.connors@wlp.ie or info@wlp.ie before 12 noon on Friday, 8th November 2024. Following attendance, the EoI form will be provided, which must be submitted by 2 pm on Friday, 15th November 2024.

Further details can be had in the download below.

Summary - Targeted Call for Funding

25th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

The Spooky Tunnel reopens on Waterford Greenway

The much-loved Spooky Tunnel has returned to Waterford Greenway, offering a week-long experience for families and Hallowe’en scare-seekers. The official launch of this year’s event was marked by a special ceremony, with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, joined by Ella and Robyn Whelan and Shauna Weldon, to kick off the spooky festivities.

Running from Friday, 25th October to Friday, 1st November, the Spooky Tunnel promises an eerie and atmospheric experience that adds a touch of Hallowe’en magic to the Greenway. The event, which has become a highlight of the autumn season, invites visitors to enjoy a walk through the tunnel’s unique blend of scary light and sound.

Photography of the launch was captured by David Clynch, adding to the visual record of this fun-filled and spooky annual event.

25th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Financial Support to assist businesses in the Hospitality and Retail Sectors

Power Up grant of €4,000 is available to businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors
Register before Friday 8th November.

Local Authorities are now emailing businesses who may be eligible for the Power Up grant. The email includes details on how to register. Don’t delay with registering, the Power Up registration Portal is open for a limited time in order to get payments to businesses before the end of the year.

Registering is similar to ICOB registration and is quick and easy. Please go to enterprise.gov.ie/powerup for further information.

If you have not received an email and think you may be eligible please contact your Local Authority.

What is the Power Up grant?
The Government announced the Power Up grant as part of Budget 25 for businesses in the Retail and Hospitality sector. The Power Up grant has a budget of €170 million and the grant to eligible businesses will be €4,000.

Who is eligible for Power Up?
There are two types of qualifying business:

A business that received the second payment of ICOB and continues to meet the ICOB criteria
Businesses in the hospitality and retail sector that did not have a rates bill in 2023 may qualify if they meet the criteria. Those businesses should check with their local authority to check eligibility once the scheme goes live.

Read full details on the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment website.

25th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

2024/2025 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme Expression of Interest

Waterford City & County Council will administer the 2024/2025 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development. ORIS is funded under Project Ireland 2040 and is a key initiative of Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 and Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2027.

In line with Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, outdoor recreation is defined as activities that take place in the natural environment, such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering and wild swimming. It does not include activities that take place outdoors on confined courses or pitches (such as golf, football, and show-jumping) or motorised activities (such as quads/scramblers). As a consequence, such activities are not eligible for funding under ORIS.

The focus of ORIS is to support outdoor recreational infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland that not only provides an outlet for the communities in which they are situated but also delivers added value from a tourism perspective. Projects typically funded by ORIS include walkways, cycleways, blueways, water and cycle trails, mountain access routes, bridleways, and open water amenities at bogs, rivers, lakes and beaches, including tidal pools.

2024/2025 ORIS Scheme Measures:

Measure	Description	Grant amount
Measure 1	Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing	Up to €40,000
Measure 2	Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development	Up to €200,000
Measure 3	Strategic Large-Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategic Trail/Amenity Development	Up to €500,000
Project Development Measure	Development Costs for Strategic Large-Scale Projects	Up to €50,000

A key focus of the scheme will be on the repair/upgrade/development/promotion and marketing of already existing trails and outdoor recreation infrastructure in Co. Waterford. For more detail see: https://visitwaterford.com/trails/

Waterford City & County Council now seeks expressions of interest from Trail Management Organisations (TMOs)/community groups for funding of suitable projects under this initiative. Expression of interest forms can be downloaded here or obtained by e-mailing outdoorrecreation@waterfordcouncil.ie

All those submitting an expression of interest form should, in the first instance make themselves aware of the scheme outlines and guidelines particularly regarding their proposal’s eligibility.

Completed expression of interest forms must be emailed to outdoorrecreation@waterfordcouncil.ie before 5.00pm Friday 22^nd November 2024.

Expressions of interest received after this date and time will not be considered for the 2024/2025 scheme. All applications will be subject to a selection process using National Criteria. Selected expression of interest applications will be developed into detailed bids for consideration for the ORIS 2024/2025.

24th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

How Ireland’s oldest city is fostering Ireland’s newest IT talent

Irish Times article Our Communications team was excited to collaborate recently with The Irish Times on a special feature titled “How Ireland’s Oldest City is Fostering Ireland’s Newest IT Talent.”

This article highlights the innovative strides Waterford is making in the tech industry, from nurturing homegrown talent to attracting global expertise.

It showcases the unique blend of historical roots and modern initiatives that make Waterford an attractive hub for digital growth and education.

Read the full story to learn more about how you can Think Waterford First right here in Ireland’s oldest city.

24th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Portlaw Public Meeting – Town Centre First Plan

Come along, we want to hear from you!

The Town Centre First Plan and Implementation Plan are accessible at https://lnkd.in/e_ZgKzmg

23rd October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Schools take the Schools Litter Challenge

The Mayor of Waterford City and County recently launched the Waterford Schools Litter Challenge at the new Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota dealership on the Cork Road.

The challenge, now in its fourth year is sponsored by Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota, in association with Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber.

As part of the eight-week challenge, secondary school students from across the city and county will be encouraged to identify litter black spots in their communities and carry out regular litter picking of the area. In addition, the students will learn about the sources of litter, and about the benefits of reusing and recycling items.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “I’d like to acknowledge all the students and their teachers for once again signing up to the Schools Litter Challenge. We’re in the fourth year of this initiative and the change for good that has been made by each and every one of you is to be commended.

“It would be naïve to not be concerned about the environmental harm that litter, particularly single use plastics, causes. However, knowing that the next generation is prepared to take action to alleviate that damage is heartening.

“Waterford has consistently ranked as Ireland’s Cleanest City and it is environmental awareness initiatives such as this, coupled with the continued support of the local business community, particularly Tom Murphy Car Sales, that is keeping Waterford a clean and welcoming place to live, work and invest in.”

Waterford City and County Council has provided bags, gloves, litter pickers and high visibility vests to all schools and Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota has sponsored the €1,500 prize for the winning school.

Michael Oporowicz, Area Sales Manager, Toyota Ireland said, “Toyota is delighted to support this amazing initiative which aligns with our brand promise, Built For A Better World, which strives to make a positive and tangible difference to Irish society. This program makes a huge difference to the people of Waterford, and we are delighted that Tom Murphy is a leading this program.

“Tom Murphy has been at the heart of Waterford’s community for over 50 years and is passionate about Waterford, its people and its presentation. We are looking forward to working with the schools and Waterford City and County Council to realise our aim in working towards a sustainable, environmentally friendly future for generations to come.”

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, “We got a great reaction from the eleven schools from across the city and county who undertook the challenge last year. The enthusiasm and dedication from the students were contagious, and while St Augustine’s College Dungarvan emerged as overall winner, the efforts of all the schools did not go unnoticed as there was an apparent reduction in litter and debris in their designated areas.”

The Schools Litter Challenge runs until December 20^th, 2024 with the overall winners announced by Mayor Murphy at a reception in City Hall in January 2025.