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By Waterford City & County Council

Met Éireann Status Orange Rain/Snow warning issued for Waterford

Orange Weather Warning

A Met Éireann Status Orange Rain/Snow Warning has been issued for Waterford and is in place from 17:00 Saturday 04/01/2025 to 17:00 Sunday 05/01/2025.

Heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow with significant accumulations are expected.

The very cold spell across the country will lead to very disruptive weather, with an area of low pressure sending up some heavy rain, sleet and snow. This cold spell is expected to extend into next week with lying snow, some wintry showers and widespread severe frost and ice and some freezing fog also.

Waterford City and County Council joined a National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) meeting this morning and the Local Authority’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) is monitoring conditions locally.

Waterford City and County Council advises that the Priority One and Two Road networks have been gritted this morning and Waterford City and County Council ground crews are attending to gritting Priority Three roads as resources allow.  All Waterford City and County Council Gritting Routes can be found on the homepage of Waterford City and County Council website at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council said, “While the weather status may have changed from yellow to orange, the key public safety messages remain the same.

“We would advise all motorists to exercise caution when travelling, allow extra time for your journey and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.  Travelling conditions throughout the evening and night will be difficult, even on gritted roads, so please slow down and be aware of other road users.

“Footpaths will also be hazardous in the icy conditions, so we are asking pedestrians to take extra care.”

With heavy rainfall expected there may be some risk of localised and spot flooding and Waterford City and County Council is asking motorists to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Waterford City and County Council’s Integrated Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol is also in operation, with extra bed capacity available at McGwire House. The Outreach Team from Waterford Integrated Homeless Services has been in contact with any known rough sleepers to advise them of the shelter arrangements.  Waterford City and County Council is appealing to the public to contact the Homeless Services Team if they see person(s) sleeping rough in Waterford.

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks and the Homeless Services Team at Waterford Integrated Homeless Services by calling 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

Key public safety messages:

  • Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions.
  • Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
  • Take extra care while walking as footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
  • Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
  • Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
  • The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
  • People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
  • Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
  • ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.
  • Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via its 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie.
  • People are advised to conserve water and visit https://www.water.ie for advice.
  • Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone.

-ends-

By Waterford City & County Council

 Status Yellow Weather Warning for Snow-Ice for Waterford

Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow Snow–Ice Warning for Waterford.  The warning is in place from 5pm Saturday, January 4th to 5pm Sunday, January 5th, with falls of rain, sleet and snow expected.

The very cold spell across the country will lead to very disruptive weather over the weekend, with an area of low pressure sending up some heavy rain, sleet and snow. This cold spell is expected to extend into at least the middle of next week with lying snow, some wintry showers and widespread severe frost and ice and some freezing fog also.

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team attended a Virtual National Emergency Coordination Group meeting this morning and is advising that Waterford City and County Council ground crews are treating all Priority One and Two roads.

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council said, “Waterford City and County Council ground crews are attending to the Priority One and Two road network, and gritting will continue on these Priority One and Two roads for the duration of the cold weather advisory warning.  The crews will attend to salting Priority Three roads as and when resources allow.

“Waterford City and County Council currently has ample salt stocks to treat these roads for the duration of the cold spell.  With 1,500 tonnes of salt in reserve at our yards in Waterford city and Dungarvan, salt is also being restocked as required from the National Depots in Cahir and Bellview.”

Hynes urged motorists to exercise caution on their journeys, “We would urge all motorists to reduce speed and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.  Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, so please slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.  Pedestrians should also take care as footpaths will be slippery due to ice.”

All Waterford City and County Council Gritting Routes can be found on the homepage of Waterford City and County Council website at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/

Waterford City and County Council’s Integrated Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol is currently in operation until March 31st.  Throughout this period, the Outreach Team from Waterford Integrated Homeless Services is in regular contact with any known rough sleepers to advise them of impending weather alerts/freezing temperatures and remind them of the shelter arrangements which they can avail of.

Extra capacity is available at McGwire House, Bath Street, Waterford, where homeless men and women can present to avail of shelter (051 879930). Women and children fleeing domestic violence should present to Oasis House, 71 Morrisson’s Road, Waterford (051 370367).

With the Met Éireann Status Yellow Snow / Ice Warning issued for the weekend, Waterford City and County Council is appealing to the public to contact the Homeless Services Team by emailing homelessservicesteam@waterfordcouncil.ie if they see person(s) sleeping rough in Waterford.

Members of the public can also contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks and the Homeless Services Team at Waterford Integrated Homeless Services by calling 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

Key public safety messages:

  • Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions.
  • Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
  • Take extra care while walking as footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
  • Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
  • Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
  • The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
  • People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
  • Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
  • ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.
  • Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via its 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie.
  • People are advised to conserve water and visit https://www.water.ie for advice.
  • Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council launches Local Enhancement Programme 2025

LEP 2025

Waterford City and County Council is inviting members of the public to apply for the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025.

Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by Waterford LCDC through Waterford City and County Council, the Local Enhancement Programme is designed to improve and enhance community facilities for all.

The aim of the Local Enhancement Programme is to support community groups and clubs, with minor capital works and improvements to their facilities, and the purchase of equipment for community use. Such capital works may include carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, accessibility improvements, improving energy efficiency of community facilities, or to purchase equipment for community use.

This year groups will be able to use the current element of funding to support their non-pay running costs for example energy costs/bills (electricity costs, refuse charges, heating charges), rental/lease costs or insurance bills.

Orla Kelly, Community Administration Officer, Waterford City and County Council said “The Local Enhancement Programme provides vital support to small Community Groups and organisations to help them carry out invaluable work improving their facilities and purchasing equipment.

“By administering the 2024 LEP fund which supported 190 groups, we have seen first-hand how these grants can make a big difference and we would like to thank all our 2024 successful applicants for the vital work they do for their local communities. The application process is straight-forward, and I would encourage all interested groups to visit the Council’s website for information on this fund and how to apply.”

Closing date for applications to the Local Enhancement Programme is 4pm January 31st, 2025. Details can be found here.

-ends-

By Waterford City & County Council

A Christmas message from Cllr. Jason Murphy, Mayor of Waterford City and County

A Christmas message from Cllr. Jason Murphy

As Mayor of Waterford City and County, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas.

As we look back on 2024, and prepare for a new year, it is important to take stock.

While many of us will enjoy the next few days, celebrating in the company of family and friends, it is important that we remember those who may not relish the festive period.

It might simply mean popping in to check on a neighbour or lending an ear to those who don’t have company this Christmas.  Waterford has a wonderful community spirit and we can keep that spirit strong by being there for those who need us.

We have passionate and vibrant arts, community and voluntary sectors who bring brightness to Waterford with their hard work and dedication.  The streets of our city came to life throughout the year with various festivals and events.

Most notably, Winterval has been bigger and better than ever as this year Waterford celebrates the wonderful achievement of being awarded the European City of Christmas.

I would like to thank all the incredible volunteers, community groups, local businesses, residents, my fellow councillors and Waterford City and County Council management team and staff for working tirelessly to make Waterford the Best Place to Live in Ireland.

I wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas and may 2025 bring hope, happiness and prosperity to you and your loved ones.

By Waterford City & County Council

Christmas Greetings from Seán McKeown, Chief Executive

Seán McKeown, Chief Executive
Seán McKeown, Chief Executive

A message from Sean McKeown, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council

As we approach the end of 2024, it’s time to reflect on a year of significant progress and achievements across Waterford, with notable milestones that benefit every corner of our city and county.

The North Quays regeneration project, the largest strategic development zone outside of Dublin, continues to transform Waterford.

With progress on the sustainable transport bridge, transport hub, and flood defence works, we’re shaping a vibrant, expanded, and liveable city that’s ready to lead in employment, education, and innovation.

We have added another 330 homes to our social housing stock this year and we have supported the adaptation of almost 360 homes to enable our elderly and disabled to continue to live independently in their own communities. Revitalising our urban areas continues to be a priority, with over 600 vacant and derelict buildings brought back to life and 700 more in development. These efforts breathe new energy into our communities, enriching Waterford’s unique culture and creativity.

The establishment of the South East Technological University (SETU) is a tremendous asset to the region, enhancing higher education attainment, fostering research and innovation, and significantly improving our ability to attract investment, particularly from IDA-supported investment.

While we await key decisions on funding for Waterford Airport’s runway extension, we remain optimistic about the opportunities this will unlock for regional connectivity and growth.

Waterford’s outstanding natural assets and beauty continues to attract attention on the world stage, with both the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller and the New York Times recognising the city and county’s exceptional scenery, heritage, festivals and amenities.

Community initiatives have been a driving force in 2024, and we are committed to continuing this momentum into 2025. By supporting and leading community-driven projects, we aim to strengthen social cohesion, promote diversity and inclusion, and enhance local development while improving health and wellbeing for all.

Looking ahead, our Climate Action Plan and Corporate Plan (2024–2029) set ambitious goals for sustainability and growth, ensuring Waterford remains the best place to live, work, visit and invest.

As the year comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to our shared successes and wish you a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Let’s build on the achievements of 2024 and work together for an even brighter 2025.

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/

By Waterford City & County Council

Boil Water Notice: Carrick On Suir (Crotty’s Lake) Water Supply

Boil Water Notice

Uisce Éireann would like to remind customers supplied by the Carrick On Suir (Crotty’s Lake) Water Supply that the Boil Water Notice issued on 25 November will remain in place until the New Year.

This notice was issued to protect the health of approximately 1,937 customers due to operational issues at the water treatment plant. All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking.

The notice applies to all areas on the Carrick on Suir (Crotty’s Lake) Public Water Supply including:

  • All areas South of the river except Friar Street Upper, Corpse Road, Rack Hill, South Quay and Bridge Street
  • North side of the River Suir. The areas of Hazel Close, Hawthorn Cresent, Asgrove, Oak Drive, Beech Ave, Sycamore Close and Mount Saint Nichnolas are included in the area affected by the BWN.
  • Townlands of Ross, Clonmoyle, Ballyhest, Ballygarret, Sheskin, Curraghduff, Joanstown in Co. Waterford

Please note that Boil Water Notice does not apply to Uisce Éireann customers supplied by the Carrick On Suir Linguan Water Supply.

By Waterford City & County Council

Certificate of Exemption for XL Bully type dogs

From February 1st, 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a Certificate of Exemption.

All XL Bully dog owners must apply for a Certificate of Exemption on or before January 31st, 2025.

This certificate will be unique to each XL Bully type dog and owner.  Owners will need to provide:

Copy of Valid Dog Licence: Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, every dog must be licensed and kept under effective control and must have a collar bearing the owner’s name and address. Licences are available from any Post Office or online at www.licences.ie.

Microchipping Certificate: It is a legal requirement in Ireland to have all dogs implanted with a microchip and registered on an approved database by the time they are 12 weeks old.

Confirmation of neutering: Owners must arrange to have their XL Bully type dog neutered by a registered Veterinary Practitioner in order to receive a Certificate of Exemption.

Photographic proof of identity of owner:  i.e. copy of passport, driver’s licence, public services card, etc.

Proof of address of owner: i.e. copy of utility bill or bank statement within previous three months, etc.

Owners of XL Bully type dogs can apply for a Certificate of Exemption online at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/environment/dog-control/ or by posting all required documentation to:

Environment Department,

ref: XL Bully Certificate of Exemption,

Waterford City and County Council,

The Mall,

Waterford X91 PK15.

By Waterford City & County Council

Féile Grianstad returns to Dungarvan

On Saturday December 21st,  Féile Grianstad, a fun-filled, festive evening featuring Santa, music and fireworks, returns to Dungarvan.

The festivities kick-off on Saturday evening at 6pm with a series of ceolchoirmeacha agus craic featuring Dungarvan’s own Loungeroom Lizards, trad craic and much more!

Watch out for Santa Claus, his naughty nemesis Krampus may also make an appearance and you never know who else may turn up at the party.  At 9pm, there will be a very special sky light extravaganza with a firework spectacular above Dungarvan Harbour.

This year, Grattan Square will be partially closed off from lunchtime on Saturday, December 21st to facilitate the ‘Big Stage’.

For those travelling to Dungarvan, motorists are requested to park outside the town and walk to the town centre. Immediately prior to the fireworks display, Davitt’s Quay will be closed to all traffic to facilitate the safe passage of pedestrians and viewers.

The long-term plans for the festival will see a vibrant mix of community arts and entertainment that will animate and illuminate the shortest days and the longest nights with fun, traditional hearty food, song, storytelling, and winter warmth.

Féile Grianstad is an initiative of Waterford City and County Council and volunteers from Dungarvan’s hospitality and business community, with assistance from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport & Media for the stage and sound and lighting.

By Waterford City & County Council

December Comhar Comaraigh Network Newsletter

 

The December edition of the Comhar Comaraigh Network Newsletter is out now, bringing the latest updates, achievements, and events from across the Comeragh region, Co. Waterford.

It highlights key initiatives in rural social enterprise development, collaborative projects, and community successes.

The newsletter features updates on vibrant village regeneration, strategic plans for future funding, health initiatives, and rural tourism. Local accomplishments, like Tidy Towns awards, heritage preservation, and sporting victories, emphasise community spirit and growth.

To read the full newsletter, click here.

By Waterford City & County Council

Taking in Charge – Villierstown

PROPOSAL TO DECLARE ROADS SERVINGDEVELOPMENT AT: Woodview Close, Villierstown, Co. Waterford TO BE PUBLIC ROADS

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 11 Subsection (1) (b) (iii) Roads Act 1993 that Waterford City and County Council propose to declare the above mentioned roads to be
Public Roads.

The drawing indicating the roads to be taken in charge is available for inspection on our website www.waterfordcouncil.ie or copies can be viewed in our Customer Services Departments in Davitts Quay, Dungarvan or Bailey’s New Street for a period of one month up to and including 15th January 2025:-

  • Submissions or observations with respect to the proposal to declare the roads to be Public Roads may be made in writing up to 29th January, 2025. Please include the name of the
    development in the submission subject line.
  • By Post: Aideen Jacob, Administrative Officer, Roads Department, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford.
    By Email: submissionsroads@waterfordcouncil.ie
    Please put ‘Taking in Charge – Woodview Close, Villierstown’ in the subject line
  • By Phone: 0818 10 20 20
Newspaper Advert Map

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council publishes 2024 Gender Pay Gap Report

Waterford City and County Council has today (Tuesday, December 17th) published its Gender Pay Gap Report, highlighting the percentage difference between what men and women are paid on average in the organisation, irrespective of roles or levels.

Amongst all employees of Waterford City and County Council, the 2024 report shows a Mean Gender Pay Gap of 2.58%. This figure reflects the fact that females are paid 2.58% less than males, while the Median Gender Pay Gap is -5.48%, reflecting the median rate of pay for females is 5.48% higher than the median rate of pay for males.

Employers with more than 150 employees in Ireland are required to publish their gender pay gap data before the end of 2024 and within six months of their reference date. Waterford City and County Council and all local authorities in the country had June 30th, 2024, as the reference date.

Commenting following the publication of the report, Ivan Grimes, Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council said, “Publishing our gender pay gap data helps to reinforce our focus on supporting an open and inclusive workplace.

“Waterford City and County Council is committed to addressing workplace barriers to equality and creating an open and inclusive workplace community. Many equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives and supports are already in place, and the Council will continue to work towards greater progress in this area.

“Policies such as fair and transparent recruitment practices, blended working, career progression and dignity at work are integral to Waterford City and County Council in providing and maintaining a positive, and supportive environment for all employees.”

The Council’s Gender Pay Gap report can be found under Plans, Reports and Strategies at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/documents/#plans-reports-strategies

Mr. Grimes added, “Working in local government gives people the opportunity to play a key role in the positive development of their county and community. Waterford City and County Council is a great place to work, and we encourage anyone looking for a job in Waterford to visit https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/human-resources/current-vacancies/ or check out www.localgovernmentjobs.ie to see what we have to offer.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Public Consultation: Villierstown Quay Enhancement Works

Villierstown Quay Enhancement Works
Waterford City and County Council invites your input on proposed enhancement works for Villierstown Quay, including improved access to the River Blackwater, upgraded recreational facilities, and landscape improvements.

This project aims to boost local amenities, enhance health and wellbeing, and support sustainable tourism in the area.

Submit your views and feedback by visiting: https://consult.waterfordcouncil.ie – closing date is February 5th 2025.

#PublicConsultation #Waterford

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council North Quays Update December 2024

Over the course of the year, significant progress is evident on the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project. The works include a public transport hub including the relocation of Waterford train station to the North Quays and a sustainable transport bridge, which will link the relocated train station to new walking and cycling infrastructure. 

The 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).

Sustainable Transport Bridge

The river foundation works for the sustainable transport bridge are largely complete.  This includes the permanent concrete river piers and abutments, and four large temporary steel support frames have also been installed in the river between the permanent piers.

The manufacture of the steel bridge deck is ongoing in Belgium and when the six bridge deck sections arrive on site next year, they will be temporarily supported and balanced on these support frames until they are correctly aligned and connected to each other and fixed to the permanent piers and abutments underneath. The temporary steel support frames will then be removed

Permanent pier protection systems are currently being constructed in the river upstream and downstream of the bridge. All river vessels will navigate through the central opening bridge span and the pier protection system protects the bridge from accidental collisions.

The steel deck superstructure has been fabricated and painted in Ghent, Belgium and the final fit out of the automated mechanical and electrical components for the opening spans of the bridge is ongoing. Upon completion, the individual deck sections will be transported by sea barge to Waterford. The transport of the deck sections by sea is itself a significant engineering and logistical challenge. The separate deck sections weigh up to 300 tonnes and will be lifted by self-propelled platform trucks onto sea barges which will then be towed by canal from Ghent out to the North Sea en route to Waterford.

A large 900 tonne, 60m high, floating sheerleg crane will also travel by sea from Belgium to complete the lifting and installation in Waterford. The route via the North Sea, English Channel and Celtic Sea is prone to strong winter storms and the journey will be made in 2025 under more favourable weather conditions. The arrival of the large deck sections and floating crane up the River Suir and the on-site installation works next Spring will be a significant milestone for the project and the City and will be visible from various vantage points on the South Quays.

Ferrybank Infrastructure Works

The works in the vicinity of Dock Road, Fountain Street and Abbey Road will be completed in phases over the coming six months. The roadworks along Dock Road and Fountain Street continue to progress under traffic management for the construction and installation of new footpaths, drainage, surfacing, services, junctions, lighting, signage and road markings. The signalised junctions at Rockshire Road and Abbey Road will continue to operate under temporary traffic management for the coming months while these works are completed.

The new realigned Abbey Road is now open under traffic management and new access arrangements for the schools and other services on Abbey Road are in place. These include a new dedicated school set-down area for the Good Counsel National School. Works on footpaths, crossings, entrances, accommodation works, services etc. is continuing and temporary traffic management measure will remain in operation.

The integration of high quality, safe and accessible pedestrian and cycling facilities is a key deliverable for the Ferrybank works. The works will connect with the South East greenway which runs from New Ross to Ferrybank and is currently under construction by Kilkenny and Wexford County Councils.

The current phase of project works will extend the greenway to the front of the new train station, thereby contributing to the delivery of the multi-modal transport hub for rail, bus, active travel, taxi and private car users. Two new greenway overbridges are nearing completion and cycle access lanes are being constructed to directly connect the new greenway with Abbey Road. The completion of these connecting works will facilitate the opening of this section of the South East greenway in Q2 next year.

Transport Hub & Railway Flood Defences

The roof of the train station is currently being completed and works to the internal layout are also ongoing, including the first fix of mechanical and electrical works. The train station building incorporates a pedestrian footbridge and concourse area over the railway tracks which is integrated with the main ticketing office, conveniences and public waiting areas.

Works to the public plaza and set-down areas outside the train station will commence in Q1 of 2025. The construction of a separate footbridge over the rail tracks at Dock Road to the west of the railway platforms that aligned with the Sustainable Transport Bridge has also commenced.

A new flood defence and drainage system for the rail corridor will commence construction early in 2025 as part of the North Quays project. This system will protect the existing and new rail infrastructure from the increasing impacts of flooding and climate change, delivering future proofed and climate resilient commuter and freight rail services for Waterford City and Waterford Port.

For further information visit https://waterfordnorthquays.ie/

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