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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards Celebrates its 21st year

Back Row L-R: James O’Donoghue - Local Link Waterford, Owen Young - Cairde Credit Union, Suzie Whelan - Waterford City & County Council, Eddie Mulligan - Waterford Community Safety Partnership, Seamus De Faoite – DOS, Waterford City & County Council, Muriel Tobin & Walter Cullinan - WPPN, Marion O’Mara - WPPN Secretariat, John Hawkes - Waterford Volunteer Centre, Niall O’Brien & Micheal J. Walsh - Waterford PPN Secretariat, Tara McCabe - Waterford Credit Union & Sean Drohan - WLRFM Front Row L-R: Damien Tobin - Local Link Waterford, Mark Lee - BHP Insurances, Sean McKeown - Chief Executive, Waterford City & County Council, Susan Gallagher - Waterford PPN Secretariat, Deputy Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr. John Pratt, Réka Széplaki - Waterford Volunteer Centre, Onyedikachi Onswusor - South East Energy Agency, Fiona Connolly – Expressway & Jenny O’ Mahony - Waterford Credit Union

The launch of the 21st Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards took place at The Park Hotel recently and speaking at the launch Deputy Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr. John Pratt acknowledged the work of the PPN, saying

“Waterford has a proud tradition of volunteering and community action, it is what connects our towns, villages and rural areas and Waterford PPN has played a huge role in this by supporting and giving a voice to its 780 member groups/organisations enabling them to shape a better, more inclusive and more vibrant Waterford”

The awards scheme is Waterford’s only platform celebrating the vibrancy of the community and voluntary sector. It honours the dedication and passion of volunteers and organisations that strengthen wellbeing, inclusion and community life and well- being. Rooted in empowerment, inclusivity and active citizenship the awards shine a light on the often unsung heroes that build a stronger more connected society and inspire others to get involved.

None of this would be possible without the generous support and commitment of the sponsors whose belief in community values helps honor and uplift the unsung heroes among us. Their support reflects a shared dedication to building a vibrant, inclusive and connected Waterford for all. This year’s awards are in collaboration with Waterford City & County Council, Waterford Volunteer Centre, Expressway, Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership, South East Energy Agency, BHP Insurance, Cairde Credit Union & Waterford Credit Union, Local Link Waterford & Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Marion O’ Mara Secretariat member from the Waterford PPN thanked all the sponsors and stated “The longevity of these awards is a true testament to the enduring spirit of volunteerism in Waterford and to all those who have supported this initiative over the years from our committed Council and generous sponsors to the tireless efforts of the PPN Secretariat and staff.

Group Categories & Prizes

  • Children & Youth
  • Community Safety
  • Environment & Conservation
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Spick & Span/Best Kept Residential Area
  • Social Enterprise
  • Social Inclusion & Community Support

Winners of the above awards will receive €700 per category and there will be 2 runner prizes of €300 per category.

Individual Volunteer of the Year Awards

  • Age Friendly Volunteer of the year
  • Board/Committee Member of the year
  • Junior Volunteer of the Year

The winner will receive a crystal award and a certificate of achievement.

Pride of Place National Award

The prestigious Pride of Place National Award will go to one standout group, selected from the seven category winners who will go on to represent Waterford in the National All Island Pride of Place Awards taking place in 2026.

Closing Date – Closing date for receipt of nominations is Wednesday 3rd SEPTEMBER 2025

For further information, Terms & Conditions and nomination forms please visit www.waterfordppn.ie call 058 21198 or email waterfordppn@gmail.com

 

 

Now is the time to nominate the volunteers, groups, and community champions who are making a real difference in Waterford. Let’s give them the recognition they deserve.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Closing: Heritage Week “Wonder Wander” photo competition

Wonder Wander Graphic

Only a couple of days left to enter the “Wonder Wander Photo Competition.

“Do you have a favourite historic window, door, gate, shopfront or architectural feature in Waterford? Maybe it’s a charming doorway, a beautifully rusted iron gate, or an old timber shopfront with stories to tell.

We’re inviting photographers of all ages to take part in our National Heritage Week “Wonder Wander Photo Competition”, celebrating the hidden and historic gems scattered throughout Waterford’s streets.

✨ Whether you’re under 18 or a grown-up with an eye for detail, grab your phone or camera and snap your favourite historic feature in Waterford City.
What we’re looking for:
  • Historic windows
  • Beautiful or unusual gates
  • Old shopfronts
  • Any distinctive architectural detail you love

 

🏆 Prizes:
  • Under 18s: €75 Waterford Chamber of Commerce voucher
  • Adults: €100 Waterford Chamber of Commerce voucher

 

📝 How to enter:

Wonder Wander Trails:

📅 Deadline for entries: 1st September 2025

Let your eye wander… and share the wonder.

#WonderWanderWaterford #Heritage Week #HiddenHistory #PhotoCompetition

By Waterford City & County Council

Exploring our Foundations during National Heritage Week

Heritage week 2025

National Heritage Week runs from Saturday, August 16th to Sunday, August 24th with a fascinating range of events for all ages and interests right across Waterford city and county.

This year’s theme ‘Exploring our Foundations’ invites us to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us.

In Waterford, Heritage Week kicks off this weekend with Áonach na nDéise – Woodstown Viking Festival at the Waterford Greenway.  This signature event of Waterford’s Heritage Week Programme, supported by Waterford City and County Council, is now in its eight year.

The free, family-friendly event draws great crowds every year for those who want to enjoy vigorous Viking fighting in battle re-enactments and explore the range of crafts in the Viking Village from blacksmithing to spinning and weaving, jewellery making and leatherworking, to pottery and woodturning.

There’ll be Viking games and storytelling for children, along with the outreach education team from the National Museum of Ireland and TVAS Archaeologists with their Dig in a Box for the aspiring Indiana Joneses.

The Discovery Programme will also have a display explaining very exciting findings from three years of geophysical surveys from the site.

A Viking Boat, Birds of Prey Display and Irish Wolfhounds are always very popular with attendees. With plenty of food trucks and green spaces available on site, it’s the perfect picnic spot.

The great Viking spectacle takes place from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, August 16th and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, August 17th.

The event may be accessed by walking/cycling (10 minutes) from Carriganore Car Park along the Greenway (adjacent to X91 XD96) turning left on crossing N25 flyover.

You can check out all the fantastic events taking place in Waterford during National Heritage Week at https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor of Waterford City and County calls for end to atrocities in Gaza

Mayor of Waterford City & County - Cllr. Séamus Ryan
 

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan has joined the call for an end to the atrocities in Gaza.

Fully endorsing the statements of President Michael D. Higgins, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and An Tánaiste Simon Harris in calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and for the UN to take urgent action, Cllr. Ryan said, “The suffering we are witnessing every day is devastating.  It must end.

“Men, women and children are being killed in their search for food and water, humanitarian aid is being blocked, and fundamental human rights are being violated.

“It behoves us all to speak out and not stand idly by as unimaginable horror, destruction and devastation are visited upon the Palestinian people.  Don’t let our silence speak volumes.”

Last month a joint statement on the Occupied Palestinian Territories was issued by the foreign ministers of 31 countries calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, stating, “We urge the parties and the international community to unite in a common effort to bring this terrible conflict to an end through an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire. Further bloodshed serves no purpose.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Paying the consequences of illegal dumping

A woman was recently fined €150 by Waterford City and County Council for the illegal disposal of waste.

Following a dumping incident on the outskirts of Waterford City, evidence was recovered which identified the owner of the waste being a resident in the city.  This woman said she had paid someone who called to her door offering to take her waste.

Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer, with the Environment Section of Waterford City and County Council said, “Unfortunately there are unscrupulous people out there.  If you have waste to get rid of, make sure the person you are using has a waste permit.  Authorised collectors are required to have their name and permit number on their vehicle, and you can verify that they are genuine by visiting the National Waste Collection Permit office website or by asking to see a copy of their permit.”

“People are responsible for their waste until it is accepted at a permitted facility and giving your waste to an inappropriate person can result, on summary prosecution, to a fine of up €5,000.”

Information about valid waste collection permit holders can be found at National Waste Collection Permit Office – Search Permits (nwcpo.ie)

By Waterford City & County Council

Free Pollinator Planting Workshop will have you buzzing!

Free Pollinator Planting Workshop

Join Waterford City and County Council’s Environment team for a free full-day pollinator planting workshop at Clodiagh House, Portlaw, Co. Waterford on Saturday, August 23rd.

As part of National Heritage Week 2025, which celebrates the country’s natural, built and cultural heritage, this one-day workshop will reveal the best ways to support native wildlife with native planting.

From hedgerows to rewilding find out how low maintenance native planting can look amazing and provide the best habitats for our wildlife.  There will be plenty of time for questions and answers with Horticulturist and Environmentalist Aoife Munn.

Topics covered on the day will include:

  • Pollinator planting techniques
  • Drought resistant plants
  • Mini pond building
  • Wildlife movement
  • Rewilding and manged areas
  • Water conservation and much more

The workshop is supported by Waterford City and County Council’s Environmental Awareness Officer and Biodiversity Officer under funding from WCCC and the NPWS Local Authority Biodiversity Action Fund, and forms part of a set of community training events that work towards advancing biodiversity knowledge in the county during the development of the Waterford Biodiversity Action Plan with the Heritage Council.

The workshop is free to attend but booking is advisable. To book your place on this free full day pollinator workshop (10am-4pm) in Portlaw with thanks to St Brigid’s Family Resource Centre click FREE One Day Pollinator Planting Workshop Tickets, Sat, Aug 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

By Waterford City & County Council

Wilkin Street and Passage Road

ONE Way Trial Map Final

Waterford City and County Council advises that a one-way traffic trial will commence on Wilkin Street and Passage Road in Waterford City from August 19th.

The 3-month trial is being implemented as part of the Safe Routes to School Scheme and is designed to help reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for all road users.

A map of the trial route is available from the Active Travel Department at Waterford City and County Council.

For more details or to provide feedback on the trial email activetravel@waterfordcouncil.ie.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Sail Training Ireland Waterford Bursary awards

Sail Training Ireland Waterford Bursary awards

Last week, the Sail Training Ireland Waterford Bursary awards ceremony was held in the Mayor’s Parlour.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, presented the certificates to the participants of the 2025 Waterford Sail Training Ireland voyages.

The scheme, established by Sail Training Ireland in 2016 in partnership with @Port of Waterford and Waterford City and County Council, provides access to the life changing experience of a Sail Training voyage for young people from the Waterford region.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Warm Waterford Welcome for Palestinian Boxers

On Friday, August 8th, a delegation of young Palestinian boxers from Ramallah received a warm welcome to Waterford, during a special stop on the Shamrock and Olive Tree Boxing Tour – a cross-cultural initiative promoting unity through sport.

The boxers were greeted by Cllr. Seamus Ryan Mayor of Waterford City and County, and Conor D. McGuinness T.D.

This was the final leg of the Palestinian Boxing Tour 2025 tour, which saw the squad competing against clubs in Dublin, Belfast and Waterford.

The boxers were also greeted by members of the Waterford-Ramallah Twinning Committee who turned out in support of the visitors, after which they were hosted by local families over the weekend.

By Waterford City & County Council

Glas Awards Launched!

Local Enterprise Office, Waterford launches the 4th annual Glas Awards, promoting sustainability in business in Waterford.

The awards, in association with Waterford City and County Council aim to recognise and celebrate micro businesses in County Waterford who have made significant advances in bringing green principles into their day to day business activities.

Launched by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Gareth Evans and Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, Gráinne Kennedy, these awards will showcase what Waterford business is doing to adopt sustainability policies, in a practical sense.

The awards are open to small and medium sized businesses based in Waterford County. The Green Micro Enterprise of the Year is open to all with employees of 10 or less, while the Green SME of the Year is open to those between 11 and 50 employees.

The mayor sees this as another step towards Waterford’s green targets, “The link between the Council and business in Waterford is so important. Last year, following a call by Waterford City and County Council, over 1,000 local businesses signed up to a Business Pledge for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford.

“The scheme, originally launched in 2022, has 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.

“These awards are another opportunity to reward businesses for their climate actions.”

Each winner will receive a cash prize of €2,500 and a themed trophy.

Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford explains how these awards are just one element to their Green offering, “We find small changes can really make a big impact. Our clients understand the growing importance of sustainability, both in business and in the world around us. What we show them through our ‘Green for Business’ initiative is an understanding of the significant benefits that it can have for a business, on everything from efficiencies to cost savings.

“Green for Business is a FREE programme that helps small businesses take the first step towards becoming more sustainable, giving them access to a green consultant who’ll show them the small changes that can have a big impact on both their company.”

Gráinne Kennedy, Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, is optimistic for the future, “Waterford business is taking on the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their operations, to make Waterford a sustainable place to work and do business.

“Waterford City and County Council adopted its Climate Action Plan in February 2024. The plan sets out how the Council will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations and in the services that we provide to the people of Waterford. Climate will be a consideration in all Council projects going forward from looking at energy efficiency to reducing waste.

“Every aspect of the community has a role to play, and these awards are a great opportunity to showcase all that these businesses are doing”

The entry portal https://submit.link/3WK is now open on Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office website and remains so until 4th September 2025. The Glas Awards Final will be held in The Garden Room, Waterford Treasures on 8th October 2025 from 12.30 to 2.30pm.

For further information follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie 

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

Waterford gets into gear for fun cycling challenge

Waterford’s workplaces and students got into gear for the Waterford Wheels cycling challenge during Bike Week 2025.

Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with the National Transport Authority, Waterford Sports Partnership, and Cycling Ireland, hosted the cycling challenge encouraging staff and students across workplaces and educational institutions in Waterford to cycle as part of their daily commute.

Launch events in Waterford City and Dungarvan gave participants a healthy start to their day, cycling together and building a sense of community.

Teams from the South East Technological University (SETU) and Malone O’Regan Consulting Engineers in Waterford City recorded the highest average cycle journeys during the challenge. Both teams received Altitude vouchers as prizes.

Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer at Waterford City and County Council, said: “The Waterford Wheels challenge was a great way to encourage more people to take up cycling, with the friendly competition adding extra motivation. As safer cycling infrastructure continues to grow across Waterford, cycling can become an easier and more enjoyable way to get to work, school or college.”

Cian Gill, Climate Action Officer at Waterford City and County Council, said: “There was good participation in our first Waterford Wheels challenge. We’re excited to build on the enthusiasm for cycling and sustainable commuting with organisations across Waterford. It’s really encouraging to see more people making cycling part of their daily routine.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Uisce Éireann crews working to restore water supply to customers in Dungarvan

Uisce Éireann logo

Uisce Éireann is working to restore water supply to homes and businesses in Dungarvan and surrounding areas following an interruption to the water supply at Dungarvan Water Treatment Plant overnight.

Customers in Abbeyside, Ballinroad, Clonea, Knocknagrannagh, Burgery, Ballinacourty, Dungarvan and surrounding areas in Co Waterford will experience reduced water pressure and/ or outages today.

Uisce Éireann operations crews are on site, and every effort is being made to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and restore supply to impacted customers.

Maura Phelan, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager, explained: “We understand the inconvenience this is causing, and our teams are working to restore the water supply as quickly as possible. Once normal operations are restored, it will take several hours for the network to refill and normal supply to return to all customers.”

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.

To register as a vulnerable customer or as an alternative contact, visit www.water.ie/vulnerablecustomer

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For further updates, visit the service and supply section of www.water.ie

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 the text alerts page.

Please take note of the following reference number and enter it into the search bar should you wish to return for an update: WAT00096957.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

BRONKOBEAT Bring the Noise from Märkischer Kreis to Spraoi

BRONKOBEAT recently travelled from the Märkischer Kreis region in Germany to take part in the 32nd annual Spraoi Festival. The band were a fantastic addition to the vibrant programme of events on offer over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The five-person band, which was founded in 2011, is comprised of Jens on guitar, Carsten on bass and vocals, Micro on drums, Jan on the saxophone & Jörg on vocals & guitar.

Over the course of the weekend the band delivered energetic performances on stages in The Cultural Quarter, The Apple Market & The Churchyard.

The BRONKOBEAT created a fantastic, fun-filled atmosphere at each gig performing songs from Tom Robinson, John Mellencamp, and Fisher Z, as well as favourites from Tom Petty, Thin Lizzy, HIM, Whitesnake, Foo Fighters, and many more.

This latest cultural collaboration, between Waterford & our twinning partners, Märkischer Kreis, was a terrific success and BRONKOBEAT enhanced what was a super weekend of performances by Spraoi.

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