Latest News & Announcements - Waterford City & County Council

22nd May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

EU Mock Election gets Vote of Confidence!

On Tuesday, May 14^th, five secondary schools from Waterford city and county got the opportunity to vote in a ‘mock’ EU election and learn about the democratic process.

An initiative of Europe Direct Waterford, Eurodesk and Waterford City and County Council, with the support of the Communicating Europe Initiative at the Department of Foreign Affairs, over 300 secondary school students experienced first-time voting in an election and learned about the opportunities for EU careers and travel.

The EU Mock Election and Careers Fair was held in the vestibule of the Theatre Royal and the Dr. Mary Strangman Large Room in City Hall. Students were welcomed by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway, and were then introduced to the ‘polling booth’ as they got to cast their first ‘mock’ vote in an EU election.

Pól Ó Grádaigh, Language Affairs Officer with the European Commission Representation in Ireland spoke to the students about careers in language translation in the EU, while Mara Matthews and Mollie Mernagh of Comhairle na nOg spoke about the importance of young people using their vote and voicing their opinions.

Brian Leonard, Office Manager, Waterford Court Office acted as Returning Officer on the day, speaking to students about the voting and count process, his expertise ensuring the students left fully versed in the Irish election process.

Caoilan Walsh, a 5^th Year De la Salle student and winner of the Europe Direct Soapbox Speechmaking competition in 2023 for the South-East Region spoke of his experience of representing his school at the National European Youth Parliament earlier this year, while Shane Horgan of Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service recounted his experience of Erasmus exchanges in seven European countries.

Sinead O’Higgins, Senior Executive Librarian with Waterford City and County Council said, “We’re delighted to see so many young people here that are not only curious about the democratic process and how it works, but also realising that their vote really can make a difference and their voices will be heard when they cast their first vote.”

“I’d particularly like to thank the 300 students who took part in the mock election, their teachers and the teams from Eurodesk, the Southern Regional Assembly, PACT Youth Diversion Project and Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service for putting together a fun and engaging event that gave our young citizens an insight into the power of the democratic process.”

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Free-to-use-Images attached:DGM Photographic

22nd May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

LGBTQ+ History Talks

LGBTQ+ history talks

Join us for a captivating exploration of LGBTQ+ history with esteemed speakers Dr. Mary McAuliffe and Dr. Anthony Delaney on Tuesday 28th of May in WCQ Barker Place on O’Connell Street. Waterford Libraries are delighted to be collaborating with Pride of the Deise for this event.

Book your free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/lgbtq-history-talk-at-pride-of-the-deise-2024-registration-904856579387

Dr. McAuliffe, a historian and lecturer at Gender Studies UCD, will delve into “Having no time for men at all”; Histories of Irish suffrage and revolutionary queer women. Drawing from her extensive research and latest publications, Dr. McAuliffe offers insights into the lives of remarkable individuals and their contributions to Ireland’s rich tapestry of gender and sexuality.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Delaney, an actor, author, and historian, will shed light on “The Queer South East in the 18th and 19th centuries.” His discussion will focus on figures like Eleanor Butler, Sarah Ponsonby, and Edward De Lacy Evans, unraveling stories of resilience and identity in historical contexts.

Don’t miss this enlightening journey through Ireland’s queer past.

21st May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Digital Story Trail shortlisted in two categories of .ie Digital Town Awards

A digital story trail featuring augmented reality which offers tourists an engaging way to discover Waterford’s rich and fascinating history via their smartphone has been shortlisted in the Digital Tourism and Digital Changemaker categories of the .ie Digital Town Awards 2024

The .ie Digital Town Awards recognise and reward projects with a digital element created by town groups, individuals and local communities.

In February of last year, Waterford City and County Council in partnership with Imvizar, and with Fáilte Ireland funding under the Destination Towns Initiative, launched Waterford’s first Digital Story Trail (DST), which explores the history, culture, and heritage of 15 different locations across the city centre, including Reginald’s Tower, Waterford Crystal, the Watchtower and Arundel Square.

Through the use of augmented reality smartphone technology, visitors and locals can experience Waterford’s past by watching digital animations of characters and architecture appear as if they are in the physical world right in front of them. The trail can be accessed for free by scanning one of the numerous QR codes on signs located throughout the city trail or by visiting visitwaterford.com/digitalstorytrail/

This innovative experience seamlessly combines audio, augmented reality, and a simple-to-use web interface which allows visitors to interact with Waterford City’s rich past. Using a mobile device, visitors are transported to 15 key locations where they can listen to tales from historical figures and witness AR recreations of pivotal moments.

In addition to meeting life-like characters from Waterford’s past, scanning the QR code also provides an audio tale from an historical figure, coupled with interesting facts and a timeline of events. Spanning over a thousand years of Waterford’s history, tourists can listen as Reginald, a Viking King and warlord from the 10th century, as he describes his quest to launch raids all over Ireland and watch as Thomas Francis Meagher, Leader of the Young Irelanders in the 1848 Rebellion, raises the first Irish tricolour.

Waterford’s history of master craft making is also recognised. Rachel Penrose, the wife of one of the founders of Waterford Crystal, William Penrose, appears in a recreation of an 18th century glass-blowing scene. Trail users can also meet Anastasia Fleming, a silversmith from the late 1700s, and see a reimagined façade of her silversmith shop.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway commended the initiative saying it truly brings Waterford’s history to life in a fun, engaging and fascinating way. “With over 1,000 years of history to explore the Digital Story Trail takes the user on an intriguing journey, in which they can meet the characters that shaped Ireland’s Oldest City.”

Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “The Waterford Digital Story Trail was identified as an ideal way to introduce visitors to the varied stories and characters of Waterford. It provides visitors with free entertainment at any time of the day, taking about one and a half hours to complete. Users can stop and start at any point, and it purposefully leads people past attractions, shops and café’s to encourage people to dwell longer in the destination.”

The DST has exceeded expectations attracting over 25,000 visitors and boosting the city’s tourism, particularly from international guests. In its first year 75% of users were from Ireland but through promotion international users increased to 43% in 2023 with US, UK, Germany, France and Spain being the top users. Beyond enhancing tourism, the trail has deepened the community’s connection to its heritage, making history more accessible and engaging through innovative technology.

The project’s success has not gone unnoticed. It was featured in the New York Times “52 places to go” list in 2024 and praised on RTE’s Nationwide for its exemplary approach to digital heritage storytelling.

This year’s shortlisted finalists cover the full spectrum of idea development and readiness, with the gala awards ceremony taking place in Athlone on May 24^th.

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Image – Free to use Patrick Browne

Anastasia Fleming, an 18^th Century silversmith, and Odin Lord of Valhalla with then Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary the launch of the Waterford Digital Story Trail in February 2023.

21st May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Biodiversity Week : Scouts Talk & Walk on coastal species of Dunmore East

Biodiversity Week event

Dunmore East Library and Waterford City & County Council Biodiversity Officer present an evening talk and workshop for scout groups on the wildlife of Dunmore East. Aimed at young eco-volunteers with a solutions-focused walk on how to protect local habitats.

21st May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Walls Announces its Year Ten Line-up!

Waterford Walls, the beloved festival that has been transforming the city’s walls into vibrant works of art, is gearing up for a monumental milestone in 2024 – its tenth anniversary! And trust us, they’re pulling out all the stops to make this year unforgettable.

Prepare to be wowed as an eclectic blend of talent from all over Ireland and across the globe descends upon Waterford. From the iconic Chris ‘Daze’ Ellis of NYC subway fame to the hyper-realism master Jeks from North Carolina, and Irish favourite Dan Leo, the roster is stacked with 38 awe-inspiring artists. Representing countries far and wide including France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Peru, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, and beyond, this year’s lineup promises to be a true celebration of global creativity. Festival Manager Gabe McGuinness says he is excited to make the programme public after months of preparation: ‘we’re thrilled to be announcing such a jam-packed lineup of artists featuring long-running festival favourites and exciting new names never seen before in Waterford as we celebrate our 10th anniversary.’

The full Year Ten lineup is:

But that’s not all – mark your calendars for August 9 to 18 because Waterford Walls is not just a festival, it’s an experience. Dive into a whirlwind of colour and culture with a jam-packed schedule featuring workshops, tours, talks, breakdancing, DJs, movie screenings, and live painting events. This year the festival is also delighted to partner with Wicklow Wolf, who will be serving up their full range of craft beers at its festival hub at The Forum.

Waterford Walls is made possible by the support of a whole host of sponsors and funders including Waterford Council, The Arts Council, Creative Ireland, Waterford Cultural Quarter, the European Festival Association, Colourtrend Paints, Montana Cans, Number 21, Zinnia, Fyrefli, Rapid Cabs and Fitzgerald Power. The embassies of France, Italy, Portugal and Belgium support the participation of artists from their countries.

Join Waterford Walls in commemorating a decade of art, community, and creativity this August. For more details, visit wallsproject.ie or follow on social media. This is a celebration you won’t want to miss!

ENDS

20th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Elections Candidate Nomination Week Closes

Notice of Poll banner

Waterford City and County Council wishes to advise that the Local Elections Candidate Nomination Week has closed, and the period of withdrawal has now passed.

Paul Johnston, Acting Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council and Local Elections Returning Officer stated, “Over the course of the nomination week, we received 79 representations from candidates or their proposers, all of which have been validated. These candidates will contest for 32 seats across six electoral areas in Waterford City and County on June 7th.”

Details of all candidates contesting Waterford Local Elections 2024 can be found on Waterford Elections Hub website Waterford Elections (arcgis.com) or users may enter their Eircode to find candidates in their particular area.

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20th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council to host range of activities to celebrate Africa Day

Waterford City and County Council, working with Waterford Integration Services, Everyevent and Waterford Cultural Quarter (WCQ), is delighted to announce plans for Africa Day 2024, which will include a range of activities including two music stages, dance groups, market stalls, children’s activities, petting zoo, food tasting and much more to celebrate the occasion.

africa_day_waterford_2024

These activities will take place within the heart of Waterford Cultural Quarter on O’Connell Street on Saturday, May 25^th from 12 noon to 4pm.

Africa Day celebrates the richness of African cultures and the contribution of people of African descent to Irish life. Africa Day celebrations are organised by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs in partnership with African embassies in Ireland and local authorities around the country.

Launching Africa Day Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming T.D., said, “I am delighted to launch the programme for Africa Day 2024. Ireland has growing trade, political and cultural links across the continent of Africa. Africa Day is an opportunity to promote those links and learn more about the diversity and vibrancy of African cultures.“The Department of Foreign Affairs is working with local authorities around Ireland on a nationwide programme of events.”

Africa Day is the annual worldwide celebration of the people, cultures, and potential of the African continent. This year, all 31 Local Authorities across Ireland will host various cultural, artistic, and family-friendly events. These will include contemporary African-Irish culture, as well as family fun days, fashion, art, film, music, dance, and food events, which will take place in towns and cities across Ireland.

To find out more about Africa Day 2024 visit www.AfricaDay.ie or follow Africa Day on social media.

18th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Greenway Tea-Time Cycle

The fun factor gauge is rising! So many people are enjoying #BikeWeek.

Over 20 young people from the 19^th & 29^th St Mary’s Ballygunner Scout Group with scout leaders Steve Silby, Niamh McCarthy and Sophie Counihan enjoyed Waterford Council’s Greenway Tea-Time Cycle in the City. It’s wonderful to see the interest.

Keep it going and check out www.bikeweek.ie for all the information you need to take part.

17th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Facilities Updates

Facilities Updates

Walton Park, Dungarvan has reopened following recent renovations and repairs.
The Multi Use Games Area in An Garraun estate, Tramore is closed for essential repair work until further notice.

17th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Biodiversity Week 2024

National Biodiversity Week is an annual celebration of wildlife and nature over 10-days of events nationwide. Waterford City & County Council are running several free guided wildlife walks & talks over the week along with supporting local community groups, Bealtaine Living Earth Festival and the promotion of partner events by environmental NGOs.

In Waterford this year, Waterford City & County Council will partner with a number of organisations throughout the week to explore the habitats of Dungarvan, Dunmore East and Clashmore, host online invasive species talks with the National Biodiversity Data Centre and support the work of local communities endeavouring to protect nature on their own doorstep. There are lots of ways to get involved through photography, participating in fieldtrips or attending family days across the county.

This is a great week to explore more of your local habitats and green spaces with an eye on wildlife. Check out some of the great events below and if you have any questions, feel free to ask the Biodiversity Officer, Marina Mulligan at mmulligan@waterfordcouncil.ie Biodiversity Week also runs in parallel with World Bee Day on 20^th May, International Day for Biological Diversity on 22^nd May and National Invasive Species Week. Biodiversity Week is funded by the National Parks & Wildlife Service and the Irish Environmental Network (IEN) are the body responsible for coordinating the event each year.

Follow along: As part of Biodiversity Week, a new Instagram account (waterford_biodiversity) for WCCC Biodiversity will kick off with new content and information on species, habitats and events weekly.

Events in Waterford include:

May 17th – Launch of the Biodiversity and Sustainability Forum by SETU (Registration now closed).

May 18th – Dungarvan Library Talk & Walk: The Wildlife of Dungarvan Harbour (Dungarvan Library & Harbour, 12 noon – 1.30 pm) and IWDG Whale Watching at Helvic Head (5 pm – 7 pm, book here). Native Woodland Trust Walk at Gracedieu Wood (10.30 am – 2 pm, book here). Nature Photography course (Clashmore event, info attached).

May 18^th: Waterford Gallery of Art: Drawing with Nature for National Drawing Day X Biodiversity Week (11 am – 1 pm, book here)

May 21st – Invasive Species for Community Groups (online, 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm, link to join in pdf)

May 22nd – Irish Wildlife Trust Bat Walk (8 pm – 10 pm, book here)

May 23rd – Scouts Talk & Walk: Coastal Species of Dunmore East (Dunmore Library, 7 pm – 8 pm)

May 24th – Tramore Eco Group X WCCC: Dunes Walk at Tramore Beach (Tramore Beach, 3 pm – 4.30 pm)

May 25th– Clashmore Community Council X WCCC: Biodiversity Walk of Clashmore (Clashmore Heritage Centre, 2.30 pm – 4 pm)

Plenty more events happening throughout the county organised by small community groups and volunteers! Schools who would like to engage with the Biodiversity Officer as a 40 minute online talk can do so over the course of the week by contacting mmulligan@waterfordcouncil.ie

Bealtaine Living Earth Festival

The 20th annual Bealtaine Living Earth Festival takes place from 18 – 26 May 2024 with events for adults, families and schools across the region.

There are over 20 free events across the region to celebrate biodiversity and natural heritage in the Southeast.

Highlight: A special event about Bees and pollinators will take place next Sunday, May 19 at 3pm (the eve of International Bee Day) at St Patrick’s Gateway, Waterford featuring Eanna ní Lamhna and SETU horticulturalist Yvonne Grace.

More info & events: www.livingearth.ie

Clashmore & Kinsalebeg Community Council

Clashmore and Kinsalebeg Community Council have organised a range of photography, biodiversity and birdwatching events over three days. Check out the pdf above.

Highlight: Nature Photography course on Saturday 18^th May! Prep for your nature photo entries.

Biodiversity Photographer of the Year

The national Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition is open to professional and amateur photographers under a number of categories with a deadline of May 31^st to enter. Check out your local wildlife and habitats and submit your photos to be in with a chance to win a number of prizes with a top prize of €500 for the overall winner. This year also has a special Ocean Category to link in with Fair Seas campaign for marine protected areas in Ireland. Let’s get some Waterford photos in the mix!

Link: https://biodiversityweek.ie/photo-competitions/

Backyard Bioblitz

Take part in the Biodiversity Week Backyard Bioblitz 17th – 26th May 2023
Explore your local area to discover fabulous flora and fauna! Our ecologists and wildlife experts will identify it for you! Simply share it on Twitter or Instagram with #BackyardBioblitz. As a bonus, you’ll also be entered into the draw for a prize from the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Link: https://biodiversityweek.ie/backyard-bioblitz/

Biodiversity Scavenger Hunt

Recommend your local school to take part in a 40-minute school scavenger hunt to discover species ‘In Our School Yard’ or ‘In Our School Garden’. Please share your results with the IEN and your local Biodiversity Officer.

Link: https://biodiversityweek.ie/biodiversity-scavenger-hunt/

Happy Biodiversity Week! Feel free to share widely and send photos of wildlife on to me during the week @waterford_biodiversity Instagram. You could feature on the new Biodiversity website and win a prize.

16th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Are you ready for StreetFeast 2024 ?

An estimated 140,000 residents set to take part in Street Feast this year. Ireland’s national weekend of street parties and community celebrations takes place 25th and 26th May 2024

Annually there are more Street Feast participants than Electric Picnic attendees! From city slickers to countryside dwellers, everyone’s invited to the feast. Whether you’ve got a front yard, a street corner, or just a spot to gather, Street Feast knows no bounds.

President Michael D. Higgins said: “We must all by now realise the importance of community, inclusion, creativity and togetherness – all values that require support and a conscious effort of care, protection and solidarity. Initiatives such as Street Feast provide exactly that type of opportunity.”

Street Feast will be held over two days instead of one for the first time meaning a full weekend of celebrations. Over 1,250 communities across Ireland will share food and enjoy some conversation and camaraderie this summer – any excuse to connect with people in your neighbourhood. So let’s get planning.

Organisers say that no matter what kind of place you live in, everyone is invited to participate and host gatherings. It doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or house, all you need is a space to bring people together. Street Feast has had parties organised in front gardens, on streets and greens, in car parks, laneways, local parks and community centres.

Minister Joe O’Brien: “I am delighted to support Street Feast 2024. The core work of my Department is strengthening communities and enhancing social inclusion. It is important to find ways to connect with people and focus on the importance of neighbours in our communities. Street Feast provides a fantastic opportunity to make time for each other outside of family and friends. I would encourage local communities around the country to get involved in Street Feast 2024 and aim to build communities, tackle isolation and foster connections.”

Founder of Street Feast and Neighbourhood Network CEO, Sam Bishop, said: “For 14 years, Street Feast has been all about bringing folks together over food, fun, and fellowship. And the stats speak for themselves: 97% feel the neighbourly love post-feast, and a whopping 98% say their sense of belonging gets a boost. That’s the magic of community.”

Sam adds: “97% feel their neighbourhood is friendlier since hosting Street Feast and 98% say their sense of belonging has increased since Street Feast. That’s what it’s all about. Running it over two days instead of one will give people more opportunity to celebrate together.”

Register at StreetFeast.ie today and don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to bring your community together and celebrate. Once registered you’ll receive a FREE Street Feast party pack, complete with bunting, posters, invites and a brilliant DIY guide.

Street Feast wouldn’t be possible without the support of Government departments and Street Feast sponsors.

ENDS

16th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Author Colm Tóibín in Conversation at Dungarvan Library

Colm Tóibín, internationally acclaimed Irish author and current Laureate for Irish Fiction has released a new book ‘Long Island’, and will be in conversation with Mary Conway, Waterford City and County Librarian at Dungarvan Library at 7pm on Thursday, June 13^th.

‘Long Island’ is the much-anticipated sequel to Tóibín’s 2009 novel ‘Brooklyn’ which was also adapted into a film in 2015. In ‘Long Island’ we see Eilis and Tony living a happy, secure life in Long Island twenty years on from the ending of ‘Brooklyn’. When a stranger with an Irish accent knocks on Eilis’s door however, she turns towards Ireland once again and the life she left behind. In his follow on to the best-selling and prizewinning novel ‘Brooklyn’ we see Tóibín at his best, a master of deeply moving scenes full of quiet restraint.

The author of eleven novels, including ‘The Magician’, ‘The Master’, ‘Nora Webster’ and ‘Brooklyn’, Colm Tóibín has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize three times, was winner of the International Dublin Literary award for ‘The Master’ and has won both the Costa Novel award and the Impac Award. He has published two collections of stories and many works of non-fiction. Tóibín is the Irene and Sidney B. Silverman Professor of the Humanities at Columbia University and been named as the Laureate for Irish Fiction for 2022-2024 by the Arts Council of Ireland.

Waterford City and County Librarian, Mary Conway is looking forward to the evening stating, “I am delighted to welcome Colm Tóibín to Waterford and to Dungarvan Library, and look forward to discussing his wonderful writing with him. It is sure to be an insightful conversation.”

Tóibín will also discuss his inspirations including Henry James, his creative processes and the machinations of writing. As the current Laureate for Irish Fiction Tóibín will also speak about Irish writers and the new generation of writers representing Ireland.

While this event is free, booking is required by calling Dungarvan Library on 058-21141.

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16th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Circular Economy Grant 2024 now open

Are you part of a community group, school, or other local organisation in County Waterford that’s passionate about sustainability?

If you’re eager to make a tangible impact on environmental sustainability, apply for the Circular Economy Grant 2024, run by Waterford City and County Council.

Previously known as the Waste Prevention Grant, this initiative is designed to encourage innovative local projects that embody principles of the circular economy—longevity, renewability, and minimal waste. This approach isn’t just about waste reduction; it’s about transforming our relationship with the resources we use daily. This year, Waterford City & County Council is focusing on projects that promote reusing, repairing, and changing the way we think about and consume resources. We are looking for initiatives that can demonstrate tangible ways to extend the life of products through skills such as repair and maintenance, reducing the community’s environmental footprint.

Why Apply?

The grant, part of the council’s Waste Prevention Programme under the ‘National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024 – 2030‘, supports efforts that help shift local mindsets and behaviours towards sustainable practices. Successful projects might include repair workshops, swap events, or the creation of a community sharing library for tools and equipment—anything that encourages a shift from ‘single-use’ to ‘sustainable reuse’.

In previous years, funded projects have ranged from beach toy libraries to food waste reduction workshops and composting systems. These initiatives not only conserve resources but also cultivate a sense of community and shared responsibility.

How to Apply?

Applications are open to community groups, youth groups, schools, and other community development organisations based in County Waterford. This grant is a chance to launch or expand projects that make a difference.

The application process is detailed below:

Applications must be submitted online through the official form available at www.waterfordcouncil.ie.
A detailed list of project expenditures must be included, with a clear focus on waste prevention activities.
The grant covers up to 50% of approved costs initially, with the balance provided upon satisfactory project completion and reporting.

Key Dates and Criteria

Be sure to submit your application by 5pm on the 28th of June 2024. Projects will be evaluated based on their potential impact on waste prevention and their ability to serve as a replicable model of best practices in sustainability.

Apply now for the Circular Economy Grant 2024 and be at the forefront of environmental innovation in County Waterford.

APPLY HERE

15th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

RSA Launches High-Profile E-Scooter Campaign

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is today launching a high-profile campaign aimed at educating the public about the use of e-scooters.

The campaign will commence on Monday, 20 May 2024, the day when new regulations for e-scooters will come into effect. The tv-led campaign is supported by video-on-demand, radio, digital audio, social media and out-of-home advertising. The campaign is set in an office environment where colleagues welcome the newbie. The colleagues are dressed as various characters such as Bus, Truck, Motorbike, Car and Bicycle and the newbie E-scooter. The characters interact with each other while highlighting six of the main rules of the road that apply to e-scooter use.

The campaign focuses on communicating the main Rules of the Road relating to e-scooters and other road users sharing the roads together.

From 20 May, e-scooters can be used:

by people over 16.
on cycle and bus lanes.
on local, regional and national roads.

E-scooters are not permitted:

to be used by people under 16.
to carry goods or passengers.
to be used on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways.
To exceed a speed limit of 20 km/h

E-scooters must be treated with the same care as people who cycle.

In addition, where a bicycle is not permitted, e-scooters are not permitted either. Rules that cover bicycles apply to e-scooters. E-scooters are not permitted to have a seat.

Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, said: “Next week marks an important change on Irish roads. We are asking people on e-scooters and other road users to familiarise themselves with the traffic laws and regulations concerning this new vehicle type.”

“The RSA’s advertising campaign will be extensive and will support both e-scooters and other road users to understand how to share the roads safely together. It aims to remind all road users that we are all people sharing the roads together.”

An e-scooter is a vehicle with a small standing platform and no seat, for use by one person only, with two or more wheels and propelled by an electric motor. The rider can also propel the e-scooter forward by pushing off the ground.

From 20 May, e-scooters are legal to use on public roads under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023.

Breaking the Rules of the Road, not following regulations and improper or dangerous use of an e-scooter will likely result in a fixed charge notice (fine).

Motorists sharing the road with e-scooters should follow the same guidelines as for sharing the road with people who cycle. Drivers should give at least one metre clearance when overtaking an e-scooter user in speed zones that are 50 km/h or under, and at least 1.5 metres in speed zones over 50 km/h.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding e-scooters are available here.

Further information on the RSA campaign is available here E-scooters (rsa.ie)

Please see https://www.gov.ie/ for more information on e-scooter regulations.

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