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By Waterford City & County Council

Temporary Road Closure – O’Connell St., Waterford

Temporary Road Closure notice

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, propose to close the following road to through traffic from 5.00pm Friday to 12 midnight Sunday each week commencing on 29th March, 2024 to 29th December, 2024.

Road to be closed

  • O’Connell Street, Waterford from its junction at O’Connell Street/Thomas Hill to the junction of Sargents Lane/O’Connell Street.

Diversion Routes (one way system)

  • Thomas Hill (L15021-1) from its junction with O’Connell street towards its junction with Meeting House Lane.
  • Meeting House Lane (L-15022-1) from its junction with Thomas Hill towards its junction with Sargent’s Lane.
  • Sargents Lane (L-15023-1) from its junction with Meeting House Lane towards its junction with O’Connell Street.

Objections or submissions may be made in writing to the “Director of Services, Roads, Water and Environment, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford” not later than 4pm on 18th March, 2024.

By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore Public Realm Architects shortlisted for National Architectural Award

Tramore Public Realm

Waterford based dhbArchitects have once again been shortlisted in a national competition for their town centre project in Tramore. The competition is ‘Building and Architect of the Year’, with the winner announced at an awards ceremony in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin on April 12th.

Máire Henry, Director of dhbArchitects, said, “I see this as a joint award for ourselves, our extended design team, our client Waterford City and County Council, our contractor, and the very supportive Tramore Town Centre Management group. We all worked together to deliver a much-needed public outdoor space in the old centre of Tramore town.”

Following investment of €5.1m from the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF), Waterford City and County Council, and Uisce Éireann, the project has transformed the heart of Tramore Town into a vibrant, connected outdoor pedestrianised space, where people can once again stroll, meet, sit, converse and connect, overlooking Tramore Bay.

The design places a strong emphasis on pedestrians over cars, resulting in increased walking among both locals and visitors. This has led to numerous positive outcomes, includ­ing improved physical health, a cleaner environment and a more robust local economy.

The addition of custom Irish limestone seating acts as an outdoor amphitheatre, attracting children who engage with the space while their parents queue and chat at the popular bakery and coffee shops that now line the area.

The seating also provides a resting spot for those who may find the steep topography challenging. Furthermore, this space serves as a pop-up performance area, hosting local parades and festi­vals.

Morris Conway, Acting Senior Architect with Waterford City and County Council said, “This project has created a vibrant town centre, with its bright and open reclaimed pedestrian area. The stepped seating and cascading paving are as practical as they are eye-catching, creating an impressive focal point, attracting visitors and increasing dwell time of those who visit the area.”

The Tramore Public Realm project was awarded a Commendation at the annual Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) awards in 2023.

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By Waterford City & County Council

RSA and AGS launch St Patrick’s Bank Holiday road safety appeal with high number of road deaths in 2024

  • One in ten report driving after drinking alcohol in the last 12 months.
  • One in four motorists believe that driving short distances after having a drink is acceptable.
  • Nearly one in four drivers have admitted they may have been over the limit when driving the morning after a night out.
  • Over St. Patricks Weekend 2023, 196 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant – 136 alcohol & 60 drugs.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are appealing to the public to use the roads with care over the St Patrick’s Bank Holiday weekend. This appeal comes against the backdrop of high numbers of road fatalities in 2024.

Provisional analysis from the RSA shows that 42 lives have been lost on Irish roads to date this year, three (3) more than on this date last year (as of 14 March 2024).

The RSA and An Garda Síochána are reminding all road users to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ahead of the national holiday, drivers and all other road users are being reminded to plan ahead and organise a safe way home when celebrating over the coming days.

This means leaving the car and the keys at home, arranging a lift, agreeing a designated driver, booking a taxi, or taking public transport. Walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put you and other road users at risk.

Gardai statistics show that:

  • During 2023 one driver was arrested every hour on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant – alcohol or drugs.
  • Over St. Patricks Weekend 2023, 196 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant – 136 alcohol and 60 drugs.
  • Drug driving accounted for over 35% of all driving while intoxicated detections in 2023.
  • Cannabis and cocaine remain the main drugs identified.
  • To date in 2024 up to the 29 February, over 1,300 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant – alcohol or drugs.

The appeal comes as the RSA’s Driver Attitudes & Behaviour Survey 2023 found that one in four (26%) motorists believe that driving short distances after having a drink is acceptable, and one in ten report driving after drinking alcohol in the last 12 months.

The survey also reveals that nearly a quarter (23%) of drivers have admitted there were times where they may have been over the limit when driving on the morning after a night out.

To coincide with this Bank Holiday appeal, the RSA’s ‘SAY IT’ campaign will continue to run over the Bank Holiday weekend, with a specific focus on alcohol. The ‘SAY IT’ campaign encourages people to speak up when they see unsafe behaviours by family or friends on the roads.

Mr. Jack Chambers, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, said: “I am deeply concerned by the findings that people have admitted to driving while they may have been over the limit after a night out. This bank holiday weekend I am urging motorists to make responsible choices before getting behind the wheel after celebrating St Patrick’s Day. With the holiday falling on a Sunday, people who are away for the weekend may be travelling back on the Monday. We all need to keep our roads safe, and I am also appealing to people not to get behind the wheel if they have been celebrating heavily the night before.”

Sarah O’Connor, Director of Partnerships and External Affairs with the RSA, said: “We know that fatal road traffic collisions are more likely to occur over the weekend and late at night/in the early hours of the morning. If any of us gets behind the wheel of a car after drinking alcohol or using drugs this weekend, we have to realise that our decision could lead to some very serious consequences. Plan a safe way home and stick to it – and speak up if you see someone about to drive or walk home when intoxicated. Don’t just think it, say it.”

An Garda Síochána Assistant Commissioner Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Paula Hilman said: “Throughout this St. Patrick’s Bank Holiday Weekend, an extensive Garda Roads Policing Operation will be in place nationwide. Enforcing road traffic laws is a core element of road safety, and Gardaí work all year round to detect road traffic offences which are known to increase the risk of death or serious injury on our roads. The reality is that this risk further increases during bank holiday weekends. We all have a personal responsibility to prevent road fatalities and serious injury road traffic collisions, and we must work together. An Garda Síochána are urging people to never, ever get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of an intoxicant be that alcohol or drugs. Please slow down and drive at an appropriate speed, always wear your seatbelt and do not allow yourself to be distracted by a phone while driving.

“There are consequences to these actions and poor driver behaviour – some more lasting than others. You could lose your licence and face significant financial penalty, but far worse is the possibility of seriously injuring or killing someone else on the road. We appeal to everyone to look out for one another on the roads this St. Patrick’s weekend.”

This St Patrick’s Bank Holiday Weekend drivers are also being reminded that the RSA and participating Applegreen service stations are providing free cups of coffee to motorists to combat driver fatigue. The offer is available from 2-8pm on Friday 15 March and on Monday 18 March – just mention RSA at the Applegreen till when you’re getting your coffee.

The RSA has also teamed up with JOE.ie to help combat drink driving this St. Patrick’s weekend. The JOE.ie team has produced a video where they put the public to the test with some ‘simple’ tasks using our impairment goggles, which shows the effects of driving under the influence.

ENDS 

For further information please contact:

Road Safety Authority Press Office, 096 25008

By Waterford City & County Council

Expat Taxes wins Waterford National Enterprise Award

National Enterprise Award Winner_Waterford 2024

Expat Taxes Ltd., a Waterford company specialising in tax for expatriates has been named as Waterford’s Enterprise Award winner and will go on to represent Waterford at the 24th National Enterprise Awards which will take place in the Mansion House, Dublin, on Thursday May 23rd 2024.

The announcement was made as part of the Local Enterprise Office’s Local Enterprise Week at the Mayor’s Parlour on Friday March 8th.

Expat Taxes Ltd. is a boutique Irish tax practice that simplifies taxes for people moving to or from Ireland. As Chartered Tax Advisers and Chartered Accountants with over 15 years’ experience they are experts in expatriate tax. It offers tax advisory and tax compliance services. Its aim is to make taxes less stressful and to help its clients navigate the complex work of international tax.

The aim of the National Enterprise Awards is to spotlight, showcase, encourage and support a culture of enterprise and entrepreneurship in our communities in Ireland, to promote entrepreneurship and to celebrate the achievement of the core client portfolio of the LEOs.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway who presented the award was impressed with the winner, saying, “Expat Taxes represents the new outward looking Waterford. As our city and county continues to grow, progress and attract investment, companies such Expat provide a valuable and seamless service to those thinking of locating to Waterford and Ireland.

“I’d like to wish Stephanie and her team the best of luck as they go on to represent Waterford at the National Enterprise Finals.”

Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford, congratulated the winners, “The National Enterprise Awards are very much a benchmark for excellence for small businesses across the country.  Expat Taxes has demonstrated its calibre, innovation and resourcefulness and is a very deserving winner of the Waterford award. To be so successful after just a few shorts years in business is a real achievement and I’m sure they will go on to represent us well on the national stage.”

Stephanie Wickham, owner, was obviously delighted to win the award, “After winning the Waterford Digital Award last year we know how important they can be for our profile. We’re really looking forward to representing Waterford on the national stage in May and would like to thank the team at the LEO for all their help over the years.”

The other four finalists in the Waterford NEAs were:

  • Euro Tachograph Solutions Ltd
  • CMC Hygea Ltd
  • Reso Health Ltd
  • Uoto Ltd

The Waterford Enterprise Awards took place as part of a very successful Local Enterprise Week programme of events.  There were over 300 events which took place across the country, run by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices from March 4th to 8th.

By Waterford City & County Council

Joint National Housing Conference opened in Waterford

The Joint National Housing Conference, in association with the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI), the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) and Waterford City and County Council’s (WCCC) Housing Department opened in Waterford this week.

The national housing conference was first held in 1969 and every year since has explored the challenges, opportunities and innovations in housing design and delivery.

The theme for the two day conference was Diversifying and Expanding our Housing Delivery, with particular focus on emerging trends in planning, urbanism and architecture.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway welcomed attendees to the Tower Hotel, Waterford saying, “I am delighted to welcome our esteemed speakers and guests to Waterford, Ireland’s Oldest City, for this two day event, who will no doubt inform, challenge and educate us all.

“This conference brings together planners, architects, academics, those in the construction industry and local authority housing teams who, day-in day-out, strive to create and shape sustainable, scalable communities, tackle dereliction and vacancy, and reinvigorate our villages, towns and cities.”

As a joint venture between the RIAI, WCCC and DHLGH, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said, “Over the years this conference has provided a strong networking and learning opportunity for architects, planners, and developers in the private sector to discuss emerging trends in the provision of both Social, Affordable and Private housing.

“It represents a valuable opportunity for them to meet with their professional counterparts and with housing practitioners in Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies, as well as with the professional advisors and colleagues from my own department. The success of Housing for All is dependent on us all – public and private sector – working together, and events like this are key to that collaboration.”

Speaking at the conference RIAI President Sean Mahon said, “This conference offers a unique opportunity for the built environment professionals in the public and private sectors to come together to discuss and develop innovative ideas for housing delivery. Housing is critical infrastructure required to sustain human well-being. Architects have a leadership role in driving innovation in housing design solutions the conference is an excellent opportunity to hear about new models and solutions that exist for housing delivery, but also to discuss the challenges impeding progress.”

The conference which was attended by architects and planners from across Ireland, the UK and Europe, addressed topics such as master planning, modern methods of construction, placemaking, repurposing buildings and policy context through a series of panel discussions.

Paul Johnston, Acting Director of Services for Planning at Waterford City and County Council spoke about how Waterford is tackling vacancy and is recognised as a national leader for its proactive efforts to bring urban vacant residential properties back into use.  Under Rebuilding Ireland and Housing for All, the local authority is on track to bring over 700 previously vacated dwellings back into use.

Acting Senior Architects with Waterford City and County Council, Walter Holden and Morris Conway took part in a panel discussion on Town Centre First, a government initiative that aims to create town centres as vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work, and visit, while also functioning as the social, cultural and recreational hub for local communities. The public realm improvements, varied cultural offerings, and return to use of vacant properties have combined to bring a unique sense of life to the city centre, and this was acknowledged in the Irish Times Best Place to Live Award, recently bestowed to Waterford.

Former Senior Architect with Waterford City and County Council, Rupert Maddock spoke about ‘Learning from Waterford.’  Rupert was recently awarded the RIAI Gandon Medal for his contribution to the advancement of architecture. Transformational public realm projects, spearheaded by Rupert include the Millennium Project, which entailed the design of the William Vincent Wallace Plaza, and the design of John Roberts Square, creating a pedestrianised, decluttered and multi-purpose destination public realm space.

In addition to projects such as the redesign, development and conservation of the People’s Park, the Clock Tower, the Franciscan Friary and Mount Congreve, Rupert’s passion and undoubted forte is the preservation of Waterford’s rich history and heritage.

Under his tenure, Waterford has cultivated an enviable portfolio of museums, under the Waterford Treasures collective, which includes the Medieval Museum, The Bishop’s Palace, The Irish Museum of Time, the Irish Silver Museum and the latest addition, The Irish Wake Museum.

The conference valedictory topic was ‘Towards the Ideal Town in Ireland’ delivered by Professor Daniel Miller, a professor of anthropology at University College London and a visiting professor at UCD.

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Images attached: Noel Browne

2:        Paul Johnston, WCCC Acting Director of Services for Planning, Rupert Maddock, former WCCC Senior Architect, WCCC Acting Senior Architects Walter Holden and Morris Conway

15:      Former Senior Architect with WCCC Rupert Maddock spoke about ‘Learning from Waterford.’

5:        Paul Johnston, WCCC Acting Director of Services for Planning, Gary Falconer and Patricio Harte of CJ Falconer and Associates.

12:      Paul Johnston, WCCC Acting Director of Services for Planning and Noelle Sweeney Housing Agency

Image attached: John Power

DHLGH_RIAI:  Áine Stapleton, Assistant Secretary DHLGH; Graham Doyle, Secretary General at Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Sean Mahon, RIAI President ; Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway and Kathryn Meghen, RIAI CEO.

By Waterford City & County Council

Estates Taken in Charge – Doneraile Court, Tramore

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 roads mentioned here to be Public Roads.

  • Doneraile Court, Tramore

The drawing indicating the roads to be taken in charge are available for inspection on our website or copies can be viewed in our Customer Services Departments in Davitt’s Quay,
Dungarvan or Bailey’s New Street for a period of one month up to and including 16th April, 2024.

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposal to declare the roads to be Public Roads may be made in writing up to 30th April, 2024. 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 – Doneraile Court, Tramore’ in the subject line)
By Phone: 0818 10 20 20

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford ArtLinks Bursaries awarded

ArtLinks LogoThe ArtLinks partnership of local authorities Arts Offices in Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford is pleased to announce that it has awarded over €100,000 to artists in the South East across a broad range of artforms including music, visual arts, literature, theatre, dance, film , traditional arts, opera, circus, street arts and spectacle.

These bursaries for emerging and professional artists are supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and they provide professional development opportunities and supports for artists who are resident in these four counties.

The Arts Offices would like to thank everyone who applied and look forward to the successful recipients undertaking their projects, mentoring, courses and workshops in the coming months.

The Waterford recipients were Louise Bradley, Clashmore/Theatre. Cailean Finn, Dunhill/Visual Arts. Rayleen Clancy, An Rinn/Visual Arts. George Higgs, Villierstown/Music. Ben Hennessy, Annestown/Theatre & Visual Arts. Holly Pickering, Dunhill/Visual Arts. Mae Leahy, Ferrybank/Theatre. Dylan Kennedy, Lismore/Theatre. Julie Cusack, Waterford city/Visual Arts. Sarah Grimes, Waterford city/Music. Róisín Power Hackett, Kill/Literature. Jenny Fennessy, Lismore/Theatre. Rachel Roberts, Waterford city/Visual Arts.

Artists who are resident within the four partner Local Authorities can register for membership free of charge by contacting artlinks.ie@gmail.com for a registration form.

For all ArtLinks enquiries please contact artlinks.ie@gmail.com

Follow @Artlinks.ie on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates.

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Closure Arrangements – St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Events

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 75 of the Roads Act 1993, Waterford City & County Council will temporarily close the following public roads to facilitate St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Events, March 17th.

The following Waterford City Roads shall be closed from 11am until 4pm approx. to facilitate the parade.

  • R680 – Merchants Quay
  • R680 – Meagher’s Quay
  • R680 – Coal Quay
  • R680 – Custom House Quay
  • R680 – Parade Quay
  • R680 – The Mall
  • R680 – Parnell Street
  • R708 – Catherine Street
  • L90025 – Colbeck Street
  • L5530 – Lady Lane (from its junction with Bakehouse Lane to Colbeck Street)
  • L90024 – Bank Lane
  • L90307 – Beau Street
  • L90023 – Mall Lane
  • R683 – Lombard Street (from its Junction with Rose Lane to The Mall)
  • L90022 – Adelphi Quay –(from its junction with Rose Lane to Parade Quay)
  • L90021 – Bailey’s New Street
  • L90020 – Greyfriars
  • L90019 – Coffee House Lane
  • L90018 – Henrietta Street
  • L90017 – Keyser Street
  • L5534 – Exchange Street
  • L5535 – Conduit Lane
  • L91091 – Barronstrand Street
  • L5501 – Gladstone Street
  • L1502 – O’Connell Street
  • L15021 – Thomas Hill (from its junction with Meeting House Lane to O’Connell Street)
  • L5506 – Vulcan Street
  • L5505 – Thomas Street
  • L1503 – The Glen (Road No.1)
  • L15033 – The Glen (Road No.3)

March 15th 16th 17th & 18th
From 5pm 15th March until 9pm 18th March O’Connell St from the junction of Hanover St to Meeting House Lane, John Robert’s Square, Broad St, George’s St, Barronstrand St.

Parade Traffic Management Plan
This plan outlines the management of Vehicle traffic for the St. Patricks Day Parade Event to be held on March 17th on the Quays in Waterford City.
Roads shall be closed by Waterford City & County Council Staff using Crowd Control Barriers, traffic Cones and Road Closed Signs.

1. Diversions.

Travelling East on R680 Cork Road.
All traffic for M9, N25 and N24 via Rice Bridge shall be diverted at Cork Road Roundabout and directed to Rice Bridge via R686.
Traffic for Tramore, Waterford Airport, University Hospital Waterford or
Williamstown/Dunmore Road area shall use the Inner Ring Road are unaffected.

Travelling West on R680 Rice Bridge.
The left lane shall be on Rice Bridge shall be closed and all traffic shall be diverted via R686 to R680 Cork Road at the Cork Road Roundabout. All Traffic shall then use normal routes.

Other Routes:
Travelling to Rice Bridge from Tramore, Waterford Airport, University Hospital Waterford or Williamstown/Dunmore Road area shall be diverted via R709 Inner Ring Road to Cork Road Roundabout and the detour via R686.

2. Parking

Parking within the main Quay car parks will be available until approximately 1 hour before the Parade Commences at 1pm and will be reopened 30 minutes after the all clear is called by Event Control. All on-street car parking on the closed roads will be removed 24hours before the parade begins. All other city car parks will be unaffected.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford’s Mount Congreve Gardens picks up prestigious Building and Design Award

On Friday, March 8th Mount Congreve Gardens was recognised as winner at the Irish Building and Design Awards (IBDA) in the Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Project of the year category.

The awards ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge was a celebration of the best of Irish building and design around the world, recognising best in class, both nationally and internationally.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway attended the awards and said, “This is yet more wonderful recognition for the work and vision of Waterford City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Mount Congreve Trust, for reinvigorating and breathing life back into ‘one of the great gardens of the world’.

“The gardens, which reopened to the public just over a year ago, have exponentially benefitted the local community and Waterford as a whole.  Visitor numbers have been exceeded in the first year alone, and Waterford Greenway and Waterford Suir Valley Railway, both of which border Mount Congreve Estate have undoubtedly experienced an uplift in visitor numbers too.”

Mount Congreve Gardens was officially opened by Minister Heather Humphreys and Minister Catherine Martin in March 2023, following a €7.2 million capital investment from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

Mount Congreve Gardens is currently enjoying considerable national and international attention since the newly refurbished house and gardens opened last year.

It clinched the top title in the Supporting Tourism category at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government awards, the prestigious international travel publication Condé Nast Traveller made specific reference to Mount Congreve Gardens in their ‘Best Place To Go in the UK & Ireland’ 2024 listing, while the New York Times, when including Waterford as the only Irish destination in its ‘52 Places to go in 2024’ list cited the gardens as the place to ‘top off your Greenway adventure’.

Ray Sinnott, Estate Manager with Mount Congreve Gardens was delighted to receive the award along with the Mayor of Waterford City and County and Paul Flynn, Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, saying, “We are truly delighted to receive this IBDA accolade.  The work to bring the estate to such a high international standard has taken many years of commitment, resolve and dedication.  To be recognised by peers makes it even more special for everyone involved.”

The award recognised the transformation of the Mount Congreve Gardens which underwent an extensive renovation which included a carefully designed and constructed retail, café and visitor centre incorporated into the existing courtyard. In addition, improvements to the gardens, its paths and boundaries were carried out to include improved wayfinding, refurbishment of the various garden ‘Follies’ and an audio-visual presentation giving the historic narrative of the house, gardens and owner.

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Image l-r:

Paul Flynn Waterford City and County Council, Peter Bluett of Bluett & O’Donoghue Archtitects, Ray Sinnott Mount Congreve, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway, Robert Fox of Frank Fox & Associates, Shane McCullough of McCullough Lupton Quinn and Sandra Conway.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council launches Climate Action Plan

At February’s Plenary Council meeting, Waterford City and County Councillors voted to adopt the Local Area Climate Action Plan for Waterford 2024–2029.

This ambitious plan sets out the work that Waterford City and County Council will commit to over the next five years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations and in the wider city and county. The plan also provides a roadmap for the work the Local Authority will undertake in preparation for extreme weather events and changing weather patterns.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway helped to launch the Local Area Climate Action Plan for Waterford, along with student ‘climate ambassadors’ from the Presentation Secondary School, who participated in the Council’s first Student Climate Conference last year.

Mayor Conway said, “This plan clearly sets out the objectives for Waterford City and County Council to ensure Waterford becomes a low-carbon, sustainable, safe and healthy place to live and grow.  The onus is on all of us in Waterford City and County Council to make day-to-day changes, no matter how small, that will cumulatively protect our environment and biodiversity and enhance our health and well-being.”

Grainne Kennedy, Climate Action Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, “Taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or to adapt to climate change will be part of everyone in the Council’s work. From the Roads Engineer designing drainage based on the changing weather patterns, to the Housing Officer upgrading existing homes and making them more energy efficient, to the Community Liaison Officer encouraging communities to consider climate adaptation and energy saving in their projects, we all have a part to play.

“Public opinion was crucial in the creation of this plan and to ensure that the public was happy with what was put forward, the Climate Action Team ran two consultations to collect people’s suggestions and held 23 community events across the city and county. These events included the County’s first Student Climate Conference, where young people from nine secondary schools in Waterford spent a day in City Hall workshopping and setting out what actions they wanted to see included in the Climate Action Plan.”

The plan is wide ranging looking at everything from buildings and infrastructure to parks and waste reduction. 

Some examples of actions set out in the plan relating to the County include:

  • Short term (by 2025): Provide training to all Council staff on how their work is impacted by Climate Change.
  • Medium term (by 2027): Replace fossil fuels with renewable fuel in Council fleet.
  • Long term (by 2029): Deliver over €1m worth of Community Climate Projects or deliver a 50% improvement in energy efficiency across Council buildings.

Some examples of actions set out in the plan relating to the city include:

  • Short term: Deliver a carpooling app for the city.
  • Medium term: Deliver a Rain Gardens project to reduce run off in flooding and to help the public to plant gardens that hold onto excess rain.
  • Long term: Work with partners to deliver a District Heating system for the city.

Councillors will be issued with an annual report to monitor progress and there will be dashboard that the public can access.  The completed plan is available to view on the Council website at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/environment/climate-action/ and physical copies will also be available at the City Hall on The Mall and from the Civic Offices in Dungarvan.

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Images : Patrick Browne

By Waterford City & County Council

Expressions of Interest for the provision of social housing through turnkey acquisition

Expressions of Interest for the provision of social housing through turnkey acquisition

WCCC 24/140 Housing

Request for Expressions of Interest for the provision of social housing through turnkey acquisition

Waterford City & County Council are seeking to purchase 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom apartments and houses for social housing through turnkey developments in Waterford City & County.

Waterford City & County Council are therefore seeking expressions of interest from private developers and building contractors for housing proposals with permissions for 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom apartments and houses or in Waterford City and towns and villages within County Waterford. The properties can be new developments or properties with potential for renewal.

All purchases of social housing must be approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Please note that Waterford City & County Council are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014.

Expressions of Interest Forms are available from the Housing Section, Waterford City & County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.

Expressions of Interest must be returned clearly marked WCCC 24/140 Housing to:

WCCC 24/140 Housing, Tender Box, Waterford City & County Council, Customer Services, Baileys New Street, Waterford.

The closing date for this Expression of Interest is 29/03/2024.

WCCC 24/141 Housing

Request for Expressions of Interest for the provision of affordable housing through advance purchase turnkey acquisition.

Waterford City & County Council are seeking expressions of interest for the delivery of new dwellings for affordable housing in Waterford City, in accordance with the provisions of The Affordable Housing Act 2021.

In this call, home builders and housing developers are being asked to consider offering properties with planning permission to local authorities under an advance purchase turnkey arrangement. Payment will be on completion. Please note that the requirements under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended will apply in the normal way to all proposals.

The Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides for Local Authorities to acquire, build or cause to be built, affordable dwellings that can be subsequently sold to eligible applicants (assessed by Waterford City & County Council) through direct sales agreements between purchasers and developers.

The Affordable Housing Fund funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will provide a subsidy (based on set criteria as outlined below) that will reduce the cost of a home for first time buyers or those seeking a fresh start. Waterford City & County Council will retain an equity stake of up to 30% of the dwelling.

All submissions made under this Expression of Interest will be assessed and approved by the Housing Agency and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Please note that Waterford City & County Council are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014.

Expressions of Interest Forms are available from the Housing Section, Waterford City & County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.

Expressions of Interest must be returned clearly marked WCCC 24/141/Housing to:

WCCC 24/141/Housing, Tender Box, Waterford City & County Council, Customer Services, Baileys New Street, Waterford.

The closing date for this Expression of Interest is 29/03/2024.

By Waterford City & County Council

Stiúideo Shortcourse wins Student Enterprise Awards

Stiúideo Shortcourse wins Student Enterprise Awards

Maebh Dimond from Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge wins Best Student Enterprise in Waterford and qualifies for the National Student Enterprise Finals.

Stiúideo Shortcourse, winner of the Senior award, created, produced and sold local greeting cards providing creative new designs in Irish with recycled materials and crisp card designs for special occasions. Stiúideo Shortcourse’s key focal point is promoting the Irish language through sustainable sources. Maebh, from Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge took part in the Local Enterprise Office’s Student Enterprise Awards on Tuesday March 5th at the Tower Hotel in Waterford City.

The Waterford Student Enterprise Programme started in September with 1,000 students from 14 schools in Waterford City and County. They created their businesses, developed, branded, promoted and sold. But most importantly they learned what it felt like to run their own business.

Finally, 100 students represented 11 schools in Waterford County and competed in the Waterford Student Enterprise Final on Tuesday March 5th at the Tower Hotel in Waterford City. 36 businesses in total, shortlisted from a total of 350 who commenced the competition in September, presented their business plans and challenged for the top prize in the county section of the Student Enterprise Programme. Stiúideo Shortcourse will represent Waterford at the National Finals on May 9th, taking on 34 other businesses, the best of the rest of the country.

Co-ordinated by the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, the final took place during Local Enterprise Week. The competition is the most successful programme of its kind in the country. 27,000 budding entrepreneurs from 380 secondary schools across the country have been running their own enterprises, with help from their teachers and Local Enterprise Offices.

National finalists from all over the country will set-up enterprise exhibition displays before taking part in a series of judging interviews.  The judging panels take numerous factors into account, such as business reporting, innovation, market research, risk management and finances.

Praising the teachers and local schools involved in the programme, Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, said: “The Student Enterprise Programme encourages and enables students to take on the world of business and develop an entrepreneurial mind-set. By fostering an enterprising culture in the classroom, the Local Enterprise Offices are working with teachers and schools to help nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Further information about May’s National Finals is available through www.studententerprise.ie, which also has free resources and video tutorials for students and teachers for the 2023/2024 programme.

For more information, please contact your Local Enterprise Office at 35 the Mall in Waterford City or Civic Offices in Dungarvan. Alternatively, you can email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie .

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