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Attention approved Housing applicants : Social Housing Assessment 2021

ATTENTION : APPROVED HOUSING APPLICANTS

Waterford City & County Council has recently undertaken a Social Housing Assessment. If you are an approved housing applicant whose file was not reviewed since 30th July 2020 and you are not on RAS, HAP or leasing scheme, you have until Friday 5th November 2021 to return the form received for the Social Housing Assessment 2021. Applicants may be removed from the housing list should they fail to return the form they received.

Please return the form and supporting documentation by post to the Housing Applications Office, Baileys New Street, Waterford or by email to ssha2021@waterfordcouncil.ie, instead of attending in person at the Customer Services Desk.

Wicked Windows in Dungarvan for Halloween

Visit the ‘Wicked Windows’ at the Old Market House Arts Centre, Dungarvan for a festive and spooky experience compliments of the Dressing Dungarvan Initiative managed by the Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber in association with the Arts Service of Waterford City and County Council and supported by Waterford Council Festival funding.

From Friday 22 October all ages can enjoy comic witches, dancing skeletons and mummies appearing on to the windows of this historic building supported by spooky sounds. Starting at 4.30pm each day the dancing spooky Halloween characters will light up the building’s windows until 11.30pm nightly. However, you can come at any time of the day to view the Halloween themed ground floor window. The projection imagery has been created by Waterford visual artist John Loftus, known for Winterval lighting display. It will be lively and seasonal with appropriate spooky sounds. The entire scenes are installed by EveryEvent.

The Old Market House Arts Centre, Lower Main Street, is one of the most historic buildings in Dungarvan and a beautiful location for creativity and visual displays. The Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber is delighted to partner with the Old Market House Arts Centre on this piece of the Dressing Dungarvan Initiative. Earlier this year we saw the Giant Easter Egg on Grattan Square, for the entire summer there were giant ice creams doubling as tables outside Dungarvan Castle and a giant photo frame capturing Dungarvan quayside in the background, and so this is the next in the series of seasonally dressed spaces.

Leading the initiative is Jenny Beresford, Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber CEO who said, “The Chamber believes that themed positive promotion is especially important to keep momentum energetic and positive. ‘Dressing Dungarvan’ places unique and creative features in the centre of town for everyone of all ages to interact with and enjoy.”

This is a sensory, creative, attractive and safe experience which will provide seasonal atmospheric cheer for many.”

The windows will be Wicked from Friday 22 October until Sunday 31st October aha ha ha ha

Waterford City & County Council announces Partnership with Dungarvan – Coláiste Dhún Garbhán

Waterford City & County Council announces Partnership with Dungarvan College – Coláiste Dhún Garbhán With Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) – Schools’ Business Partnership Programme

Waterford City & County Council is pleased to announce a new partnership with Dungarvan College – Coláiste Dhún Garbhán, facilitated by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), which was recently launched in Dungarvan.

Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), through its Schools’ Business Partnership, partners schools with businesses and organisations and is aimed at informing and empowering second level students and introducing them to the world of work. Under this programme second level students from 2nd Year in Dungarvan College – Coláiste Dhún Garbhán will gain insights into the variety of work in Waterford City & County Council by hearing “a day in my working life” stories from a number of staff carrying out some of the many different roles in the Council. Through this engagement the students will see first-hand potential career paths that can be open to them through school completion.  Also as part of the programme, the students and their teachers will visit some of the sites and infrastructure managed by the Council so they will see as well as hear about some of the many projects and services delivered by Council staff.

Other sessions with the students will include a session dedicated to skills development which will be linked into Class Based Assessments (CBA) and a presentation on Health & Safety, which is relevant to all roles and careers, whatever the path chosen. In a wrap up session, the students who have been involved will do the talking and will tell the Council about what they have learned and in what way the programme has benefitted them.

Speaking at the launch, Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council said that the Council is looking forward to partnering with BITCI and giving second level students an insight into the work of the Local Authority.  “For students in second level who are considering their further education or career paths, this programme will give them a better understanding and overview of the work of Councils.  There is a wide breath of disciplines and skillsets required in the many departments of the Council and by showcasing these, we believe that it will appeal to many students as a potential career.  Whether it’s environmental sustainability, community engagement, forward planning, economic development, infrastructural design, or ICT, the range of potential career paths available in the Local Authority is wide-ranging.”

Principal of Dungarvan College, Coláiste Dhún Garbhán, Danny Cunningham said, “We are delighted to be part of the the ‘Skills at Work Programme’ that will give the students an insight into the world of work and to help them to consider various career and study options upon completion of secondary school.”

Leonard Kelly extended his thanks of behalf of BITCI to Waterford City & County Council and Dungarvan College for their enthusiasm and engagement around this programme. He added, “In my role as regional coordinator For BITCI I’m looking forward to supporting the building of a strong and lasting partnership between Dungarvan College and Waterford City and County Council. What is about to begin, has the potential to be transformative in the lives of the young students involved”

Waterford City & County Council has previously worked on successful BITC partnerships with secondary schools in Waterford City as part of Transition Year Programmes.  Nationally BITC has developed hundreds of partnerships, involving over 40,000 students across Ireland. In its involvement in this programme, Waterford City & County Council joins a line-up of renown with companies including KPMG, Mazars, State Street, Irish Life, Davy, KBC all involved in school partnerships across the Country.

                                                                                                                                                            -ENDS-

Present at the launch were:

Back Row:-  Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services, Carmel Hourigan, SEO Human Resources and Karen Hallahan AO Human Resources from Waterford City & County Council along with teachers Helen Hogan and Rachel Ahern and Danny Cunningham, Principal of Dungarvan College – Coláiste Dhún Garbhán, Front Row – Second Year Students Dungarvan College – Coláiste Dhún Garbhán

Tramore Railway Station windows update

Under the Historic Towns Initiative 2021, the  Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Heritage Council  awarded   Waterford City and County Council an allocation of €77,500 for conservation works at The Railway Station in Tramore.

As part of the works the historic sliding sash windows and frames have been removed and taken to  the workshop at National Joinery in Wexford. There the paint was stripped back and  repairs were carried out . With the stripping back some on the numerals used  when assembling the windows  such as” VIII”  was revealed. The  very fine joinery work is evident  such as the mortice and tenon joints , which is where 2 pieces of wood meet , mainly at right angles such simple and strong detailing has contributed to the longevity of the  original windows.

Where wood is damaged, it is removed and replaced (spliced) with a new piece of wood. Works such as these   ensure   the embodied energy retention  by reuse of our historic stock. At present the windows are being painted and glazed.

We will keep you updated with their progress and their journey back to Tramore !

Ferrybank Neighbourhood Park officially opened

The Ferrybank Neighbourhood Park was the centre of attention this morning as the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Fidelis Doherty, Elected Members of Kilkenny County Council, Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Joe Kelly and Elected Members, invited guests and members of the local community gathered to mark the official opening of the new neighbourhood park by the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council and Mayor of Waterford City and County Council.

The Park secured funding from Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) together with funding from Kilkenny County Council and Waterford City and County Council.  It includes a playground, a meeting point for teenagers, outdoor gym, kickabout area, walking track, tree planting, a wildflower meadow and a terraced seating area for informal gatherings and events.  Local residents were involved in the planning and design of the Park through a very successful public consultation process carried out by Kilkenny County Council.

Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Fidelis Doherty explained that the benefits of the Park to the community are far reaching saying “This Neighbourhood Park is a welcoming addition to our Parks and Green spaces and will play a major role in improving the health and well-being of the people of Kilkenny and Waterford.  The new play area is also a fantastic addition for our children to explore and have fun. With South East Greenway cycling and walking route from Waterford to New Ross which passes close to the Park currently under construction, the future is certainly bright in terms of the availability of amenity facilities for both local residents and visitors to Ferrybank.”

The Park opened for use in October last year and is already much loved by local residents which is evident in the numbers using the facility.  With so many features and elements, the Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Joe Kelly, in addressing those at the event said:  “Waterford City and County Council are delighted and proud to be associated with this Project.  It is a wonderful addition to community life in the Ferrybank area.  It is great to see projects like this come to fruition and I know the Park will have a long-lasting and positive impact on the lives of local residents.”

END

Works commence of Waterford Greenway Extension

Works have commenced on the extension of the Waterford Greenway from Bilberry to the City Centre and are expected to be completed within 18 months.

The project will help augment the user numbers along this section of the Greenway and, in addition, provide users with a safer and more comfortable cycling and walking experience as they approach the City Centre.

The enhancement and improvement of the 2.1km stretch of the Greenway will also provide for the future Greenway links to New Ross, currently at construction phase, and Rosslare and Tramore.

Following a competitive tendering process the €6.8m contract was awarded to John Craddock Ltd. of Kilcullen.

The Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly welcomed the commencement of the project and the continuing commitment to enhance the Waterford Greenway.

“The Greenway has breathed new life into the city and county and the fact that this extension will give users a more comfortable cycling and walking experience is to be welcomed.”

“Having recently being recognised as the second best Greenway in Europe, at the 10th European Greenway Awards, just reinforces what we already know.  The Waterford Greenway is an amazing amenity and the envy of many cities and countries in Europe.”

“The extension from Bilberry to the City Centre will enable users to extend their journey from Dungarvan right into the heart of Waterford city, and eventually onto Tramore and New Ross.”

“The collaboration and cooperation of the regions’ local authorities in consolidating the Greenway network is testament to the significance in which the Greenway is held as a valuable tourist attraction and a means to promote leisure and encourage active movement.”

Further works will include 2 structural steel boardwalks, boundary treatment comprising of a combination of Reinforced Concrete retaining walls and paving works, including exposed aggregate, limestone/granite slabs and setts.

-ENDS-

Free to use images:  Patrick Browne

l-r:  Michael Walsh Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council, John Craddock of John Craddock Construction Ltd., Paul Flynn Executive Engineer Waterford City and County Council,  Alan Wright of John Craddock Ltd., Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Kelly, and Caroline Butler Project Director Clifton Scannell Emerson Associates.

John Craddock of John Craddock Construction Ltd, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Kelly and Michael Walsh, Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council.

Waterford City and County Council encourages public to enjoy bonfire-free Halloween

With Halloween approaching Waterford City and County Council is appealing to the public to be aware of the hazards of bonfires and is also urging businesses not to supply any waste material to persons who do not hold a valid waste collection permit.

Chief Fire Office, Niall Curtin issued a warning regarding the dangers of bonfires.  “Last year, brigades from Waterford Fire Service attended 46 bonfires and other outdoor fires on Halloween night and the two weeks leading up to it.  Bonfires are dangerous, potentially leading to burns, inhalation of toxic fumes and injury from exploding cylinders and canisters. They cause significant damage to property and public amenity space.

Unfortunately, on occasion we have been faced with anti-social behaviour at these fires that has hindered fire personnel doing their jobs in a safe manner. I would urge businesses and the public to do their utmost to ensure they do not facilitate such fires. Please report the building of bonfires or storage of bonfire material to Waterford City and County Council.”

The burning of waste in bonfires, and particularly the burning of highly combustible materials may lead to serious injuries or fatalities.  Raymond Moloney, Environment Department has requested that businesses or members of the public do not supply waste material to anyone who does not hold a valid waste collection permit.

“The uncontrolled burning of waste, particularly in bonfires, is illegal and releases toxic pollutants into the air, which are known to be damaging to our health and environment.  The use of accelerants on bonfires can pose a significant safety risk and threat to the public.  We would urge the public to report materials being hoarded such as pallets, tyres, combustible waste or old furniture, by getting in touch with the Council’s Waste Enforcement Section.”

In an effort to encourage bonfire-free Halloween events, Waterford City and County Council’s Estates Management Department is working with residents’ associations throughout the city and county to create alternative, fun and safe Halloween celebrations for children and families.

Eamonn O’ Leary, Estate Management Team said, “We are engaging with local estates to highlight alternate Halloween activities for younger kids and will be running a painting competition as well as a spooky Halloween crossword competition in association with the Garda Schools Programme.

We’re encouraging parents and guardians to ensure that if children are wearing dark Halloween costumes, they carry a torch or use reflective aids or hi-vis clothing so they will be seen by motorists and cyclists. Our Estate management team is also reminding parents to be aware of elderly residents within our Estates and remind younger people to be aware of the vulnerability to noise.  Pets can become stressed by loud noises caused by bangers and bonfires so make sure your furry friend is kept indoors in a safe and in a secure place, and above all enjoy the tricks and treats safely.”

Members of public are also advised not to buy, use or supply fireworks. Illegal fireworks may be manufactured without safety standards and can cause serious damage to users, particularly children. Parents should monitor their children and ensure they do not play with fireworks. Throughout the country, every year children end up tragically injured and often scarred for life, after using illegal fireworks.

To report the storage and collection of materials for bonfires call Waterford City and County Council on 0761 102020.  Report fireworks to the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

24 hour National ‘Slow Down’ Enforcement Operation 21 and 22 October 2021

  • Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána urge motorists to reduce their speed
  • Drivers speeding on rural roads to be targeted as 4 out of 5 fatalities occurred on rural roads in 2021
  • Road users urged to take extra care over October Bank Holiday as clocks go back
  • 64 people have been killed or seriously injured in October Bank Holiday collisions between 2016-2020*
  • 113* people killed on Irish roads so far this year as a result of 102* fatal collisions

Wednesday 20th October 2021 – An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging motorists to reduce their speed and be mindful of vulnerable road users ahead of ‘Slow Down Day’, a national speed enforcement operation for a 24 hour period from 07.00hrs on Thursday 21 October to 07.00hrs on Friday 22 October 2021.

The aim of “Slow Down Day”, which is taking place in the run up to the October Bank Holiday weekend, is to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding, to increase compliance with speed limits and act as a deterrent to driving at excessive or inappropriate speed. The overall objective is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads. International research has estimated that 30% of fatal collisions are the result of speeding or inappropriate speed.

While An Garda Síochána will be focusing its enforcement activity across all speed limit zones, there will be a focus on rural roads. This is because almost 4 out of 5 (78%)* fatalities to date this year have occurred on rural roads. These are roads with a speed limit of 80km/h or above.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Ms. Hildegarde Naughton said, “I am asking drivers to support National ‘Slow Down’ Day this week and every day by easing off on the accelerator. Slowing down saves lives and even small reductions in speed can help avoid a collision in the first place, and reduce the severity of a collision. I am also urging all road users to take extra care over the Bank Holiday Weekend as the clocks go back. With evenings getting darker earlier now it’s important to look out for each other and be seen when on the road.”

Speaking at the launch of ‘Slow Down Day’ and the October Bank Holiday appeal which took  place in Cork City, Superintendent Thomas Murphy, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, An Garda Síochána said: “It is important to thank all of those drivers who do the right thing and drive not only within the necessary speed limits, but at speeds that are appropriate to the conditions. However, there are some drivers who ignore our speed limits and put themselves and others at risk. This is especially true on rural roads which are often narrow, and where bends and corners restrict a driver’s vision. There are no margins for error on these roads which is why drivers need to slow down when using them. We are asking all drivers to support our National ‘Slow Down’ Day not just on ‘Slow Down Day’ but every day. If we all slow down a little, we can make a big difference. A 1% reduction in average speed will bring about a 4% reduction in fatal collisions, and therefore reducing motorists’ speed is essential to improving road safety.”

Mr Sam Waide, CEO of the Road Safety Authority said: “A speed limit is there to keep road users safe, it is the maximum legal speed that a driver can travel on a given road type. However, it is not a target. You should always choose a speed that is appropriate to the conditions and your experience. By slowing down you give yourself time and space to react in an emergency. The faster you drive, the more likely you are to be involved in a collision which could result in death or serious injury. This is particularly true for vulnerable road users. If hit at 60km/h 9 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed. Hit at 30km/h 9 out of 10 will survive.”

Mr. Waide concluded, “With clocks going back this weekend, motorists also need to be mindful that the visibility of vulnerable road users on our roads will be reduced. Motorists need to take care and remember that they are sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists who can be difficult to see in poor lighting or in darkness. Cyclists and pedestrians can increase their visibility on the roads by wearing reflective clothing. In dark clothing, a pedestrian or cyclist is only likely to be visible 30 metres away, in low beam headlights. By wearing something reflective they become visible at 150 metres away, the length of a football pitch.”

Speed enforcement during ‘Slow Down Day’ will consist of high visibility speed enforcement in 1322 speed enforcement zones. The Road Safety Authority will raise awareness of the enforcement campaign with advertising on national and local radio plus social media.

Government Departments, Local Authorities, public and private sector fleet operators are invited to participate in the initiative by circulating the key message to “Slow Down” to employees and, whether driving for business or private purposes, to always drive within the speed limit and at a speed appropriate to the prevailing conditions.

5 people have been killed and 59 people seriously injured in October Bank Holiday collisions between 2016-2020*

As of 19/10/2021 there have been 113* people killed on Irish roads as a result of 102* fatal collisions.

Waterford Business Awards open for entry

 

Entries are now being accepted for the 2021 Waterford Business Awards. The awards are designed to recognize excellence in business across Waterford City & County and are organized by Waterford Chamber, in collaboration with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, with support from Waterford City & County Council and WLR.

Launching the awards, Waterford Chamber President, John McSweeney said, “We are now entering year eight of the Waterford Business Awards and what better a time to share some positivity and promote our local businesses.

“While last year’s awards were hugely successful online, we have everything crossed that we will be in a position to celebrate in person at our Gala Awards night in early March. A celebration of the resilience of the business community is certainly long overdue and there are a lot of companies out there who are due firm recognition. We have introduced new categories this year and are confident there is something for everyone, so we are appealing to businesses to take time to reflect on the past year, be proud and acknowledge the hard work they have done by entering the awards.”

Managing Director of WLR FM Des Whelan added: “WLR FM is delighted to partner with Waterford Chamber, Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, along with Waterford Council on the 2021 Business Awards initiative.  I think it’s more important than ever to recognize excellence in local business and industry. It’s been a hugely disruptive eighteen months for business in Waterford and the awards are a very positive spotlight on the innovation and entrepreneurship we have in the City and County”.

The full list of categories is as follows:

  1. Entrepreneur of the year
  2. New business of the year
  3. Marketing excellence
  4. Technology and innovation
  5. Green Excellence
  6. Tourism Excellence
  7. Best food and beverage producer
  8. Business of the Year (UP TO 20 PEOPLE)
  9. Business of the Year (21-150 PEOPLE)
  10. Business of the Year (150+) –
  11. Customer Service excellence
  12. Training & People Development

The judging panel, which is chaired by Noel Kelly, will also select the coveted Overall Business of the Year, which is sponsored by Waterford City & County Council.

Waterford Chamber welcomes applications from all businesses located in Waterford City and County, both members and non-members. You can enter the Waterford Business Awards through Waterford Chamber’s website www.waterfordchamber.ie, where you will also find a full criteria outline on each category.

The closing date for nominations and applications for the Waterford Business Awards is Friday, 26th November 2021.

October is Ireland’s National Reuse Month

Reuse is about valuing our stuff, by using and reusing it for as long and as often as possible. This avoids the need to extract raw materials, manufacture and distribute new stuff, and avoids waste thereby cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions. Why not make a commitment to reuse as many things as possible to save the environment.


Upcoming local events


Conscious Cup workshop for businesses, Tidy Towns groups and others

7 pm, 19th October 2021:

Did you know that we discard over 22,000 single-use cups in Ireland every hour? Single use cups, whether they are biodegradable or compostable, still require vast amounts of natural resources to manufacture, which all impact negatively our environment. This virtual workshop will be led by Sorcha Kavanagh, coordinator of the Conscious Cup Campaign. It aims to give businesses information on the benefits of promoting and accepting reusable and upcoming changes that will take place with new legislation coming down the tracks. It will also inform community groups such as Tidy Towns groups how to can encourage local business in their towns and villages to sign up and accept reusables. Sorcha will demonstrate how simple it is for any business to get involved and in the campaign and how we in our communities can encourage this positive climate action. This event will take place at this Teams Link



Furniture Upcycling workshop with Marianne Heaphy

7 pm, 21st October 2021

This Introduction to Furniture Upcycling Workshop will start with how to prepare furniture for upcycling and detail all the materials that are needed. The techniques will include painting the furniture and achieving a beautiful spray-like finish. Decoupage using napkins and wallpaper will be demonstrated. Different options on revamping hardware will also be run through. To attend this event, simply visit this link



Sustainable Living

10 am, 2nd November 2021

A 2 hour workshop that helps people find easy and enjoyable ways to move towards more sustainable living. The course covers 3 craft topics so people can make their own soap, make their own wax wraps and make their own biodegradable pots by the end of the session. With Aoife Munn, Environmentalist and Horticulturist with a focus on sustainability through practical learning. Register now for this event at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/sustainable-living-2hr-workshop-waterford-city-county-council-tickets-177365213127



Also this Reuse Month: Sports Club Competition – for more information on how to reduce plastics at your sport club, see https://submit.link/rt Join Sports Clubs around the County and take a pledge to reduce single use plastic and be in with a chance to win 100 branded reusable bottles for your club. Sports clubs in Waterford are invited to register to take a pledge to reduce single use plastic at their club grounds. Once you pledge and register with Refill’s Tap Map, you will be sent a sign to place above your tap, along with a social media post about your pledge to let your members know about the work you are doing. You will also be entered into a draw to win 100 reusable bottles for your sports club, branded with your club logo. For further information see https://submit.link/rt


Upcycle Challenge

MyWaste are challenging you to unearth the imagination within and create something new out of something old…to breathe new life into an old or unwanted item or material. So if you can find something old and renovate it or turn it into something completely different but still usable then you can enter the Upcycle Challenge at https://www.mywaste.ie/upcycle-challenge21/

How can I get involved?
National Reuse Month’s aim is to inspire you and provide you with the skills and tools to reuse more at home, at work and at play.

Check out the MyWaste site for some tips and suggestions https://www.mywaste.ie/reuse-month/

Imagine Arts Festival kicks off I Osclaítear an 20ú Féile Ealaíon bhliantúil Imagine le himeachtaí beo i bPort Láirge an tseachtain seo – ealaíontóir ó Ghaeltacht na nDéise ina measc

Now in its 20th year Imagine Arts Festival starts today and features live performances, exhibitions and interactive performances for people of all ages, including dance, film, visual art, theatre, spoken word and literature, as well as classical, contemporary and traditional music.

There are also events reflecting our cultural heritage and programmes for children and young people – Proudly supported by Waterford City and County Council.

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Osclaítear an 20ú Féile Ealaíon bhliantúil Imagine le himeachtaí beo i bPort Láirge an tseachtain seo – ealaíontóir ó Ghaeltacht na nDéise ina measc

Tá an 20ú Féile Ealaíon bhliantúil Imagine le hoscailt Dé hAoine seo (15 Deireadh Fómhair) i bPort Láirge le sraith imeachtaí beo ildisciplíneacha agus ilchultúrtha ar fáil in ionaid ar fud Phort Láirge agus ar líne go dtí an 24 Deireadh Fómhair.

Bíonn sárthaispeántais de réimse imeachtaí ildisciplíneacha ealaíon le fáil le linn na féile seo, lena n-áirítear Deireadh Seachtaine Scríbhneoirí Phort Láirge. I measc na n-údar mór le rá a bheidh i mbun cainte beidh Megan Nolan as Port Láirge ó dhúchas, a léifidh ó Acts of Desperation, an chéad leabhar dá cuid a bhí ar ceann des na leabhair is iomráití a foilsíodh i 2021. Labhróidh sí chomh maith faoin bpróiseas a bhain le scríobh a dara húrscéal. Labhróidh an scríbhneoir agus an podchraoltóir Sophie White faoina bailiúchán d’aistí sárdhíola, Corpsing: My Body and Other Horror Shows. Beidh colúnaí an Observer, Séamas O’Reilly ag plé a chuimhní cinn ‘Did Ye Hear Mammy Died’ agus beidh údar Leonard and Hungry, Paul Rónán Hession ag plé an leabhar is déanaí uaidh, Panenka. Níl iontu seo ach cuid des na himeachtaí liteartha a bheidh ar súil.

Mar chuid de chlár amharc-ealaíon na féile, beidh taispeántas ón ealaíontóir iomráiteach John Shinnors i nGailearaí Goma ar an Aoine seo, 15 Deireadh Fómhair. Is fearr aithne ar John anois as a scéim dathanna trí-thon ar scála mór. Ina theannta sin, beidh Conair Ealaíon agus Siopa Ealaíne ina mbeidh 10 n-ealaíontóir éagsúil ar fáil, ag taispeáint teicnící éagsúla ó ealaíontóirí gainimh go déantóirí priontaí go healaíontóirí graifítí ar chlár surfála agus go leor eile.

‘Diverse Creatives’ ar siúl freisin – taispeántas é seo ar acmhainneacht na n-ealaíon ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar shaibhreas cultúir agus ar thaithí na n-imirceach a chur futhu anseo in Éirinn. Cuimsíonn na léirithe cultúrtha seo damhsa, ceol agus ceardaíocht ón grúpa damhsa Igbo Community Waterford; an t-amhránaí-scríbhneoir Minnie Marley;  Intercultural Quilt, a chruthaigh mná Chlár Shakti agus Murka Murcury, atá mar Ealaíontóir, DJ agus Léiritheoir.

I measc na n-imeachtaí amharclainne tá Spliced le Timmy Creed ag Club CLG Bhaile Mhic Gunair; Sylvan ó Tinderbox Theatre Company agus Marbleface, a bhuaigh comórtas Imaginings na bliana seo caite, a reáchtáileadh chun saothair ealaíne nua a aithint agus a choimisiúnú.

I measc na ceithre phríomhimeachtaí ceoil, tá gigeanna leis an amhránaí-scríbhneoir Aoife Nessa Frances, atá lonnaithe i mBaile Átha Cliath, agus leis an amhránaí agus scríbhneoir amhrán Junior Brother. Tá lucht leanúna dígeanta ag Junior Brother de bharr na seónna beo nár cheart a chailleadh a bhíonn aige agus é roghnaithe mar cheann de ‘Rising Irish Stars’ de chuid RTÉ sa bhliain 2018, agus mar cheann des na hiomaitheoirí is mó a bhíothas súil go ndéanfadh sé dul chun cinn i 2019 san Irish Times. Beidh taispeántas ó Rapper Nealo san Amharclann Ríoga sa Chathair, le tacaíocht ó Carrie Baxter as Port Láirge. Rachaidh an t-amhránaí, scríbhneoir amhrán agus il-ionstraimíoch as Baile Átha Cliath, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin chun stáitse freisin. Tá ceol Eoghain fréamhaithe i stíl sean-nóis a athar.

Beidh Tonos ag seinnt ceol ón 18ú agus an 19ú haois i Seomraí Taispeántais Chriostal Phort Láirge. Cuimsíonn Tonos an soprán Róisín O’Grady, atá lonnaithe i bPort Láirge agus an Dr Eamon Sweeney, an speisialtóir luath-ghiotáir agus Bharócach ó Chill Mhantáin. In éineacht leo beidh an t-amhránaí sean nóis, Cárthach Mac Craith ó Rinn Ó gCuanach mar aoi speisialta.

Beidh an craoltóir agus fear grinn Colm O’Regan, a bhfuil an-cháil air, ar stáitse san Amharclann Ríoga i gcomhair dáileog grinn a bhfuil géarghá leis. Beidh Seán Murphy, a bhuaigh an comórtas grinn don láthair íoctha i bhFéile Ealaíon Imagine, in éineacht le Colm ar an 23 Deireadh Fómhair.

Beidh roinnt cheardlann ar fáil, ina measc Mini Musos, Ceardlann do DJ agus ceardlann ealaíne do graifítí ar clár surfála. Beidh Rince Óige Phort Láirge ag reáchtáil ócáid athshamhlaithe ar líne de bharr na paindéime. Tá cúig chuideachta damhsa óige coimisiúnaithe chun comhoibriú le scannánóirí agus le físghrafadóirí áitiúla, mar aon le ceoltóirí, filí, agus ealaíontóirí focal labhartha chun píosaí gearra scannáin damhsa a chruthú i seó dar teideal ‘New Horizons’.

Beidh Féile Ealaíon Imagine ar siúl ar líne agus go pearsanta i bPort Láirge ón 15 Deireadh Fómhair go dtí an 24 Deireadh Fómhair. Is féidir tuilleadh sonraí agus ticéid a fháil ag www.Imagineartsfestival.com

Tramore Public Realm Works Phase 8 – Streetscape & Resurfacing Works

With works continuing to connect the upper and lower aspects of Tramore and enhance the town’s centre, Waterford City and County Council reports that the paving works on Main Street are close to completion.

Limestone kerbing and steps have been installed adjacent to the Vee Cafe and Seagull Bakery.  Currently the paving crew are installing the ‘infill setts’ (Portuguese granite) and assuming favourable weather conditions will complete the works to the junction of Broad Street and Queen Street.

In order to continue the works beyond Queen Street / Broad Street and onto the junction with Strand Terrace, a three to four week road closure will be required and the link from Broad Street to Queen Street will not be open to through traffic.

It is anticipated that these works will have a three week duration and will be complete towards the end of November.  All temporary traffic management and road closures will be notified via MapAlerter, local media and social media.

The contractor has also indicated that following completion of the above works, they will commence on the upgrade of the Gallwey’s Hill and Turkey Road Junction.  This will require a two to three week road closure.  However, a firm decision as to when these works will commence will be dependent on the progress on the Main Street works.

Works are also continuing on the link from Market Street into Quish’s SuperValu car park, and these works are expected to be completed in early 2022.

Michael Clarke, proprietor of Cahill’s of Tramore said that the Tramore business community welcomes the enhanced streetscape. “While there has been some disruption to services, we have been receiving weekly reports from the Council’s contractor on the project.”

“The enhancement of the public realm spaces in and around the town centre will certainly breathe a new lease of life into Tramore and regenerate the heart of the town, by making it more safe, attractive and welcoming for pedestrians, locals and visitors, while the additional car parking behind the library will be a great addition to the town centre traders.”

The shared surface area will be designed to facilitate seating outside food and beverage offers and capitalise on the outstanding views of Tramore Bay and back strand.

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Roads to be closed:
• L4116 Strand Street, L8076 Lower Strand Street, L4162 Turkey Road, L4162 Gallwey’s Hill, Tramore.

Diversion Route:
• Via L4163 Upper Branch Road; L8083 Pond Road; L4140 Patrick’s Street; L4116 Main Street; L4163 Queen Street; L8085 Broad Street; L4162 Church Road.

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 19th October, 2021.

Sustainable living workshop

Aoife Munn hosts a 2 hour workshop that helps people find easy and enjoyable ways to move towards more sustainable living.

Tuesday 2nd November 2021
10:00 – 12:00 GMT

It outlines some easy switches to make, key areas that have to be done, like avoiding chemicals. The course is lively and interactive and also covers 3 craft topics so people can make their own soap, make their own wax wraps and make their own biodegradable pots by the end of the session.

This workshop is open to people living in the Waterford area. The session will be held via zoom and login details will be sent out before the event. This is a joint initiative between Waterford City & County Council and Wexford County Council as part of a range of events taking place for Reuse Month.

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/sustainable-living-2hr-workshop-waterford-city-county-council-tickets-177365213127