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By Waterford City & County Council

Dungarvan lights up for Christmas

Dungarvan town centre lit up last weekend as part of the town’s festive preparations.

The town was illuminated by Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan / Lismore district, Cllr. Declan Doocey.  This year the illuminations saw a substantial number of new LED lights added to the festive lighting.

Cllr. Doocey said, “I am delighted to see Dungarvan in the spotlight for all the right reasons. While we can’t but be aware of the energy price hikes, Waterford City and County Council has invested €70,000 in 5,000 metres of energy efficient LED lighting, which requires 75% less energy than the traditional bulb.

“Throughout the year, Dungarvan is a very attractive destination for shopping, leisure or for a bite to eat.  However, now with the town bathed in festive illuminations, it really is the perfect time to bring in the family, young and old, to soak up the wonderful festive atmosphere.”

Kieran Kehoe, Waterford City and County Council Director of Services and Dungarvan Town Manager added, “With several Covid Christmases behind us, it is fantastic to see the festive atmosphere in full flow in Dungarvan.  The lighting runs through the heart of the town centre and across to Walton Park and not only has it the added benefit of being more cost effective, with higher durability the lighting can withstand more inclement weather conditions and have minimal environmental impact.”

“I would urge everyone to visit Dungarvan ahead of and during the Christmas season. The festive atmosphere is very inviting and with a host a great local independent retailers and high street brands along with great places to eat, drink, and experience there has never been a better time to shop and support local.”

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Photos: David Clynch

By Waterford City & County Council

BAM appointed as contractor for North Quays Infrastructure project

Waterford City and County Council has awarded the contract for the construction of the North Quays Infrastructure project to BAM.

Today (November 28th) Waterford City and County Council and BAM entered into contract for the construction of the new integrated transport hub and sustainable transport bridge as well as enhanced multi-modal access infrastructure.

Earlier this month the Government approved €170.6m investment to facilitate access to the North Quays Strategic Development Zone.

The funding announced will deliver the public infrastructure that will serve both the SDZ site and the public, with works on site expected to commence in early 2023 and be completed in 2025.  The construction of the North Quays infrastructure is expected to create 200 jobs.

Mayor Of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’ Leary said, “This is an exciting day for Waterford and the region.  It’s a day that we are another step closer to realising the vision of the North Quays development.

“We are very much looking forward to collaborating with a contractor of BAMs calibre in the delivery of a transformative project that will copper-fasten Waterford’s economic, tourism and sustainable development, by creating a compact and vibrant core centred on the river.”

Waterford’s new state of the art Transport Hub will be unique in Ireland and will put Waterford at the forefront of integrated city centre transport infrastructure, with train, bus, taxi, cycling and car parking all in one location.  The North Quays will be connected to the heart of the city centre by a new sustainable transport bridge for pedestrians, bicycles, and a courtesy bus service.

Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland commented, “BAM is delighted to be awarded the contract for this transformative infrastructure scheme for the people of Waterford.

“Our team looks forward to delivering these works which will have a lasting positive impact on the city and environs, enhancing sustainable connectivity and public amenities for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

The overall public infrastructure project also includes contracts for enabling and ancillary works which are either complete, ongoing or in development. These works include demolition, site clearance, utility diversions, rock slope stabilisation, drainage & flood defence works, and footpath widening.

The infrastructure will enable the commercial development on the SDZ Site, which will include offices, residential, retail, accommodation, and tourism investment in conference/exhibition facilities, as well as a 4-star hotel and visitor’s centre.

The commercial development of the site will be carried out by Harcourt Developments, a Dublin-based property development and management company with a broad portfolio of award-winning projects, including Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, Park West Plaza and numerous shopping centres throughout the country.

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Images:  Patrick Browne

3:         Front row l-r:  Michael Walsh, WCCC; John Lucey, BAM; Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary; Mark Phelan, BAM

Back row:  Michael Quinn, WCCC; David Meagher, BAM; Peter Keane, WCCC;  Paul Daly, Roughan & O’Donovan;  Antoin Cummins, BAM; Sean Dobbs, WCCC

24:       Michael Walsh, Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council; John Lucey, Regional Managing Director BAM; Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’ Leary and Mark Phelan, Construction Director BAM.

14:       John Lucey, Regional Managing Director BAM and Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’ Leary

By Waterford City & County Council

Good news for Built Heritage in Waterford

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has announced 2 funding schemes for Protected Structures and historic buildings – the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2023 and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2023. 

Since 2016, Waterford City and County Council has received funding of  over €1.6 million for conservation projects under these schemes. This has supported over 140 projects

In 2022, we received €533,710 in funding for 27 projects  which generated a spend of €1,171,825 and provided over 2,500 days of employment. These figures do not include the non conservation element of projects which generated additional employment and spend.  The projects ranged in scope from essential repairs of rainwater goods, walls, windows, thatch roofs, stained glass, to large-scale repairs of buildings.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2023 

The BHIS scheme seeks to leverage private capital for investment in small-scale, labour-intensive projects and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of Protected Structures and in certain cases, the conservation of structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA).  Waterford has been allocated €182,400. Funding awards made under the scheme will be between €2,500 and €15,000, with applicants matching in full the grants being awarded.

The Historic Structures Fund (HSF)  2023.

Funding for the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) is being made available as part of Project Ireland 2040. Total funding available nationally under the Historic Structures fund in 2023 will be €4. 5 million The primary focus of the Historic Structures Fund will be on conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the broader benefit of communities and the public.

1. Stream 1 will offer grants from €15,000 up to €50,000 and is aimed at essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures.2. Stream 1, Historic Shopfronts sub-stream – As in 2023, to incentivise the conservation of historic shopfronts, each Local Authority is invited to submit an additional application under Stream 1 for eligible essential repairs and small capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of historic shop facades, windows, signage and other associated details to safeguard them and keep them in use. Local Authorities are invited to make  applications for a maximum of one English and one Irish-language shopfront under Stream 1

3. Stream 2 will offer a small number of grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where: a. A clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or b. A clear residential benefit has been demonstrated (such projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary)In addition, refurbishment or reuse projects where a clear residential benefit is demonstrated will be welcomed this year under Stream 2 in line with Housing for All commitments. A grant of over €200,000 may be awarded in exceptional circumstances where a case is made by the applicant in relation to the significance of the project and the works proposed.

4. Vernacular Structures Stream –- In the context of the forthcoming strategy for built vernacular, the pilot stream for vernacular structures introduced in 2021 will be retained, with increased funding of €150,000. The purpose of the stream is to support conservation repairs and small capital works to vernacular structures that are not listed in local authority Records of Protected Structures or otherwise legally protected. Such structures may be located within an Architectural Conservation Area. All local authorities can apply for funding for specific projects of between €5,000 and €10,000 for eligible projects.

These schemes will be administered by Waterford City and County Council. The criteria, list of qualifying works, FAQs and the application forms for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2023 and Historic Structures Fund 2023 are now available on  www.waterfordcouncil.ie

Completed application forms and photos of the structures to be submitted only  by email  to Planning@waterfordcouncil.ie by 5 pm on 28th  of January 2023. Please ensure that the grant scheme name is in the subject line and note that all forms must be completed in full in order to be processed. Successful applicants must have the works completed by 30th of September 2023.

For further information or if you have any queries in relation to the schemes please contact: Rosemary Ryall, Executive Conservation Officer, Waterford City and County Council. e-mail:  rryall@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Brand New Christmas Circus unveiled by Gerbola at Winterval Festival

The Gerbola Big Top has been pitched up in the centre of Waterford City for the first time and in addition as an inaugural event, a brand new Christmas Circus has been created and unveiled by the legendary eight-generation family circus company who are Ireland’s best-rated traditional circus.

The Christmas Circus show is one hour long and is set to amaze and delight the whole family this Christmas. The show will feature the favourite Circus acts including three motorcyclists in the breathtaking Globe of Steel, hilarious clowns, mesmerizing acrobats and much more all in a heated festive big top.

Circusgoers are certainly in for a laugh as the Gerbola family specialises in clowning and goes back eight generations including Mikey’s grandfather, Ralph Gerbola. He married Amy Foote of the Foote circus family based in England. The only child from this marriage was Michele E. Gerbola, Mikey’s father, who married Mona, née Fossett. Michael and Mona Gerbola had three children, Lisa, Caroline and Mikey all of whom work in Circus today.

Commenting on the Christmas shows at Winterval, Tara Gerbola says, “We have put together a really special Christmas Circus for audiences at Winterval. So far, the crowds have loved every moment of our festive performances. Our location right in the heart of the Winterval festival offers families a wonderful opportunity to sit back and relax for an hour to enjoy a very special Christmas circus spectacle in our heated big top.”

Gerbola Christmas Circus performances are on offer multiple times each weekend of the festival, tickets are €10 per person and available from www.winterval.ie In addition there are special Sensory Friendly Christmas Circus performances on offer on November 25, Dec 2 and Dec 19.

The Christmas Circus is part of the Winterval Festival which is underway in Waterford City until December 23rd.

Highlights include the vintage Ferris wheel at Arundel Square, a vintage carousel, the Port of Waterford Eye, the Winterval Mini Express train, a virtual ride in Santa’s sleigh plus a Wizards and Dragons interactive exhibition and even Santa Paws for doggies and Waterford’s heritage takes a prime position with Déise Medieval will host a traditional Viking Settlement plus Santa’s Central Station is on Broad Street where he is meeting and greeting boys and girls for the entire festival.

In addition, there is an abundant programme of Music and Theatre. Ben Hennessy presents a new Shadow Puppetry Show at the beautiful GLOW Gardens at Winterval on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. At the Apple Market each weekend a free show sponsored by WAMA & Theatrebox, which will engage with young spectators who can take part in the collection of Santa’s posts will be on offer.  Join Winterval’s Resident Storyteller Kitty Caboodle for a selection of songs and stories at The Book Centre.

The Winterval Live Stage offers  20 Days of Live Performances during the festival. House of Waterford Crystal is delighted to present its Annual Winter Music Series and this is lots more.

You will find Gerbola’s Christmas Circus at the Winterval Big Top at the Top of New Street, Waterford City. The closest Eircode is X91 AKD0 (Singer Sewing Centre).

 The full Winterval Festival programme is available to view and book online at www.winterval.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Christmas in Tramore

The Christmas parade makes a welcome return to Tramore this year, as local children are invited to join Santa and his special friends to kick start the festive season down Main Street, Tramore at 5pm on Friday, December 2nd.

Along with the parade, there will be live music, food trails and lots of Christmas cheer spread throughout the town.

Waterford Chamber, in conjunction with Waterford City & County Council and EveryEvent brings Christmas to Tramore.

Lynda Lawton, Operations Officer with Waterford Chamber says, “It’s great to be able to plan a full festival again post Covid and we are adding extra magic touches this year to reflect that.  Thanks to festival funding from Waterford City & County Council, we can support a number of community groups who have their own Christmas offering while also having live music every weekend and Santa has promised he will visit every Saturday too!

“This is a celebration for the whole community and everyone is welcome to join the parade for the launch. The fabulous children from the Vicki Graham Stage School will entertain us on the Plaza and Santa will meet with the boys and girls to make sure they have been good this year!

“We also want people to come out every Saturday to shop local, support the restaurants and enjoy some live music along the way.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Construction begins on new €7m Ferrybank Pump Station at former Dunlop site

Waterford City and County Council and Irish Water have commenced construction on a new pump station in Ferrybank to improve the overall wastewater infrastructure.  The project represents a further step in the continued delivery of improvements to the wastewater network in Ferrybank.

Funded by Irish Water, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), NTA and Waterford City and County Council, the project will see the upgraded station replace the existing pump station and be located to the former Dunlop site, which now forms an integral part of the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ).

The new pump station will have expanded storage to significantly reduce the frequency of sewage overflows into the River Suir during wet weather events, improve wastewater capacity in the Ferrybank catchment area, and meet all environmental standards for discharge of sewage overflows.

The existing Ferrybank pump station occupies a small but central part of the Waterford North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ).  This is an eight-hectare site pivotally located in the centre of the region’s City and designated as a SDZ in 2016.  The site had remained derelict for decades and hindered the integration, attractiveness, and sustainable development of the City Centre and consequently the surrounding area.  However, the decommissioning of this station and the construction of an improved facility will allow for the development of a derelict City Centre Strategic site.

Commenting on the upgrade, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary said, “This investment in a new pumping station in Ferrybank will have far-reaching benefits to the catchment area.  Sewage overflows will be exponentially decreased which will undoubtedly be welcomed by the local community.

“The implementation of much improved wastewater infrastructure will improve flood protection, reduce the sites carbon footprint and facilitate future development as the catchment area grows.”

Lisa Cogan from Irish Water said, “We are delighted to be making progress on this essential wastewater improvement project in Ferrybank and as a result of the collaborative works between Irish Water and Waterford City and County Council, the local community will see the benefits for years to come in terms of health, integrity of the environment and improved water quality for all.

“The construction of the pumping station and new wastewater pipes will ensure wastewater infrastructure capacity can meet future demand and support social and economic development in the Ferrybank area.”

Upon completion the project will reduce the risk of sewer overflow with the catchment, improve the separation of foul and surface water networks, enhance the water quality of the River Suir though improved foul water storage and reduced overflows and ensure compliance with the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directives.

David Walsh Civil Engineering is the main contractor on the project, with Consultant Engineers from Nicholas O’Dwyer Consulting Engineers, and Roughan & O’Donovan Consulting Engineers.  Works are expected to be completed by December 2023.

Earlier this month, the Government gave approval for €170.6m of investment in the Waterford North Quays Infrastructure Project.

The transformative project will create a sustainable modern mixed-use development that will harness and extend Waterford’s city centre, whilst reinstating the primacy of the river by creating a compact and vibrant core centred on the River Suir.  The funding announced will deliver the public infrastructure that will serve both the SDZ site and the public, including enhanced multi-modal access routes, an integrated transport hub and the sustainable transport bridge.

The infrastructure will enable the commercial development on the SDZ Site, which will include offices, residential, retail, accommodation, and tourism investment in conference/exhibition facilities, as well as a 4-star hotel and visitor’s centre.

While elements of the project will have important transport and socio-economic benefits, the main objective is to leverage further investment in Waterford City and the region, by attracting indigenous and multinational companies and the retail and tourism sectors.  The development of the North Quays as a modern multi-purpose development on the North site of the city will increase employment, provide much needed high quality residential units, enhance the retail offer and build on Waterford’s reputation as the Best Place to Live in Ireland.

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Photographs: Patrick Browne

By Waterford City & County Council

Closing soon: Festivals & Events Grants Scheme 2023

Applications for Waterford City & County Council’s Festivals & Events Grants Scheme 2023 are closing for applications soon.

The scheme aims to help support events across Waterford which help contribute towards making Waterford a more vibrant and sustainable place.

This year’s application has an increased emphasis on sustainability and the Council is looking to work with festivals and events on delivering Waterford’s goal of becoming Ireland’s first carbon neutral area.

Waterford Council in partnership with GIY in delivering this year’s Harvest Festival, showcased many of the sustainability measures that festival and event organisers can adopt to make their event more sustainable including banning all single use plastics, encouraging active travel to events, promoting recycling and using more sustainable power sources.

Applications must be submitted online at www.waterfordfestivals.ie where applicants can also find resources to assist in delivering their event.  Online training for event organisers will also be announced on Waterford Council’s social media.

The closing date for applications is midnight Sunday 27th November 2022.

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By Waterford City & County Council

New appeal for Waterford properties to house Ukrainian people

Waterford City and County Council is appealing to those who have unoccupied properties to offer them as temporary homes for those fleeing war in Ukraine.

The call is part of a new government initiative, led by local authorities, to make use of unoccupied houses, apartments or holiday homes to house Ukrainian people and families.

A tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available for properties used to house those arriving from Ukraine. This payment rate applies from December 1st 2022.

More than 60,000 people have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine seeking safety and the vast majority need accommodation.

Under a new programme, Waterford City and County Council will take offers of houses, apartments or holiday homes for temporary accommodation, liaise with owners to assess suitability, and arrange for their use by Ukrainian people and families.

Those who offer a property can expect to be contacted by the council within 5 working days of making their offer and an assessment of the property will be carried out by Waterford Council staff shortly after.  The assessment is to ensure the property is habitable and to get some details so it can be matched to the most appropriate person or family. 

Anybody who offers a property will be able to check the status of their offer at any stage through the website www.offerahome.ie.  

This is a call for stand-alone properties that are not occupied by others. Properties should be in liveable condition and, ideally, available for at least 6 months.  While rent will not be payable to those who offer properties, a tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available from the Department of Social Protection to those who offer accommodation to Ukrainians.

Appealing to the people of Waterford to offer unused properties, Sinéad Breathnach, WCCC Ukrainian Refugee Lead said, “The Irish and particularly Waterford people have shown incredible support for the people of Ukraine. We know that people are very anxious to help where they can so we’re appealing to anybody who has a house, apartment, or holiday home here in Waterford that they’re not using at the moment to consider offering it to those who need shelter and safety from war.

“We understand that it can be daunting to offer a property to someone you don’t know. That is why dedicated Waterford Council staff will work with you throughout the process and be there to offer support while your property is being used.

“If you have a property that is otherwise going to be empty this winter, please consider offering it for those who badly need a safe home for a while,” Ms. Breathnach concluded.

To offer a property or for more information, visit www.offerahome.ie or make contact with Waterford Council at email offerahome@waterfordcouncil.ie or by telephone on 058 22059.

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For further information:

Sinéad Breathnach
Ukrainian Community Response and Accommodation Lead
Community & Sports Department
Waterford City & County Council

Notes

  • Under this programme, local authorities are seeking offers of stand-alone properties that are not occupied by others and have their own entrance door and all the main facilities required for independent living.
  • This is not a call for properties that would be shared with the owner or others. Pledges of shared accommodation may be made via the Irish Red Cross.
  • The public can offer a property by setting up an account at offerahome.ie or by contacting the local authority in which the property is located. Contact details for Waterford Council are offerahome@waterfordcouncil.ie or 058 22059.
  • Properties need to be habitable and must meet certain health and safety standards, agreed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
  • The local authority will arrange to assess properties to make sure these standards are met.
  • Ideally, properties would be available for 6 months or longer.
  • Offers will not result in rental arrangements, and rent will not be paid. However, it is recommended that the owner and beneficiaries enter into a licence agreement. A template licence agreement can be provided by the local authority.
  • The Government has introduced a Recognition Payment Scheme for those who provide accommodation to Ukrainians. Under this scheme, a monthly flat rate of €800 per property is payable to all those hosting Ukrainian temporary protection beneficiaries. The payment linked to a minimum hosting commitment of 6 months.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford has two winners in An Post Book Awards

Waterford has had two big winners in this year’s An Post Book Awards.

The Arts Office and Library Service of Waterford City and County Council would like to congratulate:

 

  • Martina Dalton, Tramore, who has won Poem of the Year with ‘Wedding Dress’.
  • Also the Children’s Book of the Year – Senior is ‘Girls Who Slay Monsters’ by Ellen Ryan which is illustrated by An Rinn resident Shona Shirley MacDonald.

Well done to both on flying the Waterford literary flag high !

By Waterford City & County Council

Energy Saving Booklet for Waterford households

Waterford City and County Council’s Climate Action Team has published an
Energy-Saving Booklet, developed in direct response to the ongoing global energy crisis which is adversely impacting households and businesses.

Using a common-sense approach to energy saving, the booklet is intended to act as a baseline from which actions can be taken and built upon. While many may be familiar with the tips within, old habits may prevent us from realizing their benefits. Topics covered in the booklet include energy poverty, energy supplier guidance, household appliance energy usage and home energy upgrades.

Climate Action Coordinator with the Council, Gráinne Kennedy says:

“Everyone relies on energy to run their homes. Be it for heating, cooking, or powering appliances but in Ireland, we rely primarily on fossil fuels for our energy needs which of course, is not sustainable.  Though a small gesture, it is hoped that the people of Waterford will be able to use the information within this booklet to reduce their energy use with the aim of making cost and emissions savings.”

The booklet has been developed with the primary aims of the reduction of C02 emissions through the mitigation of energy-related emissions and to assist households with the management and reduction of their household energy costs.

The booklet forms part of Waterford City and County Council’s adopted Climate Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024, the Council’s Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality 2040 and commitments made under the EU Covenant of Mayors. Available in English and Irish and containing some 20 pages of information including tip and tricks on energy reduction, as well as a detailed glossary of terms, the booklet will be distributed free of charge to households throughout Waterford in the near future.

Speaking at the launch of the booklet, Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. John O’Leary said:

“I’d like to thank all who worked on this valuable booklet and am delighted to see that it will be distributed free of charge around the county.  The cost-of-living crisis effects each one of us and a reference like this will be a useful resource as to what we can all do in our homes and businesses to reduce our energy needs.”

The booklet is also available below.

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