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Interruption to phone services

UPDATE: 1615 – Our phone lines are back working again.

Our public facing phone number – 0818 102020 – is currently experiencing an issue and cannot receive calls … we are working to resolve this issue and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Queries can still be handled through email contact@waterfordcouncil.ie or via social media.

Have you had your say on the draft Control of Parking Bye-Laws ?

Waterford City and County Council currently has a public consultation process underway, focusing on the Draft Control of Parking Bye-Laws 2023. These bye-laws outline the rules and regulations for parking in the Council’s parking areas, which includes both Waterford City and County.

The bye-laws can be seen here : https://waterfordcouncil.ie/projects/public-consultations/index.htm

Here are some key points from the draft document:

  • The bye-laws apply to all roads under the Council’s control, with the exception of national roads.
  • Parking is generally allowed on roads unless it is prohibited by signs or road markings.
  • The Council may designate certain areas as “Pay & Display” zones, where drivers must purchase a ticket from a parking meter and display it on their vehicle.
  • The Council may also designate certain areas as “permit parking” zones, where only vehicles with a valid permit are allowed to park.
  • Certain types of vehicles, such as heavy goods vehicles, may be restricted from parking in certain areas.
  • The Council may fine, tow or clamp vehicles that are parked in violation of the bye-laws.

Overall, the Waterford City and County Council’s Control of Parking Bye-Laws are designed to ensure that parking in the area is managed effectively and efficiently. By following the bye-laws, drivers assist in traffic management and reduce the risk of accidents and other problems.

The Council will consider any submissions or observations made in writing regarding the Draft Control of Parking Bye-Laws 2023.  Submissions should be lodged with Aideen Jacob, Administrative Officer, Roads Department, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford or by email to ajacob@waterfordcouncil.ie to be received before 4.00pm on Thursday 9th February, 2023.

Harty Family mine acknowledged by Waterford City & County Council

A deactivated World War Two mine, which was gifted to Waterford City and County Council by the Harty family of An Rinn, is now prominently located on Davitt’s Quay in Dungarvan.

The mine was originally purchased by Joe Harty Snr at an auction of the estate of the late John Bowen, former Waterford County Surveyor.  Not realising the significance of the World War Two artifact, the mine was used by Joe to store oil in the 1950s, and in the intervening years lay disused on the family farm.

It is not known how John Bowen came to have the mine in his possession, however it has been widely reported that because many of the battles of World War Two were fought at sea, some of these sea mines were carried on the currents away from their intended targets, washing up on the Irish coastline.

The Harty family recounted the catastrophic events of May 2nd, 1945 when three fisherman from An Rinn were tragically killed when their fishing boat struck such a mine.  John Griffin Snr, his son John, and Nicholas Cuddihy were killed, while Patrick Whelan was the sole survivor.

Joe’s son Tommy Joe, and family donated the deactivated mine to Waterford City and County Council.  The mine has been restored and is erected on the Jetty at the Quay in Dungarvan Harbour.

Tommy Joe’s son, Joe, was delighted to see the mine restored to its former glory.  “Having grown up in Gortnadiha with the mine in our yard for years, it was a great source of entertainment to my brother and me.  We spent many a weekend, trying to force it open with vice grips and lump hammers, not even considering whether it was live or not.  Fortunately for us, it was deactivated, and we never managed to prise it open, despite our best efforts!”

Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services and Dungarvan Town Manager welcomed the donation by the Harty family.  “It’s great to see this piece of history from World War Two displayed so prominently on the Quay side.  We may never know the origin of the mine, or the circumstances which brought it to the County Waterford coastline, but through the foresight of John Bowen and the generosity of the Harty family, we now have a genuine World War Two artifact on display for generations to see.”

The Harty family was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from Waterford City and County Council by Cllr. Declan Doocey, Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan/Lismore MD Council, for their contribution to local history and heritage.

-ends-

Free to use image – Pat Crowley

L to R: Billy Harty, Margo Ronayne, Joe Harty, Tommy Joe Harty, Cllr. Declan Doocey, Cathaoirleach, Dungarvan/Lismore MD Council, Cllr. Pat Nugent & Cllr. John Pratt

Carving of the arrival of the Magi shines at Ardmore Cathedral

On the exterior of the west gable of the Medieval Ardmore Cathedral, there are a number of carvings which depict various biblical scenes.  One of  functions of these carvings was  to illustrate stories from the Bible for the faithful. Usually twelfth century Irish churches were decorated with non figurative ornament based on geometric and foliage patterns.

Figurative works such as these, which consist of many panels, are extremely rare in Ireland. It is believed that the most probable sources of inspiration for this type of decoration are found in the Poitous-Angoumois region in France, where there is similar arcading with figures on the exterior of the western elevations of Churches. Those also date from 12th century, while elements of the iconography are also similar to depictions on Norman manuscripts. The off centre placement of the lunettes may indicate that further panels were intended or that the panels were reset with later modifications to the building.

The sculpture comprises of two large semicircular panels or lunettes and above the remains of  of thirteen round headed panels . The iconography of some of these panels has been interpreted, where is possible as: Majestas, an iconic formula of the enthroned Madonna with the child Jesus in the arms, The Last Judgment or Archangel Michael weighing the souls and a number of bishops.

It is probable that a number of smaller panels may have been eroded by time and weather, as a few are now blank. With regard to  two  larger lunettes,  one which depicts  Adam and Eve.  The other to the right   contains  the Judgment of Solomon in the upper section  and the lower section   the Adoration of Magi.  Which is celebrated on the 6th of January

The photo of the Adoration of the Magi, captured in a low winter light by Rose our Conservation Officer

Notice re: Electric Vehicles & Free Parking

For the past few years, the Council has permitted free of charge parking for electric vehicles in the public pay and display parking areas in Waterford.

However following a review of our parking charges and given the significant increase in the numbers of EVs on the roads, the Council cannot continue to sustain this incentive.

Accordingly public free parking for EVs within the Council’s pay and display car parks and streets will cease from 1st February, 2023.

The Council will continue to operate free parking for EV and PHEV vehicles while charging at designated public EV charging points throughout Waterford City and County.

The Council will also be facilitating a significant investment which will see 12 new fast EV charging points being delivered across the city and county during 2023.

If you have any further queries in relation to this matter please contact our Customer Services Department on the number below.

Traffic Management Department

0818 10 20 20

Reminder : Community Support Fund 2022

Community Support Fund 2022

The aim of the Community Support Fund is to support community & voluntary groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas with their non-pay running costs, e.g. utility bills or other non-pay operating costs for example rental/lease costs, insurance bills.

Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, purchase equipment, e.g. tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment etc.

Applicants must complete the application form which can be downloaded below. Once completed please submit your application in hard copy with supporting documentation to: Colette O’BrienCommunity Support FundWaterford City & County Council, Baileys New Street, Waterford. The closing date for applications is 4pm Friday 20th January 2023

Draft Control of Parking Bye-Laws 2023

The Metropolitan District of Waterford in exercise of the powers conferred on it by Section 131A of the Local Government Acts 1925 to 2014, Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, as amended, and by Section 101 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, as amended, hereby gives notice that it has prepared Draft Control of  Parking Bye-Laws for the regulation and control of parking in respect of the area comprising the Metropolitan District of Waterford.

The Draft Bye-Laws are available for inspection below and during normal office hours from Tuesday 27th December to Thursday 26th January 2023at the Council’s Customer Services Departments in Civic Offices, Dungarvan and Bailey’s New Street, Waterford.

The Council will consider any submissions or observations made in writing regarding the Draft Control of Parking Bye-Laws 2023.  Submissions should be lodged with Aideen Jacob, Administrative Officer, Roads Department, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford or by email to ajacob@waterfordcouncil.ie to be received before 4.00pm on Thursday 9th February, 2023.

Flags at half mast to mark funeral of Pope Benedict XVI

Waterford City & County Council will lower flags on Council buildings in Waterford and Dungarvan to half mast today Thursday, January 5th, to mark the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, served as the Pope from 2005 to 2013. He was the oldest Pope to be elected in nearly 300 years and the first Pope to resign in over 600 years. During his papacy, Pope Benedict XVI worked to promote traditional Catholic teachings and values, and played a significant role in the Church’s response to the sexual abuse scandals that had plagued the Church in the preceding years. His passing marks the end of an era in the Catholic Church.

The Council extends its condolences to all those affected by the Pope’s passing.

Notice of Deposit of Rate Books for Inspection 2023

Notice of Deposit of Rate Books for Inspection and of Intention to Make Rates

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council is about to make a county rate on the property rateable thereto in the City and County of Waterford.

The annual rate on valuation for the ordinary expenditure of the Council for the service of the year ending 31st December 2023 is 0.2863.

The Rate Books are deposited for the inspection of any ratepayer in the Customer Care Office, Baileys New Street, Waterford and in the Customer Care Office, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford and will be available there, open for inspection between the hours of 9.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. by appointment only, during the fourteen days following the date hereof, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays and Christmas opening arrangements, details of which are available on www.waterfordcouncil.ie.

For further information contact 0818 10 20 20.

Signed: Michael Walsh, Chief Executive
27th December 2022

West Waterford Festival of Food returns to its traditional Spring date in 2023

Ireland’s largest food festival, West Waterford Festival of Food will return to its traditional Spring date next year, taking place from 14-16 April 2023.

The confirmed date comes as the festival reveals record attendance figures of 67,000 for the 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food, which was held in June. The programme featured an eclectic mix of events for all ages; ranging from seven-course tastings and sharing plates, to outdoor discovery and a long table feast.

Get your tickets here :  https://westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com/tickets

West Waterford Festival of Food Chairperson Anita Geoghegan said: “The last two years, for so many, highlighted how food can bring us together even when we are apart and the importance of supporting local. The record-breaking attendance this year shows how much people are embracing this new love of food, as they came out in their droves to experience the exceptional produce of our local and national producers. Such success in numbers also brings huge economic benefits to the region, as 67,000 visitors provides a major financial stimulus. Following a difficult two years for the hospitality and tourism industry, this is very much welcomed.”

Anita added the 14th annual West Waterford Festival of Food will look to match and exceed the record visitor figures when it returns to its traditional Spring date in 2023. The full programme of events will be announced in February/March next year. “We made a decision to hold the festival in June this year to allow all those involved the time to prepare following a turbulent two years,” she said. “As we look ahead to the future, we are delighted to announce the return of an April date next year, kicking off the Irish food festival season. Taking place after the Easter weekend, and we look forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces and showcasing the beautiful West Waterford region, its produce and unrivalled hospitality.”

Over 80 events took place at the 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food, with highlights including the West Waterford Festival of Food Long Table Feast, sponsored by McCarthy Insurance Group on Castle Street, with 100 diners experiencing an al fresco feast prepared by Paul Flynn and Greg Harris. Renowned chef Tom Walsh cooked at the Walled Garden Dinner at Woodhouse Estate, sponsored by Flahavan’s, and The Old Bank saw its Executive Head Chef David Larkin join Luis Martin, Head Chef at Mount Juliet’s Hunter’s Yard, for a seven-course tasting menu centred around the restaurant’s farm produce, Al Eile. Renowned Mexican Irish chef Lily Ramirez-Foran was also in attendance at Dungarvan Brewing Company.

The 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food was supported by Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Local Enterprise Office and LEADER Partnership, with sponsors McCarthy Insurance Group, Flahavan’s, Glanbia Ireland, Expressway, Dawn Meats, Garvey’s, Eurofins, San Pellegrino, Blackwater, SuperValu Food Academy, Coillte, FBD, Local Link, and AIB.

We hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and Happy New Year! We look forward to welcoming you all back to the West Waterford Festival of Food in April 2023!

Click here to view all of our valued partners that helped make the 2022 festival possible

Get your tickets here :  https://westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com/tickets