Skip to content
Waterford City & County Council

Latest News & Announcements

By Waterford City & County Council

Wilkin Street and Passage Road

ONE Way Trial Map Final

Waterford City and County Council advises that a one-way traffic trial will commence on Wilkin Street and Passage Road in Waterford City from August 19th.

The 3-month trial is being implemented as part of the Safe Routes to School Scheme and is designed to help reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for all road users.

A map of the trial route is available from the Active Travel Department at Waterford City and County Council.

For more details or to provide feedback on the trial email activetravel@waterfordcouncil.ie.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Sail Training Ireland Waterford Bursary awards

Sail Training Ireland Waterford Bursary awards

Last week, the Sail Training Ireland Waterford Bursary awards ceremony was held in the Mayor’s Parlour.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, presented the certificates to the participants of the 2025 Waterford Sail Training Ireland voyages.

The scheme, established by Sail Training Ireland in 2016 in partnership with @Port of Waterford and Waterford City and County Council, provides access to the life changing experience of a Sail Training voyage for young people from the Waterford region.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Warm Waterford Welcome for Palestinian Boxers

On Friday, August 8th, a delegation of young Palestinian boxers from Ramallah received a warm welcome to Waterford, during a special stop on the Shamrock and Olive Tree Boxing Tour – a cross-cultural initiative promoting unity through sport.

The boxers were greeted by Cllr. Seamus Ryan Mayor of Waterford City and County, and Conor D. McGuinness T.D.

This was the final leg of the Palestinian Boxing Tour 2025 tour, which saw the squad competing against clubs in Dublin, Belfast and Waterford.

The boxers were also greeted by members of the Waterford-Ramallah Twinning Committee who turned out in support of the visitors, after which they were hosted by local families over the weekend.

By Waterford City & County Council

Glas Awards Launched!

Local Enterprise Office, Waterford launches the 4th annual Glas Awards, promoting sustainability in business in Waterford.

The awards, in association with Waterford City and County Council aim to recognise and celebrate micro businesses in County Waterford who have made significant advances in bringing green principles into their day to day business activities.

Launched by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Gareth Evans and Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, Gráinne Kennedy, these awards will showcase what Waterford business is doing to adopt sustainability policies, in a practical sense.

The awards are open to small and medium sized businesses based in Waterford County. The Green Micro Enterprise of the Year is open to all with employees of 10 or less, while the Green SME of the Year is open to those between 11 and 50 employees.

The mayor sees this as another step towards Waterford’s green targets, “The link between the Council and business in Waterford is so important. Last year, following a call by Waterford City and County Council, over 1,000 local businesses signed up to a Business Pledge for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford.

“The scheme, originally launched in 2022, has supported thousands of businesses across the city and county in transitioning to carbon neutrality by identifying opportunities for reducing energy usage and costs, exploring the potential of renewable energy while availing of a discount on their commercial rates.

“These awards are another opportunity to reward businesses for their climate actions.”

Each winner will receive a cash prize of €2,500 and a themed trophy.

Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford explains how these awards are just one element to their Green offering, “We find small changes can really make a big impact. Our clients understand the growing importance of sustainability, both in business and in the world around us. What we show them through our ‘Green for Business’ initiative is an understanding of the significant benefits that it can have for a business, on everything from efficiencies to cost savings.

“Green for Business is a FREE programme that helps small businesses take the first step towards becoming more sustainable, giving them access to a green consultant who’ll show them the small changes that can have a big impact on both their company.”

Gráinne Kennedy, Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, is optimistic for the future, “Waterford business is taking on the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their operations, to make Waterford a sustainable place to work and do business.

“Waterford City and County Council adopted its Climate Action Plan in February 2024. The plan sets out how the Council will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations and in the services that we provide to the people of Waterford. Climate will be a consideration in all Council projects going forward from looking at energy efficiency to reducing waste.

“Every aspect of the community has a role to play, and these awards are a great opportunity to showcase all that these businesses are doing”

The entry portal https://submit.link/3WK is now open on Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office website and remains so until 4th September 2025. The Glas Awards Final will be held in The Garden Room, Waterford Treasures on 8th October 2025 from 12.30 to 2.30pm.

For further information follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie 

By Waterford City & County Council

Published: Weekly Planning Lists

Stay up-to-date with the latest planning applications and decisions in Waterford City and County. Each Friday, we publish a comprehensive list detailing new applications, permissions granted, and other updates. Access the latest planning lists here to stay informed about developments in your area.

See https://waterfordcouncil.ie/documents/planning-lists/

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford gets into gear for fun cycling challenge

Waterford’s workplaces and students got into gear for the Waterford Wheels cycling challenge during Bike Week 2025.

Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with the National Transport Authority, Waterford Sports Partnership, and Cycling Ireland, hosted the cycling challenge encouraging staff and students across workplaces and educational institutions in Waterford to cycle as part of their daily commute.

Launch events in Waterford City and Dungarvan gave participants a healthy start to their day, cycling together and building a sense of community.

Teams from the South East Technological University (SETU) and Malone O’Regan Consulting Engineers in Waterford City recorded the highest average cycle journeys during the challenge. Both teams received Altitude vouchers as prizes.

Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer at Waterford City and County Council, said: “The Waterford Wheels challenge was a great way to encourage more people to take up cycling, with the friendly competition adding extra motivation. As safer cycling infrastructure continues to grow across Waterford, cycling can become an easier and more enjoyable way to get to work, school or college.”

Cian Gill, Climate Action Officer at Waterford City and County Council, said: “There was good participation in our first Waterford Wheels challenge. We’re excited to build on the enthusiasm for cycling and sustainable commuting with organisations across Waterford. It’s really encouraging to see more people making cycling part of their daily routine.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Uisce Éireann crews working to restore water supply to customers in Dungarvan

Uisce Éireann logo

Uisce Éireann is working to restore water supply to homes and businesses in Dungarvan and surrounding areas following an interruption to the water supply at Dungarvan Water Treatment Plant overnight.

Customers in Abbeyside, Ballinroad, Clonea, Knocknagrannagh, Burgery, Ballinacourty, Dungarvan and surrounding areas in Co Waterford will experience reduced water pressure and/ or outages today.

Uisce Éireann operations crews are on site, and every effort is being made to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and restore supply to impacted customers.

Maura Phelan, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager, explained: “We understand the inconvenience this is causing, and our teams are working to restore the water supply as quickly as possible. Once normal operations are restored, it will take several hours for the network to refill and normal supply to return to all customers.”

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.

To register as a vulnerable customer or as an alternative contact, visit www.water.ie/vulnerablecustomer

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For further updates, visit the service and supply section of www.water.ie

Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at the text alerts page.

Please take note of the following reference number and enter it into the search bar should you wish to return for an update: WAT00096957.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

BRONKOBEAT Bring the Noise from Märkischer Kreis to Spraoi

BRONKOBEAT recently travelled from the Märkischer Kreis region in Germany to take part in the 32nd annual Spraoi Festival. The band were a fantastic addition to the vibrant programme of events on offer over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The five-person band, which was founded in 2011, is comprised of Jens on guitar, Carsten on bass and vocals, Micro on drums, Jan on the saxophone & Jörg on vocals & guitar.

Over the course of the weekend the band delivered energetic performances on stages in The Cultural Quarter, The Apple Market & The Churchyard.

The BRONKOBEAT created a fantastic, fun-filled atmosphere at each gig performing songs from Tom Robinson, John Mellencamp, and Fisher Z, as well as favourites from Tom Petty, Thin Lizzy, HIM, Whitesnake, Foo Fighters, and many more.

This latest cultural collaboration, between Waterford & our twinning partners, Märkischer Kreis, was a terrific success and BRONKOBEAT enhanced what was a super weekend of performances by Spraoi.

By Waterford City & County Council

Work with the EPA to help measure air pollution in Waterford City

Following the success of Clean Air Together in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick cities, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to announce that the next citizen science project is taking place in Waterford.

Clean Air Together Waterford City is an exciting citizen science project led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, with support from Kilkenny County Council and the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce.

The project aims to recruit 400 participants to measure levels of the traffic-related air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), across Waterford City and environs (see attached map) with four main objectives:

  • To increase public knowledge and awareness
  • To help people better understand and take action to improve air quality in their local area
  • To use the data to help inform EPA air quality modelling
  • To work collaboratively with stakeholders in support of relevant national policy.

While the Clean Air Together Waterford project will launch later this month, the EPA is currently accepting expressions of interest. If you are interested in participating and would like more details, please complete the following short form and the EPA will notify you of the project’s launch closer to the date. Participation is free.

For further information on the project, please contact cleanairtogether@epa.ie or visit www.cleanairtogether.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford tops the Ireland Liveability Index 2025

Ireland Liveability IndexIt’s one of the sunniest counties in the country, with reasonably priced housing, in the top 10 most scenic counties, with inhabitants having access to facilities in Waterford City.

The Ireland Liveability Index ascribes scores to each of the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland for the parameters that will influence people’s decision on the location of the ideal home.  These include house prices, sunshine, proximity to a city and natural amenities or scenery.

By Waterford City & County Council

Published: Weekly Planning Lists

Stay up-to-date with the latest planning applications and decisions in Waterford City and County. Each Friday, we publish a comprehensive list detailing new applications, permissions granted, and other updates. Access the latest planning lists here to stay informed about developments in your area.

See https://waterfordcouncil.ie/documents/planning-lists/

By Waterford City & County Council

Rip current warning ahead of August Bank Holiday weekend

via Water Safety Ireland

Avoid RIP currents

Rip currents are a major cause of accidental drownings but can be notoriously difficult to spot. The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are pleading with swimmers and particularly those who may be visiting an area they are not familiar with over the Bank Holiday weekend, to learn the warning signs, read local safety notices and seek advice before entering the water.

With the weekend also forecasting strong winds, gusting up to Force 9 in some areas on Bank Holiday Monday, the three organisations are warning that the weather will further increase the risk of getting into difficulty, especially on east coast beaches where offshore winds will blow from land out to sea.

In offshore winds:

  • Offshore conditions make it even easier to be swept out to sea and harder to return safely. Swimmers, paddleboarders and other water users are urged not to take to the water in such conditions
  • Never use inflatable toys in open water

Rips are strong currents running out to sea, which can quickly drag people and debris away from the shallows of the shoreline and out to deeper water. They tend to flow at 1–2mph but can reach 4–5mph, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer. Rips are especially powerful in larger surf, but people should never underestimate the power of any water. They are also found around river mouths, estuaries and man-made structures like piers and groynes.

While they can be difficult to spot, they are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea’s surface. Even the most experienced people can be caught out by rips, so we would encourage swimmers to not be afraid to ask for advice.

To avoid a rip current:

  • Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags which have been marked based on where it is safer to swim in the current conditions. Find your closest lifeguarded beach at https://watersafety.ie/lifeguards
  • Wear a bright coloured swimming cap
  • Swim with others, never go alone.

If you do find yourself caught in a rip:

  • Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted
  • If you can stand, wade don’t swim
  • If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore
  • Always raise your hand and shout for help
  • If you see someone in difficulty or suspect they are in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard

ENDS

Media enquiries: Joanne Walsh: 087-199.0339 / joannewalsh@watersafety.ie;

By Waterford City & County Council

Businesses invited to “Take the Pledge” for a Cleaner, Greener Waterford

Waterford’s Commercial Rates Energy Discount Scheme – Business Pledge for a Cleaner, Greener Waterford 2025 – opens for applications from August 5th until 5th of October 11:59 pm

Take the Climate Action PledgeLocal businesses are invited to take the Business Pledge to strive towards a cleaner, greener Waterford, and commit to completing at least two actions in the next 12 months that would reduce the carbon footprint of their business. Through this initiative, SME’s and hospitality businesses could be eligible for a 9% discount on their rates bill as a reward for taking action to reduce their carbon footprint.

This is the fourth year of this scheme that is unique to Waterford. Businesses have already completed training and carried out energy audits to help them avail of grant funding. Last year over 1,000 Waterford businesses pledged to take two actions to make their business “greener and greener”, through actions that save energy, reduce waste and save money.

From August 5th, those businesses will be able to upload the evidence of some of the actions they are undertaking on Waterford City and County Council’s Submit platform to receive the discount for this year. If your business missed out last year, there is still opportunity to apply for the discount.  All you need to do is pledge to complete two “greener” actions in the next year. Watch out for correspondance from the Rates Office that will assist you in the process.

Also, if businesses are worried about applying or are unsure of the process Waterford City and County Council’s Climate Action Team can help.  A series of workshops, both online and in person, will be held in the coming weeks.  These workshops will provide information and guidelines to help businesss choose the format that best suits their schedule. The Climate Action Team is also available throughout the year, as is Waterford Local Enterprise Office to help businesses achieve their pledge for a cleaner, greener Waterford.

The scheme is open to businesses whose annual rate bill is less than €10,000 or who operate in the hospitality and leisure industries. These businesses will be eligible to receive a rates energy discount of 9% once they have provided details of the actions they will take to become more sustainable in the coming year.

For more information about the scheme please see the Business Pledge Guidelines 2025 here: https://submit.link/43e

Applications can be submitted from Tuesday, August 5th at https://submit.link/3V7

For further information and details and links to the online and in person workshops get in touch with the Climate Action Team at climateaction@waterfordcouncil.ie

-ends-

By Waterford City & County Council

Tournore Court Residents Association Pride of Place Judging 2025

Tournore Court Residents Association Welcomes Pride of Place Adjudicators Following Prestigious Community Award Win

Waterford City & County Council was proud to host Tom & Alison Dowling, adjudicators for the 2025 Pride of Place Awards at Tournore Court, Dungarvan, where the Tournore Court Residents Association showcased their outstanding community initiatives.

The visit follows the Association’s recent triumph at the 20th Annual Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards, where they were honoured with the Overall Award at a gala ceremony held in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan last November and the subsequent proud nomination by Waterford City & County Council to represent Waterford at the all island Pride of Place Awards.

During the adjudicators’ visit, members of the Residents Association highlighted a range of innovative and impactful projects, including the Beach Toy Library, Adopt a Verge Programme, Scare and Rewear Costume Swap Shop and the Party Kit initiative. These efforts reflect the group’s commitment to environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and fostering strong neighbourly connections.

The adjudicators were impressed with their visit and particularly enjoyed afternoon tea along with the residents who provided scrumptious sandwiches and home baking in the basking sunshine as the local children played around the green.

The Pride of Place Awards will be held in Limerick later this year and will celebrate excellence in community participation across the island of Ireland. Waterford City & County Council is proud to support Tournore Court Residents Association as they continue to lead by example with tremendous community spirit and initiative and wishes them the best of luck.

Latest News
Made in Waterford and hosted in the EU :)