Skip to content
Waterford City & County Council

Latest News & Announcements

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister O’Brien welcomes Cabinet approval for the publication of Affordable Housing Bill 2021

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, has welcomed Cabinet approval for the publication of the Affordable Housing Bill 2021.

The Bill will be the first comprehensive standalone legislation dedicated to the provision of affordable housing in history of the State. Key elements of the Bill include:

  • The first scheme of direct state built affordable homes in over a decade
  • The first ever national scheme to provide for the delivery of Cost Rental housing
  • A new Affordable Purchase Shared Equity scheme for homes in private developments
  • Provision for the extension of Part V to a set 20% in every Local Authority area with a 10% minimum requirement for social homes and a further 10% requirement for affordable homes where required

Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “This Bill is delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to put affordability at the heart of the housing system and to prioritise the increased supply of affordable homes.

“For the first time in over a decade we will be empowering local authorities to deliver affordable homes for purchase on their own lands, meaning that middle income earners can be supported to own their own home.

“The Bill will also provide a statutory legislative basis for our first ever national Cost Rental scheme, whereby tenants pay rent that covers the costs of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes only – the first homes will be delivered this year at a minimum of 25% below market value. The development of a Cost Rental sector will achieve what has been a long standing public policy goal and will deliver on the recommendations made in National Economic and Social Council (NESC) reports.

“The new Affordable Purchase Shared Equity scheme will involve the State supporting hard pressed first time buyers to purchase homes in private developments. This will take the form of an equity stake of up to 20% in new build homes. Eligible homes will be subject to regional price caps. The scheme will ensure that people paying high rents can instead use their hard earned income to pay down a mortgage and own their own home much sooner. Controls will be in place to prevent any inflationary effect.

“Finally, the Bill provides for an extension of Part V to a set 20% in every Local Authority area, with a 10% minimum requirement for social homes and up to a further 10% requirement for affordable homes where required, or where not so required, the additional percentage may be used towards social housing,” he concluded.

Infographics

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Libraries Reopening 10th May 2021

Waterford Libraries are delighted to be reopening from May 10th for browsing and borrowing on a phased basis in line with the Government’s COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 plan.

Our branches will be open at the following times:

  • Ardkeen Library : 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
  • Browns Road Library : 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Fridays
  • Cappoquin Library : 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Wednesdays
  • Carrickphierish Library : 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Tuesday, Wednesday 1pm – 4pm, 5pm – 8pm Thursdays
  • Central Library, Lady Lane : 1pm – 4pm, 5pm – 8pm Wednesdays, 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Thursday, Friday
  • Dungarvan Library : 1pm – 4pm, 5pm – 8pm Thursdays, 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Friday, Saturday
  • Kilmacthomas Library : 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Wednesday
  • Lismore Library : 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Monday, Tuesday
  • Portlaw Library : 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Fridays
  • Tramore Library : 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Keeping Our Libraries Safe

  • We ask you to limit your visit to 20 minutes to ensure safety for everyone.
  • You must wear a mask or face covering to visit our library branches.
  • Please use self-service kiosks for returning or checking out your library items – our library staff will be on hand to help you!
  • Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied.
  • Library staff are available by phone or email to support you in planning your visit or using our eBooks and other online services.
  • Public PCs and Internet access are not available for use at this time

Thank you for continuing to support your public library service, we are looking forward to welcoming you back.  See www.waterfordlibraries.ie for more.

By Waterford City & County Council

Tellus Survey aircraft to begin flying over the south east of Ireland

Conducted by the Geological Survey Ireland (GSI), the Tellus survey collects geochemical and geophysical data on rocks, soil and water across Ireland.

To collect this data, the latest phase of the survey will involve a low-flying aircraft flying from August 2020 until the end of the year (weather permitting) over Counties Laois, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Waterford, and neighbouring parts of Kildare, Carlow, Offaly and Cork. For up to date information and the planned weekly flight schedule, please visit www.tellus.ie

The aircraft will fly at a low level of 60 metres over rural areas (approximately eight times the height of a standard two storey house), rising to 240 metres over urban areas. The sound of the plane is similar to that of a passing lorry and it may startle sensitive livestock, such as horses, pedigree cattle, sheep-in-lamb and poultry flocks. The speed of the aircraft is about 216 km/h or 130 mph.

As it is vital to raise public awareness of the project, particularly amongst farmers and animal owners, the Tellus team is delivering an ongoing communications campaign across the region to ensure all stakeholders are informed. If you have any  concerns about the survey, particularly if you own sensitive livestock and you would like to be kept informed of latest flight plans in your area,  you can contact the Tellus Freephone information line on 1800 45 55 65 or visit www.tellus.ie.

You can also follow Tellus on twitter, @TellusGSI

By Waterford City & County Council

Online vaccine registration open from Tuesday 4 May for people aged between 50 and 59

From today, Tuesday 4 May, people aged between 50 and 59 can register for their COVID-19 vaccine online.

To avoid delays when we open registrations this week, we are asking people to register on different days depending on their age:

Registration dates and age groups

·       Tuesday, 4 May, people aged 59 should register

·       Wednesday, 5 May – people aged 58 should register

·       Thursday, 6 May – people aged 57 should register

·       Friday, 7 May – people aged 56 should register

·       Saturday, 8 May – people aged 55 should register

·       Sunday, 9 May – people aged 54 should register

·       Monday, 10 May – people aged 53 should register

·       Tuesday, 11 May – people aged 52 should register

·       Wednesday,12 May – people aged 51 should register

·       Thursday, 13 May – people aged 50 should register

Online registration – information for patients and service users

People in this age group who are registering online will need their Personal Public Service Number (PPSN), their Eircode, an email address or a mobile phone number.

A friend or family member can help If someone is finding it difficult to go online and register or they can ring HSELive for support on 1850 241850 or 01 240 8787 from 8am to 8pm, 7 days.

Once registered the person will receive their vaccine appointment for the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine.

Frontline healthcare worker vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines are still available to all frontline healthcare workers who have not yet been vaccinated, regardless of your age.
Get information on how to get your vaccine here.

Need information and advice on COVID-19? Go to www.hse.ie/coronavirus

By Waterford City & County Council

Newtown Cove water quality

Following reports of a brown scum on the water, WCCC sampled at Newtown Cove on the evening of Sunday May 2nd.

Bacteriological water quality was very satisfactory, with low levels of bacteria.

Newtown Cove will continue to be monitored regularly throughout the summer season.

By Waterford City & County Council

There’s no holiday from Covid – a “Stay Safe” message from the HSE, Gardai and Local Authorities in the South East

This May Bank Holiday weekend, people across the South East are being urged to protect the progress made in reducing incidence of Covid-19.

The HSE has joined with the Gardai and the Local Authorities in Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford in thanking the general public for their efforts to date but also in reminding everyone that individual actions do matter – including adherence to all of the current public health measures to protect against Covid-19.

People across the South East are being encouraged to:

·       Practice the “basics”, to prevent the spread of infection

·       While the numbers of people vaccinated are increasing, remember that many people are still vulnerable to severe infection.

·       It is also vital that people isolate at home and contact their GP immediately if they have any symptoms suggestive of Covid-19. A test is free and can be arranged very quickly.

Whereas restrictions are subject to change from 10th of May next, the HSE, the Gardai, and the Local Authorities in Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford are urging people not to let their guard down this May Bank Holiday weekend and to remember “the basics”:

·       Keep your contacts with other people at a minimum and keep them outdoors.

·       Wear a mask.

·       Keep your distance.

·       Wash your hands.

(ends)

See https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Congratulations to Waterford Writers

The Arts Office wish to congratulate the writers from Waterford who have been assigned places from the Munster Literature Centre on their mentoring course commencing in May.  Twenty four mentorships in Fiction, Poetry and Memoir were on offer to all Munster based writers.

The successful Waterford recipients are: Fiona Ennis, Butlerstown, Co. Waterford  with mentor Danny Denton. Ger Duffy, Tramore with Afric McGlinchy. Fergus Hogan/Waterford city with poet Grace Wells. The poet Thomas McCarthy is mentoring Virginia Keane/Ardmore, Molly Twomey/Lismore and Martine O’ Donovan/Tramore.

Thrilled that so many of our writers were selected to avail of this opportunity.

See https://www.munsterlit.ie for more.

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Humphreys announces €14 Million Fund to support outdoor adventure activities

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces €14 Million Fund to support outdoor adventure activities

  • Fund to develop recreational activities at mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, beaches and bogs 
  • Investment will support Tidal Pools, Floating Boardwalks, Mountain Trails, Forest Walks, Greenways & Blueways
  • Focus on supporting adventure activities such as kayaking, mountaineering, surfing, paragliding and outdoor swimming

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today opened a called for applications for €14 million in funding for outdoor recreation projects and investment that will support the adventure tourism sector in rural communities.

The funding, which is being provided under the Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme, will support the key objectives of Our Rural Future – the Government’s ambitious new policy for Rural Ireland.

The focus of the funding is to develop rural Ireland’s unique natural amenities and support outdoor pursuits and adventure activities such as hiking/mountaineering, cycling, horse-riding, canoeing/kayaking, swimming, surfing, sailing, rock-climbing, fishing, paragliding and hang-gliding.

The fund will provide for significant investment in the development of outdoor trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways, tidal pools, floating boardwalks and bridleways.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider opportunities to develop recreational amenities and increase public access and enjoyment of rural Ireland’s mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, beaches and bogs.

Today’s funding announcement is aimed at supporting outdoor recreation tourism, a growing tourism sector internationally, which has the potential to have major economic spin-off benefits for rural towns and villages as well as improving the health and well-being of rural communities.

Launching the Fund today, Minister Humphreys said:

“As part of Our Rural Future, the Government’s ambitious new policy for rural development, I want to see rural Ireland become a destination of choice domestically and internationally for outdoor pursuits and adventure tourism.

“The €14m Fund I am announcing today is focused on supporting a wide range of activities and projects for persons of all ages and abilities.

“I want to see applications coming forward which seek to develop and improve access to rural Ireland’s unique, natural amenities such as our lakes, rivers and beaches, as well as our forests, mountains and bogs.

“Through this Fund, we will invest in the development of forest and mountain trails, tidal pools, floating boardwalks on our lakes and bogs, greenways, blueways, bridleways and much more.

“COVID-19 has given us all a renewed appreciation for our great outdoors. Through this fund, I want us to develop our fantastic natural amenities so that people can access them and enjoy them.

“Successful projects will also bring significant economic spin off benefits for our rural towns and villages by attracting both domestic and international tourists in the future.”

Projects applications will be accepted from Local Authorities under the following Measures:

  • Measure 1 for small scale projects requiring funding of up to €20,000,
  • Measure 2 for medium scale projects with funding of up to €200,000,
  • Measure 3 for large scale projects seeking funding of up to €500,000, and
  • Project Development Measure funding of up to €50,000 for development costs for strategic large scale projects.

Also welcoming the funding, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said:

“Over the last 3 years, Fáilte Ireland has invested €11million to the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with a further €4million committed for 2021.

“Our partnership has helped transform the landscape of Ireland by investing in infrastructure across the country to expand and develop facilities for outdoor recreation activities including walking, cycling, watersports and running.

“With 226 projects funded to date in 2021, we look forward to supporting the Department of Community and Rural Development and Fáilte Ireland in developing the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for 2021. 

“With increasing numbers of people participating in outdoor activities, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, the ORIS scheme supports the development of new routes and paths, provides invaluable funding towards improvements, maintenance and upkeep of some of Ireland’s most popular trails.  

“These outdoor amenities provide access to healthy, sustainable recreation for locals and visitors alike, while also providing economic benefit for local communities nationwide.”

For more information about the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme visit gov.ie.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford unveils ambitious plans for a new investment brand – “Waterford: Find Your Future”

21/04/2021. Picture: Patrick Browne

21 April 2021: Plans to propose the entire City of Waterford as a Decarbonising Zone under Ireland’s Climate Action Plan have been unveiled at the launch of Waterford’s new investment brand identity. Under the ambitious Waterford – Find Your Future brand, which is centred on Waterford’s critical role in future national development as a population centre and economic driver, a range of climate mitigation measures are to be introduced across the city to address future growth in a sustainable way. These include plans to have electrical supply exclusively from renewable energy sources, all transport to be powered by electrical or hydrogen powered vehicles, and all industrial practices to be carbon neutral by 2040. This will radically decarbonise the city, cutting carbon emissions by 7% per annum.  

The designation of Waterford as a Decarbonising Zone would be a significant investment in the sustainability agenda which supports the Waterford – Find Your Future plan. Aligned with the National Planning Framework (Project Ireland 2040) and the National Development Plan 2018-2027, the transformative brand is a collaboration between Waterford City & County Council, Waterford Chamber of Commerce and Waterford Institute of Technology. A newly formed Waterford 2040 Executive Team, representative of business, education and local government, is chaired by CEO of Three Ireland and Three UK and Waterford native Robert Finnegan. For full details, visit waterford2040.com

Speaking on the unveiling of Waterford – Find Your Future, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar said: “Waterford plays a critical role as the economic capital of the South East and is a primary urban centre under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040. By 2040 the population of Waterford city is predicted to grow by 60%, with the region growing by 30% to 804,000. We should see the creation of 17,000 jobs in the city centre by 2040 and 83,000 across the Waterford city region.  

“I warmly welcome Waterford’s new investment brand and the ambitious development of the Decarbonising Zone. Waterford has the potential to set itself apart from other regional hubs through decarbonisation. It will be one of the leading cities in Europe implementing sustainable energy measures, climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. Being a compact, vibrant, liveable and sustainable city will allow it to attract future investment and position itself as the place to live, work and study in Ireland.”

Along with Sustainability, the other key pillars outlined in the Waterford – Find Your Future brand are Population and Workforce, Cost Competitiveness, Connectivity and Business Environment. The brand was created using data collected over an 18-month period with WIT research group, RIKON. It was the first such research of its kind undertaken by Waterford City & County Council, Waterford Chamber and Waterford Institute of Technology as a collective.  

Waterford 2040 Executive Team Chairperson, Robert Finnegan stated: “As someone who is from Waterford and having lived and worked abroad for many years, I am delighted to be leading the Waterford 2040 Executive Team on this initiative, promoting Waterford as an international city with access to a highly skilled workforce and quality infrastructure, making it an attractive proposition for companies looking to invest in Ireland. 

“Waterford also offers a great work life balance for those people starting to reconsider their lifestyle and the opportunity to work and live beyond the national capitals of the world as part of the new working norm.

“The Waterford 2040 Executive Team is a group of executives drawn from many walks of life —academia, the commercial sector, as well as Government bodies — all drawn together with the objective of promoting Waterford as an international city to invest and live in.”

Chief Executive of Waterford City & County Council Michael Walsh added: “This new brand re-asserts Waterford’s critical role in the Irish economy and shines a light on what makes this region an exceptional place to do business. Already there are major investment projects underway in Waterford such as the Strategic Development Zone in the North Quays, which includes a €500 million mixed-use real estate development. Recognising its potential, the Government announced €27.66 million in funding for Waterford in March to reimagine the City Centre and our state-of-the-art Sustainable Transport Hub is part of €126 million EU Urban Regeneration Development funding. Waterford continues to invest in green infrastructure with an allocation of €13.8 million being invested in Active Travel projects, which will create connectivity into the City and throughout the County and region. 

“With such investment, the potential for Waterford is significant. Our new Waterford – Find Your Future brand is a dynamic new asset that will set the region apart, generating even more investment and business, and encouraging more people to live and work here.”  

 Full details are available at waterford2040.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Summer Ready booklet launched

Today, Ministers Coveney, Humphries and Naughton launched the “Be Summer Ready” Leaflet and campaign at Government Buildings.

This booklet is part of the Government of Ireland initiative to provide information to the general public on issues which may affect them during the summer months in Ireland. The booklet compliments a long standing and very successful “Be Winter Ready” public information campaign.

During the summer months, Ireland’s waterways and beaches become very popular. More people visit the countryside, engage in outdoor pursuits, visit family farms or take holidays abroad. With these activities there are associated risks and this booklet provides information on these.

In addition, people die in Ireland in drowning accidents, farm accidents, on our roads or succumb to summer related illnesses. Wildfires are a more common occurrence in this period.

Information on being prepared and staying safe during these summer months, for the individual, family, home, farm, business and school, is contained in this booklet and in the links/web addresses and phone numbers contained herein. We advise people to familiarise themselves with the information in this booklet.

The booklet is published by the Office of Emergency Planning, on behalf of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning.

There is more information and useful links on their website, www.gov.ie/summerready

By Waterford City & County Council

Community Information Meeting : Dunhill River

This is a public meeting about water quality issues in the Dunhill River Catchment and follows on from consultation on the draft River Basin Management Plan in 2017.

The Local Authority Waters Programme will be undertaking work gain a better understanding of what is happening in the Dunhill River Priority Area for Action. Information on plans for this area will be made available at the public meeting.

This is a new approach to water quality management in Ireland. Come along to the meeting and hear how you too can get involved

By Waterford City & County Council

Ardmore and Tramore approved for Fáilte Ireland Platforms for Growth 2 – Facility Centres for Water Sports Activities Funding Scheme

Waterford City & County Council is delighted to welcome the news that two seaside locations in Waterford have been approved under the Fáilte Ireland Platforms for Growth 2 – Facility Centres for Water Sports Activities funding scheme. The funding was announced earlier today by Minister Catherine Martin at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and will see the delivery of world class Facility Centres for Water Sports in both Ardmore and Tramore. The facilities will provide secure changing facilities, hot showers and orientation space for activity providers will add to the overall tourism appeal of County Waterford.

The national funding scheme, to the value of €19million, will enable the development of a network of 22 Facility Centres for Water Sports across Ireland which will all align with an exemplar design commissioned by Fáilte Ireland. These Facility Centres will assist in highlighting the strength of the coastal and activity offering we have in Waterford, encouraging visitors to stay longer and enjoy water sports activities as part of their stay. The Facility Centres will also be of benefit to many locals who enjoy a variety of water sports and add to the outstanding quality of life offering in Waterford. Local water sport activity providers will benefit from and have access to the facilities in both Ardmore and Tramore and will be consulted with regard to the development of both facilities.

The Mayor of the City and County of Waterford, Councillor Damien Geoghegan, welcomed this funding announcement for Waterford saying “I am delighted that Waterford has attracted funding for two world class facilities in both Tramore and Ardmore locations. To have water sports facilities of such calibre in the East and West of the County will highlight our spectacular coastal offering and encourage visitors to explore the pristine Waterford coastline from new perspectives. It will be a brilliant amenity for locals too and will also provide opportunities for job creation.”

The Covid 19 pandemic has increased interest in holidays with a solid outdoor offering and Fáilte Ireland research has shown that visitors on activity holidays spend more and stay longer. Waterford is well known for its spectacular Waterford Greenway, the rugged Comeragh Mountains and its pristine coastline which includes five Blue Flag beaches and the impressive Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark. Waterford also has a network of almost 40 accredited walking and cycling trails across the county and St. Declan’s Way, a 100km pilgrim path from Ardmore to the Rock of Cashel, will be a unique addition to this list when it opens in the summer.

The new facility centres will make water sports more appealing and accessible for a longer season, combining with the existing outdoor proposition in the County to further increasing the profile of Waterford as an activity tourism destination.

By Waterford City & County Council

HSE Vaccination Portal

People aged 69 can register for their vaccine from tomorrow Thursday, 15 April from 10am with other ages to follow. SEE KEY Ages & Dates below. 

The HSE are asking people to register on specific days. This will help them manage demand on the system, and make it easier for everyone to register.

They will be assigning appointments by age so it doesn’t matter how quickly you register. You won’t get your vaccine any sooner if you register earlier. 

When to register 

If you are aged:

  • 69 – register on Thursday 15 April, or anytime after
  • 68 – register on Friday 16 April, or anytime after
  • 67 – register on Saturday 17 April, or anytime after
  • 66 – register on Sunday 18 April, or anytime after
  • 65 – register on Monday 19 April, or anytime after

A link to the registration system can be accessed HERE from 10AM on Thursday, 15 April. 

You can also register by phone if you cannot register online the phone numbers are:

  • 1850 241 850 & 01 240 8787

They will also have an option for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Further details are on the HSE website HERE

Latest News
We made this!