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Waterford City & County Council

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By Waterford City & County Council

Important information for persons recently arrived from Brazil regarding the new Brazilian strain of COVID-19

All passengers who have arrived in Ireland from Brazil in January are requested to come forward for a free COVID-19 PCR test. This test can be obtained by going to a GP and seeking a referral.

  • These travellers are also strongly advised to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of arrival.
  • The HSE’s contracted isolation facility at the Citywest Hotel complex is available to those who are unable to self-isolate in their own homes for any reason and is an option for people from Brazil in this situation.

Todos os passageiros que chegaram do Brasil em janeiro devem se apresentar para um teste PCR COVID-19. Este teste pode ser obtido indo a um Clinico Geral ( GP)  e solicitando um encaminhamento. Os GPs já foram informados e facilitarão o teste sem custos.

  • Estas pessoas  também são fortemente aconselhadas  o autoisolamento por 14 dias a partir da data de chegada.
  • A instalação de  isolamento do HSE no complexo Citywest Hotel está disponível para aqueles que são incapazes de autoisolamento em suas próprias casas por qualquer motivo e é uma opção para as pessoas que chegam do Brasil nesta situação.

By Waterford City & County Council

Supporting Waterford Communities Fund 2021

Waterford City & County Council is committed to encouraging communities / residents and empowering communities to make a difference to their areas/communities. To support this, the Council is inviting applications to the 2021 Supporting Waterford Communities Fund.

The Supporting Communities Fund provides grant aid assistance to Community Groups, Residents Associations, Sports Clubs and other groups/committees who are engaged in community activity, providing community services or carrying out improvement works at local or county level.

By Waterford City & County Council

Primary school litter-picking programme inspiring and empowering the next generation of environmentalists

Inspiring young environmentalists, one litter picking adventure at a time

Primary school children in Waterford are taking a stand against litter in their area, through a unique school based litter-picking programme called Picker Pals. The programme, run by environmental NGO VOICE (Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment) motivates and equips children with “Picker Packs” containing everything children need to go litter-picking. At the end of Picker Pals’ first year in operation, 6 Waterford schools, along with 109 schools from 9 different local authority areas are involved in the programme. “VOICE is delighted that Waterford City and County Council are funding the programme locally and supporting this very exciting journey, which aims to see a Picker Pack in every classroom in the country over the coming years,” says Mindy O’Brien Co-ordinator of VOICE.

Using upcycled and fully reusable packaging, Picker Pals provide each classroom with bespoke story and activity books, in both Irish and English, and picker-uppers which are taken home by a different child every week. Each child goes on a litter-picking adventure in their local area with their family and reports back to their classmates on their activity.  The Picker Pals song helps spread the message about tackling litter in a fun and upbeat manner to motivate children to get involved in this important social and environmental issue. “It’s not just about learning about litter. It’s not just about becoming aware of litter. It’s about actually getting out there and picking up litter. Picker Pals gets children onto the first rung of the environmental ladder,” says Patrick Jackson, Picker Pals Creator.

Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a marked increase in the amount of litter in our towns and cities. Waterford City and County Council are working hard to address the issue of litter. “We make litter picking equipment available throughout the year to schools, community groups and individuals carrying out a clean-up of their local area. The Picker Pals programme supplements our litter programme and has been especially valuable during the last few months. It has helped to strengthen our environmental message in schools at a time when we are unable to visit them ourselves. It also helps children to understand how they can make simple, positive changes in their own neighbourhood. The initiative is not about cleaning up the whole neighbourhood but to pick up a few items of litter and engage in conversation around the issue of littering,” said Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer at Waterford City and County Council.

St Mary’s Primary School in Dungarvan is seeing many of the same benefits. “The girls in our school are really enjoying being involved in the Picker Pals programme. They are very keen to play their part in looking after their local environment and are having great fun with their families while doing so. We are delighted to be part of this great new programme,” said Fiona Fitzgerald, Principal at St. Mary’s.

Despite the fact that schools are out for the next few weeks, Picker Pals can still provide the perfect break from online learning and home schooling. Litter-picking can become part of people’s home schooling experience and give everyone a good reason to get out of the house, to get some fresh air, and to make the world better.

Litter-picking can provide many benefits. In Waterford, the combination of the council and concerned groups’ actions sees Waterford City ranked 8th in terms of cleanliness out of 37 towns and cities across Ireland, in the latest IBAL litter survey.  Angela Kenny, Picker Pals Project Manager talks about other benefits from litter-picking activities. “Litter-picking can have a really positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing, getting people out of the house, relieving stress and anxiety and giving a great sense of achievement and empowerment. It is a perfect lockdown activity.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Sad passing of Des Manahan, Waterford RIP

Waterford City & County Council are saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Des Manahan, Waterford and wish to extend sympathies on behalf of the Mayor, Chief Executive and staff of the Council to his wife Mona and all the Manahan family.

Strongly linked with the Waterford theatre scene, Des’s presence will be missed by his many friends, and theatre goers across Waterford and beyond.

Des and Mona together served as Grand Marshalls of the 2019 Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Parade and our picture shows then Mayor, Cllr. John O’Leary presenting them with a momento of the occasion.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Harris launches one-stop shop for people seeking to upskill

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris TD has launched a new online portal for people seeking to upskill or retrain.

The online portal – http://www.gov.ie/therightcourse – is a one stop shop for businesses, employees or unemployed persons and outlines the third level options available to them.

This can be a short part-time course, a course for an individual in employment or an option to return to third level.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “There are so many options out there for people but the system is complex and can overburden some people.

“This online portal offers people a clear picture of what is on offer, how they can access it and the supports available to people also.

“Ireland is a small country. We cannot afford to have untapped talent and we cannot leave any person locked out of society because of a lack of skills.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has forced us to confront many of the skills shortages we have. We must ensure our people have access to the skills they need to succeed in life; and Irish business has the people with the skills they need to grow. This is also critical to securing our recovery and ensuring Ireland’s people share in that recovery.”

The one-stop shop outlines the further education and training places, the courses in higher education on offer, and information for those on a social welfare payment.

Business owners are also encouraged to explore the range of upskilling options available from Skillnet Ireland including enterprise-led business supports, targeted upskilling opportunities for employees in businesses, free online training programmes and virtual job placements.

Minister Harris added: “If you are unemployed temporarily as a result of Covid-19, now could be the time to do a short course. You can still retain your social welfare payments while undertaking the course.

“Or if you are in employment but want to improve your skillset, there are options available to you too.

“This new portal will be a valuable tool to help each person identify the most suitable upskilling option for themselves and their teams. It will be great at showcasing the diversity of upskilling supports available from formal accredited programmes, apprenticeships to practical work-based learning from all of the agencies.

“It is never too late to learn something new and now is the perfect time to start.”

Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins TD said: “We have so much on offer but it can be a very difficult system to navigate.

“This website outlines all of your options – apprenticeship, traineeship, a short course, a degree, a Masters. And it offers supports for businesses too.

“So, please log onto http://www.gov.ie/therightcourse website.”

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Economic Incentive Scheme for Vacant Properties in Urban Areas 2021-2022

Waterford City & County Council is offering incentives over a three year period to attract new retail and other businesses within the core retail area of the City Centre, towns and village centre of Waterford in order to bring vibrancy and vitality to the city and town centres.

It is intended to ensure that any incoming retail or service use will respect and enhance the multifaceted character of the area and will allow and encourage a diversity of uses to increase its overall attractiveness for shopping, leisure and business purposes.

There will be a strong presumption in favour of grant-aid for higher order comparison retail outlets including fashion outlets – both multiple and independent stores, ‘lifestyle stores’, flagship stores, niche and specialist retailers such as home furnishings, beauty products, jewellery and bookshops.

Level of Support available under the Economic Incentive Scheme

For more details on the scheme, please read the scheme guidelines or contact one of the Economic Development Team. To apply for the scheme, register here.

Waterford City Centre
Maureen Fitzsimons – mfitzsimons@waterfordcouncil.ie, 087 7649173

Dungarvan town centre
Bernadette Drohan – bdrohan@waterfordcouncil.ie, 087 2586597

All other areas in Waterford
Lisa Grant – lgrant@waterfordcouncil.ie, 087 2124242

Code of Conduct between Landlords and Tenants for Commercial Rents

On 01 October 2020, the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation published its Code of Conduct between Landlords and Tenants for Commercial Rents. This voluntary code, which is to apply until 31 July 2021 seeks to give guidance to landlords and tenants where commercial tenancies have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The Code does not apply to all tenancies and specifically states that where tenants are in a position to pay rent in full, they should continue to do so.

By Waterford City & County Council

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2021 cancelled

Waterford City and County Council wishes to confirm the St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2021 will not go ahead in the usual format due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A decision on a re-imagined format will be made over the coming week in consultation with event organisers and funders.  For more information, please email stpatricksfestivalwaterford@gmail.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Join the Green Dog Walker Scheme

** NOTE – Due to the unprecedented number of sign-ups, we have had to temporarily suspend this pledge – thank you for participating **

Green Dog Walker Scheme

Pro-actively encourage and support responsible dog ownership

The Green Dog Walker scheme is a positive and pro-active way to encourage and support responsible dog ownership in Waterford.  It aims to increase awareness of the problem of dog fouling which is among the most common forms of littering.

When you sign up to the scheme we will send you a complimentary Green Dog-Walkers high-vis vest and a ‘doggie bone’ poop-bag dispenser with a roll of bags.

By signing up you have ‘Taken the Pledge’ to always clean up after your dog, to carry extra doggie bags and to gladly give others a bag for their dog if they ask for one.  By wearing the high-vis vest you are indicating that you are a responsible dog-owner participating in and supporting the scheme.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford receives €110k funding under Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2020

Six projects in Co. Waterford received almost €110,000 in funding under the scheme with four successful applications submitted by Waterford City and County Council and two by Waterford Leader Partnership. Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan welcomed the announcement of funding saying,  “investment in upgrading and maintaining trails and outdoor recreational amenities like these has become more important than ever. Throughout 2020 we saw that people really seized the opportunity to get out in the open air at one of the many outdoor amenities spread right across the county. Taking our daily exercise has now become a vital part of daily life as we navigate our way through this pandemic. It is vitally important that the Local Authority and communities are enabled to maintain our favourite walking and cycling routes and other amenities which allow people to enjoy these facilities at their very best. Well done to all involved with the funding applications and we all look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour this year”.

The following projects were successful in securing funding under Measure 1, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2020:

The Towers Walk, Ballysaggartmore: This charming, woodland walk can be found about 3.5km outside of Lismore on the Ballyduff Road. It is an ideal location for a pleasant walk and picnic at any time of year. The funding allocated will allow Waterford City and County Council carry out necessary maintenance works along the trail and at the imposing gothic gate lodges which date back to the 1850’s.

The Boolas Loop Walk and Nire Valley Walks: The Comeraghs have attracted hikers and hill walkers for many years now. There are networks of marked walking trails near Rathgormack and the Nire Valley, with a number of Fáilte Ireland National Looped Walks at both locations. The funding allocated here will allow repair works required to some of the trails.

Abbeyside Coastal Walk: Phase 1 of the Abbeyside Coastal Walk was funded under this scheme in 2019. Phase 2 will allow for a further enhancement and extension of this trail which has attracted many users since the walkway was opened in summer 2020.

Waterford Leader Partnership was also successful in being allocated funding for two projects under the funding scheme, one of which is Mount Melleray Monastery Walks. Three looped walks are located on the grounds of the Historic Mount Melleray Abbey. The Abbey is nearly at the halfway point on St. Declan’s Way, and these looped walks will provide either a gentle break for walkers and pilgrims to survey the Knockmealdowns on the pilgrim walk to Ardmore, or a pleasant walk for day visitors to the Café at the Monastery. Mount Melleray Monastery Walks will provide upgrades to: The Well Walk, 2.5 Kms, the Cross Walk 4.1 Kms and the Source Walk, 9.1 Kms. Works will involve an upgrading of the walks to meet NTO standards. Mount Melleray Abbey is in the process of completing its new Tourist Hostel to facilitate walkers on St. Declan’s Way. Nearly €400,000 is being invested in the new Tourism Facility, which is part funded by LEADER.

By Waterford City & County Council

Update from Housing Supply, Maintenance and Improvement Section

Following the close of construction activity with effect from 6pm Friday 8th January as part of the national effort to halt the spread of COVID-19, a limited number of social housing projects, including voids, were designated as essential sites.

In Waterford these include units at the following locations (please note that not all work locations are listed below):

  • Slievekeale, Waterford City
  • Mount William, Waterford City
  • Doyle Street, Waterford City
  • Larchville, Waterford City
  • Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford
  • The Courtyard, Waterford City
  • Mount Neil, Carrickphierish, Gracedieu, Waterford City
  • Wadding Manor, Ferrybank, Waterford City
  • Units in Lighthouse Way, Dunmore East
  • Units in Monksfield, Dungarvan
  • Units in The Sycamores, Shandon, Dungarvan

Housing adaptation grants have been designated as essential, where the homeowner is agreeable to works being undertaken in their home.

Maintenance of the Council’s housing stock will continue on a prioritised emergency and urgent basis only. All requests should continue to be made through the Council’s Customer Services Department.

The government also announced that in the case of private homes that are practically complete and scheduled for habitation by 31 January 2021, including where snagging, and essential remediation work, such as pyrite works is nearing completion, works can continue to enable homeowners access their homes. This would include heating, water, broadband and electricity installation to enable homes be occupied.

By Waterford City & County Council

Rural Traffic Calming Scheme, N25 at Carroll’s Cross

CONSULTATION TYPE: SUBMISSIONS / OBSERVATIONS ACCEPTED
CONSULTATION END DATE: 3rd February, 2021

Waterford City and County Council proposes to undertake the construction of a rural traffic calming Safety Scheme/Pavement Scheme along the N25 national primary road at the junction known as Carroll’s Cross. The scheme is located approximately 27km east of Dungarvan town and approximately 19km west of Waterford City, in the townland of Ballyshunnock, Co. Waterford. The proposed woks includes resurfacing of the existing pavement, modification of the existing traffic lanes with reduction of carriageway widths, construction of revised junction layouts, construction of traffic calming islands with chamfered kerbs and road edge kerbs, construction of upgraded drainage facilities to allow rapid removal of surface water, construction of new shared use one way cycle facility, provision of new lighting designed in line with current standards and provision of new road signage and markings and landscaping. The proposed length of the scheme is approximately 500 meters.

The implementation of the rural traffic calming scheme with reduction of carriageway widths, construction of traffic calming islands and new shared use pedestrian/cycle facility, together with new lighting, road signage and markings and landscaping will create a safe environment for all road users.

The main goal is to reduce vehicular speed and improve the facilities for the vulnerable road users. The scheme will also seek to create a safer environment along the existing section of N25 on approach to and through the junction. This will be achieved by the alteration of the existing junction layout, reducing the width of the main road, provision of traffic calming islands with chamfered kerbs and improving pedestrian/cyclist facilities on both northern and the southern side of the existing N25 at this location.

Due to Covid restrictions details of the scheme layout can be viewed belowe during the period 23rd December, 2020 to 20th January, 2021 and submissions can be made up to 3rd February, 2021 by:

Post: Aideen Jacob, Administrative Officer, Roads Department, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford.
Email: ajacob@waterfordcouncil.ie

A hard copy of the drawing(s) can also be requested by contacting the above named on 0761 102020.

Downloads

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Humphreys announces over €15.4 million in funding for 147 rural towns and villages

Funding aimed at helping communities respond to COVID-19
Focus on developing outdoor amenities and enhancing public spaces
Emphasis on supporting Remote Working in rural communities
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced over €15.4 million under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The funding will assist towns and villages to implement measures that can help them to respond to the challenges associated with COVID-19.

The funding will benefit 147 towns and villages and will fund a wide and diverse range of projects nationwide including walkways, community parks, outdoor cinemas, cycleways as well as the regeneration of derelict buildings and enhancement works at tourism attractions and other important local amenities.

Funding has also been provided for the development of a number of remote working facilities in rural towns and villages. Successful projects will see the renovation and conversion of vacant buildings into digital hubs as well as adaptions to local community centres to provide for remote working and eLearning facilities.

Announcing the successful projects today, Minister Humphreys said:

“Our rural towns and villages are a vital part of the fabric of our lives. The past year has shown us, more than ever, how much we rely on our local communities and has rekindled our sense of pride in where we live.”

“The funding I am announcing today is about helping communities get back on their feet and adapt to the ongoing challenges COVID-19 presents – it will help make our towns and villages safer places to live, work and do business.”

“The pandemic has made us all appreciate the importance of getting outdoors for a little exercise and fresh air. I am delighted that a wide range of projects being funded today will support the development of recreational amenities such as walkways, cycleways, dog parks, community parks, playgrounds and more.”

“There is also significant investment to regenerate old buildings and enhancement works at areas of natural beauty – helping make our towns and villages more attractive places to visit and enjoy.”

Waterford already received €451,916 across 16 projects in 2020 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme Accelerated Measure to help rural areas to adapt and manage within the COVID 19 pandemic environment.

Waterford’s successful projects :

1.      Stradbally –  Development of a biodiversity park, including path construction, natural paving, seating, bespoke bike stands and interpretative wildlife signage. €88,615

2.      Aglish –  Pedestrian safety measures, upgrade works to community hall; installation of finger posts and tourism and heritage signage. €68,509

3.      Dungarvan  – The development of a strategic framework and implementation plan for Dungarvan. €53,784

4.      Knockanore  – The installation of IT infrastructure within the community hall to create a remote hub; the installation of a bus shelter; and the installation of tourism information signage. €56,856

5.      Clashmore  – Upgrade of community building facilities (The Heritage Centre and the Old School House) in Clashmore and installation of tourism signage and marquee. €85,446

Total €353,210

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Recycling of natural Christmas trees

Natural Christmas Trees will be accepted for recycling free of charge at Kilbarry, Waterford, Civic Amenity Site and at Ballinamuck, Dungarvan, Civic Amenity Site until 9th January 2021.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council extends a vote of sympathy on the passing of former Mayor and Councillor, Pat Hayes

Waterford City and County Council held a Special Meeting at 12pm today (Tuesday 29th December 2020) to extend sympathies to the family of the late Pat Hayes, former Mayor and Elected Waterford City Council representative.

Deepest sympathies are extended to Pat’s wife Bridie, his daughter Eimear, sons Emmett, Mark, Michael and Padraig and to his extended family, friends and colleagues.

The Mayor of Waterford opened the special meeting by saying “Pat was known to all through his involvement in politics, through his proud affiliation to the Labour Party and of all the traditions that came with politics. Pat was a great friend and ambassador to the arts community in Waterford and was a regular visitor to many shows and plays. His passing has evoked a great sadness throughout the county and country. Pat had a warm and engaging personality and he had a wonderful ability to make you feel you were the centre of attention. Pat gave fantastic representation to Waterford, was hugely proud of Waterford and Waterford can be immensely proud of that representation”

Pat Hayes was first elected to Waterford Corporation in 1991 and he proudly represented the constituency of Ward One until his retirement in 2013. During his 22-year political career, Pat twice served as Mayor to the City of Waterford and represented Waterford during exceptional events. During his term as Mayor in 2000 Waterford celebrated the millennium and again in 2011 Waterford hosted the Tall Ships Race. Pat was known across the country through his involvement with the Local Authorities Members Association (LAMA) where he served as joint honorary treasurer of LAMA with his former colleague the late John Carey.

Cllr. Seamus Ryan said of his Labour Party colleague, “Pat Hayes, during his working life with An Post, as a local Councillor, Mayor of Waterford and as someone dedicated to several community based organisations, Pat epitomised the values of public service and society so important to the Labour party which he was a staunch member of. He had a warm personality and loved to engage people. That could be a greeting on the street, a word with someone on behalf of a constituent that had raised an issue with him, contributing to the work of the many committees he was involved in, or speaking as a firm advocate for Waterford.  His family, to whom our deepest sympathies are extended, can be very proud of Pat Hayes. He gave of his best for them, for Waterford and for us all.”

An online Book of Condolence will open today Tuesday 29th December 2020 to allow the people of Waterford to express their sympathies to Pat’s family. The Online Book of Condolence can be found on http://bit.ly/PatHayesRIP

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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