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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

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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.

By Waterford City & County Council

Councillors visit rural development projects

On Tuesday, July 29th Waterford City and County Council elected representatives and management team visited a number of rural regeneration and community projects in County Waterford.

The first port of call was Mahon Bridge to view the new playground, repairs to the walkway at Crough Woods and the newly added car park, all funded under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).

Mahon Bridge is popular at all times of year and particularly during holiday periods. Due to the increased visitor numbers which has led to traffic congestion issues along the local roads, there was a requirement to provide additional parking at this location.

The new facility includes 106 car parking spaces, four EV charging bays and two disabled parking bays, along with a set down area, seating and bike parking, pathway with planting and wetlands with biodiversity planting and a soakway area.

Next stop was Colligan View where the group was updated on progress on Local Community Safety Partnership projects taking place in the community and to view the proposed site for community allotments.

At Cappoquin, several projects which form part of the Cappoquin Town Centre Regeneration Strategy were showcased. With primary funding sourced through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s RRDF, the investment is augmented by additional funding from Waterford City and County Council, the Cappoquin Regeneration Company, Waterford Leader Partnership and the Tomar Trust.  This community led, multi-stakeholder initiative aims to address vacancy and dereliction in the town centre and re-energise the town’s public realm.

In Lismore, councillors toured the former Bank of Ireland building on West Street, which is being converted into a boutique style hotel and includes five glamping pods, each with vehicular access.  They then visited the grounds of the former hospital which is being regenerated for the Lismore Men’s Shed project, where men can socialise and share skills with the aim of improving mental health and well-being.

At Knockanore the group viewed the recently opened Astroturf pitch, community walkway, and health centre, which were funded through the collective efforts of the Knockanore Glendine Kilwatermoy Development Group, the Leader Project, the Tomar Trust, Active Travel Investment and Waterford City and County Council.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said that the not only did the projects bring new amenities to the towns, but they also brought with them a sense of community and connectedness.

“What we have seen here today is a host of exciting public and private partnership projects that have enhanced each and every community.  From housing and active travel projects, to sporting and heritage projects, each one of these was only possible with the vision of the Council and the knowledge and determination of the respective community partners, who gave so generously of their time.”

The final stop was to An Rinn to view the state-of-the-art Fiontar Phobal All Weather pitch, which since opening in June has proved a dynamic hub for local sports participation, training and community engagement.

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council added, “Today’s visits were case in point of the immense results that Government agencies, local authorities and community and voluntary groups can achieve by working together for the betterment of our communities. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day, and it was very well received by the elected members.  The range of projects we visited reflected exceptionally well on the breadth and quality of work being carried out by the Council.”

Mr. McKeown concluded, “What stood out clearly is the strength of the positive working relationships that have been built with stakeholders and local communities in particular. That collaboration is central to successful project delivery.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford welcomes Purple Flag assessors for 2025 Evaluation

Waterford City proudly welcomed Kevin O’Sullivan and Damon Blake from the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM) on Friday, July 18th, as part of the city’s 2025 Purple Flag assessment.

The visit marks a significant milestone in Waterford’s continued commitment to delivering a vibrant, inclusive, and safe evening and night-time economy (ENTE). Having held Purple Flag accreditation since 2015, Waterford remains a national leader in showcasing a dynamic and welcoming city centre from 5pm to 5am — encompassing family-friendly entertainment, arts and culture, late-night shopping, award-winning dining, pubs, and nightclubs.

The assessment began with a welcome reception in the historic Mayor’s Parlour at City Hall. Jim “Flash” Gordon served as Master of Ceremonies, followed by a warm welcome from Mayor Seamus Ryan, who spoke of the city’s pride in its Purple Flag status. Key contributions from Claire Hartley Senior Executive Officer, Economic Development, Jim Gordon Chair of the Purple Flag Working Group, and Eddie Mulligan (Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership) further emphasised the strength of local collaboration.

A standout feature of the day was the outstanding guided tour, where Waterford’s incredible Purple Flag Zone was brought to life. The assessors were met with the warmest of welcomes from local businesses, community organisations, and stakeholders. From the breathtaking craftsmanship at Waterford Crystal to the immersive stories at Waterford Treasures and the inspiring work of Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, each stop highlighted the rich depth of the city’s night-time offering.

Hospitality shone brightly throughout the tour. The Granville Hotel, Tully’s, O’Sullivan’s, Union, The Lounge and Woodman, Revolution, and The Reg all opened their doors to the assessors, offering a true taste of Waterford’s vibrant and diverse nightlife. These venues showcased the city’s unique character, atmosphere, and unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and community spirit.

The presence and ongoing support of An Garda Síochána further underscored the collaborative approach Waterford takes to creating a safe and welcoming city after dark.

“I want to sincerely thank all those who continuously give their time, energy, and commitment to upholding the Purple Flag ethos in Waterford. From local businesses and volunteers to our dedicated partners in An Garda Síochána, WLCSP, the PPN, and beyond – your support is the reason our city continues to shine after dark.

A special thank you to everyone who attended the welcome reception and helped set a positive tone for the visit. Waterford City & County Council remains fully committed to supporting and growing the night-time economy here in our Purple Flag zone. Together, we’re creating a city centre that reflects the pride, energy, and community spirit of Waterford.” – Julie Walsh, Purple Flag Project Lead, Waterford City & County Council.

“We were thrilled to welcome Kevin and Damon to Waterford and showcase everything our city has to offer when the sun goes down,” said Mayor Seamus Ryan. “The Purple Flag is more than just an accreditation – it reflects the strength of our community partnerships, the quality of our venues, and our shared commitment to ensuring a better night out for everyone.”

“The Purple Flag is a great example of how Waterford works in partnership to create something greater than the sum of its parts,” added Claire Hartley, Senior Executive Officer with the Economic

Development team. “It highlights not only the strength of our local businesses and venues, but also our shared vision for a thriving night-time economy that’s safe, diverse, and inclusive.”

To learn more about Waterford’s Purple Flag Zone, visit www.purpleflagwaterford.com

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Closing this week: Public Consultation on use of CCTV for Litter and Illegal Dumping

Public Consultation on CCTV

Waterford City & County Council is seeking feedback on the proposed use of CCTV systems for the prevention and detection of littering and illegal dumping.

The consultation is being held in accordance with Section 38 of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 and the associated Code of Practice.

Closing date for submissions: This Friday, 1st August 2025 at 4pm.

Details and submission portal: consult.waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Freya Marsh Honoured at City Hall Following World Title Win

Freya Marsh Honoured at City Hall Following World Title Win

Waterford’s rising MMA star Freya Marsh was honoured at a special mayoral reception in City Hall this week following her gold medal win at the IMMAF World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

Just 12 years old, Freya dominated the tournament, winning all her matches by submission, including a dramatic rematch in the final.

Her world title crowns an outstanding year that also saw her take gold at the European Championships in Serbia and Rome, along with a national boxing title with Tramore Boxing Club.

Freya was praised as a role model and an inspiration, with tributes paid to her clubs, coaches and family. Her story is also featured in the acclaimed documentary Freya: Beyond the Mat, produced by Junglehouse.

By Waterford City & County Council

Major flood prevention works to protect Waterford rail line

via Irish Rail

A significant flood defence scheme is set to commence from late August 2025 and run through to March 2026, targeting a 1.1 km stretch along the River Suir adjacent to the approach to Waterford via Plunkett Station.

The project is part of the wider North Quays development and includes sheet‑piled walls up to 25 m deep, impermeable trenches, drainage networks, and pumping stations. These works will span from Sallypark in the west, across to east of the new Plunkett Station and new Transport Hub.

These upgrades aim to prevent recurring flooding, an issue that previously caused repeated service cancellations, and pave the way for a modern electrical signalling system, boosting resilience and capacity from 2027 onward.

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 City and County Council launches new Pilot Grant to support Night-Time Economy

Purple Flag Grant SchemeWaterford Purple Flag and Waterford City and County Council are pleased to announce the launch of the Night-Time Economy (NTE) Pilot Grant for 2025.  The new initiative is designed to support creative, cultural, and community activity during off-peak evening hours in Waterford City.

This pilot scheme seeks to energise the city’s Purple Flag Zone with fresh, engaging events that will take place between Sunday and Thursday after 5pm, bringing new life to Waterford after dark and diversifying its cultural and social offering for residents and visitors alike.

Waterford City and County Council has a long-standing commitment to support the cultural and creative life of Waterford.  In 2025 the elected members approved a budget of €1.6 million to support festivals, cultural events, and artistic programming across the city and county. The launch of this new NTE pilot grant reflects and compliments that same commitment, with a specific focus on stimulating safe, inclusive and imaginative activity during traditionally quieter hours.

Grants, ranging from €500 to €1,000, are available to artists, venues, businesses, community groups and creative collaborators who wish to trial events such as live performances, exhibitions, wellness evenings, guided tours, workshops, and more.

Collaborative, multi-partner applications with larger ambitions may also be considered, subject to available funding.

This initiative aligns with Waterford’s Purple Flag goals, which are the recognition of excellence in evening and night-time management and Waterford City and County Council’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a vibrant, safe and sustainable cultural life for all.

Michael Quinn, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council explains, “The NTE grants will give artists, groups and businesses the opportunity to develop night-time initiatives that not only contribute to Waterford’s evening economy but place an emphasis on Waterford’s city centre as a safe, accessible and vibrant place after dark.

“The importance of the nighttime economy cannot be overemphasised, and the introduction of new, engaging and value-added initiatives will only serve to complement and enhance what’s on offer throughout the day.”

Jim Gordon, Chair of the Purple Flag Committee, welcomed the launch, saying, “The NTE Pilot Grant builds on the great progress already made in enhancing Waterford’s night-time economy. It provides targeted support to creative projects that bring life into the city centre in the evenings and encourages collaboration across the community. We’re pleased to see Waterford City and County Council continue to lead in this space, helping to grow and sustain the Purple Flag standard.”

Applications are now open and the deadline for submissions is 4.30pm on Friday, August 22nd, 2025.  All supported events must take place Sunday to Thursday after 5pm between September 4th 2025 and November 13th 2025 within Waterford City’s Purple Flag Zone.

To apply visit https://submit.link/40d

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By Waterford City & County Council

Ballyduff Drama Group hosted at City Hall

Ballyduff Drama GroupEarlier this week a Mayoral Reception was hosted by Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John Pratt, for Ballyduff Drama Group.

The reception was in recognition of the outstanding achievements of Ballyduff Drama Group, which proudly secured the RTÉ All-Ireland Open Drama title for the second year in a row, the third time in four years, and the fourth time in the group’s remarkable history.

Speaking at City Hall, Cllr. Pratt said, “This is a record that speaks volumes, not just about talent on the stage, but about the deep roots of dedication, craft, and community that run through Ballyduff and West Waterford. It also bears mentioning that Ballyduff remains the only drama group from our county ever to win this national title – a historic distinction indeed.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Boxer receives Mayoral Reception

Earlier this week, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan welcomed talented Waterford boxer, Michael Reilly, to City Hall for a Mayoral Reception.

The National Under 19 Champion (55kg) has enjoyed much success, competing at national and international levels.  Between 2021 and 2024, he won five National Boxing Titles across weight categories ranging from 35 to 48 kilograms.

Welcoming Michael to the Mayor’s Parlour, Mayor Ryan said it was an honour to welcome Michael and his family to City Hall “to recognise the achievements of an exceptional young athlete.”

Michael trains with St. Paul’s Boxing Club and is part of the Irish High-Performance Team and the Mayor added, “To be competing at the national and international level requires not just physical ability, but mental focus, determination, and a serious commitment to growth and excellence.

“Behind every great athlete is a strong support network. Michael’s journey has been shaped by the guidance of his father and coach, Paddy, and his uncle Willie, who has been a steady presence in his corner. Their encouragement, belief, and hard work as a team deserve recognition today as well.”

Mayor Ryan concluded, “We are all excited to see where your journey takes you next. On behalf of the people of Waterford, I want to congratulate you, your family, and your club on everything you have accomplished so far.”

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By Waterford City & County Council

Uisce Éireann issues County-Wide Water Conservation Order for Waterford to safeguard Supply

Hose Pipe ban in Waterford
Despite recent rainfall, raw water levels throughout Waterford remain critically low.

Uisce Éireann has confirmed that a Water Conservation Order — commonly known as a hosepipe ban — will come into effect across County Waterford from Saturday, 26th July 2025, until 16th September 2025.

The Water Conservation Order has been issued in a bid to safeguard the water supply for essential purposes. In accordance with statutory requirements, public notices outlining the restrictions will appear in national newspapers on 24 July 2025. These restrictions include the use of garden hoses and other non-essential water uses.

The implementation of this Order follows a long period of dry weather combined with high demand, now placing severe pressure on water supplies across the county.

It is essential that a Water Conservation Order is introduced to reduce the potential of restrictions and outages over the coming weeks and months.

The data tells us that rainfall in Waterford during May, June, and July this year to date has been significantly below average when compared to long-term rainfall records. A total of 104mm of rainfall was measured at the Moore Park, weather station during this period, compared to an average of 219.6mm for the same months in previous years — nearly 49% less rainfall recorded locally.

Fionnuala Callery, Regional Technical Operations Manager for Water at Uisce Éireann, said:“Uisce Éireann’s top priority is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services. While it may often feel like Ireland receives plenty of rain, the data shows the past 12 months have been unseasonably warm and dry. As a result, water sources across Waterford have not had their usual seasonal recharge, and we are now heading into the height of summer with lower-than-average water levels.

“Although some rainfall is expected, it will not be sufficient to make a meaningful impact on the already low water levels.

“In response, we have ramped up efforts in leakage detection, pipe repair, and overall network management. With demand continuing to outstrip supply in some areas — and further dry weather anticipated — we have taken the necessary step of implementing a Water Conservation Order to help protect the local water supply.

“Our data clearly shows that warm weather drives a significant increase in water demand, particularly for non-essential uses like gardening and outdoor cleaning. For example, using a hosepipe for just one hour can use as much water as a family typically consumes in an entire day.

“This Order builds on a range of measures Uisce Éireann has already implemented in recent months, including intensified leak detection and repair programmes, and a public awareness campaign on the importance of conserving water year-round.

“We will continue to monitor water consumption while the Order remains in place. Protecting our water supply is essential if we are to avoid more severe restrictions or supply interruptions in the weeks and months ahead.

“We are also actively engaging with commercial water users to support their conservation efforts and reduce unnecessary usage.

“There are many simple but effective ways to save water — from taking shorter showers to reusing household water in the garden. The key message is: leave the hose and pressure washer in the shed.

“We are calling on everyone to do their part so we can maintain a sustainable water supply throughout the summer,” Fionnuala added.

The Conservation Order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users, as well as commercial premises for non-commercial activities — such as watering gardens attached to a business premises.

To support households and businesses in conserving water, Uisce Éireann has developed an easy-to-use Water Conservation Calculator, which allows users to estimate how much water they’re saving and how to save even more. The calculator and additional tips are available on the Water Conservation section of our website.

Members of the public can report leaks in the public water network 24/7 by calling 1800 278 278 or visiting water.ie.

ENDS 

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayoral Reception celebrates local theatre talent

Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Séamus Ryan, welcomed a packed room to City Hall this week to celebrate the recent success of Up Down Boy at the News & Star Green Room Awards. A Mayoral Reception was held in honour of David Hennessy, Sean Upton and Brenda Giles for their roles in the acclaimed production.

The play received the award for Best Amateur Play, with David Hennessy named Best Director. Sean Upton was awarded Best Male Performance, while Brenda Giles took home Best Female Performance.

Speaking at the event, the Mayor praised the team’s achievement and their contribution to Waterford’s cultural life. “These awards reflect the talent, passion and hard work that went into Up Down Boy,” he said, acknowledging the impact of their work on stage and off.

Also present were family members, fellow cast and supporters from the local arts community.

Well done to all !

By Waterford City & County Council

South Quays Nighttime Lane Closure

Road Closures

Waterford City and County Council wishes to advise that nighttime resurfacing works will take place on Meagher’s Quay, Coal Quay and Custom House Quay, Waterford from Thursday 24th July to Friday 1st August 2025 (excluding Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July).

A contraflow system will be in operation and the public is advised to adhere to all local traffic management and follow directional signage for the duration of the works.

The works, from the roundabout at Gladstone Street to the roundabout at Keizer Street, will be carried out in phases over six nights and will commence at 7pm and finish at 6am daily. This nighttime work is intended to minimise any potential traffic disruption these works may cause for residents, businesses and commuters within the vicinity.

It will also prioritise the safety of all road users and working personnel on-site. Emergency access will be maintained for the duration of the works and works will not impact the Spraoi Festival weekend. Waterford City and County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and seeks the understanding and co-operation of the public during the course of these works.

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