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By Waterford City & County Council

Cuairt an Aire Jack Chambers chuig Gaeltacht na nDéise

Ag ócáid i gColáiste na Rinne, An Rinn, Co Phort Láirge, Déardaoin 14 Iúil, chas Jack Chambers,TD, Príomh-Aoire an Rialtais agus Aire Stáit le cúram don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht le ionadaithe de Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise. I measc iad siúd sa phictiúr in aice leis an Aire ar dheis tá Aodhán Mac Cormaic, Stiúrthóir na Gaeilge, Roinn na Gaeltachta (ar chúl); Vanessa Ní She, Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga do Ghaeltacht na nDéise; Siubhán Nic Ghrianna, Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Cabríní de Barra, Oifigeach Forbartha, Teanga Tí, Glór na nGael

Bhí Jack Chambers TD, Príomh-Aoire an Rialtais agus Aire Stáit le cúram don Ghaeltacht agus don Spórt i láthair ag ócáid a bhí ar siúl i gColáiste na Rinne, An Rinn, Dún Garbhán, Co. Phort Láirge ar an Déardaoin seo caite, 14 Iúil. Thug an ócáid seo deis do eagraíochtaí agus pobal Ghaeltacht na nDéise an Plean Teanga atá ag feidhmiú ó 2018 – 2024 a cheiliúradh. D’eagraigh Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise an imeacht le tacaíocht ó Udarás na Gaeltachta. Is é aidhm Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise ná Clár Forbartha Pobal a chur chun cinn in éineacht leis an Plean Teanga de réir na beartais Teanga atá leagtha amach sa phlean. Tá deontas ar fáil ó Udarás na Gaeltachta.

Ar an oíche bhí soláistí ar fáil agus ceol. Bhí cúpla focal ó Cathaoirleach bhord Comhlucht Forbartha, an Bainisteoir Forbartha agus Príomhoide Choláiste na Rinne.

Dúirt Liam Suipéal, Cathaoirleach, Bord Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise, “Fáiltíonn Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise roimh chuairt an Aire Chambers agus lucht na Roinne ar Ghaeltacht na nDéise. Tá cabhair nach beag tugtha ag An Roinn d’fhorbairt na Gaeltachta anseo agus tá scéimeanna agus tograí áirithe déanta agus idir lámha againn sa Phlean Teanga a chuideoidh le muintir na háite agus lucht na Gaoluinne amach anseo.”

Dár leis an t-Aire Jack Chambers, Aire Stáit Gaeltachta agus Spóirt, “Táim fíorbhuíoch as ucht an fháilte a chur Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise romham ag Coláiste na Rinne inniu. Ba mhaith an deis a bhí anseo casadh leis an gcoiste agus an tOifigeach Pleanála Teanga atá ag tabhairt faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga a chur chun cinn i nGaeltacht na nDéise.

Is léir go bhfuil obair den scoth á dhéanamh sa Limistéar Pleanála Teanga seo ó a cheadaíodh an plean teanga in 2018, agus go bhfuil muintir na Déise fíor thiomanta do chur chun cinn na Gaeilge ina gceantar. Guím gach rath ar an obair atá á dhéanamh acu sa Limistéar Pleanála Teanga.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre to undergo future-proof refurbishment

The Town Hall Theatre, Friary Street, Dungarvan is to undergo an upgrade as Waterford City and County Council invests significantly in the venue which dates back to the 19th century.

The investment will be in upgrading the online booking system and the upgrade of stage lighting and associated system, for which a tender is currently underway.

Kieran Kehoe, Dungarvan Town Manager and Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council said the new physical and operations structures will future-proof the theatre. “The theatre is a wonderful, old-style, local amenity and this investment will ensure that it is on a secure footing to bring a quality artistic offering to the people of Dungarvan and its environs for years to come.”

“Waterford City and County Council is investing €40,000 in the upgrade of the stage lighting, which will greatly enhance the mood and experience of the audience.”

Conor Nolan, Arts Officer added, “The upgrades to the lighting system and booking system will consolidate the Town Hall’s reputation as a leading arts centre. With a new user-friendly online booking system to be developed and investment in lighting and staging, the venue will be an even more accessible and attractive addition to the arts and culture landscape, while still retaining its traditional charm.”

To allow for these works to progress, the facility will not be available for use until Spring 2023 when details of new operations will be announced.

For future information about Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre please contact dungarvantheatre@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Irish Language Plan for Dungarvan approved

At an event in the Old Market House Art Centre in Dungarvan on Thursday 14 July, Jack Chambers TD, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish Language and the Gaeltacht, announced that the Irish Language Plan for Dungarvan has been approved.

The announcement means that Dungarvan is now officially recognised as a Gaeltacht Service Town. The Minister of State also announced that €80,000 will be provided each year to support the implementation of the Plan over a seven year period.

At the event, the Mayor for Waterford City & County Council John O’Leary welcomed the Irish Language Plan saying that it will support the development of the Irish language in Dungarvan for the benefit of the communities of Dungarvan and the Waterford Gaeltacht.

Dónal Ó Conghaile, the Chairperson for Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge, the local committee that is officially recognised to develop the Irish Language Plan, said that it has been clearly demonstrated that Dungarvan has specific importance as a Gaeltacht Service Town and that there is a long and strong relationship between the people of Dungarvan and Gaeltacht na nDéise.

He indicated that there will now be an opportunity to employ an Irish Language Planning Officer for the town to support the development of the Irish language in the area, with an emphasis on support for families and young people, for businesses and in education, and for the public in general.

He stated that Dungarvan’s Irish Language plan is a road map that is based on extensive consultation and provides a demonstration of the aspirations of the people of Dungarvan and its environs in regard to the Irish language, including those of the Waterford Gaeltacht community.

‘’I am really hoping that more people from the community will be interested in being members of Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge so as to support the implementation of the plan. At the moment we are working towards Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge acquiring status as a Cooperative Society and anybody who would be interested in the development of the Irish language in the area would be most welcome to join,’’ he said.

Also present as the event with the Minister of State Jack Chambers was Mary Butler TD, Minister for Mental Health and Older People and TD in County Waterford, TD’s and Councillors from the county, Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford City & County Council, representatives from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, Foras na Gaeilge, Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge committee, Waterford City and County Council, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Glór na nGael, Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber of Commerce, town businesses and the Irish language community from Dungarvan and its environs, including the Waterford Gaeltacht.

By Waterford City & County Council

2GoCup Initiative Launched in Waterford City & County

Waterford City and County Council is proud to partner with 2GoCup – the €1 Deposit & Return Scheme for takeaway cups – in a joint initiative to tackle the single-use waste across Waterford City & County.

At the launch on Friday 15th July 2022 at the Granary Café in Waterford City, the ten participating Cafés were invited to celebrate their collective effort to tackle single-use waste. The project is due to commence on 26th July and will run for three months.

All participating cafés will offer customers the opportunity to buy a €1 2GoCup or bring their own reusable cup. Customers can get this €1 deposit back whenever they want to or exchange their 2GoCup for a new one in any participating café. We are delighted to have these ten cafes committed to take part in this initiative. It is hoped that the participating cafes will then encourage other cafes to accept and move towards reusable cups.

The ten businesses taking part in this pilot are:

  1. Coach House, Kilmacthomas
  2. Whistlestop Cafe, Suir Valley Railway
  3. Causeway Cafe, Dungarvan
  4. Cafe Bliss, Abbeyside
  5. The Railway Cottage, Clonea
  6. The Granary, Hanover Street
  7. Under the Clockhouse, Catherine Street
  8. The Stable Yard, Georges Court
  9. Trade, The Quay
  10. Gallwey’s Chocolate Cafe, Henrietta Street

How does it work?

Customers have to pay a €1 deposit for their 2GoCup. They can reuse the cup in your shop or in any other shop using 2GoCups.They can exchange their cup for a fresh 2GoCup if they wish. They can get their €1 deposit back if they want or they can keep the cup!

“2GoCup is proud to be working with Waterford City & County Council on an initiative that promotes reuse right across the region. As a solution-driven Irish business, we love nothing more than working closely with independent cafes right up to large organisations looking to swap out their disposable cups and save money. We expect this project will not only benefit the consumers looking to get their coffee sustainably but also boost the business financially. We look forward to more cafes in Waterford joining up to have an impact” – Kevin Murphy, CEO of 2GoCup.

Mayor of Waterford City & County, Councillor John O’ Leary was present to launch the scheme.  Addressing the group, the Mayor said that “It is very encouraging to see businesses supporting this campaign, both here in Waterford and all along our beautiful Greenway. I hope that they will lead the way for others to join them in this goal and urge other cafes to move towards reusable cups also.”

During his speech, he also said that “We all have an opportunity to take action to reduce our impact on this earth. Every action counts. By taking part in this scheme, you are all becoming part of the solution by reducing your carbon footprint by supporting the circular economy and helping the fight against Climate Change”.

By Waterford City & County Council

Plean Teanga Dhún Garbhán ceadaithe

Ag ócáid in Ionad Ealaíon Seanteach an Mhargaidh i nDún Garbhán Déardaoin 14 Iúil, d’fhógair Jack Chambers,TD, Príomh-Aoire an Rialtais agus Aire Stáit le cúram don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht, go bhfuil plean teanga Dhún Garbhán ceadaithe.

Ciallíonn seo go bhfuil Dún Garbhán aitheanta go hoifigiúil mar Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta anois.

D’fhógair an tAire Stáit chomh maith go mbeidh €80,000 sa bhliain á chur ar fáil chun tacú le cur i bhfeidhm an phlean teanga thar thréimhse seacht mbliana.

Ag an ócáid, chuir Méara Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge John O’Leary fáilte roimh an bPlean Teanga ag rá go dtacóidh sé leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn i nDún Garbhán ar mhaithe le pobail Dhún Garbhán agus Gaeltacht na nDéise.

Deir Dónal Ó Conghaile, Cathaoirleach Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge, an coiste áitiúil atá aitheanta go hoifigiúil chun an Plean Teanga a fhorbairt, go bhfuil sé léirithe go soiléir go bhfuil tábhacht faoi leith ag Dún Garbhán mar Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus go bhfuil gaol láidir agus fad bunaithe idir muintir an bhaile agus muintir Ghaeltacht na nDéise.

Thug sé le fios go mbeidh deis anois Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga a fhostú don bhaile chun tacú le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge sa cheantar, le béim ar thacaíochtaí do teaghlaigh agus daoine óga, do ghnóthaí agus oideachais agus don bpobal go ginearálta.

Dúirt sé gur mapa bóthair atá i bPlean Teanga Dhún Garbhán atá bunaithe ar chomhairliúchán leathan agus a thugann léiriú cruinn ar mhianta mhuintir Dhún Garbhán agus máguaird, Gaeltacht na nDeise san áireamh i leith an Ghaeilge.

‘’Tá mé ag súl go mór chomh maith go mbeidh spéis ag breis daoine ón bpobal a bheith mar bhaill de Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge chun tacú leis an bPlean a chur i gcrích. Faoi láthair táimid ag obair ar stádas Comharchumann a fháil do Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge agus bheadh na múrtha fáilte roimh aon duine atá suim acu i chur chun cinn na Gaeilge sa cheantar a bheith mar bhall,’’ ar sé.

I láthair chomh maith ag an ócáid leis an Aire Jack Chambers bhí Mary Butler TD, Aire Meabhairshláinte agus Daoine Aosta agus Teachta Dála i bPort Láirge; Teachtaí Dála agus Comhairleoirí ón gcontae, Michael Walsh, Príomhfheidhmeannach, Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, ionadaithe ón Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon Spóirt agus Meán, Foras na Gaeilge, Coiste Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge, gnóthaí an bhaile agus pobal na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Glór na nGael, Cumann Tráchtála Dhún Garbhán agus Gaeilge Dhún Garbhán agus máguaird, Gaeltacht na nDéise san áireamh.

By Waterford City & County Council

Free TuneFest Summer Lunchtime Sessions at the Old Market House Arts Centre, Dungarvan

If on Thursdays over the summer weeks you want some quality free music, pop into the Old Market House Arts Centre, Lower Main Street, Dungarvan from 12 noon to 1.30pm.

The sessions will feature traditional musicians from the area for you to enjoy as you browse the artwork or simply listen to the music, people are encouraged to come in at whatever time over their lunch break which suits, to catch a tune or a few.

Last month, TuneFest held their annual festival with concerts, workshops and recitals, these new lunchtime sessions will offer visitors the opportunity to hear a variety of musicians and styles over the coming weeks. Bígí linn, Thursdays from midday in the Old Market House Arts Centre, Dungarvan, starting this Thursday 14th July 2022.

These sessions are brought to you by the Arts Office, Waterford City and County Council. Tá fáilte roimh gach aoinne.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Development Plan commended by Office of the Planning Regulator

Following the adoption of the Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022-2028 by elected members of Waterford City and County Council, the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) has commended the local authority on ‘a coherent and appropriate strategy for the delivery of key national planning objectives including the promotion of compact growth and town and village centre regeneration.’

The Plan, prepared by WCCC Planning Authority, is a statutory planning document, made in accordance with Section 9(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), and covers the six-year period from 2022 – 2028.

waterford_development_plan _2022-28

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council said, “With our ultimate aims of enhancing growth of the wider city region and driving regional prosperity to make Waterford the best place to live, work and invest, this Development Plan provides us with a clear roadmap to enable us to attain those objectives.”

“Throughout the process there was extensive public consultation and collaboration.  In fact, with a total of 1,155 written submissions, it was the highest level of engagement received for any draft development plan.  It is evident that the people of Waterford care deeply about how our city and county develop, and Waterford City and County Council is committed to a proactive and dynamic approach towards sustainable social, environmental and economic development of the region.”

Correspondence from the OPR stated, “The preparation of the City Neighbourhood Strategy, Appendix 21 ‘Waterford City and County Regeneration and Opportunity Sites’, and inclusion of brownfield targets for the county’s settlements within the core strategy table are all welcomed and demonstrates the planning authority’s objective to support compact growth and the provisions of NSO 1 of the National Planning Framework.”

It added, “Furthermore the delivery of a robust renewable energy strategy, which provides for measurable renewable energy targets, demonstrates the planning authority’s clear commitment to supporting national renewable energy targets under the Climate Action Plan 2021.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary said the OPR correspondence was a great endorsement of the Development Plan. “Overall, it was very positively received.   It’s testament to the huge amount of planning, research, and public input over the last two years.  This has resulted in a solid policy and spatial framework that will shape Waterford city and county, for the better, for the future.”

There are some elements of the Development Plan that will be redressed.  The OPR cited reservations about the further development of the Duckspool area of Dungarvan, however, fully supports the plan to ‘prioritise regeneration on sites that are amenable to walking and cycling to the town centre, such as Shandon and Kilrush, and whereby the most central development sites in the town are prioritised for new development first.’

The Development Plan will come into effect on July 19th  2022, six weeks after the date on which it was adopted, this period facilitating the final preparation and assembly of Development Plan documents for general use in the day-to-day operation of the Planning Authority and broader strategic investment decision making.  The Development Plan also provides the basis on which Local Area Plans will be prepared for parts of Waterford City, the Key Town of Dungarvan, Tramore and other urban towns across the county over the lifetime of the Plan.

An interim version of the Development Plan including Volume 1: Written Statement, Volume 2: Development Management Standards and associated land use zoning and specific development objective mapping is available on the council website www.waterfordcouncil.ie until July 19th, after which the complete suite of Development Plan documents including all environmental reports and appendices will be is available for inspection at the following locations:

  • Online at www.waterfordcouncil.ie
  • Customer Care Desk, Waterford City & County Council, Baileys New Street
  • Customer Care Desk, Waterford City & County Council, Civic Offices, Dungarvan
  • Waterford City and County Council branch libraries.

Copies of volume 1 and 2 along with a book of land use zoning maps will be available for purchase from Planning@waterfordcouncil.ie and the Customer Care desks in Waterford City and Dungarvan following the coming into effect of the Development Plan.

Given the large quantity of spatial data which informs the Development Plan, it is not possible to make this fully available in printed format and as such it is recommended that this is accessed via the Development Plan Story Maps that will be available on the council website.

By Waterford City & County Council

Almost 1 in 4 drivers check mobile phone notifications while driving

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are once again appealing to drivers to not use their mobile phones while driving. The calls come following the publication of new research which shows almost a quarter of drivers (23%) admit to checking mobile phone notifications while driving.

The Driver Attitudes & Behaviour Survey 2021 found that 37% of motorists surveyed were not practicing safe mobile phone behaviour when driving, which includes turning off your mobile phone, switching it on silent, or keeping it out of sight.

International research has revealed that drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a collision if they use their mobile phone while driving. Despite this, the RSA survey also found that 19% of respondents use their phone to read messages/emails, while 13% write messages/emails from behind the wheel. In addition, 12% of motorists admitted to using their phones to check social media.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Ms. Hildegarde Naughton said: “The evidence around the dangers of using your mobile phone while driving is very clear, with drivers four times more likely to have a collision when on their mobile. The new government Road Safety Strategy 2021 to 2030 has identified the need for a review of the penalties for road traffic offences, including mobile phone use while driving. Nobody can claim that they are not aware of the dangers of using a phone while driving. Therefore, if we are to achieve a 50% reduction in deaths and serious injuries by 2030, plus achieve Vision Zero by 2050, we need to seriously look at such measures to eliminate this dangerous behaviour”.

Mr Sam Waide, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority said: “Driver distraction is thought to play a role in up to 30% of all road collisions. Using your mobile is a significant form of driver distraction as it dangerously impairs your ability to monitor the road ahead and react to any hazards in time. That call, text, or social media post can wait until you are parked up safely, whatever you do don’t take a chance and use your phone while driving. If you know someone is driving, avoid phoning them until they have reached their destination or are safely parked up. Following the publication of the latest statistics, we are asking all motorists to follow safe behaviour when it comes to their mobile phone while driving and either turn it off, switch it to airplane mode, put it on silent or simply put it out of sight”.

Assistant Commissioner, Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána said: “The penalty for using a mobile phone, which includes supporting it with any part of your body, while driving is an automatic three points on your licence and a sixty euro fine. If you accumulate 12 penalty points (7 for novice and learner drivers) in a three-year period, you will be disqualified from driving for 6 months. In 2021 a total of 22,310 notices were issued for ‘Driving a vehicle while holding a mobile phone’. When driving our attention should be focused on one thing only – driving safely and not on a mobile phone. As road-users, we have a responsibility to ourselves, our passengers, and other road-users to keep our attention on the road, so I would encourage all road-users to switch off before you drive off.”

To date in 2022, a total of 86 people have died on Irish roads, 27 more than the same period in 2021.

The government Road Safety Strategy 2021 to 2030 primary target is to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030. It is also the first step towards realising Vision Zero, whereby all deaths and serious injuries are eliminated by 2050.

For more information on mobile phone safety and the government Road Safety Strategy visit rsa.ie.

By Waterford City & County Council

THE SIEGE OF WATERFORD – A Centenary Commemoration

SATURDAY 16TH JULY 

AT WATERFORD TREASURES MEDIEVAL MUSEUM, AV THEATRE

POOLEWP 3046 Group of Free State Soldiers outside the Granville Hotel with mine. Image reproduced courtesy of the National Library of Ireland 

PROGRAMME

2PM  WELCOME Cllr. John O’Leary, Mayor, Waterford City and County Council

2.10pm The Siege of Waterford, July 1922 A Centenary Commemoration Talk by Dr. Pat McCarthy, historian and author

3pm George Lennon and the Siege of Waterford Interview with Ivan Lennon

4.30pm Walking Tour of the Siege of Waterford Locations by Waterford historian James Doherty

Armoured Vehicles from the period courtesy of the Department of Defence will be available to view at Cathedral Square

This event is hosted by Waterford City and County Council Commemorations Committee as part of the ongoing programme marking the Decade of Centenaries and is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 initiative.

Follow @WaterfordSiege on Twitter for updates on events of the Civil War in Waterford

This event is FREE but BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL as PLACES ARE LIMITED 

BOOK AT  https://bit.ly/3IgcDSr 

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By Waterford City & County Council

LÉIGEAR PHORT LÁIRGE – Comóradh Céad Bliain

DÉ SATHAIRN 16 IÚIL

SA MÚSAEM MEÁNAOISEACH AG WATERFORD TREASURES, CLOSAMHARCLANN

POOLEWP 3046 Grúpa saighdiúirí an tSaorstáit lasmuigh d’Óstán Granville le mianach. Íomhá atáirgeadh le caoinchead Leabharlann Náisiúnta na hÉireann

CLÁR

2.00 i.n. Fáilte An Comh. John O’Leary, Méara Chomairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge

2.10 i.n. “The Siege of Waterford, July 1922: A Centenary Commemoration” Caint leis an Dr. Pat McCarthy, staraí agus údar

3.00 i.n. George Lennon and the Siege of Waterford  Agallamh le Ivan Lennon

4.30 i.n. Turas Siúil ar Láithreacha LéigearPhort Láirge leis an staraí as Port Láirge, James Doherty

Beidh Feithiclí Armútha ón tréimhse, le caoinchead na Roinne Cosanta, ar fáil le breathnú orthu ag Cearnóg na hArdeaglaise

Tá an ócáid seo á óstáil ag Coiste Cuimhneacháin Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, mar chuid de chlár leanúnach chun Deich mBliana na gCuimneachán a chomóradh agus tá tacaíocht á fáil aige ón Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán faoi thionsnamh Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán 2012-2023

Lean @WaterfordSiege ar Twitter chun an t-eolas is déanaí a fháil faoi imeachtaí an Chogaidh Chathartha i bPort Láirge

Tá an ócáid seo SAOR IN AISCE ach tá IS GÁ D’ÁIT A CHUR IN ÁIRITHE ROIMH RÉ mar go bhfuil LÍON TEORANTA SPÁSANNA

CUIR D’ÁIT IN ÁIRITHE TRÍ NASC EVENTBRITE https://bit.ly/3IgcDSr

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