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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Poetry Prize 2022

The Waterford Poetry Prize is open to all writers currently living on the island of Ireland. Please see eligibility for details. Waterford Poetry Prize has emerged from the influence of the late Waterford writer Seán Dunne whose poetry continues to inspire.
PRIZES
The winners of the Waterford Poetry Prize 2022 will be announced at a special event at the Waterford Writers Weekend, as part of the Imagine Arts Festival on Friday 28th October 2022.
  • First prize is €400 plus attendance at a designated writing course at the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore in 2023 (This prize valued €250 is non-transferable and no cash alternative will be awarded in lieu).
  • Second prize €300 plus attendance at a designated writing course at the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore in 2023 (This prize valued €250 is non-transferable and no cash alternative will be awarded in lieu).
  • Third prize €200.

Learn how to apply here: https://waterford.submit.com//show/102

By Waterford City & County Council

Dungarvan Skatepark officially opened by Mayor of Waterford City and County

Having been constructed in just under nine weeks Dungarvan Skatepark has been officially opened by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary.  Located in Fairlane, the skatepark is suited to skateboarders, rollerbladers, BMXers and scooter riders of all ages, skills and styles.

Over the past 15 years many groups and individuals have been calling for the provision of a skatepark in Dungarvan. Building on this work Dungarvan Skatepark c.l.g. was established to bring this wonderful amenity to fruition. The directors of Dungarvan Skatepark c.l.g. are Donal Connolly, Mary Leahy, Cordelia Burke and John Donovan. Mary, Cordelia and John, all officers of Dungarvan No Name Club and previously involved in the building of The Fusion Centre in Dungarvan. Donal brings vast experience from his time as Waterford County Manager and within the Lions Club.

 

The 600m2 facility developed by Dungarvan Skatepark Company is constructed in concrete and combines elements of bowl and street plaza features.  It has been designed with the specific needs of skateboarders in mind with input from Waterford Comhairle na nÓg and local skateboarders.

The input from the skateboarders was very much taken on board and today the skaters can effortlessly complete their ollies, frontside 180s, laser flips and kick flips in the bowl section, while at the street plaza area, skaters and riders can negotiate street obstacles such as stairs, railings and benches.

Speaking at the official opening, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr John O’Leary said, “I am truly delighted to see so many skateboarders and BMXers availing of the new skatepark. The park has been accessible for a few weeks and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

 

“To see crowds of young people, sharing this space, learning new skills or polishing their old skills, encouraging each other and developing new friendships is heartening.”

 

“Now that skateboarding is officially an Olympic Sport, we could be looking at a future gold medallist hailing from Dungarvan or the surrounding areas.  Olympic dreams, like most dreams, start with a spark of encouragement or motivation and I believe this park is where Olympic dreams can become a reality.”

 

Donal Connolly, Dungarvan Skatepark Company said, “The whole premise of the skatepark was to give young people a safe space to skateboard, the opportunity to meet their friends outdoors, have fun and try their hand at skateboarding, regardless of their level of skills.”

 

“It’s evident today that that has been achieved and we’re delighted that skateboaring has become hugely popular with young people who have never tried their hand at it before simply because this facility is outstanding, welcoming and accessible.”

 

Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added, “What makes this park particularly special is that it is the opinions, suggestions and advice from those who would use skatepark, have shaped the park.”

 

“Through consultation and engagement with stakeholders Dungarvan Skatepark Company has developed an amenity that has massive appeal to children, their families and young adults and is the envy of many towns and cities.”

 

The project cost almost €200,000 with grant aid of €150,000 from Waterford Leader Partnership, and Dungarvan Lions Club providing €10,000 project funding.  The balance of €40,000 was provided by Waterford City & County Council which also leased the land at Fairlane to the Skatepark Company.  The contractor was Browne Brothers Site Services, in conjunction with Vulcano Skateparks from Spain for the design and construction of the skatepark.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

DEATH OF CLLR. JAMES TOBIN, FORMER MAYOR OF WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr John O’ Leary:

It is with great sadness and shock that I learned today of the passing of my good friend, party colleague, and former mayor of Waterford City & County, Councillor James Tobin.

I have the honour of saying I knew James for over 30 years and in that time, I was privileged to work closely with him and consider myself a friend of his.

I first met James when he was Chairman of the Waterford GAA County Board in 1984.  As a proud member of Knockanore Shamrocks club, chairing the county board during the GAAs centenary year was something he was immensely proud of.

James immersed himself in his community and undertook numerous roles in order to make a difference. He was a member of Knockanore, Glendine, Kilwatermoy Community Council, Member of South East Regional Authority and Vice Chairman of Déise Link Rural transport Committee, a role he particularly relished as he was committed to ensuring that people in remote rural villages and towns had access to transport to ensure they didn’t feel isolated.  He was also Chairman of Board of Management of St. Carthages House Lismore.

James’ commitment and dedication were far-reaching in local politics.  He was a councillor since 1999 and in 2014/15 he became the first Mayor of the newly amalgamated Waterford City and County Council.  At the time, James stated that he thought this might be a difficult role, trying to bring two separate entities together so they would work in harmony.  However, it was something that he managed to do, almost seamlessly and in doing so, set a very high bar for future Plenary Mayors.

In 2020/21 James served as Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan/Lismore district Council.

It was less than a week ago that James was elected Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, and I was very much looking forward to sharing my mayoralty with a man whose selflessness and dedication to his constituents were his trademark.

James lost the love of his life, Anne, less than two years ago.  She was a woman he described as ‘his rock’ and he often recalled how she was so giving of her time to everyone she met.  Like James, the rural community held a special place in Anne’s heart.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to James’ children Mairéad, Micheál, Seán, Áine, Séamus and Pádraig, their partners and grandchildren, and the community of Ballyhamlet, Tallow.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

 

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council:

Waterford City and County Council has lost a dedicated public servant and a man whose commitment to his community was consummate.

James served as a councillor for over twenty years and in that time, his love of his family, his party and his community was evident.

Even throughout the difficult time when he lost his beloved wife, Anne, James served with great dignity and strength.

I would like to extend my condolences to his children, grandchildren, and extended family, to the community of Ballyhamlet and Knockanore, his party colleagues and fellow councillors.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Image attached:

Cllr James Tobin, serving as Mayor of Waterford City and County in 2014/15

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Irish Water calls on Waterford contractors to consider applying for new accreditation scheme as part of drive to support efficient delivery of housing

Irish Water has launched a new Experience Based Accreditation Scheme that will be available for Experienced Contractors in Waterford. The scheme will accredit Experienced Contractors to deliver new water services infrastructure in public roads for housing developers.

This is the latest initiative as part of Irish Water’s commitment to support the delivery of housing across Ireland. The scheme supports the efficient delivery of essential water services infrastructure in the public road by Experienced Contractors while ensuring best practice procedures and standards.

It follows the successful rollout of Irish Water’s self lay in the public road programme, whereby developers can deliver water and wastewater infrastructure in the public roads to service new housing developments. The new scheme, which has been launched 18 months ahead of schedule, recognises contractors’ adherence to Irish Water’s Standard Details, Codes of Practice and Quality Assurance procedures. These best practice procedures and standards have been developed by Irish Water to prevent a reoccurrence of legacy issues that exist across the country.

Welcoming the self-lay programme and the new accreditation scheme, Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, said: “This latest initiative from Irish Water is another fantastic step forward in ensuring housing developments are completed efficiently across the country. I’m delighted to see such support for my Department’s Housing For All strategy, and to see Experienced Contractors across Ireland support the efficient delivery of homes. Irish Water listened to industry calls and responded quickly. Through the Housing For All strategy, my Department aims to see an average of 33,000 homes provided each year to 2030, and to know these homes will be completed as efficiently as possible is a fantastic assurance.”

The scheme, which is also supported by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), the Irish Homebuilders Association and Commission for Regulation of Utilities, is the latest in a number of initiatives Irish Water has implemented to support Government’s Housing For All strategy.

Other initiatives include the publication of water and wastewater capacity registers which give an indication of the capacity of water and wastewater treatment plants all around the country, making it easier for developers and local authorities to prioritise areas with services.

As part of its commitment to open communication, Irish Water has also hosted several webinars for industry players to explain the application process and to highlight issues that may cause delays in the process.

The utility continues to support the housing industry through its dedicated connections and developer services team which offers a range of resources and support material, including extending a helping hand through the entire process from housing development pre-planning stage right through to construction.

These initiatives have resulted in strong progress being made in the delivery of housing, with over 32,000 housing connections offered by Irish Water in 2021.

Yvonne Harris, Irish Water’s Housing Programme Director, said: “We are committed to supporting Government’s drive in developing more homes across the country and ensuring these homes can be completed efficiently. We’ve launched our new Experienced Based Accreditation Scheme following calls from industry where, following a series of webinars with industry members, many highlighted the need for self-lay of water services infrastructure in public roads for new housing developments. Irish Water listened and is now ensuring that Experienced Contractors across every county in Ireland can become accredited to deliver new water services infrastructure in public roads for new housing developments.

“We have ensured our Experience Based Accreditation Scheme is easy and hassle-free to register for, and we’ve already seen strong interest from applicants. It ensures safe and reliable water services will continue to be provided to new home buyers and existing residents, now and into the future.”

James Benson, Director of Housing, Planning & Development with CIF, added: “CIF welcomes this excellent initiative by Irish Water which will facilitate us to deliver housing in a timely and efficient manner. Our members are committed to meeting the highest standards in the construction of housing and associated infrastructure. This Experience Based Accreditation Scheme recognises this and supports the ongoing development of expertise in the water industry by developers and contractors through accreditation.”

Shane Carty of Carty Contractors, a contractor who participated in the pilot self lay programme, said: “We welcome the proposal by Irish Water to establish an accreditation scheme that will recognise the positive engagement by Contractors with Irish Water’s requirements since 2014.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder : Temporary Road Closure : Mayor’s Walk, Waterford

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, will close the following public road to through traffic from 4th to 8th July, 2022 to facilitate New Connection for Irish Water.

Road to be closed:
• L1511 Mayors Walk, Waterford.

Diversion Route:
• Via Newgate Street and Manor Hill &
• Via Newport Terrace to Ballybricken Green

By Waterford City & County Council

24hr Automated Payments line available

Please be advised that Waterford City and County Council operates an automated customer payment line (24hrs) whereby customers can pay the following charges by Credit and Debit Card:

  • Traffic Fine payments
  • RAS payments
  • Rent payments

The dedicated number is:     051 511072

By Waterford City & County Council

Welcome Ambassadors make welcome return to Waterford

The Waterford Welcome Ambassadors are back to offer a genuine and local céad míle fáilte to visitors to Waterford.

After a two year hiatus, the Waterford Welcome Ambassadors are a welcome sight on the streets of the city and county.  Welcome Ambassadors offer visitors all the local tips on the range of things there are to see and do as well as advising them on places to eat and how to get to the many spectacular locations and attractions throughout County Waterford.

The Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Kelly welcomed the Ambassadors back. “Following a two year break in the programme, it is fantastic to have friendly volunteers back on the streets helping visitors find their way around Waterford again.”

“Our thanks must go to all the volunteers who give their time to provide the service. Their pride in promoting Waterford should be an inspiration to us all.”

This year sees the beginning of the handover of the coordination of the Welcome Ambassador Programme in Waterford City from Waterford Area Partnership to the newly established Waterford Volunteer Centre.

Sharon Higgins, Manager of Waterford Volunteer Centre said, ‘This is an exciting programme for the volunteer centre to be involved in. We are passionate about the role that volunteers play in the community and already we have seen the experience and positivity the ambassadors bring with them. They are an asset to tourism in Waterford.”

Speaking on behalf of Waterford Area Partnership who initiated the programme for The Tall Ships Races in 2011, Catherine Power acknowledged the positive contribution of all volunteer ambassadors who participated over the past 11 years.

“We are delighted to work with Waterford Volunteer Centre and Waterford City and County Council to ensure the programme continues into the future and goes from strength to strength. To have Waterford Volunteer Centre in place is so positive for volunteering across our city and county and we are really pleased to be involved for this year. I wish all the ambassadors all the best for the summer programme in the years to come.”

Waterford Chamber oversees the Programme in Tramore through the Tourist Information Centre and according to Lynda Lawton, Operations Officer, “It is wonderful to have our team of experienced volunteers back out again this summer under the management of Johnny O’Grady. Johnny and his team are a popular addition to the summer season in Tramore and we are heartened to see a number of new volunteers join us this year.”

The Waterford Welcome Ambassador Programme runs every weekend for 12 weeks in Waterford City and Tramore, and on cruise ship days during the summer months.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer Waterford Welcome Ambassador in Waterford City or Tramore email info@volunteerwaterford.ie for more details or drop into the volunteer centre.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Section 38, N72 Lismore Traffic Calming Scheme (Phase 1)

Waterford City and County Council proposes to undertake the construction of a traffic calming scheme along the N72 national secondary road on the northern approach to Lismore town from Lismore Bridge to the town centre.

The proposed works include modification of the existing traffic lanes, construction of new footways and modification of the existing footways with associated sundry works. The proposed length of the scheme is approximately 460 m.  See drawing attached.

The implementation of the traffic calming scheme with landscape strategy will create a safe environment for all road users with a strong emphasis on non-motorised road users.

The main goal is to reduce vehicular speed and improve the facilities for vulnerable road users. This will be achieved by the alteration of the existing N72 junctions located at Ferry Lane and the Castle / Public Car Park. Reducing the width of the main road and improving pedestrian facilities will enhance this section of the N72 approaching Lismore town.

Drawings are available for inspection below and during normal office hours from Wednesday 1st June to Tuesday 28th June, 2022 at the Council’s Customer Services Departments in the Civic Offices, Dungarvan and Bailey’s New Street, Waterford.

The Council will consider any submissions or observations made in writing regarding the proposal.  Submissions should be lodged with Ms. Aideen Jacob, Administrative Officer, Roads Department, Waterford City & County Council, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford or by email to ajacob@waterfordcouncil.ie to be received before 4.00pm on Tuesday 12th July, 2022.

Drawings

By Waterford City & County Council

Active Travel Scheme – Newtown, Tramore – Pedestrian & Cyclist Scheme

In accordance with Article 81 of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council proposes to carry out the following development: Pedestrian and Cycle Active Travel scheme along the Newtown Hill and Newtown Glen in Tramore, Co. Waterford. Waterford City & County Council intend to carry out a pedestrian and cycle improvement scheme along the Newtown Hill and Newtown Glen in Tramore.

The scheme comprises of the narrowing of the existing carriageway and provision of new and upgraded pedestrian and cycle facilities within the scheme extents. The implementation of this scheme will create a safer route and environment for all road users with a strong emphasis on non-motorized road users and encourage a modal shift from private car use to more sustainable and active travel options, as part of our actions to reduce transport related carbon emissions. The main elements of the proposed scheme are:

  • Reduction in carriageway width by the provision/improvement of footpaths and cycle lanes and shared surface to encourage reduction in speed and to reduce crossing distances at pedestrian crossings.
  • Provision of adequate width footpaths throughout the scheme.
  • Provision of an adequate cycle-pedestrian shared facility along L4054-0 Newtown road and L-8089-0 Newtown Woods road.

The works will include upgrade of existing footpaths, new footpath construction, new cycle lanes, public lighting, controlled pedestrian crossing points with raised table, build outs, new road markings, upgraded road signage, services diversions, new boundary treatments, accommodation works, and all ancillary works necessary for completion. In accordance with Section 250 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as amended, the Council has carried out an appropriate assessment screening and has determined that an Appropriate Assessment is not required.

In accordance with Article 120 of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 as amended, the Council has carried out an EIA screening and has determined that an EIAR is not required. Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of this notice, apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the proposed development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. Plans and more detailed particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection during the period Tuesday 17th May, 2022 to Wednesday 15th June, 2022 below and also in our Customer Services Departments in Bailey’s New Street in the City and Davitts Quay, Dungarvan.

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the proposed development would be situated, may be made in writing, to Ian Ludlow, Staff Officer, Active Travel, Waterford City & County Council, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford or by emailing iludlow@waterfordcouncil.ie before 4p.m. on Tuesday 28th June, 2022. Submissions should be clearly marked with “Submission Part 8 Newtown Hill” in the subject line.

Please note that comments, including names of those making comments, submitted to the Council regarding this process will form part of the statutorily required report to be presented at a meeting of the elected members. Accordingly, they may also appear in the public domain.

Documents & Drawings

By Waterford City & County Council

Final call for funding under Transitional LEADER Programme 2021-2022

The following information workshop will be held in advance of opening the final call for funding under the Transitional LEADER Programme 2021-2022.

The short timeline for this call does not facilitate built infrastructure (works) type projects.
Participation in our information session is compulsory if you intend to apply for funding.

  • Tuesday 5th July
  • Park Hotel, Dungarvan (Moresby Room)
  • 6-7pm

NB: Please register your interest and book in by emailing claire.connors@wlp.ie or info@wlp.ie, before 12 pm on Friday 1st July. Upon registration, an Expression of Interest Form will be forwarded for completion to bring along to the Information Session. Help is provided on the night if required Following participation in our workshop, Waterford Leader Partnership CLG, on behalf of County Waterford LCDC, will invite applications for funding with a closing date of Friday 5th August at 12 noon.

Invitation to application stage does not mean that you will be awarded grant aid as it is a competitive process. (Please note that the minimum grant amount is €1,250 and the maximum is €157,549.81)

Funding may be awarded under all themes and sub themes to a maximum of 75% of the total project cost for private promoters and up to 75% for community group applicants. Consideration of the rate of aid offered will be done on a project-by-project basis.
An Irish version of this Call will be available on our website www.wlp.ie

CALL THEMES & BUDGETS AS FOLLOWS; Total Budget for Call

  • Transitional Funding €157,549.81
  • EURI Funding €3,686.30

By Waterford City & County Council

Museum Benefactors recognised at Civic Reception

Just over a year since it opened its doors, Ireland’s first horological museum has enjoyed a remarkably busy year, with visitors travelling from all over Ireland, Europe and the US.  Visitors have flocked to the Museum of Time at Greyfriars to see over 600 pieces that showcase the history of time.  The museum is in fact the most popular of all the five Waterford Treasures museums.

The creation of the museum is due to the foresight and generosity of its benefactors, namely David Boles, Colman Curran and Elizabeth Clooney, who were honoured with a Civic Reception at City Hall, hosted by the Mayor of Waterford City and County.

David Boles has donated many significant pieces to the museum, including the oldest Irish watch, bracket clock and a grandfather clock, dating to the 1680s.  He also donated the famous William Clement clock dating to 1663, the very first in the world to have an anchor escapement mechanism that made clocks more accurate and was subsequently copied by all clockmakers.

Colman Curran and his wife Elizabeth Clooney, who first mooted the idea of a museum of time back in 2015, donated their significant collection of museum quality Irish grandfather clocks, bracket clocks and watches.

Mayor of Waterford City and Council, Cllr. Joe Kelly welcomed the creators of the National Museum of Time to the civic reception.  “I am absolutely delighted to be joined by Elizabeth, Colman and David in order to recognise their extraordinarily generous contributions to Waterford and indeed the Irish nation, by founding the Irish Museum of Time.”

“Colman and his wife Elizabeth spent over thirty years collecting museum quality Irish timepieces.  The collections they donated give a revealing insight into the technical, scientific, social and political landscape of Ireland from the late 17th century through to the end of the 19th century.”

“David Boles collected clocks all his life. His donation of some of the oldest clocks in the world has been game-changing as it has given Waterford Treasures Museums not only some of the world’s finest pieces, but has also given the curators valuable insight into how watch makers and craftsmen created time pieces of accuracy and remarkable beauty.”

“The desire of David, Colman and Elizabeth to share their collections with the public has indeed been transformative for tourism in Waterford, borne out by the very recent article on the museum in the New York Times.”

Director of Waterford Treasures, Eamonn McEneaney added, “Working with David, Colman and Elizabeth has been one of the highlights of my career.  The creators of this museum came to us with openhanded generosity. There were no egos involved, their sole aim was to create a museum that featured the very best of Irish timepiece making.”

“What they have done is unique in Ireland – not only did they give their collections, but also their knowledge and the resources to refurbish the museum building and to conserve and display the objects magnificently. They also share their expertise very generously.  This level of philanthropy is reminiscent of Renaissance patronage.  Present and future generations owe them a debt of gratitude for their true patriotism. I would like also to recognise friends and stalwart supporters of the benefactors, people like Kevin Chellar from Dublin and Bertie McClure from Belfast who freely gave of their time and expertise to the project.”

The Irish Museum of Time is located on Greyfriars Street in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle. The refurbished gothic-style church is a fitting home for what is beyond doubt the finest collection of Irish timepieces in the world.

To find out more visit www.waterfordtreasures.com

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council launches Digital Strategy

The Waterford Digital Strategy was produced by Waterford City and County Council in collaboration with local and national stakeholders, and sets out the vision and key focus areas for the county for the next four years.

The Waterford Digital Strategy aims to enhance the digital maturity of the county and mobilise its strengths to become a smart, inclusive, and innovative place to live, work and visit. The strategy will initiate, and support, the development of actions that lead to a connected and collaborative digital society and economy over 4 years from 2022 to 2026.

The Strategy was informed by a public consultation process.  It is a living document that will change and adapt with an ever-changing digital society, as such the actions of this plan will be continually monitored and updated.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council said “The Waterford Digital Strategy prioritises 6 key themes; The Digital Economy, Citizen & Community, Digital Infrastructure, Smart City, Digital Council and Climate action. By working with all stakeholders, the Waterford Digital strategy sets out the objectives and actions to support the citizens of Waterford and its Digital Economy.”

“Already under this strategy we are seeing initiatives like free public Wi-Fi in town centres and broadband connection points in rural areas which is supporting digital initiatives in those communities. Communities, Businesses and the Local Authority have an important role to play to ensure this growth happens in a balanced way,” added Mr Walsh.

Digital resources and connectivity are transforming economic and social practices by changing how people interact and engage socially and in the workplace. High speed connectivity is essential for families and businesses across the country.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Kelly said “This Digital strategy outlines a vision of a strong, inclusive, and sustainable Waterford. With an improved and widespread broadband infrastructure in place, Waterford can have high speed broadband services. This will help develop Waterford as an attractive place to do business, become a true destination for enterprise and will facilitate ability to remotely work in homes or local co-working facilities.”

The Waterford Digital Strategy for 2022-2026 can be downloaded from https://waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/corporate/digital-broadband/index.htm

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