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Waterford City & County Council

Latest News & Announcements

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Temporary Road Closure – Curraghmore Terrace, Dunmore East

otice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, propose to close the following road to through traffic from 9.30am to 1.30pm on Saturday 11th June, 2022 to facilitate the Hook or by Crook Triathlon in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.

Road to be closed:
• Curraghmore Terrace from its junction with the R684, part of Glenville Terrace, and along Wellington Terrace to Dunmore East Golf Club.

Diversion Route:
From the roundabout at Horsequarter follow the R684 out to the Leperstown Road (L-4074), turning right onto the Leperstown Road. Continue through to the Commons Road
(L-8051), turning right at this junction onto the Commons Road. Follow this road to the junction with the Leckaun Road (L-4075), turning right onto the Leckaun Road. Follow this road onto Dunmore East straight onto the Killea Road (L-4209) to the end of diversion at the Strand.

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

Reminder : Temporary Road Closure, Galwey’s Lane, Dungarvan

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, propose to close the following road to through traffic from 7th June to 1st July, 2022 to facilitate laying a new duct for ESB equipment.

Road to be closed:
• L7154 Galwey’s Lane, Dungarvan.

Diversion Routes
• Via Castle Street and Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan.
• Local Access will be provided.

By Waterford City & County Council

Go Wild in the Comeraghs July 7th-10th

Waterford’s long-awaited Comeraghs Wild Festival is back from July 7 to 10 after a two year COVID-enforced break and it’s bigger and better than ever with loads of fabulous, family-focused events and plenty to see and do for lovers of the great outdoors.

The action-packed programme literally has something for everyone, from thrill seekers, hikers, surfers and yoga enthusiasts through to live music lovers, culture vultures and so much more. This year’s Comeraghs Wild Festival has a very strong nature, wildlife and eco theme and there are educational and fun events throughout the unspoilt region for all to enjoy over the four days.

Waterford’s majestic Comeragh Mountains region takes in the stunning Copper Coast and breath-taking Nire Valley, a varied natural terrain that includes parts of the award-winning Waterford Greenway. Each will be alive with the sound of music, laughter, children’s events, hiking, mountain biking, walking activities, eco trails and so much more for the four days as the action-packed Comeraghs Wild Festival captivates.

Renowned TV and radio broadcaster and biologist, Eanna Ni Lamhna, will join local man, Stephen McCarthy of StepsBackThruTime walking tours for an eco walk close to part of the Waterford Greenway in Kilmacthomas on the Saturday. She is no stranger to the Comeraghs and is looking forward to her visit.

“Years ago – when I was young – people were not so aware of the importance of the environment. The value of trees for biodiversity and the importance of insects as pollinators was not widely appreciated. Today, however people really want to be part of nature. In the height of COVID we had to keep within our 5 kilometres. People got more interested in what they saw and did and became more in tune with nature.

“Today that continues. People are using pesticides less. They are letting parts of their gardens go wild for the butterflies, birds and the bees. They’re growing wildflower meadows and planting trees. Our walk and talk will help foster this interest and give the whole family a greater appreciation of the world around us.

“I’m delighted to see so many eco events on the festival programme. It’s a fabulous, authentic festival that celebrates the natural beauty of the region and I’m looking forward to joining in the fun and going a bit Wild myself,” Eanna quipped.

The rugged, breath-taking terrain offers so many different, natural experiences and it’s great to be back, showcasing all that is special about the Comeragh Mountains region, festival spokesperson, Mary Flynn, said.

“We’re thrilled to confirm that Comeraghs Wild is back from July 7 to 10. We’ve new venues, new events, new attractions and many of our most popular crowd-pullers are back. This is a fabulous and varied terrain with fantastic natural amenities and it’s only fitting that this year’s festival has a very strong green theme and focuses on appreciating and protecting our wildlife and our countryside.

“Our flagship concert in the mountains features legendary blues, jazz and soul singer, Mary Coughlan, and her live band. This concert has been moved to Crotty’s Lake which is equally idyllic but has

better parking, toilet and catering facilities, making the venue far more accessible for all. We’re delighted to confirm that The Backyard Band will be entertaining from 8pm.

“We’ve a full Nire Valley Drop this year, a Hog Roast and live music at Nire/Fourmilewater GAA Club and Eanna Ni Lamhna will be joining Stephen McCarthy for an eco walk and talk from Kilmacthomas Railway Station. Internationally-renowned Irish wildlife cameraman, filmmaker and television presenter, Colin Stafford-Johnson is also joining us for a talk in Portlaw.

“Also new to this year’s programme are music, singing, dancing and storytelling at The Nook, Gateway Eco Camping Park and a Comeragh Mountain Lamb Feast at Cooney’s Yard. Eddie Lenihan is back by popular demand at Nell’s, there’s morning yoga and events for children at Crough Wood, surfing at Bonmahon, a Craughan Loop Guided Walk by Muddyboots and outdoor theatre at Curraghmore House & Gardens.”

· For more, check out www.comeraghswild.com

ENDS

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

Tender : Bring Banks project (Public Service Innovation Fund 2022)

Waterford City and County Council operate a network of 70 bring banks, with a total of 326 individual bins, located throughout County Waterford. We are seeking suppliers for the supply and installation of remotely monitored level sensors to bring banks to provide information on the level of material in the bring bank and an indication of the space remaining.

The information gathered by the sensors should be downloadable and made available through an API and internal dashboard to the current collection contractor and Waterford City and County Council. All data from the sensors should also be made available as open data to allow other service providers to integrate the data into their services if desired.

The successful tenderer will also be required to develop an alert system, which will email, to warn when the bin is filled above a threshold, and a public dashboard is to be developed and hosted for the duration of the contract, which will indicate the level of capacity left in the bring bank to members of the public, which is to be accessed through the internet.

See the following link to apply :

https://irl.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/214629/0/0?returnUrl=ctm/Supplier/PublicTenders&b=ETENDERS_SIMPLE

The tender’s response deadline is: 17/06/2022 3pm.

By Waterford City & County Council

Boil Water Notice remains in place for Ballymacarbry Public Water Supply

Utility working to lift BWN as soon as possible

Friday, 3 June 2022: Irish Water, working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council would like to remind customers that the Boil Water Notice that was issued on Friday, 13 May for consumers supplied by the Ballymacarbry Public Water Supply scheme remains in place. Consumers are reminded to continue to boil their water for consumption purposes.

Water Operations Lead for Irish Water, Ronan Walsh said: “Public health is Irish Water’s number one priority, and we are working closely with Waterford City and County Council to restore drinking water quality for all impacted customers in Ballymacarbry and to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it is safe to do so.

“The remedial works carried out have shown improvement in the water quality, but turbidity levels are still not satisfactory enough for us to lift the Boil Water Notice. The notice will remain place for the weekend and into next week as we continue to carry out tests. We are also investigating other possible treatment solutions and hope to make a decision on this early next week.

“We regret the impact that this Boil Water Notice will have on the local community and would like to assure them that we are prioritising works to restore a safe water supply with a view of lifting the notice as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Irish Water will receive direct communication on this Boil Water Notice and are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled and cooled. In line with HSE advice on hand washing, Irish Water advises that the water remains suitable for this purpose and boiling the water is not required.

Water must be boiled for:

•    Drinking;

•    Drinks made with water;

•    Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating;

•    Brushing of teeth;

•    Making of ice – discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.

What actions should be taken:

•    Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads);

•    Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling;

•    Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink;

•    Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water;

•    Prepare infant feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been re-boiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na’ is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated. Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

Updates are available on our Water Supply Updates section on water.ie, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Active Travel Scheme – Footpath Construction – Bayview to Youghal Road, Dungarvan

Waterford City & County Council in partnership with the NTA is currently delivering an Active Travel programme across the county. The programme’s goal is to promote walking and cycling and to develop the infrastructure to allow people change from a reliance on their cars for local journeys and to walking and cycling as a sustainable form of transport.

As part of this programme the development of local pedestrian routes is vital, and we have sought to identify and sought submissions from the public on potential routes that we can develop to help this change happen.

One such route that we now have funding to develop to a high quality is the existing link between Bayview and the Youghal Rd in Dungarvan.

The proposal involves the construction of a new 2.5m footpath with new planting and low-level lighting between Bayview and Youghal Rd. The aim is to improve the existing link and offer a more attractive route for active travel use in the area. We have attached further details of the scheme.

Projects like this aim to improve existing links, and develop new paths between communities, local services, and amenities.

The active travel programme is managed by your local authority and funded by the National Transport Authority and is part of the national transport strategy to reduce our country’s transport associated carbon emissions; in that since these connectivity schemes represent one element of the local face of climate action in your area. They represent a small part of many changes we need to make to the way we travel.

We are aiming to carry out the proposed works this summer and we would like to hear your opinion on this scheme and any other ideas you might have for similar projects in your area and beyond.

Submissions or comments should be submitted before 10th June 2022.

You can contact the team directly by email to ActiveTravel@waterfordcouncil.ie

Documents & Drawings

By Waterford City & County Council

One Month to go to Street Feast 2022

Street Feast.
Picture by Shane O’Neill, Coalesce.

For the first time in three years neighbours and communities will be able to reconnect and celebrate together in person at Street Feast 2022.  Registrations for Street Feast are now open and organisers are aiming for 1200 feasts with 100,000 people participating around the country on Sunday 26th June.

Street Feast is Ireland’s national day of lunches and one of Ireland’s most successful community initiatives for over a decade. The aim of Street Feast is to build neighbourhood and community networks and tackle social isolation. In 2019 over 1000 feasts took place, this year Street Feast is aiming to grow that to 1200 and the organisers feel there is a real appetite for this type of event since Covid:

Sam Bishop, founder of Street Feast:

“Since the last Street Feast three years ago after  two years of restrictions and lockdowns our notion of community has altered immeasurably. For some it was an opportunity to bond with neighbours as lockdown restrictions kept us at home more than ever before. Neighbours and community were never more important and people realised the value of local connections. This year Street Feast wants to celebrate those strengthened community connections and create a space for people to re-engage safely with their neighbours”

96% of Street Feast participants in 2019 said their sense of belonging to the neighbourhood increased after that feast and 97% said their neighbourhood was friendlier after the event. 81% of participants made plans for more community projects since their feast.

“Numerous studies have shown that social isolation is a risk factor for loneliness which itself is associated with an increased risk of poor health, low wellbeing and mortality. Street Feast has huge benefits in terms of reducing social isolation and creating a sense of belonging. We are calling on more people to get involved this year and celebrate these connections by feasting together in person”

Street Feast 2022 is supported by the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Local Authorities.

This year Street Feast is teaming up with community engagement platform ChangeX through the LEGO Foundation’s Build a World of Play campaign to bring more play, more fun and more energy to Street Feasts. Street Feast is supporting the Build a World of Play campaign by providing 200 Playful Street Feast PlayBoxes containing games, activities and resources to bring a fresh playful energy to your street and involve people of all ages in the festivities. These PlayBoxes will be available in addition to the standard Street Feast pack that each host receives when they register which include bunting, invitations, posters and all the information needed to have a brilliant Street Feast!

For further details and to register and obtain a Street Feast pack log onto www.streetfeast.ie, @streetfeast, www.facebook.com/streetfeast

– ends

By Waterford City & County Council

RSA & An Garda Síochána launch June Bank Holiday Road Safety Appeal

RSA and An Garda Síochána launch June Bank Holiday Road Safety Appeal and 24 hour National ‘Slow Down Day’ Enforcement Operation 

  • Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána urge motorists to reduce their speed
  • National ‘Slow Down Day’, to run for 24-hour period from 07.00hrs on Thursday 2 June to 07.00hrs on Friday 3 June
  • New study shows over three quarters of drivers observed speeding in 50km/h zones*.
  • A quarter of driver fatalities were exceeding a safe speedϮ
  • Over three quarters of driver fatalities who were exceeding a safe speed occurred on rural roads
  • 90 people have been killed or seriously injured in June Bank Holiday Collisions in last five years1

At the launch of their June Bank Holiday Road Safety Appeal and National ‘Slow Down Day’ at NUI Galway today, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána urged drivers to slow down and always choose a speed that is appropriate to the driving conditions.

To support the appeal An Garda Síochána are mounting a national speed enforcement operation ‘Slow Down Day’, for a 24 hour period from 07.00hrs on Thursday 2 June to 07.00hrs on Friday 3 June, 2022. They will also be focusing on enforcement of speed limits and other life saver offences over the June Bank Holiday Weekend.

At the launch, the preliminary results of a new RSA pilot study on speeding on urban roads in 2021 were presented, which showed that over three quarters (78%) of drivers observed were found to have driven in excess of the posted speed limit of 50km/h*.

The study, which included over 5,000 observations of vehicles in October 2021 found that when viewed from a weekday perspective, 75% of observed drivers were driving in excess of 50km/h. At the weekend, 93% of observed drivers broke the speed limit. Over half of drivers (51%) were observed driving at speeds of 10km/h or higher in 50km/h speed zones*.

Separately, analysis of coronial data for 2013-2017 found that a quarter (25%) of driver fatalities, with a record of their actions available, were exceeding a safe speed in the lead-up to the fatal collisionϮ.

Speaking at the launch of the June Bank Holiday Road Safety Appeal and National Slow Down Day at NUI Galway, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Ms. Hildegarde Naughton said: “The number of drivers observed speeding in the RSA’s recent study in 50km/h zones is very concerning. These are speed zones that are rich in pedestrians and cyclists, vulnerable road users. Reducing the risk posed to vulnerable road users in these speed zones and encouraging safer, greener active travel is one of the key priorities of the new Government Road Safety Strategy. For example, we are reviewing speed limits and examining the possibility of a greater roll-out of 30km/h speed zones, as well as conducting a review of penalties related to speeding. New in vehicle safety assist technology such as Intelligent Speed Assistance and the roll out of average speed cameras will also contribute to preventing speed related harm. While all these actions are important to reducing speeding on our roads, it is important to remember that we all have a shared responsibility as individuals and a society to slow down to and protect ourselves and other road users.”

Highlighting the dangers of speed related collisions on rural roads Ms Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson Road Safety Authority said: “The faster you drive, the more likely you are to be involved in a collision which could result in death or serious injury. I am appealing to drivers to slow down and drive at a speed that is appropriate for the conditions. It is important to acknowledge that most drivers do the right thing and drive at an appropriate speed. However, there are some drivers who continually ignore our speed limits and put themselves and others at risk.

This is particularly dangerous on higher speed rural roads which are often narrow, and where bends and corners can restrict a driver’s vision. Just over three quarters (77%) of driver fatalities who were speeding occurred on rural roadsϮ. There are no margins for error on these roads which is why drivers need to slow down when using them. By slowing down you give yourself time and space to react to something unexpected around the next corner, like a tractor emerging from a field or a group of cyclists.”

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána said: “We are asking all drivers to support our National ‘Slow Down’ Day not just on ‘Slow Down Day’ but every day. If we all slow down a little, we can make a big difference. The World Health Organisation (2017) has estimated that a 5% reduction in average speed could result in a 30% reduction in fatal collisions, and therefore reducing motorists’ speed is essential to improving safety on our roads.

Remember that speeding is not worth the potential devastating loss of life or serious injury but also isn’t worth the very real risk of losing your licence – if you are detected speeding you will receive 3 penalty points on your licence, if you get 12 penalty points in three years you will lose your licence for 6 months. A lower threshold of 7 points applies for learner drivers. Think of the impact a disqualification would have not only on your daily life but those who rely on you – family, friends, partners.”

Mr Sam Waide, CEO of the Road Safety Authority said: “Studies have repeatedly shown that drivers overestimate the amount of time they can gain by speeding. This is known as the speed fallacy. The perceived gain of time is much larger than the actual gain of time, which is in fact only marginal. For example, completing an average journey of 14 kilometres at 90km/h instead of 80km/h only saves 1 minute and 8 seconds. So, while you might gain one or two minutes journey time you risk losing your license and potentially your livelihood.”

Government Departments, Local Authorities, public and private sector fleet operators are invited to participate in the initiative by circulating the key message to “Slow Down” to employees and, whether driving for business or private purposes, to always drive within the speed limit and at a speed appropriate to the prevailing conditions.

Speed enforcement during ‘Slow Down Day’ will consist of high visibility speed enforcement in 1,322 speed enforcement zones. The Road Safety Authority will raise awareness of the enforcement campaign with advertising on national and local radio plus social media.

This June Bank Holiday Weekend drivers are being reminded that the RSA and participating Applegreen service stations are providing free cups of coffee to drivers to help combat driver fatigue. The offer is available from 2pm to 8pm on Friday 3rd and on Monday 6 June.

To date in 2022 there have been 70 fatalities on the road. This is an increase of 26 deaths compared to the same date last year.

Ireland’s Road Safety Strategy.Ireland’s fifth government Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% over the next 10 years. This means reducing deaths on Ireland’s roads annually from 144 to 72 or lower and reducing serious injuries from 1,259 to 630 or lower by 2030. 

The strategy is the first step in achieving the 2020 Programme for Government commitment of bringing Ireland to ‘Vision Zero’. This is to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by the year 2050.

*Preliminary results of a pilot study on urban roads in 2021. Data was collected at 11 urban road locations by Nationwide Data Collection using automatic traffic counters. The fieldwork exercise took place over a 9-day period in October 2021. This resulted in over 5,000 observations of vehicles (passenger cars, motorcycles, LGVs, and HGVs) driving in free-flowing traffic conditions.

ϮRSA analysis of coronial data for road user fatalities that occurred in 2013-2017.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Enterprise Office launches ‘Your Waterford’

Photograph: Patrick Browne

Website showcasing Waterford’s best products and services.

Local Enterprise Office Waterford recently launched its latest programme for assisting businesses in Waterford. ‘Your Waterford’ showcases some of the best quality products and services designed or produced in Waterford. It provides the platform which many businesses do not currently have access to.

The Local Enterprise Office often describes itself as a ‘First Stop Shop’ for business, now it has created a ‘First Stop Shop’ website for local business to display its wares and customers to find the right product or service.

Aimed at shoppers and business customers, ‘Your Waterford’ is a meeting place to identify and develop relationships with suppliers, foster local contacts and display the vast array of products and services available in our county.

Richie Walsh, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Waterford explained the importance of this platform, “The team at the Local Enterprise Office endeavours to work on the ground with local business. That’s why we know for those in the business to business community, finding local suppliers can be difficult. Our local companies produce some of the highest quality, creative and innovative products available in the country, but not everyone is aware of what is going on in our local community.

“‘Your Waterford’ gives shoppers the opportunity to explore a range of diverse and unique products, which they can buy online directly through the specific companies’ websites.

ENDS

Photo Caption:

Photos by Patrick Brown Photography:

Local Enterprise Office Senior Enterprise Development Officers, Jacqui Gaule and Brid Kirby, joined by local Waterford business contributors at the launch of ‘Your Waterford’ website in Tramore, Co. Waterford.

Media Contact:

Bríd Kirby

Senior Enterprise Development Officer

By Waterford City & County Council

Taking Pride in Waterford City and County

June 1st marked the first day of Pride Month as Waterford City and County Council celebrates LGBTQ+ people, culture and communities.

On June 1st Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Kelly, along with members of the Dungarvan Pride committee raised the Pride flag outside the Dungarvan Civic Offices to officially launch the start of Pride month.

Dungarvan town centre was adorned with Pride banners in Grattan Square, with almost 800 ft of Pride bunting along Main Street, O Connell St, Meagher St and along the Causeway.

As part of Pride Month celebrations Dungarvan’s first ever Pride Festival will take place in Walton Park, Dungarvan on June 18th.

Emilene Stafford, Dungarvan Pride committee co-chair, is looking forward to Dungarvan’s inaugural Pride Festival.  “While the day is about celebrating LGBTQ+ people, it is a day to be enjoyed and celebrated by everyone.  We would encourage young and old, gay and straight to come along and help us make this Pride festival one of the biggest and brightest in the country.”

The line-up includes an opening ceremony by Lady Fi Fi Fondu, a dance performance by the Kirby School of Performing Arts, circus mayhem from the Wobbly Circus, the ultimate lip sync battle,  music by Avi and the Dream Girls Drag Show to round off the entertainment.

In Waterford city, The Pride of the Déise committee has organised a jam-packed weekend celebration of LGBTQ+ people and communities.  Running from Friday, June 3rd to Monday, June 6th, the programme includes Bubble Talk; A Consent Workshop with Miss Gay Ireland, Pride March from Cathedral Square to the Cultural Quarter, GAYREA Youth Pride Party, PRIDE Ride Greenway Cycle and Rural Pride celebration.

More information and the full programme of events for Pride of the Déise can be viewed at https://prideofthedeise.ie/

Pride Dungarvan and Pride Waterford are proudly supported by Waterford City and County Council and Creative Waterford.

-ENDS-

Images:  David Clynch

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Kelly raising the Pride flag in Dungarvan

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Kelly with members of Dungarvan Pride Organising Committee

l-r John Gomes-Rea, Ciara McCluskey, JP McCarthy, Seona Byrne, Emilene Stafford and Lady Fi Fi Fondu

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Kelly, Cllr Conor D. McGuinness and Cllr Damien Geoghegan with members of Dungarvan Pride Organising Committee

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford to see fivefold increase in cycling under new draft transport strategy

Michael Walsh, CEO, Waterford City & County Council, Anne Graham, CEO, NTA and Sean McKeown, Acting Chief Executive, Kilkenny County Council. Photo: John Power

NTA publishes draft Waterford Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy & launches public consultation

Waterford is set to witness a fivefold increase in the number of cycling trips across the city under new proposals contained within the draft Waterford Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (WMATS) published today by the National Transport Authority.

WMATS has been developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Waterford City & County Council, Kilkenny County Council, Southern Regional Assembly (SRA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The strategy provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in Waterford over the next two decades.

The projected 541% increase in cycling is set to be enabled by the delivery of a safe cycle network consisting of 100km of cycling track and a 54km greenway network. Among the primary cycling routes to be improved within the Waterford Metropolitan Area include:

  • Abbey Road;
  • Ashe Road to New Street through Barrack Street and Newgate Street;
  • Carrickphierish Road to Morgan Street via Knockhouse Road and Gracedieu Road;
  • Cleaboy Road to Lower Yellow Road through Upper Yellow Road;
  • Cork Road to The Mall via Manor Street and Parnell Street;
  • Kilbarry Road;
  • Williamstown Road to John’s Hill along Upper Grange Road.

The draft strategy recommends progressing with the development of a new sustainable transport bridge providing pedestrian and cycle connectivity across the River Suir. Through the provision of 43km of new and upgraded footpaths, the number of daily walking trips in Waterford will increase by 55% by 2040.

Another key objective of the draft strategy is the roll out the BusConnects programme in Waterford. This is set to include the provision of 63kms of bus lanes and bus priority measures across the Waterford metropolitan area. 75 new zero-emission buses and a park and ride facility will be required to service an expanded bus network spanning 100km.

The draft strategy also supports the relocation of Plunkett Station to a new site in the North Quays Innovation District to create a more direct access to Waterford City via the new sustainable transport bridge.

Future investment in road transport will be focused on maintaining, renewing and managing existing road infrastructure. This includes supporting the improvement of the existing N24 between Waterford and Cahir and the N25 between Waterford and Glenmore, in line with the provisions of the National Development Plan. The proposed Ferrybank Relief Bank would connect Belmont Roundabout to Newrath and help create an urban village within Ferrybank.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said: “With Waterford set to grow by at least 50% by 2040, there is a need to scale up the public transport network and encourage active travel to and from the city. This Strategy published by the NTA today provides the blueprint for making this possible. The proposed expansion of the bus network will help encourage more people onto public transport while the delivery of a safe cycle network will increase the numbers cycling into the city by 541%.

“Through Government support, I’m confident we can deliver an integrated transport network that enables the sustainable growth of the Waterford metropolitan area and creates an attractive, accessible and connected city.”

Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA, said: “The draft strategy unveiled today is focused on investing in sustainable transport and meeting the needs of a growing city.

“From BusConnects to new walking and cycling infrastructure, there is a unique opportunity to promote public transport and active travel in communities across Waterford. By rolling out these measures, we can help contribute to a 56% reduction in carbon emissions within the metropolitan area by 2040.

“Public consultation on the draft strategy gets underway today and runs for six weeks. I would encourage everybody to look at our plans and have your say.”

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, said: “Waterford City and County Council is fully committed to the Waterford Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy and working with the NTA to realise its potential.

“This new transport strategy will be instrumental in the regeneration and transformation of Waterford as a sustainable city. Providing new bus corridors and cycle tracks on routes into the city will entice more people from their cars and onto more sustainable transport modes.

“Once finalised, we can put in place the transport infrastructure that supports the development of the Waterford metropolitan area as the major growth engine of the South-East.”

A public consultation on the draft WMATS, which gets underway today, will run for six weeks until June 2022. As part of the consultation process, two public information events will be held on Wednesday, 15th June from 2pm to 8pm and on Thursday, 16th June from 10am to 4pm at the Tower Hotel Waterford.

To read the draft Waterford Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (WMATS) and take part in the public consultation, visit: www.nationaltransport.ie.

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