There will be resurfacing works on the Dunmore Road, Waterford beginning at the UHW Hospital roundabout, down the Cumann na mBan Ring Road and up to the Farronashoneen Roundabout from next week, starting Monday 13th July, lasting for 3 days.
There will be delays and disruption to traffic during these works. Waterford Council apologies for any inconvenience caused. Please keep a watch on our social media for more updates.
The seventy acres Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford have launched a brand new seasonal Nature Trail for children.
The trail offers families an abundance of nature to explore and to ensure that younger visitors engage with the flora and fauna on offer and has been created offering the little ones 15 different questions and challenges as they meander the walking trails amongst the world-famous gardens located just outside Waterford City.
The new looped Nature Trail walk will keep everyone happy, with a buggy-friendly path smaller tots can snooze while older ones enjoy the series of questions for them to solve along the way. In total, the Nature Trail is a 1.5km walk and can be completed in approximately 40 minutes. The little ones can fill in their nature trail answers on the back of their map along the way in order to complete the challenge.
The gardens at Mount Congreve consist of intensively planted woodland gardens, a four-acre walled garden with 16 km of walking trails. The gardens are located 10 minutes from Waterford City Centre overlooking the majestic River Suir.
The new Nature Trail is included in the Mount Congreve Gardens ticket price. The gardens are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5.30 pm. Last entry to the gardens at 4.00 pm. Tickets must be booked in advance, for further details see www.mountcongreve.com
TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS – Applemarket, WaterfordNotice 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 11am to 7am Monday to Sunday, commencing on July 17th to September 27th 2020.
These measures are to facilitate new operational arrangements for retailers impacted by Covid 19 and to facilitate social distancing requirements for the public.
Road to be closed:
Objections or submissions may be made in writing to the Director of Services, Roads, Water and Environment, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford not later than 12 Noon on 10th July, 2020.
Fergus Galvin
7th July, 2020
Kilcaragh Quarry is an old abandoned quarry located approximately 5.5km SE of Waterford City on the L8053 Keiloge Road in a rural area characterised by improved agricultural land. It is the property of Waterford City & County Council and historically was used to extract rock/stone for road building materials. Large depressions/hollows (to a maximum depth of 6 meters) remain where stone has been extracted in the past and it is proposed that these areas are now filled with inert soil and stone. When these hollows are filled the area will be re-graded and returned to its original level with natural scrub and grassland as ground cover.
Works will cause a temporary impact for local residents with traffic but will be infrequent and short term in nature. The sight-lines at the entrance will be improved to ensure safe access and egress for all vehicles using this access. The proposed development is located in a periurban/ rural area and will not negatively impact on the existing landscape due to screening of existing quarry. Works will be subject to and regulated by a waste management plan. A separate application for a Waste Processing Licence will be made following the final approval of the Part 8 by the District Council.
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.
Due to Covid 19 restrictions plans and particulars of the proposed development will not
be available for inspection in our public offices but can be accessed anytime online at
www.waterfordcouncil.ie for the period Tuesday 7th July 2020 to Tuesday 4th August 2020 inclusive.
A copy of the plans and particulars can also be requested by contacting Aideen Jacob on
0761 102020 or by email at the address below. 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 Aideen Jacob, Administrative Officer, Roads & Transportation Department, Waterford City & County Council, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford or by
emailing ajacob@waterfordcouncil.ie before 4p.m. on Tuesday 18th August, 2020.
All comments, including names of those making comments, submitted to the Council in regard to this process may form part of the statutorily required report to be presented at a meeting of the elected members. Accordingly, they may appear in the public domain.
Kilcaragh Quarry is an old abandoned quarry located approximately 5.5km SE of Waterford City on the L8053 Keiloge Road in a rural area characterised by improved agricultural land.
It is the property of Waterford City & County Council and historically was used to extract rock/stone for road building materials. Large depressions/hollows (to a maximum depth of 6 meters) remain where stone has been extracted in the past and it is proposed that these areas are now filled with inert soil and stone. When these hollows are filled, the area will be regraded and returned to its original level with natural scrub and grassland as ground cover.
Works will cause a temporary impact for local residents with traffic, but will be infrequent and short term in nature. The sight lines at the entrance will be improved to ensure safe access and egress for all vehicles using this access. The proposed development is located in a peri-urban/rural area and will not negatively impact on the existing landscape due to screening of existing quarry. Works will be subject to and regulated by a waste management plan. A separate application for a Waste Processing Licence will be made following the final approval of the Part 8 by the District Council.
For more on the public consultation, and for details on how to make a submission on it, please see our Public Consultations page.
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 7pm on each Thursday to 10pm on each Sunday, commencing on July 11th to September 27th 2020.
Road to be closed:
• Bank Lane, Waterford
Objections or submissions may be made in writing to the Director of Services, Roads, Water and Environment, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford not later than 12 Noon on 10th July, 2020.
Fergus Galvin, Director of Services
Roads, Water and Environment
2nd July, 2020
Watch the documentary on The Story of Water in Ireland, airing Tuesday 7th July at 7pm on Virgin Media One. It reveals the full story behind the challenges facing the public water and wastewater network.
Follow #storyofwater on social media and @IrishWater on Twitter.
Dungarvan Town Centre is enjoying a welcome return to business with the installation of over 60 planters by Waterford Council’s Presentation Team. The Council initiative is a welcome and positive addition to the town centre. The planters have been designed and manufactured by Dungarvan based Coffey Structural Engineering and are a bespoke concept developed by the Waterford Council’s Presentation Team. Installation of the 60 planters began yesterday and will continue during early July.
The colour and vibrancy added by the tasteful planting and outdoor seating in Grattan Square and other town centre areas is bringing a renewed sense of adventure to Dungarvan for the summer season.
Cllr Damien Geoghegan, Mayor of the City and County of Waterford said “It is wonderful to see Dungarvan open for business and to have so many local pubs and restaurants open out onto our stunning public realm areas. Dungarvan is a perfect location and locals and visitors alike will enjoy the relaxed holiday atmosphere brought about by turning our town centre “inside out”. I look forward to enjoying all that Dungarvan has to offer over the summer months and being part of getting Waterford City, towns and villages back to business.”
Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council and Dungarvan Town Manager said “As part of WCCC’s continued support to local cafés, restaurants and other food outlets, Waterford Council has designed, procured and installed over 60 planters across Dungarvan town in order to provide safe and attractive outdoor seating areas in Grattan Square, Davitts Quay and Lower Parnell Street. These areas will provide additional space in order for the businesses to achieve compliance with social distancing requirements. The locations and design were agreed with local Councillors in Dungarvan Lismore Municipal District and with Dungarvan Town Centre management group. This scheme will work in tandem with our street furniture grant scheme and will provide a further attraction to tourists who choose Dungarvan and West Waterford as their holiday destination.”
Waterford City and County Council is providing grant assistance to all eligible businesses through the Outdoor Furniture Scheme which is open until 31st August 2020. Online applications can be made at www.waterfordcouncil.ie and grant assistance up to €2,000 is available under the scheme.
As one of his final acts as Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr. John Pratt signed the Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy on behalf of the Council.
In doing so Mayor Pratt committed the Council to reducing CO2 emissions within its administrative area by at least 40% by 2030 through improved energy efficiency and greater use of renewable energy sources and increasing its resilience by adapting to the impacts of climate change.
The Council’s commitment to the Covenant of Mayors follows the unanimous adoption of a motion proposed by then Councillor, Marc O’Cathasaigh in October 2019 and is in line with the Council’s Climate Adaptation Strategy adopted in 2019.
In order to meet their mitigation and adaptation targets signatories to the Covenant of Mayors commit to preparing a Baseline Emission Inventory and a Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and submit a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan. They also pledge to mainstreaming mitigation and adaptation considerations into relevant policies, strategies and plans. Much of this work has already been completed as part of the Council’s Climate Adaptation Strategy.
In signing the Covenant, Cllr, Pratt acknowledged that local authorities are key drivers of the energy transition and fight against climate change at the level of governance closest to citizens and share the responsibility for climate action with regional and national government. Climate change mitigation and adaptation can bring multiple benefits to the environment, society and the economy. Tackled together they open up new opportunities to promote sustainable local development including building inclusive, climate resilient and energy efficient communities; enhancing the quality of life; stimulating investment and innovation; boosting the local economy and creating jobs; reinforcing stakeholder engagement and cooperation.
The Council will be required to report on the implementation of its Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan every two years.
Cappoquin was one of the 24 communities around the country which were successful in the current round of Rural Regeneration and Development funding announced by Minister Michael Ring today.
Receiving the second largest grant of €1.2 million for a total project expenditure of €1.6 million, the grant will facilitate the commencement of the town’s regeneration programme. Today’s announcement relates to Category 2 of the fund which provides seed capital funding for the planning, design and preparation of large scale projects in anticipation of further future funding for the actual construction and physical delivery of the projects.
Announcing the successful projects today, Minister Ring said:
“The Category 2 funding I am announcing today is for projects that require further development to make them ready for construction. There can be significant work and expense involved in getting projects to the point where they are ready to be delivered. This support is critical to ensure that a pipeline of ambitious regeneration projects are ready to hit the ground running in the future. ”
The primary objectives of the Cappoquin project are:
Newly elected Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Damien Geoghegan, said that he is thrilled to be informed of Cappoquin’s successful application. “It is well recognised that a number of factors, including the closure of traditional businesses along with reduced residential demand in the town centre, have hit Cappoquin badly over the last few decades. This funding can now create an impetus for the local authority working in partnership with the local community in Cappoquin and with other local development agencies to turn the tide and to develop and deliver significant regeneration projects in Cappoquin town and surroundings”, he said.
ENDS
For Press Queries please contact Claire Hartley
087 2905194
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John Pratt was delighted to be on hand to officially open a new extension or ‘walking spur’ off the Waterford Greenway at Abbeyside earlier this week. The project consists of the upgrade of a walking path linking the Greenway behind Sea Park to White Strand, and Landsend to the Cove Beach.
Works include improving the existing trail surface, the installation of directional and interpretative signage, the erection of fencing to protect wildlife in the salt marsh and the planting of native species. With pathway construction now complete the remaining ancillary works will continue throughout the summer and early autumn. The project will complement greatly works that were carried out previously as part of the Dungarvan Smarter Travel project and the development of Waterford Greenway itself.
The project was funded under the 2019 Outdoor Recreation infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) which is administered at national level by The Department of Rural and Community Development in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority. The Scheme provides funding for the development and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways.
In late 2019/early 2020 Waterford received a total of over €330,000 under ORIS which as well as funding this project in Abbeyside will also fund projects such as St. Declan’s Way, Anne Valley Walk, Dungarvan campervan parking Facilities, the Waterford Greenway Play and Amenity Trail, Lady Louisa’s Walk, Waterford Cycling Trails, EuroVelo 1 and an innovative project to promote Waterford’s wonderful trails and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Speaking at the opening of this new amenity Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John Pratt said ‘I am thrilled to be here today to mark the end of the construction phase of this project which will benefit not only for the local community here in Abbeyside and Dungarvan but all those who visit Waterford Greenway from further afield.
Projects like these have always been important for our towns and villages in facilitating and encouraging people to get outdoors and active. However, now more than ever, as we as a society navigate our way through this unprecedented pandemic, amenities like this are crucial to the health and well being of our people and communities’.
Cllr. Pratt also went onto to compliment Waterford City and County Council, in particular the team from the Environment Section and the main project contractor Richard Forristal, RFL Ltd who completed the construction phase of the project on schedule, despite the challenging circumstances currently faced by all involved.
The Abbeyside Coastal Walk is just one example of the ongoing evolution of Waterford Greenway. Work is also currently underway on a similar spur linking the village of Kilmeaden to the Greenway at Waterford & Suir Valley Railway Station.
This project is being funded under the Town and Village Renewal scheme and is part of a government’s broader Rural Development Investment Programme which is funded under Project Ireland 2040. The roll out of these rural development schemes in recent years has greatly benefitted the outdoor recreation offering right across County Waterford.
ENDS.
June 23, 2020 – Despite recent rainfall, Irish Water says that the number of schemes in drought around the country has increased from 35 to 37 and the ones in potential drought has grown from 52 to 59 since the start of the Water Conservation Order on 8 June. The need for the Water Conservation Order was due to the exceptionally dry spring, the driest for 70 years in some parts of the country according to Met Éireann.
Irish Water Lead Brian O’Leary says, “Unfortunately short periods of rainfall, such as those we have experienced last week, are not sufficient to return raw water sources to normal levels. A minimum accumulation of 100mm rainfall and a return to normal precipitation levels thereafter would be needed to offset the impact of the unseasonal lack of rainfall since March. We are keeping the situation under continuous review and are liaising closely with other key agencies such as Met Éireann, the OPW, the EPA, amongst others and if the situation improves we will consider lifting the Water Conservation Order. However any change is unlikely in the short term.
“In Waterford, the Ballymacarbery Water Supply Scheme and the Fews Water Supply Scheme, near Kilmacthomas are in potential drought.”
Irish Water would like to thank the public for their cooperation and the efforts they have made to conserve water in their homes and gardens over the last week and to appeal to them to continue supporting us in safeguarding water for essential uses.
ENDS
For media queries, please contact aibuckley@water.ie
Editors notes
Since the Water Conservation Order came into effect, demand in the Greater Dublin Area has dropped to an average of 560 million litres per day from a high of 615 Million litres on the Saturday of the June Bank Holiday weekend. It is worth noting that the weather has been cooler with some rain since the beginning of the Order and Irish Water typically sees higher demand on dry, sunny days.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival and the Mobile Music Machine present ‘COVID CARE CONCERTS’ SERIES 2020 for residential care homes across County Waterford.COVID CARE CONCERTS is part funded by the Ireland Funds and is a new project that has been devised by the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (BVOF) and Mobile Music Machine (MMM) in response to the many social challenges presented by Covid 19 in residential care home settings.
Our classical music ensemble will perform at an appropriate social distance in the grounds of care homes across Co. Waterford. The residents will gather in the garden or listen to the performance through open windows and doors. The project is also designed to offer employment opportunities to world class Irish musicians, many of whom are facing long term unemployment.
With the support of the Ireland Funds grant, we will commence these concerts in residential homes in county Waterford at the end of June. 10 privately owned nursing homes in Co. Waterford have been selected for this project (see attached). Each outdoor performance will last for approximately 2 hours and will allow the musicians and residents to follow social distancing guidelines. We will rotate the members of the musical ensemble, thus providing a unique musical concert for each visit and employment opportunities for a range of performers throughout the series.
The Mobile Music Machine is a leading national music education company, founded by cellist Gerald Peregrine. The company has delivered workshops to over 55,000 primary school children across Ireland since 2007.
The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, Ireland’s only summer opera festival, is a celebration of the finest opera and classical music set in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Tucked away in the breath-taking Blackwater Valley, we stage performances of the highest artistic quality featuring both Irish and international stars and emerging talent of the classical music world. The 2021 Festival will take place from 1st-7th June and will feature an opera double bill Gianni Schicchi and Pagliacci.
As a Festival we are committed to fostering a love of music and opera in the next generation through our Education and Outreach programmes. Our Covid Care Concerts series is an appropriate expression of our commitment of support for our local communities. In collaboration with Mobile Music Machine we also run a thriving schools’ programme based on our commitment to fostering a real passion for music in young people today.
For further information please contact Eamonn Carroll, Festival Director on 087 2865207.
