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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Metropolitan Mayor ‘Claims the Waters’

On Tuesday, June 17th Waterford Metropolitan Mayor Cllr. Joe Kelly set sail from Dunmore East on the Irish Naval vessel, LÉ Aoibhinn to ‘claim the waters’ in a tradition that dates back centuries.

In 1626, the city of Waterford was granted a new charter by King Charles I.  Known as the Great Governing Charter, it confirmed all previous charters and privileges granted to the city, which had been removed by his father James I, whose accession in 1603 had caused great disaffection.

Under the terms of the Great Governing Charter, the Mayor of Waterford was also conferred with the office of ‘Admiral of the Harbour.’  This empowered the Mayor of Waterford City to hold admiralty courts within the harbour.  As part of this tradition the mayor fires a ceremonial dart into the estuary where the three rivers meet, claiming the waters for the city of Waterford.

Cllr. Kelly said, “This is a wonderful tradition that dates back centuries, and as Waterford’s Metropolitan Mayor, I am proud and honoured to continue this tradition today.

“Waterford boasts a rich and proud maritime heritage, blending fisheries and trading, and was long regarded as prominent shipbuilding hub.  In fact, the very first sailing ship to import tea directly from China into Ireland was built at White’s shipyard.

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to the officers and crew of the LÉ Aoibhinn, particularly Lieutenant Commander Aisling O’Flynn, Officer Commanding LÉ Aoibhinn, and also Captain Darren Doyle of the Port of Waterford for facilitating us today.”

Cllr. Kelly then ‘claimed the waters’ by stating, “I declare, ‘According to the Governing Charter of Waterford City, as granted by King Charles I, on behalf of the Mayor of Waterford and Admiral of the Harbour, I claim these waters.’

By Waterford City & County Council

Join our Climate Innovation Programme

Join our Climate Innovation Programme

Waterford County Council, Trinity College Dublin and Munster Technological University are inviting participants from a variety of organisations and businesses to take part in this pioneering short course, which is designed to equip you with the skills necessary to address climate change challenges.

Do you know any community leaders who might be interested? Or a business owner eager to reduce their environmental impact and support their community? Perhaps there is someone who is genuinely passionate about exploring more sustainable practices?

If this sounds like you, someone you know or you need more information, please reach out to us with your expression of interest at climateaction@waterfordcouncil.ie

Participants from Waterford City will have priority, but depending on availability, there may be additional spaces for participants from Waterford County.

Download Our Leafet

By Waterford City & County Council

Joyful Graduation Celebration at St. Joseph’s Special School

Joyful Graduation Celebration at St. Joseph’s Special School
There were smiles, proud moments, and a few happy tears as students from St. Joseph’s Special School in Waterford celebrated their graduation this week.
The ceremony was a heartwarming and joyful occasion, filled with laughter, music, and well-earned applause. The Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Joe Kelly joined the celebrations, presenting certificates and praising the Class of 2025 for their courage, kindness, and achievements.
“You are bright, you are brave, and you are brilliant,” he told the graduates, as each student received their certificate with pride.
There were warm words too for parents, guardians, and families – recognising the love, strength and support they give every day – and for the school’s amazing staff who create a place not just of learning, but of belonging.
To all the graduates – Congratulations!

By Waterford City & County Council

Roads & Parking Alert – Waterford Viking Marathon

Viking Marathon 2025

Please be advised that no parking will be permitted on the following streets during the Waterford Viking Marathon, a two-day event:

  • Suir Street

  • Mary Street

  • O’Connell Street

  • Thomas Street

  • Thomas Hill

🕓 From 16:00 on Saturday 21st June and Sunday 22nd June 2025. Vehicles left in these areas will be removed.

We thank you for your cooperation as we welcome runners to this major event in Waterford’s sporting calendar. For more information and route details, visit waterfordvikingmarathon.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Achieves Prestigious WHO Healthy City and County Designation

Waterford has officially been accredited as a World Health Organisation’s (WHOs) European Healthy City and County, joining a prestigious network of cities across Europe recognised for their commitment to placing health, equity and sustainability at the centre of local governance and development.

This prestigious recognition acknowledges Waterford’s unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of its citizens through comprehensive and sustainable initiatives.

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and National Drug Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, welcomed the announcement that the National Healthy Cities and Counties of Ireland Network, and the cities of Galway, Limerick and Waterford have officially been accredited as a World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) European Healthy City in Phase VII (2019-2025).

The WHO Healthy Cities and Counties programme is a global movement that recognises cities and towns committed to health and sustainable development. It is not a health status award, but rather an acknowledgement of a political, institutional, and technical commitment to continuously improve the health and wellbeing of its people. The designation reflects collaborative effort across local government, health services, community groups, businesses, and residents to create an environment that supports optimal health and wellbeing for all.

Speaking about the designation, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy stated, “We are absolutely thrilled and immensely proud to receive the WHO Healthy City and County designation. This is a monumental achievement for Waterford, reflecting the dedication and hard work of countless individuals and organisations across our city and county.

“It underscores our commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and healthy environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

The journey to becoming a WHO Healthy City and County was made possible through the collaborative efforts of many key partners. This includes those involved with the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and a wide range of other dedicated agencies such as HSE, SETU, WWETB, Waterford PPN, Waterford Area Partnership, Waterford Leader, and Waterford CYPSC.

Their collective expertise has been instrumental in developing and implementing initiatives across various crucial areas.

Waterford City and County Council Chief Executive Sean McKeown underscored this collaborative success, stating, “This designation is a testament to the ongoing commitment of both the LCDC, through its dedicated stakeholders, and Waterford City and County Council. It clearly demonstrates that health and wellbeing remain a key priority for us under our Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP).”

Waterford’s WHO Healthy City and County designation serves as a foundation for continuous development and improvement. Waterford will keep collaborating with the WHO and other international Healthy Cities and Counties to exchange best practices and gain insights from global experiences. This application received support from the Department of Health and Healthy Ireland Local Government.

This recognition marks a significant milestone for Waterford, solidifying its position as a forward-thinking region prioritising the holistic wellbeing of its population.

By Waterford City & County Council

Blast Store at Waterford Central Library on Thursday, June 26th

clothes swap and upcycling workshop

Frustrated with fast fashion?

Then join Blast Store at Waterford Central Library on Thursday, June 26th

Love your clothes for longer, by learning how to upcycle and repair with patchwork, hand painting, stitching and more.

Just bring along any clothes you want to swap or upcycle and leave with a whole new wardrobe. Materials and great tips will be provided on the day.

Check out @Blast Store on social media to book your place today.

The Blast Store workshop is in partnership with Waterford City and County Environmental Department with funding support from the local Circular Economy Grant.

This workshop will address the importance of supporting Waterford’s young people to embrace sustainable fashion and creative reuse / recycle of textiles and educate about the environmental impact of fast fashion while teaching sewing, design, and alternative upcycling techniques.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford regains Ireland’s Cleanest City Title

Viking Triangle / Museum Quarter which received Grade A, “The lovely planted/paved areas looked very well and there was a very eye-catching sculpture outside the Museum of Time. There was a complete absence of litter throughout this extensive area.”

Once again Waterford has emerged as Ireland’s Cleanest City in the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) Anti-Litter League. The city ranked 8th out of 40 cities and towns and was classed as Cleaner than European norms.

Waterford City continues to score very well in the IBAL anti-litter league, and according to the latest survey, “Waterford City has retained its high-ranking position and was again Ireland’s cleanest city. With so many top-ranking sites, it’s not possible to mention them all, but some stand out for various reasons.”

Most of the sites surveyed received a Grade A ranking and these, amongst others, included the Greenway Car Park, Waterford Retail Park, Plunkett Train Station, Waterford Courthouse, the Tramore Approach Road and City Square Shopping Centre.

The Mall, also receiving a Grade A ranking was noted as having, “Plenty of signage indicates the historic nature and significant of many of the buildings along The Mall. There was no litter associated with the large building which was covered in scaffolding. All aspects of The Mall were in excellent order, not just very good with regards to litter but the overall presentation and maintenance of same e.g. visitor information signage/ 3D models/seating etc. and the recent restoration of ‘O’Sullivan’s’ is a wonderful addition to the area.”

The Quays Riverwalk from The Tower Hotel to the Bridge, was also graded A, with the report stating, “some of which has been boarded up for the extensive works taking place along the river. Excellent visitor information signage close to Reginald’s Tower. Large planter boxes looked very well, and the William Vincent Wallace Plaza was spotless. There was a virtual absence of litter along the remainder of the length of the riverwalk.”

The report also cited, “There was only one heavily littered site – the Bring Bank at Tesco Ardkeen.  Improvements were noted at ‘Woodpecker’ site, Apple Market Car Park and Site beside Vee Car Park.”

Ballybeg once again recorded a solid result, and despite a slight dip on previous years was classed as Clean to European norms. The report stated, “There were no litter blackspots. The residential area of Ardmore Terrace and Ballybeg Stores & Environs were much improved compared to previous IBAL surveys, just missing the top litter grade this time around.”  However, it was noted that the Ballybeg Bring Bank was not just littered but “dumped upon.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy welcomed the IBAL league results, saying, “This is another great result for Waterford City and for Ballybeg. Consistently, the city has performed outstandingly well in the IBAL Anti-Litter League.

“These results aren’t achieved by chance. It takes a dedicated Local Authority cleansing team, in tandem with an army of volunteer clean up groups, residents’ associations and community and business groups, who have the utmost pride in where they live and work.”

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, “I would like to acknowledge the work of Waterford City and County Council, the numerous volunteer clean-up groups and the local communities for their consistent hard work which year in, year out, never fails to deliver for Waterford City.

“This collaborative approach is clearly working as Waterford has upped its ranking and attained Cleaner than European norms classification – a first for the city.”

Details of the most recent Irish Business against Litter Survey can be found at https://ibal.ie/anti-litter-league/

By Waterford City & County Council

Gentle Adventures Await at Comeraghs Wild Festival in Waterford

CW Festival

Prepare to unplug, unwind, and dive into a world of gentle adventure at the 2025 Comeraghs Wild Festival in County Waterford, returning from July 10th to 13th in the heart of one of Ireland’s most stunning natural landscapes.

Set against the backdrop of the wild and beautiful Comeragh Mountains, the festival promises an uplifting mix of wellness, exploration, and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a curious wanderer, or simply in search of a moment of peace, there’s something here for everyone—from calming yoga flows to exhilarating mountain biking, and from tranquil forest walks to vibrant cultural events.

Festival-goers are invited to roam the breathtaking trails of the Comeraghs with expert guides who will share stories of the land’s rich biodiversity, folklore, and history. One of the weekend’s highlights, Reach the Cruachan Summit with Mario from Muddyboots, sets off at 10am on Saturday, July 12th. This 10km guided hike will take roughly four hours, leading adventurers to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Ireland, offering panoramic vistas that sweep from Youghal to Tramore, with the Knockmealdowns and Comeraghs framing the horizon.

On Sunday morning, July 13th, the Coumshingaun Ridge Hike offers an unforgettable experience above Europe’s most magnificent corrie lake. Towering cliffs wrap around the sparkling lake below in a dramatic horseshoe route that makes you feel as though you’re walking through a mythical landscape. This is a challenging hike that requires a good level of fitness and a head for heights.

Also on Saturday, fans of film and history can step into cinematic nostalgia with The Barry Lyndon Experience Looped Walk. Guided by Michael O’Donoghue of Rathgormack Ramblers, this 8km moderate forest trek traces the very locations where scenes from the iconic 1975 film were shot, blending natural beauty with film magic.

If inner peace is more your path, Zen in the Park in Kilmacthomas offers a revitalising yoga session on Saturday from 10 am to noon beneath the soaring arches of the Greenway bridge. Led by senior yoga teacher Virginia Giani, this gentle flow blends breathwork, sound immersion, and mindful movement, followed by delicious barista coffee and a smoothie bowl from Signal Box Coffee.

Sunday morning continues the wellness journey with Find Your Way with The Holistic Coach at Scéal Nua gardens in Clonea Power. This outdoor workshop blends meditation, visualisation, and life coaching in a serene garden setting, helping participants reconnect with purpose and possibility.

From 11 am to 3pm on Sunday, immerse yourself fully in nature at the Comeraghs Wild Wellness Retreat in award-winning Crough Wood. Guided by resident nature expert Claire O’Sullivan, the day includes forest therapy, mindful foraging, gentle yoga, and even a refreshing waterfall plunge for the brave-hearted. Afternoon tea in the woods—featuring wildcrafted treats and herbal teas—adds a deliciously wholesome touch.

For those craving a bit more adrenaline, the Nire Valley Drop mountain biking and gravel biking event kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday in Ballymacarbry. With thrilling off-road routes across some of the most scenic terrain in the region, riders can choose between a 50km Gravel Grinder or the classic 45km mountain biking route, with optional shortcuts for those who like their adventure on a gentler slope.

But the Comeraghs Wild Festival is much more than hiking boots and yoga mats. The festival opens with Indigestion, a moving one-man play by Seamus O’Rourke, and continues with hands-on fun like felt-making and surfing, live outdoor music with The Dolans, and family rides aboard the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. Kids will love the joyful Creative Children’s Summer Camp in Crough Wood, while Saturday evening brings a lively céilí feel with Dance Neath the Comeraghs, music from Neily O’Connor, and a special screening of Barry Lyndon excerpts in celebration of the  area where Ryan O’Neal’s character’s family cottage was located.

Brought to you by Waterford City and County Council, the Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025 is an invitation to reconnect with nature, community, and creativity in one of Ireland’s most captivating landscapes. From the forest to the stage, and from summit to sea, this is a festival that speaks to the soul.

For full programme details, visit www.comeraghswild.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Shining a Light on Aphasia Awareness – 15th June

Aphasia Awareness - Mid-Atlantic Long Term Care

This June, we will be supporting Aphasia Awareness Day, an initiative highlighting a condition that affects thousands of people across Ireland.

Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to the brain, most often as a result of a stroke. It can severely impact a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, or write, making everyday communication a challenge.

To mark Aphasia Awareness Day on Sunday, 15th June, two Waterford landmarks, 35 The Mall in Waterford City and Devonshire Bridge in Dungarvan, will be illuminated in blue, the colour associated with aphasia awareness.

While building works mean that Waterford City Hall cannot be lit this year, wehope to  raise visibility and understanding of this condition.

#AphasiaAwareness #LightItUpBlue

By Waterford City & County Council

Contract signing for remediation works and upgrade of Rice Bridge

On Friday, June 13th, Waterford City and County Council and Fluidpower Group Services UK Ltd, t/a FlowTech, entered into a contract for remediation works and upgrade of mechanical and electrical systems of Rice Bridge.

The contracts were signed in the Mayor’s Parlour in City Hall in the presence of Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, Mary Butler TD, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for Mental Health, and John Cummins TD, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning.

The Edmund Rice Bridge in Waterford City, commonly known as Rice Bridge, was opened in 1984. A vital piece of infrastructure and a symbolic landmark in Waterford, Rice Bridge not only supports modern transportation but also pays tribute to one of Waterford’s most influential historical figures: Edmund Ignatius Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers and a pioneer in Catholic education.

Carrying thousands of vehicles daily, Rice Bridge is a key component of the city’s transport network. Its strategic location near the city centre makes it essential for local commerce, emergency services, and public transport.

Over the past four decades, significant technological advancements have rendered many of the electrical components required to operate the opening span obsolete. In 2018, Waterford City and County Council engaged the consultancy firm Mott MacDonald to conduct a full assessment of Rice Bridge under the Regional Roads Rehabilitation Programme.

The report concluded that the mechanical and electrical systems were outdated, with many components no longer available for direct replacement. It identified the need to upgrade most of the electrical systems and some mechanical elements.

In 2021, Waterford City and County Council applied to the Department of Transport for multi-annual funding under the Specific Improvement Grant scheme to support the necessary upgrades.

Roughan & O’Donovan (ROD) with a head office in Dublin and extensive experience in bridge design, were appointed as the engineering consultants to design the upgrade works.  Sub consultant Hardesty & Hanover, an American based company with extensive experience in movable bridges, worked with ROD to prepare the optimum design for the bridge.

Speaking at the contract signing, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “This is a hugely positive step in the upgrade of Rice Bridge, which has served Waterford well for over 40 years as the main thoroughfare from the city to Ferrybank and beyond.

“Investment in Rice Bridge will only serve to further improve logistical and structural integrity and allow Rice Bridge to operate as efficiently as possible into the future.”

The proposed scheme includes upgrades to the bridge’s MEICA (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control, and Automation) systems, specifically:

  • Remediation and/or replacement of the mechanical, electrical, and control equipment associated with the opening span.
  • Works on utilities and services running through the bridge’s plant rooms.
  • Installation of a new access hatch to the plant room.

The contract was tendered in late 2024 and the successful contractor was Flowtech, a UK based specialist in bridge engineering, with sub offices in Ireland.  The overall value of the contract is €4,467,750 ex VAT. The works contact is for 15 months with a further 1-year period for completion of snags.

The work is being funded on a multi-annual basis – with an allocation of €1,500,000 in 2025 – under the Strategic Grant category for local and regional roads with the specific objective of funding fund a variety of projects, including bridge repairs, junction reconfigurations and initiatives to reduce traffic congestion in towns.

-ends-

By Waterford City & County Council

Ministers announce successful projects under Local Enhancement Programme 2025

LEP 2025

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, have today (Friday, 13th June) announced the successful projects under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 was launched in November 2024 with funding of €7 million available, which included €1 million in current funding to support local groups with ongoing running costs. The funding also provides capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas. Almost 4,500 community organisations will receive funding, with a total of over 5,400 individual projects funded.

The Department of Rural and Community Development and Gaeltacht’s Local Enhancement Programme 2025 is administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area.

Announcing the successful projects today, Minister Buttimer said:

“The Local Enhancement Programme is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, who are the building blocks of Irish community life.”

“Since my appointment I have had the pleasure of visiting many of the community groups that will benefit from grants under the LEP – although small in nature the value of the projects funded to the groups are considerable”

“With over 5000 projects approved the number of communities and people that these grants will benefit is vast.”

Minister Buttimer added:

“The funding I am announcing today will ensure that important work can continue to be delivered by communities on the ground and I’m delighted that every single county will benefit. This Government is committed to supporting local communities to shape their future.”

“I would like to thank each County Council and the Local Community Development Committees for their assistance in administering this fund.”

Also announcing the successful projects today, Minister Dara Calleary said:

“The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 continues to build on the vital supports provided to community groups through previous iterations of the fund helping them improve their facilities. It provides small-scale funding for projects which range from purchasing IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings and this year also provided an opportunity to groups to apply for help with their operational costs.

“The impact of the Local Enhancement Programme is considerable, and it allows community groups to carry out the invaluable work they do on behalf of others in local areas throughout the country.”

List of the successful projects is available here

Waterford City & County Council will be contacting all applicants for funding under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 in the coming days.

By Waterford City & County Council

Comhar Comaraigh Network Newsletter

CCN NewsletterThe June edition of the Comhar Comaraigh Network Newsletter is out now, bringing the latest updates, achievements, and events from across the Comeragh region, Co. Waterford.

It highlights key initiatives in rural social enterprise development, collaborative projects, and community successes.

The newsletter features updates on vibrant village regeneration, strategic plans for future funding, health initiatives, and rural tourism. Local accomplishments, like Tidy Towns awards, heritage preservation, and sporting victories, emphasise community spirit and growth.

Download

By Waterford City & County Council

Dungarvan Enterprise Centre – New Facility and New Beginnings

After fourteen successful years working with entrepreneurs, microenterprises and SMEs in Glanbia’s campus Old Friary building, Dungarvan Enterprise Centre (DEC), with support from Waterford City & County Council, opened its facility at Fairlane, Dungarvan. Currently, the Centre is home to seven organisations; a mixture of high-tech, high-value-add and social enterprises, and eight co-workers from multinational and local enterprises spanning the South East region. The new facility also contains state-of-the-art boardroom and training room facilities that are available for hire by entrepreneurs, businesses, trainers and educators.

On the 11th June, with more than 50 people attending, the official opening of the new facility was performed by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy. During his presentation, Mayor Murphy thanked Waterford City and County Council and the DEC Board of Directors for collaborating to sustain the continued development of this enterprise hub in Dungarvan. Mayor Murphy said, “the future of this enterprise hub is both exciting and ambitious, because based on DEC’s plans, this will be a very important resource for enhancing the growth of entrepreneurial activity in Dungarvan and West Waterford”.

During his presentation, Professor Bill O’Gorman, chairperson of DEC, also thanked Waterford City and County Council for their support in creating this magnificent new facility for entrepreneurs, microenterprises and the business community in general based in Dungarvan and its environs. Prof. O’Gorman also outlined some of DEC’s immediate and long term plans stating that DEC, as a partner in an EU funded project and in conjunction with SETU, it will be collaborating with international partners from The Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal and Albania to position Dungarvan and West Waterford as a centre for enhancing the development of rural enterprise networks and communities. He said, “moving to this new facility enables the Board of Directors to renew its focus on realising a digitally capable, adaptive and sustainable business community and society in Dungarvan and West Waterford, through the provision of an unrivalled enterprise hub facility with associated remote working, training, incubation, and innovation programmes and services”.

By Waterford City & County Council

RSA Annual Conference Examines Drink & Drug-driving

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is hosting its Annual International Road Safety Conference today in Dublin, bringing together national and international experts to examine one of the most urgent challenges in road safety — driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.

This year’s conference comes at a pivotal time. Despite longstanding efforts, intoxicated driving continues to contribute significantly to road fatalities in Ireland and across Europe. It is estimated that 25% of all road deaths in the EU are alcohol-related, for example.

The conference will explore the latest research, behavioural insights, technological innovations, and international best practices to better understand and address the issue.

It coincides with the launch of the RSA’s new TV-led ad campaign, which challenges the social acceptability of drink-driving. It appeals directly to the public to protect their friends, and other road users, by ensuring their friends do not drink-drive.

According to data from the latest international E-Survey of Road Users’ Attitudes (ESRA, 2023), 9% of drivers in Ireland admitted to driving within one hour of taking drugs (other than prescribed or over the counter medication) at least once in the previous 30 days — higher than the EU average of 7%. And while drink-driving reports in Ireland are lower than the EU average, (10% versus 15% report driving after drinking alcohol at least once in the last 30 days), alcohol continues to play a devastating role in crashes.

RSA analysis of coronial data of driver fatalities between 2016 and 2020 revealed that 35% of drivers with toxicology results available tested positive for alcohol. That figure jumps to 70% for driver fatalities that occurred late at night and into the early morning (between 10pm-6am).

Speakers will address a range of topics, including evolving trends in drink and drug-driving, enforcement strategies, the role of medical and behavioural interventions, and the use of alcohol ignition interlock devices — a proven technology already in use across several European countries to prevent drink-driving among high-risk offenders.

The conference will also feature a presentation by Dr Kiran Sarma from the University of Galway, who will discuss the latest findings of an in-depth, RSA-commissioned, study of drug-driving.

International perspectives, including Belgium’s success in implementing an offender-based monitoring programme using alcohol ignition interlock technology, will also feature.

Seán Canney, Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports will open the conference. He said: “The research at this year’s conference is a powerful reminder that intoxicated driving has real, and often tragic, consequences. It is up to each of us — drivers, families, communities — to take ownership of our behaviour behind the wheel and drive safely.”

Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, said: “Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs means slower reaction times, reduced alertness, impaired judgment, and poor vision, which drastically increases the risk of serious collisions. We at the RSA are committed to educating and informing drivers of the risks, so that motorists can make informed decisions. Our new anti-drink-driving campaign launched by Minister Canney today and the recent anti-drug driving campaign is testament to that. Everyone has a role to play when it comes to road safety, and I urge everyone to do better so we can reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on Irish roads”.

Professor Desmond O’Neill, Director, National Office for Traffic Medicine, Trinity College Dublin said: “We have been collaborating with a working group in Ireland to develop a roadmap for an integrated alcohol ignition interlock programme, supported by a drink-driving rehabilitation course, for high-risk offenders. When fully implemented, this approach has the potential to significantly reduce repeat drink-driving offences, lower crash rates, and ultimately save lives on Irish roads.”

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