Latest News & Announcements - Waterford City & County Council

21st June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Emergency Road Closure – REMINDER: N72 Affane/Sunlawn towards Sheskin

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, will close the following public road on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June 2020 to facilitate laying of hot road asphalt road surfacing.

Road to be closed:

A section of the N72 at Affane/Sunlawn towards Sheskin.

Diversion Route:

For car/light vehicles the following diversion route to be used:

From Cappoquin – turn right at Richmond House towards Mountrivers L2017 onto R671 at Knocknaskagh – then turn left for N72 Rockfield and right for Dungarvan.

From Dungarvan – turn left at N72 Rockfield on to R671 – then turn right at Knocknascagh on to L2017 onto Mount Rivers/Richmond House and left for N72 Cappoquin.

For HGV the following diversion routes to be used:

At the Tallow junction on the N72 turn right for Tallow onto R634 towards the N25. Turn left on N25 at the Piltown junction on to the R671 through Clashmore towards N72 Rockfield – right for Dungarvan.

At N72 Rockfield – turn left on to R671 towards Clashmore onto the Piltown junction on the N25, and turn right at this junction in the direction of Rhincrew Roundabout, at Rhincrew Roundabout take the third exit the R634 road to Tallow and proceed on to the N72 through Tallow.

Waterford City and County Council apologise for all inconvenience resulting from proposed closure.

19th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Decade of Centenaries Community Grant / Deontas Pobail do Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán

The War of Independence in Waterford – What happened in your local area?

The Commemorations Committee of Waterford City and County Council invite Community Groups to apply for a community grant towards projects to commemorate the Decade of Centenaries in Waterford City and County.

Grants of up to €1000 are available for projects to commemorate the Decade of Centenaries in Waterford.

Waterford Commemorations Committee invite you to take a look at the Decade of Centenaries from a local perspective and bring to life the stories and history of your local area.

Why not try:

Tell your local story with a publication or presentation
Create a workbook for your local school to share your local history
Create a map of manoeuvres or an attack that occurred

Resources such as the Brigade Reports and the Military Service pensions made available by the Military Archives www.militaryarchives.ie ; local newspapers made available online combined with the memories and stories of local families can tell an important story of life in Waterford at an important time in Irish history and how the people and places of Waterford contributed

We would love to hear the creative Community Projects that Community Groups come up with and how Groups approach their local history with curiosity, empathy and respect.

Please Note: Covid 19 public health directions must be adhered to in all projects.

Closing date for applications is: 4pm Friday 10^th July 2020

For Application Forms see https://bit.ly/waterford100 or contact the City and County Archivist, Joanne Rothwell archivist@waterfordcouncil.ie 0761102144 for further information.

This grant is part of the Decade of Centenaries projects funded by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Check out www.decadeofcentenaries.com for more information and for details of events and projects throughout the country.

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DEONTAS POBAIL DO DHEICH mBLIANA NA gCUIMNEACHÁN

Cogadh na Saoirse i bPort Láirge – Cad a tharla i do cheantar áitiúil?

Tugann Coiste na gCuimhneachán de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge cuireadh do Ghúpaí Pobail cur isteach ar dheontas pobail i dtreo thionscadail a dhéanann comóradh ar Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán i gCathair agus i gContae Phort Láirge.

Tá deontais suas le €1000 ar fáil i gcomhair thionscadail chun Deich mBliana na gCuimhneachán a chomóradh i bPort Láirge.

Tugann Coiste na gCuimhneachán, Port Láirge cuireadh duit féachaint ar Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán trí dhearcadh áitiúil agus beocht a chur sna scéalta agus sa stair a bhaineann le do dhúiche féin.

Bain triail as:

Do scéal a insint le foilseachán nó cur i láthair
Leabhar saothair a chruthú i gcomhair do scoil áitiúil chun do stair áitiúil a roinnt
Léarscáil na n-inlíochtaí a chruthú d’ionsaí a tharla

Is féidir scéal tábhachtach maidir leis an saol i bPort Láirge ag am tábhachtach i stair na hÉireann a insint trí acmhainní ar nós Tuairiscí na mBriogáidí agus an Bailiúchán Pinsean Seirbhíse Míleata atá ar fáil ón gCartlann Mhíleata ag www.militaryarchives.ie agus nuachtáin áitiúla atá curtha ar fáil ar-líne a úsáid, i dteannta cuimhní cinn agus scéalta ó theaghlaigh áitiúla.

Ba bhreá linn cloisint ó na Grúpaí Pobail agus na Tionscadail Phobail a bheidh acu agus iad ag díriú ar a stair áitiúil le fiosracht, le comhbhá agus le meas.

Tabhair faoi deara: Is gá cloí le treoracha sláinte phoiblí Covid 19 le gach tionscadal.

Spriocdháta i gcomhair iarratais: 4i.n. ar an Aoine, 10 Iúil 2020

Foirmeacha iarratais ar fáil ó: https://bit.ly/waterford100 nó déan teagmháil le Cartlannaí na Cathrach agus an Chontae, Joanne Rothwell ag archivist@waterfordcouncil.ie nó ar 0761102144 i gcomhair a thuilleadh eolais.

Tá an deontas seo á dtabhairt amach mar chuid de thionscadail Deich mBliana na gCuimhneachán atá maoinithe ag an Roinn Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta. Tá a thuilleadh eolais, maraon le sonraí d’imeachtaí agus de thionscadail ar fud na tíre ar fáil ar www.decadeofcentenaries.com

19th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayoral Statement on death of Det. Garda Colm Horkan, RIP

The Mayor of Waterford, Councillor John Pratt offers sincere condolences on behalf of the people of Waterford to family, colleagues and friends of Det. Garda Colm Horkan, RIP.

Flags will be flown at half mast at all Civic Offices as a mark of respect.

Ar dheis Dé do raibh a anam.

19th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Join the 2020 Summer Stars Reading Adventure at Waterford Libraries

The Summer Stars Reading Adventure has begun in Waterford Libraries!

Summer Stars is the national summer reading programme for children that runs all around Ireland in our public libraries from the 15th of June until the end of August.

With the impact of COVID 19 and the closures of our schools and libraries, the Summer Stars Reading Challenge will take place online to encourage and engage children in reading and creativity. Storytime, chapter readings, quizzes and crafts will be shared weekly on the Waterford Library’s Facebook page and website – www.waterfordlibraries.ie.

All children throughout the country are invited to join the adventure and to enjoy the fun and pleasure of reading and writing over the summer. Summer Stars is non-competitive and every child who reads even one book is regarded as having completed the programme. The Summer Stars Reading Challenge is free to access on our website and features storytime, quizzes and activities that will motivate children to take part in reading-related hobbies over the summer.

Take part in our online storytime or share a love of stories in your home with a daily reading commitment of 20 minutes reading with your child daily. All reading counts, whether its independent or shared, and will support your child’s literacy and creativity during summer.

Read ebooks or eAudiobooks downloaded from our website, enjoy comics and magazines, re-read a favourite story or read what you have in your home to keep reading a priority over the summer months.

You can keep track of your child’s reading with our downloadable Reading Card at waterfordlibraries.ie or pick up a card from library staff when you visit branches to use the “Contact and Collect” service in Central Library and Dungarvan. You can return your child’s Reading Card to one of our library branches before August 31st to make sure they receive a Reading Achievement certificate in the Autumn.

If you can’t print the Reading Card that’s no problem! Encourage your child to record books or comics they’ve read and get in touch with us before August 31st to register their name for a reading Achievement Certificate – call us on 0761 102696 or email CarrickphierishLibrary@waterfordcouncil.ie

18th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford businesses encouraged to apply for Local Authority Restart Grant in Phase 2 of Roadmap to Recovery

As the country moves into Phase 2 of the Government’s Roadmap to Recovery, small businesses that have managed to operate through the pandemic, recently reopened or are due to reopen are being encouraged to apply for the Local Authority Restart Grant through Waterford City and County Council.

The Restart Grant gives direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures and is available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover up to June 30th, 2020.

Businesses due to reopen under Phase 2 (June 8th) include small retail outlets and marts.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council said the grant, is based on the equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019 and if a company is currently in a rateable premise but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply.

“Now that we are moving into Phase 2, more and more small businesses will be in a position to reopen. Some will have continued to operate but will have experienced a loss in revenue and staff numbers while bearing ongoing costs. For others, the cost of reopening will be a challenge. The Restart Grant, which is a minimum of €2,000 and maximum of €10,000, can be used to help defray ongoing fixed costs or meet the cost of reopening, such as replenishing stock or implementing the necessary health and safety protocols to ensure customer and employee safety.”

“Small retail businesses due to open in Phase 2 should apply for the grant via Waterford City and County Council and they will be prioritised. As we gradually move into the next phases and more sectors open up, these businesses should apply. Over the coming weeks and months in Phases 3, 4 and 5 more retail outlets, offices, restaurants, hotels, cafes, pubs, childcare facilities and indoor recreational centres are scheduled to reopen. These businesses too should begin the process of applying for the Restart grant in order to avoid delay.”

Applications for the Restart Grant can be made via www.waterfordcouncil.ie and the closing date for receipt of applications is August 31st, 2020.

Processing of applications and payment of the Restart Grant will depend on the initial surge of applications but, as far as is feasible, will be prioritised according to scheduled re-opening dates in the national Roadmap.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:

About the Restart Grant

Micro and small businesses are particularly vulnerable to the economic effects of Covid-19. Many businesses, even while closed, continue to incur costs including fixed costs without being able to generate revenues. It is recognised that businesses will also incur costs in preparing their businesses to reopen and meeting the needs of employees and customers. The Restart Grant is designed to alleviate the pressure on businesses in this context.

To avail of the Restart Grant, a business must be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and:

have an annual turnover of less than €5m and employ between 1 to 50 people
have closed and/or suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover to end June 2020
commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed
declare the intention to retaining employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS)

Business Categories, based on the Government’s Roadmap for a phased re-opening of the economy, are as set out below:

For further information:

Karen Cheevers, B2B Communications
086 2300700

18th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

REMINDER: Temporary Bathing Prohibition, Clonea Beach

Due to an emergency overflow from the sewerage system, there is a risk of contamination at Clonea beach and bathing is temporarily prohibited until the status of the bathing water quality can be verified.

This will take approximately 2 days.

17th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council details Sec. 254 Outdoor Furniture Grant Scheme

Waterford launched the COVID 19 Economic Recovery Plan Monday 8^th June as a response to getting Waterford reopened and moving into recovery phase. A number of initiatives have been implemented as part of the recovery Plan and plans are now in place for the roll out of the Outdoor Furniture Grant scheme.

The objective of the street furniture grant scheme is to contribute to vibrant City, Town, and Village centre and assist and support the hospitality sector with a grant towards the cost of equipment in providing additional outdoor seating and accessories in reopening post COVID-19.

A consistent and high quality standard in the street furniture will be required in order to enhance the appeal of the city, town and village centre and to create confidence in visiting and dining in city, town and village centre.

The details of the Outdoor Furniture Scheme are as follows:

Food and Beverage retailers who wish to avail of the Outdoor Furniture Scheme need to apply in the first instance for a S.254 licence in order to be approved to place furniture in public spaces outside premises. The application form and details of the application process are detailed on the Council’s website. The fee for S.254 licence has been waived as a recovery measure by Waterford City and County Council.
All grants will be subject to compliance with conditions of a licence granted under section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) or the conditions of a relevant grant of planning permission

The following items are eligible for the grant :

Tables, Chairs, Umbrellas, electric heaters, screens/windbreaks, plant stands, temporary bike stands and wooden platform
Items must be purchased between 1^st June and 31^st August 2020 and payment will be made to applicants on submission of receipt for equipment purchased. The scheme will provide up to 75% of the cost of equipment purchased / installed, with a maximum allowable contribution of €2,000 per applicant.

For further details on the scheme, please visit the Council’s website or call 0761 102020.

ENDS

17th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Temporary Bathing Prohibition: Clonea Beach

This will take approximately 2 days.

16th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

New Parking incentives introduced

“BUY 1st Hour, get 2nd Hour Free”

From Thursday 11th June, 2020 to 31st July, 2020 a new parking concession to incentivise business and trade in Waterford City Centre will be introduced. The initiative applies to car parks operated privately and to those run by Waterford City & County Council.

Under the scheme, when a motorists pays for the 1st hour parking, they will receive the 2nd hour free. Pay & Display machines have been calibrated to add the time to the ticket dispensed.

All the usual parking enforcement will apply and all machines will be calibrated to issue a 2 hour ticket when one hour is requested.

Due to the current remedial works in Grattan Square, Dungarvan, parking is FREE in this Car park from Friday 12th June, 2020 to Friday 31st July, 2020.

Some FAQs on the scheme are listed below … please email contact@waterfordcouncil.ie for further information.

FAQs relating to the “BUY 1st Hour, get 2nd Hour Free” parking concession.

P&D machines have been calibrated to add the extra time to the ticket dispensed.
If you pay for 2 hours or more, you will still only receive one hour free.
If you pay for a portion of an hour i.e. the minimum payment, you do not get any free parking.
Jenkins Lane car park has a 3 hour max stay. The machine will only accept the price of 2 hours and give the 3rd hour free to comply with the restriction of 3 hours.
There are no changes to the weekly or all-day tickets at Waterside Car park or Millar’s Marsh Car park.
Bolton Street Car park – €1.00 per hour, no max stay – pay 1st hour, get 2nd free i.e. one additional hour added to number of hours paid for.
O’Connell Street – there is a max stay of 1 hour. However for the duration of this initiative if you pay for 1st hour you will receive the 2nd hour free, thus allowing 2 hours stay on the street for this period only.
Pay & Display machines do not give change.

#StayLocal #StaySafe #TogetherWaterfordisStronger #MyWaterford

16th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Emergency Road Closure – Advanced Notice: N72 Affane/Sunlawn towards Sheskin

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, will close the following public road on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June 2020 to facilitate laying of hot road asphalt road surfacing.

Road to be closed:

A section of the N72 at Affane/Sunlawn towards Sheskin.

Diversion Route:

For car/light vehicles the following diversion route to be used:

From Cappoquin – turn right at Richmond House towards Mountrivers L2017 onto R671 at Knocknaskagh – then turn left for N72 Rockfield and right for Dungarvan.

From Dungarvan – turn left at N72 Rockfield on to R671 – then turn right at Knocknascagh on to L2017 onto Mount Rivers/Richmond House and left for N72 Cappoquin.

For HGV the following diversion routes to be used:

Waterford City and County Council apologise for all inconvenience resulting from proposed closure.

15th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – “Don’t Turn Your Back” Campaign

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – 15th June 2020: Don’t Turn Your Back Campaign

15th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Rejuvenated Fine Gael team will deliver for Waterford – Sen. Cummins

Following the election of former Mayor and Councillor John Cummins to Seanad Éireann, Fine Gael have unveiled a strong shake up of their team in Waterford.

Frank Quinlan, well known locally for raising €16,000 for six Waterford charities and organisations by running 21 half marathons in 21 days during the Covid-19 lock-down, has been selected to replace Senator Cummins on Waterford City & County Council. The party has also ratified former Councillor Sharon Carey as the Fine Gael Area Representative for Waterford City East.

Speaking about the news Senator Cummins said “I am honoured to be leading a rejuvenated Fine Gael organisation in Waterford and I am very much looking forward to working with the quality local representatives we have in each area. The addition of Frank and Sharon are very important to our rebuilding process and will assist Fine Gael to deliver for the people of Waterford.”

“I’m delighted that Frank has agreed to take on the position which I have held on the Council for the past 11 years. I have no doubt that he will be a great asset to the Fine Gael team in Waterford and he will work tirelessly for the people of Waterford City South and beyond in the years ahead. Frank is a selfless person who always puts the needs of others ahead of himself and this will certainly place him in good stead for his new role on the Council.

Speaking following his ratification by the Fine Gael membership and the National Executive Frank Quinlan said “I would like to thank former leader of Seanad Éireann Maurice Cummins for nominating me and all the branch members for their support and kind words of encouragement. I am honoured to be chosen to represent the constituents of Waterford City South and the greater Waterford area. Anyone who knows me will know I am very passionate about Waterford, have a very positive attitude and I intend to use these attributes to work as hard as I can for the people of Waterford.”

Senator Cummins added “I’m also delighted that former councillor Sharon Carey has agreed to work as the Fine Gael Area Representative for Waterford City East. Sharon was narrowly defeated in last year’s local elections but remains fully committed to the betterment of her local area. I know she is looking forward to continuing the great tradition of public representation that the Carey family have delivered for over 30 years.”

Newly appointed Area East Representative Sharon Carey said “I’m looking forward to my new role as area rep for Waterford City East. I intend to work very closely with Senator Cummins and the wider Fine Gael team to progress the many issues that are relevant to Waterford City East.”

Notes to the editor:

Frank Quinlan was born on 3rd October 1974 in Waterford City to parents Richard & Pauline Quinlan. He has three siblings Greg, Tony and Caroline and one son Dylan who is fourteen. Frank was educated at St Stephens and De La Salle College.
Following on from education Frank was employed by Jim Bolger, Racehorse Trainer, for a number of years before moving into the Motor Sales industry where he has been employed for the past 20 years. In recent times, Frank has taken back the reigns as exercise rider for Joseph O’ Brien, Horse Trainer, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny.
Frank is involved with serval sporting clubs in Waterford – De La Salle GAA club, Waterford Triathlon Club, Bohemians Soccer Club and Waterford Athletic Club. He is an experienced runner, regularly completing marathons and in recent years he has acted as the 3 hour pacer for the Dublin Marathon, helping others to achieve their goals.
He is very proud of his most recent achievement, completing 21k (half marathon) for 21 days during the Covid-19 period to fundraise for mental health and other charities in Waterford City. It was a huge success with over €16,000 raised and returned to the community.

Contact

Senator John Cummins, 087 9205729

12th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council details the proposed Outdoor Furniture Grant Scheme

The details of the Outdoor Furniture Scheme are as follows:

Food and Beverage retailers who wish to avail of the Outdoor Furniture Scheme need to apply in the first instance for a S.254 licence in order to be approved to place furniture in public spaces outside premises. The application form and details of the application process are detailed on www.waterfordcouncil.ie The fee for S.254 licence has been waived as a recovery measure by Waterford City and County Council.
All grants will be subject to compliance with conditions of a licence granted under section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) or the conditions of a relevant grant of planning permission

The following items are eligible for the grant :

Tables, Chairs, Umbrellas, electric heaters, screens/windbreaks, plant stands, temporary bike stands and wooden platform
Items must be purchased between 1^st June and 31^st August 2020 and payment will be made to applicants on submission of receipt for equipment purchased. The scheme will provide up to 75% of the cost of equipment purchased / installed, with a maximum allowable contribution of €2,000 per applicant.

For further details on the scheme, please visit www.waterfordcouncil.ie or call 0761 102020.

ENDS

12th June 2020

By Waterford City & County Council

Update on Grattan Square Works, Dungarvan

An Update on Grattan Square Works, Dungarvan

The Junction of TF Meagher Street and the Central Area in the Square are reopening to traffic on 12^th June.
The next phases will involve the Junction at Mary Street (15^th -17^th June) & the Junction at O’Connell Street (17^th to 19^th June). For the most part traffic will be managed and streets will remain open, however, some short term closures will be required. Where possible these closures will take place outside of business hours so any impact is minimised. When short term closures are in place alternative routes will be signposted to maintain access to Grattan Square at all times.
From 19^th to 26^th June only lining works, road studs, localised repair and cleaning will remain and the visibility of the works will be significantly reduced.