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Waterford City & County Council

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By Waterford City & County Council

Join in the Government’s #ShineYourLight #LonraighdoSholas Campaign

Why not join in the Government’s #ShineYourLight #LonraighdoSholas Campaign this weekend by illuminating your business or premises and show that light really can reach us all.

A special broadcast is planned for Saturday night at 9pm on RTÉ which will showcase buildings lit up around the country.

IF POSSIBLE, AND ONLY IF YOU REMAIN OPEN AS AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE … Tonight, please light up a building or structure in your area in white or yellow light and take a landscape image.

Email the image to medbh@ireland.ie by 8am on Friday morning 10th April including details of what the building is and its location.

By Waterford City & County Council

CLOSED FOR NOW campaign

CLOSED FOR NOW
This Easter weekend, please leave all journeys to those who are providing essential services. If you need to travel, please make sure it is for essential purposes only.

Access to all of our stunning outdoor amenities is sadly but necessarily Closed For Now.

#StayAtHome #FlattenTheCurve #ClosedForNow

By Waterford City & County Council

Clarification on the operation of Planning System during COVID-19 Emergency

CONTINUITY OF PLANNING SERVICES

Despite the current COVID 19 emergency, Waterford City & County Council continues to provide a range of planning services including the processing and determining of planning applications, as well as associated public submissions/observations.

To enable the continued delivery of planning services, and to facilitate public engagement in the process during the COVID 19 emergency, changes have now been made to planning legislation to provide for a three week extension of time for already commenced public consultation periods, for compliance with any requests/directions made by the planning authority and for the determination of all current planning applications. These new legislative provisions are modelled on an existing and long-established provision of the Act which applies in normal circumstances every year over the Christmas period.

It is important to stress that the effect of the activation of this provision does not freeze the planning system, rather it extends the timelines within which public submissions can be received and within which planning decisions can be made.

While our public counters have been temporarily closed on the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team, applicants can continue to lodge planning applications by post and the public can view those applications online at: http://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/planning/planning-enquiries/online-planning-enquiries.htm

Members of the public can continue to make submissions by post or by email using the following email address: planning@waterfordcouncil.ie and should in all instances provide contact telephone numbers to enable the planning authority to verify their submissions and to make arrangements for the payment of any associated fees.

In addition, submissions by applicants for planning permission (such as responses to requests for further information) that would normally be presented at the public counters can now be submitted by email and will then be processed in the normal way.

Face-to-face pre-planning meetings with prospective applicants have been temporarily suspended but our District Planners will continue to engage in pre-planning consultations by email and telephone with those who have completed and submitted the form which is available on our website at: http://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/media/forms/planning/English/PDF/PrePlanningApplicationForm-2020.pdf

TEMPORARY PLANNING EXEMPTIONS

The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has also introduced two specific temporary planning exemptions to deal with issues arising specifically as a result of the current COVID 19 emergency. These are:

a) For the period of the emergency, the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the associated Regulations will not apply to certain classes of development by or on behalf of a State authority. This may include the change of use and repurposing of existing buildings and facilities, and/or the provision of temporary new-build accommodation and structures to address the COVID-19 civil emergency.

b) A change in use from a premises selling food for consumption on the premises to one providing food for consumption off the premises, during the period of the emergency, will be considered an exempt development.

USEFUL LINKS AND FURTHER DETAILED CLARIFICATION

The following documents provide clarifications on the operation of the planning system during the current COVID-19 emergency:-

By Waterford City & County Council

Cancellation of May Commemorations Conference

Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus, our Conference “Waterford and the 1920 Local Elections: Fighting for a New Voice and a new Ireland” scheduled for 16th May 2020 in Lawlor’s Hotel, is cancelled.

We are looking at the options for re-scheduling and ways to bring our Commemorations Programme to you over the coming months.

By Waterford City & County Council

Lighthouses of County Waterford

Ballinacourty Lighthouse

County Waterford has 3 lighthouses. Dunmore East lighthouse was built to designs prepared by Alexander Nimmo. The  elegant granite ashlar lighthouse was constructed in 1824, on a polygonal plan, and takes the distinctive form of a fluted Doric column.  The lighthouses at Mine Head (1851) designed by George Halpin Snr and at Ballynacourty (1858) designed by George Halpin Junior, have a more traditional circular design.

The  lighthouses were painted in different colours such as red, white or black, some with contrasting bands, so that sailors could identify them during daylight hours. By night each lighthouse would have a different flash pattern.

Of the 70 lighthouses around Ireland, Mine Head light house has the second highest focal height of 87m. Both Ballinacourty and Mine Head had well constructed keepers’ houses, where the light-keepers and maintenance men would live.

In 1997, the Baily Lighthouse in Dublin became the last manned lighthouse in the country  to become automated.

By Waterford City & County Council

The Metal Man

The iconic “Metal Man” is one of the five cut stone navigation beacons flanking Tramore Bay. The Cork-born sculptor Thomas Kirk (1781-1845), whose works also included Nelsons Pillar, exhibited a sketch for a “Jack Tar”, at the Hibernian Society of Artists in Dublin in 1815 and a model of the same in London two years later.

A “Jack Tar” was a term originally used to refer to seamen of the Merchant or Royal Navy, particularly during the period of the British Empire. In 1819, a cast of the Metal Man was made by John Clarke, at the request of the Ballast Board.

The figure, twice life size, but slightly out of proportion, is pointing to Hook Head and the entrance to Waterford Harbour. He is dressed in the uniform of British sailors at the time of the sinking of HMS Sea Horse: a gold-buttoned royal blue coat worn over a bright red waistcoat and white trousers.

One of 4 such statues commissioned, another Metal Man stands on a squat podium at the entrance to Sligo Harbour, however the whereabouts of the other two are unknown.

Early twentieth-century photographs capture a long-lost tradition where a chain of unmarried ladies would hop around the base of the tower three times in the hope of finding a husband within a year. Feel free to contact us if this was a successful tactic for you!

By Waterford City & County Council

Civic Amenity Sites – Easter Opening Hours

Kilbarry Civic Amenity Site

Opening Hours at Easter

  • FRIDAY 10th April 2020 11am to 4pm
  • SATURDAY 11th April 2020 CLOSED
  • SUNDAY 12th April 2020 CLOSED
  • MONDAY 13th April 2020 CLOSED
  • TUESDAY 14th April 2020 onwards –

Usual opening hours apply:  Monday to Friday 11am to 4pm

Dungarvan Civic Amenity Site

Opening Hours at Easter

  • FRIDAY 10th April 2020 8.30am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 3pm
  • SATURDAY 11th April 2020 9am to 12.30pm
  • SUNDAY 12th April 2020 CLOSED
  • MONDAY 13th April 2020 CLOSED
  • TUESDAY 14th April 2020 onwards –

Usual opening hours apply:

Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 1.00pm and 1.30pm to 4.00pm
Friday : 8.30am to 1.00pm and 1.30pm to 3.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am to 12.30pm
Sunday & Public (Bank) Holidays: CLOSED

Due to the carrying out of essential maintenance at the Dungarvan Civic Amenity Site on Friday 10th April & Saturday 11th April residual waste (general household waste) must be presented in bags, i.e. no loose residual waste / no trailers with loose residual waste.

By Waterford City & County Council

Beacons at Brownstown Head

Construction of the pair of navigation beacons at Brownstown Head and the 3 beacons at Newtown Head across the bay, commenced in 1819.

According to the historian R.H. Ryland,  “The beacons were commissioned ‘at the earnest solicitation of the harbour commissioners’ following the “Sea Horse” disaster (1816) to distinguish Tramore Bay from the entrance into Waterford Harbour ‘ and consequently to avoid the dangerous bay where sunken rocks nearly covered by the sea at high water render the approach particularly dangerous.”

The pair of circular-plan beacons are constructed of finely dressed stone, gently tapering to the top and finished with a  limestone “cap”. Originally these navigation aids were white washed to be more visible.

The design of the beacons has, in the past, been credited to Alexander Nimmo but research by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, has identified that it is more likely that beacons were designed by George Halpin,  Inspector of Works and Harbours for the Ballast Board.

  • Photo courtesy of the NIAH

By Waterford City & County Council

Covid-19:  Ireland launches “The Community Call” in major nationwide volunteering effort

The Community Call, a major initiative that links local and national government with the community and voluntary sectors, was announced today by Government. 

The Community Call is an unprecedented mobilisation of both state and voluntary resources to combat the effects of Covid-19.

The purpose of the Community Call is to coordinate community activity, direct community assistance to where it is needed, and marshal the volunteering energy of the country.

The immediate focus is on the elderly and the most vulnerable, and mobilising rapid response in every country to make sure everyone is looked after. In the coming weeks the focus will expand to broader the well-being of our society and how communities can work together to help the country through the Covid-19 crisis. 

The Community call was announced April 2nd by the Tánaiste Simon Coveney TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring TD, the Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform John Paul Phelan TD, and the Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly who represented the Local Authortities. Speaking at the launch, An Tánaiste Simon Coveney TD said:

“We are all finding it very strange to be home and to be keeping away from our family and community. But those that are vulnerable or in need of a bit of help need to know that they are not alone. The government is tapping into the reach of our local authorities in every corner of Ireland as well as the extraordinary dedication of a legion of voluntary groups and charities. For those who need some help, it is there for you.”

Speaking at today’s event, Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, praised the outstanding contribution of the community and voluntary sector to the national effort to address the effects of the COVID-19 crisis. 

“Since the very start of this emergency, the community and voluntary sector has been working on the ground and also at national level with my Department, to prepare for the Community Response which we are outlining today.  One of our greatest assets in this country is the strength of our local, community and voluntary networks”, the Minister said. 

“We are now asking that those networks – formal and informal – be mobilised so that everyone in our communities can look after each other.  If your neighbours or relatives are required to stay at home – check with them to see if they need supports.  And if you are in that category yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help – whether it’s with shopping, fuel delivery, collecting medicines or any other necessities of daily life.  The Local Authority helpline is there as a safety net, to ensure that everyone is looked after.”

For more information, go to Gov.ie

At National level, Community Call will be overseen by a group from the Department of An Taoiseach, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Department of Health, and the County and City Management Association.

The Community Call will be overseen and managed locally by our Local Authorities, led by the county Chief Executives.  The CEOs, the most senior public official in every county, have been tasked with making this work, and are leading a dedicated community Forum in each county to coordinate and connect the wide range of services and supports that area available.  The forum involves an extensive list of state and voluntary organisations.  A dedicated phone line is now operational in every county, details at. gov.ie and the national number 0818 222 024 is also now in operation.

The following is the list of each local authority’s helpline phone numbers.

Local Authority Community Call Number  

Carlow County Council   1800 814 300   

Cavan County Council    1800 300 404   

Clare County Council      1890 252 943   

Cork City Council             1800 222 226   

Cork County Council       1800 805 819   

Donegal County Council               1800 928 982   

Dublin City Council         01 222 8555      

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council             01 271 3199      

Fingal County Council    01 890 5000      

Galway City Council        1800 400 150   

Galway County Council  1800 928 894 and 091 509 390 

Kerry County Council     1800 807 009    

Kildare County Council   045 980 202      

Kilkenny County Council              1800 500 000    

Laois County Council      1800 832 010    

Leitrim County Council  071 965 0473    

Limerick City & County Council   1800 832 005    

Longford County Council             043 334 4255    

Louth County Council     1800 805 817   

Mayo County Council     094 906 4660   

Meath County Council   1800 808 809   

Monaghan County Council          1800 804 158    

Offaly County Council    1800 818 181    

Roscommon County Council       1800 200 727    

Sligo County Council       1800 292 765    

South Dublin County Council      01 414 9043      

Tipperary County Council            076 106 5000    

Waterford City and County Council         1800 250 185   

Westmeath County Council        1800 805 816   

Wexford County Council              053 919 6000   

Wicklow County Council              1800 868 399   

By Waterford City & County Council

SCOOP THE POOP – Dog Dirt Causes Disease

Dog dirt is smelly, sticky, disgusting and can cause disease. It should not be left for others to take care of in public places.

The Litter Pollution Acts 1997 – 2009 require dog owners to clean-up after their pets foul in public places such as public roads, footpaths,parks and beaches. An on the spot fine can be imposed on the owner of a dog who fouls in a public place,
which, if not paid could, lead to prosecution and a much larger penalty.

Dog dirt can cause disease. Toxocara is a common worm found in dogs. Infectious stages of this worm can be found in dog faeces. Public parks,public pathways and beaches are high risk areas.  Toxocara can also infect humans, mainly causing illness in young children. The
infection can last between six and twenty four months. Infection can cause damage
to the liver, lungs and eyes, sometimes leading to blindness.

Dog owners cause a health risk to others by not removing dog faeces from public places and disposing of it in a proper manner. The worm eggs can only infect humans if swallowed. Children are at risk of infection when they handle dogs or handle toys, footballs, soles of shoes or buggy wheels which have been contaminated with dog faeces.

Do not let your dog foul in a public place,but if it does foul in a public place,you are
required to collect and dispose of the faeces in a suitable sanitary manner, so that the
public is protected from this nuisance. It is as easy as taking a bag with you every
time you walk your dog in a public place. Simply place the bag over the faeces and
lift it whilst pulling the bag downwards with your other hand. Tie a knot in the bag
and dispose of it in a litter bin or take it home for disposal. Wash your hands when
you arrive home. Alternatively, Pooper Scoopers are available free of charge from
Kilkenny, Carlow, South Tipperary,Waterford and Wexford County Councils.

Remember – Scoop the poop

  • Worm your dog routinely (every three months is advised)
  • Wash your hands after handling your dog
  • Ensure your children wash their hands thoroughly following play outside and before eating.
  • DOWNLOAD THIS LEAFLET

By Waterford City & County Council

Age Action and Irish Red Cross launch COVID-19 Hardship Fund

Full information on Age Action Ireland website.

Helping Older People who are Most In-Need

What: Age Action has launched a COVID-19 Hardship Fund in conjunction with the Irish Red Cross to respond to the immediate needs of older people in vulnerable situations across Ireland experiencing additional hardship as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis.

Why: Age Action and the Irish Red Cross know that some older people in vulnerable situation and at the highest risk of the corona virus will need additional supports over the coming weeks, particularly as they are now required to cocoon to protect themselves and others. This scheme is designed to provide immediate practical relief to assist in alleviating the hardships they experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How: Age Action and the Irish Red Cross has raised funds to provide additional assistance to older and vulnerable people around Ireland who are experiencing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic by making once-off grants, up to a maximum of €500, per person/household affected.

Who Can Apply: Older people in need of assistance, family members supporting an older person and carers of older people, social workers and local voluntary organisations or community groups providing direct assistance to individuals within this target group.

What Can I Apply For: Any practical needs that are adding to your hardship as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased social distancing restrictions of cocooning for over 70s. This can include costs of the following examples and other needs as they arise within the scope of this fund;

  • Small household maintenance, repairs and safety improvements
  • Food and basic provisions and associated delivery costs
  • Upgraded or New Small Appliances (fridge, freezer, washing machine, TV, cooker, etc.)
  • Providing Digital Technology Equipment, for example smart phones or tablets
  • Contribution towards increased energy costs or telephone bills
  • Contribution towards additional home or personal security costs
  • Contribution towards additional travel costs for essential reasons (medical appointments, etc.)

How Do I Apply: The COVID-19 Hardship Fund Application Form is available HERE or you can contact our offices to request a form by contacting us at;

Email: hardship2020@redcross.ie

Phone: Irish Red Cross at 01 6424600 or Age Action at 01 475 6989

Please ensure that you clearly outline the need for which you are applying, how the grant will alleviate hardship and what it will be used for and details of the costs (up to a maximum of €500).

By Waterford City & County Council

Survey of voluntary, community and sporting groups

A dedicated community support helpline of 1800 250 185 and email contact covidsupport@waterfordcouncil.ie have been established in Waterford City and County to assist at risk members of the public in accessing non-emergency and non-medical supports and advice during the current public health emergency.

To that end, we are requesting voluntary, community and sporting  groups who are providing services to vulnerable citizens to complete this online survey:

This will provide us with a complete database of groups across city & county who are providing services to assist the most vulnerable in Waterford City & County.

The information will enable us to link citizens with groups providing essential services and to identify where the gaps in services are. Our aim is to ensure that all our vulnerable citizens are looked after in these difficult times.  If you are already providing a service in your local community or parish or mobilising to start such a service, we would be grateful if you would complete the survey now.

Please note that information submitted will only be used for the purposes of co-ordinating community volunteers during the Covid 19 crisis. Any queries regarding the use of personal data should be referred to dataprotection@waterfordcouncil.ie 

A sincere thank you for your ongoing work and especially to those providing services to those most in need at this time.

By Waterford City & County Council

Survey of voluntary, community and sporting groups

A dedicated community support helpline of 1800 250 185 and email contact covidsupport@waterfordcouncil.ie have been established in Waterford City and County to assist at risk members of the public in accessing non-emergency and non-medical supports and advice during the current public health emergency.

To that end, we are requesting voluntary, community and sporting  groups who are providing services to vulnerable citizens to complete this online survey:

This will provide us with a complete database of groups across city & county who are providing services to assist the most vulnerable in Waterford City & County.

The information will enable us to link citizens with groups providing essential services and to identify where the gaps in services are. Our aim is to ensure that all our vulnerable citizens are looked after in these difficult times.  If you are already providing a service in your local community or parish or mobilising to start such a service, we would be grateful if you would complete the survey now.

Please note that information submitted will only be used for the purposes of co-ordinating community volunteers during the Covid 19 crisis. Any queries regarding the use of personal data should be referred to dataprotection@waterfordcouncil.ie 

A sincere thank you for your ongoing work and especially to those providing services to those most in need at this time.

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