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Waterford Libraries receive funding to upgrade sensory facilities in 4 branches

Waterford Libraries receive over €30,000 in funding to upgrade
sensory facilities in Dungarvan, Lismore, Tramore and Central Libraries.

Following their successful application for funding under the national scheme announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring in December 2019, Waterford Libraries will receive an extra €15,680 in grant aid for the installation of new sensory equipment in library branches. This is in addition to the 2019 approved funding for installation of two “Tovertafel” magic tables in Dungarvan and Lismore (€15,680 (2019)).

At the announcement of the funding, Minister Ring said “I am very aware of the struggles some people face living with autism or learning differences. I want these people and their families to see our libraries as a safe and welcoming space for them, somewhere they can have fun in and learn.”

A Tovertafel is a unique piece of equipment where through the projection of light and shapes onto a flat surface, children and adults with additional sensory needs are enabled and encouraged to interact and enjoy the experience.

Waterford Libraries will install a magic table in Dungarvan in April, and this will be followed by the installation of a magic table in Lismore as part of the extension of the My Open Library (8am–10pm opening hours) to the Lismore branch.  This additional funding will also allow tables to be installed in both Central and Tramore Libraries.

Waterford City & County Librarian, Jane Cantwell said “We are delighted to receive this additional funding which will help us open up our libraries to an even broader range of people including carers, people living with dementia, autism and those with other learning issues. We believe that our public libraries should be open to and relevant to everyone.  Any services or equipment that help make this happen are very welcome.”

Global Women’s Conference, Garter Lane Arts Centre, Tuesday 10th March

Join local and global speakers, women activists, academics, policy makers and delegates #EachforEqual #IWD2020

Waterford Integration Services, Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre, Waterford Libraries, Waterford Cultural Quarter and Waterford City and County Council are coming together to host a Global Women’s Conference on Tuesday 10 March to coincide with International Women’s Day Events.

Sunday 8th March is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality – #IWD2020 #EachforEqual

Our focus at local level is on empowering women as key actors of Integration and Economic Development as a direct response to our commitment to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Waterford and the South-East.

We collaborate on issues affecting Migrant women and their families by highlighting inequalities and social exclusion, policy development and research, education, income poverty, women and health, politics and decision-making, combating racism and discrimination, women and human rights.

This Conference will attract local and global speakers, women activists, academics, policy makers and community delegates to participate in the important dialogue of Migrant Women and the SDGs.

The Conference will take place at Garter Lane Arts Centre, O’Connell Street, which is located in Waterford’s Cultural Quarter.

Lunch included.

FREE but booking essential at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/global-womens-conference-tickets-93943488503

Programme

  • 9:00am Registration & Mini Cultural Moment
  • 9:30am Welcome Address by Mayor of the Metropolitan District Cllr. Breda Brennan
  • 9:35am Keynote Speaker, Lelini Veerassamy CEO of International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
  • 9:50am Tulowani Akaehomen
  • 10:10am Osas Usideme, Intercultural Health Hub
  • 10:20am Women as Ritual Makers
  • 10:30am Sarah Franklyn, Coalition 2030
  • 11:00am Water Break & Mini Cultural Moment
  • 11:15am Her Excellency Dr. Uzoma Elizabeth Emenike, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
  • 11:30am Panel Discussion and Questions from the delegates – Chaired by Margaret Ward, Journalist
  • 12:30pm Mini Cultural Moment –Group Energy Work – Nicola Kent
  • 12:50pm Obianuju Eckedoze, Chair Waterford Migrant Forum
  • 1:00pm Networking Light Lunch
  • 2:00pm Mini Cultural performance
  • 2:20pm Carine Mambou, Storyteller
  • 2:30pm Round Table discussion Main challenges faced by women in Waterford
  • 3:30pm Feedback from discussion
  • 3:45pm Final Questions, evaluation form completion and conference closure
  • Closes at 4pm

Side Events

  • Launch of Shakti Programme Intercultural Quilt – Social Enterprise Programme for women.
  • Example of Rangoli (south Indian art form, in which patterns are created on the floor or the ground traditionally using materials such coloured rice or flour etc.) This ritual for luck, health & happiness is performed specifically by women.
  • Red Sand Project – participatory community art to highlight victims of human trafficking that fall through the cracks in our global system.

Information Stands

  • Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre
  • South East Business Innovation Centre
  • Access I.T.
  • Waterford Social Enterprise Network
  • Work Matters – Supports for Business & Employment at your Library

Bausch+Lomb take top prize at Waterford Business Awards

Bausch + Lomb were named Overall Waterford Business of the Year at the Waterford Business Awards on Friday night last (February 28th) at the Tower Hotel by Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr John Pratt.

The multi-national company also picked up the Exporter of the Year award on the night, which was attended by over 340 guests.

This year marks 40 years of manufacturing contact lenses in Waterford at Bausch + Lomb. Currently employing 1,400 at its plant at Waterford Industrial Park, world-wide exports are at an all-time high, driven by the success of the Biotrue One Day family of daily disposable contact lenses. The Biotrue range was developed in Waterford and there are now daily shipments from the Waterford site to markets all over the world.

The Waterford Business Awards, which are organised by Waterford Chamber, Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber and WLR and was hosted by Damien Tiernan and Julie Smyth, celebrated the successes and contributions of thirty-nine companies who were shortlisted for the 13 award categories.

Commenting at the gala dinner, Mayor Pratt said: “We have a vibrant business community here in Waterford and we are the leaders in so many fields. Tonight is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the incredible work ethic, innovation and determination that exists in business today. Just looking around the room here tonight, the nominated companies are all winners and if we continue to work together and use that same determination these people show in business to create a better Waterford, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”

Topping the categories were GIY for Community & Social Enterprise; Rob Leslie of Sedicii won Entrepreneur of the Year; Cliff House Hotel took home the Food & Beverage Award; Quish’s SuperValu were awarded Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility; Ashleigh Environmental won Environmental Excellence; New Business of the Year went to Everett’s Restaurant; Fresh Food Courtyard took home the Retail Excellence Award; Flahavan’s won for Marketing Excellence; Small Business of the Year went to Dunmore Adventure Centre; Technology & Innovation to Bausch + Lomb; Tourism Activity/Attraction of the Year went to House of Waterford Crystal and the Training & People Development Award went to Hartley People.

The Ambassador of the Year Award, sponsored by Eirgen Pharma, was presented to John and Peter Queally.

Introducing the Queally brothers, Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley said: “It is now my great pleasure to introduce to you two brothers from Kill and Dunhill, Co. Waterford, who have dedicated their lives to both their families and their businesses and are synonymous with the food and agriculture sector not just in their native Waterford but nationally and internationally.”

The shortlisted businesses were nominated by the public and also through self-nomination for all eleven categories. An independent judging panel, under the Chairmanship of Frank O’Regan, and including David Breen, David M Breen & Co; Lena Murphy, WLR; Tina Darrer, Dooley’s Hotel; TV Honan, Spraoi; Louise Grubb, Q1 Scientific, Richie Walsh, Waterford Local Enterprise Office, Irial Mac Murchu, Nemeton TV and Noel Kelly, Inspired Leaders Shape Success, carried out the difficult task of selecting the finalist shortlist and category winners after a rigorous judging analysis of each application.
A special presentation was also made to outgoing Chair of the Judging Panel, Frank O’Regan, to acknowledge his hard work over the past six years.

Speaking on the night, Jonathan Earl, Waterford Chamber President said, “On behalf of Waterford Chamber, I would like to sincerely congratulate Bausch + Lomb on being announced as the Overall Winner of the Waterford Business Awards and to all category winners and finalists – thank you. Without your hard work and determination our business community would not be as vibrant as it is today and we wish you all continued success.”

Speaking on behalf of WLR, Des Whelan, Managing Director, said that “WLR as a local company with offices and studios in Waterford City and Dungarvan was very pleased to be involved in both organising and promoting the Waterford Business Awards. It’s such a positive night for Waterford City and County with so many world class companies and innovative business people being honoured. My congratulations to all the nominees and winners and thanks to all who entered and supported the 2019 awards.”

Waterford City and County Council sponsored the Overall Waterford Business Award, while category sponsors include Morgan McKinley, Permanent TSB, EirGen Pharma, TOTEM, AIB Bank, Faithlegg, KBC Bank, City Enterprise Centre, PwC, Waterford Institute of Technology, Port of Waterford, Waterford Local Enterprise Office, Waterford Chamber Skillnet and Dawn Meats. For further details see www.waterfordchamber.com

Ends
For more information please contact Lynda Lawton on 087 9379894.
Free to use photos from Patrick Browne Photography

Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2020

Waterford City & County Council will administer the 2020 Town & Village Renewal Scheme funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a key part of the Action Plan for Rural Development – Realising our Rural Potential and Project Ireland 2040.

The focus of the Town & Village Renewal Scheme is on improving the economic development of rural towns and villages and making them more attractive places to live and work and increase their tourism potential.

Waterford City & County Council now seeks expressions of interest from towns and villages, particularly those who may not have benefitted from the Scheme previously, for funding of suitable projects under this initiative.

 

  • Expression of interest forms and details of the scheme outline can be obtained by e-mailing townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie and completed expression of interest forms are to be returned before 5.00pm Wednesday 25th March 2020.

 

All applications will be subject to a selection process using National Criteria. Selected expression of interest applications will be developed into detailed bids for consideration for the 2020 Town & Village Renewal Scheme.

Queally brothers named Waterford Ambassadors of the Year

Two of Waterford’s most well-known and respected businessmen have been announced as Waterford Ambassadors of the Year at the Waterford Business Awards on Friday, February 28th last.  

Peter and John Queally set up Dawn Meats with their partner Dan Browne in 1980 and it has grown to be one of Europe’s largest privately-owned agri companies. Peter and John also established the Arrow Group of Companies in the early 1980’s.

Introducing the brothers, Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley said: “It is now my great pleasure to introduce to you two brothers from Kill and Dunhill, Co. Waterford, who have dedicated their lives to both their families and their businesses and are synonymous with the food and agriculture sector not just in their native Waterford but nationally and internationally.

“From pig production and beef farming to fresh and cooked meat processing, mineral water, petfood and coldstorage, the brothers now control one of Europe’s largest food groups with a turnover in excess of €2.5 billion and a workforce of nine and a half thousand, with over 1,200 in Waterford and the South East contributing significantly to the economic vibrancy of Waterford. I am delighted to ask Peter and John Queally to come to the stage and accept our Waterford Ambassador of the Year award.”

On receiving the award, Michael Queally, CEO of Arrow Group, on behalf of Peter and John thanked the judges “for this prestigious award which we, our families, our business partners and staff, will take great pride in”.

“On reflection, there have been three main ingredients to our success – hard work, common sense and most importantly our loyal and dedicated Staff past and present.

“We are conscious that the Chamber has had many to consider for this Ambassador of the Year Award, so once again on behalf of  Peter and John, our families, business partners and staff, to the Chamber and sponsors Eirgen Pharma – a heart-felt thank you.”

The Waterford Business Awards, organised by Waterford Chamber and partners Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber and WLR, celebrated the successes and contributions of thirty-nine companies who were shortlisted for the 13 award categories at a gala event in the Tower Hotel, with Bausch + Lomb being announced as Overall Waterford Business of the Year and the Queally brothers taking home the title of Waterford Ambassadors of the Year.

Ends

For more information, please contact Lynda Lawton on 051 311130.
Free to use images from Patrick Browne Photography

Waterford City & County Corporate Plan 2019-2024 now available

Waterford, as the Capital of the South East will be a vibrant and sustainable place for all its people who live, work, visit or invest here.

OUR VISION

  • That Waterford is ambitious, progressive, and connected. A place
    where all our people enjoy life, well-being and opportunity at its
    heart.
  • That Waterford people have access to a responsive, professional and
    people focused local authority which is connected at a strategic level
    to the wider public service.
  • That Waterford and the South East are positioned to lead in terms of
    business development, economic growth and educational excellence.
  • That Waterford offers a unique quality of life for all with outstanding
    world class amenities and a natural unspoiled landscape and scenery and become a recognised tourism destination which honours its cultural and
    historic heritage as Ireland’s Oldest City.

Waterford 2040 Breakfast Briefing

Almost 50 leaders from Waterford’s industrial and commercial, government, educational and economic development agencies gathered for a Breakfast Briefing on Wednesday 26th February 2020 to initiate a marketing and promotional campaign for Waterford. The initiative is as a result of collaboration between Waterford Chamber, Waterford Institute of Technology and Waterford City & County Council.

Over the past six months, the agencies have created an economic baseline for the city and opportunity analysis out to 2040. This research will inform Waterford’s implementation plan to realise it’s critical role as a population centre and economic driver of growing importance and scale, as outlined in the National Planning Framework ‘Project Ireland 2040’ and the National Development Plan 2018-2022.

Waterford Chamber CEO, Gerald Hurley said “For me today is about getting the message right and having an ambitious outlook for our city. Up until now, there has been conflicting economic baseline data for Waterford. This is the first time we have come together at a local level to obtain detailed and credible research and data that everyone can use to showcase Waterford as a City of Opportunity. The results of that research, combined with months of data gathering by RIKON and the information we collate here today, will give us an economic baseline for the city and present the ambitious growth opportunities that exist in Waterford.  This can then be used by all of us as a tool to attract future investment and educate key influencers.”

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council in opening the meeting said “The National Planning Framework and Development Plan policy document re-assert our critical role and we need to identify as a city and region of opportunity where our quality of life is unique. This morning’s meeting focussed on the identification of the vision for Waterford and a number of key collaborations which will set Waterford as a place apart”.

Prof. Willie Donnelly, President of Waterford Institute of Technology concluded the meeting by saying “Waterford Institute of Technology offers an attractive opportunity as an educational leader of international repute and is proud to partner with Waterford Council and Waterford Chamber of Commerce to drive Waterford as the primary urban centre within the south-east region”.

Entries now accepted for the 2020 Molly Keane Creative Writing Award

Waterford City & County Council’s Arts Office is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting entries for the Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2020.

Annually since 1998, to celebrate this rich literary life, the Waterford Arts Office, by kind permission of the Keane family has invited entries for a previously unpublished short story to a maximum of 2000 words.

There is no entry fee, no age limit and no restriction on the subject matter.  A prize of €500 will be awarded to the winner at an event in the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore, Co. Waterford  in June 2020.

Global Women’s Conference to take place in Waterford on 10th March

Waterford Integration Services, Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre, Waterford Libraries, Waterford Cultural Quarter and Waterford City and County Council are coming together to host a Global Women’s Conference on Tuesday 10 March in Garter Lane Arts Centre from 9am to 4pm to coincide with International Women’s Day Events.

On the day delegates can join local and global speakers, women activists, academics, policy makers and community leaders. The conference will invite all speakers and delegates to participate in the important dialogue of Migrant Women and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Anne Nolan from Waterford Integration Services explains: “Our focus at local level is on empowering women as key actors of Integration and Economic Development as a direct response to our commitment to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals in Waterford and the South-East. We collaborate on issues affecting Migrant women and their families by highlighting inequalities and social exclusion, policy development and research, education, income poverty, women and health, politics and decision-making, combating racism and discrimination as well as women and human rights.”

Speakers will include Lelini Veerassamy CEO of International Organisation for Migration, Osas Usideme, Intercultural Health Hub, Sarah Franklyn, Coalition 2030, Tulowani Akaehomen, Businesswoman and Author, Margaret Ward, journalist, Obianuju Eckedoze, Chair of the Waterford Migrant Forum, Marie Taylor, Limerick Institute of Technology and Her Excellency Dr. Uzoma Elizabeth Emenike, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Mayor of the Waterford Metropolitan District Cllr. Breda Brennan will open the conference.

The day will also include mini cultural moments including storytelling by Carine Mambou, Rangoli, a south Indian art form, in which patterns are created for luck, health and happiness, Red Sand Project – participatory community art to highlight victims of human trafficking that fall through the cracks in our global system.

There will also be information stands from Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre, South East Business Innovation Centre, Access I.T., Waterford Social Enterprise Network and Work Matters – Supports for Business & Employment at your Library.

Sunday 8 March is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

The Conference will take place at Garter Lane Arts Centre, O’Connell Street, which is located in Waterford’s Cultural Quarter. Tickets are free but booking is essential via eventbrite – search for ‘Global Women’s Conference’ or contact Central Library on 0761 10 2975 for more information.

ENDS

For more information contact Sinead O’Higgins sohiggins@waterfordcouncil.ie or Anne Nolan anne.nolisu@gmail.com

Booking: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/global-womens-conference-tickets-93943488503

Seachtain na Gaeilge sna Déise

Bain triail aisti – Seachtain na Gaeilge sna Déise le Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge.

Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge á ceiliúradh i bPort Láirge arís i mbliana, le go leor imeachtaí á n-eagrú in áiteanna éagsúla ar fud an chontae agus na cathrach. Tá Oifigeach Gaeilge Phort Láirge ag obair i gcomhair le grúpaí éagsúla chun réimse leathan imeachtaí a chur le chéile, mar a leanas.

Seirbhís Leabharlainne Phort Láirge
Beidh go leor imeachtaí Gaeilge agus dátheangacha ar siúl sna leabharlanna éagsúla sa chathair agus sa chontae sa choicís amach romhainn:

Bingó as Gaeilge do Pháistí – in Ard Chaoin, Port Lách, Bóthar de Brún agus sa Trá Mhór. Glacfaidh na céadta páistí ó scoileanna éagsúla páirt sna seisiúin seo agus is féidir na sonraí a fháil ó do Leabharlann áitiúil.

Scéalaíocht & Amhráin do Pháistí – le Jacqui de Siún ó Choiste Cúram Leanaí Phort Láirge. Beidh seisiúin do ghrúpaí réamhscolaíochta faoi leith ar siúl sna leabharlanna in Ard Chaoin agus sa Lios Mór. Chomh maith leis sin, reachtáilfidh Jacqui seisiúin oscailte Scéalaíochta & Amhráin do pháistí an-óg (0-3 bhliain) sa Lárleabharlann agus sna háiteanna seo a leanas:

  • Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán – Dé Máirt, 3 Márta @ 10.30r.n.
  • Leabharlann Ard Chaoin – Dé hAoine, 6 Márta @ 11r.n
  • Leabharlann na Trá Móire – Dé Céadaoin, 11 Márta @ 11.00r.n.

Beidh na seisiúin saor in aisce seo oscailte don bpobal, agus beidh fáilte roimh thuismitheoirí/fheighlithe leanaí agus páistí óga a bheith linn.

Scéalaíocht do Pháistí – beidh seisiúin scéalaíochta á reachtáil i Leabharlann Bhóthar de Brún sa Chathair.

Scéalaíocht & Ceardaíocht – tá áthas orainn a fhógairt go mbeidh Muireann Ní Chíobháin i mbun scéalaíochta agus ceardaíochta le páistí sna Leabharlanna sa Trá Mhór agus i nDún Garbhán. Is taibheoir, scríbhneoir agus cruthaitheoir í Muireann agus aithne ag go leor daoine uirthi ó chláir do pháistí ar TG4 agus RTÉ Junior. Beidh Muireann i Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán ar an Mháirt, 11 Márta le páistí ó Scoil Mhuire, Dún na Mainistreach agus i Leabharlann na Trá Móire ar an Aoine, 13 Márta le páistí ó scoil Ghlór na Mara.

Gabhaimid buíochas le Jacqui de Siún ó Choiste Cúram Leanaí Phort Láirge as ucht a gcomhoibriú agus tacaíochta chun na himeachtaí seo a eagrú sna leabharlanna éagsúla. Má tá a thuilleadh eolais uait mar gheall ar aon cheann des na himeachtaí sna Leabharlanna, déan teagmháil le Treasa Mac an Aonaigh i Leabharlann Ard Chaoin ar 0761 10 2844.

IMEACHTAÍ DO DHAOINE FÁSTA

Tráth na gCeist Dátheangach & Seisiún
Tá Oifig na Gaeilge de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge ag eagrú Tráth na gCeist Dátheangach sa Cove Bar ar bhóthar Dhún Mhóir i bPort Láirge ar an Déardaoin, 12 Márta @ 8.30i.n. Tráth na gceist spraoiúil a bheidh ann chun iachall a chur ar dhaoine a gcuid Gaeilge a úsáid. Bronnfar an t-airgead ar fad a bhaileofar mar dhuaiseanna agus beidh spotduaiseanna ar fáil chomh maith ar an oíche agus beidh seisiún ceoil agus amhránaíochta ar siúl ina dhiaidh. Mar sin, bígí linn sa Cove Bar i gcomhair roinnt chraic agus chomhrá!

Lón Gaeilge
Eagrófar Lón Gaeilge ar an Déardaoin, 5 Márta i mbialann Espresso ar Bhóthar Pharnell i gCathair Phort Láirge óna 1-2.00i.n. Beidh fáilte roimh éinne gur mian leo teacht agus lón a bheith acu agus páirt a ghlacadh i gcomhrá agus i gcomhluadar Gaoluinne. Is féidir a thuilleadh eolais faoin Lón Gaeilge a fháil ó Shéamus ar (087) 241 3826.

Ciorcail Chomhrá
Tá roinnt Chiorcail Chomhrá ag feidhmiú sna Déise agus cé go mbíonn fáilte roimh dhaoine i gcónaí, beidh fáilte faoi leith roimh dhaoine nua le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge.

Leanfar ar aghaidh le Ciorcal Comhrá na Trá Móire le linn mhí an Mhárta, le ‘Comhrá as Gaeilge’ sa Leabharlann gach oíche Dhéardaoin (5, 12, 19 & 26 Márta) óna 7-8i.n. Beidh oíche speisialta ar siúl ar an 12 Márta nuair a thiocfaidh cúpla Ciorcail Chomhrá le chéile sa Trá Mhór i gcomhair oíche shóisialta. Beidh grúpaí ó Dhún Garbhán agus Dúrlas ag teacht ar chuairt chun comhrá as Gaeilge lena gcomhpháirtithe sa Trá Mhór agus cupán tae agus cístí milise a roinnt! Mar sin, más mian leat do chúpla focal a úsáid, téir go dtí Leabharlann na Trá Móire aon oíche Dhéardaoin agus bain taitneamh as.

Leanfaidh Ciorcail Chomhrá na Cathrach ar aghaidh chomh maith – gach Céadaoin sa Cove Bar ar a 11.00 ar maidin; agus gach oíche Déardaoin i dTigh Tábhairne an Gingerman óna 9.00i.n. Tuilleadh eolais ó Aidan Barrett ar 087 2648363.

Buaileann grúpa sóisialta ‘Gaeilge Anseo’ le chéile gach Máirt in Óstán na Páirce, Dún Garbhán óna 7-8.30i.n. Gach eolas ó Chabríní de Barra ar 083 4455914. Chomh maith leis sin, bíonn Ciorcal Comhrá ar siúl i Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán ar an Déardaoin ar a 6.30i.n. Fáilte roimh éinne buaileadh isteach chucu ag aon am.

Mar sin, má tá suim agat freastal ar réimse imeachtaí trí Ghaeilge, nó do chúpla focal féin a chleachtadh, tá rud éigint duit le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge i mbliana. Bain sult as!

-críoch-

Tuilleadh eolais: Máire Seosaimhín Breathnach, Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge
0761 10 2884 / (087) 7434123

Global Women’s Conference, Garter Lane Arts Centre, Tuesday 10th March

Join local and global speakers, women activists, academics, policy makers and delegates #EachforEqual #IWD2020

Waterford Integration Services, Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre, Waterford Libraries, Waterford Cultural Quarter and Waterford City and County Council are coming together to host a Global Women’s Conference on Tuesday 10 March to coincide with International Women’s Day Events.

Sunday 8th March is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality – #IWD2020 #EachforEqual

Our focus at local level is on empowering women as key actors of Integration and Economic Development as a direct response to our commitment to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Waterford and the South-East.

We collaborate on issues affecting Migrant women and their families by highlighting inequalities and social exclusion, policy development and research, education, income poverty, women and health, politics and decision-making, combating racism and discrimination, women and human rights.

This Conference will attract local and global speakers, women activists, academics, policy makers and community delegates to participate in the important dialogue of Migrant Women and the SDGs.

The Conference will take place at Garter Lane Arts Centre, O’Connell Street, which is located in Waterford’s Cultural Quarter.

Lunch included.

FREE but booking essential at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/global-womens-conference-tickets-93943488503

Programme

  • 9:00am Registration & Mini Cultural Moment
  • 9:30am Welcome Address by Mayor of the Metropolitan District Cllr. Breda Brennan
  • 9:35am Keynote Speaker, Lelini Veerassamy CEO of International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
  • 9:50am Tulowani Akaehomen
  • 10:10am Osas Usideme, Intercultural Health Hub
  • 10:20am Women as Ritual Makers
  • 10:30am Sarah Franklyn, Coalition 2030
  • 11:00am Water Break & Mini Cultural Moment
  • 11:15am Her Excellency Dr. Uzoma Elizabeth Emenike, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
  • 11:30am Panel Discussion and Questions from the delegates – Chaired by Margaret Ward, Journalist
  • 12:30pm Mini Cultural Moment –Group Energy Work – Nicola Kent
  • 12:50pm Obianuju Eckedoze, Chair Waterford Migrant Forum
  • 1:00pm Networking Light Lunch
  • 2:00pm Mini Cultural performance
  • 2:20pm Carine Mambou, Storyteller
  • 2:30pm Round Table discussion Main challenges faced by women in Waterford
  • 3:30pm Feedback from discussion
  • 3:45pm Final Questions, evaluation form completion and conference closure
  • Closes at 4pm

Side Events

  • Launch of Shakti Programme Intercultural Quilt – Social Enterprise Programme for women.
  • Example of Rangoli (south Indian art form, in which patterns are created on the floor or the ground traditionally using materials such coloured rice or flour etc.) This ritual for luck, health & happiness is performed specifically by women.
  • Red Sand Project – participatory community art to highlight victims of human trafficking that fall through the cracks in our global system.

Information Stands

  • Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre
  • South East Business Innovation Centre
  • Access I.T.
  • Waterford Social Enterprise Network
  • Work Matters – Supports for Business & Employment at your Library

Bain triail aisti – Seachtain na Gaeilge sna Déise with Waterford Council

Seachtain na Gaeilge is being celebrated in Waterford again this year, with a wide range of events and activities taking place throughout city and county. The Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council is collaborating with a number of different groups to provide events and activities as follows.

Waterford Library Services
Libraries throughout city and county will host a wide range of bilingual/Irish events and activities in the coming fortnight:

‘Bingó as Gaeilge’ for Children in Ardkeen, Brown’s Road, Portlaw and Tramore Libraries. Hundreds of children from various schools will take part in these sessions – details available from your local branch library.

Storytelling & Songs for Children with Jacqui de Siún from the Waterford Childcare Committee. Sessions for local pre-school services will take place in Ardkeen and Lismore libraries and Jacqui will also host open sessions for very young children (0-3 years) in Central Library and in the following venues:

  • Dungarvan Library – Tuesday, 3 March @ 10.30am
  • Ardkeen Library – Friday, 6 March @ 11.00am
  • Tramore Library – Wednesday, 11 March @ 11.00am

These free sessions are open to the public and parents/childminders are welcome to attend with their young children.

Children’s Storytelling sessions will also take place in Brown’s Road Library in the City during Seachtain na Gaeilge – details from the branch.

Storytelling & Crafting – We are delighted to announce that Muireann Ní Chíobháin will host storytelling and crafting sessions with children in Tramore and Dungarvan Libraries during Seachtain na Gaeilge. Screenwriter, creator and performer, Muireann is passionate about creating and writing live-action television and animation for young audiences and is well-known for her work on children’s programmes on TG4 and RTÉ Junior. She will be in Dungarvan Library on Tuesday, 11th March with children from Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside and in Tramore Library on Friday, 13th March with children from Glór na Mara.

We would like to say “Go raibh míle maith agaibh” to Jacqui de Siún from Waterford Childcare Committee for her co-operation and assistance in organising these events in the various libraries. If you would like further information on any of these Library events, please contact Tracy McEneaney in Ardkeen Library on 0761 10 2844.

EVENTS FOR ADULTS

Bilingual Table Quiz & Music Session
The Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council is organising a Bilingual Table Quiz in the Cove Bar on the Dunmore Road, Waterford City on Thursday, 12th March @ 8.30pm. This will be a fun table quiz, giving people a chance to use their ‘cúpla focal’ in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Cost €5 per person and all proceeds to prize money and there will also be spotprizes on the night. There will be a session of music and song after the quiz.  Therefore, join us in the Cove Bar for some craic agus comhrá!

Lón Gaeilge/Irish Lunch
A Lón Gaeilge (Irish Lunch) will take place on Thursday, 5th March in the Espresso restaurant on Parnell Street in the City from 1.00-2.00pm. All are welcome to come along and have lunch and to take part in pleasant, relaxing conversation ‘as Gaeilge’. Further information on the Lón Gaeilge is available from Séamus on (087) 241 3826.

Ciorcail Chomhrá/Conversation Circles
There are a number of Irish language conversation groups operating in the Déise, and new members are especially welcome to join during Seachtain na Gaeilge – please come along and try it out to see if you like it – no obligation!

The Tramore Ciorcal Comhrá will continue during March with ‘Comhrá as Gaeilge’ in the Library every Thursday night (5, 12, 19 & 26 March) from 7-8pm. There will be a special get-together on Tuesday, 12th March when conversation groups from Dungarvan and Thurles, Co Tipperary will join their counterparts in Tramore for a ‘cupán tae agus císte milis’ and some chat ‘as Gaeilge’! Therefore, if you would like to try out your ‘cúpla focal’, come along to Tramore Library any Thursday night for a chat.

The Waterford City Ciorcal Comhrá also continues during Seachtain na Gaeilge – every Wednesday in the Cove Bar at 11.00am in the morning; and every Thursday night in the Gingerman pub from 9.00pm. Further information from Aidan Barrett on 087 2648363.

Dungarvan: The social group ‘Gaeilge Anseo’ meets every Tuesday in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan from 7-8.30pm. Further information from Cabríní de Barra on 083 4455914. In addition, there is another conversation group that meets regularly in Dungarvan Library on Thursdays at 6.30pm. These are open to anyone to drop in.

Therefore, if you would like to practice your ‘cúpla focal’, or simply listen to our native language in use, please feel free to attend any of these free Seachtain na Gaeilge events. Bain sult as!

-ends-

Further information: Máire Seosaimhín Breathnach, Irish Officer:  0761 10 2884 / (087) 7434123

Waterford Dog Shelter – Restricted Opening Hours, Thursday, 27th February, 2020

Waterford Dog Shelter

RESTRICTED OPENING HOURS

  • Thursday, 27th February, 2020

Please note that Waterford City and County Council Dog Shelter, Bilberry, Waterford will operate restricted opening hours on Thursday, 27th February, 2020.

For enquiries and access to the Pound please, telephone 0761 10 20 20 or
e-mail contact@waterfordcouncil.ie

Waterford City and County Council regrets any inconvenience caused.

REMINDER – Recruitment: BEACH LIFEGUARDS

CLOSING THIS WEEK

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for employment as
Senior Beach Lifeguards and Beach Lifeguards for the 2020 Bathing
Season.

  • Beach Lifeguard Applicants shall be not less than 18 years of age on
    Thursday, 30th April 2020
  • Senior Beach Lifeguard Applicants shall be not less than 19 years of age
    on Thursday, 30th April 2020 with a minimum of 2 years full time Beach
    Lifeguard experience.

Application forms and further particulars can be downloaded from our website
at www.waterfordcouncil.ie

Closing date for receipt of applications is 4p.m on Friday, 28th February
2020.  Waterford City & County Council is an equal
opportunities employer.