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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Parks successful at Green Frag Awards 2021

The 2021 Green Flag Awards were announced today, Wednesday, November 17th, by An Taisce Environmental Education, acknowledging Ireland’s best public parks and gardens.

Not alone has Waterford been successful in retaining its two Green Flags for the Waterford Greenway and Kilbarry Nature Park 2021/2022, but Kilbarry Nature Park was the overall winner in the Pollinator Projector Award.

International accreditation for public park excellence in Ireland has increased again this year, to reach over 100 accredited public green spaces. Ireland was today awarded a total of 103 Green Flag sites, comprised of 84 formal public Green Flag Park sites, along with 19 volunteer run Green Community Sites.

Three of the 2021 Green Flag Award winning parks were also identified by the National Biodiversity Data Centre for an additional Pollinator Plan Award. This award is specifically for those Green Flag Parks or Gardens that have made an effort to support their local pollinating insects, or to promote their importance. The Pollinator Plan Award is jointly run with An Taisce Environmental Education to support the All Ireland Pollinator Plan, and is sponsored by Young’s Nurseries.

While there are pollinator project awards across different park categories it was Kilbarry Nature Park, operated by Waterford City and County Council, that was the overall winner. This nature park is located upon the site of a rehabilitated landfill site, so it is great to see that a former environmental problem has evolved into an environmental asset.

 

Fergus Galvin, Director of Services Waterford City and County Council, highlighted the excellent work done by the presentation staff in securing this award, “Each member of the presentation team takes pride in the maintenance and appearance of our parks and open spaces, and this award is testament to the great effort shown by them.”

 

“These awards not only showcase the calibre of wonderful natural amenities that we have in Waterford, they also highlight the importance of shared public spaces as a place for people to relax and meet up safely outdoors, and experience the wonder of nature on our doorstep.”

 

2021 has also seen the successful roll-out of Green Heritage Site Accreditation across Ireland.

With the support of the NPWS and the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, 7 Irish Green Flag sites are now accredited to Green Heritage Accreditation standard. Green Heritage Site Accreditation is awarded to public green spaces of historical and cultural significance.

Once again more Green Flag Awards have been secured by Irish Parks and Gardens than by any country, other than the UK where the scheme originated in 1996.

This year participating countries include; Australia, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

The Green Flag Community Award extends the Scheme to include community initiatives such as Community Gardens, Community Parks, and Tidy Towns Projects. In Ireland the Green Flag Community Award Scheme is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore to light up for Christmas

Public realm works on Main Street, Tramore are due to be completed by the first week in December to coincide with the start of the festive season and the switching on of the Christmas lights in Tramore on December 2nd.

While weather conditions have hampered progress on some days, there is currently a full complement of pavers on site working to ensure the deadline is met.  The junction at Main Street and Queen Street will re-open to traffic once works are completed on Main Street.

The new paved area on Main Street, which will remain closed to traffic until the new traffic management system comes into place next year, will be the focus of some of the many Christmas activities being organised by Waterford Chamber with the support of Waterford City and County Council and local businesses.

Key attractions on Main Street will include a 20ft Christmas tree and a giant festive post box for children to post their letters to Santa.  Following new investment in festive lights by Waterford City and County Council, the area will be lit by a curtain of Christmas lights to add to the festive atmosphere.  Santa’s sleigh will take up prominent position at the Plaza and will make a picture perfect opportunity for children and families to pose for photos.

Lynda Lawton, Waterford Chamber of Commerce said, “We’re excited to plan a festive extravaganza for Tramore this Christmas. While the works have taken longer than originally anticipated, that fact that the finish line is in sight is a great relief for local businesses.”

“That’s why we intend to make Christmas in Tramore one to remember for the local community.  The lights that are being installed by the Council will really showcase the new Plaza, Main Street and Queen Street.  The Christmas tree will take pride of place in Main Street and the younger ones can rest assured that their letters will get to the Big Man himself when posted in the 12 ft Santa letter box.”

“Along with a host of other festive attractions and surprises throughout the town, Tramore is a must visit this Christmas.”

Following completion of paving on Main Street, works will refocus on the car park at Quish’s SuperValu.  Planned works at the junction of Strand Road and Gallwey’s Hill will commence in early January 2022 to avoid disruption to traffic over the festive period.

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Request for Expressions of Interest for the provision of affordable housing through advance purchase turnkey acquisition

Request for Expressions of Interest for the provision of affordable housing through advance purchase turnkey acquisition.

Waterford City & County Council are seeking expressions of interest for the delivery of new dwellings for affordable housing in Waterford City accordance with the provisions of The Affordable Housing Act 2021.

Affordable housing units proposed must have planning permission and must not have commenced. The Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides for Local Authorities to acquire, build or cause to be built, affordable dwellings that can be subsequently sold to eligible applicants (assessed by Waterford City & County Council) through direct sales agreements between purchasers and developers.

The Affordable Housing Fund funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will provide a subsidy (based on set criteria as outlined below) that will reduce the cost of a home for first time buyers or those seeking a fresh start. Waterford City & County Council will retain an equity stake of up to 30% of the dwelling.

All submissions made under this Expression of Interest will be assessed and approved by the Housing Agency and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Please note that Waterford City & County Council are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014.
Expressions of Interest Forms are available from the Housing Section, Waterford City & County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford and below.

Expressions of Interest must be returned clearly marked WCCC 21/603/Housing to:
WCCC 21/603/Housing, Tender Box, Waterford City & County Council, Customer Services, Baileys New Street, Waterford.

The closing date for this Expression of Interest is 3pm on Tuesday 30th November 2021.

By Waterford City & County Council

REVISED : Notice of Local Authority Budget

Notice is hereby given that the Budget of Waterford City and County Council for the Financial Year ending 31st December 2022 has been prepared and will be considered by the Waterford City and County Council at the Budget Meeting to be held online.  The meeting can be viewed via YouTube (link available on the Council website on the day of the meeting.)

A copy of same can be inspected free of charge by any member of the public at the Customer Services Desks, Baileys New Street, Waterford and Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford while the offices are open for the transaction of official business.

A copy of the Budget of Expenses will be supplied to any person making application at a price of €5.

Michael Walsh,
Chief Executive,
Waterford City & County Council.
16th November 2021.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford North Quays Infrastructure progesses to final procurement phase

Waterford City and County Council is delighted to announce that the main construction contract for the Waterford North Quays Infrastructure has progressed to final procurement stage.  All short listed / qualified applicants have been invited to proceed to stage 2 works tender, with tenders expected to be returned in Q1 2022 with construction planned to commence in Q4 2022. 

The main construction works comprises:

  • 1.3km of urban dual carriageway and local road upgrades in the Ferrybank area, together with significant junction improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists;
  • a new train station, transport interchange and public realm works directly north of the  North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ);
  • a 207m long pedestrian, cycle and public transport bridge across the River Suir, with an opening span to accommodate river traffic;
  • the creation of a plaza on the south side of the river to connect the new bridge to the existing city centre; and
  • provision of a new Greenway from Abbey Bridge that connects with the South East Greenway from New Ross that is currently under construction.

The contract will be funded through the Urban Regional Development Fund (URDF) and the National Transport Authority’s Sustainable Transport Measures Grant (STMG), whom collectively are providing over €110m in funding to Waterford City and County Council for the North Quays development.  Waterford City and County Council is continuing to work towards getting full and final approval from Government for the access infrastructure by June 2022.

In addition to the main contract works there are a number of enabling contracts associated with the North Quays development.  Works already complete include the clearance of vegetation from the cliff face at Plunkett station, the diversion of services and the demolition of several large properties in the Ferrybank area.

Two further enabling contracts, to relocate and upgrade a foul and surface water pumping station and to divert services on the South Quays for the bridge landing are at contract appointment stage.  The tender for the rock engineering works to stabilise the cliffs at the existing Plunkett station was recently advertised on etenders, and the final enabling contract to divert the existing drainage systems in the Ferrybank area to the new pumping station is at advanced design stage and will be advertised on the eTenders website in the coming weeks.

The last piece of infrastructure to progress is flood defence works to the west of Plunkett Station.  A planning application for these works was recently submitted to An Bord Pleanála, the plans and particulars are currently on public display in Waterford and Kilkenny Council offices and can also be viewed and downloaded online via the following link: http://waterfordcouncil.ie/projects/public-consultations/index.htm

If planning is confirmed it is anticipated the tender process for this element of the project will commence in Q1 2023. 

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council, commented on the announcement, “We are pleased that the construction contract has progressed to the final stage.  These key works to connect the North and South sides of Waterford City offers the opportunity to develop a sustainable and exemplary city centre and regional development, while facilitating the natural expansion of the City to the North side.”

“Warranted by its growing role as Ireland’s south eastern regional capital, Waterford is well placed to implement a zero carbon, socially inclusive and environmentally astute mixed use real estate development on the North Quays as a catalyst for future development.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Ministers Humphreys and O’Brien announce €9 million Fund to support community groups impacted by COVID-19

Ministers Humphreys and O’Brien announce €9 million Fund to support community groups impacted by COVID-19

  • ‘Fund to provide small grants for community groups impacted by the Pandemic’
  • Facilities such as community centres, men’s and women’s sheds, parish halls and youth centres to be supported
  • Supporting community groups a key focus of ‘Our Rural Future’

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, have today announced a €9 million fund to support community groups impacted by COVID-19.

The Community Activities Fund will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities.

Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment.

The once-off fund will be allocated under the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme and will be administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs).

Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said:

“This funding is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, which have continued to serve their community during COVID-19.

“These grants may be small in nature, but they help thousands of community organisations, clubs, men’s and women’s sheds, youth centres and parish halls. 

“I would encourage all interested groups to get in touch with their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) that administers the programme in their area.

“Supporting local communities to shape their future is a key focus of the Government’s new rural development policy, Our Rural Future.  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.”

Also announcing the funding today, Minister O’Brien said:

“This past year has, once again, shown the importance of a vibrant Community and Voluntary sector. The efforts of local community groups & volunteers throughout the pandemic has been immense and this funding will help to provide practical support to smaller community groups and facilities at a grassroots level across the country. 

“I hope that this will continue to help foster and grow the community spirit that is so evident across Ireland”

In order to allow flexibility, the Department is not setting a national closing date, but will allow each LCDC to set its own, to best suit its area. The Department will require that all closing dates are no later than 28 February 2022. Groups should check with their LCDC for further details.

For details on the funding in each Local Authority area please see the below table.

Local Authority areaAmount
Carlow268,411
Cavan269,514
Clare278,514
Cork City307,407
Cork County312,599
Donegal318,923
Dublin City424,612
Dun Laoghaire284,216
Fingal301,042
Galway City264,910
Galway County286,802
Kerry284,817
Kildare296,027
Kilkenny272,638
Laois273,048
Leitrim258,445
Limerick305,884
Longford264,769
Louth291,084
Mayo290,406
Meath285,786
Monaghan265,141
Offaly277,101
Roscommon266,602
Sligo268,168
South Dublin338,797
Tipperary299,381
Waterford288,997
Westmeath273,141
Wexford300,129
Wicklow282,686

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Boil water notice in Deelish public water supply lifted with immediate affect

Issued Thursday, November 11 2021 – Irish Water, working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, would like to inform customers supplied by the Deelish public water supply that the boil water notice issued on the supply on 28 October has been lifted with immediate effect.

Following consultation with the HSE, Irish Water and Waterford City and County Council are advising customers that the drinking water can now be consumed as normal.

It was necessary to issue the boil water notice on 28 October due to issues at the water treatment plant, which may have compromised water quality. Irish Water operation and compliance experts worked with colleagues in Waterford City and County Council to carry out the necessary works at the plant to enable the notice to be lifted as quickly as possible.

Irish Water’s Asset Operations Lead, Ronan Walsh, commented: “Irish Water and Waterford City and County Council would like to thank the customers who were affected by this notice for their patience and cooperation while essential works were carried out at the water treatment plant to ensure the notice could be lifted as quickly as possible.

“Irish Water acknowledges the impact and inconvenience caused by the imposition of a boil water notice to homes and businesses. Our priority is the provision of safe, clean drinking water and safeguarding that water supply for the future is a vital focus.”

Should customers have any queries regarding the lifting of this notice they can check out the Water Supply Updates section on our website www.water.ie or contact us directly on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

By Waterford City & County Council

Solar Panels to reduce carbon emissions at Waterford Council depot

Consolidating its commitment to reducing CO2 emissions by 51% by 2030, Waterford City and County Council recently installed solar Photo Voltaic panels at its machinery yard depot in Dungarvan.

The installation includes 129 solar panels on the southerly facing roof of the machinery yard building.  The panels will supplement the yard’s and neighbouring Council depot’s electrical requirements and reduce 17 tonnes of CO2 being emitted to the environment, through the elimination of electricity being imported from the electrical grid.

The solar panels were installed by a Dungarvan Engineering company, Solar Evolution, which is working exclusively in the green economy and specialises in solar PV installations.

Brigid Walsh, Project Director with Solar Evolution said, “ We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Waterford City and County Council at their Dungarvan Council Depot. Their commitment to reducing emissions is matched by our passion to enable this with our design and construction of a roof mounted Solar PV system. We are eagerly anticipating monitoring the projects output and look forward to highlighting its contribution at both social and environmental levels.”

Liam Fleming, Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council Environment Department was pleased to partner with a local company in the Councils’ efforts to reduce carbon emissions and tap into a more sustainable energy source.

“Solar Evolution is an innovative local company that shares our vision of creating a more sustainable future and a green economy for future generations.  The installation of the solar panels here at the depot in Dungarvan is one of many steps that the Council intends to take to transition from a fossil fuel based economy to carbon neutrality through building energy efficiency and renewable energy generation.”

Funding of 30% was received from Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland under the Better Energy Communities Scheme to install the solar panel, with the grant funding application being coordinated through “Three Counties Energy Agency”.

SEAI is working with homeowners, businesses and communities to transform how the public generate and use energy.  Other measures being funded by SEAI that have been completed under this year’s grant award in Waterford include the installation EV charging points and insulations upgrades at the Depot and community building upgrades.

By Waterford City & County Council

Significant improvements in water supply in the Déise as Ardmore improvements begin

Irish Water, working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, is replacing problematic water mains in Ardmore, to support the economic and social development of the area, provide a more reliable water supply and tackle high levels of leakage.

The old, problematic pipes are being decommissioned and replaced and works will commence in early November and are expected to be complete by late December.

Approximately 710m of new mains will be constructed. The section of works will take place on Tower Hill from College Road to Rocky Road and continue on Rocky Road through to New Line Road, finishing where New Line Road meets Cliff Road.

The works will involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead, these will be replaced as part of this improvement work.

Works are part of Irish Water’s national Leakage Reduction Programme, which will see €500m invested nationally to tackle problematic pipes and leakage in Ireland’s ageing water network.

The works will be carried out by Shareridge Ltd., on behalf of Irish Water.

Speaking about the works, Irish Water’s Joe Carroll said;

“We are pleased to be working in Ardmore to improve the water supply network in the town. These are an important part of the ongoing improvement works that Irish Water, working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council are carrying out, in a town that is developing and growing in the past number of years.

“In order to safely and efficiently complete the works a road closure will be required from Tower Hill to where New Line Road meets Cliff Road. Access to either side of the works for locals and emergency traffic will be maintained as the works progress. Local access to either side of the works location will be maintained as the project progresses. Diversions will be signposted on approach with local access and emergency traffic facilitated.

“The works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions. I’d like to thank the community for their patience and coopertion as we carry out these works to improve the town’s water supply.”

More information:

For more information, please visit https://www.water.ie/projects/national-projects/leakage-reduction-programme/

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Boil Water Notice on Fews Public Water Supply lifted with immediate effect

Irish Water, working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, wishes to advise that the Boil Water notice that was issued on the Fews Public Water Supply on 28 October is now lifted with immediate effect. The notice has been lifted following the completion of remedial measures and the receipt of satisfactory monitoring results. This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive.

Ronan Walsh, Irish Water said: “All consumers on the Fews Public Water Supply can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

“Irish Water and the Local Authority/Health Service Executive Water Liaison Group will continue to meet and will review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.”

The Irish Water Customer Contact Centre (1800 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to this water notice. Further information is available on www.water.ie.

Irish Water and Waterford City and County Council acknowledge the patience, cooperation and assistance of the general public during the period of the boil water notice and greatly regrets any inconvenience caused to householders and the business community.

Irish Water continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

ENDS

For media queries please contact press@water.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan

Connecting Ireland is a major public transport initiative developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) with the aim of increasing connectivity, particularly for people living outside our major cities and towns.

The plan aims to improve mobility in rural areas, and it will do this by providing better connections between villages and towns by linking these areas with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide.

To view county-by-county proposals, network tables, and maps, please visit the Connecting Ireland website by clicking here.

To submit your feedback, please visit our survey by clicking here. The survey is available in both English and Irish.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Dog Shelter – closed for essential works

Please note that Waterford City and County Council Dog Pound, Bilberry, Waterford will be closed from Monday, 8th November to Saturday, 20th November, 2021(inclusive) to facilitate essential works at the Pound.

For enquiries please telephone 0761 10 20 20 or e-mail contact@waterfordcouncil.ie

Waterford City and County Council regrets any inconvenience caused.

By Waterford City & County Council

Funding Approval for Repair and Lease Scheme at St. Joseph’s House, Manor Hill, Waterford

Waterford City & County Council is delighted to announce funding approval by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for the proposed Repair and Lease Scheme at St Joseph’s House, Manor Hill, Waterford City.

Walsh and Sheehan Manor Hill Investments Ltd and Waterford City & County Council have entered into an agreement to deliver 71 residential dwelling units within the existing vacant buildings on this iconic city centre site in Waterford City.

Over €4.2 Million has been approved to re-purpose the existing buildings (which are protected structures) to provide 50 apartment dwellings within the former convent building and 21 dwellings within the outbuilding clusters on the site.  It is proposed to provide the accommodation for elderly residents.

The funding is being provided under Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland.  It is an objective of Housing for All to address vacancy and provide for efficient use of existing stock.  Housing for All identifies the opportunity to re-imagine and transform our cities and towns, and to increase residential development in cities and town centres, with a consequent emphasis on amenities and quality of life.  The Plan acknowledges that addressing vacancy and dereliction has to form a key part of this response.

The Repair and Lease Scheme has been pioneered in Waterford and is a significant driver in providing high quality affordable housing solutions and at the same time has significantly addressed and delivered the return to use of vacant buildings in Waterford.

For further information on the Repair and Lease Scheme and help in returning properties to use, please contact Repairandleasing@waterfordcouncil.ie or VacantHomes@waterfordcouncil.ie or Waterford’s Vacant Homes Office on 0818 10 2348.
                                                                                                                                            -ENDS-

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