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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford businesses make it their business to become more Age Friendly

Currently there are over 1 million older people (65+) living and shopping in Ireland, with this number set to increase by 50% by 2051. 

With older people accounting for 50% of consumer spending, Waterford Age Friendly Alliance, in association with Waterford and Dungarvan Chambers of Commerce is preparing an Age Friendly Business Recognition Charter programme.  The programme is designed to assist local businesses adopt an inclusive retail strategy to ensure their customers’ experience is pleasant and comfortable.

According to Kevin Moynihan, Waterford Age Friendly Programme Manager with Waterford City and County Council, the Charter clearly identifies the businesses that not only value to custom of older customers, but are working to create an inclusive and enjoyable consumer experience.

To become certified as an Age Friendly Business, Kevin outlines the steps involved for any business that is interested in partaking in the programme.

“Firstly, each business should nominate a staff member to act as a champion for age-friendliness.  That ‘champion’ will then participate in the Age Friendly Business online workshops to develop ideas and a roadmap to becoming more equitable and inclusive.  Collaboration with older customers is also paramount to find out what they want, what can be improved and how the business can become a more welcoming environment for them.”

Once these actions are implemented, the business will receive its Age Friendly Business Charter.

If you are interested in participating and helping to make Waterford a great place to live and grow older in, an Age Friendly Business Workshop takes place via Zoom at 10am, Thursday, October 28th. 

To receive a link to the workshop, email kmoynihan@waterfordcouncil.ie or to find out more about the Age Friendly Initiative visit www.agefriendlyireland.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Picker Pals Litter-Picking Programmes continues to grow in Waterford

Mayor of City and County of Waterford, Cllr. Joe Kelly, is giving his full support to the roll out of Picker Pals, a litter-picking primary schools programme in Waterford.

This year the programme will grow from the 10 classrooms that took part last year to 36 classrooms this year.  The programme, run by environmental NGO VOICE (Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment) has been a great success to date and thanks to the support of Waterford City and County Council and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the organisers are looking for schools in Waterford to get involved this year.

Speaking at the launch of this programme at the Presentation Primary School, Cllr Joe Kelly, Mayor of City and County of Waterford said, “We all see the effects that litter can have on our local areas.  Raising awareness and taking real action are essential parts of the solution. This Picker Pals programme gives young people the tools and positive motivation to develop stewardship of their local environments.  By taking the message home with them and carrying out a cleanup of their area, they are both helping to spread the message and care for their environment.”

Using upcycled and fully reusable packaging, Picker Pals provide each classroom with bespoke story and activity books, in both Irish and English, and picker-uppers which are taken home by a different child every week.  Each child goes on a litter-picking adventure in their local area with their family and reports back to their classmates on their activity.

Children’s book author and creator of the Picker Pals programme, Patrick Jackson said, “If we can influence children at this key age, we have a chance of tackling the litter crisis.  Picker Pals creates a positive mindset in children and families around the issue of litter and their own power to make a difference.”

“The Picker Pals programme supplements our existing litter education programme for schools and has been especially valuable during the last few months” said Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer at Waterford City and County Council.  “It helps children to understand how they can make simple, positive changes in their own neighbourhood.”

Teachers and Principals are also very enthusiastic about the programme. Niamh Curry, 1st class Teacher at Presentation Primary school, Waterford city said, “My class took part in the picker pals initiative last year and it was a fantastic experience with parents and children alike really enjoying it.  One parent and pupil bumped into the residence committee while out litter-picking and from that they have decided to organise a weekly clean up for their estate and my pupil can be in charge of it. Thank you so much for this programme and I would highly recommend spreading it out to all schools, if possible.”

If you would like to get involved please register your interest here or check out the Picker Pals website https://pickerpalsworld.org/

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Dog Shelter – Temporary Closure

Waterford Dog Shelter

TEMPORARY CLOSURE Saturday, 9th October 2021

Please note that Waterford City and County Council Dog Pound, Bilberry, Waterford will be closed on Saturday, 9th October 2021.

Waterford City and County Council regrets any inconvenience caused.

By Waterford City & County Council

2022 Arts Practice and Venue Grant applications close this Friday, 8th October

The application process for the 2022 Arts Practice and Venue Grants, which has been open since the beginning of September, is due to close on Friday 8th October.

The grants offer a fantastic and unique opportunity for people involved in the arts to avail of funding from the Arts Office of Waterford City & County Council.

Who can apply you might ask? Well, there are three different categories of grants from which funding will be awarded to. Firstly, professional and amateur organisations and individuals are invited to send in an application. Secondly, individuals or groups involved in rural arts networking can apply to avail of funding. And finally, playwrights and producers or screenwriters and producers are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must be based within Waterford City and County’s administrative area and the project has to have some public manifestation within Waterford.

Specific criteria regarding who can qualify for grant aid can be found on www.waterfordarts.com, under the 2022 Arts Grants Guidelines and the Waterford Arts Strategy 2016-2021. Applicants must read these documents to ascertain if they are suitable candidates for grant aid. The links to the relevant application forms can also be found here. Applications will only be accepted via the on line application process. The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday the 8th of October 2021 at 5p.m, but it is advised that you send in your application at least two days before the deadline.

The arts office have incorporated a transparent, detailed marking system in the application process so that applicants are able to see the marks for the individual areas from which they will be adjudicated. It is also advised that the maximum grant you can apply for is €6,500.

Please note that individuals applying for grants are required to be registered members of Artlinks. If you are not already registered, you can do so by contacting Margaret Organ, morgan@waterfordcouncil.ie, with ‘Artlinks’ in the subject matter box. For any further queries relating to the grants, you can contact 076-1102983.

By Waterford City & County Council

“Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives – Test Yours Weekly” : National Fire Safety Week

National Fire Safety Week, 4 October –11 October 2021, aims to enhance fire safety, particularly in the home. 

Last year fire brigades turned out to 96 fires in people’s homes in Waterford.

This week is National Fire Safety. Its theme is ‘Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives – Test Yours Weekly’. If you don’t have one – install at least one on every floor of your home today. For advice on smoke alarms, fire safety and evacuation plans go to www.firesafetyweek.ie – it could save a life

Check out Waterford City and County Councils social media this week for daily tips.

By Waterford City & County Council

New Festival & Event Funding Policy adopted by Waterford City & County Council /RÁITEAS NUACHTA Polasaí Nua do Mhaoiniú Féilte & Imeachtaí glactha ag Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge

At the September meeting of the Plenary Council, Waterford City & County Council adopted a new Festival & Event Funding Policy which will help ensure that funding will be available to help events across Waterford to develop and grow and to ensure that Waterford continues to be the best place to live in Ireland.

The policy, which identifies a number of flagship festivals for Waterford, will put larger scale events on a surer footing by committing to three years funding.  This commitment by the Council will put these events, which attract regional and national audiences to Waterford, in a stronger position to secure acts and artists of a calibre that will raise both their and Waterford’s profile nationally and internationally.

Under the new policy, training will be provided to all event organisers to help them develop their event and create opportunities for existing events to grow and for new events to become established.  Details of the training will be advertised on Waterford Council’s social media in the coming weeks.

Festival and event organisers across Waterford are now being encouraged to apply for funding for events to be held in 2022.  Applications can be submitted online from October 5th at www.waterfordfestivals.ie and the closing date for applications is Sunday, November 7th

A helpline will be open from Wednesday, October 6th to Friday, November 5th to answer any queries relating to the application process – 0761 10 2169.

Waterford City & County Council’s Festival & Event Funding Policy is available at www.waterfordcouncil.ie.

******************************************

RÁITEAS NUACHTA Polasaí Nua do Mhaoiniú Féilte & Imeachtaí glactha ag Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge

Ag cruinniú Meán Fómhair de chuid an Chomhairle Iomlánach, ghlac Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge le Polasaí Nua do Mhaoiniú Féilte & Imeachtaí, a chinnteoidh go mbeidh maoiniú ar fáil chun cabhrú le himeachtaí ar fud Phort Láirge forbairt agus fás agus chun a chinntiú go mbeidh Port Láirge fós mar an áit is fearr le maireachtáil in Éirinn.

Aithníonn an Polasaí roinnt phríomh-fhéilte i bPort Láirge, agus cuireann sé bonn níos láidre faoi imeachtaí ar scála mór trí mhaoiniú a ghealladh do thréimhse trí bliana.  Leis an tiomantas seo ón gComhairle beidh na himeachtaí seo, a mheallann lucht féachana réigiúnach agus náisiúnta go dtí Port Láirge, i staid níos fearr chun grúpaí agus ealaíontóirí d’ardchaighdeán a fháil, rud a chuirfidh le próifíl na n-imeachtaí agus próifíl Phort Láirge go náisiúnta agus go hidirnáisiúnta.

Faoin bpolasáí nua, cuirfear oiliúint ar fáil d’eagraithe na n-imeachtaí chun cabhrú leo a gcuid imeachtaí a fhorbairt agus chun deis a thabhairt d’imeachtaí reatha fás agus d’imeachtaí nua teacht ar an bhfód.  Fógrófar sonraí na hoiliúna ar mheáin shóisialta Chomhairle Phort Láirge sna seachtainí amach romhainn.

Tá eagraithe féilte agus imeachtaí ar fud Phort Láirge á spreagadh anois chun cur isteach ar mhaoiniú d’imeachtaí a bheidh ag dul ar aghaidh i 2022.

Is féidir iarratais a chur ar aghaidh ar líne ón 5 Deireadh Fómhair ag www.waterfordfestivals.ie agus is é an Domhnach, 7 Samhain an dáta deiridh le haghaidh iarratais.  Beidh líne chabhrach oscailte ón 6 Deireadh Fómhair go dtí an 5 Samhain chun ceisteanna maidir leis an bpróiseas iarratais a fhreagairt – 0761 10 2169.

Tá Polasaí Maoinithe d’Fhéilte & d’Imeachtaí Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge ar fáil ag www.waterfordcouncil.ie.

 

Teagmhálaí:

Lisa Grant

Oifigeach Forbartha Eacnamaíoch

087/2124242

lgrant@waterfordcouncil.ie

 

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Greenway performs strongly at European awards

Waterford Greenway was internationally recognised last night as it came second in the Excellence Category at the 10th European Greenways Award Ceremony, which was held in Valencia, Spain.

greenway_awards_2021

 

 

This prestigious award ceremony, which is organised annually by the European Greenways Association, recognises best integration of characteristics that define a greenway and the strengths that make them exemplary amenities.

Present at the ceremony were Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly and Richie Walsh, Waterford Local Enterprise Office who travelled to Valencia for an International Conference on Greenways, Mobility, Leisure and Tourism.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly was delighted with how highly Waterford Greenway was regarded by the judging panel.  “To be recognised in the Excellence category is a wonderful honour and is a reflection of the reputation for quality and the wonderful visitor experience that is Waterford Greenway. It is a credit to all those who have made it happen over these past few years and I know they can be very proud of their hard work and dedication that have helped make Waterford Greenway one of the best in Europe.”

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council also congratulated the Waterford Greenway team on the award saying, “It’s testament to vision of the Council’s Greenway team that developed and manage this wonderful amenity. Great credit must also go to the local communities, stakeholders and other state agencies that have helped create something unique in Waterford.”

Johnny Brunnock, Trails Officer, Waterford City and County Council added that the combined efforts of locals and the business community had helped to create a publically accessible amenity that the county can be very proud of. Mr. Brunnock went onto add that ‘the value of Waterford Greenway was particularly apparent as we have navigated our way through the challenges presented by the pandemic.’

Fiona Monaghan, Head of Product Development – Activities at Fáilte Ireland said, “The Waterford Greenway is a best-in-class example of how infrastructure and orientation can create outstanding experiences for domestic and international visitors that can benefit the local community. The Waterford Greenway has proven to be a great amenity for visitors and we are pleased that it has been awarded second place in the Excellence Category at the prestigious European Greenways Awards. I would like to congratulate our partners at Waterford City and County Council on their hard work in developing this wonderful amenity.”

Established in 2003, the biennial European Greenways Award is presented to greenways that stand out for their excellence and demonstration of best practice. Another objective of the Awards is to support the replication of the best practices on other greenways all over Europe. The European Greenways Awards are only granted to greenways under the Lille Declaration, as well as to initiatives already in existence.

For more detail on Waterford Greenway check out: www.visitwaterfordgreenway.com

For more detail on the European Greenway Association check out: https://www.aevv-egwa.org/

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Gold Coast – Road Closure Diversion Plan

Irish Water in conjunction with their partners Shareridge – Civil Engineering Specialists are undertaking Water mains rehabilitation works on the Gold Coast Rd.-L3009- From the 4th of October 2021 to 19th of November 2021. There will be a full Road Closure in place for the duration of the works and local access will be maintained! Please see attached Road Closure Diversion Plan.

Irish Water Information Boards will be in place at either end of the works or queries to Shareridge 086 1025015

By Waterford City & County Council

Sunflowers and smiles help neighbours stay connected

Leamybrien was awash with colour as the St. Anne’s Court Residents Association received prizes from Cllr. Liam Brazil for their sunflower growing efforts, as part of the ‘Staying Connected’ campaign.

The initiative, rolled out by Waterford City and County Council, was aimed at keeping communities connected, offering support to those who were feeling isolated and encouraging healthy and helpful habits into daily and weekly routines.

Eamonn O’Leary, Estates Office, Waterford City and County Council, was delighted with the response from local authority housing estates.  “Initially the campaign was a reminder to us all to look after our friends, families and neighbours, during a very challenging time.  St. Anne’s Court Residents Association brought the estate together, everyone got involved and they embarked on a sunflower growing project.”

“What was great about it was that it created a real buzz in the estate, it brought the community together and it added a delightful pop of colour to the estate.”

Cllr. Liam Brazil presented prizes to the best sunflowers grown by the children and commended the residents association on their community spirit, he also thanked the committee of Anne McGrath, Emma Mansfield and John Mansfield.

“What struck me about the efforts of St. Anne’s is that it was a real community effort.  Everyone got involved, and the results speak for themselves.  It’s hard not to be cheered when you see the sunflowers and the beautiful colour they bring to the estate. The people of the St Anne’s Court Leamybrien are a real neighbourhood group, who look out for everyone in the estate.”

“I’d like to congratulate the winners; Lola Curran for Best Sunflower, and Corina Cody for Best Garden in the estate.  Special mention also has to be given to the St. Anne’s Residents Association, who encouraged the residents to get involved in a project that certainly brought friends and neighbours together.”

As part of the project, Patrick Kirwan, a local biodiversity activist, taught the children about biodiversity and provided the sunflower seeds and pots, with some very impressive results with some sunflowers reaching a height of 2.8 metres.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

October is Ireland’s National Reuse Month

Reuse is about valuing our stuff, by using and reusing it for as long and as often as possible. This avoids the need to extract raw materials, manufacture and distribute new stuff, and avoids waste thereby cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions. Why not make a commitment to reuse as many things as possible to save the environment.


Upcoming local events


Conscious Cup workshop for businesses, Tidy Towns groups and others

7 pm, 19th October 2021:

Did you know that we discard over 22,000 single-use cups in Ireland every hour? Single use cups, whether they are biodegradable or compostable, still require vast amounts of natural resources to manufacture, which all impact negatively our environment. This virtual workshop will be led by Sorcha Kavanagh, coordinator of the Conscious Cup Campaign. It aims to give businesses information on the benefits of promoting and accepting reusable and upcoming changes that will take place with new legislation coming down the tracks. It will also inform community groups such as Tidy Towns groups how to can encourage local business in their towns and villages to sign up and accept reusables. Sorcha will demonstrate how simple it is for any business to get involved and in the campaign and how we in our communities can encourage this positive climate action. This event will take place at this Teams Link



Furniture Upcycling workshop with Marianne Heaphy

7 pm, 21st October 2021

This Introduction to Furniture Upcycling Workshop will start with how to prepare furniture for upcycling and detail all the materials that are needed. The techniques will include painting the furniture and achieving a beautiful spray-like finish. Decoupage using napkins and wallpaper will be demonstrated. Different options on revamping hardware will also be run through. To attend this event, simply visit this link



Sustainable Living

10 am, 2nd November 2021

A 2 hour workshop that helps people find easy and enjoyable ways to move towards more sustainable living. The course covers 3 craft topics so people can make their own soap, make their own wax wraps and make their own biodegradable pots by the end of the session. With Aoife Munn, Environmentalist and Horticulturist with a focus on sustainability through practical learning. Register now for this event at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/sustainable-living-2hr-workshop-waterford-city-county-council-tickets-177365213127



Also this Reuse Month: Sports Club Competition – for more information on how to reduce plastics at your sport club, see https://submit.link/rt Join Sports Clubs around the County and take a pledge to reduce single use plastic and be in with a chance to win 100 branded reusable bottles for your club. Sports clubs in Waterford are invited to register to take a pledge to reduce single use plastic at their club grounds. Once you pledge and register with Refill’s Tap Map, you will be sent a sign to place above your tap, along with a social media post about your pledge to let your members know about the work you are doing. You will also be entered into a draw to win 100 reusable bottles for your sports club, branded with your club logo. For further information see https://submit.link/rt


Upcycle Challenge

MyWaste are challenging you to unearth the imagination within and create something new out of something old…to breathe new life into an old or unwanted item or material. So if you can find something old and renovate it or turn it into something completely different but still usable then you can enter the Upcycle Challenge at https://www.mywaste.ie/upcycle-challenge21/

How can I get involved?
National Reuse Month’s aim is to inspire you and provide you with the skills and tools to reuse more at home, at work and at play.

Check out the MyWaste site for some tips and suggestions https://www.mywaste.ie/reuse-month/

By Waterford City & County Council

Twenty-one additional wastewater treatment plants have been selected for upgrade as part of the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme

This follows the announcement of 15 projects earlier in the summer and forms part of Irish Water’s commitment to supporting growth and development in local towns and villages throughout the country, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

Working in partnership with Local Authorities, this investment in the local wastewater infrastructure will provide additional capacity for the development of new homes, while ensuring that wastewater continues to be treated to an appropriate standard.

In Lemybrien in Waterford, an upgrade of the Lemybrien Wastewater Treatment Plant at the existing site to provide additional capacity for growth will be provided and water supply capacity will be upgraded also where necessary.

Irish Water has announced these projects now to enable Local Authorities to make plans on housing and development into the short and medium term supporting their regional and local development plans.

Irish Water’s Regional Operations Manager, Jim Fitzgerald, said: “The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien recently announced the Housing for All plan and this is one of Irish Water’s key initiatives in supporting the delivery of this plan. Irish Water can confirm that the green light has been given for projects which will improve wastewater treatment capacity and water supply in Lemybrien. This will unlock growth and development in this area by ensuring the treatment infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of the area.

“Irish Water put this unique programme in place and allocated funding having identified the need to support growth in smaller towns and villages. The projects were selected following detailed consultation with Local Authorities to identify and prioritise areas for investment. We would also like to thank local councillors across the country of their engagement with us on highlighting the area’s most in need.”

The announcement today was made possible after Irish Water’s planning team finalised their reviews of all submissions with a focus on the right sized projects for the right town or village at the right cost. The project will now continue through the next stages including design, detailed planning, procurement and approvals. Further updates on the budget and timelines for delivery will be provided in due course. Looking forward, Irish Water anticipates that this programme will continue in the next capital investment programme delivering further upgrades to cater for growth.

Irish Water is responsible for public water and wastewater infrastructure and is committed to providing a safe and reliable water supply, protecting the environment and supporting the growth of homes and businesses. The building, repair and upgrading of Irish Water’s water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, water and sewer network will require a multi-billion-euro investment programme over many years. Irish Water is investing €5.2 billion in the period from 2020-2024 in drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and new infrastructure.

Details of the current Capital Investment Plan and planned investments in each county will be published in the coming weeks.

Additional project selected in Waterford

WaterfordLemybrienUpgrade of the Lemybrien WWTP at the existing site to provide additional capacity for growth. Water Supply capacity upgrade will also be provided where necessary.

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Heather Humphreys TD officially opens St. Declan’s Way

The official opening of St. Declan’s Way took place yesterday and is the culmination of almost a decade of work to revive this ancient pilgrim path.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD officially launched the 115km walking trail during a visit to Mount Melleray Abbey in County Waterford. The Minister’s Department provided support under the Rural Recreation Fund to bring the project to fruition.

St. Declan’s Way has long been part of the heritage and folklore of West Waterford and South Tipperary. The trail recalls journeys made by Declan in the fifth century from his monastery in Ardmore northwards to Cashel, the seat of the Kings of Munster. Declan is credited with bringing Christianity to his Déise people who ruled this part of Ireland in his lifetime.

Renewed interest in pilgrim walking in recent years spurred local communities to come together to make this ancient path accessible as a modern walking trail. Old laneways were cleared, new signs replaced old ones and all trail infrastructure is now in place. St Declan’s Way got the green light from Sport Ireland last June and is now on the National Trails Register.

The revitalisation of St. Declan’s Way is a tremendous example of partnership in action and many organisations and agencies working together to achieve this goal. Funding came from the Department of Rural & Community Development under the Rural Recreation Fund, along with a private donation from the Tomar Trust. The cooperation and support of more than 40 landowners along the trail was vital. Local Development Agencies Waterford LEADER Partnership and South Tipperary Development CLG and both Waterford City & County Council and Tipperary County Council backed the project at an early stage.

The key driver of the project was the St. Declan’s Way Management Committee, a voluntary group with representation from communities along the trail. It is primarily thanks to their efforts that this wonderful amenity is now available to all.

St. Declan’s Way has the potential to be a great asset to tourism, business and communities along the trail. Feedback so far from walkers has been very positive and with the economy and society now reopened after Covid, the future looks bright. The message is very clear: get your walking boots on and get out on the trail and enjoy the natural beauty, history and folklore of St. Declan’s Way. For information on all aspects of St. Declan’s Way visit www.stdeclansway.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces funding for 31 walking trails to boost outdoor recreation and rural tourism

  • 31 new trails added in 13 counties under Government’s ‘Walks Scheme’

  • Rural Recreation Officers to be appointed to enhance our outdoor amenities

  • Department to work with over 2,400 farmers and landowners to promote rural tourism

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced a major initiative for Rural Ireland, which includes the addition of 31 new walking trails to her Department’s Walks Scheme and funding for a number of new Rural Recreation Officers.

The 31 new trails across 13 counties are to be added to the ‘Walk’s Scheme’, which aims to open up our countryside to local walkers, hikers and tourists.

Under the scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landowners to maintain the trails that travel through their holdings.

Today’s announcement means there will now be 80 trails under the Scheme, which is operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development in conjunction with the Local Development Companies (LDCs) and over 2,400 farmers and landowners in total.

The trails added today involve over 400 farmers and include the Dingle Way in County Kerry, St Declan’s Way in County Waterford, the Ballyhoura Way in County Limerick, the South Leinster Way in County Kilkenny and the Slí Gaeltacht Mhuscraí in County Cork.

The Cavan Way in County Cavan, the Wicklow Uplands Way in County Wicklow, the Lung/Lough Gara Way in County Roscommon and the Durrow Leafy Loop in County Sligo are also among the trails being added to the Scheme.

Additional funding will also be provided to the Local Development Companies that deliver the scheme locally, as well as for the salaries paid to the Rural Recreation Officers who play a vital role in delivering the Walks Scheme and developing the outdoor recreation sector locally. Minister Humphreys also today announced the creation of up to 8 new Rural Recreation Officer posts in addition to the 13 already in place. These are designed to further enhance our outdoor amenities and the experience of visitors to Rural Ireland.The announcement delivers on commitments in both the Programme for Government and Our Rural Future to increase the number of trails under the ‘Walks Scheme’ in order to boost outdoor recreation and tourism in rural towns and villages.

Minister Humphreys also today published a review of the Walks Scheme, which sets out a number of recommendations aimed at enhancing the Walks Scheme and the role of Rural Recreation Officers, and will be implemented in consultation with key stakeholders.

The Minister made the announcements during a visit to officially open St Declan’s Way in Co. Waterford, a 115km trail involving 45 farmers and landowners which is amongst the trails being added to the scheme.

The Minister said:

“Our walkways, trails, greenways, blueways and cycleways are a defining feature of Rural Ireland.

“They have been a godsend throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic – providing so many of us with the opportunity to get out for some exercise and to meet up with family and friends.

“Over the past number of months, we have seen unprecedented investment in our outdoor amenities, underpinned by the most ambitious ever policy for Rural Ireland, ‘Our Rural Future’.

“Today’s announcement is further action behind that policy. By adding 31 new trails to the Walks Scheme, we are opening up our rural countryside further to walkers, hikers, adventurists, cyclists, as well as domestic and international tourists.

“And it means we are investing in some of the most picturesque locations in the country, so that they can be enjoyed and experienced by millions of people every year.”

The Minister added:

“In rolling out the Walks Scheme, my Department works closely with our Local Development Companies, community groups and rural farmers and landowners. We are indebted to our farmers and other landowners throughout the country that facilitate access to these wonderful trails and who now, through this scheme, are being funded to maintain the walks to the high standard we have all come to expect.

“Another important part of today’s announcement is the decision to appoint up to 8 new Rural Recreation Officers, as well as improving the salaries of the Rural Recreation Officers that are already carrying out great work across the country.  These individuals are crucial in implementing the Walks Scheme and working with all stakeholders to enhance our outdoor amenities.

“As Minister, I am committed to expanding the Walks Scheme so that more communities can reap the benefits.

“I am also committed to looking at further increasing the number of RROs nationwide based on the outcome of our new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, which is currently being developed and which will make Rural Ireland an even better place to live, visit and raise a family.”

Minister Humphreys concluded:

“I am also today publishing a review of the Walks Scheme, which was carried out by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (ORNI).

“The recommendations in the review are extensive, covering every aspect of scheme delivery and impacting across a range of stakeholders.

“Given the breadth of issues covered and that many impact beyond my Department, I intend to establish a stakeholder consultation group to explore the recommendations and how they could be implemented at a local level.

“Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the Local Development Companies, Trail management groups and especially the farmers and landowners for their excellent cooperation with my Department.”

The report on the review of the Walks Scheme can be on gov.ie here:

https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/942b4b-the-walks-scheme-and-rural-recreation-officers/#2021-review-of-the-walks-scheme

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City extends welcome to Norwegian Ambassador

On Tuesday, September 28th, the Mayor of Waterford City and County formally welcomed Her Excellency Ambassador Mari Skare, the Norwegian Ambassador to Ireland.

During her visit Ambassador Skare, visited the city’s newest museums, the Irish Silver Museum and the Irish Museum of Time, as well as experiencing the King of the Vikings Virtual Reality Experience at Bailey’s New Street.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly was pleased to greet the Ambassador as she embarked on her tour of the city.

“Waterford has strong cultural bonds with Norway and it is wonderful to be able to discuss our historic links.  The Norwegian Vikings left a lasting legacy in Ireland and over 1,000 years later we are extremely proud of our status as Ireland’s Oldest City, which was founded by the Vikings in 914AD.”

“Waterford, today, still retains the oldest civic building in Ireland, Reginald’s Tower, which was the first defensive structure built by the Viking settlers, so they certainly have left a strong impression on our city.”

Ambassador Skare also met with Eamonn McEneany, Director of Waterford Treasures.  According to Eamonn it was the perfect opportunity to discuss consolidating links between Waterford and Norway.

“As not only Ireland’s oldest city, but also one founded by Norwegian sea pirates we are delighted to re-connect with the Norwegian Ambassador to Ireland and to continue the long standing co-operation on matters cultural and historic that have been a central part of our relationship with the Embassy over the past decade.”

“Back in 2019, prior to the advent of COVID, the Council agreed to partner with Tonsberg.  This sister city partnership would reinforce our strong links, shared history and mutual friendship with our Viking cousins.”

In May 2022, there are plans for the Friends of Waterford Treasures to visit Norway. The trip is open to all paid up Friends of Waterford Treasures.

For further information on Waterford’s Norwegian Viking links visit www.waterfordtreasures.com

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