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Kilmacthomas housing project progressing well

A new social housing development in Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford is progressing well, with works expecting to be completed early next year.

Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Rebuilding Ireland programme, the project consists of 16 new social housing units and will be known as Port na Machan.

Anton Lennon, Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council said, “Works on the development have been progressing well and we are looking at completion early in January 2022.  This will provide accommodation for 16 household in a unique setting in Kilmacthomas village.”

John Somers Construction is the main contractor and the design team led by CJ Falconer & Associates.

Waterford outdoor dining awarded €500,000

Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD and Fáilte Ireland have announced €506,693 funding to Waterford City and County Council for outdoor dining in the City and Dungarvan under the Weatherproofing and Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme.

Fáilte Ireland’s Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme opened for applications in March 2021, with all Local Authorities invited to apply for funding under the Scheme – to develop streets and public spaces to facilitate outdoor dining in urban tourism centres.

Working in collaboration with local businesses the funding received from Failte Ireland will provide access to outdoor seating for extended periods throughout the year and create a quality year-round, outdoor dining trail.

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The funding allocated to the City is €354,919 for the provision of an outdoor dining trail stretching from Bailey’s New Street in the Viking Triangle to the Cultural Quarter in O’Connell Street and will support the provision of large parasols with heating, lighting and side screens in various locations along the trail. The funding of €151,774 announced for Grattan Square, Dungarvan goes towards the provision of large parasols and planters also.

Michael Quinn, Director of Economic Development, Waterford City and County Council said that the funding will assist local businesses in extending their outdoor dining offers all year round.  “The addition of accessible outdoor seating and heating will provide a permanency to outdoor dining in Waterford city and Dungarvan, and provide more options to locals and visitors.”

“Waterford City and County Council is working closely with local businesses in the roll-out of the outdoor infrastructure as we build on consolidating Waterford’s outdoor dining offering right throughout the year.”

Lisa Fitzgerald, Proprietor of The Italian Bakery and The Ice Cream Place said, “In the main, we have enjoyed a relatively successful summer of outdoor dining in Waterford.  However, as we come into the autumn, we will be in position to provide our customers with a more comfortable outdoor dining experience.”

“The addition of the heated and lighted parasols will be a real draw as people are still, in the wake of COVID-19, more comfortable dining outdoors, so it’s great to be able to offer that alternative right throughout the year.”

This week’s announcement relates to Part Two of the Scheme.  Part One of the Scheme, Outdoor Seating and Accessories, supports individual hospitality businesses with grants of up to €4,000 for seating, tables and outdoor accessories.  Closing date for receipt of applications is September 30th 2021.

Local businesses can apply through Waterford City and County Council. Details of the Outdoor Dining Scheme can be found at www.waterfordcouncil.ie

 

Weather Warning – Low Pressure (Thunderstorms/Lightning)

Met Eireann have issued a Nationwide warning of an unstable area of low pressure today and tomorrow. Sporadic heavy downpours with lightning/thunderstorm risk and localised flooding 30-40mm in some areas.

Mist and fog still a feature with high humidity and a slack airflow.  Warning in place until 12:00 on Thursday.

There is a high degree of uncertainty regarding the location of rainfall/ thunderstorms over the next 24 hours. Local authority SWATs are advised to actively monitor local conditions

A fresher west to northwest airflow follows on Friday with less instability, so lighter showers generally.

Feeling autumnal this weekend in light northerly breezes.  Cooler both by day and night.  Overall dry, but some scattered showers will present early on Sunday.

Culture Night Waterford 2021

The sixteenth edition of Culture Night will take place on Friday 17th September 2021.

Culture Night / Oíche Chultúirit is a national moment, celebrating all that makes up the richness and diversity of culture in Ireland today, connecting people to cultural activities locally and nationally and aims to open up pathways to ongoing engagement.

#Waterford will celebrate Culture Night with the following events:


WATERFORD CITY
Free tours to the new City Museums …

The Irish Museum of Time

The Silver Museum

Live music in O’Connell Street
Featuring APM , AKari, B2B, Damo and McCarthy from 5 pm to 9 pm

Freestyle Friday
Hanover Street, 17 Sept 2021 from 5-7pm. Introducing Izzy Tiernan, David Bejelac, Ash Lawlor and Oran Byrne.

An initiative headed b Youth Arts Live, an evening of off-the-bat, spontaneous music and rap. The artists playing will be paired together, none of them having any idea who they will be with! So come along for some free styling shenanigans and a heap of local Waterford talent.

Music: The Beat of the Land
Hanover Street, 9:30 pm. Tickets free, limited capacity

Hip-Hop Session
Wyse Park, John Lane, Waterford City.
Entry €5. Gates open 6:30 pm
Featuring: GI x SD96, Cal Pacino, Sinister Valley and The BallyBoyz

Our City of Music
Constitution Square, Menapia Building, Bishops Palace, Bailey’s New Street from 6pm


DUNGARVAN
The Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge committee would like to invite you to join us online for Seal le Seanchaí, a night of story-telling and lore, both old and new, from Co Waterford. Local Seanchaí, Séamus Ó Lonáin will be Storytelling: Seanchaí Ar Líne ar ais d’Oíche Chultúir 2021 le Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge the master of ceremonies and local storytellers Liam Suipéil & Déuglán Turraoin will be there as well. To register, contact cabrini@glornangael.ie in advance.


TRAMORE
Duo Frizzante, 4-6 pm –outdoor locations to be confirmed

Cathy Desmond and Marian Ingoldsby will present a tea time serenade -a selection of popular salon favourites on violin and keyboard at locations in Tramore to be 4pm -6pm. The selection will include repertoire from Marian’s debut album ‘When Words Fail’. They will present their diverse blend of classical, jazz and trad at various outdoor locations in Tramore.

Waterford Libraries and Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens are teaming up for Culture Night.

Cathy Desmond  (violin) and Marian Ingoldsby (keyboard) join forces to present a programme of popular and nostalgic melodies from across the decades. The salon selection will include classical favourites, Neapolitan songs and Irish airs Marian and  Cathy first collaborated for performances at previous Culture Nights at Greyfriars Gallery and St. Patrick’s Gateway.

Times and Venues: Lafcadio Hearne Japanese Gardens at 3pm and Lr Main St at 4.30pm

Book your place for this free event contact tmceneaney@waterfordcouncil.ie or phone 0761 10 2844,  text 086 8493877.


COPPER COAST

Nature Immersive at Nightfall

Join environmental artist Sean Corcoran on Culture Night for a unique experience on The Copper Coast. This is an opportunity to challenge your senses and absorb your surroundings as the tide and light shifts around you.

This is a free event but booking in advance is essential. To reserve places please Whatsapp Sean on 087 2524657

More info: https://waterfordarts.com/culture-night-nature-immersive-at-nightfall/


TALLOW

Free Culture Night Event from Brideview Drama in Clancy’s Bar, Tallow, 8pm.

Recycling Changes announced as Soft Plastic Waste can now be placed in Household Recycling Bins

Recycling Changes announced as Soft Plastic can now be put in Irish Household Recycling Bins
Pic. Brian Arthur

All plastic packaging waste – including soft plastic – can now be placed in Irish household recycling bins as long as it is clean, dry and loose.

Making the announcement, Minister of State with special responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth TD said soft plastic can be placed in the household recycling bin along with “rigid” plastic.

“This is a significant and very positive development in Irish recycling and waste management. Soft plastics have been added to the household recycling list due to advancements in technology at Irish recycling facilities. This is welcome news as we work to reach EU recycling targets. Currently in Ireland we recycle less than a third of all plastic packaging waste. We have committed to increasing our plastic packaging recycling figure to 50% by 2025 and 55% by 2030. Today’s announcement is a significant step towards achieving these targets,” added Minister Smyth.

Today’s development is also part of the effort to fulfil commitments in relation to plastic packaging recycling as outlined in the Government’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy.

Pauline McDonogh, Spokesperson for MyWaste – Ireland’s official website for guidance on managing waste, said that the addition of soft plastic to the Irish household recycling bin makes waste segregation much more straight forward for the householder.

“Householders can now place all plastic packaging waste, including soft plastic, into the recycling bin once it is clean, dry and loose.

“Advancements have been made to the technology that segregates the different material types in recycling facilities. The recyclable plastic is sent to specialised, polymer-specific recycling facilities. If it cannot currently be recycled, it will be sent as Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) to replace fossil fuels at cement kilns.”

Adding her support to the announcement, Repak Team Green Ambassador Roz Purcell said, “The Irish citizen can play a key role in helping Ireland increase our plastic packaging waste recycling rate and continue our journey to becoming a more sustainable society. We can make a big difference by simply ensuring that we place the plastic packaging waste that we discard – clean, dry and loose – into our household recycling bin.”

All permitted waste collection companies are now accepting soft plastic packaging waste that is placed clean, dry and loose into the recycling bin.

For a detailed list of the materials that are now accepted in the household recycling bin see mywaste.ie

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Seanchaí Ar Líne ar ais d’Oíche Chultúir 2021 le Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge l Join Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge to celebrate Culture Night 2021 by spending Seal le Seanchaí

Bheadh na múrtha fáilte romhat a bheith linn do Seal le Seanchaí, oíche de sheanchas agus de scéalaíocht ar líne ó Chontae Phort Láirge chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar Oíche Chultúir 2021. Beidh an seanchaí áitiúil, Séamus Ó Lonáin mar fhear an tí agus beidh na seanchaithe Liam Suipéil agus Déuglán Turraoin i láthair chomh maith ar an Aoine, 17 Meán Fómhair ar a 7.00i.n. Tá Seal le Seanchaí á n-eagrú ag Coiste Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge.

Seal le Seanchaí oscailte d’éinne gur mian leo suí siar agus éisteacht le scéalta agus seanachas, dánta agus amhráin. Chomh maith leis sin, má tá fonn ort féin scéal a insint nó dán nó amhrán a rá ar an oíche, beidh míle fáilte romhat sin a dhéanamh, ach é a chur in iúl dúinn roimh ré. Beidh an imeacht á reáchtáil trí Ghaeilge don chuid is mó, ach beidh roinnt Béarla in úsáid chomh maith ar mhaithe le foghlaimeoirí.

Imeacht saor in aisce is ea é seo, ach tá líon na spásanna teoranta. Mar sin, más suim leat a bheith linn ar Oíche Chultúir ar an Aoine, 17 Meán Fómhair, déan teagmháil le Cabríní de Barra ag cabrini@glornangael.ie chun clárú roimh ré agus seolfaidh Cabríní sonraí an chruinniú Zoom chugat. Buíochas le hOireachtas na Gaeilge as maoiniú achur ar fáil don ócáid seo.

Join Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge to celebrate Culture Night 2021 by spending Seal le Seanchaí

To celebrate Culture Night 2021, the Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge committee would like to invite you to join us online for Seal le Seanchaí, a night of story-telling and lore, both old and new, from Co Waterford. Local Seanchaí, Séamus Ó Lonáin will be the master of ceremonies and local storytellers Liam Suipéil & Déuglán Turraoin will be with us also on Friday night, 17th September at 7 pm.

Seal le Seanchaí is open to anyone who would like to sit back and relax and listen to stories and folklore, poems and songs. However, if you would like to contribute by telling a story, reciting a verse, or singing a song on the night, your contribution will be most welcome, once you let us know beforehand. The event will be mostly in Irish, but with a bit of English used also to help those who are learning the ‘cúpla focal’!

This is a free event, but spaces are limited. Therefore, if you would like to join us for this Culture Night event on Friday the 17th September, please contact Cabríní de Barra at cabrini@glornangael.ie to register in advance and the details of the Zoom meeting will be forwarded to you. The Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge committee would also like to thank Oireachtas na Gaeilge for sponsoring this event.

 

Fáilte roimh óg agus aosta!

Minister Eamon Ryan discusses Waterford’s Decarbonisation Zone designation

On Monday, September 6th, Minister for Transport and Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD visited Waterford to discuss Waterford’s Decarbonising Zone (DZ) designation with Waterford City and County Council.

Waterfords_decarbonisation_zone_designation
Picture: Patrick Browne

In Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, local authorities were identified as key enablers in advancing climate action in their local areas and the plan required that each local authority identify a Decarbonising Zone.

In April 2021, Waterford City and County Council agreed that Waterford City would be the designated Decarbonising Zone for Waterford.  Acting as a “Transition Super-Lab”, where real-life initiatives to manage the transition from a fossil fuel based local economy to carbon Net Zero will be designed and implemented, the DZ projects include building energy efficiency, sustainable transport, renewable energy generation and carbon sequestration.

The Minister met with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly, Michael Walsh, Chief Executive and Fergus Galvin, Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council, highlighted that Waterford has set an ambitious target of attaining Net Zero or carbon neutrality by 2040, through reducing major emissions, and developing sustainability through collaboration, innovation and behavioural change. While it implies a systemic change to the city and the community, it has the potential to achieve a most remarkable and positive change for Waterford and its citizens.

Fergus Galvin, Director of Services, Roads, Water & Environment said, “This journey will require the support of many partners and the broad population.  Our philosophy is one of engagement and asking people to join us on the journey to make Waterford best in class in respect of quality of life and sustainability.”

Minister Ryan then launched National Bike Week, which will take place from September 12th to 18th.

Celebrating the benefits of cycling, Waterford City and County Council in association with Waterford Sports Partnership has compiled a wide ranging programme of cycling events and workshops, to help raise the profile of cycling in Waterford and to highlight its benefits to the community and the planet.

Get on your bike for Bike Week- September 12th to September 18th

Celebrating the benefits of cycling, Bike Week kicks off on Sunday, September 12th with a full week of cycling events taking place throughout Waterford city and county.

From city cycles and lunchtime leisure cycles to turbo cycle training workshops and online bike maintenance workshops, Bike Week has something for all ages and all abilities.

Launched in 2009, National Bike Week has helped raise the profile of cycling as a healthy and fun mode of transport, and it’s also great for the community and the planet. Waterford City and County Council, in association with Waterford Sports Partnership, has compiled a wide range of cycling activities.

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If you think you’ve got 30km in the tank, the Passage East 30k spin takes place on September 12th.  This free event includes a 30K cycle from Waterford City to Arthurstown in Co. Wexford, taking in the Passage East Car Ferry, with light lunch provided. All participants must have their own bikes and helmets and be over 16 years of age.

The Dawn Cycle on September 18th is the perfect cycle event for the early bird.  Meet at the House of Waterford Crystal on the Mall at 6 am for an early morning cycle to Tramore, just in time to watch the sun rise.  Or you can enjoy a leisurely lunchtime pedal from Dungarvan to Clonea on the Greenway on September 15th.

Teenagers from 13 to 17 years of age can take in Waterford with a city cycle on September 15th.  This free guided 10K spin around the city provides free with free bike hire.  While in Dungarvan, the teen spin takes place on September 16th at 5 pm.

Waterford Walls Cycle Tour is a guided tour of the magnificent Waterford Walls Street Art Murals where you can find out about the stories behind the murals on September 18th.

All events are free but booking is advised to avoid disappointment.  To find out more about events taking place throughout Bike Week in Waterford or to register for an event visit Waterford Sports Partnership landing page or www.bikeweek.ie

Download the full programme for Bike Week 2021 here

 

Decade of Centenaries programme at Garter Lane. Waterford, Workers, and the Struggle for Independence

As part of the Decade of Centenaries Programme, Waterford Council of Trade Unions will host an event, beginning on 10 September 2021, in the Garter Lane Centre, which will explore topics related to Waterford, Workers, and the Struggle for Independence.

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The opening presentation, at 8 pm on Friday 10 September, will be given by Therese Moriarty, on Women Workers in the Revolutionary Period.  Therese is a published author who has written extensively on Irish Women in the labour and trade union movement.  She is a lecturer and official of the Irish Labour History Society.

On Saturday 11 September at 11.30 am, local historian, Pat McCarthy, author of the 2015 book ‘ The Irish Revolution 1912 – 1923 ‘ Waterford, will speak on the Waterford labour and trade union movement during the War of Independence.

The afternoon presentation at 2 pm will be given by Dr Kieran Allen of UCD, a published author on the period and the labour movement, who will discuss Workers Struggles in the local area, and in the context of the national situation at the time.

Each of the talks will be followed by a short question and answer session, and there will be a Plenary session at 3.15 pm on Saturday, with all three speakers on stage, and contributions from the floor on the issues raised by the presentations.

Admission is free, but numbers will be limited, to comply with social distancing protocols.  Booking will be through the Garter Lane website, and a nominal booking fee may be charged.

Book here

 

 

Waterford Council to Light Up for World Suicide Prevention Day

Waterford City and County Council, in support of Cycle Against Suicide, will light up on World Suicide Prevention Day, which takes place on September 10th.

On average one person dies by suicide each day in Ireland.  Cycle Against Suicide, an organisation dedicated to raising public awareness around suicide and lessening the toll suicide places on families and communities, is calling on people and organisations to come together for the Lighting of Lights.

At 8pm, Friday, September 10th Waterford’s City Hall, The Theatre Royal and 35, The Mall will be illuminated in orange, to show support for those in the community who have been impacted by suicide or are struggling with mental health difficulties.

Caroline Lafferty, CEO, Cycle Against Suicide said, “Every suicide destroys families and communities.  September 10th is traditionally marked as a day to honour those who have lost their lives to suicide.”

“Now, in light of Covid-19, the ‘Lighting of Lights’ takes on even greater significance because of the immense toll that the pandemic has taken on people’s physical health and emotional well-being.  I am delighted that Waterford City and County Council will light up in orange on this World Suicide Prevention Day and act as a beacon, shining bright in the midst of darkness, bringing hope in the midst of despair.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly said that the Lighting of Lights will hopefully impact on those who are suffering from mental health difficulties or contemplating suicide.

“Every life lost is someone’s child, partner, parent or friend and the feelings of loss, regret and guilt are profound in the wake of suicide. The last eighteen months have been phenomenally challenging, and while people may feel helpless, there is hope.  The more we stand together, the more we share our experiences and the more we reach out, the more we can change the course of another’s life for the better.”

Free Workshop For Teachers About Fashion And The Environment

In Ireland, our addiction to new clothes is doing more harm than you may think. Half a tonne of clothing is dumped here every minute, producing over 12 tonnes of carbon emissions – the same as driving 65,000 kilometres in a car. (Source: Oxfam Ireland)

Help your class to take action on climate change, water pollution and overconsumption in this simple lesson. Begin a conversation about where their clothes were made and how long they will last.

Download the leaflet here

teacher_workshop_fashion

This online workshop will help you to teach your class about this topic (register at https://fashionandtheenvironment.eventbrite.ie . The accompanying teaching pack contains a presentation and teaching handbook to educate pupils about the impacts of fast fashion on our environment (you can download this presentation and handbook from www.waterfordcouncil.ie).

The way we make, use and throw away our clothes is unsustainable. Textile production contributes more to climate change than international aviation and shipping combined, consumes lake-sized volumes of fresh water and creates chemical and plastic pollution.

This teaching guide for secondary school teachers will help to both raise and discuss the issues surrounding fast fashion with pupils. The most sustainable garment is the one we already own. Repairing, re-wearing, reusing, and renting are preferable to recycling or discarding clothes.

You can also attend a free workshop on this topic at 7pm on Wednesday 13th October 2021; register now at https://fashionandtheenvironment.eventbrite.ie

 

“Bag It, Bin It !” DOG FOULING CAMPAIGN

Waterford Council have been working with several community groups over the summer on the Bag it, Bin it campaign.

One of these groups was Tournore Court Residents Association, Dungarvan who borrowed the Bag it, Bin it stencil and sprayed the message on footpaths within their estate to remind dog walkers to pick up after their dog and bin it.

Waterford Libraries host Healthy Ireland Video Series

As part of Healthy Ireland, a Government-led initiative to improve health and wellbeing, Waterford Libraries will host a Healthy Ireland at your Library Video series, placing a focus on prevention, individual awareness and keeping people healthy for longer.

Throughout September, Waterford Libraries will deliver a Healthy Ireland online programme with contributions from healthcare professionals.

Coping with Grief and Loss – September 4th at 11am

Clare McKenna will talk to Mr. Breffni McGuinness, National Bereavement Development Specialist (workplace & community), National Hospice Foundation on coping with grief and loss. This video will be available to view on Waterford City and County Libraries Facebook Page.

Advice for Parents/Guardians of Young Children and Adolescents – September 11th / September 18th at 11am

Clare McKenna will talk to Mr. Peadar Maxwell, Senior Psychologist, HSE on Advice for Parents / Guardians of young children. On Saturday, September 18th at 11am, Mr. Peader Maxwell will discuss advice for parents / guardians of adolescents. These videos will be available to view on Waterford City and County Libraries Facebook Page.

Emotional Eating – September 25th at 11am

Clare McKenna will talk to Dr. Mary Hynes, Senior Psychologist, HSE on Emotional Eating.  This video will be available to view on Waterford City and County Libraries Facebook Page.

For further information visit www.waterfordlibraries.ie

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About Healthy Ireland at Your Library
Public libraries are currently delivering the nationwide Healthy Ireland at Your Library programme that will establish libraries as a valuable source within the community for health information.

Funding granted by Healthy Ireland has enhanced health and wellbeing book collections, and provides for staff training and events.

The Healthy Ireland at Your Library programme will continue to build on this and contribute to improving the health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life of communities and individuals at all life stages.

Job Opening: Retained (Part Time) Firefighter Waterford City Fire Station

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the
following position:
RETAINED (PART-TIME) FIREFIGHTER WATERFORD CITY FIRE STATION

REMUNERATION:
Annual Retained Allowance
0-2 years service €8,194
2-5 years service €9,106
5-10 years service €10,210
10+ €11,221
Additional payment for attendance at Fires and Drills and Clothing Allowance.
• Persons must reside and, if employed, work within 3 km distance or 5 mins travelling of the Fire Station which will allow him/her to respond within the turnout time as set by the Chief Fire Officer.
• Persons must hold a full unendorsed Class B driving licence or a provisional Class B driving licence.
• Persons must be able to provide proof of release from the workplace to respond to fire calls if necessary.
• Applicants must be over 18 and under 55 years old.
• Candidates may be shortlisted on the information provided on the application form.

Application forms may be obtained on our website at www.waterfordcouncil.ie. Completed application forms must be emailed to recruitment@waterfordcouncil.ie clearly stating
the position applied for in the subject line. Hard Copies will not be accepted.

Please send your application from an email address that you will review regularly as communication during the assessment/ selection period will only be through that email address.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 4 pm on Friday 17th September 2021.

WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Vacancies Firefighter_Waterford