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Waterford City & County Council

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By Waterford City & County Council

Update from Housing Supply, Maintenance and Improvement Section

Following the close of construction activity with effect from 6pm Friday 8th January as part of the national effort to halt the spread of COVID-19, a limited number of social housing projects, including voids, were designated as essential sites.

In Waterford these include units at the following locations (please note that not all work locations are listed below):

  • Slievekeale, Waterford City
  • Mount William, Waterford City
  • Doyle Street, Waterford City
  • Larchville, Waterford City
  • Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford
  • The Courtyard, Waterford City
  • Mount Neil, Carrickphierish, Gracedieu, Waterford City
  • Wadding Manor, Ferrybank, Waterford City
  • Units in Lighthouse Way, Dunmore East
  • Units in Monksfield, Dungarvan
  • Units in The Sycamores, Shandon, Dungarvan

Housing adaptation grants have been designated as essential, where the homeowner is agreeable to works being undertaken in their home.

Maintenance of the Council’s housing stock will continue on a prioritised emergency and urgent basis only. All requests should continue to be made through the Council’s Customer Services Department.

The government also announced that in the case of private homes that are practically complete and scheduled for habitation by 31 January 2021, including where snagging, and essential remediation work, such as pyrite works is nearing completion, works can continue to enable homeowners access their homes. This would include heating, water, broadband and electricity installation to enable homes be occupied.

By Waterford City & County Council

Rural Traffic Calming Scheme, N25 at Carroll’s Cross

CONSULTATION TYPE: SUBMISSIONS / OBSERVATIONS ACCEPTED
CONSULTATION END DATE: 3rd February, 2021

Waterford City and County Council proposes to undertake the construction of a rural traffic calming Safety Scheme/Pavement Scheme along the N25 national primary road at the junction known as Carroll’s Cross. The scheme is located approximately 27km east of Dungarvan town and approximately 19km west of Waterford City, in the townland of Ballyshunnock, Co. Waterford. The proposed woks includes resurfacing of the existing pavement, modification of the existing traffic lanes with reduction of carriageway widths, construction of revised junction layouts, construction of traffic calming islands with chamfered kerbs and road edge kerbs, construction of upgraded drainage facilities to allow rapid removal of surface water, construction of new shared use one way cycle facility, provision of new lighting designed in line with current standards and provision of new road signage and markings and landscaping. The proposed length of the scheme is approximately 500 meters.

The implementation of the rural traffic calming scheme with reduction of carriageway widths, construction of traffic calming islands and new shared use pedestrian/cycle facility, together with new lighting, road signage and markings and landscaping will create a safe environment for all road users.

The main goal is to reduce vehicular speed and improve the facilities for the vulnerable road users. The scheme will also seek to create a safer environment along the existing section of N25 on approach to and through the junction. This will be achieved by the alteration of the existing junction layout, reducing the width of the main road, provision of traffic calming islands with chamfered kerbs and improving pedestrian/cyclist facilities on both northern and the southern side of the existing N25 at this location.

Due to Covid restrictions details of the scheme layout can be viewed belowe during the period 23rd December, 2020 to 20th January, 2021 and submissions can be made up to 3rd February, 2021 by:

Post: Aideen Jacob, Administrative Officer, Roads Department, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford.
Email: ajacob@waterfordcouncil.ie

A hard copy of the drawing(s) can also be requested by contacting the above named on 0761 102020.

Downloads

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Humphreys announces over €15.4 million in funding for 147 rural towns and villages

Funding aimed at helping communities respond to COVID-19
Focus on developing outdoor amenities and enhancing public spaces
Emphasis on supporting Remote Working in rural communities
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced over €15.4 million under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The funding will assist towns and villages to implement measures that can help them to respond to the challenges associated with COVID-19.

The funding will benefit 147 towns and villages and will fund a wide and diverse range of projects nationwide including walkways, community parks, outdoor cinemas, cycleways as well as the regeneration of derelict buildings and enhancement works at tourism attractions and other important local amenities.

Funding has also been provided for the development of a number of remote working facilities in rural towns and villages. Successful projects will see the renovation and conversion of vacant buildings into digital hubs as well as adaptions to local community centres to provide for remote working and eLearning facilities.

Announcing the successful projects today, Minister Humphreys said:

“Our rural towns and villages are a vital part of the fabric of our lives. The past year has shown us, more than ever, how much we rely on our local communities and has rekindled our sense of pride in where we live.”

“The funding I am announcing today is about helping communities get back on their feet and adapt to the ongoing challenges COVID-19 presents – it will help make our towns and villages safer places to live, work and do business.”

“The pandemic has made us all appreciate the importance of getting outdoors for a little exercise and fresh air. I am delighted that a wide range of projects being funded today will support the development of recreational amenities such as walkways, cycleways, dog parks, community parks, playgrounds and more.”

“There is also significant investment to regenerate old buildings and enhancement works at areas of natural beauty – helping make our towns and villages more attractive places to visit and enjoy.”

Waterford already received €451,916 across 16 projects in 2020 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme Accelerated Measure to help rural areas to adapt and manage within the COVID 19 pandemic environment.

Waterford’s successful projects :

1.      Stradbally –  Development of a biodiversity park, including path construction, natural paving, seating, bespoke bike stands and interpretative wildlife signage. €88,615

2.      Aglish –  Pedestrian safety measures, upgrade works to community hall; installation of finger posts and tourism and heritage signage. €68,509

3.      Dungarvan  – The development of a strategic framework and implementation plan for Dungarvan. €53,784

4.      Knockanore  – The installation of IT infrastructure within the community hall to create a remote hub; the installation of a bus shelter; and the installation of tourism information signage. €56,856

5.      Clashmore  – Upgrade of community building facilities (The Heritage Centre and the Old School House) in Clashmore and installation of tourism signage and marquee. €85,446

Total €353,210

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Recycling of natural Christmas trees

Natural Christmas Trees will be accepted for recycling free of charge at Kilbarry, Waterford, Civic Amenity Site and at Ballinamuck, Dungarvan, Civic Amenity Site until 9th January 2021.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council extends a vote of sympathy on the passing of former Mayor and Councillor, Pat Hayes

Waterford City and County Council held a Special Meeting at 12pm today (Tuesday 29th December 2020) to extend sympathies to the family of the late Pat Hayes, former Mayor and Elected Waterford City Council representative.

Deepest sympathies are extended to Pat’s wife Bridie, his daughter Eimear, sons Emmett, Mark, Michael and Padraig and to his extended family, friends and colleagues.

The Mayor of Waterford opened the special meeting by saying “Pat was known to all through his involvement in politics, through his proud affiliation to the Labour Party and of all the traditions that came with politics. Pat was a great friend and ambassador to the arts community in Waterford and was a regular visitor to many shows and plays. His passing has evoked a great sadness throughout the county and country. Pat had a warm and engaging personality and he had a wonderful ability to make you feel you were the centre of attention. Pat gave fantastic representation to Waterford, was hugely proud of Waterford and Waterford can be immensely proud of that representation”

Pat Hayes was first elected to Waterford Corporation in 1991 and he proudly represented the constituency of Ward One until his retirement in 2013. During his 22-year political career, Pat twice served as Mayor to the City of Waterford and represented Waterford during exceptional events. During his term as Mayor in 2000 Waterford celebrated the millennium and again in 2011 Waterford hosted the Tall Ships Race. Pat was known across the country through his involvement with the Local Authorities Members Association (LAMA) where he served as joint honorary treasurer of LAMA with his former colleague the late John Carey.

Cllr. Seamus Ryan said of his Labour Party colleague, “Pat Hayes, during his working life with An Post, as a local Councillor, Mayor of Waterford and as someone dedicated to several community based organisations, Pat epitomised the values of public service and society so important to the Labour party which he was a staunch member of. He had a warm personality and loved to engage people. That could be a greeting on the street, a word with someone on behalf of a constituent that had raised an issue with him, contributing to the work of the many committees he was involved in, or speaking as a firm advocate for Waterford.  His family, to whom our deepest sympathies are extended, can be very proud of Pat Hayes. He gave of his best for them, for Waterford and for us all.”

An online Book of Condolence will open today Tuesday 29th December 2020 to allow the people of Waterford to express their sympathies to Pat’s family. The Online Book of Condolence can be found on http://bit.ly/PatHayesRIP

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

By Waterford City & County Council

Recycling of natural Christmas trees

Natural Christmas Trees will be accepted for recycling free of charge at Kilbarry, Waterford, Civic Amenity Site and at Ballinamuck, Dungarvan, Civic Amenity Site until 9th January 2021.

By Waterford City & County Council

Change to Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

Mar gheall ar Shrianta Leibhéal 5, dúnfar an oifig seo ón Dé Máirt, 29 Nollaig 2020 go dtí go bhfógrófar a mhalairt.

Due to Level 5 Restrictions, our offices will be closed from Tuesday 29th December 2020 until further notice.

Tá Seirbhísí ar fáil mar a leanas / Services are available as follows:

Tá seirbhís bunaithe ar choinne ar fáil de réir mar is gá ó 29 Nollaig. Chun fiosrú maidir leis seo, iarrtar ort glaoch ar 1761 10 20 20

An Appointments based service is in operation from December 29th, where necessary. To enquire about an Appointment please phone 0761 10 20 20

 

 

 

 

Sa Phost / Post:
Oifig Seirbhíse Custaiméara, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge, Oifigí Cathartha, Cé Dáibhéid, Dún Garbhán, Co Phort Láirge X35 Y326

Customer Care Office, Waterford City & County Council, Civic Offices, Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan, Co.Waterford X35 Y326

 

Tá seirbhís bunaithe ar choinne ar fáil de réir mar is gá. Chun fiosrú maidir leis seo, iarrtar ort glaoch ar 1761 10 20 20

An Appointments based service is in operation where necessary. To enquire about an Appointment please phone 0761 10 20 20

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Council statement on passing of Mrs. Anne Tobin, RIP

It is with regret and deep sadness that Waterford City & County Council has been informed of the death of Mrs. Anne Tobin, Ballyhamlet, Tallow, Co.Waterford.   Anne is the wife of Cllr. James Tobin, Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan/Lismore district Council and former mayor of Waterford City & County Council.

The current Mayor, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan and the Chief Executive Michael Walsh have expressed their sincere sympathies to the Tobin family at this difficult time, on behalf of all the staff and Councillors of Waterford City & County Council.

Owing to the current Covid-19 restrictions, it is not possible, as would be normal, for the robed body of Councillors to attend funeral proceedings.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

By Waterford City & County Council

Report finds 2019 performance of Waterford City & County Council was mixed

– Independent oversight body identified several areas of improvement and concern across Ireland’s local government sector –

17 December 2020: A report by the independent watchdog of local government has revealed the performance of Waterford City and County Council in 2019 across eleven areas. The annual report, by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC), found the Council delivered mixed results in a range of areas including housing, the environment and financial management.

Some of the key findings in the report include:

  • Housing: Waterford City and County Council owned 5,175 social housing dwellings at end of 2019 with 1.18% vacant. The average time for rehousing in vacant properties was 14 weeks.
  • Finance: The level of collection of commercial rates was 82% and the level of housing loans collection was 63%.
  • Environment: 22% of the Council’s area is unpolluted or litter-free while energy savings made since 2009 is 24%.
  • Fire service: Attendance at the scene in respect of fire within 10 minutes was 78%, and 20% within 20 minutes.
  • Public Libraries: There were an average of 4.65 visits per head of population and 467,885 items issued to library borrowers in 2019.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Chairman of NOAC, Michael McCarthy, said: “This report highlights some of the important work our local authorities carry out each year. We would encourage all local authorities and public representatives to review the report to learn ways they can continue to help local communities thrive. Local government plays in an important role in people’s lives and as we look beyond the pandemic, NOAC is looking forward to working with all stakeholders to build on this work.”

Michael McCarthy concluded by thanking local authority staff, the LGMA, and all organisations who provided or reviewed data for NOAC’s 2019 Annual Report.

The NOAC uses 39 indicators across eleven areas to measure local authority performance. The data is submitted by the local authorities and other State and regulatory bodies.

-ENDS-

Note: The full report can be downloaded from the NOAC website here and an address by Michael McCarthy can be viewed here.

 

About the NOAC

NOAC (the National Oversight and Audit Commission) was established under the Local Government Reform Act 2014 to provide independent scrutiny of local government performance in fulfilling national, regional and local mandates.  One of its functions is to scrutinise performance of local government bodies against relevant indicators and this is the fifth annual performance indicator report published by NOAC in relation to that function.

Since its establishment, NOAC has examined a range of areas of local authority activity, resulting in the publication of 22 reports to date.  For further information on NOAC, including all reports published to date, see www.noac.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Final reminder for residents in Ireland to exchange their UK / NI driving licence for an Irish driving licence

Over 60,000 UK / NI licence exchange applications received since 2019

Wednesday 16 December 2020. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued a final reminder to anyone resident in Ireland with a UK / NI driving licence to exchange it immediately, as their UK/NI licence will not be valid to drive here after 31 December 2020.

While the UK has left the EU, a transition period was agreed that allowed for the exchange of driving licences to continue. That transition period ends on the 31 of December 2020. If you are resident in Ireland and using a UK licence to drive it will no longer be valid to drive in Ireland after this date.

It is vital that you have a valid driving licence and that you are legally allowed to drive in Ireland by exchanging a UK licence for an Irish driving licence.

To exchange your licence, you must either visit a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre or apply online at ndls.ie

If applying in person at an NDLS Centre you must complete a licence application form and present this, the correct fee and your UK licence. You must make an appointment online at www.ndls.ie to attend any of the 36 NDLS centres.

You can apply online to exchange your licence at ndls.ie if you have a PSC and verified MyGovID account. A short video can be viewed to explain how to exchange your foreign driving licence online at ndls.ie

Over 60,000 people have applied to exchange their UK / NI licence for an Irish driving licence since 2019.

More information including frequently asked questions on how to exchange your UK licence can be found at www.ndls.ie and on gov.ie/brexit, the Irish Government’s website to help businesses and citizens around the country to prepare for Brexit.

Visitors to Ireland holding a UK/NI licence, will continue to be entitled to drive in Ireland as a visitor with their existing driving licence. Visitors won’t be required to carry an International Driving Permit in order to drive here so long as they carry their UK/NI driving licence with them.

ENDS

For further information please contact the RSA Press office on Tel: 096-25008

By Waterford City & County Council

Age Friendly Housing Technical Advisors in every Local Authority in Ireland

Minister of State, Peter Burke, TD, Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage officially launches the Local Government Age Friendly Technical Advisors.

On Tuesday, 8th December 2020 in Dublin’s Custom House, Minister of State, Peter Burke, TD, Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage officially launched the local authority based 31 Age Friendly Technical Advisors.  This launch is an important occasion, representing another substantial development in the joint policy statement, Housing Options for Our Ageing Population which was launched in February 2019 by both Department of Housing and Department of Health.  Minister of State, Mary Butler, TD, Department of Health also attended the launch and spoke about a collaborative approach to Health and Housing for Older People in Ireland.

In July 2020 Ireland’s new Programme for Government pledged a mission and vision of an Age Friendly Ireland.  The approach taken in the agreed programme for government is to support older people to live in their own homes and communities with dignity and independence, for as long as possible. The programme’s ambition is to enable everyone, of all ages, to live longer healthier lives in their own homes and communities.  This vision is central to the overarching principles of the World Health Organisations Age Friendly Framework and core to the joint departmental Housing options for our Ageing Population Policy.   The aim of the housing policy is to ensure that older people will have greater choice by developing a range of housing options that are suited to their needs, so they can plan ahead and, insofar as possible, choose the right home for them.

Age Friendly Ireland has supported the development and implementation of the policy document and in response to Action 4.13: ‘Local Authorities will identify and assign an individual on their housing teams to work with older people in terms of sourcing appropriate accommodation’, all Local Authorities have assigned a staff member to undertake this role so that this resource is available in all of the 31 local authorities across the country.

A member of staff at the appropriate technical level of expertise has participated in training provided by Age Friendly Ireland to enable them to become the local authority specific age friendly Housing Technical Advisor. This will ensure that they can provide specialist advice to the authority itself, to private sector interests who want to get involved in providing age-friendly housing and to individuals from the public generally.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister said  ‘The specific Action which brings us here today is Action 4.13, which introduced a novel idea that local authorities should appoint a member of staff as a technical advisor on age friendly housing with the intent that this person would be a resource for older people, for the local authorities, and indeed for anyone who wants to access information about age friendly housing.  In late 2019, my Department wrote to the Chief Executives of local authorities asking them to do this, and, in the wholehearted way in which they have embraced other elements of the Age Friendly Ireland programme they all agreed to do so.’

On behalf of the Local Authority sector, Chief Executive of Meath County Council, host to the Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service said,  ‘Today’s launch is a significant occasion, representing another substantial development in the joint departmental housing policy and also acknowledging the sterling work of local authorities, both Departments, the Age Friendly shared service and partner organisations on the Implementation Group.’

Ends

For further information see: https://twitter.com/agefriendlyirl

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council Festival & Event Grants 2021

Waterford City and County Council has allocated €1,287,300 in festival and event funding to aid with the development and promotion of events in Waterford City & County during 2021.   The allocation supports 70 festival and events throughout Waterford City and County with the aim to promote local festivals that have an economic, tourism, cultural/artistic or community benefit for Waterford.

Speaking following the adoption of the Festival Grants for 2021, Cllr Damien Geoghegan stated ‘As Mayor I am delighted that Waterford City & County Council is in a position to support so many events across Waterford in the coming year.  While 2020 has been a challenging year for all and many of our events could not be held, we are hopeful that by showing our continuing support for the many community and voluntary events across the county that these groups will be ready to bring vibrancy back into our communities when restrictions allow.  I would like to express my gratitude to the many voluntary and professional groups that put so much effort into their applications and help make Waterford a great place for our residents and for visitors.’

Name of Festival2021 Allocation
1848 Tricolour Celebration€4,500
A Slice of Culture€600
Arts Festival  Online Support€5,000
Bealtaine Living Earth Festival€1,500
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival€7,000
Campervan of Sound Music & Arts Festival€1,000
Camphire International Horse Trials and Country Fair€5,000
Capital of Culture/Music Generation€84,000
Celebration of International Women’s Day€1,500
Comeragh Christmas Craft Fair€1,200
Comeraghs Wild Festival€28,000
Copper Coast Festival 2021€500
Copper Coast Trad Fest 2021€2,000
Creative Ireland€15,000
Daonscoil na Mumhan€1,500
Deise Medieval Greenway2021€2,500
Dungarvan Aglow€20,000
DUNMORE EAST BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2021€10,000
Dunmore East Festival of Food, Fish and Fun€5,000
Dunmore East Walking Weekend€500
Festive Lighting€111,850
Festive Support briefing€5,000
Fun for Life 2021€500
Giggle of the Galaxy€2,000
Harvest Festival€65,000
Imagine Arts Festival€20,000
International Women’s Day Festival 2021€1,500
John Dwyer Trad Festival 2021€3,000
Knockanore Fete€1,000
Lismore Towers and Tales€5,000
ModPoets Fest 21€1,400
Nire Valley Drop MTB Challenge€1,750
O’Connell Street Festival€9,000
Pride of the Déise€2,050
Ravens Rock Rally€3,000
Robert Boyle Summer School€2,000
Seasonal Annimation in Dungarvan€10,000
Southeast Science Festival€5,000
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival€70,000
Sprog€2,000
St Patricks Day Parade, Waterford City€45,000
St. Patrick’s Day Dungarvan€5,000
St. Patricks Day Portlaw€1,000
Summer in the City 2021€59,000
Summer on The Mall€15,000
Tallow Tostal Festival€500
The Barony Of Gaultier Rose Festival.€550
THE BOOLEY HOUSE€1,000
The Carbally Art By The Sea Festival.€1,000
THE CELTIC BOX CUP€10,000
The Good Old Days Festival.€1,000
The LIT Young Writers Festival€1,800
Tionól Nicolás Tóibín€2,000
Tramore Christmas Festival€5,000
Tramore St Patricks Day Parade€5,000
Tramore Street Party€4,000
TUNEFEST€5,000
Viking River Festival€3,000
Vitamin Sea Festival€15,000
Waterford Film Festival€500
Waterford Heath and Wellbeing Family Fest€3,000
Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards€5,600
Waterford Viking Marathon€22,000
WATERFORD WALLS FESTIVAL€35,000
Waterford Writers Weekend€34,000
Well Festival of Arts & Wellbeing€4,000
West Waterford Festival of Food€50,000
Winterval€429,000
Wyse Park Arts Spectacle scheme€6,000
Yogafest€1,000
€1,287,300
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