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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Greenway – Longest Greenway in Ireland to officially open Saturday

The €15 million project stretches 46km from Waterford City to Dungarvan.

Waterford Greenway, the longest off-road walking and cycling experience in Ireland, is to officially open tomorrow, Saturday (March 25). The eagerly awaited €15 million project stretches 46km from Waterford City to Dungarvan along the former Great Southern and Western Railway line.

24/03/2017. Pictured on the Waterford Greenway ahead of the official opening of the longest off-road walking and cycling experience in Ireland is Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Adam Wyse on a giant bicycle created by street arts company Buí Bolg along with Reuben Moran-Davy (7), Leah Moran-Saunders (5) and Joshua Moran-Davy (10) from Passage East, Co Waterford. See www.visitwaterfordgreenway.com for more information. Picture: Patrick Browne

The major tourism initiative now features in the Atlantic Coast Route of EuroVelo, a long distance cycling network connecting Europe. It is also part of Fáilte Ireland’s Ancient East experience.

The official opening of the Greenway will take place at the old Kilmacthomas Station House, the half-way mark on the dedicated walking and cycling path. Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney TD will attend the ribbon cutting ceremony. Multiple family-friendly events will also take place on Saturday at Waterford Institute of Technology’s West Campus, the Dungarvan Causeway and Kilmacthomas village.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Adam Wyse outlined: “It is fitting that the Waterford Greenway officially opens on March 25th, exactly 50 years after the last passenger train travelled along the old railway line between Dungarvan and Waterford. The Waterford Greenway is steeped in history and natural heritage, and I’m delighted to see it now re-imagined into an amenity that will continue to give great enjoyment to the people of Waterford and visitors to this great county well into the future.”

The Waterford Greenway was developed by Waterford City and County Council with the co-operation of local property owners and communities along the route, and supporting funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Also attending the official opening will be Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, Olympic silver medallist and Waterford native, John Treacy, who said: “Participation in sport and physical activity across all ages and backgrounds is vitally important. Having a world-class facility like the Greenway, with its beautiful vista and fantastic amenities, will encourage and provide opportunities to people of all ages, the length and breadth of Waterford, to get out and get active.

“I am also delighted that Waterford Greenway will be the 900th trail listed on the National Trails Register, which is managed by Sport Ireland.”

The route features 11 bridges, three viaducts and a 400-metre tunnel and takes in Waterford City, Mount Congreve, Kilmeaden, Kilmacthomas, Shanacool, Scartore and Dungarvan.

Saturday’s celebrations between 12pm and 4pm include a Viking Village and live music at WIT West Campus, while at Kilmacthomas village, revellers are invited to step back in time with a vintage car display and traditional Fair Day Mart. At the Dungarvan Causeway, there will be fairground rides, live music, juggling and stilt walking. There will also be free walks and talks throughout the afternoon, along with railway heritage exhibitions at Waterford County Museum in Dungarvan, and Kilmacthomas Library.

Further information is available at www.visitwaterfordgreenway.com, on Facebook @WaterfordGreenway and on Twitter at @WaterfordGrnWay, or by tagging #WaterfordGreenway

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Control of Parking Bye-Laws for Metropolitan District of Waterford

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan District of Waterford in exercise of the powers conferred on it by Section 131A of the Local Government Acts 1925 to 2014, Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, as amended, and by Section 101 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, as amended, has adopted Metropolitan District of Waterford (Control of Parking) (Amendment) Bye-Laws 2017 for the regulation and control of parking in respect of the area comprising the Metropolitan District of Waterford.

These Bye-Laws will come into operation with effect from 28th April, 2017.

The purpose of these Bye-Laws is to provide for the introduction of paid parking in Waterside Carpark, the extension of the seasonal paid parking in Tramore to include the month of September and the provision of a 30 minute maximum parking outside the Ardscoil na Mara School in Tramore, to facilitate school set down and pick up.

The Bye-Laws are available for inspection on the Council’s website www.waterfordcouncil.ie and during normal office hours from the Council’s Customer Services Departments in Civic Offices, Dungarvan and Bailey’s New Street, Waterford.   A copy of the Bye-Laws are also available free of charge on request.

Fergus Galvin
Director of Services, Roads, Water and Environment, Waterford City & County Council.

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayoral Reception for the crew of LE James Joyce

On Wednesday 22nd March 2017, the Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr. Adam Wyse extended a Mayoral Reception to the Captain & Crew of the LE James Joyce, twinned with Waterford, for saving 2,594 lives in a humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean in 2016.

The reception coincided with the visit by the L.E. James Joyce to Waterford on March 21st – 23rd 2017.

Lieutenant Commander Manning gave a compelling account of the horrific stories of recovering 21 bodies during their humanitarian mission as well as the rewarding accounts of the 2,594 lives which they assisted in rescuing.

By Waterford City & County Council

Book of Condolence opened for the late Martin McGuinness

A Book of Condolence has been opened at City Hall, Waterford for the late former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Martin McGuinness MLA, RIP.

The book was opened today by both the Mayor of Waterford City & County, Councillor Adam Wyse and the Mayor of the Metropolitan District of Waterford, Councillor John Hearne.

The book is available for the public to sign for a period of one week, between the hours of 9:30am-5pm, in the foyer of City Hall.

By Waterford City & County Council

Heritage Council selects seven new monuments under 2017 Adopt a Monument Scheme

Knockboy Medieval Parish Church, Co. Waterford is amongst the sites to benefit from specialist expertise and mentoring.

Seven new sites have been chosen to take part in the 2017 Adopt a Monument Scheme run by the Heritage Council. The sites from across Ireland range in size and date from an early medieval ringfort in Limerick, to the precarious ruins of a medieval castle on an Atlantic cliff in Donegal and a nineteenth century mining landscape in Slieveardagh, County Tipperary.

Speaking about the sites chosen, Ian Doyle, Head of Conservation at The Heritage Council said,  “While it was originally planned to have just four new sites join the Scheme, we received over 50 applications from community groups across Ireland. The energy and enthusiasm of the seven groups shortlisted made it impossible to choose between them. Each of the sites are unique and represent important aspects of Ireland’s heritage. We are really looking forward to working with the community in each area to uncover the stories of their local archeological and heritage site”, added Doyle.

The seven sites chosen include;

  • Knockboy Medieval Parish Church, County Waterford
  • Kilbarron Castle, County Donegal
  • Mountbellew Walled Garden, County Galway
  • St. Molaing’s Millrace, St. Mullins, County Carlow
  • Old St. Peter’s Church, Portlaoise, County Laois
  • Earlshill Colliery and Powder House, Slieveardagh, County Tipperary
  • Kilfinane Motte, County Limerick

– Download full press release
– Heritage Council website

By Waterford City & County Council

Let’s Talk Business Information Sessions with Waterford Libraries

Let’s Talk Business Information Events in your Local Library

Are you thinking about setting up a business or are you in business, looking to expand?

The Local Enterprise Office has joined with Waterford Libraries to offer you advice and support on your business journey and they are hosting two information events;

DateTimeEvent
Wednesday, 29th March 20176.00p.m. – 7.30p.m.Kilmacthomas Library
Friday, 31st March 20173.00p.m. – 4.30p.m.Tallow Library

Mr. Richie Walsh, Head of Enterprise at Waterford Local Enterprise Office, said “Many of the entrepreneurs that we meet with have a brilliant business idea in mind, they are hungry, not afraid of failure and passionate about succeeding.

What we do is give them the tools, advice, direction and support to turn that idea into a viable business enterprise.”

“In many cases the assistance comes in the form of mentoring, in some it’s financial assistance and in others it is business training and upskilling.  These resources are easily accessible and invaluable to anyone thinking of starting a business. Waterford is open for business and these services serve to encourage the growth of the small business sector in Waterford.”

Waterford Libraries provides “Work Matters at the Library”, a service offering support for business and employment.  This service includes free access to online business courses as well as a wide variety of business magazines, books and language learning facilities. Support services such as free membership, WiFi and meeting spaces are also available.

If you have a business idea  or what to grow your business and would like to find out more about what support services are available, call into into the LEO offices at 35 The Mall, Waterford or The Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford on 0761 10 2905 / www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford  or your local library or click on Library Service at www.waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Temporary Road Closure – L90359 (Jct. of New St, John St & Michael Street, Waterford)

Temporary Road Closure – L90359 (Jct. of New St, John St & Michael Street, Waterford), for Public Realm Works

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, propose to close the following road to through traffic from 20th March to 21st April 2017 to facilitate Waterford Public Realm Works:

Roads to be Closed

  • L90359 – Junction of New Street, John Street and Michael Street.

Diversion Route
Via Manor Street (R680) turn left/right onto college street (L5517), continue onto Manor Hill (Bunkers Hill) L5516, turn right onto Barrack Street L1512 and Newgate Street L90552.

Objections or submissions may be made in writing to the Director of Services, Roads, Water and Environment, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford not later than 11am on 16th March 2017.

By Waterford City & County Council

Invitation to Tender : Early Years’ Service Delivery

Invitation to Childcare Providers to submit Business Plan for Early Years’ Service Delivery at The Manor, Larchville, Lisduggan, Waterford.

Waterford City and County Council, Pobal and Waterford Childcare Committee invite submissions of Business Plans from interested parties to re-open a two storey (with lift and stairs) early years/school age service in an existing, purpose built, early years facility with an outdoor play area; namely The Manor Childcare Service, Manor St. John Complex, Lisduggan, Waterford for September 2017.

The overall ground floor size = 33.44 x 25.90m. Second floor = 25.60m x12.11m. The facility is located in a community campus with private parking. The successful operator would enter into a lease with Waterford City and County Council.

For further information, please contact: info@cccw.ie or phone 051 295045
Completed submissions must be returned to Rose Murphy, CEO Waterford Childcare Committee, Business Centre, Union Road, Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford by 4.00pm on Friday 21st April 2017.

By Waterford City & County Council

Temporary Road Closure – L90359 (Jct. of New St, John St & Michael Street, Waterford)

Temporary Road Closure – L90359 (Jct. of New St, John St & Michael Street, Waterford), for Public Realm Works

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, propose to close the following road to through traffic from 20th March to 21st April 2017 to facilitate Waterford Public Realm Works:

Roads to be Closed

  • L90359 – Junction of New Street, John Street and Michael Street.

Diversion Route
Via Manor Street (R680) turn left/right onto college street (L5517), continue onto Manor Hill (Bunkers Hill) L5516, turn right onto Barrack Street L1512 and Newgate Street L90552.

Objections or submissions may be made in writing to the Director of Services, Roads, Water and Environment, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford not later than 11am on 16th March 2017.

By Waterford City & County Council

Taoiseach’s Office selects Waterford Gaeltacht Craftsman to make Shamrock Bowl

All eyes will be on the White House this Thursday when the Taoiseach presents US President, Donald J. Trump with a crystal bowl of shamrock for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The tradition of the shamrock presentation ceremony stretches back over 60 years to 1953, with the first crystal bowl carrying the shamrock presented to President John F. Kennedy in the early 1960s.

This year the Taoiseach’s office selected the crystal craft business Criostal na Rinne in the Waterford Gaeltacht of An Rinn, to make this special handmade piece. Eamonn Terry, owner and founder of Criostal na Rinne designed and cut the crystal bowl.

Eamonn Terry working on a Crystal Shamrock Bowl that will be presented to Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America on the occasion of St. Patrick’s day 2017, by An Taoiseach on behalf of the People of Ireland. phot. Marcin Lewandowski / soundofphotography.com

A master craftsman glass cutter with over 45 years’ experience in his chosen craft, Eamonn explains the inspiration behind his design. “The design of the bowl is inspired by the artwork from the Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures”.

The top of the bowl is scalloped to show the brilliance, shine and versatility of the medium of crystal. The principal design pattern is a series of deep intersecting trinity knots, an iconic symbol of Ireland. Polished shamrocks are engraved into panels on the bowl to mark the occasion and an uncut panel is engraved with the inscription. Near the base interwoven Celtic lace cuts represent the strong ties between Ireland and the United States of America.

Speaking about his craft Eamonn said, “I wanted to showcase our local craft traditions by drawing on our rich heritage for this special piece which also has a lot of tradition attached to it”. “I hope when people see the shamrock bowl they will want to visit the studio and experience for themselves a demonstration of the craftsmanship that goes into making hand cut crystal”.

After learning his trade in Waterford Crystal, where he rose to the position of master craftsman glass cutter, Eamonn founded Criostal na Rinne in 1987. He is no stranger to making one-off commissions of this kind, having made crystal pieces that have been presented to the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, former President Mary McAleese, HRH Prince Edward, 2nd Duke of Kent and former Mayor of Chicago, Richard Daly.

Eamonn hopes that the international exposure from this special commission will help raise the appeal of cut crystal and revitalise the craft itself for a younger generation. “If the business can grow, apprentices can be trained in the coming years and the craft passed on into the future”.

By Waterford City & County Council

Invitation to the Official Opening of Waterford Greenway on March 25th 2017

On Saturday March 25th Waterford Greenway will be officially opened. Mayor Adam Gary Wyse would like to invite you and everybody in Waterford to join us to celebrate this great occasion.

The stunning 46km Waterford Greenway is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland.

The opening celebrations will take from 12 Noon till 4pm at three locations below along the length of the Greenway, with free family entertainment, music and a whole host of activities throughout the afternoon.

By Waterford City & County Council

RSA and An Garda Síochána Renew Drink Driving Message For St Patrick’s Festival

March is the second most dangerous month of the year for alcohol related collisions.
10 March 2017: As the St Patrick’s Festival approaches, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are asking all road users to act responsibly when travelling on the roads this weekend. In particular, drivers are being reminded that any amount of alcohol can impair driving.

The tragic consequences of drink-driving are evident in the RSA’s pre-crash report, published last year, which examined alcohol as a factor in fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012. It found that a worrying 38% of all fatal collisions involved a driver, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian who had consumed alcohol. Of this 38% of fatal collisions:

  • 29% involved a driver or motorcyclist  who had consumed alcohol
  • 9% involved a pedestrian who had consumed alcohol

Ms Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the RSA said,

“Although, the St Patricks Festival is a period of national celebration, and we want people to have fun, we are reminding road users that March is a real danger zone for alcohol related road deaths. March accounts for 11% of alcohol related collisions, it’s the second most dangerous month of the year for alcohol related incidents.”

“Drink-driving destroys lives – at best, you could lose your licence but far worse, is the possibility of seriously injuring or killing someone on the roads. If you decide to go out, make a plan for getting home in advance; nominate a designated driver, use public transport or arrange a taxi to bring you to and from your destination. Remember, any alcohol impairs driving.”

Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn, Roads Policing, said,

“Over 1300 people have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant since the beginning of the year.  We would like to remind road-users that An Garda Síochána will be out in force over the St Patricks Day festival to monitor all high risk behaviour, including drink driving.”

“We want everyone to enjoy the St. Patricks Festival without the fear of meeting a driver that’s impaired. So this weekend, we ask you to also do your bit to support the local community and stop these drivers from putting lives at risk. If they don’t listen, phone the Gardai and report it, you might save a life.” Concluded Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn.

To raise awareness of the dangers of drink driving, the RSA and sporting legend Davy Fitzgerald have produced a social media campaign aimed at preventing young men from drink driving. The video targets young males aged 18 to 34 years and Davy Fitzgerald delivering a ‘half time dressing down’ for daring to drink drive. The video will be promoted online and though social media.

For further information please contact:

RSA Communications Office: 096 25008 or email mediadept@rsa.ie 
Or
Brian Farrell, Communications Manager: 0863881009
Or
Garda Press Office: 01 6662030 or email pressoffice@garda.ie

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