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Waterford City & County Council

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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford receives €350,000 from 2019 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

Waterford receives almost €350,000 in funding under the 2019 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

The Department of Rural and Community Development has recently (21st February) published details of projects to be funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority.  The Scheme provides funding for the development and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways.

A total of over €10 million has been allocated nationally to 153 projects, on foot of applications made in 2019 under of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.  The investment was approved by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD. The investment is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Fáilte Ireland, with the Department providing €4.4 million of the total, complemented by €4 million from Fáilte Ireland.

Waterford City and County Council was awarded just under €350,000 in funding under this scheme having submitted applications for consideration in mid 2019. Of the applications that were submitted eight projects have been deemed successful and have been awarded funding of between €14,000 and €100,000 each.

The projects that have been awarded funding under Measure 2 (€20,000 to €200,000) include:

  • Saint Declan’s Way: Continued development and completion of this long distance pilgrim trail here in Waterford to include interpretative signage, trail brochure and minor works, in advance of its official opening in 2020.
  • Abbeyside Coastal Walk: Upgrade and development of a coastal spur off the Waterford Greenway at Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
  • Dungarvan Campervan Parking area and Enhancement of Waterford Greenway Play Trail: Waterford Greenway and other developments have led to an increase in demand for formal facilities to cater for Camper vans visiting Co. Waterford. In 2019 such a facility was approved at Part VIII Planning stage and this funding will allow its development in 2020 at Rignasillogue, Dungarvan.

Waterford Greenway itself will also see the improvement and addition of a number of play areas to add to its existing play trail.

Anne Valley Walk Upgrade Works: A number of trail improvement works are planned for the enhancement of the Anne Valley Walk which is currently one of the most popular recreational trails in Waterford.

The projects that have been awarded funding under Measure 1 (less than €20,000) include:

The continued development of the EuroVelo 1 on road cycling trails from Youghal Bridge to Passage East (including Waterford Greenway). EuroVelo is a network of 16 long distance cycle routes connecting and uniting the whole European continent. The routes can be used by cycle tourists as well as by local people making daily journeys. There are two EuroVelo route in Ireland and Waterford is located on EuroVelo 1 ‘The Atlantic Coast Route’.

The upgrade and improvement of the Waterford Cycling Trails, a network of five scenic on road cycling trails in County Waterford.

Improved promotion of all Waterford Recreational Trails including new brochure design, mapping, photography, videography and on line trail content, which will help promote the wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities that we have here in Waterford.

Upgrade and improvement works at Lady Louisa’s Walk, Lismore.

Welcoming this current round of funding Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. John Pratt said that “not only will this funding benefit the recreational trails that are the subject of the current development, but more importantly it will be of a wider benefit to the local communities, economies and many visitors that will no doubt enjoy these amenities for many years to come”.

In 2018, 2.6 million overseas tourists to Ireland engaged in hiking or cross-country walking, spending an estimated €1.4 billion during their stay here.  A further 504,000 tourists took part in cycling activities. The projects announced under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme will contribute further to Ireland’s tourism offering, and will encourage visitors to extend their holidays in rural areas and explore the many attractions the regions have to offer.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City St Patrick’s Day Parade cancelled

Waterford City and County Council cancel Waterford City St Patrick’s day parade

Issued Monday 9th March at 16:45pm

Waterford City and County Council has taken a decision to cancel this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. The decision has been made as a result of its most recent risk assessment which considered the volume of visitors expected to Waterford City and the duration of the event.

The Mayor of the City and County of Waterford, Cllr. John Pratt said that “While I am disappointed to be making this decision to cancel, I believe it is the right decision and one which is made in the best interests of our people and visitors”.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford ArtsLinks 2020 Bursaries awarded

The Artlinks partnership of local authorities Arts Offices in Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford has awarded over €60,000 to artists in the South East.

Supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon this grants stream provides professional development opportunities and supports for established and emerging artists who are resident in these four counties.

The recipients of bursaries from the Arts Office, Waterford City & County Council are:

  • Fintan O’ Byrne/Visual Arts, Dunmore East.
  • Clare Scott/Visual Arts, Tramore.
  • Corina Duyn/Multidisciplinary, Lismore.
  • Rachel Ní Bhraonáin/Dance, Waterford city.
  • Jenny Fennessy/Theatre, Lismore.
  • Cora Cummins/Visual Arts, Villierstown.
  • Mary Keane/Film, An Rinn.
  • Catherine Callanan/Visual Arts, Dungarvan.
  • Jean Curran/Visual Arts, Kilmacthomas.
  • Róisín Sheehy/Literature, Tramore.
  • Síle Walsh/Visual Arts, Tramore.
  • Ciara Gormley/Visual Arts, Modeligo.

Please note that ArtLinks has an extended deadline for the Collaboration Award of 30th March 2020 at 4pm.

The Collaboration Award is open to application by Professional and Emerging Artists who are members of ArtLinks. The aim of this new award is to encourage more collaboration between artists across the Artlinks counties and support artists seeking to expand their practice and networks regionally.

The award must involve collaboration between artists from two or more Artlinks counties in the development of new work, to be showcased in two or more Artlinks counties. The total value of the award is €10,000.

Please contact morgan@waterfordcouncil.ie if you require the guidelines and application form.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Schools Competition from “The Let Dandelions Bee” campaign

The Let Dandelions Bee campaign wants you to give the mower a rest for just a short few weeks while the dandelions bloom this Spring.

@BioDataCentre says dandelions are our wild bees’ most favourite food! Wild bees do most of our most pollination, but their numbers have been declining. So, let’s give them a hand this Spring by letting dandelions grow in our lawns. Why not enter the schools competitions, photo competition, and more…

Primary Schools Competition – Primary Schools Competition – win a biodiversity workshop & €200 of bee-friendly plants for your school, & a €50 One4all voucher for the winning entrant. We have such a prize for 3 primary schools from anywhere on the island of Ireland. To enter, draw up a poster that shows how important dandelions are for bees in Spring. Entry details and our website coming soon … Ends Friday 3rd April (just before Easter holidays)

Secondary Schools Competition – Secondary Schools Competition – win a biodiversity workshop and €200 of bee-friendly plants for your school, & a €50 One4all voucher for the winning entrant. Prizes for 3 secondary schools from anywhere on the island of Ireland. To enter, draw up a 3-post social media campaign that shows how important dandelions are for bees in Spring. Entry details and our website coming soon … Ends Friday 3rd April.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Libraries receive funding to upgrade sensory facilities in 4 branches

Waterford Libraries receive over €30,000 in funding to upgrade
sensory facilities in Dungarvan, Lismore, Tramore and Central Libraries.

Following their successful application for funding under the national scheme announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring in December 2019, Waterford Libraries will receive an extra €15,680 in grant aid for the installation of new sensory equipment in library branches. This is in addition to the 2019 approved funding for installation of two “Tovertafel” magic tables in Dungarvan and Lismore (€15,680 (2019)).

At the announcement of the funding, Minister Ring said “I am very aware of the struggles some people face living with autism or learning differences. I want these people and their families to see our libraries as a safe and welcoming space for them, somewhere they can have fun in and learn.”

A Tovertafel is a unique piece of equipment where through the projection of light and shapes onto a flat surface, children and adults with additional sensory needs are enabled and encouraged to interact and enjoy the experience.

Waterford Libraries will install a magic table in Dungarvan in April, and this will be followed by the installation of a magic table in Lismore as part of the extension of the My Open Library (8am–10pm opening hours) to the Lismore branch.  This additional funding will also allow tables to be installed in both Central and Tramore Libraries.

Waterford City & County Librarian, Jane Cantwell said “We are delighted to receive this additional funding which will help us open up our libraries to an even broader range of people including carers, people living with dementia, autism and those with other learning issues. We believe that our public libraries should be open to and relevant to everyone.  Any services or equipment that help make this happen are very welcome.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Global Women’s Conference, Garter Lane Arts Centre, Tuesday 10th March

Join local and global speakers, women activists, academics, policy makers and delegates #EachforEqual #IWD2020

Waterford Integration Services, Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre, Waterford Libraries, Waterford Cultural Quarter and Waterford City and County Council are coming together to host a Global Women’s Conference on Tuesday 10 March to coincide with International Women’s Day Events.

Sunday 8th March is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality – #IWD2020 #EachforEqual

Our focus at local level is on empowering women as key actors of Integration and Economic Development as a direct response to our commitment to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Waterford and the South-East.

We collaborate on issues affecting Migrant women and their families by highlighting inequalities and social exclusion, policy development and research, education, income poverty, women and health, politics and decision-making, combating racism and discrimination, women and human rights.

This Conference will attract local and global speakers, women activists, academics, policy makers and community delegates to participate in the important dialogue of Migrant Women and the SDGs.

The Conference will take place at Garter Lane Arts Centre, O’Connell Street, which is located in Waterford’s Cultural Quarter.

Lunch included.

FREE but booking essential at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/global-womens-conference-tickets-93943488503

Programme

  • 9:00am Registration & Mini Cultural Moment
  • 9:30am Welcome Address by Mayor of the Metropolitan District Cllr. Breda Brennan
  • 9:35am Keynote Speaker, Lelini Veerassamy CEO of International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
  • 9:50am Tulowani Akaehomen
  • 10:10am Osas Usideme, Intercultural Health Hub
  • 10:20am Women as Ritual Makers
  • 10:30am Sarah Franklyn, Coalition 2030
  • 11:00am Water Break & Mini Cultural Moment
  • 11:15am Her Excellency Dr. Uzoma Elizabeth Emenike, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
  • 11:30am Panel Discussion and Questions from the delegates – Chaired by Margaret Ward, Journalist
  • 12:30pm Mini Cultural Moment –Group Energy Work – Nicola Kent
  • 12:50pm Obianuju Eckedoze, Chair Waterford Migrant Forum
  • 1:00pm Networking Light Lunch
  • 2:00pm Mini Cultural performance
  • 2:20pm Carine Mambou, Storyteller
  • 2:30pm Round Table discussion Main challenges faced by women in Waterford
  • 3:30pm Feedback from discussion
  • 3:45pm Final Questions, evaluation form completion and conference closure
  • Closes at 4pm

Side Events

  • Launch of Shakti Programme Intercultural Quilt – Social Enterprise Programme for women.
  • Example of Rangoli (south Indian art form, in which patterns are created on the floor or the ground traditionally using materials such coloured rice or flour etc.) This ritual for luck, health & happiness is performed specifically by women.
  • Red Sand Project – participatory community art to highlight victims of human trafficking that fall through the cracks in our global system.

Information Stands

  • Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre
  • South East Business Innovation Centre
  • Access I.T.
  • Waterford Social Enterprise Network
  • Work Matters – Supports for Business & Employment at your Library

By Waterford City & County Council

Bausch+Lomb take top prize at Waterford Business Awards

Bausch + Lomb were named Overall Waterford Business of the Year at the Waterford Business Awards on Friday night last (February 28th) at the Tower Hotel by Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr John Pratt.

The multi-national company also picked up the Exporter of the Year award on the night, which was attended by over 340 guests.

This year marks 40 years of manufacturing contact lenses in Waterford at Bausch + Lomb. Currently employing 1,400 at its plant at Waterford Industrial Park, world-wide exports are at an all-time high, driven by the success of the Biotrue One Day family of daily disposable contact lenses. The Biotrue range was developed in Waterford and there are now daily shipments from the Waterford site to markets all over the world.

The Waterford Business Awards, which are organised by Waterford Chamber, Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber and WLR and was hosted by Damien Tiernan and Julie Smyth, celebrated the successes and contributions of thirty-nine companies who were shortlisted for the 13 award categories.

Commenting at the gala dinner, Mayor Pratt said: “We have a vibrant business community here in Waterford and we are the leaders in so many fields. Tonight is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the incredible work ethic, innovation and determination that exists in business today. Just looking around the room here tonight, the nominated companies are all winners and if we continue to work together and use that same determination these people show in business to create a better Waterford, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”

Topping the categories were GIY for Community & Social Enterprise; Rob Leslie of Sedicii won Entrepreneur of the Year; Cliff House Hotel took home the Food & Beverage Award; Quish’s SuperValu were awarded Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility; Ashleigh Environmental won Environmental Excellence; New Business of the Year went to Everett’s Restaurant; Fresh Food Courtyard took home the Retail Excellence Award; Flahavan’s won for Marketing Excellence; Small Business of the Year went to Dunmore Adventure Centre; Technology & Innovation to Bausch + Lomb; Tourism Activity/Attraction of the Year went to House of Waterford Crystal and the Training & People Development Award went to Hartley People.

The Ambassador of the Year Award, sponsored by Eirgen Pharma, was presented to John and Peter Queally.

Introducing the Queally brothers, Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley said: “It is now my great pleasure to introduce to you two brothers from Kill and Dunhill, Co. Waterford, who have dedicated their lives to both their families and their businesses and are synonymous with the food and agriculture sector not just in their native Waterford but nationally and internationally.”

The shortlisted businesses were nominated by the public and also through self-nomination for all eleven categories. An independent judging panel, under the Chairmanship of Frank O’Regan, and including David Breen, David M Breen & Co; Lena Murphy, WLR; Tina Darrer, Dooley’s Hotel; TV Honan, Spraoi; Louise Grubb, Q1 Scientific, Richie Walsh, Waterford Local Enterprise Office, Irial Mac Murchu, Nemeton TV and Noel Kelly, Inspired Leaders Shape Success, carried out the difficult task of selecting the finalist shortlist and category winners after a rigorous judging analysis of each application.
A special presentation was also made to outgoing Chair of the Judging Panel, Frank O’Regan, to acknowledge his hard work over the past six years.

Speaking on the night, Jonathan Earl, Waterford Chamber President said, “On behalf of Waterford Chamber, I would like to sincerely congratulate Bausch + Lomb on being announced as the Overall Winner of the Waterford Business Awards and to all category winners and finalists – thank you. Without your hard work and determination our business community would not be as vibrant as it is today and we wish you all continued success.”

Speaking on behalf of WLR, Des Whelan, Managing Director, said that “WLR as a local company with offices and studios in Waterford City and Dungarvan was very pleased to be involved in both organising and promoting the Waterford Business Awards. It’s such a positive night for Waterford City and County with so many world class companies and innovative business people being honoured. My congratulations to all the nominees and winners and thanks to all who entered and supported the 2019 awards.”

Waterford City and County Council sponsored the Overall Waterford Business Award, while category sponsors include Morgan McKinley, Permanent TSB, EirGen Pharma, TOTEM, AIB Bank, Faithlegg, KBC Bank, City Enterprise Centre, PwC, Waterford Institute of Technology, Port of Waterford, Waterford Local Enterprise Office, Waterford Chamber Skillnet and Dawn Meats. For further details see www.waterfordchamber.com

Ends
For more information please contact Lynda Lawton on 087 9379894.
Free to use photos from Patrick Browne Photography

By Waterford City & County Council

Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2020

Waterford City & County Council will administer the 2020 Town & Village Renewal Scheme funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a key part of the Action Plan for Rural Development – Realising our Rural Potential and Project Ireland 2040.

The focus of the Town & Village Renewal Scheme is on improving the economic development of rural towns and villages and making them more attractive places to live and work and increase their tourism potential.

Waterford City & County Council now seeks expressions of interest from towns and villages, particularly those who may not have benefitted from the Scheme previously, for funding of suitable projects under this initiative.

 

  • Expression of interest forms and details of the scheme outline can be obtained by e-mailing townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie and completed expression of interest forms are to be returned before 5.00pm Wednesday 25th March 2020.

 

All applications will be subject to a selection process using National Criteria. Selected expression of interest applications will be developed into detailed bids for consideration for the 2020 Town & Village Renewal Scheme.

By Waterford City & County Council

Queally brothers named Waterford Ambassadors of the Year

Two of Waterford’s most well-known and respected businessmen have been announced as Waterford Ambassadors of the Year at the Waterford Business Awards on Friday, February 28th last.  

Peter and John Queally set up Dawn Meats with their partner Dan Browne in 1980 and it has grown to be one of Europe’s largest privately-owned agri companies. Peter and John also established the Arrow Group of Companies in the early 1980’s.

Introducing the brothers, Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley said: “It is now my great pleasure to introduce to you two brothers from Kill and Dunhill, Co. Waterford, who have dedicated their lives to both their families and their businesses and are synonymous with the food and agriculture sector not just in their native Waterford but nationally and internationally.

“From pig production and beef farming to fresh and cooked meat processing, mineral water, petfood and coldstorage, the brothers now control one of Europe’s largest food groups with a turnover in excess of €2.5 billion and a workforce of nine and a half thousand, with over 1,200 in Waterford and the South East contributing significantly to the economic vibrancy of Waterford. I am delighted to ask Peter and John Queally to come to the stage and accept our Waterford Ambassador of the Year award.”

On receiving the award, Michael Queally, CEO of Arrow Group, on behalf of Peter and John thanked the judges “for this prestigious award which we, our families, our business partners and staff, will take great pride in”.

“On reflection, there have been three main ingredients to our success – hard work, common sense and most importantly our loyal and dedicated Staff past and present.

“We are conscious that the Chamber has had many to consider for this Ambassador of the Year Award, so once again on behalf of  Peter and John, our families, business partners and staff, to the Chamber and sponsors Eirgen Pharma – a heart-felt thank you.”

The Waterford Business Awards, organised by Waterford Chamber and partners Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber and WLR, celebrated the successes and contributions of thirty-nine companies who were shortlisted for the 13 award categories at a gala event in the Tower Hotel, with Bausch + Lomb being announced as Overall Waterford Business of the Year and the Queally brothers taking home the title of Waterford Ambassadors of the Year.

Ends

For more information, please contact Lynda Lawton on 051 311130.
Free to use images from Patrick Browne Photography

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Corporate Plan 2019-2024 now available

Waterford, as the Capital of the South East will be a vibrant and sustainable place for all its people who live, work, visit or invest here.

OUR VISION

  • That Waterford is ambitious, progressive, and connected. A place
    where all our people enjoy life, well-being and opportunity at its
    heart.
  • That Waterford people have access to a responsive, professional and
    people focused local authority which is connected at a strategic level
    to the wider public service.
  • That Waterford and the South East are positioned to lead in terms of
    business development, economic growth and educational excellence.
  • That Waterford offers a unique quality of life for all with outstanding
    world class amenities and a natural unspoiled landscape and scenery and become a recognised tourism destination which honours its cultural and
    historic heritage as Ireland’s Oldest City.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford 2040 Breakfast Briefing

Almost 50 leaders from Waterford’s industrial and commercial, government, educational and economic development agencies gathered for a Breakfast Briefing on Wednesday 26th February 2020 to initiate a marketing and promotional campaign for Waterford. The initiative is as a result of collaboration between Waterford Chamber, Waterford Institute of Technology and Waterford City & County Council.

Over the past six months, the agencies have created an economic baseline for the city and opportunity analysis out to 2040. This research will inform Waterford’s implementation plan to realise it’s critical role as a population centre and economic driver of growing importance and scale, as outlined in the National Planning Framework ‘Project Ireland 2040’ and the National Development Plan 2018-2022.

Waterford Chamber CEO, Gerald Hurley said “For me today is about getting the message right and having an ambitious outlook for our city. Up until now, there has been conflicting economic baseline data for Waterford. This is the first time we have come together at a local level to obtain detailed and credible research and data that everyone can use to showcase Waterford as a City of Opportunity. The results of that research, combined with months of data gathering by RIKON and the information we collate here today, will give us an economic baseline for the city and present the ambitious growth opportunities that exist in Waterford.  This can then be used by all of us as a tool to attract future investment and educate key influencers.”

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council in opening the meeting said “The National Planning Framework and Development Plan policy document re-assert our critical role and we need to identify as a city and region of opportunity where our quality of life is unique. This morning’s meeting focussed on the identification of the vision for Waterford and a number of key collaborations which will set Waterford as a place apart”.

Prof. Willie Donnelly, President of Waterford Institute of Technology concluded the meeting by saying “Waterford Institute of Technology offers an attractive opportunity as an educational leader of international repute and is proud to partner with Waterford Council and Waterford Chamber of Commerce to drive Waterford as the primary urban centre within the south-east region”.

By Waterford City & County Council

Entries now accepted for the 2020 Molly Keane Creative Writing Award

Waterford City & County Council’s Arts Office is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting entries for the Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2020.

Annually since 1998, to celebrate this rich literary life, the Waterford Arts Office, by kind permission of the Keane family has invited entries for a previously unpublished short story to a maximum of 2000 words.

There is no entry fee, no age limit and no restriction on the subject matter.  A prize of €500 will be awarded to the winner at an event in the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore, Co. Waterford  in June 2020.

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