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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council success at Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards

Last night (November 21st) Waterford City and County Council was successful in the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards with a win in the Urban Revival category.

This award recognises initiatives that promote urbanism through improving and enhancing the lived experience in urban environments, with Waterford City and County Council’s efforts in Reviving Urban Living by reducing Property vacancy and dereliction announced as the category winner.

Over 715 dwellings have been revitalised through various initiatives, signifying substantial progress in addressing vacancy and dereliction in Waterford’s towns and villages. By taking on projects that were previously deemed unviable, Waterford City and County Council has delivered impactful solutions and infused vibrancy and vitality throughout the city and county.

Receiving the award, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “This award is testament to the hard work, foresight, and dedication of Waterford City and County Council, and particularly the Planning Department.”

“Waterford has been long regarded as the exemplar in its efforts to tackle vacancy and dereliction, and I am delighted to see that recognised on a national platform.”

Claire Hartley, Acting Director of Housing, Waterford City and County Council added, “Our project ‘Reviving Urban Living by reducing Property vacancy and dereliction’ is one that substantially promotes urbanism through improving and enhancing the lived experience in urban environments, through activating and encouraging reuse of vacant and derelict properties.”

An outstanding example of the efforts to enhance urban living include St. Joesph’s House.  In June last year, the Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien TD cut the ribbon on the age-friendly housing development at the landmark site on Manor Hill, saying, “Waterford City and County Council is leading the way in delivering new social and affordable homes, and in particular in tackling vacancy which to be frank is a scourge in many villages, towns, and cities across the country.”

The former convent has been transformed with 50 dwelling units located within the main building and 21 located in the various out-building clusters on the site, while the former chapel on the site has been repurposed as a community space for multiple uses by tenants.

Over €4.9 million was approved through the Repair and Lease Scheme, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.  The funding was provided under Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland.  The Repair and Lease Scheme has been pioneered in Waterford and is a significant driver in providing high quality affordable housing solutions and at the same time has significantly addressed and delivered the return to use of vacant buildings in Waterford.

Waterford City and County Council was also a finalist in the categories of Heritage & Built Environment for the Irish Wake Museum, and in the Municipal District Initiative category for the Connecting Communities Roadshow series.

Now in its 21st year, the Awards, reflect the dedication and innovation taking place at local government level, and showcase best practice in local government and recognise the skills, hard work, innovation and enthusiasm within local government that can often go unrecognised.

By Waterford City & County Council

Status Orange Rain Warning for Waterford – Storm Bert

Orange Weather Warning

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange Warning for Rain for Waterford, valid from 00:00am (midnight) Saturday, November 23rd until 10am on Saturday, November 23rd.

The public is advised that Storm Bert will bring strong winds and intense falls of rain over a short period of time and possible impacts include surface and localised flooding, difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility.

With heavy and persistent rain forecast throughout the night, surface water levels will be elevated which may lead to localised flooding, hazardous travelling conditions, fallen trees and branches and travel disruption.

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team attended a virtual Met Éireann Technical Briefing earlier today and has advised that ground crews will be on standby to deal with issues as they arise, such as localised flooding, blocked drains, gulley overflows, etc.

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise caution. “Storm Bert will bring heavy rainfall, and with surface water levels already elevated, will potentially lead to localised and spot flooding and travel disruption.”

“While the warning remains in place, we would advise the public to heed all public safety advice and avoid unnecessary journeys until Storm Bert has receded.

“Driving conditions will be difficult and visibility will be poor, so we urge motorists to drive with caution, allow extra time for journeys, avoid driving through flowing or standing water and be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.”

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desk on 0818 10 20 20 and calls will be transferred to the out-of-hours emergency services number.

Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050

Waterford City and County Council advises the public to:

  • Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings
  • All road users should be aware of the hazardous travelling conditions, and only necessary journeys should be undertaken.
  • The public are warned electricity wires are always live, never approach. If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999

By Waterford City & County Council

Applications are now open for Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2025 and Historic Thatch Buildings Grant 2025

The Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2025.

The primary focus of the HSF is to assist with the conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the broader benefit of communities and the public .Grants are  from €50,000 up to €200,000 and focus on larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where:

  1. A clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or
  2. A clear residential benefit has been demonstrated (such projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary)

The total value of all public funding provided for individual projects is 50% of eligible costs. In exceptional circumstances a higher percentage may be sought, subject to a max of 80%.

Eligible applications will be assessed for selection under the following criteria:

  • Significance of the structure
  • Efficacy of the grant in achieving the aims of the Historic Structures Fund
  • Quality of the methodology and technical merit of the works proposed
  • Contribution of the proposed works to keeping the structure in use, or bringing it back into use
  • Broader public or community benefit of the project

The Department encourages project promoters to incorporate a traditional skills training element in the project. There is a requirement for a comprehensive and sound methodology to accompany the application and that in the event of a successful application,  appropriately qualified conservation professional shall oversee the works.

The Historic Thatch Buildings  Grant 2025

The purpose of the scheme is to protect the heritage value of historic thatched roof buildings across Ireland, including dwellings and other structures. An application under the BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings Stream does not preclude a separate application under the Historic Structures Fund or the main stream of the BHIS, but only one grant can be availed of per structure. A Method Statement or description of the proposed works, drawn up in consultation with an experienced thatcher or other relevant building professional, is required.

The Conservation Section, Waterford City and County Council will administer both schemes on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.   Full details of the schemes, including the application forms, the applicant checklists and the criteria are available on our Grants page.

Completed application forms to be submitted by email only to Planning@waterfordcouncil.ie  by Friday 17th January 2025.

By Waterford City & County Council

Step Through the Gateway to Brno, this Friday at 3pm!

Czech city of BRNOThis Friday, November 22nd at 3pm, don’t miss the official opening of the ‘Gateway to Brno’, a live portal connecting Waterford, the European City of Christmas, with Brno, the European Capital of Christmas! 🎅

🎤 Special Guests:
The Ambassador of the Czech Republic, Pavel Vošalík, and Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Jason Murphy will kick things off with speeches, before Mr. Vošalík officially opens the live stream to Brno at 3PM sharp.

🗓️ When: Friday, November 22nd
⏰ Time: Speeches at 2:45 PM, official opening at 3 PM
📍 Where: Apple Market, Waterford/Brno, Czech Republic
💌 Bring Your Christmas Cheer!

We’re inviting everyone to bring festive signs, greetings, or even artwork to share with our friends in the Czech Republic. This is your chance to make history and celebrate the magic of Christmas across borders. 🎄✨

A huge thank you to Southern Regional Assembly for sponsoring this incredible feature and helping bring communities across Europe closer together at Christmas.
🌟 See you at the Apple Market this Friday Brno!

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol

Waterford City and County Council’s Integrated Homeless Services operates an extended Severe Weather Protocol from November 1st, 2024 to March 31st, 2025.

Throughout this period, the Outreach Team from Waterford Integrated Homeless Services is in regular contact with any known rough sleepers to advise them of impending weather alerts/freezing temperatures and remind them of the shelter arrangements which they can avail of.

  • Extra capacity is available at McGwire House, Bath Street, Waterford, where homeless men and women can present to avail of shelter (051 879930).
  • Women and children fleeing domestic violence should present to Oasis House, 71 Morrisson’s Road, Waterford (051 370367).

With a Met Éireann Status Orange Snow / Ice Warning issued for Waterford (midnight, Thursday, November 21st to midday, Thursday, November 21st), Waterford City and County Council is appealing to the public to contact the Homeless Services Team at Waterford Integrated Homeless Services if they see person(s) sleeping rough in Waterford.

Members of the public can contact the Homeless Services Team at Waterford Integrated Homeless Services by emailing homelessservicesteam@waterfordcouncil.ie or calling 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

Details of Out of Hours Service and Severe Weather Protocol can be found at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/housing/homeless-services/

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By Waterford City & County Council

Met Éireann Status Orange Snow / Ice warning issued for Waterford

Orange Weather Warning

A Met Éireann Status Orange Snow / Ice Warning has been issued for Waterford and is in place from 00:00 (midnight) Thursday, November 21st until 12:00 (midday) Thursday, November 21st.

The potential impacts of these conditions include ice, snow and frost on the roads leading to hazardous / dangerous travelling conditions, with potential for some roads to become impassable.

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise caution. “We would advise all motorists to exercise caution on their journeys, reduce speed and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, as travelling conditions will potentially be hazardous with widespread frost and icy stretches.

“Please allow extra time for any journey and be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.”

Waterford City and County Council has activated its severe weather plan and ground crews will attend to the Priority One (P1) and Priority Two (P2) road network, and gritting will be undertaken as required on these P1 and P2 roads for the duration of the cold weather advisory warning.

The crews will only salt Priority Three (P3) roads as and when resources allow, and during normal working hours. Motorists are advised to use P1 and P2 Routes where possible.

A map of winter maintenance routes can be found at https://bit.ly/WaterfordGrittingRoutes

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team will continue to monitor the situation and is advising members of the public that:

  • Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions.
  • Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
  • Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
  • Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
  • Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
  • The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
  • People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
  • Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050

-ends-

By Waterford City & County Council

Met Éireann Yellow Weather warning issued for Munster – Snow and Ice

Yellow Weather Warning - Snow & Ice

Valid: 04:00 Thursday 21/11/2024 to 12:00 Thursday 21/11/2024

Please be advised that:

  • Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions
  • Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey
  • Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice
  • Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours
  • Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112
  • The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
  • People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
  • Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
  • ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.

By Waterford City & County Council

Ed Finn on Sunshine Radio talking to WRTN businesses

On Thursday November 7th the fourth Waterford Rural Tourism Network event took place in The Majestic Hotel in Tramore, Co. Waterford.

Over 70 participants from the tourism sector, including visitor attractions, hospitality, and culture & heritage amenities, were in attendance and the event comprised of informative panel discussions and valuable insights into the mission of connecting, inspiring and shining a light on rural Waterford.

You can listen back to some of the interviews with award-winning travel journalist Ed Finn on Sunshine Radio at  Waterford – The Sunday Show – Sunshine 106.8

Ed chatted with Tourism and Hospitality experts Maella Fahy from Lismore Heritage Centre, Tracy Quinlan owner of Comeragh Pods and Karen Harris from Dunmore Adventure –  Visit Waterford

The second show will be available next Sunday 24th November at 7pm.

By Waterford City & County Council

Fógra Maidir Le Buiséad an Údaráis Áitiúil

Tugtar fógra leis seo gur ullmhaíodh Buiséad Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge don Bhliain Airgeadais dar críoch 31 Nollaig 2025 agus go mbreithneoidh Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge é ag an gCruinniú Buiséid a thionólfar ar 2.00 i.n. Dé Máirt 26 Samhain 2024 i Halla na Cathrach, An Meal, Port Láirge.

Is féidir le duine ar bith den phobal cóip den mbuiséad a iniúchadh saor in aisce ag Deasca Seirbhísí Custaiméirí, Sráid Nua Bailey, Port Láirge agus Cé Dháibhéid, Dún Garbhán, Co. Phort Láirge fad is atá na hoifigí ar oscailt chun gnó oifigiúil a dhéanamh.

Cuirfear cóip de Bhuiséad na gCostas ar fáil d’aon duine a dhéanann iarratas ar phraghas €5.00.

By Waterford City & County Council

Notice Of Local Authority Budget

Notice is hereby given that the Budget of Waterford City and County Council for the Financial Year ending 31st December 2025 has been prepared and will be considered by the Waterford City and County Council at the Budget Meeting to be held at 2.00 p.m. on Tuesday 26th November 2024 at City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.

A copy of same can be inspected free of charge by any member of the public at the Customer Services Desks, Baileys New Street, Waterford and Davitts Quay, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford while the offices are open for the transaction of official business.

A copy of the Budget of Expenses will be supplied to any person making application at a price of €5.00.

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