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Waterford City & County Council

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By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Prestigious Writers to Speak at Waterford Libraries

 

It’s going to be an exciting autumn at the Waterford Libraries as five highly esteemed writers, Megan Nolan, Kevin Barry, Claire Keegan, Russ Parsons and Ethel Crowley, joining Senior Executive Librarian Mary Conway to discuss their work and writing lives at Waterford County Libraries between August and November 2023. All events are free, but bookings must be made by calling the library directly.

Megan Nolan, Irish journalist and author from County Waterford, debut novel Acts of Desperation, was long-listed for the Dylan Thomas Prize and shortlisted for the Betty Trask Award for debut novels. Meghan will be speaking on 17 August at 7:00PM at the Carrickphierish Library about her work and latest novel Ordinary Human Failings. Free of charge but booking required. Call at 051 849696.

Irish writer Claire Keegan is best known for her short stories which have been published in “The New Yorker”, “Best American Short Stories”, “Granta”, and “The Paris Review” and have been translated into 30 languages. “Antarctica” won the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature. “Walk the Blue Fields” won the Edge Hill Prize, awarded to the best collection of stories published in the British Isles. “Foster” won the Davy Byrnes Award, one of the richest literary prizes in the world, and was last year chosen by The Times as one of the top 50 works of fiction to be published in the 21st century.

The award-winning film The Quiet Girl (An Cailín Ciúin) is based on the same story. Keegan’s novel, Small Things Like These, was shortlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize, and has been adapted for an upcoming film starring Cillian Murphy and Emily Watson. Claire will be speaking on 28 September 7:00PM, Dungarvan Library and discuss her work and latest short story So Late in the Day. Free of charge but booking required. Call at 058 21141.

Kevin Barry is the author of three collections of short stories and three novels. His debut novel City of Bohan was the winner of the 2013 International Dublin Literary Award. Beatlebone won the 2015 Goldsmiths Prize and was one of seven books by Irish authors nominated for the 2017 International Dublin Literary Award, the world’s most valuable annual literary fiction prize. His 2019 novel Night Boat to Tangier was longlisted for the Booker Prize. Kevin will be speaking on 14 September 7:00PM at Tramore Library. Free of charge but booking required. Call at 051 849594.

Waterford resident and The Irish Times food columnist Russ Parsons served as the food editor and columnist of the Los Angeles Times for more than 25 years. Among other honors, in 2008 Parsons was inducted into the James Beard Foundation‘s Who’s Who of Food and Beverage, the hall of fame of American cooking. His first book, How to Read A French Fry was a finalist for two Julia Child cookbook awards. How to Pick a Peach, published in 2007, was named one of the best 100 books of the year by both Publisher’s Weekly and Amazon. Russ will be speaking on 12 October, 7:00PM at Ardkeen Library. Free of charge but booking required. Call at 051 849755.

Ethel Crowley, PhD and an Irish sociologist, is the author of Land Matters: Power Struggles in Rural Ireland, Daring to Dream and Your Place or Mine? Community and Belonging in 21st Century Ireland, as well as other journal articles, book chapters and newspaper articles. Over the years, she has combined university lecturing and academic writing with travels in Latin America, the Middle East and India. She is currently working on a book on Spain. Edith will be speaking about her friendship with Dervla Murphy and her forthcoming book Life At Full Tilt: The Selected Writings of Dervla Murphy on 28 November, 3:00PM at Lismore Library. Free of charge but booking required. Call at 051 849755.

By Waterford City & County Council

Gum Litter Taskforce Roadshow takes to Waterford to tackle gum disposal

The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) took to the streets of Waterford today as a part of its Summer Roadshow. The interactive Roadshow works with local authorities and communities across the country to carry out fun and engaging education and awareness initiatives that demonstrate the proper means of gum disposal and raise awareness of the environmental and fiscal impacts of gum litter. Now in its sixteenth year, the campaign is a collaboration between Food Drink Ireland, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, the chewing gum industry, and local authorities.

Research published recently to coincide with the National Launch of the 2023 GLT Campaign revealed that 87% of people now report proper gum disposal, versus 49% when the campaign began in 2007– an increase of 77.5%, demonstrating the positive impact the campaign has had on attitudes towards gum litter. Peer pressure was found to be the key contributor to this shift in attitudes, followed by knowledge of the €150 fine.

However, work remains to be done to further reduce this figure, as still only 46% of people can claim to have never dropped gum on the ground, demonstrating the continued importance of the awareness and behavioural change campaign.

Welcoming the Roadshow to Waterford, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said,  “We are delighted to welcome back the Gum Litter Taskforce to Waterford.  The Roadshow is a fantastic way to show people about the sustainable impacts of responsibly disposing of gum litter and changing their disposal behaviours. This GLT campaign has seen a visible reduction of gum litter on our streets since it first began, and the Roadshow is an important reminder to the whole community that we must continue to reduce our litter and protect our local environment.  The results are already paying dividends as Waterford City continually ranks as Ireland’s Cleanest City and that is testament to the importance of action, education and cooperation.”

Speaking at the launch of this year’s Roadshow, Minister Ossian Smyth welcomed the latest research and the return of the GLT campaign for the second year of its fifth cycle: “The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is proud to play a part in this important initiative. Each cycle of the campaign has delivered demonstrable progress in reducing gum litter on our streets, showing the impact that cross-collaborative initiatives such as this one can have. I look forward to continuing with our good work with industry and local authorities to build on the continued success of the GLT campaign to ultimately eradicate gum litter.”

Gum Litter Taskforce Project Manager, Jonathan McDade of Food Drink Ireland, also welcomed the return of the campaign, and praised its success to date: “We are delighted to have launched the 2023 Gum Litter Taskforce campaign with the support of the Minister Ossian Smyth and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. Each year of the campaign has delivered significant improvements, and we look forward to continuing our education and local authority engagements nationwide over the coming months. We remain committed to making gum litter on the streets of Ireland a problem of the past.”

Corporate Affairs Specialist at Mars Ireland, Anne Sheeran, also welcomed the announcement: “Mars Ireland has been a proud partner of the Gum Litter Taskforce for the past 16 years. We are delighted to have kicked off the 2023 campaign with the support of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. We look forward to engaging with local authorities and students across the country to highlight positive environmental messages around proper gum disposal.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Tomorrow: Free Public Electrical Recycling Events – Kilmacthomas & Lismore

                

 

Calling all Waterford recyclers!

Recycle your batteries, fridge freezers, TVs, CD players, hair straighteners, farm fence batteries, electric strimmers – anything from your household with a plug or battery accepted!

  • Rainbow Community Centre, Kilmacthomas, Tuesday 15th August – 10am-1pm
  • Old Lismore Recycling Centre, Townspark East, Lismore, Tuesday 15th August – 4pm-7pm

When you recycle e-waste, you’re not just preventing it going to landfill stopping harmful substances damaging our environment. You’re also giving these redundant items new life because anything with a plug, battery or circuit board contains valuable components which can be used again in manufacturing.  Contributing to more sustainable, circular economy.

By Waterford City & County Council

125 households to benefit from water saving backyard services

Protecting the water supply in Dungarvan is a vital focus for Uisce Éireann with further works planned as part of its programme to drive down leakage and reduce the number of bursts and unplanned outages impacting the community.

Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Waterford City and County Council is replacing over 1km of ageing and problematic backyard service connections with modern water mains, which will allow for 125 households to be connected to the new system.

The works, which are due to begin next week, are a critical step in conserving this precious resource and reducing high levels of leakage which have been a significant source of disruption and outages for customers. This vital project will bring benefits to homes in St Thomas Street, Fitzgerald’s Terrace, St Brigid Terrace, St Martin’s Terrace (cul-de-sac), Keating Street and Mitchell Street by providing a more resilient and robust water supply.

Backyard services are typically found in older areas, often installed to the rear of a customer’s property and usually made of cast iron or lead. Due to the age and deteriorating condition of the pipework, they are often a significant source of leakage and supply disruption for customers. Backyard services are usually shared, running through a number of neighbouring properties making it difficult to detect and repair leaks. Where properties share a connection, leaks and bursts affect all connected properties, resulting in low pressure and/or outages.

Uisce Éireann would like to thank all customers in Dungarvan who have engaged and assisted us in the provision of our back yard services programme which will not only result in significant water savings but will also reduce the number of bursts and outages impacting customers. These projects are only successful if all customers on a shared water connection support and facilitate these vital works so that the old and leaking mains can be decommissioned.

Speaking about the benefits of the project, Joe Carroll, Infrastructure Delivery Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann said: “Old backyard service connections are a huge source of leakage and continue to impact communities right across Ireland, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing these old water mains and service connections in poor condition will eliminate existing leaks and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.”

Joe added: We would like to sincerely thank the community in Dungarvan for facilitating these works and working with us to provide a more secure and reliable water supply for generations to come.”

These works will be carried out by Shareridge Civil Engineering Ltd in partnership with Waterford City and County Council on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Free Public Electrical Recycling Events – Gaultier & Portlaw

 

           

Calling all Waterford recyclers!

Recycle your batteries, fridge freezers, TVs, CD players, hair straighteners, farm fence batteries, electric strimmers – anything from your household with a plug or battery accepted!

  • Gaultier GAA Club, Ballymabin, Thursday 17th August – 10am-1pm
  • Portlaw GAA Club, Mayfield, Portlaw, Thursday 17th August – 4pm-7pm

When you recycle e-waste, you’re not just preventing it going to landfill stopping harmful substances damaging our environment. You’re also giving these redundant items new life because anything with a plug, battery or circuit board contains valuable components which can be used again in manufacturing.  Contributing to more sustainable, circular economy.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Free Public Electrical Recycling Events – Kilmacthomas & Lismore

             

Calling all Waterford recyclers!

Recycle your batteries, fridge freezers, TVs, CD players, hair straighteners, farm fence batteries, electric strimmers – anything from your household with a plug or battery accepted!

  • Rainbow Community Centre, Kilmacthomas, Tuesday 15th August – 10am-1pm
  • Old Lismore Recycling Centre, Townspark East, Lismore, Tuesday 15th August – 4pm-7pm

When you recycle e-waste, you’re not just preventing it going to landfill stopping harmful substances damaging our environment. You’re also giving these redundant items new life because anything with a plug, battery or circuit board contains valuable components which can be used again in manufacturing.  Contributing to more sustainable, circular economy.

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Closure Arrangements – Waterford Walls Street Art Festival

 

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 11th to 20th August, 2023 to facilitate the painting of mural artworks for Waterford Walls Street Art Festival.

Road to be closed:

  • Parliament Street and Cross Lane, Waterford.

Diversion Route:

  • Via Manor Street, Waterford.
  • Local Access will be provided.

From 14th to 17th August, 2023 the following roads will also be closed to facilitate the painting of artworks.

Road to be closed:

  • Sergeants Lane, Waterford.

Diversion Route:

  • Traffic coming from Jenkin’s Lane direction: no right
    turn, access O’Connell Street via Meetinghouse Lane and
    Thomas Hill.
  • Traffic going towards Jenkin’s Lane Car Park: No Restriction

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford’s Harvest Festival Announce Programme for 2023

         

Sustainability is to the Fore & One of the Oldest fruits in Ireland is Celebrated – The Apple

The annual Harvest Festival in Waterford is back for the 14th year and announcing details of the festival programme with a focus on food sustainability and a celebration of the Irish Apple to the fore for 2023. The festival takes place in the historic streets and squares of Waterford City centre from September 8th to 10th.

The festival is funded by Waterford City & County Council and organised by GIY who are bringing sustainability right to the heart of the festivities with ‘Food Matters’ food sustainability talks where some of the country’s most esteemed food writers, chefs, activists, journalists and business people, it’s guaranteed to be an educational, engaging and entertaining debate each day. In addition the festival will be run on HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil), with a bio-digester onsite, a complete plastics ban and all traders using compostable materials, refill water stations plus a wash up station for reusables. Plus there will be opportunities for everyone to get stuck into some GIY as over 2000 free plants and 1000’s of free seeds will be given away to food growing enthusiasts during the festival weekend.

Commenting on the upcoming festival, GIY Founder Michael Kelly says, “We are delighted to share a diverse programme of events for Harvest 2023. The festival is centred on sustainability in every area, from the delivery of the festival to the talks, the traders and indeed to celebrating Irish food, the focal point of which this year is the humble Irish Apple. It will be the theme running through there festival and it is the central theme of the Harvest Festival Dinner menu at GROW HQ too.

The Harvest weekend is a very special weekend in Waterford, it is one that closes out our summer festival season and it is certainly a food occasion that is not to be missed for visitors and locals alike.”

For the food fans Waterford’s rich food heritage will be key, celebrating the City’s diverse restaurants, eateries and producers. The best of Waterford’s food and drink will be centre stage at the giant Harvest Festival Market which will traverse across Waterford’s wonderful squares and interconnecting streets. I will span from John Robert’s Square into Barronstrand Street on to George’s Street, Gladstone Street and Hanover Street in the Cultural Quarter where a craft market will also be on offer. With a focus on sustainability, the Festival Market includes plenty of top quality local food producers offering an array of unique traders with plenty of fresh offerings and familiar faces.

On the Taste Waterford Kitchen Stage sponsored by Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office, there will be a host of Waterford’s very own food producers and Chefs who will all be sharing their best recipes and food tips. The stage will be located in the courtyard of Garter Lane Theatre and visitors will enjoy meeting chefs and food producers from all across Waterford with cookery demos on offer each day.

In the Junior GIYer’s zone which will take over O’Connell Street families will enjoy the Wooly Farm where children can learn more about our furry and feathered friends. Artist Aga Krym will create a new living art installation with Slí Waterford based on the UN sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. In addition Cool Food School and GIY will be hosting workshops on seed sowing, growing and cooking food and Monty Potts will be on hand to help out plus there will be art workshops, Fun Drums and at Waterford City Library there will be story-telling, colouring sessions and more.

Special events will also be on offer including a restaurants trail, not one but two live music stages programmed by WAMA’s Trevor Darmody and Waterford will also be home to the World Honey Championships where visitors can meet the best honey producers and learn all about the process as they have a chance to meet with the makers, and vote to decide the festivals best tasting honey.

The Waterford Harvest Festival is funded by Waterford City & County Council and is a weekend-long celebration taking place from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th of September and will see the city come to life with markets, special dining events, panel discussions and plenty more. For further details and to browse the full programme of free entertainment and events see https://harvest.giy.ie/

By Waterford City & County Council

Free Public Electrical Recycling Events – Gaultier & Portlaw

 

                                        

Calling all Waterford recyclers!

Recycle your batteries, fridge freezers, TVs, CD players, hair straighteners, farm fence batteries, electric strimmers – anything from your household with a plug or battery accepted!

  • Gaultier GAA Club, Ballymabin, Thursday 17th August – 10am-1pm
  • Portlaw GAA Club, Mayfield, Portlaw, Thursday 17th August – 4pm-7pm

When you recycle e-waste, you’re not just preventing it going to landfill stopping harmful substances damaging our environment. You’re also giving these redundant items new life because anything with a plug, battery or circuit board contains valuable components which can be used again in manufacturing.  Contributing to more sustainable, circular economy.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Road Resurfacing Works from Tuesday 8th August

Road Resurfacing Works, Waterford City

Works will be from 7:00pm to 05:00am, on the following schedule:

  • Tuesday 8th & Wednesday 9th August
    Works on the Mall between junctions of Catherine Street and Lombard Street Junction. Traffic will be diverted along Lombard Street, Park Road and back onto Cork Road.
  • Thursday 10th & Friday 11th August , Stop/Go Traffic Management on The Quay from Lombard Street to Greyfriar’s.
  • Monday 14th August, Diversion Route same as Tues 8th and Wed 9th.
  • Tuesday 15th August, Stop/Go same as Thursday 10th and Friday 11th
  • Wednesday 16th to Tuesday 22nd. Stop/Go on the Dunmore Road and locations between Junction of Newtown Lower and Ardkeen Hospital Roundabout.
  • Wednesday 23rd August to Friday 25th August, Mattie’s Hill from Ash Road to City Vets Roundabout.

By Waterford City & County Council

Homecoming for Waterford Senior Camógie All-Ireland finalists

Following a resolute performance against Cork in Croke Park today, a homecoming celebration for Waterford Senior Camogie All-Ireland finalists will take place in Waterford city tomorrow (Monday, August 7th).

Announcing details of the planned homecoming, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said the achievements of the team deserve to be celebrated.

“The Waterford Senior Camogie players, management and supporters have lifted the spirits of the Déise.  While today’s result didn’t go our way, the teams’ performances throughout the championship were inspiring. The culmination of determination, passion and true grit got Waterford to its first All-Ireland Final in 78 years.”

“They have swept us all along with the excitement and passion for their game, their city and their county. It will be my privilege to welcome the team to a Mayoral reception and homecoming celebration on The Mall in the centre of Waterford at 2pm.”

There will be a DJ set on the Mall from 1.30pm, and WLRfm will be broadcasting live from 1pm.  Master of Ceremonies for the homecoming celebrations is Kieran O’Connor.

Members of the public are encouraged to come along and show their support for manager Séan Power and Waterford’s All-Ireland finalists.

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