Session 2. Friday 10th March. Theory. Composting Essentials. (How it all works)
Session 3. Friday 24th. Theory. Composting Systems for Gardens
Session 4. Friday 31st. Theory. Wormery & Green Cone Digester. Use of Compost
Session 5. Saturday 1st April. 10am-3pm. Practical session. Building a 3 bay turning system, a slow system, leaf mould enclosure, burial system & setting up an ordinary plastic composting bin at GIY HQ
Session 6. Saturday 8th April 10am – 3pm. Practical session. Setting up a wormery (Vermiculture) & Green Cone Digester at GIY HQ, Lunch. Official Opening after Lunch with Certificate presentation.
Four of these sessions (duration of 2 hrs max. each, to include a break) will be theory based groups sessions and 2 sessions will be the practical building of a compost area (of 5 hours duration, to include lunch break). The first four sessions can be held either during morning or evening so please let us know which would suit you best when expressing interest in these workshops.
At the end of the training participants will be master composters with the ability to train others in composting skills and set up a fully functioning compost area of their own. If you are interested in this course, please email Ella Ryan at eryan@waterfordcouncil.ie
Over €50,000 in bursaries has been awarded to artists by the Artlinks partnership of local authorities Arts Offices in Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford.
This initiative is supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon to provide professional development opportunities and supports for established and emerging artists who are resident in these four counties in the South East region.
The recipients of bursaries from the Arts Office, Waterford City & County Council are: Eadaoin Breathnach, City/Drama, Rayleen Clancy, An Rinn/Visual Arts, Ciara Gormley, Modeligo/Visual Arts, James Phelan, Ballymacarbery/Film, Sandra Kelly,City/Visual Arts, Blawnin Clancy, Dungavan/Visual Arts, Sarah Lincoln, Ardmore/Visual Arts, Róisín Power Hackett, Kill/Literature and James Merrigan, City /Visual Arts.
Artists who are resident within the four partner Local Authorities can register for membership free of charge on www.artlinks.ie
LEO Conference in Adare County Limerick Picture Credit: Brian Gavin Press 22
Local Enterprise Office Waterford announces plans for ‘Local Enterprise Week’ in March
Around the country, 14,500 small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs expected to attend over 380 events during Local Enterprise Week in March.
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms. Mary Mitchell O’ Connor T.D. has welcomed plans by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) to host more than 380 inspiring events around the country for an estimated 14,500 start-ups, aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners during Local Enterprise Week 2017. The focus of Local Enterprise Week is to increase awareness of the range of LEO supports and services available to micro and small enterprises.
Running from March 5th to 10th, all 31 LEOs, including LEO Waterford will be celebrating Local Enterprise Week with a range of events for start-ups, aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses in their area.
Entrepreneurs of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, seminars, advice clinics and one-to-one mentoring in areas such as: Intellectual Property Rights, Trading Online, Resource Efficiency, Social Media and Customer Service.
Highlights of Local Enterprise Week in Waterford are expected to include:
Protect Your Intellectual Property Rights on 7th March with the Patents Office in The Granville Hotel.
Women in Business Networking Event on 8th March in The Garden Room, Waterford Museum.
Funding your Business Workshop on 9th March, Manapia Building, The Mall.
HR and general business one to one mentoring sessions in both Waterford City and Dungarvan.
Cost Saving through Resource Efficiency in conjunction with Waterford Chamber and Southern Region Waste Management Office.
Local Enterprise Week officially kicks-off on Sunday, March 5th with the national final of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition in Google Headquarters in Dublin. IBYE, which is an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices and supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland, achieved an unprecedented number of entries across all 31 LEOs with more than 1,800 young people competing for the €2 million IBYE investment fund. Local Enterprise Office Waterford is represented in the IBYE competition by Flexi Wage, Dreamboat and Aphex.
Welcoming the extensive range of events planned by the LEOs for Local Enterprise Week, Minister Mitchell O’ Connor said: “I am very impressed with the comprehensive programme of events organised by the LEOs for Local Enterprise Week 2017. I would encourage every start-up and small business owner to make it their business to check out and participate in the events taking place in their locality. It is important that anyone starting or growing a business is fully aware of the extensive range of enterprise supports that are available to them. As set out in the Action Plan for Jobs, 2017, I also want to encourage more micro and small businesses to grow international sales and diversify into Europe and beyond. The LEOs are the first-stop-shop on hand to help entrepreneurs and small business owners embark on this journey.”
Richie Walsh of the Local Enterprise Office Waterford said that Local Enterprise Week was the ideal ‘shop window’ to show the wide range of supports on offer to start-ups, sole traders and small businesses in Waterford. He said: “Local Enterprise Week, which takes place from March 5th to 10th, is a collaboration on a local and national scale between LEOs, local business communities, Government Departments, other units within Local Authorities, and State support agencies. We hope these events will inspire and motivate hundreds of entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs in Waterford. Small businesses continue to be the backbone of our local economy, with huge potential to grow and create jobs.”
Details for all events can be found at www.localenterprise.ie/waterford and Local Enterprise Office Waterford are strongly advising businesses to book well in advance.
ENDS
For all media queries, please contact Brid Kirby, Local Enterprise Office Waterford on 0761 10 2766 or bkirby@waterfordcouncil.ie
The Minister for Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government Mr Simon Coveney T.D., today (23 February, 2017) announced that the pilot scheme that targets vacant properties and secures them for social housing, by financing the cost of repairs, is to be rolled out on a national basis. An additional €26m is being provided to fund the scheme in 2017 which brings the total amount of investment available this year to €32m. This additional funding will mean that up to 800 vacant properties can be brought back into use as new homes for families on local authority waiting lists.
“The pilot has been working well in Waterford and Carlow local authorities since October with around 59 properties currently in train. Based on this level of interest in the scheme, I am confident that the initiative can deliver up to 800 homes this year. Property owners see the opportunity the scheme presents for them – upfront financing of the cost of repairs – in fact they need not even get involved in arranging the works, and a secure and reliable income from regular rental payments, without having to take on landlord responsibilities.”
The Department is currently working with local authorities to implement the scheme on a local basis. A range of Approved Housing Bodies around the country have also expressed an interest in working with local authorities to deliver new social homes using the scheme. “I see these bodies having a significant role in its success – their local knowledge, experience of managing refurbishment projects, as well as being good landlords will be invaluable” said the Minister.
The scheme will be monitored very closely this year in order to ensure that it works and is cost effective. This approach will also assist in understanding the real potential of the scheme over the coming years.
The Repair and Leasing Scheme is one of a number of initiatives in Rebuilding Ireland to address vacant properties around the country. Other initiatives include the Buy and Renew Scheme which provides funding for local authorities to purchase vacant properties and remediate them and a new National Vacant Housing Re-Use Strategy which is currently being finalised.
Property owners interested in the scheme should contact their local authority directly and register their interest.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has today 20th February 2017 launched a new digital road safety campaign focusing on the misuse of seatbelts by women. The campaign entitled “Get This Season’s Killer Look”, is aimed at discouraging women from wearing their seatbelts under their arm, which can cause horrific injuries in the event of a collision.
28% admitted to misusing a seatbelt by wearing it under the arm, rising to 35% among younger women.
53% of those interviewed said that their friends wore the seatbelt under the arm
The main reasons cited for wearing the seatbelt under the arm were to relieve neck tension (49%) and for general comfort (47%).
9% said it was to protect their tan, or 7% to protect clothing.
While seatbelt compliance is consistently very strong among young females, it is not universal: e.g. 23% do not always wear a seat belt as a rear passenger.
Commenting on the new campaign Ms. Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive, RSA, said “How you wear your seat belt is as important as whether you wear your seat belt or not. Worryingly, whether for comfort or vanity, many women choose to wear their seatbelts under the arm, instead of over the shoulder, which exposes them to terrible injuries and even death in the event of a crash. Placing the shoulder strap of the seatbelt under their arm leaves your upper torso — including your neck, face and head — completely unrestrained during a collision.”
“My message to anyone who wears their seatbelt under their arm is simple – wear your seatbelt correctly. The belt should be worn diagonally across the wearer’s chest on their shoulder and never under the arm. If it feels uncomfortable, adjust the height of the belt on the anchor point on the door frame or adjust the seat position and height. Most importantly of all avoid getting “This Season’s Killer Look” because you didn’t wear your seatbelt properly.”
The campaign will feature primarily on online in a bid to reach young women where they spend the majority of their free time. It will be fronted by a 30 second ad that will be deployed on ‘Video On Demand’ (VOD) platforms. The “This Season’s Killer Look” Public Service Advert is centred on a young model, posing for a fashion shoot in a glamorous car. As the shoot progresses, the model puts on her seatbelt and places the belt under her arm. Suddenly, the model is thrown violently forward and the scene switches to an eerie x-ray world where we see clearly the devastating injuries sustained in a collision. When we switch back to reality, we see the model is wearing a neck and body brace and has scaring on her face. Lifelong injuries now replace her glamorous look. The campaign slogan invites viewers not to get – ‘This Season’s Killer Look’ – by never wearing a seatbelt under the arm.
The RSA sought the input of Gerry Lane, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Letterkenny General Hospital, Donegal in developing the campaign.
The campaign will also be promoted on the RSA social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram with the campaign’s official hashtag #KillerLook.
Ends
For further information please contact
RSA Communications Office 096-25008
Or
Brian Farrell, Communications Manager, 086 3881009
Mayor Adam Wyse has demanded real leadership from Minister on Boundary Commission Report in a statement released today :
Minister Simon Coveney’s reaction to the Boundary Commission’s recommendation has been disappointing. The Minister stated in local Waterford media that he will not be rushing to make decisions and that he will consider the report over the coming months. I strongly believe that this must be dealt with now. The independent commission has recommended the extension and Waterford Council should be given the go-ahead to begin developing and servicing the “Area of Interest”, at a higher level than it currently can, due to the restrictions that the current boundary line creates.
Joe Breen and Sam Moore, pictured with Cllr. John Carey at a Mayoral Reception given recently, in recognition of their surfing achievement at the recent European Surfing Championships in Morocco, including Hugh O’Brien Moran of Tramore’s Tbay Surf Club.
Following advice from the Health Service Executive, Irish Water and Waterford City & County Council have issued a precautionary Boil Water Notice on the Kilmacthomas Water Supply Scheme. Affected householders will be notified by leaflet drop.
The Boil Water Notice has been put in place as a precautionary measure to protect approximately 370 people served by this supply following potential contamination of the spring source.
Irish Water and Waterford City & County Council have provided an alternative water supply while remedial measures are being undertaken at Kilmacthomas and will liaise with the HSE as a matter of priority to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as possible. In the meantime, all customers of this supply are advised to boil water before use until further notice.
Irish Water apologises for the inconvenience caused by the imposition of the boil water notice.
Further information and additional advice for consumers is available by calling Irish Water’s 24-hour customer care line at 1850 278 278.
Water must be boiled for:
Drinking
Drinks made with water
Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating
Brushing of teeth
Making of ice
Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.
What actions should be taken:
Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads).
Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling.
Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink.
Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water.
Prepare infant feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been re-boiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content.
The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na’ is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated.
Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.
For media queries, please contact Colm Ward, Regional Media Specialist, at 022-52263 or email colm.ward@ervia.ie
Waterford City & County Council seeks comments and observations from members of the public in respect of the draft Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2017 for the administrative area of Waterford City and County Council.
This follows a countywide review of speed limits in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for the application of speed limits.
The Draft Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2017 maps with proposed changes, are available for inspection at the following locations during normal office hours, from Wednesday 22nd February to Thursday 23rd March 2017 inclusive:
Customer Services Department, Bailey’s New Street, Waterford.
Objections/submissions on the Draft Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2017 should be submitted, in writing, at any time during the submission period of Wednesday 22nd February to Thursday 23rd March 2017 by any of the following means :
Waterford City & County is implementing a scheme for the sponsorship of roundabouts around the city.
The Council is seeking to engage with businesses and organisations who wish to enhance Waterford City’s built environment while benefiting from advertising opportunities being offered on selected roundabouts.
Full details are available on the Council’s website below:
Waterford Purple Flag joined the celebrations in Carrick-on-Shannon this week as the Purple Flag Accreditation programme reached a milestone of 20 accredited towns and cities in Ireland since its inception in 2012.
Waterford was awarded the internationally recognised accreditation in 2015 and has just completed its renewal application and expects to be successful and retain the coveted status.
A Master Composter Training Programme will be run in Waterford during March & April in partnership with GIY and Stop Food Waste.
