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By Waterford City & County Council

Bain triail aisti – Seachtain na Gaeilge sna Déise with Waterford City & County Council

Seachtain na Gaeilge is being celebrated in Waterford again this year, with many events taking place throughout City and County. The Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council is collaborating with several different groups to provide a range of events and activities to celebrate the Irish language and culture of the Déise and here is a flavour of some of what will be on offer.

Ceiliúradh Cultúir — an intercultural event will take place in St Patrick’s Gateway Centre in Waterford City on Saturday, 15th March from 2-4pm, when Irish speakers (and those with ‘cúpla focal’) and members of some of Waterford’s newer communities will have the opportunity to come together to share a taste of their respective cultures. Members of the Waterford City branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will provide some traditional music, and there will be opportunities to learn some Irish songs and sean-nós dancing steps, all while using and learning “cúpla focal Gaeilge.” Refreshments will be provided, and all are welcome to attend this special event. So, if you would like to use your cúpla focal in a multi-cultural setting, call in to St Patrick’s Gateway Centre on Patrick Street on Saturday the 15th March any time between 2pm and 4pm. This event is being organised as part of Waterford’s St Patrick’s Day Festival.

Come along and join Donnchadh Ó Ceallacháin for a Bilingual Guided Tour of The Wake Museum, Cathedral Square on Wednesday 5th March. Tours will begin at 11 am and 1.15pm and all are welcome to come along to hear fascinating stories of life and death in Waterford, detailing traditions and superstitions, from early Christian times right up to the 20th century. Fáilte roimh chách.

Lá na gCiorcal – Ciorcail na nDéise
Waterford’s growing number of Ciorcail Chomhrá (Irish conversation groups) will have an opportunity to come together for a ‘cupán tae agus caifé’ and a chat on Wednesday, 12th March in the Coach House Coffee in Kilmacthomas. Members of Ciorcail Chomhrá from Dungarvan, Stradbally, Tramore and Waterford City will all get together to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge. If you are interested in joining a Ciorcal Comhrá and not sure how to do so, you can contact your local Library or the Irish Officer at gaeilge@waterfordcouncil.ie for details of a Ciorcal Comhrá near you!

Bilingual Table Quiz – this year’s Bilingual Table Quiz organised by the Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council will take place in the Cove Bar on the Dunmore Road, Waterford City on Thursday, 13th March at 8.00pm and is open to the public. It’s a fun night which gives people a chance to use their ‘cúpla focal’ in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and there will be plenty of spot prizes, music, and craic on the night. You can register in advance by contacting jlenane@waterfordcouncil.ie.

DÚN GARBHÁN LE GAEILGE
Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge is organising a number of events and activities around the Gaeltacht Service Town of Dungarvan during Seachtain na Gaeilge, including special screenings of Irish language films in Movies@Dungarvan for local schools, a Pop-Up Gaeltacht in Alice O’Connor’s Lounge Bar, Abbeyside and a St. Patrick’s Day Céilí open to all families in Lawlor’s Hotel, with a trad session beforehand for children. For more information on these events contact Bróna at dungarbhanlegaeilge@gmail.com or 0874785054.

waterford library services

Staff from the Libraries throughout city and county have organised a programme of bilingual/Irish events and activities, which will take place in the coming fortnight and all of which are free of charge. Dungarvan and Tramore Libraries will be hosting their regular Ciorcal Comhrá and Rannta le Chéile (Irish language rhymes for young children) and Portlaw and Ardkeen Libraries will run the ever-popular ‘Bingó as Gaeilge’ for local schools again this year and booking is essential at your local library.

Waterford Library Service has an extensive stock of Irish language books, which will be on display in various Libraries around the city and county during Seachtain na Gaeilge, with people encouraged to borrow and read the fabulous range of Irish language books that are available for both adults and children. Details of all events and activities can be obtained from your local Library and will also be shared on the Library Service website www.waterfordlibraries.ie and on social media.

We would like to thank all the individuals and groups for their co-operation and support in organising the programme of events and activities for this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge. Therefore, if you would like to practice your ‘cúpla focal’, or simply listen to our native language in use, please feel free to attend any of these free Seachtain na Gaeilge events. Bain sult as!

By Waterford City & County Council

Bain triail aisti – Seachtain na Gaeilge sna Déise le Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge

Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge á ceiliúradh i bPort Láirge arís i mbliana agus beidh go leor imeachtaí ar siúl ar fud na Cathrach agus an Chontae. Tá Oifigeach Gaeilge Phort Láirge ag comhoibriú le grúpaí éagsúla chun réimse leathan imeachtaí agus gníomhaíochtaí a chur ar fáil chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar theanga agus ar chultúr na nDéise agus seo blaiseadh de chuid de na rudaí a bheidh ar fáil.

Ceiliúradh Cultúir – beidh ócáid idir-chultúrtha ar siúl in Ionad Naomh Pádraig i gCathair Phort Láirge ar an Satharn 15 Márta óna 2-4pm, áit a bheidh deis ag cainteoirí Gaeilge (agus iad siúd le cúpla focal) agus baill de phobail níos nuaí na cathrach teacht le chéile chun blaiseadh dá gcultúir faoi seach a roinnt. Beidh baill de Chraobh na Cathrach de Chomhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann ag seinnt ceoil agus beidh deis blaiseadh a fháil ar ghnéithe de chultúr na hÉireann, lena n-áirítear ceol, amhránaíocht agus rince ar an sean-nós, agus iad ag foghlaim “cúpla focal Gaeilge.” Cuirfear sólaistí ar fáil agus beidh fáilte roimh chách chuig an ócáid speisialta seo. Mar sin, má tá fonn ort do chúpla focal a labhairt i gcomhluadar il-chultúrtha, buail isteach go dtí Ionad Naomh Pádraig ar Shráid Phádraig ar an Satharn, 15 Márta aon am idir a dó agus a ceathar a chlog sa tráthnóna. Tá an ócáid seo á n-eagrú mar chuid de chlár imeachtaí na Féile Pádraig i gCathair Phort Láirge.

Beidh Turais Treoraithe Dhátheangacha thart ar Mhúsaem an Tórraimh i gCearnóg na hArdeaglaise sa Chathair ar an gCéadaoin 5 Márta, a bhuíochas le Donnchadh Ó Ceallacháin. Tosnóidh na turais ar a 11am agus 1.15pm agus tá fáilte roimh dhaoine teacht chun éisteacht le scéalta spéisiúla faoin mbeatha agus faoin mbás i bPort Láirge, faoi na traidisiúin agus na piseoga ó ré na luath-Chríostaíochta go dtí an 20ú aois. Fáilte roimh chách.

Lá na gCiorcal – Ciorcail na nDéise
Tá borradh agus fás tagtha ar líon na gCiorcal Comhrá i bPort Láirge le blianta beaga anuas agus beidh seans ag na grúpaí éagsúla teacht le chéile i gcomhair chupán tae agus caifé i gcomhluadar a chéile ar an gCéadaoin, 12 Márta sa Coach House Coffee i gCoill Mhic Thomáisín. Beidh Ciorcail Chomhrá ó Dhún Garbhán, ón tSráidbhaile, ó Thrá Mhór agus ó Chathair Phort Láirge ag teacht le chéile chun Seachtain na Gaeilge a cheiliúradh. Má tá suim agatsa páirt a ghlacadh i gCiorcal Comhrá agus níl tú cinnte conas tabhairt faoi, déan teagmháil le do Leabharlann áitiúil nó leis an Oifigeach Gaeilge ag gaeilge@waterfordcouncil.ie do shonraí Chiorcal Comhrá in aice leatsa!

Tráth na gCeist Dátheangach – eagróidh Oifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Phort Láirge Tráth na gCeist dátheangach sa Cove Bar ar Bhóthar Dhún Mór sa Chathair ar an Déardaoin, 13 Márta ar a 8.00pm agus é ar oscailt don phobal i gcoitinne. Is oíche spraíúil í a thugann deis do dhaoine a gcuid ‘cúpla focal’ a úsáid in atmaisféar cairdiúil suaimhneach agus beidh go leor spotdhuaiseanna, ceol agus craic ar an oíche. Is féidir clárú roimh ré ach teagmháil a dhéanamh le Séamus ag jlenane@waterfordcouncil.ie.

DÚN GARBHÁN LE GAEILGE
Beidh Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge ag eagrú roinnt imeachtaí ar fud Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta Dhún Garbhán le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge, lena n-áirítear taispeáintí speisialta de scannáin Ghaeilge in Movies@Dungarvan do scoileanna áitiúla, Pop-Up Gaeltacht i dtigh tábhairne Alice O’Connor’s i nDún na Mainistreach agus Céilí Lá ‘le Pádraig atá oscailte do theaghlaigh in Óstán Lálor, le seisiún ceoil roimh ré do pháistí. Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi na himeachtaí seo, déan teagmháil le Bróna ag dungarbhanlegaeilge@gmail.com nó 0874785054.

Seirbhísí Leabharlainne Phort Láirge
Beidh roinnt imeachtaí Gaeilge agus dátheangacha á n-eagrú ag an bhfoireann os na leabharlanna éagsúla sa chathair agus sa chontae sa choicís amach romhainn agus iad ar fad saor in aisce. Beidh na Ciorcail Chomhrá agus seisiúin Rannta le Chéile ag leanúint ar aghaidh i Leabharlanna Thrá Mhór agus Dhún Garbhán agus beidh Bingó as Gaeilge á n-eagrú do scoileanna áitiúla i Leabharlanna Ard Chaoin agus Phort Lách agus is gá clárú roimh ré le do leabharlann áitiúil chun páirt a ghlacadh.

Tá stoc mór de leabhair Ghaeilge ag Leabharlanna Phort Láirge agus beidh na leabhair seo ar thaispeáint sna leabharlanna éagsúla le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge agus iachall faoi leith á cur ar dhaoine, idir óg agus aosta, leabhair Ghaeilge a léamh. Is féidir an t-eolas ar fad maidir leis na himeachtaí éagsúla atá á n-eagrú a fháil ó do Leabharlann áitiúil agus roinnfear iad chomh maith ar shuíomh gréasáin www.waterfordlibraries.ie agus ar na meáin shóisialta.

Gabhaimid buíochas le gach duine sna seirbhísí agus eagraíochtaí éagsúla as ucht a gcomhoibriú agus a gcuid tacaíochta chun an clár imeachtaí seo a eagrú mar cheiliúradh ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge i mbliana. Mar sin, má tá suim agat freastal ar réimse imeachtaí trí Ghaeilge, nó do chúpla focal féin a chleachtadh, tá rud éigint duit le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge i mbliana. Bain sult as!

By Waterford City & County Council

35 The Mall lights up for Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day 2025

This evening, February 28th, 35 The Mall will shine purple to mark Rare Disease Day, highlighting the challenges faced by over 300,000 people in Ireland living with rare conditions.

These diseases are often chronic, debilitating, and life-limiting, yet awareness and support can make a difference.  Join the movement and help spread the message.  See https://www.rarediseaseday.org/ for more.

#LightUp4Rare #RareDiseaseDay2025 💜

By Waterford City & County Council

Change to Customer Service opening hours

 

Please note the following changes to Customer Service office opening hours:

  • Dungarvan public offices at CSD will be closed until 10.00am (instead of 9:30 am) on Monday the 3rd of March only.
  • Waterford City public offices at CSD will be closed until 10.00am (instead of 9:30 am) on Friday the 7th of March only.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

By Waterford City & County Council

Housing Applicants : Have You Changed Address ?

Have you changed address recently ?If you are an approved housing applicant with Waterford City & County Council, you must inform the Housing Applications team in the Council if you change address. Failure to inform the Housing Applications team of a change of address will result in removal from the social housing list.

Send current proof of your new address, utility bill, lease or rental statement to Housing Applications, Baileys New Street, Waterford or scan to housingapplications@waterfordcouncil.ie with your contact details.

To be considered for an allocation with Waterford City & County Council please engage with Choice Based Lettings (CBL) via www.waterfordcouncil.ie and make an expression of interest.

By Waterford City & County Council

Cathaoirleach Reception for Jim Hyde

Jim Hyde reception

On Monday, February 24th, Jim Hyde was afforded a Cathaoirleach Reception by Cllr. Pat Nugent,  Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan / Lismore District Council at Dungarvan Civic Offices.

The event was a celebration of Jim’s recently published book, The Super 7.  The Super 7 highlights the heart and history of West Waterford, focusing on the towns and villages that make community so special – Lismore, Cappoquin, Tallow, Ballyduff Upper, Melleray, Villerstown, and Aglish.

Congratulating Jim on his achievement, Cllr. Nugent said, “The Super 7 not only celebrates the places themselves but also the people who make them so unique. These are places that hold so much history, culture, and character, and Jim has done a fantastic job of bringing that to life for us all to enjoy.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Supporting Waterford Communities Fund 2025

Supporting Waterford Fund

Waterford City & County Council is now accepting applications for the Supporting Waterford Communities Fund 2025. This fund provides financial assistance to community and voluntary groups, helping them to deliver projects and initiatives that enhance local life across Waterford.

Funding is available for a wide range of activities, including community development, sports, arts, heritage, environmental projects, and social inclusion initiatives. If your group is working to make a positive impact in your local area, this is an opportunity to secure funding for your efforts.

For full details on eligibility and how to apply, visit Waterford Council’s Community Grants page.

Applications close on Wednesday, 19th March 2025 —don’t miss out!

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister of State makes return to his native Waterford

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins TD paid a visit to his home city of Waterford last week (Friday, February 21st) where he met with Waterford City and County Council management team and visited an affordable housing development in Tramore.

First port of call was City Hall where Minister Cummins met with Waterford City and County Council Chief Executive, Sean McKeown and members of the senior management team, where he was updated on a range of topical issues including the URDF (Urban Regeneration and Development Fund) projects in the city and county.

Some of the ongoing URDF projects include the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ); the redevelopment of the former Munster Express building on Merchant’s Quay into a smart data research hub; Parade Quay, a mixed-use development and new urban realm space in the Viking Triangle, and the large-scale redevelopment of the historic city centre building at No.3 & No. 4 George’s Street.

There was also discussion on planning matters, social and affordable housing projects, including cost rental.

The Minister then travelled to Tramore where he officially turned the sod on The Courtyard at Ballycarnane, the latest affordable housing development in the seaside town.  The scheme when completed will consist of 25 newly built and beautifully designed homes, with a mix of two- and three-bedroom terrace and semi-detached properties. The Courtyard is the latest development launched under the Affordable Purchase Scheme, in partnership with Waterford City and County Council and developers, R. McDonald & Sons.

Through the scheme, these homes are available at a reduced price for first-time buyers whose mortgage and deposit will not cover the price of the home and who are seeking to purchase a newly built home.  The scheme was introduced in 2024 and will be completed by the end of 2025.

Speaking of the visit, Minister Cummins said, “I was delighted to visit Waterford City and County Council on Friday in my capacity as Minister of State at the Department of Housing. My meeting with members of the senior management team focused on the future of Waterford city and county, particularly a number of projects that we will work hard to progress. As part of my visit, it was an honour to turn the sod on the latest affordable purchase development in Tramore, the Courtyard, Ballycarnane which is being delivered by Waterford City & County Council with the support of the Affordable Housing Fund.”

“I want to commend all involved at Waterford City and County Council and at R. McDonald & Sons in delivering these exceptional, well-designed, modern, energy efficient homes beautifully located here in the sunny southeast. This government is committed to providing more housing solutions for people.  This visit and the interest around this development displays the scheme is working to help get people on the housing ladder. I look forward to seeing these houses used in time to come and I will continue to work hard to offer more solutions like this.”

In welcoming Minister Cummins to City Hall, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “We are delighted to welcome Minister Cummins to City Hall in his new role as Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.  John is no stranger to Waterford Council having served as a councillor for over eleven years and as a Senator for five years.”

“As a local authority that has been highlighted as an exemplar in housing provision, it was great to discuss the Council’s pipeline of housing initiatives, the regeneration of our towns and villages through URDF and RRDF (Rural Regeneration and Development Fund) and the progress on the North Quays.”

-ends-

Images (Free to Use); Noel Browne

1:  Minister Cummins TD is pictured with (l-r) Richard McDonald, R. McDonald & Sons, Government Chief Whip Mary Butler TD, Sean McKeown Waterford City & County Council Chief Executive, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, and Senator Joe Conway.

4: Minister Cummins TD with Richard McDonald, R. McDonald & Sons and Walter Holden Senior Executive Architect, Waterford City & County Council.

8: Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins TD turns the sod on The Courtyard development at Ballycarnane, Tramore with

Walter Holden, Senior Executive Architect Waterford City & County Council; Clodagh McDonald, Lawrence & McDonald Selling Agents;  Richard McDonald, R. McDonald & Sons;  Helena Dennehy, Director of Services Waterford City and County Council; Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy; Government Chief Whip Mary Butler TD, Sean McKeown Waterford City & County Council Chief Executive; Senator Joe Conway & Melanie Cunningham-Head, Waterford City and County Council.

By Waterford City & County Council

Published: Weekly Planning Lists

Stay up-to-date with the latest planning applications and decisions in Waterford City and County. Each Friday, we publish a comprehensive list detailing new applications, permissions granted, and other updates. Access the latest planning lists here to stay informed about developments in your area.

See https://waterfordcouncil.ie/documents/planning-lists/

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford receives €314,789 in funding for Built Heritage

Funding under the 2024 BHIS

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage, and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has announced the recipients of the 2025 Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and Historic Thatch Building (HTB) 2025 grants. These schemes provide essential funding to safeguard Ireland’s protected structures and historic buildings, ensuring their conservation into the future

In Waterford, €273,729 has been allocated to 28 projects under the BHIS scheme, supporting vital works such as the repair of historic roofs, walls, and chimneys, as well as the restoration of historic joinery in private and public buildings throughout the city and county.  An additional €41,060 has been ring-fenced specifically for three thatch house projects, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to preserving this form of traditional building heritage.

Speaking on the funding announcement, Minister O’Sullivan said:

“In keeping with the commitment outlined in our newly ratified Programme for Government to cherish and protect our heritage as a vital national asset, I am pleased to announce today the projects which will receive funding under this year’s Built Heritage Investment Scheme. Ireland’s built heritage is a national asset which enriches our countryside, villages, towns, and cities. In maintaining and caring for our historic buildings, owners and custodians perform a valuable public service, and I am delighted to be able to support their efforts.

“Alongside related initiatives such as the Historic Structures Fund, Community Monuments Fund, and the THRIVE scheme, this vital funding will help to ensure the survival of Ireland’s shared architectural inheritance for future generations.”

Waterford’s Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD, also welcomed the announcement, stating:

“This funding from Government will greatly assist with protecting historic buildings which contribute to a community’s sense of identity, often forming the heart of a city or town. This year’s grants will be used to repair, restore, and protect historic structures from modest traditional homes to landmark public buildings. Guided and supported by Architectural Conservation Officers and other local authority staff around the country, these projects will greatly enhance the vitality and amenity of our streetscapes.”

Local conservation groups and building owners have also welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of financial assistance in tackling the high costs associated with historic building maintenance. By funding essential works such as roof stabilisation, joinery repairs, and masonry conservation, these grants will ensure that Waterford’s architectural legacy remains intact.

Subject to funding, both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Thatched Buildings Scheme will be open to new applications this July for projects for completion next year.

ENDS

Image: Davy Fitzgerald from Fitzgeralds Joinery working on the repair and restoration of the c.1815 windows at St Annes Church, Fews, which was supported under the BHIS 2024 funding.

By Waterford City & County Council

Boil Water Notice remains in place for customers supplied by the Carrick On Suir (Crotty’s Lake) Water Supply

Uisce Éireann would like to remind customers supplied by the Carrick On Suir (Crotty’s Lake) Water Supply that the Boil Water Notice issued in late 2024 will remain in place until the further notice.

This notice was issued to protect the health of almost 2,000 customers due to operational issues at the water treatment plant.

All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking.

The notice applies to all areas on the Carrick on Suir (Crotty’s Lake) Public Water Supply including:

  • All areas South of the river except Friar Street Upper, Corpse Road, Rack Hill, South Quay and Bridge Street
  • North side of the River Suir. The areas of Hazel Close, Hawthorn Cresent, Asgrove, Oak Drive, Beech Ave, Sycamore Close and Mount Saint Nichnolas are included in the area affected by the BWN.
  • Townlands of Ross, Clonmoyle, Ballyhest, Ballygarret, Sheskin, Curraghduff, Joanstown in Co. Waterford

Please note that Boil Water Notice does not apply to Uisce Éireann customers supplied by the Carrick On Suir Linguan Water Supply.

All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking. Uisce Éireann’s primary focus is and always will be the protection of public health. Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann are working, in consultation with the HSE, to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. In the meantime, all customers on this supply are advised to boil and cool their water before use until further notice.

Uisce Éireann’s drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins. Where risks to water quality are identified through Uisce Éireann’s enhanced testing and monitoring programme, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is consulted, and Boil Water Notices are issued to protect public health.

In all instances immediate action is taken to address the cause of the issue to enable the lifting of the notice as quickly as it safe to do so, in agreement with the HSE.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication on Boil Water Notices. Customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.

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;
  • Preparing Infant Formula: Where a Boil Water Notice is in place, you can prepare infant formula from tap water that has been boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled beforehand. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. ‘Natural Mineral Water’ can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute), and cooled in the normal way. Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used.
  • Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann has launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at the Water Service Updates page.

By Waterford City & County Council

European gold medallist and three-time Olympian announced as Grand Marshall of Waterford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025

Three-time Olympian and European medallist, Thomas Barr, has been announced as Grand Marshall of Waterford’s St. Patrick’s Day parade 2025.  Hailing from Waterford, Thomas Barr is an Irish track and field athlete specialising in the 400-metre hurdles. Over his career, he set multiple national records and achieved significant milestones on the international stage.

Speaking on the choice for Grand Marshall, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “Thomas Barr has been an outstanding ambassador for Waterford and for Ireland throughout his career.”

“His achievements on the world stage, from breaking records to making history at the Olympics and European Championships, have inspired countless young athletes. We are immensely proud of all he has accomplished, and his legacy in Irish athletics will endure for generations to come.

“We are particularly delighted that Thomas will lead the parade alongside members of Ferrybank Athletic Club.  It was here, at one of the most successful juvenile clubs in Ireland, that Thomas was bitten by the athletics bug and the rest, as they say, is history!”

Barr’s journey in athletics began at the age of eight with Ferrybank Athletics Club, where he found early success at the youth level. He went on to become a multiple Irish record holder across Senior, U23, and U20 categories and was World University Champion in 2015. That year Barr won gold at the World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea, and the following year at the 2016 Summer Olympics, he finished second with a season-best time of 48.93 seconds.

In the semi-final, he shattered the Irish record with a time of 48.39, winning his race and securing a spot in the final. He went even faster in the final, finishing fourth with a new Irish record of 47.97 seconds—a performance that remains one of Ireland’s greatest Olympic achievements in sprinting.

Barr continued to excel on the international stage. At the 2018 European Athletics Championships, he claimed bronze in the 400m hurdles, setting a season-best time of 48.31 seconds—his second-fastest time ever.

In 2024, he played a crucial role in Ireland’s Mixed Relay Team, which made history by winning gold at the European Athletics Championships. The team also secured bronze at the World Relay Championships, earning Olympic qualification in the process.

Throughout his career, Barr proudly represented Ireland at Three Olympic Games—Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024—securing his place as one of the country’s greatest track athletes. His legacy in Irish athletics is marked by record-breaking performances, resilience, and historic achievements on the world stage.

Reflecting on being named Grand Marshall, Thomas added, “It’s an honour to be chosen as Grand Marshall for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Waterford.”

“My athletics journey started with Ferrybank AC, and the support from Waterford has meant so much to me throughout my career. I’ve always been proud to represent my county and my country on the track, so to now lead the celebrations at home is something special. I’m looking forward to the day and celebrating with everyone in Waterford”.

The theme for this year’s festival is Saints & Scholars – A Celebration of Waterford’s rich heritage and will be marked by parades, performances, carnivals and music right through the Bank Holiday weekend. The four-day programme of events is set to take place between Friday, March 14th to Monday, March 17th.

Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Events, Fáilte Ireland said, “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival Waterford. Taking place over four days in Ireland’s Ancient East, this festival is a brilliant opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the culture, heritage and community spirit of Ireland’s oldest city.

“Festivals and events are a key component of Ireland’s tourism offering and they provide unique and compelling reasons for a visitor to choose a destination. They also have the ability to drive footfall for local businesses, supporting jobs and revenue generation.  Fáilte Ireland is working closely with the festival organisers and the local community to develop and promote a compelling programme of events and experiences that celebrate both our national holiday, and all that Waterford has to offer.”

To take part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025 or to find out more about Waterford’s St. Patricks Day festival visit www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com or keep an eye on social media channels.

By Waterford City & County Council

St. Joseph’s, Waterford featured on RTE’s Nationwide

In case you missed it The #Nationwide team visited St. Joseph’s House on Manor Hill, a converted convent that was now home to almost 100 residents.

They talked to members of Waterford City and County Council and residents about bringing the former convent back into use as a fully modernised, energy-efficient housing development in the heart of Waterford city.

To watch on the RTÉ Player visit: https://loom.ly/kbA825o

By Waterford City & County Council

Construction contract signed for Shandon Development Project

Shandon signing
Waterford City and County Council recently awarded the construction contract for the Shandon housing development project (Dungarvan) under the Accelerated Delivery Programme to Nevin Construction of Maritana Gate, Waterford.

The project consists of the construction of 38 residential units, comprising 22 two-and three-bed houses and 16 one-and two bed apartments along with a community facility. The works will include parking and amenity areas, boundary treatments, landscaping and all associated site works.

This new development will consolidate existing residential areas close to Dungarvan town, and support local schools, amenities, and commercial uses in the general Shandon area.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy acknowledged that it was a significant day for Dungarvan, saying, “This investment in Shandon and by extension Dungarvan is to be welcomed. The delivery of social housing is a cornerstone of Waterford City and County Council’s housing policy. These energy efficient, modern homes will mark the start of a new chapter for so many young families and will bring additional vibrancy to the area.”

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council added, “Waterford City and County Council’s housing delivery programme is regarded as one of the strongest in the local authority sector.

“The delivery of projects such as the Shandon housing project is part of the Council’s strategy to further develop the pipeline of social housing across the city and county, in collaboration with our housing, planning and property management sections, and in tandem with government support agencies and stakeholders.”

Nevin Construction was awarded the contract which was procured through a Multi-Supplier Framework for the provision of Design & Build Dwelling Projects with values between €5,000,000 and €18,000,000 (Type 3 Projects) including associated works for use by Kilkenny, Carlow, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow County Councils.

The Shandon housing development is being delivered under the Government’s ‘Housing for All – a New Housing Plan for Ireland‘. Under the Housing for All initiative, Waterford City and County Council has unveiled new social housing units at various locations throughout the city and county, including Ballygunner, Green Road and Ballynaneashagh in Waterford City, Mary Street in Dungarvan, Cappoquin, Crobally Upper in Tramore, and Fountain Street in Ferrybank.

-ends-

Image:  Noel Browne
Caption: The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy is pictured with Bernard Nevin, Managing Director, Nevin Construction, CE Waterford City and County Council, Sean McKeown, Walter Holden, Senior Executive Architect, WC&CC (Housing), Michael Landers, DML Architects and Thea O’Riordan, Executive Quantity Surveyor, WC&CC.
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