Skip to content
Waterford City & County Council

Latest News & Announcements

By Waterford City & County Council

Big plans for Waterford designers at Showcase 2024

Waterford’s craft and design industry will have strong representation at this year’s Showcase Creative Expo, which takes place from January 21st to 23rd 2024 in The RDS in Dublin.

Running for over forty years, Showcase has an impressive track record in attracting Ireland’s most talented makers and designers, along with buyers from over twenty countries. It offers the chance to explore the best of Ireland’s creativity from over 450 exhibitors including leading Irish designers and manufacturers and the very best emerging home-grown creative talent.

Four craft and design companies will be showcasing the very best of Waterford creativity, design and innovation, with the assistance of Local Enterprise Office Waterford.

 

Fiona Fahy, Feed Me Mother

Feed Me Mother is Ireland’s first sustainable breastfeeding and maternity clothes brand. It’s dedicated to empowering breastfeeding mothers to look and feel stylish and comfortable. The idea came to its founder Fiona after the birth of her first child in 2017, “Sustainable clothing that supports mothers in their postpartum journey is very important to me. I wanted a breastfeeding wardrobe that reflected my own style and personality, that was comfortable but gave me the confidence to feed freely, anywhere I wanted. And I knew I couldn’t be alone in feeling this way.”

 

Lynn Shead, Natures Alchemy

Natures Alchemy offers natural skincare products with a herbal medicine twist. All products are infused with organic herbs and flowers to add extra layers of healing and protection to your skincare routine. Founder Lynn is looking forward to the opportunity Showcase provides, “I’m very excited to attend Showcase in January for the first time with Waterford Local Enterprise office. Really looking forward to seeing all the other amazing Irish businesses on show, meeting small business friends in person there as well as finding new stockists that will bring Natures Alchemy to new parts of the country.”

 

Kayleigh Sutton, Phat Poly

Kayleigh is a self-taught Maximalist Jewellery Designer, creating handcrafted colourful and fun jewellery in her home studio, which is located in Tramore in Co. Waterford. Phat Poly, creates eye-catching and kitsch earrings that were lightweight and guaranteed not to cause skin irritations. Commenting on her business, “What I love about how I run my business is how often I get to play with ideas and create new designs. Unlike mainstream jewellery brands, you can find new Phat Poly designs most months! This keeps things fresh and exciting for me and my customers.”

 

Kim Whyte, Pawpear

Pawpear exists to connect people through the slow art of the handwritten message. Its exquisitely colourful stationery is designed and made in Ireland, and inspired by its richness of culture, nature and heritage. Founder Kim plans to make the most of Showcase, “As a new brand it’s hugely important to have face-to-face discussions with customers, build relationships and get feedback on our product, pricing and packaging.  Showcase Ireland will hopefully help me meet lots of interesting retailers face-to-face rather than by email or over the phone.”

 

Working in partnership with the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) around the country set up a dedicated area within Showcase every year – the Local Enterprise Showcase – enabling up to 100 designers, manufacturers and craftspeople to sell directly to international buyers.

Jamie Whitty, Business Advisor at LEO Waterford said that Showcase is an invaluable stepping stone to any craft-maker or designer getting an audience with potential clients.  “With buyers from Ireland, Europe, the USA and Asia, Showcase is truly established as the must-see trade event.  For anyone in the fashion, jewellery, home or giftware business the event offers exposure to new international markets.

“Not only is their place subsidised by the LEO, in advance of the expo the businesses will avail of training and briefing days in order to help them perfect their pitch and give them the tools, advice and insights to take full advantage of this fantastic opportunity.”

If your business is in pre-start, start-up or established business phase and would like to find out more about what business support services are available from LEO Waterford visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/ or call to LEO Waterford offices at 35, The Mall, Waterford or the Civic Offices in Dungarvan.

-ENDS-

 

Photo:  Karen Dempsey Photography

Fiona Fahy of Feed Me Mother, Lynn Shead of Natures Alchemy, Jamie Whitty LEO Business Advisor, Kim Whyte of Pawpear and Cayleigh Sutton of Phat Poly. 

By Waterford City & County Council

GLACFAR SAOR IN AISCE LE CRAINN NOLLAG NÁDÚRTHA I GCOMHAIR ATHCHÚRSÁLA AG NA HIONAID FHÓNTAS POIBLÍ GO DTÍ AN 13 EANÁIR 2024

  • Cill Bharra

Luan – Aoine   11.00r.n. – 4.00i.n.

 

  • Dún Garbhán

Luan – Déardoin 8.30r.n.- 1.00i.n. & 1.30i.n.- 4.00i.n.

Satharn 9.00r.n. – 12.30i.n.

 

Déan athchúrsáil ar do chadhnraí le do thoil. Úsáid na boscaí bailiúcháin chadhnra i do theach, i do scoil, san ionad oibre, i do shiopa áitiúil agus ag d’ionad fóntas poiblí áitiúil.

By Waterford City & County Council

Notice of Rate 2024

Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019

Under Section 4 of the above Act (inserted by S263 of the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023), the Annual Rate on Valuation for the Ordinary Expenditure for Waterford City and County Council for services for the year ending 31st December 2024 is €0.2891.

Dated this 2nd of January 2024
Michael Walsh
Chief Executive

By Waterford City & County Council

Revised Traffic Management System – Ferrybank

As part of the Waterford City North Quays Public Infrastructure Project, a revised traffic management system will be installed on Fountain Street and Abbey Road, Ferrybank from January 2nd 2024.

The traffic management will consist of:

  • Closing the free flow lane from Abbey Road onto Fountain Street
  • Closing the bus lane from Fountain Street towards Rice Bridge
  • Re-directing pedestrians from the Abbey Road crossing to the Fountain Street crossing

This traffic management system will remain in place for a number of months.

Warnings and signage will be in place throughout these works.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Status Yellow Thunderstorm Warning for Munster

A Met Éireann Yellow Thunderstorm warning is currently in place for Waterford until 21:00 this evening (Thursday, December 28th).

The possible impacts of these conditions include power outages, hazardous travelling conditions and localised flooding.

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise caution.

“Our ground crews are attending to a number of fallen trees and roads blocked as a result of yesterday’s Status Orange weather event.  While the worst of the weather has passed, the current thunderstorm warning is expected to bring some scattered thunderstorms and spells of rain, which could lead to localised and spot flooding.  These conditions combined with fallen branches and debris on the roads will make travel hazardous.”

“We would also advise motorists to avoid driving through floods.  If a road is flooded, do not attempt to drive through it and choose an alternative route, as flood waters can be deeper than they appear. Pavement and road surfaces may also be damaged beneath the flood waters.”

Motorists are reminded to be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team is monitoring the situation and Council ground crews are on stand-by to deal with any issues that may arise, such as localised flooding, blocked drains, and gulley overflows.

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

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 allow extra time for journeys.
  • 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

HFA awards €250,000 in funding to projects around the country

The Housing Finance Agency (HFA) has announced funding of €250,000 to support Approved Housing Bodies and Local Authorities in the delivery of community-enhancing initiatives and facilities. Thirteen initiatives across 11 different counties were chosen.

Waterford City and County Council has been awarded €30,000 to fit out a community centre, which will be used as a horticultural educational training hub.

The HFA, which provides financing to support the delivery of social and affordable housing, awards community project funding to customers each year through its Social Investment Fund. The aim of the fund is to support initiatives that will complement the communities in which HFA-financed homes are built.

Commenting on the funding Ivan Grimes, Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council said, “The funding is a welcome boost as Waterford City and County Council is committed to the development and roll-out of programmes throughout the county that deliver tangible benefits to well-being, diversity, social inclusion, and enhance our communities.” 

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council Festival & Event Grants for 2024

Waterford City and County Council has approved the allocation of €1,653,557 in festival and event funding to aid the development and promotion of events across Waterford City and County in 2024.

The figure represents a 6% increase in last year’s funding allocation.

In 2024 the allocation will support 71 festivals and events throughout the city and county.  The main thrust of the funding is to support, and promote local festivals that have an economic, tourism, cultural, artistic or community benefit for Waterford.  Funding is also in place to provide training support to help local festivals and events develop and grow.

In addition to the mainstay big-ticket festivals such as Spraoi International Street Arts Festival, West Waterford Festival of Food, Waterford Harvest Festival, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival and Winterval, Waterford can look forward to fourteen brand new festivals in 2024, including Lismore Community Festival, Waterford International Comic Art Festival and Waterford Pet Awards and Doggie Day Out.

Speaking following the adoption of the Festival and Events Grants for 2024 Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “As Mayor I am delighted that Waterford City and County Council is showing true intent in supporting our vast array of artists, musicians, entertainers, producers and creatives.

“Whether the festivals are well-established or new additions to the calendar, they have one trait in common…they are a true reflection of the talent, creativity and passion that Waterford’s communities have in spades.”

Michael Quinn, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added, “Waterford City and County Council has always been committed to supporting strong community spirit, in the form of festivals and events.  2024 will see that community spirit feature prominently throughout the year, with festivals bookending the year, starting in January and running right through to the 12th Winterval Christmas Festival, in what is officially set to be the European City of Christmas in 2024.”

“Waterford has always produced an entertaining, inclusive, and eclectic programme of events throughout the year.  This year we are particularly pleased to add fourteen new festivals to the list of funding and we look forward to seeing the range of new and distinctive events making their mark on the city and county.”

-ends-

By Waterford City & County Council

A festive Féile Grianstad is coming to Dungarvan

On Thursday December 21st the skies of Dungarvan will light up for Féile Grianstad, as the town centre will be the backdrop for an amazing solstice celebration.

The free festivities kick off at 5pm with a series of ‘ceolchoirmeacha agus craic’, featuring Dungarvan’s own Loungeroom Lizards, Danny and Tommy Dunford, Andy Dunne, Brendan Clancy, Benny McCarthy, Joe Kelly and friends.

Santa Claus and his naughty nemesis Krampus will make a special appearance and you never know who else may turn up at the party.

Then at 9pm, a very special sound and light extravaganza is planned as a spectacular fireworks display bursts into the skies to the beat of the bodhrán on Dungarvan’s beautiful quays.

This year Dungarvan Town Square will be partially closed off from lunchtime on December 21st to facilitate the ‘Big Stage’. Earlier in the morning the Square will be the scene of a special weekly market with the emphasis on all things Christmas.

Those coming to Dungarvan are encouraged to park outside the town and walk to Grattan Square for the festivities.  Immediately prior to the fireworks display the quays will be closed to all traffic to facilitate the safe passage of pedestrians and viewers.

The long-term plans for the festival will see a vibrant mix of community arts and entertainment that will animate and illuminate the shortest days and the longest nights with fun, traditional hearty food, song, storytelling, and winter warmth.

Older than Santa Claus, and well before the Vikings arrived, the origin of this festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and the promise of renewed life.

Féile Grianstad is an initiative of Waterford City and County Council Arts Office, in association with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media.

By Waterford City & County Council

Advanced Notice of Playground Closure – Walton Park, Dungarvan

Waterford City & County Council wishes to advise the public that the playground at Walton Park, Dungarvan will be closed to all users until 20th December 2023 to facilitate the installation of new equipment.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford selected as European City of Christmas 2024

The International Jury of the European Capital and City of Christmas 2024 competition has unanimously voted to award the European City of Christmas 2024 title to Waterford City.

The International Jury, chaired by Danuta Hübner, Member of the European Parliament, and comprised of Mr Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, Mr Francisco Fonseca Murillo, Ms Marisol Garmendia, Ms Ainhoa García Jabonero, Mr Massimo Ruggero, Ms Mercedes Guillamón, assisted by the president of Christmas Cities Network, Alberto Gutiérrez Alberca, congratulated the city for “the high level of the projects presented, their proposals and the commitment of these cities to the European values of Christmas.”

 

The judging panel was impressed with Waterford City and County Council’s submission, citing, ‘The City of Waterford is an extraordinary jewel of Christmas harmony and aesthetics and represents values such as solidarity, which lies with the local communities as well as a strong commitment to its heritage as a hallmark of identity, material and above all immaterial and culture.’

 

It continued, ‘Waterford represents the ultimate expression of creative culture thanks to the great work done with its illuminations and markets.  Just as the streets become the perfect setting when associations, tourists and neighbours come together in a Christmas experience with its own identity.’

 

Winterval, Ireland’s biggest and best-loved Christmas festival will form the basis for Waterford as the European City of Christmas 2024.

As Ireland’s First dedicated Christmas festival, created by Waterford City and County Council in partnership with local stakeholders in 2012, year after year the festival has attracted on average 500,000 visitors throughout its six-week calendar.

 

As a festival for everyone of all ages and interests, Winterval 2024 promises to be the biggest Festival hosted in Waterford, with over 700,000 visitors anticipated to the festival, which will showcase the true meaning of an Irish Christmas, focusing on family and togetherness, communities and connectedness through arts, culture, food and entertainment.

 

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway was delighted with such a prestigious accolade for Waterford, saying, “When it comes to Christmas celebrations, Waterford City and County Council has a track record to be proud of.  Since its inception in 2012, Winterval has grown to become Ireland’s favourite Christmas Festival, with an abundance of Christmas magic, festive family favourites and seasonal surprises.

 

“Its success stems from several factors which include local authority funding and commitment, strong stakeholder engagement and a festival team that has a flair for bringing the most festive, wonder-filled and engaging events to the streets of Waterford.

 

“Being recognised and awarded such a prestigious title as the European City of Christmas is a wonderful testament to Waterford of Christmases past and how Waterford is best in class when it comes to embracing the magic of Christmas.”

 

The directors of the Winterval Festival, John Grubb and Trevor Darmody are thrilled with the win. “We are delighted to see Waterford awarded the European City of Christmas 2024. The business community, the Winterval festival team and the festival’s volunteers backed by Waterford City and County Council work incredibly hard to deliver a magical Winter wonderland in the city each year, so, it is a real honour and testament to see this accolade come to Waterford and indeed Ireland for the first time for 2024. This award also means that the 2024 festival will be even extra special next year and planning for that is already underway!”

 

In addition to this award, Brno (Czech Republic) has been awarded the European Christmas Capital title, while special mention was given to the small municipality of Almaza (Spain) with less than 600 inhabitants.

 

The International Jury of the European Capital and City will officially present Waterford with the award and title at an awards ceremony in Madrid in early January 2024.

 

For further information about the European Capital and City of Christmas visit www.europeancapitalofchristmas.org

 

-ends-

 

By Waterford City & County Council

The Waterford Gallery of Art receives generous donations in support of an exciting year of exhibitions for 2024

The Waterford Gallery of Art on O’Connell Street is the home of one of the oldest and best civic collections of art in Ireland. The Waterford Art Collection, founded in 1939, includes artworks by some of Ireland’s most renowned artists including Paul Henry, Jack B Yeats, Mainie Jellett, Sir Frederic William Burton and Evie Hone. Established and maintained through the incredible generosity of individual donors and charitable organisations, the gallery is delighted to receive several new donations from two of the leading figures of the Irish art world.

David Britton, the former director at Adam’s Auctioneers and owner of the Frederick Gallery with curator and art historian, Karen Reihill, have personally gifted to Waterford a selection of works which will feature in exhibitions from early next year. One of the incredibly significant, and rare donations, is a folio entitled ‘Short Course Waterford 1949’. This beautifully made handbound book includes original linocuts by various well-respected artists from the time including Christopher Campbell, R.J. Hobbs, Patrick Heney (Padraig Ó hÉanaigh), James Manning, John Pearce and more. It is a delight and tribute to see the works return back to their home of origin.

Alongside this donation is a limited edition ‘artists working proof’ illustration by Elizabeth Rivers which was created as the main image for the book, ‘The Man Who Invented Sin’ (1948), by Sean O’Faolain. This commissioned artwork was completed for The Devin Adair Company in June 1948 and Rivers remained friendly with Sean and Eileen O’Faolain for the remainder of their life. Rivers, who was born in England but spent the majority of her life in Ireland and on the Aran Islands was also close friends with artist Hilda Roberts, one the founding figures of the Waterford Art Collection and Gallery. Roberts taught at Newtown School from the late 1920s alongside husband and headmaster, Arnold Marsh. The Waterford Gallery of Art currently features a free exhibition, ‘Arnold & Hilda’ exploring their life and work.

Britton and Reihill have also presented to the Collection a large and curious etching entitled ‘Toad and Spider, early morning June’ (1979) by Patrick Hickey. The artwork was identified as an item amiss from the gallery’s sizable collection of prints and etchings obtained from Dublin’s ‘Graphic Studio’ in the late 1970’s.

The folio, illustration by Rivers, and etching by Hickey will feature in the gallery’s ‘Prints and Drawings’ exhibition opening February 14th 2024. This opening is parallel to an accompanying exhibition launching on the same day in the gallery which celebrates the one-hundred-year anniversary of the founding of the Friends of the National Collections of Ireland. ‘100 Years of the FNCI’ will showcase the 10 substantial donations the FNCI have gifted to the Collection since their foundation in 1924 as well as an early painting by Sarah Purser, the initiator of the FNCI and resident of Dungarvan for 25 years.

Lastly, in acknowledgement of the research and development of an Olympic themed exhibition due to open in the gallery next summer, the collection has kindly been gifted a pastel work entitled, ‘Man of Sweden’ created by Christopher Campbell. This personal and masterly executed work is a portrait of Chistopher’s brother Laurence, who was also a recognised artist whose paintings feature in the Waterford Art Collection.

Art, including architecture, literature, music, painting and sculpture, were included as part of the Olympic Games between 1912 and 1948. The Waterford art Collection includes works by many artists (such as Christopher Campbell) that took part in the Olympics during these dates including artworks by silver medal winner Jack B Yeats, and bronze medal winner Letitia Marion Hamilton.

The Waterford Arts Office and Waterford City and County Council are incredibly thankful for the generosity and consideration shown by David Britton and Karen Reihill in supporting the work and programming of the gallery in the coming year and assisting the future development of Waterford’s prized art collection.

The Waterford Gallery of Art is open to the public Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm and admission is free for all.

-ends-

For further information:

Luke Currall
Visual Arts Co-Ordinator
The Waterford Gallery of Art
lcurrall@waterfordcouncil.ie

Latest News
Made in Waterford and hosted in the EU :)