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Deise Men’s Shed honoured in City Hall

Metropolitan Mayor Jason Murphy hosted members of the Deise Men’s Shed this week in City Hall to acknowledge and celebrate their great contribution to our local communities.

Pictured is Metropolitan Mayor Jason Murphy, Cllr. Joe Kelly and members of the Deise Men’s shed.

Bilberry to City Centre Waterford Greenway Link officially opened

The Bilberry to City Centre Waterford Greenway Link was officially opened today (Friday June 2nd), by the Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. John O’Leary.

The new section, funded to the tune of €12.5 million by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and delivered and managed by Waterford City and County Council, links the Waterford Greenway from the Bilberry car park to the Clock Tower in the City Centre, as well as connecting it to the Waterford sustainable transport bridge due to be delivered in 2025 and the start of the Waterford to New Ross Greenway.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary said, “We are delighted to officially open this section of Waterford Greenway.  The new link section will open up the route allowing walkers, runners, and cyclists to continue their shared journey right into the heart of the city centre and beyond.”

“It’s significant to note that this link will give users access to the Southeast and Southern Greenway networks and reach locations such as New Ross, Youghal and Mallow.

“Waterford is experiencing a renaissance.  With work commenced on the North Quays SDZ an exciting opportunity lies in store for the city, county, and region as a whole.

“The city’s economic, commercial and tourism offerings will undoubtedly be enhanced, and the addition of the Bilberry City Centre Waterford link showcases the very best of the county as it traverses from countryside to city centre.”

Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, said, “The Bilberry to City Centre Waterford link, which forms part of the Cork to Waterford Intra-Urban Demonstrator Pathfinder project will be extremely valuable to the local area as well as those travelling from further afield, and will for first time, create a seamless cycle link between two Irish cities.

“All of the best cities and towns in the world are moving this way – to re-imagine and re-design their centres as active travel hubs, by reallocating road space and by putting in infrastructure which makes it safer and easier for people to walk, cycle or wheel. This new stretch of the Waterford Greenway extends it right into the heart of the city and long the historic quays. This will be good for visitors but particularly good for local people and businesses, making it easier for school children to get to and from schools safely, or allowing people to stroll or bike into this beautiful medieval city centre to shop, and in time, to continue on by public transport, or by connecting greenways to other towns in the region.”

The Active Travel project comprised of the construction of 2.1km long and 4m wide cycle and pedestrian shared surface from the Greenway car park at Bilberry, along Bilberry Road, Grattan Quay, and Merchants Quay to the South Quay Plaza at the Clock Tower.

The new section includes 210 metres of two new cantilevered boardwalks over the River Suir at Grattan Quay and Bilberry Rock, along with a full overhaul of the pedestrian routes and traffic signals at the junction of Rice Bridge, while existing facilities on Grattan Quay and Merchants Quay car park see the addition of high-quality surface finishes, landscaping, and street furniture.

The construction was undertaken by John Cradock Construction Ltd. and comprised of almost 65,000 hours worked on the project, with 250 employed on the construction phase at various times across the project.

The sustainable elements of the project are quite prominent as the newly installed segregated urban shared surface has been finished with energy efficient LED lighting, along with approximately 350 trees and 900m2 of wildflower beds planted. 8,000 tonnes of concrete, tarmacadam, and excavated rock, which would ordinarily go to landfill, have been recycled for reuse on the site.

Anne Graham, Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority added, “The National Transport Authority is delighted to have been able to work with Waterford City and County Council on this impressive addition to its hugely successful Greenway.

“This new link is one of 35 projects across Waterford benefitting from €11 million of Active Travel funding allocated by the NTA in 2023.  The funding is aimed towards building a comprehensive active travel network that can be enjoyed by all.”

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Images – free to use: Patrick Browne

National Award for local collaboration

Waterford Chamber has won the Local Authority Collaboration Award at the Chambers Ireland Awards, which were held in Kilashee House Hotel and saw the coming together of Chambers from all over Ireland to recognise the work they do in supporting the business community.

This is the second time Waterford Chamber has been recognised in this category in recent years, for their ongoing work with Waterford City & County Council.

This year’s award was specifically for the two organisations coming together to explore the scope of opportunities for Waterford City Centre, by engaging RIKON and EY to carry out research and feasibility studies respectively.

Accepting the award, Gerald Hurley, CEO Waterford Chamber said: “We have an excellent working relationship with Waterford City & County Council and our goals are aligned as we both work tirelessly to promote Waterford as a great place to live, work, do business and invest in.

“We are a City of Opportunity and we all have our part to play. These reports are available for anyone to share, so we can collectively deliver the right message for Waterford.

“The data presented by EY and RIKON shows the potential that exists on our doorstep and for this initiative to get national recognition is testament to everyone who worked on it.”

Waterford also saw the coming home of the Chamber of the Year Award, which was won by Waterford Chamber in 2021 and this year Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber scooped the title.

“We are thrilled for our colleagues Oren Byrne and Jenny Beresford and all the team. No other county can say they have two Chamber of the Year Awards in  a three year period and it affirms the commitment, diversity and determination of the business community we all represent.”

Advanced Notice : Road Closure : R683 Passage East Road at Parkswood

R683 Passage East Road at Parkswood

A section of road on R683 Passage East Road at Parkswood towards Passage East from Wednesday June 7th to Friday June 9th will be closed to facilitate road surfacing works.

Diversions will be in place.

Please allow extra travel time for your journey.

Taking Pride in Waterford City and County

June 1st marked the first day of Pride Month as Waterford City and County Council celebrates LGBTQ+ people, culture and communities.

To mark the start of Pride Month, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan, along with members of the Dungarvan Pride Committee raised the Pride flag outside the Dungarvan Civic Offices.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Pride Festival in Dungarvan, 2023 sees the town’s festival returning bigger, brighter and better.

Emilene Stafford, Dungarvan Pride committee co-chair, is promising a festival that not only celebrates LGBTQ+ people, culture and communities, but an inclusive festival to be enjoyed by all.

“Last year’s festival was phenomenal and the positive feedback we received was the catalyst for us to make this year’s Pride Festival even better, featuring cinema screenings, information sessions and of course, Dungarvan’s second ever Pride Festival.  On June 8th we have a special screening of To Wong Foo at Dungarvan Cinema.  On June 15th there will be an open parent and family information session, hosted by Chillout LGBTI+ Youth Project, which provides a safe supportive community for LGBTQ+ people and their families.

“Dungarvan Pride Festival takes place in Walton Park on Saturday, June 17th. The line-up will feature MC and local Drag Queen Lady Fifi Fondue on the main stage with live music from AVI & Changing Channels, Understarling, Drag King Phil T Gorgeous, Lip Sync Battle and Edgar Kirby School of Performing Arts.  Walton Park will be jam-packed with activities for everyone to enjoy, such as The Wobbly Circus Jugglers, Acrobats & Aerial trapeze artists, Junior Einstein Science Club,  along with The Dog Lady Dog Show, Fairy House Building with Catherine Barron, and a selection of food and beverage trucks.”

Cllr. Geoghegan added, “What struck me about last year’s Pride festival was the colour, the warmth, the diversity and the sense of belonging. Dungarvan prides itself on being an inclusive town, and that was more than evident last year as young and old, gay and straight people, experienced that inclusivity throughout the month.

However, each of us has a responsibility to not just be welcoming and accepting each June, but every day of the year.”

In Waterford city, The Pride of the Déise committee has organised a jam-packed weekend celebration of LGBTQ+ people and communities.  Running from Friday, June 2nd to Monday, June 6th, the programme includes the Pride March, The Cultural Quarter Block Party, GAYncient History at Manor tree Youth and Community Centre and back by popular demand PRIDE Ride Greenway Cycle from Bilberry to Kilmeaden.

More information and the full programme of events for Pride of the Déise can be viewed at https://prideofthedeise.ie/

Pride Dungarvan and Pride of the Déise are proudly supported by Waterford City and County Council.

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Free to use images: David Clynch

Water Safety Appeal from Coast Guard, RNLI & Water Safety Ireland for bank holiday weekend

The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have issued a joint water safety appeal as people are expected to enjoy the water this bank holiday weekend.

Even in good weather, water temperatures remain cold and the organisations have advised that those taking part in any waterbased activity should make sure they have the proper equipment and know how to do it safely.

The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland advise to always carry a means of calling for help and to keep it within reach at all times. When kayaking or paddle-boarding close to shore, conditions can turn quickly and wearing a buoyancy aid or lifejacket can make the critical difference. If you unexpectedly find yourself in the water and wearing a lifejacket, you have given yourself vital time to be brought to safety.

While the good weather is set to continue, always check the forecast, tide times and sea conditions before setting off. Get regular updates if planning to be out for any length of time. And be prepared to change your plans or cancel the trip if the forecast is unfavourable.

For those swimming, remember to acclimatise slowly, wear a bright swimming cap and consider a tow float to increase visibility. Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague. Swim in areas that are lifeguarded or are known locally to be safe.

Irish Coast Guard Operations manager Micheál O’Toole said; “We appeal to everybody to plan for and attend to their personal safety. We again are warning on the dangers of using inflatable toys such as LiLo’s on or near the water, be it seaside, lake or river. Please do not bring such items with you. We again express our thanks to all members of the emergency services who will be on duty over the weekend, in particular volunteer members of Coast Guard, RNLI, Community Inshore rescue boats and mountain rescue teams. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.”

RNLI Water Safety Lead Linda-Gene Byrne said: ‘The fine weather and brighter evenings will encourage more people onto the water and it’s great to see people out and about and enjoying it. If you fall in unexpectedly, remember to ‘Float to Live’ – lie on your back and spread your arms and legs, gently moving them to keep afloat. Keep floating until you feel your breath coming back before calling for help or swimming ashore if nearby. Taking a few minutes to check you have taken all the necessary equipment and advice for your activity and knowing what to do in an emergency will give peace of mind and help prevent accidents.’

Water Safety Ireland’s Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney said: “This weekend, please remember that although air temperatures have risen, our waterways are still too cold for extended swims. A full moon on Saturday will make the coastline more precarious and rip currents will be stronger. Swim within your depth at the lifeguarded waterways listed at www.watersafety.ie/lifeguards. A full moon also creates lower low tides that will expose even greater areas of the coastline which often tempts walkers to explore sandbanks. Be aware of being trapped by incoming tides, carry a fully charged mobile phone, and please provide constant uninterrupted adult supervision for any children in your care.”

The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland also wish to express their condolences to the families and friends of the two young men who lost their lives in jet ski accidents on Carlingford Lough and on Lough Derg.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or you think that they are in trouble, dial 112 or use marine VHF radio Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.
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Minister Noonan announces €2.7 million funding for local biodiversity projects

  • 188 community projects across all 31 local authorities have received funding through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) 
  • LBAF projects include restoration, invasive species management, surveys, education and awareness projects
  • All projects support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan
  • Small Recording Grants scheme funds 67 local projects

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, has today announced a combined €2.7m in funding for local biodiversity projects. Over €2.5 million is being awarded to local authorities to carry out biodiversity projects through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) and €193k is being granted to the natural history recording community through the Small Recording Grants scheme.

Local Biodiversity Action Fund

Operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the scheme was first launched in 2018. Since then, a total of just over €6m has been granted to local authorities through the LBAF for projects that support actions in the 3rd National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). This year’s grants will build on that investment.

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD:

“Given that it’s Biodiversity Week, I’m especially delighted to announce funding of over €2.5 million for 188 biodiversity projects. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund is an enormously impactful scheme that supports local authorities and communities to deliver on Ireland’s national objectives for nature, from invasive species to habitat restoration to awareness-raising to surveys and monitoring work. As more and more Biodiversity Officers join the ranks of our local authorities, I know that the benefits for nature and people that this Fund provides are only going to grow.”

A total of 188 projects have been approved across all 31 local authorities, covering a range of biodiversity-related activities, including invasive alien species control, dune restoration, wetland surveys and biodiversity awareness and training.

Projects approved this year include:

  • 8 local authorities joining together to monitor the Quagga mussel invasive species in the Shannon
  • 3 local authorities supporting The Shannon Dolphin Project, which is 30 years old this year (2023) making it one of the longest dolphin studies in Europe
  • Habitat mapping in Cork
  • Development of an Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Galway City Council
  • Installation of closed predator-proof fences at five key breeding wader sites in County Donegal
  • Hedgerow survey in Kilkenny County

Small Recording Grants

A grant scheme providing support to Ireland’s natural history recording community is now in operation for a fifth year, with growing popularity and record numbers of applicants. The Small Recording Grant scheme, managed by the NPWS, aims to help established naturalists recording in Ireland to maintain and enhance their expertise in species identification, and to develop the next generation of natural history recorders.

The Small Recording Grants scheme supports volunteers, groups, societies and associations of recorders who have limited or no access to financial supports for their work. 67 applicants have been notified of their funding allocations, at a combined total of €193k. The projects supported include:

  • Dissection Masterclass for Determination of Species of Moths
  • Dragonflies and Damselflies in County Tipperary
  • Sponge Recording Project
  • A Targeted Bioblitz Survey of Freshwater-Associated Taxa in the Burren
  • Wexford Barn Owl Project

The data generated by these recording exercises is utilised by the NPWS to inform its understanding of the distribution and ecology of many species and to assess their status. In turn, it informs advice on nature conservation objectives and practical measures to protect species and habitats.

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD:

“It is fantastic to be able to fund these local initiatives once again. In 2022, my Department funded 24 projects to the tune of €70,000. This year, we have significantly increased resources for this very worthwhile scheme, with 67 projects approved at a cost of €193,000 – almost 3 times the projects and 3 times the funding.

“This scheme supports the work of the NPWS in recording many aspects of individual species that it would be almost impossible for my staff to carry out themselves.”

A full list of the projects funded under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2023 can be viewed or downloaded on the Department’ website:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/aeb0e-local-biodiversity-action-fund-project-funding-2023/ 

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Ten flags flown at Waterford’s Blue and Green Coast beaches

Waterford’s coastline was recently recognised by An Taisce as three beaches were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag and seven the Green Coast Award Flags.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches. The programme promotes environmental education, sustainable development of tourism, environmental management systems and ensure safety and access for beach users.

According to Katia Hunter, Executive Scientist with Waterford City and County Council, the awarding of the Blue and Green Coast Flags is a great endorsement of Waterford’s coastline.

“The beaches that received the Blue Flag in 2023 are Ardmore, Clonea and Tramore beaches.  All of these beaches not only returned excellent bathing water results, but a series of stringent environmental and safety-related criteria were also met.

“The Green Coast flags were awarded to Annestown, Ballyquin, Curragh, Goat Island Beach, Guillamene Cove, Newtown Cove and Kilfarrassey, as they all demonstrated excellent water quality, and were appropriately maintained and managed to ensure the protection of the natural environment.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’ Leary commended not only the Local Authority’s Environment Department, but also the work of voluntary groups that dedicate themselves to ensuring an unspoilt environment for all to enjoy.

“The work of volunteers from groups such as Clean Coasts, Tidy Towns, and ecological groups, have made huge inroads in assisting in the maintenance and management of our coastline and its amenities.

“These volunteers are passionate about preserving our natural environment, whether it’s through litter picking, wildlife conservation management or developing educational programmes.  By enhancing our natural amenities, they are heightening the enjoyment we can all derive from our beaches and coastline.”

Blue Flag began in Ireland in 1988 with 19 beaches and 2 marinas being awarded. Since then, the Blue Flag programme has grown from strength to strength with 84 beaches and 10 marinas being awarded in 2023.

Each year Blue Flag is awarded to over 4,500 beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators in 49 countries globally. Beaches are awarded for the bathing season (June 1st to September 15th in Ireland) and marinas are awarded for up to 12 months, depending on their period of operation. The awarded sites for Ireland are announced at the end of May each year.

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Images – free to use:

Tramore 1: Martin Kerins, Katia Hunter and Ella Ryan of Waterford City and County Council with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary

Tramore 2: Members of Clean Coasts (Tramore Tidy Towns and T-Bay Surf Club) with Waterford City and County Council staff and Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. John O’Leary.

Tramore 3:Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary and Katia Hunter, Executive Scientist, Waterford City and County Council

Clonea 2: Ms Hayes 3rd and 4th class from Garranbane National School, Elaine Doyle Clean Coasts Development Officer, Clare Morrissey, Mary Power and Yvonne Whelan Dungarvan Bay Open Water Swimmers, with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary.

Clonea 4; Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary, Katia Hunter and Claire Morrissey

About An Taisce:

An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, operates the programme in Ireland on behalf of the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE).

The Blue Flag programme is funded in Ireland by the Department of the Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Attention all Council Tenants – Notice of Rent Review 2023

A Rent Review is currently being carried out for all Social Housing Tenants.

In order to ensure that we have the household correct and up to date details, tenants are requested complete the Rent Review Form regarding their household makeup and income details.  This document has been posted to all tenants but is also available below.

It is the tenant’s responsibility under their Tenancy Agreement to ensure that they submit the correct details to the Council for rent calculation purposes. Failure to return the form fully completed with the relevant proofs of income may result in a penalty rent being applied to the account.

Before returning the completed form, please ensure to include details of ALL occupants and the following relevant documents:

  • If in full/part time employment supply 3 recent consecutive payslips for all household members who are in employment.
  • If Self-employed submit recent Notice of Tax Assessment from Revenue.
  • Aged 18 and over in fulltime education submit proof from school or college.
  • Occupant Moved In provide the date of occupancy and previous address.
  • Occupant moved out provide the date they left and proof of new address.

Please return the form fully completed with relevant proofs of income by Monday 12th June 2023 to the Customer Service Desk, Waterford City & County Council, Bailey’s New St. Waterford X91 XH42, or Civic Offices, Davitt’s Quay Dungarvan, Co. Waterford X35 Y326.

Alternatively completed forms and supporting documentation can be scanned to the email address below.

Queries: rentreview@waterfordcouncil.ie | 051 849923

Warm air does not mean warm water – Advice to reduce your drowning risk

Water Safety Ireland is cautioning people not to underestimate the dangers of swimming in cold water. The caution comes as air temperatures rise however water temperatures are still cold.

Swimming in cold water can result in the rapid cooling of muscles needed to swim and stay afloat. Swim within your depth, swim briefly and be mindful that any cooling of the muscles can make it more difficult to swim safely.

Advice to reduce your drowning risk:
1. Swim within your depth, stay within your depth and enter the water slowly to acclimatize as sudden immersion in cold water can result in “cold shock” which can lead to deep gasping, uncontrollable rapid breathing and panic.
2. Swim at Lifeguarded waterways this weekend – locations at https://watersafety.ie/lifeguards
3. If you cannot get to a lifeguarded waterway, swim in areas that are traditionally known to be safe and have ringbuoys available for rescues.
4. Never use inflatable toys in open water as they can be swept away by currents and offshore breezes.
5. Children require close, uninterrupted, adult supervision at all times near water.
6. Swim within your depth and stay within your depth. Make sure that the edges are shallow shelving so that you can safely and easily enter and exit the water.
7. To escape a rip current, swim parallel to the shore and then swim back ashore. See www.watersafety.ie/rip-currents/
8. Never swim in quarries or reservoirs.
9. Alcohol is a factor in one third of drownings – never mix alcohol with water activities.
10. Beware of stranding by incoming tides. Carry a charged phone at all times and in an emergency, call 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
11. Always wear a correctly fitting lifejacket when boating and have a means of communication in a waterproof pouch.

1. If you see somebody in trouble in the water: SHOUT – REACH – THROW
a. SHOUT to calm, encourage and orientate them;
b. REACH with anything that prevents you from entering the water (clothing/stick);
c. THROW a ringbuoy or any floating object to them.

Know The Lifeguard Flags:
No Lifeguard flag means that there is no Lifeguard on duty. A red flag means that a Lifeguard is on duty but has deemed conditions to be too unsafe to swim. The red and yellow flags mean a Lifeguard is on duty and the Lifeguard is patrolling between those flags.

Visit www.watersafety.ie for more information.

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Media Enquiries to:
Water Safety Ireland, The Long Walk, Galway. info@watersafety.ie / www.watersafety.ie; Tel: 091-564400
Joanne Walsh 087-199.0339 / joannewalsh@watersafety.ie
Roger Sweeney 087-678.9601 / rogersweeney@watersafety.ie
Padraig Judge 087-459.0156 / padraigjudge@watersafety.ie

Reminder: Blas International Summer School 2023 Bursary

The Arts Office, Waterford City & Co. Council is offering Waterford practitioners a bursary to attend the Blas – Traditional Music Summer School in the University of Limerick.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday 8th June 2023. The application form and terms and conditions are available to download below.

Extensive Community Engagement Underway for Proposed Dungarvan to Mallow Greenway

Senior members of the proposed Dungarvan to Mallow Greenway project team provide update on local community engagement activities

The Dungarvan to Mallow Greenway, as proposed, is a 74-kilometre long walking and cycling path that would connect Dungarvan, County Waterford to Mallow, County Cork, linking the towns and villages of Cappoquin, Lismore, Ballyduff, Clondulane, Fermoy, Ballyhooly, and Killavullen.

The project team from Waterford City and County Council and Cork County Council estimate that approximately 140 landowners may be directly impacted by the emerging preferred route, and consultation is currently underway with these individuals, as well as a further approximately 100 landowners whose land is adjacent to the emerging preferred route.

The project team is following the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways and appointed a Project Liaison Officer to commence individual landowner consultations. At this stage, the Project Liaison Officer has visited over 170 individual private households – primarily located between Mallow and Lismore – and met with the landowners and their families.  Also, a meeting recently took place with the Irish Farmers’ Association, or IFA, representatives to share the progress of the project to date, and to listen to the concerns of their members.

This landowner engagement is in addition to the initial public consultation undertaken back in 2022 and the key themes emerging at that time included safety and security, environment concerns, and the potential impacts on local residents, farms and businesses.

Welcoming the engagement process to date, Sean Callery, Senior Engineer, Cork County Council, “The project group is very grateful to landowners locally for making themselves available and for engaging so robustly. The Project Liaison Officer has received a lot of valuable feedback and all of this will be analysed over the coming months. The route will be refined where possible in order to minimise farm severance and accommodate landowners, wherever feasible.”

Senior Engineer Waterford City and County Council, Sean Dobbs said, “This proposed new greenway would create a fun, healthy experience for local people and tourists alike, one that supports the economic development of the region and the wellbeing of our citizens. It is very encouraging to see the community engage at this level.”

The team expects to visit and meet with the remaining 70 landowners, most of whom are located between Lismore and Dungarvan, throughout the month of June. All feedback will be reviewed and refinements to the route will be considered and analysed by the project team. A further round of public consultation is expected to take place towards the end of the year.

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