First Count Result : Lismore LEA
First count results of the Lismore Electoral Area announced by Returning Officer, Paul Johnston.
As no candidates reached the quota, count two will commence shortly.
Waterford City & County Council
Latest News & Announcements
First Count Result : Portlaw-Kilmacthomas LEA
First count results of the Portlaw Kilmacthomas LEA just announced.
Liam Brazil (FG) and Seánie Power (FG) both exceeded the quota of 1,299 and have been deemed elected.
Count 2 will commence tomorrow morning.
First Count begins in Waterford Local Elections
The first count of our local elections has officially started.
Our returning officer for the day, Paul Johnston, announced the beginning of proceedings shortly after 7pm. This election will determine who will sit on Waterford City & County Council for the next 5 years.
Mr. Johnston addressed candidates, officials, volunteers, and observers present, highlighting the importance of accuracy and transparency in the counting process.
Each vote is carefully sorted and counted into a pigeon hole bearing the name of each candidate.
For those interested in following the progress and results of the count, updates will be available on the Waterford Elections Hub. You can also find real-time information and join the discussion on social media using the hashtag #WaterfordElections2024
First Count commencing approx. 5pm
Local Election Update: First Count This Afternoon
Verification of European ballot papers is almost complete here at SETU arena. Local Election count will commence at approx. 5pm, Saturday.
Before the local votes are tallied, count staff are finalising the separating and counting of the European election ballots. This process is vital to ensure accurate results for both elections.
Stay tuned for updates as the counts progress, and don’t forget to check the Waterford Elections Hub for real-time information and detailed results, onmce available.
National Broadband Plan connection now available for Waterford homes near Tallow
- Over 2,100 Waterford homes, businesses and farms near Tallow can now connect to fibre broadband on National Broadband Ireland network
- Over half of premises included in National Broadband Plan in Co Waterford can avail of a high-speed connection today
National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the National Broadband Plan on behalf of the Government, has said that over 2,100 Waterford properties in its Tallow deployment area can now avail of a high-speed fibre broadband connection. The area covers the rural surrounds of Tallow, Lismore, Ballyduff and Aglish.
16,000 premises in Co Waterford are included in the State’s Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Waterford will receive €59m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.
There are 2,122 Waterford premises in the Tallow deployment area that can now join the National Broadband Ireland network. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people living nearby to visit nbi.ie/map and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect.
Works have already been completed for over half of the premises included in the National Broadband Plan in Co Waterford as a total of 9,110 premises can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband. There have been 2,849 connections made so far across the county.
Progress continues across Waterford with network build works now underway throughout the county. Currently, construction is in progress for almost 1,700 Waterford premises in the Ballinamult deployment area, which are anticipated to be connected to the NBI network between January and June 2025. National Broadband Ireland’s website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates. Signing up to the NBI email notifications at https://nbi.ie/eoi is the easiest way to get the most up-to-date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order.
Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce that over 2,100 Waterford premises near Tallow can now order high-speed broadband services through the National Broadband Ireland network. This will enable those who connect to experience the life-changing benefits of high-speed broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second.
“We are thrilled to be over the half-way mark as over 9,100 homes, businesses and farms in Co Waterford can now order a high-speed fibre connection to the National Broadband Ireland network. This includes almost 3,900 near Waterford city, over 1,200 premises near Youghal as well as over 2,000 premises along the Waterford-Tipperary county border near Carrick-On-Suir and Clonmel.
“We are working hard on the ground to progress other areas of the county through engineering survey, design and construction phases. We are encouraging Waterford residents to visit the NBI website to check their Eircode and sign up for updates.”
As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area.
Some 72 RSPs have already signed up to sell services on the National Broadband Ireland network and 68 are certified as ready to start providing connections as of today. To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the National Broadband Ireland network, visit NBI.ie/buy.
National Broadband Ireland contractors have been on the ground across the country and over 274,261 premises nationwide can order or pre-order broadband on the NBI network so far.
The National Broadband Ireland website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates. Signing up to the NBI email notifications at https://nbi.ie/eoi/ is the easiest way to get the most up to date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order.
Keep up to Speed!
NBI is encouraging people to check their eligibility and register for updates at www.nbi.ie to receive regular notifications related to their own premises as works progresses in their area.
Broadband Connection Points
In advance of the Fibre-to-the-Home rollout, the NBP provides for the delivery of Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) nationwide. 955 of these sites, including Public BCPs, are now ‘live’. Public BCPs – which include sports clubs, community centres and tourist sites – will provide free public access to high-speed internet in the rollout area. Other BCP categories include schools and marts.
BCPs will pave the way for rural communities to receive the benefits of broadband, from mobile working, e-learning and mobile banking, to digital tourism. You can view BCPs at www.nbi.ie/bcp-map/. An example of some of the locations of Broadband Connection Points in Waterford include Modeligo Community Hall, Mount Melleray Community Hall and Knockanore Community Centre. Primary schools in the Intervention Area are now connected for educational access as part of the NBP.
(ENDS)
Waterford City & County Council calls for Property Pledges
Waterford City and County Council is urging people to consider offering a home to those displaced by the war in Ukraine.
For anyone who has a house, apartment, holiday home or even a spare room, the process of Offering a Home has never been easier.
Waterford City and County Council’s Ukrainian Refugee Response Team provides a holistic approach to anyone considering pledging a property and oversees and manages the process from property reviews to relationship management.
A tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available to anybody offering accommodation to those fleeing Ukraine.
Noeleen Osborne, Project Co-ordinator says, “It’s natural that some people may have reservations about opening their homes to Ukrainian refugees, and the commitment that it entails.
“Our Ukrainian Refugee Response Team takes on the full process, including everything from matching the right property to the right individual or family. From experience we have found that once the correct foundations are put in place, homeowners who have pledged a property or a room are invariably very happy with the whole experience.”
The Ukrainian Refugee Response Team consists of an Initiation Officer, who provides information and next step guidance to any homeowner considering offering a home. The team’s Property Reviewer will then review and catalogue the property.
Waterford City and County Council’s experienced Ukrainian Response Team is dedicated to making the process of matching, meeting and placing as seamless as possible for both homeowner and refugee(s).
The relationship begins from the moment the homeowner receives the initial call from the Relationship Manager. They will provide all relevant information, answer questions and work with the homeowner to find a suitable match with ongoing support to both parties throughout the duration of the stay. This approach has proven to be hugely successful to date with many new pledges of accommodation coming on the recommendation of existing pledgers.
Noeleen added, “For anybody who is considering pledging a property or a room, we would encourage them to get in touch with the team. The first step is quite literally a conversation, with no commitment. If a homeowner is then happy to proceed, we’ll work through the whole process with them, informing and supporting them at all stages of the process.”
For further information you can contact the Ukrainian Refugee Response Team by calling 058 22059 or emailing offerahome@waterfordcouncil.ie
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Image: Waterford City and County Council Ukrainian Refugee Response Team
l-r: Kay Sinnott-Browne Relationship Manager, Clara Murphy Initiation Officer, Noeleen Osborne Project Co-Ordinator, Eamonn Clancy Property Reviewer and Fiona Browne Relationship Manager
Maintenance works at Kilbarry Nature Park
Over the course of the coming week (June 11th – 14th) Waterford City and County Council will be carrying out management and maintenance works at Kilbarry Nature Park.
The purpose of these works is to carryout repairs to the perimeter walking path at the park following upgrades to critical infrastructure.
Please note that to facilitate these remedial works and to ensure health & safety, the park will be closed to the public during the works.
Waterford City and County Council apologises for inconvenience caused during the duration of these works.
LEP 2024 Women’s Groups Fund announced
- Funding to benefit Women’s Sheds, Sports Clubs, ICA Groups, Toddler Groups, Girls Guides and much more.
- Small grants to assist groups in every county with their capital costs.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced funding to support almost 500 Women’s Groups nationwide.
There are 25 successful projects from Waterford. See here for a list.
Under the initiative, small grants are being provided to assist groups in every single county to enhance/improve their facilities and to purchase equipment. The groups that are receiving funding include Women’s and Hen’s Sheds, Camogie and GAA Clubs, ICA Groups, Toddler Groups, Girl Guides and more. Minister Humphreys made the announcement during a visit to the Trim Women’s Shed in County Meath. The group was allocated €2,500 today under the initiative.
Speaking in Trim, Minister Humphreys said:
“I am delighted to announce the successful projects today for Women’s Sheds, Groups and Networks throughout the country. These groups are working tirelessly within communities to provide both young and old with an outlet to socialise, upskill, relax and so much more. I am constantly amazed by the work, community spirit and ethos of the many, many groups that give so much of their time to enhance and improve their communities. I want you to know that I see what you do and I hope that through these grants my Department can help.”
Some examples of the Women’s Groups and projects funded from this ring-fenced funding are as follows:
- Ballysaggart Ladies Football Club, Lismore Co. Waterford: €4,147.98
- Waterford New Community Women’s Shed €2,925
- Erin’s Own Ladies Gaelic Football Club €2,000
- The Carbally Women’s Shed Group €2,000
Minister Humphreys added:
“The grants today may be small in value but to the successful groups they are invaluable – they can open up so many possibilities for so many people. I will continue to engage with the communities of Ireland to see how my Department can continue to support you going forward. I would encourage all groups out there to check here and see if you too can benefit from some of my Department’s programmes.”
The funding is being delivered as part of The Local Enhancement Programme 2024.
This programme allocated €6 million in capital supports for community groups and organisations around Ireland, with funding of €1 million being ring-fenced for women’s groups.
Information garnered from distributing these supports will help the Department to get a better idea of the spread of Women’s Sheds, Groups and Networks across the country. This will inform the Department on how to best support these groups in the future.
This funding adds to the €100,000 which was ring-fenced for Women’s Sheds under the Community Enhancement Programme 2022. The full list of groups receiving funding is available here.
ENDS
International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance
The Arts Office, Waterford City & County Council is pleased to award the Blas Bursary 2024 to Iona Ritchie, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.
Iona will attend the Blas International Summer School at the University of Limerick later this month.
Comhghairedeas Iona.
Waterford City & County Council Chief Executive will leave a ‘remarkable’ legacy
On Friday, May 31st Michael Walsh retired as Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council.
A native of Ballyduff Upper, his career in public service began in 1983, after graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering from UCC. He began his career with Waterford County Council and worked in various engineering roles between Waterford and Limerick before progressing to the role of Director of Services with Waterford City Council and becoming Waterford City Manager in 2007.
In June 2014 he was appointed Chief Executive of the newly amalgamated Waterford City and County Council, to oversee the merger of the former city and county councils as part of local government reform.
Over the course of the decade, Michael has been credited with fulfilling the Council’s mission statement of establishing Waterford as a vibrant and sustainable place to live, work and invest in.
Key projects, under his stewardship include securing almost €200m investment in the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ), leading Waterford City and County Council in delivering on all housing tenures and leading in the tackling of vacancy and dereliction, the regeneration of rural towns and villages under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), the establishment of the Waterford Greenway, consolidation of Waterford’s rich history and heritage, and playing an integral role in the establishment of the South East Technological University.
He also received praise for his role in the relocation of Waterford Crystal Centre to the heart of the city in 2010. Walsh’s multi-faceted approach to the regeneration of the Viking Triangle has helped create a vibrant urban quarter and world-class destination.
Paying tribute to the outgoing Chief Executive, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway said, “Michael will leave a remarkable legacy. From City Manager to Chief Executive of a newly amalgamated local authority, Michael navigated uncharted waters with his indefatigable sense of calm, collectedness, and determination.
“I know I speak for my fellow councillors, as each of us had the opportunity to pay tribute to him at last month’s final Council meeting of this term. The overwhelming sentiment was one of gratitude for the steadfast commitment Michael has shown to Waterford over the last ten years. His sense of pride in Waterford was also tempered with realism and his ability to underpin the best strategic direction of the city and county.”
Mayor Conway added, “On a personal level, I’ve known Michael for well over twenty years having been elected to Tramore Town Council in 2004, and as a school Principal before that, and for as long as I’ve known him and worked with him, there is no one more committed to Waterford and its people. And behind that gritty veneer, there was a humanity and softness that often shone through that formed his caring attitudes and which I grew to admire and appreciate.
“Ina iomlán, rinne sé gaisce ar mhaithe le Phort Láirge, a fhoireann agus a mhuintir.”
Under Michael’s tenure several key initiatives were implemented such as the launch of the Shop Waterford, Support Local campaign to bolster local businesses and retail sectors impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, along with the introduction of a citizen freephone number, which allowed isolated or cocooning individuals to arrange for groceries or deliveries and provided reassurance that someone was there for them.
Beyond local achievements, he also served as the Chair of the County and City Management Association (CCMA), the representative voice of local government management, leading out on its strategic direction in representing, advocating and influencing policy on behalf of local authorities.
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Image Free to use: Patrick Browne
Michael Walsh at North Quays SDZ site
Minister Humphreys announces €926,515 Outdoor Recreation Funding Boost for Waterford
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced €16.1 million nationally to support 69 Outdoor Recreation projects. Under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2023 funding of €926,515 has been announced for four projects in County Waterford giving a further boost to outdoor recreation and local communities in the county.
The implementation of the ORIS scheme is aligned with the objectives of ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors – National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023 to 2027’. Projects funded under the ORIS scheme are delivered by Local Authorities and other key stakeholders. Waterford City and County Council will deliver the latest four projects being funded by this announcement in collaboration with local communities as well as other state agencies and partners.
ORIS provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland. The scheme supports outdoor recreation activities such as walking, trekking, cycling, kayaking and hiking. It helps to make use of the resources of the countryside that contribute to healthy active lifestyles, and it supports the economic and tourism potential of the area for both local communities and tourist visitors alike.
Today’s announcement by Minister Humphreys sees funding being allocated under ORIS Measures 2 and 3 for the following projects:
- Crough Wood Walk – Embankment stabilization project: €175,505 in ORIS funding
- Dunmore East Coastal Walk – Upgrade of Steps at Portally Cove: €108,000 in ORIS funding
- Benvoy Beach – Upgrade of existing access to beach: €143,010 in ORIS funding
- Ardmore Beach – Development of 870m walkway at Ardmore Beach: €500,000 in ORIS funding.
Welcoming today’s announcement Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway has said, “It is wonderful to welcome today’s funding announcement under the ORIS scheme. This funding will go towards developing and enhancing some of our favourite trails right across county Waterford. The timing of this announcement couldn’t be more fitting as it gives another boost to our outdoor recreation network right at the start of the summer season. Waterford is very grateful of the support that it has received in recent years from the Department of Rural and Community Development in support of our key outdoor recreation amenities and other rural projects.
“I would also like to thank staff of Waterford City and County Council and, in particular, the Rural Economic Development team which works hard to continually submit quality funding applications under this and other schemes in conjunction with our communities and other stakeholders.”
This latest announcement comes after an allocation of €100,000 under the ORIS Project Development Measure in January and a further €133,857 announced in April to fund six smaller scale outdoor recreation projects here in Waterford. The recognition of Waterford’s potential as an important outdoor recreation location by central government was further indicated last December when Waterford was selected to be one of just six counties to be part of a pilot scheme which will see the preparation of a County Outdoor Recreation Plan, a process which is currently ongoing.
For further information on Waterford’s fantastic walking, cycling and outdoor recreation opportunities visit www.visitwaterfordtrails.com and get out and active this summer!
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Image (Karen Dempsey)
Dunmore East Coastal Walk which has received funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in order to upgrade steps at Portally Cove as part of the continuing improvement of this walking trail.
Local Elections Freephone for visually impaired voters
Waterford City and County Council has set up Freephone number to assist visually impaired voters in the upcoming Local Elections on June 7th.
Voters can use the dedicated service to hear the details of the candidates running in their local electoral area for the June 7th Election. The order of candidates will be as they appear on the ballot paper.
Each individual candidate has a corresponding number assigned which will be on the Ballot Paper Template (BPT) available at the voter’s Polling Station.
Voters who may be visually impaired are advised to ask the Presiding Officer to attach a template to their ballot paper so that they can vote in secret on June 7th and ensure their preference is accurately recorded.
Raised numbering and Braille on the template guide the voter to the relevant candidate location on the Ballot Paper. It is removed once the ballot paper has been marked and the ballot paper is placed in the ballot box, entirely indistinguishable from all the other marked ballot papers.
Vision impaired voters will also continue to have the option of marking their ballot papers with the assistance of a companion or Presiding Officer at the polling station.
The freephone number is 051 849 670 and is available until the close of polls at 10pm on Friday, June 7th.
#WaterfordElections2024
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Minister for Transport visits North Quays site
On Friday, May 31st Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD visited Waterford’s North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) site.
The public infrastructure works are funded with a public investment of €207m, including €100.6m of Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) funding and a further €70m from Minister Ryan’s Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA).
With works significantly advanced on the site, Minister Ryan viewed the progress on the public infrastructure works, including the multi-modal access routes, public transport hub and sustainable transport bridge.
The new state-of-the-art transport hub will be unique in Ireland and will put Waterford at the forefront of integrated and sustainable city centre transport infrastructure.
The sustainable transport bridge will link the reallocated train station to new walking and cycling infrastructure. These works will reduce the reliance on private car and facilitate alternative modes of transport for those accessing the city centre through the delivery of enhanced and integrated sustainable and active travel infrastructure.
During his visit, Minister Ryan TD said, “I was in Waterford for the ground-breaking ceremony for the North Quays in March of last year. The scale of the works and the progression of the project in such a short time is to be commended.
“This development, one of the largest of all 35 Pathfinder Projects to deliver sustainable mobility and public transport projects, is transformational for Waterford and the surrounding areas, fulfilling the vision of delivering a sustainable, attractive and liveable city that builds on Waterford’s reputation as the Best Place to Live.”
The infrastructure, along with the new foul and stormwater pumping stations in Ferrybank which was recently completed, will enable the commercial development on the SDZ Site by Harcourt Developments. Plans include offices, residential, retail, accommodation, and tourism investment in conference/exhibition facilities, as well as a 4-star hotel and visitor centre. All of which will be developed to be sustainable, high-quality and climate resilient.
The Minister met with Michael Walsh, on the last day of his term as Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, Paul Johnston Acting Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council, Grace O’Sullivan MEP, Oireachtas members Marc Ó Cathasaigh TD, Mary Butler TD and Senator John Cummins, along with Councillors Cristíona Kiely and Jody Power.
Welcoming the Minister, Michael Walsh said, “The progress of this publicly funded project is evident. This development has sent a ripple of excitement through Waterford and the region.
“The end result will not only be transformative for Waterford and the region, but it will also give connectivity and balance to the city, as both sides of the river Suir will be optimised in terms of energy, community spirit and commercial activity.”
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360 NQ Video link – https://youtu.be/bGAYQTHOxYc
Images – Free to use: Patrick Browne
Currently hiring for several positions and panels
Waterford City and County Council is currently hiring for 6 positions, as well as a rolling call for Retained Fire Fighters.
Find below an overview of the available roles:
Community Safety Co-Ordinator
The Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership Community Safety Co-Ordinator role is now open. This role involves working with various bodies and coordinating safety initiatives within the community to enhance local safety measures.
Administrative Officer (Confined to Local Government Sector & WC&CC)
This Grade VII position is open to applicants within the local government sector. The role entails administrative duties and contributing to the efficient operation of the council.
Executive Technician
We are also looking for an Executive Technician. The Executive Technician will work as part of the technical team in the Local Authority reporting to and supporting the Engineering Staff. He/she will assist Engineering/Administrative staff in implementing annual programmes with specified measures and targets, which will be monitored in order to successfully deliver on these programmes.
Technician Grade 1
As a Technician Grade 1, you will provide support, such as draughting, technical and ancillary services of an advisory, supervisory or executive nature in all fields of Local Authority work including engineering, architectural, technological, planning and environmental services, including the supervision and control of staff, as may be required.
Working with Waterford City & County Council is now a more inviting prospect than ever. This local authority has immersed itself in many exciting projects in recent years, some which have reached completion while some are ongoing and providing exciting challenges and career highlights for our staff.
For more detailed information on each position and to apply, please visit our Vacancies page.
Applications for the above roles close at 4pm on Thursday, 27th June 2024.
TSVH Project Officer
Tackling Sexual Violence & Harassment (TSVH) Project Officer, ‘Consent Matters’ Project (16 Month fixed term temporary contract)
The role of the TSVH Consent Matters Project Officer is to implement the ‘Consent Matters’ project plan under the guidance of the Consent Matters project steering group.
Community Safety Wardens
Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership
(12 Month specific purpose contracts)
For more detailed information on each position and to apply, please visit our Vacancies page.
Applications for the above roles close at 4pm, Friday 14th June 2024.
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