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Waterford City & County Council

Latest News & Announcements

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant

The deadline for Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant registration is fast approaching!  Businesses have until May 1st to register on the ICOB Portal at icob.ie.

Eligibility Criteria: Make sure to check the portal for the criteria and see if your business qualifies. Don’t miss out on this vital support for small and medium businesses!

Act Now: Register as soon as possible to avail of this grant. Payments will commence from late April 2024.

Visit icob.ie for more information.

As part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257m for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses. Waterford City and County Council, funded through Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), will manage the rollout of the grant to qualifying businesses.

Eligible businesses will receive a once-off grant payment. The amount of the grant payable to eligible businesses is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill the business received in 2023. However, it is not a Commercial Rates waiver and businesses should continue to pay their Commercial Rates bill as normal.

What is the purpose of the grant?
The grant is available to qualifying businesses as a contribution towards the rising costs faced by businesses. The grant is intended to aid businesses but is not intended to directly compensate for all increases in wages, or other costs, for every business.

How much is the grant?
The grant is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill received by an eligible business in 2023.

– For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of <€10,000, the ICOB grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023.
– For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the ICOB grant will be €5,000.
– Businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rates bill greater than €30,000 are not eligible to receive an ICOB grant.

What businesses are eligible to receive the grant?
The following are the main qualifying criteria:

  • Your business must be a commercially trading business currently operating from a property that is commercially rateable.
  • Your business must have been trading on 1st February 2024 and you must intend to continue trading for at least three months from the date you verify your information.
  • You must provide confirmation of your bank details.
  • Your business must be rates compliant. Businesses in performing payment plans may be deemed to be compliant.
  • Your business must be tax compliant and must possess a valid Tax Registration Number (TRN).

Please note that Waterford City and County Council reserves the right to claw back any grant payment which is later found to be incorrect. This includes any circumstances such as error by the recipient business or the local authority making the payment, or where a business makes a false declaration of eligibility.

How soon can businesses avail of the grant?
An online system is being developed to manage the submission of essential information. Waterford City and County Council will write shortly to businesses with further details, including how to register and how to submit information online. The system is expected to be available in mid-March.

What is the closing date?
The closing date for businesses to confirm eligibility and to upload verification details will be 1st May 2024.

Where can I find out further information?

Further correspondence and guidance has issued in mid March with the invite letter to commercially rateable businesses about the scheme. In addition, an FAQ is available below. You should refer to the invite letter for guidance and the FAQs below prior to making your submission.

If you have queries regarding your Commercial Rates account including outstanding balances, contact Waterford City and County Council at rates@waterfordcouncil.ie. Our team are happy to discuss any balances outstanding on your rates and what steps can be taken to ensure compliance with the scheme.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City Public Infrastructure Project Update

An aerial view of Ferrybank during North Quays works

The next phase of traffic management in Ferrybank will commence on Monday 8th April 2024. It is anticipated that this works phase will take six to eight weeks to complete.

The traffic management will consist of closing the left outbound lane and reopening the right outbound lane along Fountain Street, from Rockshire Road to the Abbey Road junction. The two corresponding inbound lanes along this section of roadway will be operational during this phase of works. Access to adjacent local businesses will be maintained at all times and signage will be in place throughout these works and on all approach roads.

Waterford City and County Council appreciates the community’s continued patience and cooperation while this extensive infrastructure project progresses.

By Waterford City & County Council

Temporary Closure of former Railway Bridge/Greenway Footbridge adjacent to Civic Offices,Dungarvan

Irish Water Contractor, David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd working on behalf of Irish Water will be undertaking essential Maintenance Work on Air Valves next week from Monday April 8th. to Friday April 12th. inclusive on the footbridge adjacent to the Council Civic Offices. Through Pedestrian and Cycling Traffic will be prohibited during this period of time. Such Traffic will be diverted.

See below the Temporary Traffic Management Plan and circulated letter, showing the Diversion on both approaches to the Greenway Footway Bridge.

By Waterford City & County Council

Time-Lapse of Waterford’s North Quays works progress

Check out this amazing time-lapse footage of Waterford’s North Quays works, illustrating construction progress on the Sustainable Transport Bridge piers and the South Plaza, footage is from September 2023 right through to the end of March 2024.

Thanks to BAM for the footage.

By Waterford City & County Council

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2023

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced funding of €4.1 million to develop and enhance over 150 outdoor recreation projects.

The investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be key to enhancing our mountain trails, forest walks, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.

It will also provide a boost to local economies by attracting more visitors to our rural communities.

Up to €30,000 will be invested in each project under today’s round of funding – with a focus being placed on small scale enhancements, upgrades and repairs.

The Waterford projects being funded include:

Waterford ORIS Recipients

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“With summer just a couple of months away, I’m really pleased to announce over €4.1 million to develop over 150 outdoor recreation projects right across Rural Ireland. The investment I’m announcing today will greatly enhance the natural amenities right on our doorstep – from our walkways, mountain trails and forest walks, to our cycleways, beaches and rivers. I believe the projects receiving funding today will play an important role in attracting more visitors to our rural towns and villages. So my big message as Minister today is to get out and explore those hidden gems in your community. The clocks are going forward this weekend – a perfect reason to go on that hike or cycle and enjoy the great outdoors.”

Minister Humphreys continued:

“The Government’s Rural Development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’ and the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’, have together set the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come. The health benefits from engaging in outdoor activity combined with the economic and social benefits that can be achieved by this investment for rural Ireland, will no doubt serve us well in to the future. That is why I am making this funding available today and I look forward to making further announcement for larger scale investment in this sector in the coming weeks.”

A full list of successful projects is available here .

The announcement today will also benefit local communities with new or enhanced outdoor facilities while also helping to support local economies by continuing to offer domestic and international visitors an attractive and exciting array of outdoor amenities.

This funding will be invested in 151 outdoor recreation projects, bringing the total number of projects funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, since its establishment in 2017, to almost 1,600 nationwide.

These projects, under Measure 1, are to receive funding of up to €30,000 and will be delivered by September 2025. Further announcements of successful projects under Measures 2 and 3 of ORIS 2023 will be made in the coming weeks.

The funding announced today is in addition to the €2.3m which was announced in November 2023 for 50 projects under the Project Development Measure of ORIS.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Gilbert O’Sullivan granted Freedom of Waterford City and County

Gilbert O’Sullivan was made a Freeman of Waterford City and County at a ceremony in City Hall on Wednesday, March 27th.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway bestowed the honour on the Waterford born singer-songwriter whose career has spanned over five decades.

Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan formally proposed that the Freedom be conferred on Gilbert O’Sullivan, and the motion was seconded by Cllr. Joe Kelly.

Born on December 1st, 1946, on the Cork Road in the city, Gilbert’s family relocated to Wiltshire, and it was here that his musical journey began, playing the piano and honing his craft not through formal lessons, but playing by ear.

Gilbert’s first single Nothing Rhymed was released in 1970, an overnight success featuring in the Top 10 music charts across the UK and Europe.  His 1971 debut album Himself was littered with the most perfect examples of his art and craftsmanship. His second, 1972’s Back to Front, firmly cemented Gilbert amongst the world’s best, with Top 10 singles and No. 1’s around the world, including the classic Alone Again (Naturally) which topped the US charts for six weeks and earned him three Grammy nominations.

British recognition soon followed with the songs Clair and Get Down reaching the summit of the UK singles charts and his LP Back to Front topping the album charts.  In the same year at the 18th Ivor Novello Awards, Gilbert was named ‘Song Writer of the Year’.

Mayor Conway said “It is with great honour and pride that I, as the Mayor of Waterford City and County, extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to Gilbert O’Sullivan – a signal composer and performer from Waterford roots who has made an indelible mark on the world of modern music.

“Personally, as a fan of his work for a half-century now, I regularly enjoy his Berry Vest compilation as I drive the miles here and there – my personal favourite being the very sparse and captivating Miss my love today, but I also have a naughty chuckle still at Permissive Twit.

Mayor Conway added, “I could go on, detailing the milestones and accolades that Gilbert O’Sullivan has achieved throughout a career spanning fifty years. However, the essence of the man is captured not just in the length of his career, but in the depth of his impact on music and the hearts of those who have had the privilege to witness his journey.”

In proposing the motion Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan said, “It is a singular honour for me to propose the motion to admit Gilbert O’Sullivan to the Freedom of Waterford City and County in recognition of his enormous service to the music industry for the last fifty years.

“Waterford-born Gilbert has carved out a remarkable career with his unique blend of melody, wit, and surreal humour, earning global success and critical acclaim.”

Upon receiving Waterford’s highest accolade, Gilbert said, “I am truly honoured to be granted the Freedom of Waterford City and County.

“To be here today surrounded by family and friends is a very special moment and one I will never forget.”

The Freedom of Waterford City and County has been a coveted privilege and honour since civic government replaced military governors in 1195.  The Freedom allowed the recipient to trade freely within the city, and it was from among the freemen that members of the Council were chosen.  According to the Great Parchment Book, in order to be admitted to the freedom, one had to provide the Council with two half barges of stone, which was uses to build a wall around the city.

Honorary Freemen of Waterford include Isaac Butt, Charles Stewart Parnell, Eamon de Valera, John Tracy, Mary Robinson, Anna Manahan, Dan Mulhall, Henry de Bromhead and Prof. Louise Richardson.

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Images:  Free to use – Noel Browne

1/2/4:  Gilbert O’Sullivan and Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway

5:         Gilbert and wife Aase, with Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway

By Waterford City & County Council

Saoirse Chathair & Chontae Phort Láirge bronnta ar Gilbert O’Sullivan

Rinneadh Saorfhear de Chathair & Chontae Phort Láirge de Gilbert O’Sullivan ag searmanas i Halla na Cathrach ar an gCéadaoin, 27 Márta.

Bhronn Méara Chathair agus Chontae Phort Láirge, An Clr. Seosamh Ó Conmhuí, an onóir ar an amhránaí is scríbhneoir a rugadh i bPort Láirge agus caoga bliain caite aige sa ghairm úd.

Mhol An Clr. Lola O’Sullivan go foirmiúil go mbronnfaí Saoirse Phort Láirge ar Gilbert O’Sullivan, agus chuidigh an Clr Joe Kelly leis an rún.

Rugadh Gilbert O’Sullivan ar an 1 Nollaig, 1946 ar Bhóthar Chorcaí sa chathair, ansan d’athlonnaigh a theaghlach go Wiltshire, áit ar thosnaigh a thuras ceoil, ag seinm an phianó agus é ag cur barrfeabhais ar a cheird, ní trí cheachtanna foirmiúla, ach trí bheith ag casadh ón gcluas.

D’eisigh Gilbert a chéad singil, Nothing Rhymed sa bhliain 1970 agus rath thar oíche a bhí ann, agus é le feiceáil sna cairt cheoil ‘Top Ten’ is fearr ar fud na Ríochta Aontaithe agus na hEorpa. Bhí a chéad albam, Himself, a tháinig amach i 1971 lán de samplaí iontacha dá ealaín agus dá cheardaíocht. Chruthaigh a dara albam, Back to Front ó 1972 go raibh Gilbert i measc na n-amhránaithe is fearr ar domhan ag an am, le singil sa ‘Top Ten’ agus ag Uimhir 1 ar fud an domhain, lena n-áirítear an seoid d’amhrán, Alone Again (Naturally), a bhí ar barr chairteacha Stáit Aontaithe Meiriceá ar feadh sé seachtaine agus a thuill trí ainmniúcháin Grammy dó.

Ní fada go raibh na hamhráin Clair agus Get Down ar bharr chairteacha singil na Ríochta Aontaithe agus a albam Back to Front ag barr na gcairteacha albam. Sa bhliain chéanna ag an 18ú Gradam Ivor Novello, ainmníodh Gilbert mar ‘Chumadóir Amhrán na Bliana’.

Dúirt an Méara Ó Conmhuí, “Is cúis onóra agus bróid domsa, mar Mhéara ar Chathair agus ar Chontae Phort Láirge, fáilte chroíúil a chur roimh Gilbert O’Sullivan – cumadóir agus taibheoir le fréamhacha i bPort Láirge, a bhfuil a lorg fágtha aige ar shaol an cheoil nua-aoiseach.

Ar bhonn pearsanta, mar dhuine dá lucht leanúna le leath chéad bliain anois, bainim taitneamh as a chuid saothair, an cnuasach Berry Vest ach go háirithe, agus mé ag tiomáint na mílte anseo is ansiúd. Is breá liom Miss My Love Today, go pearsanta, amhrán atá tearc agus tarraingteach araon agus baineann Permissive Twit gáire beag dána asam i gcónaí.

Lean Méara Ó Conmhuí air, ag rá, “D’fhéadfainn leanúint ar aghaidh ag cur síos ar an méid atá bainte amach ag Gilbert O’Sullivan agus ar na gradaim atá faighte aige le linn gairme a mhair caoga bliain. Mar sin féin, tá bunús an fhir léirithe, ní hamháin i bhfad a ghairm bheatha, ach i ndoimhneacht an tionchair a bhí aige ar an gceol agus ar chroíthe na ndaoine a raibh sé de phribhléid acu dul ar an turas sin in éineacht leis.”

Agus an rún á mholadh aici, dúirt an Comhairleoir Lola O’Sullivan, “Is onóir faoi leith domsa an rún a mholadh chun Saoirse Chathair & Chontae Phort Láirge a bhronnadh ar Gilbert O’Sullivan, mar aitheantas ar a sheirbhís ollmhór do thionscal an cheoil le caoga bliain anuas.

“Tá gairm bheatha iontach bainte amach ag Gilbert, a rugadh i bPort Láirge, lena mheascán uathúil de cheolmhaireacht, d’éirim agus de ghreann, a thug rath domhanda agus ardmholadh dó.”

Agus é ag glacadh leis an onóir is airde de chuid Phort Láirge, dúirt Gilbert, “Is mór an onóir dom go bhfuil Saoirse Chathair & Chontae Phort Láirge á mbronnadh orm inniu.

“Is am speisialta é seo a bheith bailithe anseo inniu i measc mo chlann agus mo chairde agus ní dhéanfaidh mé dearmad go deo air.”

Is pribhléid agus onóir é Saoirse Chathair & Chontae Phort Láirge ó tháinig an rialtas cathartha in ionad gobharnóirí míleata sa bhliain 1195. Thug an tSaoirse cead don té a bhfuair í trádáil faoi shaoirse laistigh den chathair, agus ba as measc na saorfhear a roghnaíodh comhaltaí na Comhairle. Dar leis an Leabhar Mór Pháir, chun go ligfí isteach chun na saoirse iad, b’éigean do dhuine dhá leath báirsí cloiche a chur ar fáil don Chomhairle, rud a d’úsáidtí chun balla a thógáil timpeall na cathrach.

I measc Shaorfhir Oinigh Phort Láirge tá Isaac Butt, Charles Stewart Parnell, Éamon de Valera, John Tracy, Mary Robinson, Anna Manahan, Dan Mulhall, Henry de Bromhead agus an tOllamh Louise Richardson.

-críoch-

 

Grianghrafadóir : Noel Browne

By Waterford City & County Council

Easter Opening Times : Waterford City & County Dog Shelter

DATEHOURS
Thursday 28th March 2024Open
Friday 29th March 2024Closed
Saturday 30th March 2024Open
Sunday 31st March 2024Closed
Monday 1st April 2024Closed
Tuesday 2nd April 2024Open
By Appointment Only
Mon – Fri11.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Rural Tourism Network learning journey to the Blackwater Valley

All aboard the bus to Villierstown, Lismore, Ballyduff and Mount Melleray with plenty of intriguing stories, sights and insights along the way.

Tourism businesses and agencies from across Waterford were invited to Dungarvan on Wednesday March 20th to embark on a Learning Journey around the Blackwater Valley area of Waterford. The Learning Journey to the Blackwater Valley, funded and supported by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, is part of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network development programme.

This was the first in a series of five Learning Journeys scheduled to take place over the next two years, across all five cluster areas: Blackwater Valley, Comeragh Uplands, Copper Coast, Gaeltacht na nDéise, and Waterford Estuary.

The Learning Journey gave local businesses the opportunity to learn about tourism experiences and products located in the Blackwater Valley; connect, collaborate, gain personal learnings to help their business, cluster and the overall Waterford destination.

Participants were welcomed on to the bus and guided along their journey by Mandy Rourke of Runda Travel & Tourism Solutions and Alice O’Donoghue from Lismore Heritage Centre. The first stop of the day was Villierstown where everyone gained insights from Blackwater Eco Tours and Glamping Pods before touring the site and pods. In the village, Barbara Grubb shared the fascinating story of Dromana House and Gardens.

The next stop was Lismore Heritage Centre where participants got to see and experience what’s on offer in the Heritage Centre, from the VR Experience and escape rooms to tours and event venue.  MCG Kayaks which run tours on the Blackwater River and Peters Tours also highlighted what they had to offer.

Participants took in the sights as they travelled to Ballyduff where Caroline Senior, owner of Blackwater Distillery, spoke of her business journey and highlighted the importance of collaboration. The Storehouse, a craft shop and café, and Blackwater Valley Fishery, which offer fishing experiences in the area, informed the participants about their offerings.

Lunch in Ballyin House was next on the itinerary where owner, Caroline Fletcher, and her donkeys’ greeted guests.  Ballyin House offers afternoon tea as well as accommodation in tranquil surrounds which overlook Lismore Castle.

The last visit of the day was to the imposing Mount Melleray Abbey situated on the slopes of the Knockmealdown mountains, where participants were greeted by Fr. Richard and given an overview of the current tourism offering, which includes a café, museum and five way-marked trails, and future plans include a hostel linked to the development of Saint Declan’s Way. Saint Declan’s Way is a pilgrim walking route linking Cashel in County Tipperary and Ardmore in County Waterford which runs through Mount Melleray and the Blackwater Valley.

Gráinne Moynihan, Chairperson of Saint Declan’s Way highlighted the opportunities for businesses to develop along the 115km ancient pilgrim path.

If you would like to find out more about the Waterford Rural Tourism Network or join one of the five clusters in Waterford please email julie@runda.ie.

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By Waterford City & County Council

RTE’s Tracks & Trails takes a hike in Waterford

Tracks & Trails returns for its 11th Season as six presenters travel across trails in Waterford, Offaly, Monaghan and Tyrone, Kerry, Kilkenny and Tipperary, exploring natural landscapes along some of the most beautiful trails on the island of Ireland.

In its first episode, to be aired on Friday April 5th, crime journalist and podcaster Nicola Tallant takes on the challenge of the Comeragh Mountains and a leisurelier hike in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.

Nicola’s first challenge is Boolas Loop in the Comeragh Mountains, a magnificent 10km wild and rocky loop, revealing rolling landscapes as well as hidden mountain lakes known as Boolas.

For her second walk, Nicola follows a cliff top trail starting out from the picturesque seaside village of Dunmore East.  This 7.5km linear coastal route has everything a coastal walk should have; dramatic headlands, vast ocean views, and plenty of tales of smuggling and old sea legends. Nicola also visits the three pretty coves which are found along this trail; Portally Cove, Rathmoylan Cove and finally Ballymacaw Cove.

Johnny Brunnock, Trails Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “We’re delighted that Waterford’s picturesque, diverse, challenging and invigorating trails are highlighted in the show.

“Nicola chose two very different walks.  The Boolas Loop is a rocky, steep loop that requires a little more gumption and fortitude to undertake, but the reward is breath taking views of the Comeraghs, whereas the Dunmore East cliff walk is a more relaxed, wandering coastal trail starting at one of the prettiest coastal villages in Ireland and uncovering an exciting story of pirate trade from years ago.”

Tracks & Trails will put the spotlight on our outdoors and discover what is on offer in abundance on trails all over the country.  The series will showcase established national waymarked trails, including St Declan’s Way, the Monaghan Way, the East Leinster way, The Royal Canal Greenway, The Kerry Way, and well-trodden riverside and cliffside paths.

For further details on Waterford’s wonderful recreational walking and cycling trails visit https://visitwaterford.com/trails/

Tracks & Trails Episode One featuring Nicola Tallant will be broadcast on RTE1 on Friday, April 5th.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Meabhrúchán : Scéim Athnuachana Bailte & Sráidbhailte 2024 Léiriú Spéise

Town & Village Renewal logoRiarfaidh Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge Scéim Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte 2024, arna maoiniú ag an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail. Maoinítear an Scéim Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte faoi Thionscadal Éireann 2040 agus is príomhthionscnamh í de chuid Ár dTodhchaí Tuaithe — Beartas Forbartha Tuaithe na hÉireann 2021-2025. Tá cuspóirí Scéim Athnuachana na mBailte agus na Sráidbhailte 2024 dírithe ar ailíniú a dhéanamh leis na gealltanais laistigh dár gcáipéisÍ pholasaí Ár dTodhchaí Tuaithe agus Tús Áite do Lár an Bhaile.

Tá an Scéim Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte dírithe ar a chinntiú go bhforbrófar bailte agus sráidbhailte tuaithe i bPort Láirge agus áiteanna níos tarraingtí a dhéanamh díobh chun cónaí agus oibriú iontu agus chun a n-acmhainneacht eacnamaíoch a mhéadú.

Tá léirithe spéise ó bhailte agus ó shráidbhailte á lorg anois ag Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge chun tionscadail oiriúnacha a mhaoiniú faoin tionscnamh seo. Is féidir foirm léirithe spéise agus sonraí faoi imlíne na Scéime a fháil trí ríomhphost a chur chuig townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie agus tá foirmeacha léirithe spéise comhlánaithe le seoladh ar ais roimh 5.00i.n. Dé hAoine 19 Aibreán 2024.

Beidh gach iarratas faoi réir próiseas roghnúcháin a úsáideann Critéir Náisiúnta. Forbrófar iarratais léirithe spéise roghnaithe ina dtairiscintí mionsonraithe lena mbreithniú do Scéim
Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte 2024.

By Waterford City & County Council

Supporting Waterford Communities Fund 2024 recipients

Waterford City and County Council, at its plenary meeting on 14th March 2024, approved the attached allocations under the Supporting Waterford Communities Fund 2024. There are a total of 288 recipients of the scheme.

The funding was available to residents associations, community groups and sports clubs which are engaged in providing community services or carrying out improvement works to local communities.  The initiative provides funding to support groups, with their running costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements of local facilities. Groups can use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment.

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