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By Waterford City & County Council

A Trail of Light: New Tourism Horizons beckon for Waterford as “City of Lights” project launched

As dusk fell on November 30th, Waterford City transitioned into a vibrant spectacle of light and colour with the official launch of the “City of Lights” project.

An initiative by Waterford City and County Council, funded by Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animation Investment Scheme, this innovative project is set to illuminate the city’s iconic buildings and medieval walls at 19 strategic locations, promising a transformative experience for residents and visitors alike.

The “City of Lights” is a ground-breaking project designed to strengthen Waterford’s position as a key tourist destination.

By creating a trail of light connecting significant historic attractions and city zones, Waterford invites adventurers and culture enthusiasts to discover the city’s rich heritage. The illumination of buildings along the trail aims to extend visitor stays into the evening, capitalizing on the enhanced beauty and ambiance of our historical sites.

The light trail connects the four main areas of the city: the historical Viking Triangle, the vibrant Apple Market and City walls beyond, the retail spine, and the Cultural Quarter. This luminous trail unites these diverse districts, inviting all to explore their unique charm under the captivating glow of the night.

Speaking at the launch of this exciting project, Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “As we unveil the ‘City of Lights’ today, we’re not just switching on lights; we’re illuminating a new chapter in Waterford’s storied history.  This project is a testament to the Council’s dedication to heritage and innovation, casting our ancient city walls and architecturally noteworthy buildings in a transformative light. It’s shining a spotlight on our city’s charm and inviting the world to wander our streets anew.”

Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, Orla Carroll said, “We’re so pleased to see the launch of the spectacular ‘City of Lights’ trail today. Animating urban areas is essential to transforming and re-imagining our public spaces as safe, welcoming and vibrant places to visit. Fáilte Ireland’s ongoing work in partnership with Waterford City and County Council focuses on developing new and unique reasons for people from at home and abroad to visit Waterford, and ‘City of Lights’ is a perfect example of this. Experiences like this will encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more and immerse themselves in the history, heritage and culture of Ireland’s oldest city.”

Understanding the importance of safety in urban exploration, the “City of Lights” enhances the sense of security for those venturing after dark. The strategically placed lighting fixtures not only serve to showcase Waterford’s architectural marvels but also contribute to a safer, more inviting night-time environment.

With the night-time economy in mind, this scheme unlocks the potential for new nocturnal tours and experiences. Visitors are encouraged to roam the illuminated pathways, engaging with the city’s stories and spaces in a novel way. The programmable lighting infrastructure also promises an array of visual spectacles during city festivals, ensuring that every visit to Waterford can offer a new and exciting narrative.

A Canvas for Innovation and Collaboration

Moreover, the “City of Lights” isn’t just a static display. It’s an opportunity for innovative projector designs that can evolve throughout the year. Collaborating with artists, these projections promise a dynamic canvas, where creativity and storytelling merge, offering a constantly changing visual narrative for all who traverse the city’s illuminated paths.

Project Manager with Waterford City and County Council, Ali Jay, added, “The ‘City of Lights’ represents a pivotal moment for Waterford, blending technology, history, and artistry. Our team has meticulously designed this trail of light to create immersive experiences, connecting the city’s historical treasures with the present.  Through this trail, generously backed by Fáilte Ireland funding, we’ve created a view into our rich past and vibrant present, promising a brighter future for all of Waterford.  This project will extend visitor engagement and enrich their experience into the evening hours. It’s a step towards a dynamic, safe, and visually appealling urban offering.”

Illuminating Heritage: A Beacon for History

Beyond the aesthetic enhancements, the “City of Lights” stands as a beacon, drawing attention to Waterford’s underappreciated historical assets. From the 15th century Beach Tower to the prominent French Tower, each beam of light serves as a tribute to Waterford’s storied past, bringing awareness and appreciation to the medieval city walls and other venerable structures.

As Waterford prepares to shine under the “City of Lights,” the Local Authority, alongside Fáilte Ireland, looks forward to welcoming all to a brighter and more resplendent urban experience.

By Waterford City & County Council

RIAI recognises Rupert Maddock for contribution to architecture

The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has awarded the RIAI Gandon Medal to Rupert Maddock, BArch, MLA, FRIAI, for his contribution to the advancement of architecture.

The Gandon Medal is a lifetime achievement award that recognises a sustained output of quality of work over many years, and was presented by RIAI President Charlotte Sheridan MRIAI at a special reception at RIAI HQ in Merrion Square, Dublin on Thursday, November 30th, saying, “I am delighted to be awarding Rupert Maddock the RIAI Gandon Medal in recognition of his exceptional achievement in public practice, and the role he played in revitalising Waterford city, towns, and villages in the county.”

Rupert has enjoyed a long and rewarding career in architecture, having recently retired as City and County Architect with Waterford City and County Council.

A graduate of UCD and University of Pennsylvania, Rupert’s career has spanned over 40 years.  He joined the then Waterford Corporation in 1997.

Leading the Projects Team within the Economic Development and Planning Departments, the team has provided award-winning in-house architectural services to the Local Authority.

Transformational public realm projects, spearheaded by Rupert include the Millennium Project, which entailed the design of the William Vincent Plaza, and the design of John Roberts Square, creating a pedestrianised, decluttered and multi-purpose destination public realm space.

In addition to projects such as the redesign, development and conservation of the People’s Park, the Clock Tower, the Franciscan Friary and Mount Congreve, Rupert’s passion and undoubted forte is the preservation of Waterford’s rich history and heritage.

Under his tenure, Waterford has cultivated an enviable portfolio of museums, under the Waterford Treasures collective, which includes the Medieval Museum, The Bishop’s Palace, The Irish Museum of Time, the Irish Silver Museum and the latest addition, The Irish Wake Museum.

The Medieval Museum has received prestigious national and international accolades including the RIAI Irish Architecture Award for Best Public Building, the International UK Civic Trust Award and the EU prize for Contemporary Architecture, the Mies van der Rohe Award.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, paid tribute to Rupert on his achievement.  “For Rupert to be recognised by his peers for his contribution to architecture is only fitting.  Rupert’s dedication, vision and design ability have helped to transform Waterford to a best-in-class vibrant, accessible and rich city.

“He and his team have delivered almost thirty major projects that have had a tangible and positive impact on the lives of the people of Waterford.  From public realm works, to art installations and housing schemes, Rupert has played a key role in making design quality a key driver in all aspects of the cultural and economic development of the city and county.

“Rupert’s contribution has enriched the lives of the people of Waterford, and I would like to congratulate him on this outstanding achievement and thank him for his exceptional service with Waterford City and County Council.”

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Image attached:

Rupert Maddock receiving the James Gandon Medal from RIAI President Charlotte Sheridan MRIAI (Image: WCCC)

Rupert Maddock was honoured with the Gandon Medal for Lifetime Achievement at the RIAI (Image: Conor Healy)

About the RIAI James Gandon Medal:The RIAI introduced the James Gandon Medal in 2011 and each President of the RIAI has the honour of selecting a recipient for the Medal during their two-year term of office.

Previous winners of the Gandon Medal were Shane de Blacam and the late Jonn Meagher (1947-2021); Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara of Grafton Architects; James Pike of OMP Architects; Des McMahon of Gilroy McMahon Architects; Dr Ronnie Tallon of Scott Tallon Walker Architects; and the US-based Irish architect Kevin Roche.

By Waterford City & County Council

Works progressing well on North Quays Infrastructure Project

It’s almost a year to the day since Waterford City and County Council and BAM entered into contract for the construction of the new integrated transport hub at the North Quays, a sustainable transport bridge, as well as enhanced multi-modal access infrastructure.

In the twelve months since contracts were exchanged works have been progressing well and are scheduled to be complete in 2025.  That progress is very evident on the ground, with works continuing in all areas of the site and construction cranes dotting the skyline.

Two of the cofferdams required for the foundations of the Sustainable Transport Bridge are now substantially complete and these works will continue in 2024. The piers require the construction of four cofferdams, a watertight enclosure to allow construction work below the waterline. The cofferdams are created by driving interlocking piles through the bed of the River Suir to form the watertight enclosures. The water is then pumped out of the cofferdam to create a dry workspace to facilitate the construction of the pier foundations.

Meanwhile the steel superstructure for the bridge is being fabricated in Belgium and will be transported to Waterford to be lifted into position once the foundations and piers are complete.  Works have also commenced on the Southern landing point with sheet piling works visible from the South Quays.

Piling and foundations for the new Public Transport Hub and rail platforms are also close to completion and the construction of the main building block is underway.

Five new access bridges that will provide multi-modal access over the rail corridors providing connectivity between the Ferrybank area, the Greenway corridor, Public Transport Hub, Sustainable Transport Bridge, and the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) development are simultaneously under construction.

Commenting on the programme of works, Michael Quinn, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council said, “The North Quays Infrastructure project is advancing on time and on budget. In the space of a year the volume and scale of works is very apparent with activity to the North of the Strategic Development Zone site, the South Plaza and in the River Suir.”

“While roadworks and associated traffic management continue to operate on Dock Road in Ferrybank, and are being managed to minimise delays and disruption, Waterford City and County Council appreciates the public’s cooperation during the construction phase, and we will endeavour to continue to engage actively and directly with local communities and stakeholders.”

Mark Phelan, Construction Director with BAM added, “’We are delighted with the progress on this project, which stems from the collaboration with Waterford City and County Council, the design team ROD, our supply chain partners, our workforce and the local community working together as a team.

“We are also pleased to be collaborating with South East Technological University (SETU) in using the project as a living laboratory for SETU students via our ‘Building a Bridge to Education’ programme to enrich their hands-on construction experience in parallel to their academic modules.

“We are committed to delivering this project in a sustainable way that will boost the quality of life, the economy, and the sustainability of the region, and are very satisfied that our sustainability initiatives on the project are yielding positive results.”

Separately, the works contracts for the relocation of the Ferrybank Pump Station will be complete in early 2024. An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the Western Rail Flood Defence and Integrated Drainage System in February this year.

The overall 2.4km system will provide flood protection for both existing and new rail infrastructure and make it climate resilient into the future. The design of the system is being advanced, and construction will commence in 2024.

Harcourt Developments are currently finalising their planning scheme for the private SDZ development for submission to Waterford City & County Council. The mixed-use development will include significant residential accommodation, as well as office and hotel accommodation, retail offerings and high-quality public realm spaces. Construction of the private SDZ development is anticipated to start in 2024.

Harcourt Developments is a Dublin-based property development and management company with a broad portfolio of award-winning projects.

Their portfolio boasts Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, Northern Ireland’s most important regeneration project.  Located in the world-famous birthplace of Titanic and home to the Game of Thrones television production, Titanic Quarter is a vibrant, mixed-use scheme with over 1.8 million sq.ft. (140,000 sqm.) of commercial space, plus residential, retail, and hospitality and tourism spaces. Titanic Belfast is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Published: Agenda for Statutory Budget Meeting 2024

Our Statutory Budget Meeting Agenda for 2024 has been published, and will be discussed at the Plenary Meeting of Waterford City and County Council, to be held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford on Tuesday 28th November, 2023 at 2:00p.m

You can access the full agenda at the Waterford Council website or directly via this link:

By Waterford City & County Council

€100,000 in Outdoor Recreation Funding Announced for Waterford

On Tuesday, November 21st, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys announced funding of almost €2.3 million nationally to support the development of 50 outdoor adventure projects across Ireland.

The investment under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) will be key to enhancing outdoor amenities such as our walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.

As part of this announcement two Waterford projects received a very welcome funding boost; Blackwater River Valley Outdoor Recreation Plan and Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Management Plan.

The Project Development Measures will fund the preparatory work required to bring large scale outdoor recreation projects to a shovel-ready stage.

Each project will receive €50,000 in funding under this round of ORIS funding with a minimum of a further 10% in funding being contributed by Waterford City and County Council. It is envisaged that the projects will be implemented in 2024.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway welcomed the funding announcement saying, “This funding announcement is significant for Waterford, as it will drive the impetus to bring these two large-scale projects to fruition.

“Waterford’s successful projects are located within two areas of outstanding scenic beauty namely the Blackwater River Valley and the Comeragh Mountains, and the development of these high quality recreation opportunities will only serve to enhance the areas and the communities within.”

Blackwater River Valley Outdoor Recreation entails the design of improved river access points to facilitate water-based activities at Ballyduff Upper and Lismore to include developing designs to planning stage, environmental assessments and submission of the resultant planning application. This work will build on a feasibility which was undertaken in 2022 to look at the potential of the Blackwater River Valley for Blueway, water trail and related land based outdoor recreation opportunities. It will also greatly add to ongoing projects in both Cappoquin and Villierstown seeking to enhance access to the River Blackwater for recreation.

Comeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Management Plan will see the development and management of high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities in the Comeragh Mountains focusing on core environmental, conservation, landscape, and socio-economic factors.

Widespread stakeholder and community engagement are planned as part of the preparation of this plan which will be consistent with objectives contained within the Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022 to 2028.

Similar to the River Blackwater project, the process of preparing the plan will very much consider the unique characteristics of this wonderful upland landscape.

The Rural Economic Development team in Waterford City and County Council looks forward to working with the local communities on these exciting projects in 2024.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Notice of Local Authority Budget 2024

Notice is hereby given that the Budget of Waterford City and County Council for the Financial Year ending 31st December 2024 has been prepared and will be considered by the Waterford City and County Council at the Budget Meeting to be held at 2.00 p.m. on Tuesday 28th November 2023 at City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.

A copy of same can be inspected free of charge by any member of the public at the Customer Services Desks, Baileys New Street, Waterford and Davitts Quay, Dungarvan,
Co. Waterford while the offices are open for the transaction of official business.

A copy of the Budget of Expenses will be supplied to any person making application at a price of €5

Michael Walsh
Chief Executive,
Waterford City & County Council.

By Waterford City & County Council

Fógra Maidir le Buiséad an Údaráis Áitiúil

Tugtar fógra leis seo gur ullmhaíodh Buiséad Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge don Bhliain Airgeadais dar críoch 31 Nollaig 2024 agus go mbreithneoidh Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge é ag an gCruinniú Buiséid
a thionólfar ar 2.00 i.n. Dé Máirt 28 Samhain 2023 i Halla na Cathrach, An Meal, Port Láirge.

Is féidir le duine ar bith den phobal cóip den mbuiséad a iniúchadh saor in aisce ag Deasca Seirbhísí Custaiméirí, Sráid Nua Bailey, Port Láirge agus Cé Dháibhéid, Dún Garbhán, Co. Phort Láirge fad is atá na hoifigí ar oscailt chun gnó oifigiúil a dhéanamh.

Cuirfear cóip de Bhuiséad na gCostas ar fáil d’aon duine a dhéanann iarratas ar phraghas €5

Michael Walsh
Príomhfheidhmeannach,
Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge

By Waterford City & County Council

Dungarvan to Light Up for Christmas!

Dungarvan can expect a very special visit from the ‘man himself’ as Santa is due to switch on Dungarvan’s Christmas lights on Sunday, November 26th.

Dungarvan Shopping Centre, in association with Waterford City and County Council, has compiled a festive programme in the lead up to the big event.

Making his grand entrance in a fire engine, Santa will be escorted by local Vespa club, Only Fools and Scooters, and met by the Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Declan Doocey.

Commenting on the event, Gerry O’Connor, Manager Dungarvan Shopping Centre, said we’re delighted to partner with Waterford City and County Council to light up Dungarvan for the festive season.

“Dungarvan looks great throughout the year.  It really is the perfect destination for shopping, leisure or for a bite to eat, but when the lights go on, there is a fantastic festive atmosphere.

There is lots of activity planned in the Plaza and Grattan Square and it really is the perfect time to bring the family into town, young and old, to soak up the wonderful Christmas ambience.”

Santa will arrive in Grattan Square in a fire engine and make his way to the Plaza to meet the Deputy Mayor, of Waterford City and County where he and the winner of the Christmas colouring competition in the Dungarvan Leader will switch on the Christmas lights at approximately 5pm.”

WLRfm will be broadcasting live from 3pm to 6pm with Andy McCloskey and there will be loads of prizes and giveaways.  There’ll also be a Christmas Carousel in the Plaza to keep the youngsters entertained throughout the evening.

  • Santa’s arrival in Grattan Square – 4.15pm
  • Switching on of Christmas Lights on the Plaza – approx. 5pm

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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council seeks Expressions of Interest (EoI) for Ardmore Affordable Housing Scheme

Waterford City and County Council is actively considering the development of an affordable housing scheme at Ardmore, Co. Waterford.  Initially, the Local Authority is assessing the viability of, and the need for such a scheme in the area.

The Local Authority Affordable Housing Scheme provides for Local Authorities to make new homes available at a reduced price for first-time buyers whose mortgage and deposit will not cover the price of the home and who are seeking to purchase a newly-built home.

If you are a first-time buyer, unable to get a mortgage for a new home in the Ardmore area, the affordable housing scheme will provide for:

  • The purchase of a home using the income capacity of the purchaser(s) and the maximum mortgage available to them.
  • The Local Authority to take an equity stake in the home to cover the shortfall in the price to a maximum of 40% and a minimum of 5% which can be redeemed at any stage in the future or may be left in place until a future sale of the property.

While the final purchase price of the affordable housing has yet to be determined, the scheme will be targeted at those who cannot access social housing supports and cannot afford to purchase a property on the private market.

If you consider that you may qualify and are interested in declaring an interest provisionally at this point, you are invited to complete an Expression of Interest online survey, subject to the important information contained within the survey and acceptance of the terms outlined in it.

To complete the Expression of Interest online survey, visit Waterford City & County Council (submit.com)

The survey will remain open until 4pm, Sunday December 31st, 2023.

For further information about the Admore Affordable Housing Scheme (EoI) email affordablehomes@waterfordcouncil.ie

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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council calls for dog owners to bag it and bin it!

Dog owners of Waterford are being urged to clean up their dog’s waste by bagging it and binning it!

Not only is dog poo unsightly and smelly, but it can also pose a health hazard. Dog poo on our streets, parks, trails and beaches can cause illness and lead to the spread of disease, as it contains harmful bacteria such as E-coli and parasites like roundworm. Not only this, but it can cause serious kidney disorders, diarrhoea, intestinal illnesses, and cramps.

Parents with buggies, children, and vulnerable groups such as wheelchair users and the visually impaired, are particularly susceptible to stepping in or wheeling through dog poo, and being at risk of these health implications, not to mention the unpleasantness and inconvenience of getting poo on shoes, hands or wheels.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “The majority of dog owners and dog walkers are responsible and ensure that they clean up after their pets.  However, there is a minority that believes their dog waste is not their responsibility.”

“The consequences of not bagging, binning or bringing it home are not pleasant.  Dog poo and discarded poo bags are a blight on the landscape, they spoil our wonderful natural amenities, and they are harmful to people and wildlife.”

By simply ensuring we all clean up after our dogs, we protect our community and our environment.”

Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer, with Waterford City and County Council added, “Dog waste should be bagged immediately and can be discarded in any public bin.  If there is no public bin in the vicinity of the walk, it should be brought home and disposed of in a suitable sanitary manner.

“Often is the case, some owners will bag it, but then leave the bags on trees or on walkways, which is unsightly and has a detrimental effect on the environment. Discarded poo bags are a threat to wildlife through ingestion and entanglement, and can end up in our rivers and lakes, causing further damage to our marine life…the consequences of which will be felt for generations to come.”

Waterford City and County Council encourages all dog owners to make the right decision and clean up after their pooches to protect our communities, our wildlife and our outdoor spaces.

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Images: Free to use (WCCC)

  • Lydia O’Connor (WCCC) and Peaches, Niall Kane Senior Executive Engineer (WCCC) and Ivy, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway and Ella Ryan Environmental Awareness Officer (WCCC) with Bess.
  • Ella Ryan Environmental Awareness Officer (WCCC), Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway and Niall Kane Senior Executive Engineer (WCCC) with Bess and Ivy.

By Waterford City & County Council

Mount Congreve Gardens listed by Conde Nast Traveller in their ‘Best Place To Go’ 2024

The prestigious international travel magazine ‘Conde Nast Traveller’ has zoned in on Mount Congreve for their ‘Best Place To Go in the UK & Ireland’ 2024 listing.

Conde Nast says of the list, “At the end of each year, we look ahead to what’s coming next in the travel world as we pick out the top destinations we’d recommend to our fellow globetrotters for the following 12 months. Our expert contributors nominate the destinations that are on the up right now. These nominations make up the Best Places To Go in 2024, in which we shine a light on the places that are due their moment in the sun.”

They go on to say, “This list is an edit of the regions, cities and neighbourhoods in the UK and Ireland that are worthy of your time and attention in the next 12 months. All 12 destinations are places we’re excited about recommending for your 2024 plans – 12 spots that should be on your radar when it comes to plotting your all-important annual leave, and which will hopefully remind you that some of the most beautiful places in the world are right here on home turf. Happy travels.”

Of the 12 places on the list ‘Waterford & Wexford’ are cited together as a Southeast travel destination. It is the only Irish inclusion.

The listing details the newly refurbished Loftus Hall and its imminent opening, the oldest intact operating lighthouse in the world – Hook Lighthouse, Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore and the delicious seafood at The Beach House in Tramore and the magnificent Mount Congreve House and Gardens.

Conde Nast contributor Aoife O’Riordan says, “Hop over the border to County Waterford and the recently restored Mount Congreve House, another palatial pile, overlooking the River Suir with dreamy gardens and a café run by The Pantry at CLIFF, a spin-off of Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore. When the gates close, you will have the gardens all to yourself if you bed down at Mount Congreve’s fairytale gate lodge, which is available to rent, and the Waterford Greenway, an off-road hiking and biking trail along a disused railway line between Waterford City and Dungarvan, passes right by the edge of the estate.”

Sara Dolan, Commercial Director at Mount Congreve Trust says, “We are absolutely thrilled to be listed in the Conde Nast top 2024 recommendations. We know that this guide and any list they produce is very discerning, so it is a dream come true to be selected and featured, especially in the first year of our opening.

All of the team at Mount Congreve have worked very hard to achieve and deliver a very high standard of hospitality right across the gardens, the café, the house, the gate lodge and for our events so it is a wonderful acknowledgement of their hard work.

We have some more very exciting plans and further estate developments planned for 2024, so we won’t be sitting on the garden laurels but moving on and pushing ahead to achieve even more in year two of the new chapter of the estate.”

Earlier this month Mount Congreve Gardens also won the ‘Best Visitor Attraction’ as the Georgina Campbell Awards and Mount Congreve Gardens has been selected as a winner in the 2023 World Garden Awards, the presentation of this award takes place next week.

Mount Congreve House was officially opened to the public earlier this year, following capital funding from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, Fáilte Ireland and €1.2million funding from Waterford City and County Council.

Mount Congreve Gardens along with the Stables Café and its onsite estate accommodation is open year-round. For further details see www.mountcongreve.com

The full Conde Nast list can be read here: https://www.cntraveller.com/article/best-places-to-go-in-uk-and-ireland-2024

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