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Waterford City & County Council

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By Waterford City & County Council

Public Consultation: Villierstown Quay Enhancement Works

Villierstown Quay Enhancement Works
Waterford City and County Council invites your input on proposed enhancement works for Villierstown Quay, including improved access to the River Blackwater, upgraded recreational facilities, and landscape improvements.

This project aims to boost local amenities, enhance health and wellbeing, and support sustainable tourism in the area.

Submit your views and feedback by visiting: https://consult.waterfordcouncil.ie – closing date is February 5th 2025.

#PublicConsultation #Waterford

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council North Quays Update December 2024

Over the course of the year, significant progress is evident on the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project. The works include a public transport hub including the relocation of Waterford train station to the North Quays and a sustainable transport bridge, which will link the relocated train station to new walking and cycling infrastructure. 

The public infrastructure works are funded with a public investment of €207m, including €100.6m of Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) funding and following cabinet approval, a further €70m from the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Sustainable Transport Bridge

The river foundation works for the sustainable transport bridge are largely complete.  This includes the permanent concrete river piers and abutments, and four large temporary steel support frames have also been installed in the river between the permanent piers.

The manufacture of the steel bridge deck is ongoing in Belgium and when the six bridge deck sections arrive on site next year, they will be temporarily supported and balanced on these support frames until they are correctly aligned and connected to each other and fixed to the permanent piers and abutments underneath. The temporary steel support frames will then be removed

Permanent pier protection systems are currently being constructed in the river upstream and downstream of the bridge. All river vessels will navigate through the central opening bridge span and the pier protection system protects the bridge from accidental collisions.

The steel deck superstructure has been fabricated and painted in Ghent, Belgium and the final fit out of the automated mechanical and electrical components for the opening spans of the bridge is ongoing. Upon completion, the individual deck sections will be transported by sea barge to Waterford. The transport of the deck sections by sea is itself a significant engineering and logistical challenge. The separate deck sections weigh up to 300 tonnes and will be lifted by self-propelled platform trucks onto sea barges which will then be towed by canal from Ghent out to the North Sea en route to Waterford.

A large 900 tonne, 60m high, floating sheerleg crane will also travel by sea from Belgium to complete the lifting and installation in Waterford. The route via the North Sea, English Channel and Celtic Sea is prone to strong winter storms and the journey will be made in 2025 under more favourable weather conditions. The arrival of the large deck sections and floating crane up the River Suir and the on-site installation works next Spring will be a significant milestone for the project and the City and will be visible from various vantage points on the South Quays.

Ferrybank Infrastructure Works

The works in the vicinity of Dock Road, Fountain Street and Abbey Road will be completed in phases over the coming six months. The roadworks along Dock Road and Fountain Street continue to progress under traffic management for the construction and installation of new footpaths, drainage, surfacing, services, junctions, lighting, signage and road markings. The signalised junctions at Rockshire Road and Abbey Road will continue to operate under temporary traffic management for the coming months while these works are completed.

The new realigned Abbey Road is now open under traffic management and new access arrangements for the schools and other services on Abbey Road are in place. These include a new dedicated school set-down area for the Good Counsel National School. Works on footpaths, crossings, entrances, accommodation works, services etc. is continuing and temporary traffic management measure will remain in operation.

The integration of high quality, safe and accessible pedestrian and cycling facilities is a key deliverable for the Ferrybank works. The works will connect with the South East greenway which runs from New Ross to Ferrybank and is currently under construction by Kilkenny and Wexford County Councils.

The current phase of project works will extend the greenway to the front of the new train station, thereby contributing to the delivery of the multi-modal transport hub for rail, bus, active travel, taxi and private car users. Two new greenway overbridges are nearing completion and cycle access lanes are being constructed to directly connect the new greenway with Abbey Road. The completion of these connecting works will facilitate the opening of this section of the South East greenway in Q2 next year.

Transport Hub & Railway Flood Defences

The roof of the train station is currently being completed and works to the internal layout are also ongoing, including the first fix of mechanical and electrical works. The train station building incorporates a pedestrian footbridge and concourse area over the railway tracks which is integrated with the main ticketing office, conveniences and public waiting areas.

Works to the public plaza and set-down areas outside the train station will commence in Q1 of 2025. The construction of a separate footbridge over the rail tracks at Dock Road to the west of the railway platforms that aligned with the Sustainable Transport Bridge has also commenced.

A new flood defence and drainage system for the rail corridor will commence construction early in 2025 as part of the North Quays project. This system will protect the existing and new rail infrastructure from the increasing impacts of flooding and climate change, delivering future proofed and climate resilient commuter and freight rail services for Waterford City and Waterford Port.

For further information visit https://waterfordnorthquays.ie/

By Waterford City & County Council

Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre Bookings

Book now

Booking requests for the Town Hall Theatre, Dungarvan are now open for applications for the period 1/2/2025 to 31/1/2026.

All submissions must be made online via the official booking form at https://bit.ly/TownHallTheatre

All requests received on or before 12 noon on Monday 6th January 2025 will be responded to during January and decisions given so that people can plan their artistic calendar.  Requests received after that will be considered on a case by case basis subject to availability.

By Waterford City & County Council

New Pathway Enhances Community Life in Dungarvan

Dungarvan is celebrating the success of a new Active Travel scheme that is transforming how local people go about their daily journeys.

The Tournore Permeability Scheme, developed by the Active Travel team at Waterford City and County Council, has bridged a critical gap between the Tournore housing development area and the Clonea Road and adjacent Waterford Greenway.

The new pathway is benefitting residents of Tournore Court, Tournore Park and White Strand housing estates. It offers faster, safe and more convenient access to local shops, schools and other services including a new bus stop being installed on the Clonea Road, and the ever-popular Greenway. By creating this vital link, the scheme has not only improved accessibility but also inspired a shift toward Active Travel in the area.

Residents report a noticeable increase in social interaction as more people enjoy walking and cycling along the route. Parents are increasingly seen walking their children to Sesame Early Years Specialist Day Service, located adjacent to the pathway, enjoying the ease and safety the new route provides.

“The new pathway has been a fantastic addition for the children who attend our day service, their families and for our staff. It offers safe and convenient access for everyone and encourages more families to walk to the day service. It is wonderful to see the excitement on the kids’ faces as they enjoy a more active start to their day,” Julie Mulcahy, Coordinator at the Sesame Early Years Specialist Day Service, said.

As part of the scheme, accommodation works including upgraded junctions, enhancement works to the footpaths and the amenity area, and new street lighting have made the area more attractive and inviting.

Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer at Waterford City and County Council added, “This project reflects the ongoing commitment of Waterford City and County Council to foster healthier, more connected communities through Active Travel initiatives. The Tournore Permeability Scheme is a shining example of how infrastructure improvements can enrich daily life while promoting environmental sustainability.”

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Photo captions:

1 and 2. Photos of completed Tournore Permeability Scheme.

3. Sesame Early Years Specialist Day Service children and staff members Melissa, Kitti and Dearbhla with Ray McGrath (Waterford Older People’s Council chairperson), Thomas Shaw Hamilton (Waterford Sports Partnership) and Susan Whelan and her new puppy.

4. Sesame Early Years Specialist Day Service children and staff members Melissa, Kitti and Dearbhla.

By Waterford City & County Council

Storm Darragh Status Orange Weather Warning extended

Orange Weather Warning

Met Éireann has extended a Status Orange wind warning for Waterford which comes into effect at 8pm this evening (Friday, December 6th) until 10am tomorrow (Saturday, December 7th).

Waterford will also be under a Status Yellow wind warning from 3pm today until 3pm tomorrow.

Storm Darragh will bring heavy rain and strong and gusty northwest winds, potentially leading to large coastal waves with waves overtopping, difficult travelling conditions, damage to temporary structures, fallen trees, localised flooding, disruption to services and damage to power lines.

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team attended a virtual Met Éireann Technical Briefing this morning and is advising the public that Storm Darragh will be an impactful event and is expected to bring disruption throughout the night.

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise caution during the duration of these weather warnings.

“Storm Darragh will bring heavy rain and extremely strong and gusty winds, making for difficult travelling conditions.  We would advise the public to exercise caution and only travel if necessary. Motorists should slow down, allow extra time for journeys and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees, branches and debris.

“With reduced visibility we would urge all motorists to be mindful of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians and be aware that high sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.”

Mr. Hynes also advised that outdoor items such as garden furniture, trampolines, waste bins and Christmas decorations should be secured or stored safely.

“There may also be a risk of wave overtopping so we would urge the public to stay away from coastal areas for the duration of these Met Éireann warnings,” Mr. Hynes added.

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team is monitoring the situation to ensure all necessary arrangements are put in place, with Council ground crews on stand-by to deal with any issues that may arise.

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

Please note the following emergency contact numbers:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050

Key Public safety messages for Storm Darragh:

  • The public is advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
  • Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g. cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris as trees are in full leaf.
  • There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, the storm may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations.
  • People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
  • Driving conditions will be hazardous throughout the weekend. Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving.
  • Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
  • ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Draft Waterford City & County Council Noise Action Plan 2024 – 2028

Draft Waterford City & County Council Noise Action Plan 2024 – 2028

Waterford City and County Council invites submissions from the public on the draft Noise Action Plan 2024-2028, prepared under S.I. No. 549 of 2018 (as amended), to address noise from major transport sources.

This is a strategic plan to address noise from major roads in Waterford. The plan excludes noise from domestic activities, noise created by neighbours, noise at workplaces or noise inside a means of transport or due to military activities in military areas.

The main purpose of the plan is to inform and consult the public about exposure to noise from major roads and the corrective measures that may be considered to address these issues.

The draft plan will be available for inspection during normal opening hours 9.30 am to 4.00 pm at the following locations for a period of six weeks beginning on 4th December, 2024 to 15th January, 2025.

Submissions on the draft Noise Action Plan may be made either:

  • Electronically via this form, labelled “Make Submission”
  • or in writing (marked Draft Noise Action Plan) to: Aideen Jacob, Administrative Officer, Roads Section, Waterford City and County Council, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford.

Submissions must be made in writing no later than 4:00pm on Wednesday the 29th January 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be in one medium only i.e. online or hard copy. Submissions should include your name and email address and where relevant, details of any organisation, community group etc. you represent.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford’s plans for Heritage-led regeneration

Waterford's plans for Heritage-led regenerationLast month, Irish Local Authorities joined the European Urban Initiative Capacity Building team in Limerick for a training session on how to better integrate the New European Bauhaus values of aesthetics, sustainability, and participation into projects and urban strategies from the early stages of development.

Through THRIVE, Irish cities can receive funding for the design and implementation of regeneration projects, provided they incorporate the values of the New European Bauhaus.

Waterford is one of five urban centres to benefit from funding of up to €7 million each under THRIVE, the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, awarded under one of Ireland’s two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regional Programmes.

This funding will be utilised to regenerate the largest early 18th Century townhouse, 18 Lady Lane, on one of the oldest streets in Waterford City’s Viking Triangle.

18 Lady Lane will be converted into a visitor attraction, Tír na nÓg, the land of young people, to create a magical journey of discovery celebrating children’s past, present and future while conserving the original fabric and decorative internal features of the building to ensure authenticity is retained.

Morris Conway, Senior Architect with Waterford City and County Council explains, “The THRIVE heritage-led thinking ties in very well with Waterford City and County Council’s thinking. We have been actively pursuing a policy of heritage-led regeneration, especially in Waterford city centre and in our town centres.

“This is a project that tries to promote heritage and cultural experience to younger generations, to children and younger people. It’s something that had come through our museum experiences, our outreach programmes with our libraries, and also our community involvement schemes.”

“Sustainability, togetherness and beauty are the pillars of the New European Bauhaus. Our taking has always been around sustainability, both environmental, economic and social sustainability. So, it tied in very much with the new European Bauhaus. Sometimes, heritage building, a cultural use, can work well because it can be light touch,” Mr. Conway added.

Rose Power, THRIVE Programme Executive, Southern Regional Assembly said, “With THRIVE, what we’re trying to do is something a little bit more innovative, a little bit different. It works on the basis of urban regeneration, but we were looking to target the areas that most need that regeneration.

“This is about being bold, being brave, being innovative, and having a huge level of ambition to create projects that will be genuinely transformative for all of the citizens in our towns and cities across Ireland. The New European Bauhaus gives us that approach.”

Funded by the ERDF during the 2021-2027 programming period, Irish Regional Assemblies launched the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme – THRIVE. The programme aims to financially support Irish local authorities in renovating derelict heritage buildings in their town centres.

Tír na nÓg is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.

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Image:

Attending the NEB EUI Capacity Building event in Limerick were:

l-r: John McGrath, Meath County Council, Rose Power and Catherine Connaughton, Southern Regional Assembly, Billy Smyth, Cork County Council, Elizabeth Hore, Wexford County Council and Morris Conway, Waterford City and County Council.

By Waterford City & County Council

Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge – Uaireanta Oscailte na Nollag 2024

 

Is mian le Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge eolas a thabhairt faoi Uaireanta Oscailte a gcuid oifigí agus áiseanna poiblí le linn tréimhse Nollaig 2024.

Rannóg Seirbhísí do Chustaiméirí (CSD) agus an Oifig Mótarchánach:

Ar an Luan, 23 Nollaig, dúnfaidh an Rannóg Seirbhísí do Chustaiméirí agus an Oifig Mótarchánach don phobal ag 1.00pm. Beidh glaochanna gutháin á fhreagairt go dtí 3.00pm agus ina dhiaidh sin aistreofar gach glao chuig uimhir seirbhísí lasmuigh de ghnáthuaireanta de chuid na Comhairle.

Athosclófar na hoifigí poiblí ar an Luan, 30 Nollaig óna 9.30am go dtí 4.00pm agus freagrófar na gutháin ó 9.00am go dtí 5.00pm.

Dúnfar oifigí ar a 1.00i.n ar an Máirt, 31 Nollaig. Beidh glaochanna gutháin á fhreagairt go dtí 2.00pm agus ina dhiaidh sin aistreofar gach glao chuig uimhir seirbhísí lasmuigh de ghnáthuaireanta de chuid na Comhairle.

Beidh na hoifigí poiblí dúnta ar Lá Caille agus osclóidh siad arís ar a 9.30am ar an Déardaoin, 2 Eanáir 2025, agus oibreoidh siad gnáthuaireanta oscailte ina dhiaidh sin.

Leabharlanna:

Dúnfar brainsí uile Leabharlann Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge ag 1.00pm ar an Luan, 23 Nollaig (freagrófar na gutháin suas go dtí 3pm) agus athosclófar iad ar an Luan, 30 Nollaig. Beidh gach brainse ag feidhmiú óna 10.00am go dtí 5.00pm, mura mbíonn siad dúnta de ghnáth ar an lá áirithe úd.

Ar an Máirt, 31 Nollaig, feidhmeoidh gach brainse ó 10.00am go dtí 1.00pm, le glaochanna gutháin á fhreagairt go dtí 3.00pm, mura mbíonn siad dúnta de ghnáth ar an lá áirithe úd.

Beidh gach acmhainn ar líne ar fáil d’úsáideoirí na Leabharlainne le linn thréimhse na Nollag agus athosclóidh gach brainse mar is gnáth ar an Déardaoin, an 2 Eanáir 2025.

Ionaid Fóntais Phoiblí Phort Láirge:

Dúnfar Ionad Fóntais Poiblí Chill Barra ar a 4.00pm ar an Luan, 23 Nollaig. Osclófar an suíomh arís ar an 30 agus 31 Nollaig óna 11.00am go dtí 4.00pm.

Dúnfar an tIonad do Lá Caille agus athosclófar é mar is gnáth Déardaoin, 2 Eanáir 2025.

Dúnfar Ionad Fóntais Poiblí Dhún Garbhán ag 4pm ar an Luan, 23 Nollaig. Athosclófar an tIonad ar an 28 Nollaig (9am – 12:30); an 30 Nollaig (8.30am – 1pm & 1.30pm – 4pm) agus an 31 Nollaig (8.30am – 1pm & 1.30pm – 4pm).

Dúnfar an tIonad Lá Caille agus athosclófar é mar is gnáth ar an Déardaoin, 2 Eanáir 2025.

Glacfar le Crainn Nollag Nádúrtha le haghaidh athchúrsála Saor in Aisce ag láithreáin Chill Barra agus Dhún Garbhán araon go dtí an 13 Eanáir, 2025.

Tearmann Madraí Chathair agus Chontae Phort Láirge (trí choinne amháin):

Dúnfaidh Tearmann Madraí Chathair agus Chontae Phort Láirge, Carraig na bhFraochán, ag a 1pm ar an Luan, 23 Nollaig.

Athosclófar an Tearmann Madraí ar an 28 Nollaig (11.00am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm) agus ar an 30 agus 31 Nollaig óna 11.00am go dtí 1pm.

Dúnfar an tsaoráid do Lá Caille agus athosclófar í mar is gnáth Déardaoin, 2 Eanáir, 2025.

Oifig Fiontair Áitiúil Phort Láirge (LEO)

Ar an Luan, 23 Nollaig, dúnfaidh Oifig Fiontair Áitiúil Phort Láirge don phobal ag 3.00pm.

Beidh Oifigí LEO Phort Láirge dúnta ar an Luan, 30 Nollaig agus ar an Máirt, 31 Nollaig, ach beidh glaochanna gutháin á fhreagairt óna 9.30am go dtí 4.30pm.

Athosclóidh LEO Phort Láirge ar a 9.30am ar an Déardaoin, 2 Eanáir, 2025 agus beidh gnáth uaireanta oscailte i bhfeidhm ina dhiaidh san.

Oifigí Seirbhísí do Dhaoine gan Dídean:

Na Comhairle Seirbhísi gan Dídean dúnfar na hoifigí ag 4pm ar an Luan an 23ú Nollaig.  Fanfaidh siad dúnta ar an 24, 25, 26 & 27 Nollaig. Athosclóidh na hoifigí ar an 30 & 31 Nollaig.  Dúnfar na hoifigí ar 1 Eanáir 2025 do Lá Caille.  Osclóidh Oifigí Seirbhísí do Dhaoine gan Dídean arís ar an Déardaoin, 2 Eanáir 2025, agus oibreoidh siad gnáthuaireanta oscoilte ina dhiaidh sin.

Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi Uaireanta Oscailte na Nollag de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, féach ar https://waterfordcouncil.ie/ nó glaoigh ar 0818 10 20 20.

By Waterford City & County Council

Storm Darragh to bring strong and gusty winds to the country

Met Éireann has advised that Storm Darragh will bring very strong and gusty northwest winds to the country.

Waterford will be under a Status Yellow wind warning from 3pm, Friday, December 6th until 3pm on Saturday, December 7th, with a Status Orange wind warning coming into effect from 12pm (midnight) Saturday, December 7th to 9am Saturday, December 7th.

These conditions could potentially lead to large coastal waves with waves overtopping, difficult travelling conditions, fallen trees, disruption to services and damage to power lines.

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise caution during the duration of these weather warnings.

“Strong and gusty winds will make for difficult travelling conditions. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees, branches and debris. We would ask the public to take care on the roads, allow extra time for journeys, and be mindful of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.

“There may also be a risk of wave overtopping so we would urge the public to stay away from coastal areas for the duration of these Met Éireann warnings.”

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team will continue to monitor the situation.

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council 2024 Christmas Opening Hours

Waterford City and County Council wishes to advise of 2024 Christmas Opening Hours for public offices and facilities.

Customer Services Department (CSD) and Motor Tax Office:

On Monday, December 23rd CSD and Motor Tax Office will close to the public at 1pm.  Phones will be staffed until 3pm and thereafter all calls will be transferred to the Council’s out-of-hours services number.

Public offices will reopen on Monday, December 30th from 9.30am to 4pm with phones staffed from 9am to 5pm. On Tuesday, December 31st offices will close at 1pm.  Phones will be staffed until 2pm and thereafter all calls will be transferred to the Council’s out-of-hours services number.

Public offices remain closed on New Year’s Day and will re-open at 9.30am on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, and operate normal opening hours thereafter.

Libraries:

On Monday, December 23rd all Waterford City and County Council Library branches will close at 1pm, with phones staffed until 3pm, and reopen on Monday, December 30th, with all branches operating from 10am to 5pm, unless normally closed on that day. On Tuesday, December 31st all branches will operate from 10am to 1pm, with phones staffed until 3pm, unless normally closed on that day.

All online resources remain available to Library users over the Christmas period and all branches will reopen as normal on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025.

My Open Library will be available during the Christmas period in Dungarvan, Lismore and Tramore branches to registered My Open Library users on a self-service basis. Please contact Dungarvan, Lismore and Tramore Libraries during staffed hours for more information or to register for this service.

Waterford Civic Amenity Sites:

Kilbarry Civic Amenity site will close at 4pm on Monday, December 23rd.  The site will reopen on December 30th and 31st from 11am to 4pm. The site will close for New Year’s Day and reopen as normal on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025.

Dungarvan Civic Amenity site will close at 4pm on Monday, December 23rd.  The site will reopen on December 28th (9.00am -12.30pm), December 30th (8.30am-1pm & 1.30pm – 4pm) and December 31st (8.30am-1pm & 1.30pm – 4pm). The site will close on New Year’s Day and reopen as normal on Thursday, January 2nd 2025.

Natural Christmas Trees will be accepted for recycling Free of Charge at both Kilbarry and Dungarvan sites until January 13th, 2025.

Waterford City and County Dog Shelter (by appointment only):

Waterford City and County Dog Shelter, Bilberry, will close at 1pm on Monday, December 23rd.

The Shelter will reopen on December 28th (11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm) and December 30th and 31st from 11am to 1pm. The facility will close on New Year’s Day and reopen as normal on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025.

Local Enterprise Office Waterford (LEO):

On Monday, December 23rd LEO Waterford office will close to the public at 3pm. LEO Waterford offices will remain closed on Monday, December 30th and Tuesday, December 31st, however phones will be staffed from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Waterford LEO will re-open at 9.30am on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, and operate normal opening hours thereafter.

Homeless Services:

The Council’s Homeless Services Offices will close at 4pm on Monday, December 23rd and remain closed on December 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th.  The offices will re-open on December 30th and 31st. The offices will be closed on January 1st, 2025 and reopen on Thursday, January 2nd and operate normal opening hours thereafter.

 

For information about Waterford City and County Council Christmas opening hours visit https://waterfordcouncil.ie/  or call 0818 10 20 20.

By Waterford City & County Council

The Power of Rural Social Enterprises highlighted!

 

A seminar last month highlighted the power of rural social enterprises and the potential they have in strengthening communities and fostering economic growth.

Hosted by Comhar Comaraigh, Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Area Partnership, the event showcased the network’s impact on twenty-two Comeragh villages.

Speakers included local community leaders and government officials, who discussed the role of social enterprises in fostering entrepreneurship, encouraging community engagement and revitalising rural areas.

The seminar was organised as a result of the completion of a 12-month socio-economic and community-based research study undertaken by Comhar Comaraigh members.

The study identified 22 villages, 30 social enterprises and 23 GAA clubs in the Comeragh District, and discovered many live, dormant, unused resources that through a network approach would bring many additional benefits to the Comeragh Region in coming years.

By Waterford City & County Council

Dréachtphlean Gníomhaíochta Torainn Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge 2024–2028

Dréachtphlean Gníomhaíochta Torainn Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge 2024–2028

Fáiltíonn Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge roimh aighneachtaí ón bpobal maidir leis an ndréacht den bPlean Gníomhaíochta Torainn, 2024-2028, arna ullmhú faoi I.R. Uimh.
549 de 2018 (arna leasú), chun dul i ngleic le torann ó mhórfhoinsí iompair. Is plean straitéiseach é seo chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar thorann ó phríomhbhóithre i bPort Láirge. Eisiatar leis an bplean seo torann ó ghníomhaíochtaí tí, torann a dhéanann comharsana, torann in ionaid oibre nó torann laistigh de mhodhanna iompair nó torann mar gheall ar ghníomhaíochtaí míleata i limistéir mhíleata.

Is é príomhchuspóir an phlean eolas a chur ar an bpobal agus dul i gcomhairle leo maidir le neamhchosaint ar thorann ó phríomhbhóithre agus na bearta ceartúcháin a d’fhéadfaí a bhreithniú chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar na saincheisteanna seo. Beidh an dréachtphlean ar fáil lena iniúchadh le linn gnáthuaireanta oscailte ó 9:30am go 4:00pm ag na láithreacha seo a leanas go ceann tréimhse sé seachtaine dar tús an 4 Nollaig 2024 go dtí an 15 Eanáir, 2025.

  • Deascanna Seirbhísí do Chustaiméirí, Sráid Nua Bailey, Port Láirge agus Cé Mhic Dháibhéid, Dún Garbháin, Co. Phort Láirge.

Is féidir aighneachtaí ar an dréachtphlean Gníomhaíochta Torainn a dhéanamh:

Ní mór aighneachtaí a dhéanamh i scríbhinn tráth nach déanaí ná 4:00pm Dé Céadaoin an 29 Eanáir 2025. Ní ghlacfar le haighneachtaí déanacha. Níor cheart aighneachtaí a dhéanamh ach trí aon mheán amháin, i.e. ar líne nó cóip chrua. Ba cheart d’ainm agus do sheoladh ríomhphoist a bheith san áireamh ar d’aighneacht agus, nuair is iomchuí, ba cheart sonraí faoi aon eagraíocht, grúpa pobail etc. a ndéanann tú ionadaíocht orthu a bheith ann freisin.

By Waterford City & County Council

Community Recognition Fund 2024 now open for applications

The Community Recognition Fund 2024 (Window 3) is now open for applications until 4pm, Wednesday, January 8th, 2025.

The fund supports projects in cities, towns, and villages hosting Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and International Protection Applicants, focusing on developing facilities for the future benefit of all community members.

The Fund is distinct from other public funding programs aimed at addressing the immediate public service needs arising from the influx of new arrivals, and aims to create lasting benefits for communities, strengthening local infrastructure while supporting the integration and well-being of new arrivals.

The overall allocation for Waterford is €1,436,394, of which €282,701 is available under Window 3.

Applications are now being accepted from Dungarvan, Abbeyside, Ballinroad, Tallow and Clonea Power / Mothel, and funds may be reallocated if no suitable projects are identified within these target areas.

These specific areas have significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries and may not have received funding allocation in Window 1 or 2 earlier this year.

Applicants are advised that the process will be competitive with specific evaluation criteria applied to ensure the best projects receive support.

Sinéad Breathnach, Senior Executive Officer in Community, Waterford City and County Council stated, “This final round of funding in 2024 is a great opportunity for communities within the target areas to enhance their local facilities and foster integration. We encourage all eligible areas to apply and take full advantage of the fund.”

This is the final call for applications under the Community Recognition Programme 2024.

For further information on the application process, please visit https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/community-and-sport/community-grants/ or Waterford City and County Council’s social media platforms.

By Waterford City & County Council

Building on existing partnerships to develop Waterford Rural Tourism Network

The Waterford Rural Tourism Network held its final round of cluster meetings for the year during November. Throughout the year, a total of 15 meetings were held, with three in-person meetings per cluster. Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, together with Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions, visited and heard from businesses across the County about their experiences during the final quarter of the year and their ambitions for 2025.

The Waterford Rural Tourism Network is made up of five cluster areas (Blackwater Valley, Gaeltacht, Copper Coast, Comeraghs, and Waterford Estuary) and each of the five meetings were hosted by a business within the relevant cluster area during the month of November.

Businesses provided positive feedback on the panel discussions and networking event held in the Majestic Hotel on 7th November.  Challenges they encountered during the year were also highlighted and options were explored as to what they could do differently in the new year. Discussions were had around developments and the importance of collaboration among the cluster, and wider network members.

The network co-ordinator, Julie O’Brien of Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, led discussions and provided feedback on the shared challenges encountered such as the weather, increased costs, lack of evening time food offering/things to do. Julie framed how some of the positive reports from the season could be transformed into opportunities for the area as we move into 2025. The recent and upcoming supports, training and networking events were outlined, and businesses were given the opportunity to feedback on what other supports they require to develop rural tourism in Waterford and how they would like networking events framed going forward. Some businesses have already been connected with the Waterford Local Enterprise Office for individual business specific supports and other businesses were encouraged to avail of similar opportunities for their business such as the Saleable Experience programme led and delivered by Fáilte Ireland.

As part of the work with the Rural Tourism Network, Fáilte Ireland and Waterford City and County Council identified that more tourism businesses were needed to increase the appeal of rural Waterford for visitors. As a result, the Visitor Experience Development Programme was launched in November, aiming to increase the number of tourism businesses in rural Waterford which will further animate and provide opportunities to discover the diverse landscapes and communities of rural Waterford.  Information sessions were held to outline what is involved with the programme which was specifically designed for Waterford, and the first Visitor Experience Development Programme workshop will take place in December.

Collectively the Waterford Rural Tourism Network is excited to continue to build momentum and to share their grá for Waterford and pride of place with locals and visitors alike.

Waterford City and County Council looks forward to continuing the development of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and other key stakeholders, including Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, Waterford LEO and Waterford Leader Partnership.

To find out more about the Waterford Rural Tourism Network or join one of the five Clusters in Waterford, please email caroline@runda.ie.

This project is funded by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

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