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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol

Waterford City and County Council’s Integrated Homeless Services operates an extended Severe Weather Protocol from November 1st, 2024 to March 31st, 2025.

Throughout this period, the Outreach Team from Waterford Integrated Homeless Services is in regular contact with any known rough sleepers to advise them of impending weather alerts/freezing temperatures and remind them of the shelter arrangements which they can avail of.

  • Extra capacity is available at McGwire House, Bath Street, Waterford, where homeless men and women can present to avail of shelter (051 879930).
  • Women and children fleeing domestic violence should present to Oasis House, 71 Morrisson’s Road, Waterford (051 370367).

With a Met Éireann Status Orange Snow / Ice Warning issued for Waterford (midnight, Thursday, November 21st to midday, Thursday, November 21st), Waterford City and County Council is appealing to the public to contact the Homeless Services Team at Waterford Integrated Homeless Services if they see person(s) sleeping rough in Waterford.

Members of the public can contact the Homeless Services Team at Waterford Integrated Homeless Services by emailing homelessservicesteam@waterfordcouncil.ie or calling 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

Details of Out of Hours Service and Severe Weather Protocol can be found at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/housing/homeless-services/

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By Waterford City & County Council

Met Éireann Status Orange Snow / Ice warning issued for Waterford

Orange Weather Warning

A Met Éireann Status Orange Snow / Ice Warning has been issued for Waterford and is in place from 00:00 (midnight) Thursday, November 21st until 12:00 (midday) Thursday, November 21st.

The potential impacts of these conditions include ice, snow and frost on the roads leading to hazardous / dangerous travelling conditions, with potential for some roads to become impassable.

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise caution. “We would advise all motorists to exercise caution on their journeys, reduce speed and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, as travelling conditions will potentially be hazardous with widespread frost and icy stretches.

“Please allow extra time for any journey and be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.”

Waterford City and County Council has activated its severe weather plan and ground crews will attend to the Priority One (P1) and Priority Two (P2) road network, and gritting will be undertaken as required on these P1 and P2 roads for the duration of the cold weather advisory warning.

The crews will only salt Priority Three (P3) roads as and when resources allow, and during normal working hours. Motorists are advised to use P1 and P2 Routes where possible.

A map of winter maintenance routes can be found at https://bit.ly/WaterfordGrittingRoutes

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team will continue to monitor the situation and is advising members of the public that:

  • Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions.
  • Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
  • Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
  • Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
  • Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
  • The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
  • People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
  • 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.

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

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By Waterford City & County Council

Met Éireann Yellow Weather warning issued for Munster – Snow and Ice

Yellow Weather Warning - Snow & Ice

Valid: 04:00 Thursday 21/11/2024 to 12:00 Thursday 21/11/2024

Please be advised that:

  • Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions
  • Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey
  • Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice
  • Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours
  • Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112
  • The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
  • People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
  • 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 Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.

By Waterford City & County Council

Ed Finn on Sunshine Radio talking to WRTN businesses

On Thursday November 7th the fourth Waterford Rural Tourism Network event took place in The Majestic Hotel in Tramore, Co. Waterford.

Over 70 participants from the tourism sector, including visitor attractions, hospitality, and culture & heritage amenities, were in attendance and the event comprised of informative panel discussions and valuable insights into the mission of connecting, inspiring and shining a light on rural Waterford.

You can listen back to some of the interviews with award-winning travel journalist Ed Finn on Sunshine Radio at  Waterford – The Sunday Show – Sunshine 106.8

Ed chatted with Tourism and Hospitality experts Maella Fahy from Lismore Heritage Centre, Tracy Quinlan owner of Comeragh Pods and Karen Harris from Dunmore Adventure –  Visit Waterford

The second show will be available next Sunday 24th November at 7pm.

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 2025 agus go mbreithneoidh Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge é ag an gCruinniú Buiséid a thionólfar ar 2.00 i.n. Dé Máirt 26 Samhain 2024 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 €5.00.

By Waterford City & County Council

Notice Of Local Authority Budget

Notice is hereby given that the Budget of Waterford City and County Council for the Financial Year ending 31st December 2025 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 26th November 2024 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 €5.00.

By Waterford City & County Council

Uisce Éireann working to restore water supply for impacted customers in Lismore, County Waterford

Following a major watermains burst on the Lismore Deerpark Public Water Supply. Uisce Éireann is working to restore the water supply as quickly as possible to impacted customers.

Expert water services crews have been dispatched to carry out repair works, and every effort is being made to complete this work as quickly as possible.

Customers in Lismore Town, Tallow Road, Glencarin, Townpark, Ballinaspic, Deerpark and surrounding areas may be impacted by reduced water pressure and/or water outages. We understand how disruptive unplanned outages are and we regret the inconvenience caused.

Uisce Éireann will continue to keep customers updated as repairs continue. The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates, please see the Water Supply updates section of water.ie

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.

Uisce Éireann has launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Tens of Thousands Visit Waterford as Europe’s City of Christmas officially Begins its First Festive Celebrations 

 

Waterford City was jam-packed and shining brightly over the weekend as tens of thousands of festivalgoers enjoyed the official opening of the Winterval Festival and the official celebrations of Waterford’s first year as the European City of Christmas began.

On Friday evening the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor Jason Murphy, and Santa Claus joined forces to dazzle and delight with the switching on of the City’s Christmas lights at a packed ceremony in John Robert’s Square marking the beginning of the 12th annual Winterval festival which is on offer until December 23rd.

On Saturday afternoon, crowds took to Parnell Street and the Mall in the City to enjoy the official celebrations of the European City of Christmas title for Waterford. An amazing festive parade saw acts from Winterval’s Trash Test Dummies, the cast of Waterford Panto and the delightful Waterford Viking Elves, Giant ‘Brick Boy’ Lego men, the WAMA Postbox collection elves, the Winterval Mini Express Train, visitors from The North Pole, Monster Trucks, the Nutcracker Brass Band, Fire Performers and more entertain the crowds gathered to enjoy the festive season in Ireland’s oldest City. Following the parade, an incredible and spectacular special effects display was showcased from the beautiful Bishop’s Palace and audiences were awed with sounds, light, and colour displays projected onto the stunning building facade. There were jaw-dropping musical performances from the roof of the Theatre Royal from Kayleigh Quinlan, accompanied by an orchestra led by Killian Browne and beats from the Big Bang drumming band got the crowds dancing in the streets.

Commenting on the opening of the festival and its European designation the directors of Winterval, John Gubb and Trevor Darmody, say, “Waterford has for the last 12 years been delivering an incredible Christmas festival, building from humble beginnings with big ambitions to become Ireland Christmas Capital to an even bigger festival with global ambitions and now holding a much sought after status as a European City of Christmas – a designation and title that remains with Waterford from here onwards. 

We have already seen the impact of this recognition since it was announced in December 2023 as international visitor numbers and international media visits to Waterford this year have already spiked. 

We are very much looking forward to further growing our European links as we open a ‘Gateway’ which will digitally connect Waterford as the European City of Christmas to Brno in the Czech Republic next Friday, November 22nd when the first exchange will take place between Waterford and our friends in Brno.”

Throughout the festival visitors to Waterford’s Apple Market in Waterford will be able to enjoy a cultural exchange with the people of the Czech Republic via the ‘Gateway to Brno’ along with a calendar of festive performances planned for airing during the  Winterval festival’s opening hours.

The Winterval festival is open every weekend from now until December 23rd. The festival programme is packed with ‘precisely 53 events’ say the festival directors. “We have festival favourites like the Winterval Illuminates Lightshow offering an enchanting evening spectacle, the ice rink on the city’s Quayside, the vintage Ferris wheel at Arundel Square, a vintage carousel in John Robert’s Square, the Port of Waterford Eye and the Winterval Mini Express train, the Elf workshops, Polish Christmas, Santa’s VR sleigh ride in Cathedral Square, helter-skelter and more. Santa takes centre stage of course at the festival in the City’s medieval caverns underneath the stunning Medieval Museum in the Viking Triangle. There really is something for everyone and best of all, over half of our programme is on offer free of charge.”

Waterford’s Viking heritage takes centre stage at the festival with a beautiful Viking Yule Village hosted by Deise Medieval, on offer every Sunday in Blackfriars Church and the festival market, The Glenveagh Christmas Market is set out in the City’s oldest streets and squares, there are over 100 food, craft and drinks producers and creators with lots of Christmas craft and food stalls from local, regional and national producers.

New events at Ireland’s largest Christmas festival include a brand new Gingerbread Making Workshop event for all the family, an Igloo Exploration Dome offering a 5D experience with audiences travelling through time inside; a gigantic Circus Museum will be on offer at City Hall’s Large Room; what is sure to be a sell-out at Garter Lane is a new show titled ‘Trash Test Dummies’ by the award-winner Dummies Corp., the Australian leader in slapstick children’s comedy, and for the adventure seekers and a  ‘boys day out’ opportunity there will be a huge Monster Truck and stunt show in Ireland’s largest circus tent and lots lots more.

The festival directors also detail that in order to attract new audience segments to Winterval and scale the festival, “We have a new after-dark programme of events for adults, ‘The Winterval Big Top Live’ will host a series of events, artists and performances throughout the festival with artists like Gavin James, Mick Flannery, Stereo MCs, EMF, and 30 Years of House Music with Tasty Choons for Tasty People.”

Winterval is supported by Waterford City and County Council as well as a host of other local, national and international businesses, all of whom have a keen interest in Waterford and the Southeast region. For further details on Winterval, see  www.winterval.ie

 

 #Winterval

#WintervalWaterford

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Published: Weekly Planning Lists

Stay up-to-date with the latest planning applications and decisions in Waterford City and County. Each Friday, we publish a comprehensive list detailing new applications, permissions granted, and other updates. Access the latest planning lists here to stay informed about developments in your area.

See https://waterfordcouncil.ie/documents/planning-lists/

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford allocated €196,468 funding for Community Safety

Members of the WLCSP who attended the recent launch of the Northwest Suburbs Community Action Plan 2024-2030, from left Cllr. Frank Quinlan, Noreen McGrath Residents Association PPN, Cllr. Joe Kelly, Mary Upton WWETB, Danny Murphy CEO Treo Portlairge, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy, James Browne TD Minister of State Department of Justice with responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit, Claire Hartley A/Director of Services Housing, Community & Emergency Services Waterford City and County Council and Sean Aylward Chair WLCSP

The Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership, chaired by Sean Aylward, recently welcomed a total of €196,468 in funding for two of the thirty-three successful projects allocated a total of just over €3 million from the Community Safety Fund by Helen McEntee TD, Minister for Justice.

Sean Aylward, welcoming the funding said, “These funds, the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Síochána, will make a real difference in the heart of our communities, in response to community led proposals to improve community safety.

“This funding helps the members of the Partnership, guided by the people who best understand the safety needs of their community implement proposals to make a real positive difference. I believe both these projects will lead to improved safety in Waterford.”

The Getting Kilcohan Back on Track Project has been allocated € €70,768. This proposal by WLCSP, in collaboration with Treo Port Lairge and An Garda Siochána, consists of eight-week innovative programs to engage with target groups and raise awareness about the benefits of safe usage of e-scooters, e-bikes and bikes on our roads, respect for our communities and introducing paths to education and apprenticeships.

It is intended as a part of the programs to educate participants on the dangers of unsafe modifications and reckless driving in the communities and the life changing injuries that can occur amongst other life learning skills.

Treo Port Lairge CLG is a community-based organisation that works with young adults aged 16+ in Waterford. The main aims of Treo are to facilitate more positive lifestyle choices by participants, reduce their criminal activity, and encourage progression to further education, training, and or employment.  Danny Murphy, CEO Treo Port Lairge said, “Treo Port Lairge is delighted to be a collaborative partner of WLCSP in this successful project fund application and we hope to make our roads and communities safer for all to commute.”

Danny outlined how “this new initiative provides a comprehensive programme to raise awareness about the benefits and safe usage of e-scooters, e-bikes, and motorcycles on our roads by educating a target group through awareness of road safety measures and the benefits of safe practices.”

During this programme, the participants will engage with the Road Safety Authority, Waterford’s Roads Policing Unit in addition to workshops with former 15-time Irish Champion and competing world motorbike racer, Hilton Hincks.

The second project, a Safehub Waterford Pilot project was granted €125,700 to examine if personal safety and protection can be increased in Waterford City by using a newly developed SafeHub App.

This innovative safety solution has been developed on a mobile App, having previously been successfully trialled in a college campus environment and is now proposed to trial as a potential solution to increasing the feeling of safety in Waterford City, identified in the WLCSP Community Safety Action Plan.

Waterford was one of the three pilot locations for the Community Safety Partnership concept, which are now being implemented nationwide by the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. The WLCSP is based within the Community Department in Waterford City and County Council.

By Waterford City & County Council

RSA launch World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024

 

  • World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims takes place on Sunday 17 November
  • Tragically, 149 people have lost their lives on Irish roads so far this year, though this is 16 fewer road deaths by the same date in 2023.
  • RSA asks all road users to use the day to acknowledge those who have lost their lives and reflect on their road behaviours.

 

 The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has launched the 2024 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims with a special reception at Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin today. This event brings together families and individuals who have lost loved ones or suffered serious injuries in road traffic collisions. Key speakers include presenter and author Meghann Scully, who tragically lost her brother in a collision almost 20 years ago, and Laura Rice, whose father Alan was killed in a collision three years ago.

The service was recorded and will be broadcast on RSA’s social channels on Sunday 17 November.

Since its inception in 1993, World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims has been observed globally, playing a crucial role in honouring the millions who have been killed or seriously injured on the roads. In Ireland, this day serves as a poignant reminder to improve road safety behaviours, acknowledges the critical contributions of emergency services, medical professionals, and An Garda Síochána, and provides a platform for people to share their stories and preserve the memory of their loved ones.

Tragically, 149 people have lost their lives on Irish roads so far this year, though this is 16 fewer road deaths by the same date in 2023.

Attendees at the event are invited to remember those who have been injured or killed in a road traffic collision by adding a card to a tree of memory at the venue. The event also featured a special performance by Dublin Gospel Choir.

Meghann Scully, journalist, presenter and author said: “This is an opportunity for me to share my brother’s story and that of my family’s experience of loss and grief. We miss him dearly. No matter how dark the days are, and how lonely grieving can feel, know that there is always someone there to support you. Today is an opportunity to have that support and celebrate the life of a loved one lost and for those with serious injuries to know that there is support out there, you are not alone.”

Laura Rice spoke of her beloved father Alan who was killed in a collision with a car that driving on the wrong side of the road in South Dublin in April 2021. ”Grief is a lonely journey, as unique and personal as a fingerprint. It sits within you, a constant companion, left in the place of losing someone you love in such a shocking way. My Dad, Alan Rice, was riding his motorcycle home when he was in a collision with a man carelessly driving. Each day I am reminded of his absence, shock protects you for only so long, and grief forms this new version of yourself that only those who have experienced such a loss can truly understand. This event is a chance to remember and honour those we loved and miss dearly; our loved ones are the people behind the growing statistics.”

Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority said: “Today we pay respect to those who have been tragically injured or taken from families as a result of a road collision. Every story of loss is individual, and the journey of grief is very personal to each family. I particularly acknowledge the courage of those family members speaking today, and sharing their stories of loss or life changing, serious injuries. Coming together is important and today is an opportunity to unite in support of others. RSA are wholly committed to making our roads safer and I ask all road users to use the day to reflect on their road behaviours.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Christmas Lights to Shine Bright in Dungarvan!

Santa will visit Dungarvan Shopping Centre to switch on the Christmas lights on Sunday, November 24th at 5pm.

Dungarvan Shopping Centre, in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, has arranged a series of festive activities leading up to the main celebration.

Santa will be escorted to Grattan Square by Waterford Fire Service on a fire tender, festively accompanied by the “Only Fools on Scooters” Scooter Club at 4pm and will then proceed to Dungarvan Shopping Centre, on foot, to switch on the festive lighting at 5pm.

Santa will be joined by Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan / Lismore District Cllr. Pat Nugent in lighting up Dungarvan.  Cllr. Nugent said, “Dungarvan is a wonderful town, and it’s even more magical at Christmas.  I’m delighted to be working with the Big Man himself in turning on the festive lighting in Dungarvan.

“We would encourage everyone, young and old, to come along and enjoy the festivities with family and friends and make new memories.  It’s also the perfect opportunity to support our great array of local retailers, restaurants and cafes by shopping local.”

Gerry O’Connor, Manager of Dungarvan Shopping Centre, said, “We’re thrilled once again to partner with Waterford City and County Council to bring a festive glow to Dungarvan this season.

“We like to think we’ve created a tradition that puts the spotlight on Dungarvan and really highlights the great atmosphere and spirit of the town. Dungarvan is a gem, but it always shines a little brighter at Christmas.”

In addition to the arrival of Santa, this year will see the return of the Children’s carousel and kiddie rides on the Plaza from 1pm to 5pm, WLRFM will be broadcasting live from its Outside Broadcast unit, and there’ll be a host of prizes and gift vouchers to kick start the Christmas season in style in Dungarvan.

Make sure you don’t miss the start of the festivities in Dungarvan on Sunday, November 24th with the arrival of Santa Claus to Grattan Square at 4pm, followed by the switching on of the Christmas Lights at Dungarvan Shopping Centre at 5pm.

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