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Waterford City & County Council

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By Waterford City & County Council

Temporary Road Closure tomorrow – L-2026 Old Parish Road

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, propose to close the following road to through traffic from 9.30am to 3.30pm on 10th April, 2023 to facilitate Crane Access.

Road to be closed:

  • L-2026 Old Parish Road from its junction with the L-6108
  • Balluntlea Road (John Pauls) to its Junction with the L-6110
    Baile Na Móna Uachtarach.
  • Local access will be provided along the L-2026 Old Parish Road.

Diversion Route:

  • Via the L-6108 Balluntlea Road, L-2033 Ballintlea, Hacketstown, Ballinamona, & L-6110 Baile Na Móna Uachtarach.

By Waterford City & County Council

Boil Water Notice for Villierstown lifted with immediate effect

Uisce Éireann and Waterford City and County Council wish to notify customers supplied by Villierstown Public Water Supply that following remedial works and satisfactory sampling results, the Boil Water Notice is now lifted with immediate effect. This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

All consumers on the Villierstown Public Water Supply can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

The Boil Water Notice was issued on 6 March to protect the health of approximately 310 customers, following increased turbidity which had impacted the treatment processes at the plant.

Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann and Waterford City and County Council worked hard to lift the notice for impacted customers as quickly and as safely as possible.

The supply is served by a well (borehole) which can be very complex to troubleshoot due various factors such as geology, weather conditions and other local factors impacting it. Following satisfactory water samples confirming that the drinking water was once again compliant with EU drinking water regulations, the Boil Water Notice was removed.

Irish Water’s Ronan Walsh acknowledged the impact of the notice on the community, adding: “Uisce Éireann regrets the inconvenience that the Boil Water Notice had on the community of Villierstown. I would like to thank them for their patience and support while our drinking water experts worked tirelessly with our colleagues in Waterford City and County Council to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it was safe to do so. I would also like to thank the local councillors and the media for their assistance in sharing the information during the period of this boil water notice.

Ronan added: “I am delighted that the works were successful and that we were able to lift the notice for customers ahead of the Easter Weekend. On behalf of Uisce Éireann, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers a safe and happy Easter.”

The Uisce Éireann Customer Contact Centre, open 24/7 on freephone 1800 278 278, is available to answer queries in relation to the lifting of this notice. Further information is available on www.water.ie.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Parade Winners 2023

Following the success of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the three-day festival, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary presented prizes to the Parade category winners in the Garden Room of Waterford’s Medieval Museum.

Commenting on the parade, the Mayor commended the groups for making a fantastic effort with their entries, “I was so very impressed with the range of diversity and the variety of groups taking part. We had sports groups, theatre, music and arts groups and a wide range of new community groups from countries all over the world.”

He also thanked the community and voluntary sectors saying, “The community and voluntary sectors play a vital role in service provision to many people in Ireland today. These groups and organisations support the young and the old, the weak and the vulnerable, the marginalised and the disadvantaged and provide invaluable training to our youngsters as they endeavour to fulfil their potential in their various pursuits.”

Waterford City and County Council Festival co-ordinator Johnny Codd thanked all the participants for making the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day Parade one of the most successful to date.  “With over 80 groups and almost 2,000 participants in the parade, it was a fantastic spectacle.  The Quays and the Mall were filled with music, colour and fun and the energy of all the groups was infectious.

“Despite the rain on the morning, it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the participants or the onlookers along the parade route and already we are looking forward to seeing what 2024 holds for St. Patrick’s Day in Waterford.”

The overall winner of the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day Parade was The Southland Sirens Roller Derby, with their Copper Coast entry.

Two Community Awards were presented to Waterford Credit Union, who worked with the City of Waterford Brass, and to The Waterford Filipino-Irish Community.  Waterford Youth Arts won best conceived float and special commendations went to the Waterford Athletic Club, the Waterford Marine Search and Rescue and St Joseph’s AFC.

-ends-

Photos by Noel Browne

1. The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. John O’Leary is pictured presenting the Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Parade Overall Entry Award winners, Southland Sirens Roller Derby with their certificate, included were Lou O’Neill, Jim Morrissey, Sheena Mullally, Kathleen Shanahan, Sam Marchant and Deirdre Taylor.

2. The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. John O’Leary is pictured presenting the Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Parade Community Award winners, City of Waterford Brass/ Waterford Credit Union with their certificate, included John, Adam and Daniel Mernin and Julie Quinlan from City of Waterford Brass and Brian Fanning and Sheila Comerford from Waterford Credit Union.

3. The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. John O’Leary is pictured presenting the Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Parade Community Award winners, Waterford Filipino Irish Community with their certificate, included were Tomas Alicay, Gigi Figuracion, Sarah Malone, Gelly Meredith, Velle Ursa and Ophelia Sedicol.

4.  The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. John O’Leary is pictured presenting the Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Parade Theatre Award to Waterford Youth Arts.

5.  The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. John O’Leary is pictured presenting the Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Parade Special Commendation Award to Trevor Walsh, Waterford Athletic Club.

6. The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. John O’Leary is pictured presenting the Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Parade Special Commendation Award to Waterford Marine Search & Rescue, included were Declan Barry, Lydia Grant, Craig Smith, Mark Condron, Deedo Dunphy and Graham Seery.

7. The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. John O’Leary is pictured presenting the Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Parade Special Commendation Award to St. Joseph’s AFC, included were Billy, Harry and Ava Flynn, Terry Walsh and Ian Galgey.

By Waterford City & County Council

Decade of Centenaries Community Grant 2023

Decade of Centenaries Community Grant 2023
The Decade of Centenaries Community Grants Scheme is open for applications.

Application Form, including Guidelines and Criteria

Closing date for applications is Monday 17th April at 4pm.


Waterford Commemorations Programme 2023
1923 continued to be a time of turmoil in Waterford as farm labourers went out on strike and unions throughout the city and county were on strike fighting for better pay and conditions in the new Free State. Efforts were being made to rebuild and to get the economy and infrastructure back up and running.

A general election was held in August 1923 and the first steps were being taken in creating a new nation through membership of the League of Nations. This was a time of change with lots to explore about the Decade of Centenaries. Waterford Commemorations Committee have a programme of films, publications and community projects to support the in-depth exploration of the events of the Decade of Centenaries in Waterford.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

RSA and An Garda Síochána issue road safety appeal ahead of Easter Bank Holiday

  • 11 fatalities and 67 serious injuries in Easter Bank holiday collisions over last 5 years
  • 45 road deaths in 2023, up 1 death on the same period in 2022*
  • All road users are urged to take extra care over the Easter Bank Holiday

6 April 2023: The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are issuing a road safety appeal to all road users ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

It comes as collision statistics show that 78 people have been killed or seriously injured over the Easter Bank Holiday period in the last five years. Last year alone, 2 people were killed and 18 seriously injured. Bank Holidays bring a higher volume of traffic onto the road across the country, and with this comes an increased risk of collisions.

Table 1. Road User Fatalities and Serious Injuries for Easter Bank Holiday period 2016-2022*

Fatal Collisions

Fatalities

Serious Injuries

2018

1

2

16

2019*

1

1

17

2020*

2

2

8

2021*

3

4

8

2022*

2

2

18

Total

9

11

67

*Note, data for 2019-2022 is provisional and subject to change

All road users are being encouraged to use the roads responsibly.

Drivers are urged to slow down, wear seatbelts, and not to drive while impaired through alcohol, drugs, or fatigue. They are also being reminded to watch out for vulnerable road users including cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and motorcyclists, particularly on rural roads where most fatal collisions take place.

Pedestrians are reminded to use the footpath and, if there is none, to walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.

Many motorcyclists will be returning to the road after parking their motorbikes up for the winter. They are urged to ensure their motorcycle is roadworthy before taking it back on the road. The are also advised to take great care if getting back on the road as they may be rusty from not having ridden their motorcycle in a while.

To date in 2023, a total of 45 have been killed in fatal road crashes, this is an increase of 1 death compared to the same period in 2022*.

Analysis of collisions to date show that :

  • 49%* of fatalities to date this year are 35 years old or younger. Fatalities in this age group represented 32%** of all fatalities in 2022.
  • 55%* of fatal collisions to date in 2023 have been single vehicle collisions.

Additional advice for road users to make this a safer Bank Holiday Weekend:

  • If you are planning a long trip over the Easter Bank Holiday, remember that traffic will probably be heavy so you plan to give yourself additional time to allow you to get your destination safely. Plan some breaks along the way to stop you from getting tired.
  • If you feel tired while driving: Stop, Sip, Sleep. That’s stop somewhere safe, have a caffeinated drink and nap for 15 minutes. Whatever you do, please don’t fight sleep at the wheel.
  • This Easter Bank Holiday Weekend drivers are being reminded that the RSA and participating Applegreen service stations are providing free cups of coffee to drivers to help combat driver fatigue. The offer is available from 2pm to 8pm on Friday 7 April and on Monday 10 April.
  • Drivers planning to head out socialising over the Easter Bank Holiday are urged to plan how they are going to get home safely. Book a taxi, or hackney, use public transport or designate a driver. The same also applies if we are planning to walk, particularly in rural areas where there may be no footpaths or street lighting.
  • Remember: if you have been drinking, you may not be safe to drive the morning after. Don’t risk it! Use public transport, a taxi or arrange a life with a friend or colleague. If you cannot, then delay your journey until it’s safe to drive. It takes approximately one hour to get rid of one unit of alcohol from your body. A unit of alcohol is half a pint, a glass of wine and a standard measure of spirits.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Easter Opening Hours : Customer Services

We wish to advise that our Customer Services & Motor Tax Department will be closed for the Easter period from 4.00pm on Thursday, 6th April 2023 and shall re-open to the public on Tuesday, 11th April 2023 at 9.30am.

Beidh na roinne Seirbhísí Chustaiméira & Mótarchánach,  Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge,  dúnta le haghaidh na Cásca ó 4.00pm Déardaoin, 6 Aibreán 2023 agus osclóidh na hOifigí arís Dé Máirt, 11 Aibreán 2023 ag 9.30r.n.

By Waterford City & County Council

Entries now open for the Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2023

Since 1998, the Arts Office has been running this national annual Creative Writing Award to celebrate the rich literary life of the late Molly Keane. Molly lived in Ardmore, Co. Waterford until she died in 1996. She started writing at a young age to ‘supplement her dress allowance’.

Her first ten novels and four plays were published under the pseudonym M.J. Farrell. She married into the Keane family of West Waterford but sadly her husband died at the age of 36. Molly ceased writing until 1981 when ‘Good Behaviour’ was published under her real name. It became a publishing sensation and was well received as a masterpiece of black comedy for which she was short-listed for the prestigious Booker Prize in 1981.

The Arts Office, Waterford City & County Council by kind permission of the Keane family is now inviting entries for a previously unpublished short story for this years’ award.
The closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 2nd June 2023 at 12 noon.

There is a cash prize of €250 plus a course at the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore to the value of €300 for the winner and there is no entry fee. Full guidelines and the online submission details are now live on the Waterford Submit platform see: https://submit.link/1H2

or the QR code below:

By Waterford City & County Council

Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2023

WCCC is now seeking Expressions of Interest from communities for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2023.  The Scheme provides funding for initiatives that aim to revitalise rural towns and villages in #Waterford by improving the environment and amenities, as well as developing economic potential.

Grant funding available is from €20,000 to €500,000

For more information click https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/economic-development/rural-economic-development/town-village-renewal.htm

To seek the Expression of Interest form you can email: townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie closing date for submissions is Friday, 05th May 2023.

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Closure Arrangements : West Waterford Festival of Food

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers
pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, propose to close the following roads to through
traffic on Saturday 15th and Sunday, 16th April, 2023 to facilitate the West Waterford Festival of Food.

Roads to be closed:
From 6am until 8pm Saturday 15th April the following roads shall close:
• L3139 – Davitt’s Quay (from it’s Junction with Bridge Street to Harbour Street)
• L3136 – Carberry’s Lane
• L3137 – Galwey’s Lane
• L3169 – Thompson’s Lane

Parking on all the above mentioned streets shall be restricted from 6pm the night before.
No parking shall be allowed on Davitt’s Quay during the road closures. Access to the Garvey’s Supervalu Car Park on Davitt’s Quay shall be maintained via entrance on Cross Bridge Street, with all vehicles exiting via Bridge Street.

Traffic Diversions – Saturday 15th April 2023:
All traffic from the L3122 “The Lookout Road” shall be diverted via L3131 Quay Street to L3128 Church Street and onto L3126 Emmet Street.
All traffic travelling from R911 – T.F. Meagher Street shall be diverted onto L3139 (North or South). There will be no access to eastbound traffic to the The Causeway for the duration of the event. Westbound traffic will be unaffected except for a 30 min period during the RNLI “Duck Race” event when the road shall close.

From 6am until 9pm Sunday 16th April the following roads shall close:
• R911 – Grattan Square
• R911 – Saint Mary’s Street
• R911 – T.F. Meagher Street
• L3132 – Parnell Street
• R672 – O’Connell Street (from its Junction with R911 and Western Terrace)
• L3135 – Crossbridge Street
• L3137 – Galwey’s Lane

Parking on all the above mentioned streets shall be restricted from 6pm the night before.
Traffic Diversions – Sunday 16th April 2023:
All vehicles travelling from R911 The Causeway shall be diverted onto L3139 (North or South). All vehicles travelling from R911 Saint Mary Street shall turn right onto R672 O’Connell Street.

Advisory:
From 8am until 12am Friday 14th April 2023 part of the area of Walton Park adjacent to
the Causway will close for the ticketed “Park After Dark” event. Access to the park via the
Causeway Entrance will be restricted during these times but all other entrances and access to the park shall remain unaffected.

By Waterford City & County Council

Closing this week: Recruitment : Clerical Officer

Waterford City & County Council invites applications from suitably qualified candidates who wish to be considered for the position of CLERICAL OFFICER (panel).

The Online Application Form must be submitted no later than 4p.m. on Wednesday, 5th April, 2023. 

Hard Copies will not be accepted.

The official Online Application Form must be completed in full by the closing date for the competition.  Please note that amendments to the application will not be accepted after the closing date.

Please submit your Online Application from an email address that you will review regularly as communication during the assessment/selection period will only be through that email address.

By Waterford City & County Council

Temporary Road Closure today – St. Mary Street, Dungarvan

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, propose to close the following road to through traffic from 8am to 6pm on Monday, 3rd April, 2023 to facilitate the Installation of New Water Connection.


Road to be closed:
• St. Mary Street, Dungarvan.

Diversion Route:
• Via Mitchell Street, Wolfe Tone Road, John Treacy Street, Parnell Street, St. Augustine’s Street and Emmett Street, Dungarvan.

By Waterford City & County Council

Civic reception in recognition of WLR FM’s four in a row ‘Local Station of the Year’ accolade

WLRFM was today (Friday, March 31st) honoured with a civic reception in City Hall recognising the station’s unprecedented success at the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), winning ‘Local Station of the Year’ consecutively in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

 

The motion was proposed by Cllr. Jason Murphy and seconded by Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary paid tribute to WLRFM Managing Director, Des Whelan and his team on the station’s accomplishments.

“A pioneer of local radio in Ireland, Des Whelan is the driving force behind the phenomenally successful WLRFM where he has been Managing Director since its inception and WLR has continued to provide a top-quality local sound broadcasting service to Waterford City and County for the last three decades.

“As part of the radio station’s strategy to further immerse itself within the community to which it broadcasts, WLR has developed numerous community initiatives over the years which have all helped to shine a spotlight on all that’s positive about Waterford.”

Addressing the reception, Mr. Whelan said, “The station had humble beginnings. It was started by my brother Rick, and his friend Egedio Gianni. That summer of 1978 was magical. The licensing of local radio was always around the corner and while it was a full ten years coming, in hindsight we were all students of the university of life, studying for a degree in broadcasting.”

Mr. Whelan commended the contribution of Programme Director Michael Byrne who spearheaded the awards’ entries and that of the station’s staff, past and present, recounting fondly those who were an integral part of the fabric of the station, in particular the late Billy McCarthy, Eddie Wymberry, Tony Weldon, Bob Heuston and Kevin Casey.

Acknowledging the stations production, sales, admin teams, and on air presenters including Damien Tiernan, Oliver Carroll, Maria McCann, Kieran O’Connor, Aoibhin Fallon, Geoff Harris and John O’Shea, Mr. Whelan continued, “The common factor that unites us all in the station is that everyone has a passion for Waterford and we believe we are privileged to broadcast to Waterford, a county we have long believed to be the best place to live in Ireland.”

WLRfm continues to attract a large listening audience with 69% of all adults living in Waterford each week and 50% of all adults daily tuning in. (Source: JNLR/Ipsos 2022/3).

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