Skip to content

Waterford City and County Council staff take part in Road Safety Awareness Training

Waterford City and County Council drivers recently participated in Road Safety training during Irish Road Safety Week which runs from Monday, October 6th to Sunday, October 12th.

Throughout Irish Road Safety Week, a number of events are being held to increase driver awareness to help save lives and prevent serious injuries on our roads.

Over 80 staff members participated in the workshop which was organised and supported by Waterford City and County Council and held at the Park Hotel, Dungarvan. The workshop focused on drivers’ awareness and health, and included insightful presentations from the National Council of Cancer Prevention (NCCCP), ESB Networks and IPB Insurance.

The Road Safety Authority’s (RSA) Roll Over simulator was also on site. Fitted to a hydraulic platform, the unit can simulate a 90 degree and 180-degree roll-over, highlighting the importance of wearing a seatbelt correctly, and the dangers of driver distraction, use of mobile phones, passenger behaviour, fatigue and speed.

Attendees also got to try out the simulated virtual experience through Aviva’s Virtual Reality (VR) headsets which simulated the experience of users as front seat passengers in a serious road accident.

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council said, “Today’s workshop undoubtedly has the potential to make our roads safer, not only for our staff, but for everyone who uses them.

“Driver safety and awareness are absolutely paramount if we are to meet the ambitious goals of ‘Vision Zero’ of no fatalities or serious injuries on our roads by 2050. Achieving this vision will take collective effort, and today’s workshop is a step in the right direction.

“The presentations from ESB, NCCCP, and IPB were both practical and insightful, offering real-world scenarios and strategies that we can take away and apply immediately. In particular, the RSA rollover simulator was a powerful reminder of the life-saving importance of wearing seatbelts correctly. Seeing and experiencing that level of impact really drives home a message that statistics alone can’t convey.”

RSA Marks National Child Safety Day

Vision Zero

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is marking National Child Safety Day tomorrow, Friday with a nationwide series of events and initiatives focused on protecting Ireland’s youngest and most vulnerable road users.

The day forms part of Irish Road Safety Week, which runs from Monday, 6 October to Sunday, 12 October. Throughout the week, the RSA’s Nationwide Road Safety Education Service has been travelling the country — from crèches to college campuses — bringing road safety lessons, activities, and resources to thousands of children, parents, and educators.

During the week, the RSA has distributed over 40,000 high-visibility vests and Beep Beep Day packs to pre-schools across Ireland. The packs, provided free of charge each year, help introduce pre-schoolers to essential road safety habits in a fun and engaging way. Activities teach children to hold hands, stop, look and listen before crossing, and include the Safe Cross Code song, posters, and storybooks featuring Simon and Friends.

Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, said: “National Child Safety Day is about ensuring every child in Ireland learns how to stay safe on our roads — and that every adult takes responsibility for protecting them. The tragic reality is that too many children are still being killed or seriously injured on Irish roads. Every reflective vest worn, every correctly fitted car seat, and every conversation about road safety can save a young life.”

The focus on child safety comes against a stark backdrop. According to the recently-published RSA Child Casualties Report 2020-2024, 39 children aged 0-15 lost their lives and 584 were seriously injured on Irish roads during this five-year period. Almost half (49%) of these young victims were pedestrians, while one in seven were injured while travelling to or from school.

Children aged 10-15 years are at particular risk, accounting for two-thirds of serious injuries and almost 70% of fatalities among child road users.

The RSA’s Check It Fits service — a free, nationwide car seat safety initiative — is also active throughout the week. With up to four out of five child car seats found to be incorrectly fitted, the service provides on-site safety checks and demonstrations for parents and guardians. A Check It Fits event will take place at Tony Kealy’s in Coolock, Dublin, on Friday to coincide with National Child Safety Day.

Meanwhile, the Seatbelt Sheriff is visiting primary schools in Louth and Monaghan on Friday. The sheriff teaches children how to cross the road safely, where it is safest to do so in both urban and rural areas, and how to stay visible and protected while cycling. With his signature sheriff hat and friendly, approachable style, he captures the attention of students aged 6 to 13, making serious topics like seatbelt use and passenger safety memorable and meaningful.

StreetSmart has been visiting primary schools in Meath this week – it brings road safety to life in a fun way for young children. Using a pretend streetscape mat and props, children are invited to carry out everyday road safety tasks.

Elsewhere, the RSA Shuttle — a mobile interactive road safety unit — has been engaging with communities in Galway and Sligo.

At third level, the RSA’s College Road Safety Education Programme continues its national tour, visiting the University of Galway and ATU Connemara this week. The programme brings immersive, hands-on road safety experiences to students, tackling issues such as drink and drug driving, fatigue, distraction, and seatbelt use.

Mr. Waide added: “From toddlers to teenagers, we’re working to instil safe habits early and often. Road safety is not just a message — it’s a lifelong skill. National Child Safety Day reminds us that our collective efforts can and do make a difference.”

LEO announces 2025 Glas Award winners!

The 3rd Glas awards, in association with Waterford City and County Council recognise and celebrate the micro businesses in County Waterford who have made significant advances in bringing green principles into their business models. None more so than this year’s winners, Blossom and Berry, and The Hat Maker.

The Green Micro Enterprise of the Year, open to all with employees of 10 or less was won by Blossom and Berry who impressed the judges with its, “Commitment to mitigating climate change by integrating green principles in every aspect of its operations.” Nestled in the picturesque town of Lismore, County Waterford, Blossom & Berry is a sustainable florist.

The Green SME of the Year, open to those between 11 and 50 employees was won by The Hat Maker. This new hotel in Dungarvan is a refurbishment of an existing protected structure. It achieved an A2 rating, ensuring sustainable reuse of this historic building in the town centre.

Speaking at the prize giving Waterford City and County Mayor, Councillor Seamus Ryan said, “These awards are another opportunity to reward businesses for their climate actions. Today we recognise two leaders in the field in our county. I’d like to congratulate both businesses in what is a thoroughly deserved accolade.

“The Glas awards and the actions of the winners mark another step towards Waterford’s green targets. The link between the Council and business in Waterford has never been more important.”

Blossom & Berry is actively working to reduce its carbon intensity and move closer to carbon neutrality. The sustainability efforts include reducing its carbon footprint through energy conservation via LED alternatives, water conservation and solar power. As owner Claudia O’Neill says, “The sustainability initiatives we’ve implemented have created profoundly positive impacts on both our business operations and brand identity.”

David Burke and his team at The Hat Maker brought a dilapidated building back in to use in Dungarvan town centre. The 16 elegantly appointed rooms offer an intimate and exclusive experience. Repurposing, repairing and refurbishing, every element of the creation and running of the hotel has a sustainable ethos. As Davis says, “As well as being the right thing to do, it reduces costs significantly when fully committed to and done properly. It also acts as a marketing tool for our business as it is important to the consumer segment we target.”

Each winner received a cash prize of €2,500 and a Glas trophy, designed and created by Brendan O’Donnell. The awards have been solely made from reclaimed and recycled materials. Solid oak is from cabinet drawers, while the plastic is a mix of milk bottles, lids from drinks containers from a cafe and hygiene product drums from a dairy farm.

Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Gareth Evans was delighted with the quality of entries for the awards, “The LEO wants to show other businesses that investment in this area is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing too. Every entry to these awards will tell you that they have reaped the benefits of their investment.

“LEO Waterford has numerous supports available to help businesses with their sustainable journey. The Green for Business Programme is a two day consultancy programme that provides a Green Consultant to work with a business, helping to identify the steps they can take in being more sustainable. The business will then be issued with a Green for Business report and most importantly, all costs are covered by the Local Enterprise Office.

“Following this, if the business is considering making changes they may avail of our Energy Efficiency Grant which offers 75% of eligible costs to a maximum of €10,000 towards the upgrades.”

For further information on the Glas and other Local Enterprise Office Awards, follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie 

Civic Dollars launched to reward Health and Wellbeing as part of Healthy Waterford Programme

Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Sports Partnership have officially launched Civic Dollars as part of its Healthy Waterford programme and Active Cities Project. This new initiative is designed to encourage residents to enjoy the city and county’s parks and open spaces while improving health, wellbeing, and community connection.

The Civic Dollars app rewards people for spending time outdoors in designated “earn zones” across Waterford. For every 30 minutes spent in these areas, users earn Civic Dollars which can then be exchanged for rewards from participating local businesses or donated to community organisations and charities.

The initiative supports the Healthy Waterford vision of making the county a healthier, happier place to live by promoting physical activity, mental wellbeing, and social engagement. It also supports Waterford Sports Partnership’s vision of Active People, Active Place, by encouraging people to get outdoors and be active.

Launching the programme, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, said, “This is a fantastic initiative that encourages people to get outdoors and enjoy our beautiful parks and green spaces. Civic Dollars gives us a creative way to support physical and mental wellbeing while also boosting our local businesses and community groups. It’s about building a stronger, healthier Waterford for everyone.”

Eoin Morrissey, Healthy Waterford Coordinator, added, “Healthy Waterford is about supporting people to live full, active and healthy lives. The introduction of Civic Dollars adds a really engaging and inclusive way for people to make small positive changes that benefit their health and the wider community. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a family outing, or time spent in nature, every minute counts.”

Stephen McPeake, CEO and Founder of Civic Dollars, said, “We’re delighted to be working with Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Sports Partnership and the Healthy Waterford team to launch Civic Dollars in the county. This programme builds on our work across Ireland and internationally – from Donegal to Denmark to the USA – showing how rewarding people for simply spending time outdoors can have a real impact on health, wellbeing, and local economies. Waterford is a perfect place to bring this to life, and we’re excited to see how it helps residents get active and connected.”

The Civic Dollars initiative in Waterford forms part of the Healthy Ireland Framework and reflects the Council’s commitment to promoting physical activity and community wellbeing as part of its Healthy Waterford strategy.

If you would like to find out more about the Civic Dollars Project, please contact Eoin Morrissey eoinmorrissey@waterfordcouncil.ie  or Lauren Walsh Kett lwalshkett@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

Imagine Arts Festival 2025

Imagine Arts Festival

Waterford will once again come alive this October as Imagine Arts Festival unveils a vibrant six-day celebration of theatre, music, dance, visual art, installations, heritage, and family-friendly events.

Running from Tuesday 21st to Sunday 26th October 2025, the festival continues its reputation as one of Ireland’s most imaginative and diverse arts festivals, transforming the city into a stage for creativity and connection.

This year, Imagine also introduces a brand-new Festival Hub at the former AIB Bank on 42 Michael Street – a daily base for audiences to gather information, meet artists, and experience a programme of exhibitions, installations, and workshops in the heart of Waterford City.

Full programme www.imagineartsfestival.com

Phlean Spóirt agus Gníomhaíochta Coirp do Phort Láirge

Phlean Spóirt agus Gníomhaíochta Coirp do Phort Láirge

Tá Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, i gcomhar le Comhpháirtíocht Spóirt Phort Láirge, ag forbairt Phlean Spóirt agus Gníomhaíochta Coirp do Phort Láirge agus TÁ DO CHABHAIR AG TEASTÁIL!

Táimid ag tabhairt cuireadh duitse plean nua spreagúil a mhúnlú chun rannpháirtíocht i spórt, gníomhaíocht choirp agus áineas a spreagadh agus chun cabhrú le Port Láirge níos cuimsithí, níos gníomhaí agus níos sláintiúla a mhúnlú.

Tá an suirbhé oscailte do gach duine atá ina gcónaí i gContae Phort Láirge. Scan an cód QR nó cliceáil ar an nasc thíos chun an suirbhé a oireann do do riachtanais a fháil agus tógaimis Port Láirge níos gníomhaí le chéile!

Local Sports & Physical Activity Plan – Online Surveys

Local Sports & Physical Activity Plan - Online Surveys

Waterford City & County Council, in association with Waterford Sports Partnership, is developing a Sports and Physical Activity Plan for Waterford and WE NEED YOU!

We are inviting you to shape an exciting new plan to encourage participation in sport, physical activity and recreation and help shape a more inclusive, active and healthier Waterford

The survey is open to all County Waterford residents. Scan the QR code or click the link below to get the survey which suits your needs and let’s build a more active Waterford together!

 

International repair day events

International repair day eventsLearn Sashiko mending and make your own tote bag

Come join Christina Drennan at Tramore Library for a fun and creative event where you’ll learn the art of Sashiko mending! Not only will you pick up a new skill, but you’ll also get to put it to use by making your very own tote bag. It’s a hands-on experience that’s perfect for anyone interested in sewing or crafting this International Repair Day on 18th October.

Also on International Repair Day on 18th October …

Toy Swap with the Toy Library at Tramore GAA Hall – sign up today at The Toy Library Swap&Play – First time in Waterford! Tickets, Sat, Oct 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite 

Give toys a new home and bring joy to another family! Swap unwanted toys for ones your children will love at this free community-driven event, sponsored by Waterford City and County Council. Join us at Tramore GAA, County Waterford, X91 XD99 on October 18th (2 PM – 5 PM). This family-friendly event is packed with hands-on activities, sustainable swaps, and creative fun to help reimagine how we consume and play.

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/

Waterford Schools take the Schools Litter Challenge

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan recently launched the Waterford Schools Litter Challenge at the Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota dealership on the Cork Road.

The challenge, now in its fifth year, is sponsored by Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota, in association with Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber.

Over the course of the next six weeks, secondary school students from across the city and county will be out litter-picking in their localities. The initiative not only helps to keep our streets and parks litter free, but it also highlights the detrimental effect litter, particularly single-use plastics, has on the environment.

Mayor Ryan said, “I am delighted to launch the fifth Schools Litter Challenge with our good friend and sponsor, Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota.

“The success of the challenge is immeasurable.  Over the last four year, and I don’t expect this year to be any different, students from schools throughout the city and county have removed bag after bag of litter.  I want to commend them and their teachers for their dedication and commitment in helping Waterford become litter-free.

“Their enthusiasm is infectious and if this challenge spurs one person to clean up their rubbish after them, the message is unequivocal…small changes have big impacts on the environment.

“The support of local businesses can never be underestimated, and I would like to extend my gratitude to all the team at Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota for their support in once again helping Waterford retain its title of Ireland’s Cleanest City.”

For the challenge, Waterford City and County Council is providing bags, gloves, litter pickers and high visibility vests to all schools, with Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota sponsoring the €1,500 prize for the winning school.

Welcoming the return of the challenge, Tom Murphy, Chairman of TMCS said, “This year’s challenge is particularly special as we celebrate half a decade of collaboration and positive change. We are thrilled by the increasing enthusiasm we see from the schools taking part and the invaluable support we get from our business partners Toyota Ireland, Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber.

“At the heart of the Schools Litter Challenge lies the belief that every individual has a role to play in protecting our environment and strengthening our sense of community. By taking part in this challenge, students are not only learning about the detrimental effects of littering but are also developing a deep appreciation for civic engagement and teamwork,” Mr. Murphy added.

Michael Oporowicz, Area Sales Manager, Toyota Ireland said, “Toyota is delighted to once again support this amazing initiative.

“Tom Murphy has been an advocate of this program since very beginning and is a staunch advocate for Waterford, its people and its presentation. Toyota Ireland is looking forward to working with the schools and Waterford City and County Council to realise our aim in working towards a sustainable, environmentally friendly future for generations to come.”

Present at the launch was Waterpark College teacher, Deirdre Cahill, overall winners in 2024. Speaking of last year’s challenge, Deirdre said, “The Schools Litter Challenge was enthusiastically embraced by all the students last year and we are looking forward to partaking again this year.  There was no doubt that our students invested time, energy and commitment to the task, and we were delighted to see that dedication rewarded.

“Initiatives such as the Schools Litter Challenge are a great way for students to get involved and realise the beneficial impacts of cleaner, greener communities and localities.”

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, “We got a great reaction from the eleven schools from across the city and county who undertook the challenge last year.  The enthusiasm and dedication from the students were contagious, and while Waterpark College emerged as overall winner, the efforts of all the schools did not go unnoticed as there was an apparent reduction in litter and debris in their designated areas.”

The Schools Litter Challenge runs until December 10th, with the overall winners announced by Mayor Murphy at a reception in City Hall on December 17th, 2025.

-ends-

 

Images Free to use – Noel Browne

3. Pictured at the launch of the 2025 Schools Litter Challenge at Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota with the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, were Transition Year students from Waterpark College; Niamh Barry, Thomas Darcy-Burke, Holly O’Callaghan, Chloe Caulfield and Gracemarie Conway; Tom Murphy Chair, TMCS; Gerald Hurley, CEO Waterford Chamber; Ella Ryan Environmental Awareness Officer, Waterford City and County Council and Waterpark College teacher, Deirdre Cahill. 

4. Pictured at the launch of the 2025 Schools Litter Challenge at Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota with the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan were Waterpark College Transition Year students, Chloe Caulfield and Thomas Darcy-Burke; Tom Murphy Chair TMCS and Gerald Hurley, Waterford Chamber.

5,  Transition Year students from Waterpark College, Thomas Darcy-Burke, Niamh Barry, Holly O’Callaghan and Gracemarie Conway Chloe Caulfield, are pictured at the launch of the 2025 Schools Anti-Litter campaign in Tom Murphy Car Sales, Waterpark College were last year’s winners.

6. Transition Year students from Waterpark College, Thomas Darcy-Burke, Niamh Barry, Holly O’Callaghan and Gracemarie Conway, Chloe Caulfield, along with their teacher, Deirdre Cahill are pictured at the launch of the 2025 Schools Litter Challenge at Tom Murphy Car Sales.

 

Road Safety Alert – Orange and Yellow Weather Warnings Issued for Storm Amy

A picture containing logoDescription automatically generated

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads over the next few days as Met Eireann has issued Orange and Yellow Weather Warnings as Storm Amy approaches.

There is an Orange Rainfall Warning for Kerry from 6am-8pm Thursday when there may be heavy spells of rain. Flooding can be expected along with very difficult travelling conditions.

There is a Yellow Rainfall Warning for Cavan, Donegal, Munster, Connacht and Longford from 6am-8pm when there will be widespread rain, heavy at times, and there is potential for localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions.

There is a Yellow Wind Warning for Ireland from noon to midnight on Friday where Storm Amy will bring strong to near gale force and gusty south-westerly winds. There is potential for difficult travelling conditions, debris, loose objects becoming displaced and the chance of some fallen trees is possible.

Road users in areas affected by the Orange Warning are recommended to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.

The following advice is being given to road users on foot of the weather warnings.

  • Drivers need to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions. This is especially important on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning.
  • Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles, as they generate a considerable amount of spray, which reduces your visibility. Hold back to where you can see their mirrors.
  • If the road ahead is flooded, choose another route. Do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. The verge may have subsided and there may also be trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.
  • Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic that have been put there by the local council or An Garda Síochána.
  • After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes.
  • Be Safe. Be Seen. Drive with dipped headlights at all times to ensure that you are visible and that you can see other road users.
  • Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch out for falling / fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road.
  • Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds
  • Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
  • Drive with dipped headlights at all times.

Advice to Pedestrians, Cyclists, and motorcyclists:

  • Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
  • Cyclists should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike. Consider wearing high visibility material.
  • Take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions, as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
  • Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.

For advice on severe weather driving tips, please see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.

Please also see the severe weather warning videos created in collaboration with Teresa Mannion here.

See advice for driving on flooded roads here and some advice on driving in strong winds here.

For more weather updates, visit Met Eireann’s website: www.met.ie

ENDS

Status Yellow wind warning for the Waterford

Yellow Weather WarningMet Éireann has issued a Status Yellow wind warning for the Waterford, valid from noon today (12pm Friday, October 3rd) until midnight tomorrow (12am Saturday, October 4th)

Storm Amy is the first major storm of the season and will bring strong to near force and gusty south westerly winds.

Potential impacts include:

Difficult travelling conditions
Debris, loose objects displaced
Some fallen trees
Spot flooding

The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.

You can monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information.

Scéim Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta 2026

Scéim Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta 2026Tá áthas ar Oifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge a fhógairt go bhfuil sé i gceist Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta a bhronnadh ar dhaltaí meánscoile ó Phort Láirge chun freastal ar chúrsa i gColáiste na Rinne le linn Samhraidh 2026.

Bronnfar scoláireacht iomlán, nó dhá leath-scoláireacht ar dhalta(í) a chónaíonn i gCathair nó i gContae Phort Láirge (laistigh de limistéar riaracháin na Comhairle) chun freastal ar Chúrsa Samhraidh de chuid Choláiste na Rinne i Rinn Ó gCuanach an samhraidh seo chugainn.

Deir Máire Seó Breathnach, Oifigeach Gaeilge na Comhairle, “Is deis iontach iad cúrsaí samhraidh Choláiste na Rinne do dhaltaí chun an Ghaeilge a fhoghlaim i dtimpeallacht taitneamhach, sábháilte. Ní hamháin go mbeidh feabhas ag teacht ar a gcumas Gaeilge, ach gheobhaidh siad blaiseadh de chultúr agus d’oidhreacht na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta chomh maith, fad is a bheidh siad sa Rinn. Tá áthas ar an gComhairle a bheith in ann tacaíocht a thabhairt do dhuine/dhaoine dul ar an aistear iontach seo sa Ghaeltacht.”

Is féidir an fhoirm iarratais agus na téarmaí agus coinníollacha do Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta 2026 a fháil ag https://waterfordcouncil.ie/GaeltachtScholarships2026

Is é an dáta deiridh d’iarratais ná 5pm ar an Aoine, 31 Deireadh Fómhair 2025.

-críoch-