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By Waterford City & County Council

Water Safety : Alert Minimize the risks with advice from Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland & RNLI

water safety irelandThe Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland & the RNLI have issued advice to help keep people safe at Ireland’s waterways over the June bank holiday weekend.
Water based activities increase at this time of year, as do the number of incidents in which people get into difficulty. Minimize the risks with the following advice for a safe enjoyable bank holiday weekend.

How to enjoy water-based activities safely:

  • Check the forecast for your local area, including tide times and sea conditions for coastal activities.
  • Always carry a means of calling for help and keep it within reach.
  • Water temperatures are still cold. Acclimatise by getting in slowly, swim within your depth and avoid staying in the water for extended periods. Swimmers should be aware of rip currents and if caught in one should swim parallel to shore and then back to land.
  • Swim with others, never alone, in recognised, traditionally safe bathing areas. Lifeguarded waterways are listed at https://watersafety.ie/lifeguards/.
  • Supervise children at all times near water and never use inflatable toys in open water as currents and breezes can cause persons to be swept out to sea, endangering those onboard or others trying to assist.
  • If you find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly remember Float to Live. The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
  • Stranding is a risk when low tides expose areas of the coastline for walkers to explore sandbanks. Watch out for incoming tides, local signage, and always carry a fully charged mobile phone.
  • Wear a Personal Flotation Device when paddleboarding, kayaking or boating, or when angling from shore.
  • Avoid alcohol as it impairs judgment, balance and coordination – all essential for swimming and boating and avoiding hazards in the water.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or if you suspect that they are in trouble, dial 112 or use Marine VHF channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Ends

Media Enquiries to:
Water Safety Ireland, The Long Walk, Galway. info@watersafety.ie / www.watersafety.ie; Tel: 091-564400
Joanne Walsh 087-199.0339 / joannewalsh@watersafety.ie
Padraig Judge 087-459.0156 / padraigjudge@watersafety.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Summer Stars Reading Programme shines again in 2024

Summer Stars Reading Adventure starts Tuesday, June 4th and will run until August 31st, 2024.

This free national programme, held in all Waterford Libraries encourages children to keep reading over the summer months.

Ragnall, Waterford Libraries extremely popular mascot paid a visit to St. Mary’s National School in Ballygunner to encourage children to join the Summer Stars Reading Adventure 2024.

Tracy McEneaney, Executive Librarian with Waterford City and County Council said, “It is important for children to keep reading over the summer if they want to maintain their reading skills or better still improve. Waterford Libraries offers free membership for all, and you are never too young to start reading.”

Each child can register for the adventure at any library and will receive a Summer Stars Reading Card to record and track their progress.

At the end of the adventure, children return their reading card to their local library.  A range of events for children will be held in Waterford Libraries throughout the summer, and during Children’s Book Festival in October Waterford Library staff will visit schools to present the children with their Summer Stars medal and certificate of achievement.

For information on events and Waterford Libraries’ services see www.waterfordlibraries.ie

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Images – Free to use:  Mary Browne

Ragnall, Waterford Libraries mascot meeting the pupils of St. Mary’s National School, Ballygunner.

By Waterford City & County Council

People’s Park Fountain gets contemporary upgrade

The Fountain in the People’s Park was unveiled today (May 29th) by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway.

The new fountain, which has retained the shape and limestone capping of the previous fountain, consists of a 7-metre stainless steel spray ring with 88 individual water jets along with a dynamic colour change lighting display and a water filter system that can be monitored and accessed remotely.

Speaking at the unveiling, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “This is a wonderful addition to the People’s Park, and I’m delighted that so many people will be able to enjoy the calming sound and relaxing ambience that the fountain brings to this space.

“For anyone taking a stroll in the park, having a bite of lunch outdoors or enjoying the play areas for children, the new fountain is sure to be a big draw.

“What was once marshland almost 170 years ago, is now a vibrant, green, biodiverse and family-friendly public space which is on all of our interests to enjoy, respect and preserve.”

In addition to the construction of the new fountain, the Carlisle Bridge which links the People’s Park to Waterford Court House across the River Pill was also reopened.  Carlisle Bridge dates back to 1857 when it was built to provide a pedestrian link between the Courthouse and the People’s Park. The bridge, which is a very earlier example of the use of reinforced concrete construction, was opened by the 7th Earl of Carlisle after whom it was named.

In recent years much of the original iron work and lattice work on the bridge had become heavily corroded and in late 2023 Waterford City and County Council appointed Cumnor Construction to undertake a refurbishment of the bridge, which included the replacement of corroded wrought iron work, a full back to bare metal stripping of the old paint and repainting in colours that would in keeping with those used during the Victorian period.

The bridge was refurbished at a cost of almost €200,000 which was largely funded by grant funding from the Department of Transport’s Bridge Rehabilitation Works Programme.

Commenting on the fountain works, Dawn Wallace, Environment Senior Executive Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “We are delighted with the results.  The People’s Park is a wonderful public amenity that contains modern, accessible facilities such as the playground, playing pitch, skate park and adult gym, but what makes it particularly special is that it retains the history of the place.

“The bandstand has stood prominently in the heart of the 16-acre park since 1869 along with the Russian canons which were captured by the British Army at the Battle of Sebastopol in 1854.  These significant historical features are now complemented by the new upgraded fountain and refurbished pedestrian access bridge, which means there is something for everyone to enjoy in this expansive natural space.”

The overall cost of the fountain refurbishment was €160,000 and works were completed earlier this month by contractors Fountainworks of Navan with civil support works carried out by Liam Whelan Plant Hire of Dungarvan.

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor ‘Reclaims the Waters’

On Friday, May 24th Waterford Metropolitan Mayor Cllr. Jody Power set sail from Dunmore East on the Irish Naval vessel, LÉ William Butler Yeats to ‘reclaim the waters’ in a tradition that dates back centuries.

In 1626, the city of Waterford was granted a new charter by King Charles I.  Known as the Great Governing Charter, it confirmed all previous charters and privileges granted to the city, which had been removed by his father James I, whose accession in 1603 had caused great disaffection.

Under the terms of the Great Governing Charter, the Mayor of Waterford was also conferred with the office of ‘Admiral of the Harbour.’  This empowered the Mayor of Waterford City to hold admiralty courts within the harbour.  As part of this tradition the Mayor fires a ceremonial dart into the estuary where the three rivers meet, claiming the waters for the city of Waterford.

Speaking of the custom Cllr. Power said, “As someone with a strong maritime background and appreciation of the power of the sea, I am proud to take part in this significant ceremony as it is a great honour to continue this tradition in Waterford.

“It’s particularly poignant for me as a marine engineering lecturer at the Maritime College of Ireland, as many of these crew members have graced my lecture theatre over the years, and I’m delighted to reconnect with them today on such an auspicious occasion. I’d like to extend my gratitude to the officers and crew of the LÉ William Butler Yeats, particularly EO Jim Nolan, and also Capt. Darren Doyle of the Port of Waterford for facilitating us today.”

“Conducting this ceremony at the meeting of the Three Sisters Rivers also fills me with a sense of pride as I undertake my Mayoral duties in my home village of Cheekpoint.”

Cllr. Power then ‘reclaimed the waters’ by stating, “At this place where the Three Sisters rivers meet, to drive out King Neptune, I will throw this silver dart into the place where the rivers meet, and I declare, ‘According to the Governing Charter of Waterford City, as granted by King Charles I, on behalf of the Mayor of Waterford and Admiral of the Harbour, I claim these waters.’

-ends-

 

Free to use images: John Power

By Waterford City & County Council

Digital Story Trail picks up Digital Changemaker Award

Waterford Digital Story Trail picked up the Digital Changemaker Award at the.ie Digital Town Awards 2024 which were held in the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone on Friday, May 24th.

Recognising and rewarding projects across the country for their use of digital technologies and innovation that have had a transformational effect, the .ie Digital Town Awards featured projects which included themes such as ethical and sustainable tourism, digital infrastructure and digital at the heart of the community. With a total prize fund of €60,000, the Digital Story trail project also received €3,000 in prize money.

In February of last year, Waterford City and County Council in partnership with Imvizar, and with Fáilte Ireland funding under the Destination Towns Initiative, launched Waterford’s first Digital Story Trail (DST), which explores the history, culture, and heritage of 15 different locations across the city centre, including Reginald’s Tower, Waterford Crystal, the Watchtower and Arundel Square.

Waterford Digital Story Trail brings the stories of Waterford to life as you wander through the historic streets of Ireland’s Oldest City. This innovative experience seamlessly combines audio, augmented reality, and a simple-to-use web interface which allows visitors to interact with Waterford City’s rich past. Using a mobile devise, visitors are transported to 15 key locations where they can listen to tales from historical figures and witness AR recreations of pivotal moments, such as the crafting of Waterford Crystal and the first design of the Irish flag. This trail educates and entertains, making history accessible and engaging for all ages.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway congratulated the award-winning project saying, “This project is truly deserving of the Digital Town Digital Changemaker Award.  The innovative technology has brought Waterford’s past to life.  This novel approach gives locals and visitors alike the chance to delve into Waterford’s rich history and learn more about the fascinating people who shaped it.”

Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City and County Council, on receiving the award said, “It is fantastic to receive this award, particularly as there were such high calibre nominees in the Digital Changemaker category.

“Waterford Digital Story Trail has set a new benchmark for interactive cultural experiences, fostering a renewed interest in Waterford’s past among locals and visitors alike. Its impact goes beyond immediate tourism gains, offering a lasting contribution to the appreciation and preservation of local history.”

Adele Keane, Creative Producer, Imvizar said, “We are honoured to be recognised as Digital Changemakers. We hope that the Digital Story Trail will inspire other towns and cities to adopt Waterford’s innovative approach to making history more interactive and accessible.”

The DST has exceeded expectations attracting over 25,000 visitors and boosting the city’s tourism, particularly from international guests. In its first year 75% of users were from Ireland but through promotion international users increased to 43% in 2023 with US, UK, Germany, France and Spain being the top users. Beyond enhancing tourism, the trail has deepened the community’s connection to its heritage, making history more accessible and engaging through innovative technology.

This is not the first time this project’s success has been recognised. It was featured in the New York Times “52 places to go” list in 2024 and praised on RTE’s Nationwide for its exemplary approach to digital heritage storytelling.  A variety of recent accolades in Waterford have recognised Mount Congreve, Waterford Greenway, Tramore and Waterford Treasures.

To find out about Waterford’s Digital Story Trail visit Waterford Digital Story Trail (visitwaterford.com)

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: LGBTQ+ History Talks tomorrow

LGBTQ+ history talks

Join us for a captivating exploration of LGBTQ+ history with esteemed speakers Dr. Mary McAuliffe and Dr. Anthony Delaney on Tuesday 28th of May in WCQ Barker Place on O’Connell Street. Waterford Libraries are delighted to be collaborating with Pride of the Deise for this event.

Book your free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/lgbtq-history-talk-at-pride-of-the-deise-2024-registration-904856579387

Dr. McAuliffe, a historian and lecturer at Gender Studies UCD, will delve into “Having no time for men at all”; Histories of Irish suffrage and revolutionary queer women. Drawing from her extensive research and latest publications, Dr. McAuliffe offers insights into the lives of remarkable individuals and their contributions to Ireland’s rich tapestry of gender and sexuality.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Delaney, an actor, author, and historian, will shed light on “The Queer South East in the 18th and 19th centuries.” His discussion will focus on figures like Eleanor Butler, Sarah Ponsonby, and Edward De Lacy Evans, unraveling stories of resilience and identity in historical contexts.

Don’t miss this enlightening journey through Ireland’s queer past.

By Waterford City & County Council

Bealtaine Dusk Chorus

Dusk Chorus takes place at Tramore Library Waterford City and County Libraries on Thursday 30th May at 6.30pm with performances by the Bealtaine Choir and WWETB students.
Refreshments will be served and all are welcome to come along! This free, fun event is part of the National Bealtaine Festival celebrating creativity and arts as we age.

By Waterford City & County Council

Customer Service Offices – Later Opening Times

The Customer Service Offices of Waterford City & County Council will open at the later time of 10am on the following dates:

  • Waterford City – Friday, 24th May 2024
  • Dungarvan –  Monday, 27th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Ministers Humphreys and Joe O’Brien announce Waterford funding under Local Enhancement Programme 2024 General (Main) Fund strand

Dept. of Rural and Community Development logoMinisters Humphreys and Joe O’Brien announce €153,405.16 for 164 projects in Co Waterford under the Local Enhancement Programme 2024 General (Main) Fund strand.

  • Small grants to benefit community groups across Waterford.
  • Supporting community groups a key focus of ‘Our Rural Future’.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, have today announced the successful projects in Co. Waterford under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2024.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 was launched in December 2023 with funding of €6 million available, which included €1 million in funding ring-fenced specifically to support Women’s Groups. The funding will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.

The Department of Rural and Community Development’s Local Enhancement Programme 2024 is administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area.

Announcing the successful projects for Co. Waterford today, Minister Humphreys said:

“The Local Enhancement Programme is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, who are the building blocks of Irish community life. I want to congratulate the successful applicants and to thank them for the vital work they do in providing services in their local communities. These grants will help thousands of community organisations, clubs, men’s and women’s sheds, youth centres and parish halls, to continue to provide their valuable services to the people in their areas.”

Minister Humphreys added:

“Supporting local communities to shape their future is a key focus of the Government’s rural development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’. The funding I am announcing today will ensure that important work can continue to be delivered by communities on the ground and I’m delighted that every single county will benefit. I would like to thank Waterford County Council and Local Community Development Committee for their assistance in administering this fund.”

Also announcing the successful projects today, Minister Joe O’Brien said:

“The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 provides vital support to community groups in order to help them improve their facilities. It supports small-scale funding for projects which range from purchasing IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings. Ultimately the Programme responds to local needs. These investments allow community groups to carry out the invaluable work they do on behalf of others in local areas throughout the country. The impact of the Local Enhancement Programme is considerable.”

Waterford City and County Council will be in contact with recipients of the LEP 2024 General Fund in the coming weeks. Also, recipients of the Women’s Groups Fund strand will be announced in due course.’

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

EU Mock Election gets Vote of Confidence!

On Tuesday, May 14th, five secondary schools from Waterford city and county got the opportunity to vote in a ‘mock’ EU election and learn about the democratic process.

An initiative of Europe Direct Waterford, Eurodesk and Waterford City and County Council, with the support of the Communicating Europe Initiative at the Department of Foreign Affairs, over 300 secondary school students experienced first-time voting in an election and learned about the opportunities for EU careers and travel.

The EU Mock Election and Careers Fair was held in the vestibule of the Theatre Royal and the Dr. Mary Strangman Large Room in City Hall.  Students were welcomed by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway, and were then introduced to the ‘polling booth’ as they got to cast their first ‘mock’ vote in an EU election.

Pól Ó Grádaigh, Language Affairs Officer with the European Commission Representation in Ireland spoke to the students about careers in language translation in the EU, while Mara Matthews and Mollie Mernagh of Comhairle na nOg spoke about the importance of young people using their vote and voicing their opinions.

Brian Leonard, Office Manager, Waterford Court Office acted as Returning Officer on the day, speaking to students about the voting and count process, his expertise ensuring the students left fully versed in the Irish election process.

Caoilan Walsh, a 5th Year De la Salle student and winner of the Europe Direct Soapbox Speechmaking competition in 2023 for the South-East Region spoke of his experience of representing his school at the National European Youth Parliament earlier this year, while Shane Horgan of Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service recounted his experience of Erasmus exchanges in seven European countries.

Sinead O’Higgins, Senior Executive Librarian with Waterford City and County Council said, “We’re delighted to see so many young people here that are not only curious about the democratic process and how it works, but also realising that their vote really can make a difference and their voices will be heard when they cast their first vote.”

“I’d particularly like to thank the 300 students who took part in the mock election, their teachers and the teams from Eurodesk, the Southern Regional Assembly, PACT Youth Diversion Project and Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service for putting together a fun and engaging event that gave our young citizens an insight into the power of the democratic process.”

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Free-to-use-Images attached:DGM Photographic

By Waterford City & County Council

LGBTQ+ History Talks

LGBTQ+ history talks

Join us for a captivating exploration of LGBTQ+ history with esteemed speakers Dr. Mary McAuliffe and Dr. Anthony Delaney on Tuesday 28th of May in WCQ Barker Place on O’Connell Street. Waterford Libraries are delighted to be collaborating with Pride of the Deise for this event.

Book your free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/lgbtq-history-talk-at-pride-of-the-deise-2024-registration-904856579387

Dr. McAuliffe, a historian and lecturer at Gender Studies UCD, will delve into “Having no time for men at all”; Histories of Irish suffrage and revolutionary queer women. Drawing from her extensive research and latest publications, Dr. McAuliffe offers insights into the lives of remarkable individuals and their contributions to Ireland’s rich tapestry of gender and sexuality.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Delaney, an actor, author, and historian, will shed light on “The Queer South East in the 18th and 19th centuries.” His discussion will focus on figures like Eleanor Butler, Sarah Ponsonby, and Edward De Lacy Evans, unraveling stories of resilience and identity in historical contexts.

Don’t miss this enlightening journey through Ireland’s queer past.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Digital Story Trail shortlisted in two categories of .ie Digital Town Awards

A digital story trail featuring augmented reality which offers tourists an engaging way to discover Waterford’s rich and fascinating history via their smartphone has been shortlisted in the Digital Tourism and Digital Changemaker categories of the .ie Digital Town Awards 2024

The .ie Digital Town Awards recognise and reward projects with a digital element created by town groups, individuals and local communities.

In February of last year, Waterford City and County Council in partnership with Imvizar, and with Fáilte Ireland funding under the Destination Towns Initiative, launched Waterford’s first Digital Story Trail (DST), which explores the history, culture, and heritage of 15 different locations across the city centre, including Reginald’s Tower, Waterford Crystal, the Watchtower and Arundel Square.

Through the use of augmented reality smartphone technology, visitors and locals can experience Waterford’s past by watching digital animations of characters and architecture appear as if they are in the physical world right in front of them. The trail can be accessed for free by scanning one of the numerous QR codes on signs located throughout the city trail or by visiting visitwaterford.com/digitalstorytrail/

This innovative experience seamlessly combines audio, augmented reality, and a simple-to-use web interface which allows visitors to interact with Waterford City’s rich past. Using a mobile device, visitors are transported to 15 key locations where they can listen to tales from historical figures and witness AR recreations of pivotal moments.

In addition to meeting life-like characters from Waterford’s past, scanning the QR code also provides an audio tale from an historical figure, coupled with interesting facts and a timeline of events. Spanning over a thousand years of Waterford’s history, tourists can listen as Reginald, a Viking King and warlord from the 10th century, as he describes his quest to launch raids all over Ireland and watch as Thomas Francis Meagher, Leader of the Young Irelanders in the 1848 Rebellion, raises the first Irish tricolour.

Waterford’s history of master craft making is also recognised.  Rachel Penrose, the wife of one of the founders of Waterford Crystal, William Penrose, appears in a recreation of an 18th century glass-blowing scene. Trail users can also meet Anastasia Fleming, a silversmith from the late 1700s, and see a reimagined façade of her silversmith shop.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway commended the initiative saying it truly brings Waterford’s history to life in a fun, engaging and fascinating way.  “With over 1,000 years of history to explore the Digital Story Trail takes the user on an intriguing journey, in which they can meet the characters that shaped Ireland’s Oldest City.”

Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “The Waterford Digital Story Trail was identified as an ideal way to introduce visitors to the varied stories and characters of Waterford. It provides visitors with free entertainment at any time of the day, taking about one and a half hours to complete.  Users can stop and start at any point, and it purposefully leads people past attractions, shops and café’s to encourage people to dwell longer in the destination.”

The DST has exceeded expectations attracting over 25,000 visitors and boosting the city’s tourism, particularly from international guests. In its first year 75% of users were from Ireland but through promotion international users increased to 43% in 2023 with US, UK, Germany, France and Spain being the top users. Beyond enhancing tourism, the trail has deepened the community’s connection to its heritage, making history more accessible and engaging through innovative technology.

The project’s success has not gone unnoticed. It was featured in the New York Times “52 places to go” list in 2024 and praised on RTE’s Nationwide for its exemplary approach to digital heritage storytelling.

This year’s shortlisted finalists cover the full spectrum of idea development and readiness, with the gala awards ceremony taking place in Athlone on May 24th.

-ends-

Image – Free to use Patrick Browne

Anastasia Fleming, an 18th Century silversmith, and Odin Lord of Valhalla with then Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary the launch of the Waterford Digital Story Trail in February 2023.

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