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By Waterford City & County Council

Kilbarry Nature Park and Waterford Greenway continue to fly the Green Flag

The 2024 Green Flag Awards were announced today by An Taisce Environmental Education, acknowledging Ireland’s best public parks and gardens, with both Kilbarry Nature Park and Waterford Greenway achieving a Green Flag Award for 2024.

The 2024 Green Flag Awards celebrate the recognition of Ireland’s best parks and green spaces.

The international Green Flag Award was awarded to 120 parks, gardens, greenways and wildlife sanctuaries around the country today. The award acknowledges excellence in the management of those green spaces which are freely open to the public. Ireland clearly leads the way for other EU countries, with the largest quota out of a total of 174 EU Green Flag Award sites being located here in 2024.

Following today’s announcement by An Taisce, Dawn Wallace, Senior Executive Officer with Waterford City and County Council’s Environment Department said, “These Green Flag Awards not only showcase the calibre of the wonderful natural amenities that we have in Waterford, but they also highlight the importance of shared public spaces as a place for people to relax and experience the wonder of nature on our doorstep.

“Waterford Greenway and Kilbarry Nature Park are exemplars of well-maintained public green spaces that not only improve biodiversity, but also contribute to the health and well-being of our communities.”

Ms. Wallace also acknowledged the work of the Council team in securing these awards, saying, “Each member involved in maintaining these spaces takes pride in the appearance of our parks, open spaces and amenities, and these awards is testament to the great ongoing effort shown by them.”

Emlyn Cullen, Programme Manager for An Taisce Environmental Education Unit, running the Award in Ireland said, “The continued success of the Green Flag Award is due to the love staff members have for their green spaces and the hard work they put in to maintaining them. They do a phenomenal job every day making their parks and gardens beautiful, safe spaces for the public to enjoy.”

The Green Flag Award is the international quality benchmark for the public green space sector – now operating in 19 countries around the world. Running for over 25 years, the programme uses eight key criteria, with an emphasis on environmental management, for its assessment. All sites implement a management framework, and then undergo an annual inspection conducted by qualified judges.

Once again Ireland has secured its lead in high quality park amenities with more Green Flag Awards being secured by Irish parks and public gardens than by any country, other than the UK where the scheme originated in 1996.

By Waterford City & County Council

Illegal Bring Bank dumping results in fine of €1,235

LitterOn October 14th 2024 a woman was found guilty in Waterford District Court to an offence under the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and was penalised a total of €1,235 in relation to the dumping of bags of waste at the Bring Bank in Barrack Street, Waterford.

In March 2023, an environmental inspector for Waterford City and County Council removed and searched a number of bags which had been left at the Bring Bank and found evidence linked to the woman.

A litter fine was initially issued, however it remain unpaid.  On foot of this, a prosecution was then taken to the district court.

Solicitor Hilary Delahunty acting on behalf of the woman entered a guilty plea, and Eoin O’Herlihy acting on behalf of Waterford City and County Council outlined the facts of the case and showed photographs to Judge Staunton.

Judge Staunton, accepting the guilty plea, imposed costs of €1,085 in addition to the €150 litter fine.

Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer in the Environment Section of Waterford City and County Council said, “The penalty imposed here would have paid for a bin service for a number of years.  Illegally dumping your waste will cost more in the long run.  People who get a litter fine have 21 days to pay and if they don’t pay within this period, they face prosecution and much higher costs on conviction.”

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By Waterford City & County Council

Faithlegg House Hotel features in ‘Shop Waterford and Support Local’ Christmas campaign

Waterford City and County Council is proud to support the ‘Shop Waterford, Support Local’ campaign this festive season. As the newly awarded European City of Christmas, Waterford invites everyone to explore our unique local businesses, diverse food and drink producers, and night-time economy. Let’s ‘Shop Waterford and Support Local’ to celebrate and strengthen our city and county.

***

Jenny Flynn, Executive Chef, Faithlegg
Jenny Flynn, Executive Chef, Faithlegg

Faithlegg House Hotel

Tucked away in the scenic County Waterford countryside, Faithlegg House Hotel offers more than just luxury accommodation—it’s a haven for food lovers, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. At the heart of Faithlegg’s dining experience is a commitment to regional flavours and seasonal Irish produce, bringing the best of the area directly to your plate.

From the refined Roseville Rooms Restaurant to the more relaxed Aylward Lounge, the menus on offer highlight seasonal Irish ingredients. Faithlegg partners with local suppliers like Knockanore Cheese, Viking Cider, and Flahavan’s oats, ensuring every dish reflects the quality and heritage of the region.

Executive Chef Jenny Flynn explains, “Keeping our menus local and seasonal is at the core of the food ethos here in Faithlegg. I am lucky to be surrounded by such a high standard of produce carefully cultivated by the suppliers I have formed very important relationships with. I choose local not just because it is sustainable but because it really is the best. It’s a pleasure to work with people who are so passionate and committed, and I count myself lucky to have our kitchen based in a region where the quality is unparalleled. We are, after all, a circular economy and to support each other is mutually beneficial—when they grow, we grow!”

What sets Faithlegg apart isn’t just the quality of its food but the stories behind the ingredients. The hotel’s connections with local farmers, fishmongers, and artisan producers mean that each meal celebrates the richness of the region. The kitchen doesn’t rely on global imports; it champions the produce that’s just a stone’s throw away, adding depth to your dining experience.

For example, if you’re indulging in their Irish beef, you can be confident it’s sourced from trusted local suppliers like Dawn Meats. The seafood dishes, too, are a highlight—particularly when you know the catch has been sourced sustainably from the nearby coast. Pair this with a carefully curated wine or local craft beverage, and the connection between plate and place becomes even clearer.

There’s also a special quirkiness to some of Faithlegg’s offerings. The menus, while refined, don’t shy away from putting a twist on traditional Irish fare. Expect familiar ingredients presented with a fresh perspective, yet always grounded in local heritage.

In a time when the concept of “buying local” has never been more important, Faithlegg is a shining example of what can be achieved when businesses prioritise their local economy and food heritage. It’s not just about the food; it’s about supporting a network of suppliers, keeping traditions alive, and celebrating the best of what Ireland has to offer. Whether you’re a guest or simply stopping by for a meal, Faithlegg offers an authentic taste of the region with every bite.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Boil Water Notice lifted for Ballymacarbry Public Water Supply with immediate effect

Uisce Éireann wishes to notify customers supplied by the Ballymacarbry Public Water Supply that, following remedial works and consistent, satisfactory sampling results, the Boil Water Notice is now lifted with immediate effect. This decision follows consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

All consumers on the Ballymacarbry 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 30 August to protect customers’ health.

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

Uisce Éireann’s Maura Phelan, acknowledged the impact of the notice on the community, adding: “Uisce Éireann regrets the inconvenience that the Boil Water Notice had on the community. I would like to thank them for their patience and support while our drinking water experts worked 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 this boil water notice.”

Uisce Éireann and the Health Service Executive Water Liaison Group will continue to meet and will review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For further updates, visit the service and supply section of www.water.ie

Uisce Éireann has launched a free text service that provides real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number on the text alerts page.

By Waterford City & County Council

Taking the Pulse of the region’s tech sector

RIKON Research Centre, in partnership with regional economic agencies, Local Authorities, and SETU, was commissioned to document key data relating to the Southeast tech firms’ operations in Waterford and the Southeast.

The premise of the Tech Pulse survey was to serve as a deep-dive document into the sector and will be used to inform policymakers, investors and start-ups about the region’s tech landscape, within the context of the wider economic landscape.

With contributions from 71 tech companies of varying scales in Waterford and the Southeast region, the findings highlighted that the Southeast region is home to one of the country’s most vibrant tech clusters, with an eclectic mix of established multinationals to new and agile start-ups the region represents a place of opportunity for business and investment.

There are a variety of reasons why companies are choosing to invest in the Southeast region.

The Southeast has a thriving ecosystem of both multinational companies and indigenous startups. The Southeast tech sector is made up of both domestic and international businesses with 35% of businesses operating for more than 20 years.

Within the SME population, 19% are in the medium category, 29% small, and 52% micro. Across the different sizes there is a bullish outlook on employment growth over 1, 2, and 5-year time horizons.

Waterford’s tech ecosystem offers diverse career development opportunities, from skill diversification and industry adaptability to continuous learning.

The Southeast region supports personal and professional growth, enabling employees to advance within the sector without needing to relocate. There are approximately 6000 tech professionals across an estimated 900 businesses.

The region’s talent pool was also cited as a factor in attracting investment in the region. The region has been home to some of the strongest recent population growth in line with the national development plan and national planning framework for regional cities.

The Southeast region and Waterford City has been home to some of the fastest population growth between census years, with the region well placed to continue the pipeline students through the regions’ strengthening third level education, headlined by the South East Technological University (SETU).

With SETU home to almost 20,000 students per year, over 1,300 are directly studying towards a career in tech.

In terms of cost competitiveness, economic potential, and business friendliness the Southeast region preforms strongly. The region boasts the lowest operating costs and reduced industrial property costs (ISEDO). The Southeast also offers significantly lower residential rental and house purchase costs.

Regional residential rents are 21% below national average and Waterford City rents are 22% below the regional city-averages. While those looking to purchase would see a 10% and 27% drop in the same comparison.

Quality of life is highly regarded in the region by the tech sector, with 94% respondents rating the quality of life as good or very good, education at 81% and the natural environment at 91%.

Companies in the region are also most likely to offer remote-friendly and hybrid roles to their workforce (66%), with 83% indicating that they intend to continue their current remote working policies into the future.  Commute times approximately 7% below the national average is also a contributing factor to positivity regarding the quality of life in the region.

The tech sector is known for its innovative spirit and that is no different in the Southeast, where 94% of respondents reported active engagement in innovation, be that product or process.

Speaking of the findings, Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise, Waterford Local Enterprise Office said, “The main takeaways from the Tech Pulse survey are extremely positive and bode well for the continued growth of the region’s tech sector.

“There is a culture of innovation and dynamism within the tech sector. This, coupled with a favourable quality of life environment, access to a deep academic talent pool and operating from the one of the fastest growing regional economies in Europe, has resulted in a robust and progressive tech cluster in the region.”

With a mix of affordability, a growing wealth of talent and opportunities for collaboration the area continues to attract companies looking to expand or establish themselves.

The balance of economic potential and innovation creates a compelling setting where businesses can draw on local talent to drive success. The region’s steady growth positions it to remain a key contributor to the country’s tech sector.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

The Southeast Tech Pulse was undertaken by RIKON Research Centre, in partnership with the region’s Local Authorities, regional economic agencies, SETU and in collaboration with Red Hat, Voxgig, Sun Life, Klearcom and the Walton Institute.

RIKON is a hybrid centre of innovation in Business and Technology Management and engages in academic and applied research. Through its business consultancy department, RIKON has an established specialism in solving business problems and creating commercial opportunities through pioneering research advancements across business strategy, economics, innovation, design, operational excellence, and technology optimisation.

By Waterford City & County Council

Boil Water Notice lifted for Poulavanogue Public Water Supply with immediate effect

Uisce Éireann logo

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

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

The Boil Water Notice was issued on 6 August to protect customers’ health.

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

Uisce Éireann’s Jim Fitzgerald, acknowledged the impact of the notice on the community, adding: “Uisce Éireann regrets the inconvenience that the Boil Water Notice had on the community. I would like to thank them for their patience and support while our drinking water experts worked to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it was safe. I would also like to thank the local councillors and the media for their assistance in sharing the information during this boil water notice.”

Uisce Éireann and the Health Service Executive Water Liaison Group will continue to meet and review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more, visit www.water.ie

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278, and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For further updates, visit the service and supply section of www.water.ie

Uisce Éireann has launched a free text service that provides real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number on the text alerts page.

By Waterford City & County Council

Call for Housing Expressions of Interest

Call for Expressions of Interest: We are seeking proposals for the provision of Social Housing (WCCC 24/600 Housing) and Affordable Housing (WCCC 24/601 Housing) through turnkey acquisition.

WCCC 24/600 Housing

Request for Expressions of Interest for the provision of social housing through turnkey acquisition

Waterford City & County Council are seeking to purchase 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom apartments and houses for social housing through turnkey developments in Waterford City & County.

Waterford City & County Council are therefore seeking expressions of interest from private developers and building contractors for housing proposals with permissions for 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom apartments and houses or in Waterford City and towns and villages within County Waterford. The properties can be new developments or properties with potential for renewal.

All purchases of social housing must be approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Please note that Waterford City & County Council are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014.

Expressions of Interest forms must be returned clearly marked WCCC 24/600/Housing to:

  • WCCC 24/600 Housing, Tender Box, Waterford City & County Council, Customer Services, Baileys New Street, Waterford.

 The closing date for this Expression of Interest is 31/12/2024.

Download Application Form & Scheme Details

WCCC 24/601 Housing

Request for Expressions of Interest for the provision of affordable housing through advance purchase turnkey acquisition.

Waterford City & County Council are seeking expressions of interest for the delivery of new dwellings for affordable housing in Waterford City, in accordance with the provisions of The Affordable Housing Act 2021.

In this call, home builders and housing developers are being asked to consider offering properties with planning permission to local authorities under an advance purchase turnkey arrangement. Payment will be on completion. Please note that the requirements under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended will apply in the normal way to all proposals.

The Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides for Local Authorities to acquire, build or cause to be built, affordable dwellings that can be subsequently sold to eligible applicants (assessed by Waterford City & County Council) through direct sales agreements between purchasers and developers.

The Affordable Housing Fund funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will provide a subsidy (based on set criteria as outlined below) that will reduce the cost of a home for first time buyers or those seeking a fresh start. Waterford City & County Council will retain an equity stake of up to 30% of the dwelling.

All submissions made under this Expression of Interest will be assessed and approved by the Housing Agency and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.  Please note that Waterford City & County Council are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014.

Expressions of Interest Forms are available from the Housing Section, Waterford City & County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.

Expressions of Interest must be returned clearly marked WCCC 24/601/Housing to:

  • WCCC 24/601/Housing, Tender Box, Waterford City & County Council, Customer Services, Baileys New Street, Waterford.

The closing date for this Expression of Interest is 31/12/2024.

Download Application Form & Scheme Details

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

Boil Water Notices for two Public Water Supplies in County Waterford to remain in place

Uisce Éireann logo

Boil Water Notices ongoing for customers on Ballymacarbry and Poulnagunogue (Poulavonogue) Public Water Supplies 

Friday,  1 November 2024, Uisce Éireann wishes to remind customers supplied by the Ballymacarbry Public Water Supply and Poulavonogue Public Water Supply in County Waterford that Boil Water Notices will remain in place until further notice.

Uisce Éireann is carrying out works to address the issues to enable the lifting of the notices as quickly and as safely as possible.

Please note that there are two Poulavonogue supplies in the Clonmel area. This notice relates to the small scheme historically managed by Waterford County Council.

Customers are advised to continue boiling their water before use while Uisce Éireann water experts work to rectify the issues. Once boiled, the water is safe to consume.

Uisce Éireann’s Maura Phelan said, “We acknowledge the impact this is having on the communities, and we are working to resolve the issues at both supplies. Public health is our number one priority, and we will continue to monitor the supplies and seek to lift both notices as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Where risks to water quality are identified through Uisce Éireann’s enhanced testing and monitoring programme, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is consulted, and Boil Water Notices are issued to protect public health. In all instances immediate action is taken to address the cause of the issue to enable the lifting of the notice as quickly as it is safe to do so, in agreement with the HSE.

Customers can check if their property is included by visiting www.water.ie and entering the property’s Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication on Boil Water Notices. Customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.  A map of the affected area is attached and available to view on the water supply and service section

All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking.

With regard to Boil Water Notices, Uisce Éireann is not in a position to provide bottled water to customers for Boil Water Notices where water is safe to drink once boiled.

Uisce Éireann’s drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins. Where risks to water quality are identified through Uisce Éireann’s enhanced testing and monitoring programme, the Health Service Executive (HSE) are consulted and Boil Water Notices are issued to protect public health. In all instances immediate action is taken to address the cause of the issue to enable the lifting of the notice as quickly as it safe to do so, in agreement with the HSE.

Water must be boiled for:

  • Drinking;
  • Drinks made with water;
  • Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating;
  • Brushing of teeth;
  • Making of ice – discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.

What actions should be taken:

  • Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads);
  • Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling;
  • Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink;
  • Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water;
  • Preparing Infant Formula: Where a Boil Water Notice is in place, you can prepare infant formula from tap water that has been boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled beforehand. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. ‘Natural Mineral Water’ can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute), and cooled in the normal way. Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used.

Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. 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

Reminder: Finding Waterford in the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland

Waterford City and County Libraries and Waterford City and County Archives will host the Virtual Treasury Roadshow – a chance for people to learn about their local history in this exciting new online resource.

When the Public Record Office of Ireland was destroyed during the Battle of the Four Courts in June 1922, seven centuries of Irish history went up in smoke. In recent years historians, archivists and computer scientists have been searching in archives and libraries, at home and abroad, hunting for any copies that can help replace these lost records.

The Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland was launched in June 2022, providing the public free online access to tens of thousands of replacement records, with over 50 million words of searchable text, collected from seventy partner archives and libraries around the globe.

Now, the Virtual Treasury team is coming to Waterford to share the results of their research.

On Wednesday 13 November the Virtual Treasury Roadshow will visit the Central Library, Waterford City to show digital records that help tell the story of Waterford and its people from the 19th century back to medieval times. Joanne

Rothwell, Archivist, Waterford City and County Archives, will share further resources for local history. Following Ms. Rothwell’s introduction, Ciarán Wallace, Lynn Kilgallon, and Brian Gurrin from the Virtual Treasury will each present on various facets of the project. Finally, Lorraine Boyle, Local Studies Librarian for Waterford City and County Library will give an introduction to the Local Studies Collection in Waterford. The roadshow visit will take place in the Central Library at 6 pm.

The Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland research programme is supported by the Irish Government through funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under Project Ireland 2040. www.virtualtreasury.ie

The roadshow event is free and all are welcome. To book a place please visit http://bit.ly/4eMjn9P or contact Central Library on 051 849975 or centrallibrary@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Ramallah twinning agreement signed at City Hall

On Thursday, October 31st, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy welcomed the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid for the official signing of the Waterford Ramallah Twinning agreement.

Mayor Cllr. Jason Murphy hosted the Palestinian delegation in the Mayor’s Parlour in City Hall.  Also in attendance were Mayor of the Metropolitan District Cllr. Joe Kelly, Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Adam Wyse, elected representatives, members of the Waterford-Ramallah Twinning Committee and Sean McKeown, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council.

Welcoming the Ambassador to Waterford the Mayor said, “We are here to celebrate a new connection between Waterford and Ramallah, to formalise a friendship that will bridge two distinct cultures and foster collaboration, understanding, and shared prosperity.

“In a world where division too often overshadows connection, our cities today are planting seeds of friendship, of peace, and of solidarity. Let this twinning serve as a reminder that we are all part of a global community, where each city and each person has something to teach and something to learn.”

Ambassador Abdalmajid was warmly received, and she urged those in attendance to “keep talking about Palestine.”

The Ambassador and Mayor then signed the official twinning documents with the Mayor of Ramallah, Issa Kassis, who joined the reception virtually from Ramallah, saying that the Ramallah Municipality was proud to raise the Irish flag earlier this year when Ireland officially recognised the State of Palestine.

The twinning of Waterford and Ramallah will explore opportunities for both cities to share respective knowledge and experiences of arts and culture, commerce and industry, education, sports and civic development.

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Images attached:

  • Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid and Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy
  • Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid and Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy signing Waterford Ramallah twinning agreement
  • Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid and Sean McKeown Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council
  • At the official signing of Waterford Ramallah twinning agreement were Mayor of the Metropolitan District Cllr. Joe Kelly, Cllr. Catherine Burke, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, David Rees, Cllr. Séamus Ryan and Brian Partridge

By Waterford City & County Council

Pride of Place Awards 2024

On Saturday, November 2nd, Monaghan’s Hillgrove Hotel will host the prestigious IPB Pride of Place Gala Awards Ceremony, marking the 22nd year of celebrating community and resilience across Ireland. Organised by Co-operation Ireland and proudly supported by IPB Insurance, the awards spotlight extraordinary efforts by local communities, councils, and organisations in promoting inclusivity, well-being, and positive change.

This year, Waterford has put forward Renew Enterprises, part of Treo Port Lairge CLG, competing in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category. Renew Enterprises has earned this nomination through its work in fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and personal growth within Waterford.

In their words, “Being nominated for the Pride of Place Awards is an incredible honour and testament to the resilience, dedication, and spirit of our team and the community we serve. At Renew, we believe in the power of inclusion, sustainability, and second chances, and this recognition amplifies our commitment to creating meaningful impact. We are deeply grateful to our supporters, partners, and participants who continue to make our work possible, and we look forward to celebrating this journey with them.”

The Pride of Place Awards is a reminder of the positive change happening across Ireland, with local heroes and organisations shaping more inclusive futures. We congratulate all nominees and look forward to seeing the stories and initiatives that make up the spirit of Pride of Place on the night.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Over 1,000 businesses take the Pledge for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford

Local climate action ambassadors
Following a call by Waterford City and County Council, over 1,000 local businesses have signed up to a Business Pledge for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford.

The scheme, formerly known as the Commercial Energy Discount Scheme, was originally launched in 2022, and has since supported thousands of businesses across the city and county in transitioning to carbon neutrality by identifying opportunities for reducing energy usage and costs, exploring the potential of renewable energy while availing of a discount on their commercial rates.

As part of Waterford City and County Council’s roadmap to delivering a carbon neutral Waterford by 2040 businesses were once again invited to take the pledge to strive towards a cleaner, greener Waterford, and commit to completing at least two actions in the next 12 months that will reduce the carbon footprint of their business.

All 1,003 businesses which took the pledge and committed to two sustainable actions will have a 9% discount applied to their commercial rates.

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council was pleased with the uptake.  “There has been a fantastic response to the business pledge initiative.  It highlights the appetite of Waterford businesses to commit to more sustainable business practices that not only have a positive impact on the environment, but also on their operating costs.

“Waterford is the first and only Local Authority to implement such a scheme, and it is just one component of our extremely ambitious strategy in the Climate Action Plan 2024–2029 to achieve energy efficiency and reduce emission targets significantly.

“In our ambition to be Ireland’s first carbon neutral city it is heartening to see the groundswell of support from the local business community.”

Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, Gráinne Kennedy added, “Waterford City and County Council, working in tandem with local businesses, can collectively make Waterford the most sustainable place in Ireland to do business.

“We had fantastic support from local businesses across the city and county and I’d particularly like to extend our gratitude to our local “ambassadors”, Dooley’s Hotel, Cantec Group, Powerflow Electronics and Blossom & Berry Florists, who all enthusiastically picked up and ran with the sustainability baton.”

The scheme was open to businesses with annual rate bills less than €10,000 or operate in the hospitality and leisure industries and provided details of the actions they will take to become more sustainable in the coming year, with the 9% commercial rates discount applied in December.

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Local climate action ‘ambassadors:

Top (l-r) Claudia O’Neill Blossom & Berry Florists and Fergal Power  Powerflow Electronics

Bottom (l-r) Greg Tuohy Cantec Group and Tina Darrer Dooley’s Hotel

By Waterford City & County Council

Walking and cycling preferred modes of transport for Waterford students

Students want to see more investment in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in Waterford, was a key message at the South East Technological University’s (SETU) recent Climate and Biodiversity Week.

The programme of events at SETU Cork Road campus aimed to engage students and staff and inspire efforts throughout the University to combat climate change.

Waterford City and County Council’s Active Travel and Climate Action teams met with students throughout the week, and it was clear that many students prefer to walk or cycle to college as part of their daily journeys.

“We spoke to a range of students including those studying public health, engineering, business and exchange students about their preferred ways of getting to college daily. Walking is most convenient for students living in the city, as it’s cost effective and an easy way to increase their activity levels,” said Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer, Waterford City and County Council.

“Cycling is also popular, and the general feeling is that more students would take up cycling to college if the cycling infrastructure on key routes to the university’s campuses is improved.

“We also met students travelling from Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary who are opting to use a combination of public transport and walking or cycling to get to college,” added Mr White.

The Walking and Cycling Index was published earlier this year and found that every day those who walk and cycle take nearly 16,000 cars off the road in the Waterford Metropolitan Area. Walking and cycling instead of driving in the Waterford Metropolitan Area save on greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 61,300 flights from Dublin Airport to London Heathrow Airport annually.

Active Travel projects are funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel Programme and are managed and delivered at a local level by Waterford City and County Council.  Recent public consultations have been held in Lismore Park and St John’s Park respectively, to allow the public feed into proposed Active Travel projects in these areas of Waterford City.

Other activities during Climate and Biodiversity Week included local suppliers showcasing energy-efficient devices. These displays showed renewable energy options for the home, including solar PV panels and solar lighting, providing attendees with insights into more sustainable living.

Cian Gill, Climate Action Officer, Waterford City and County Council said, “It was interesting that many students we met expressed an interest in careers within the renewable energy industry, so for them, it was a chance to talk to organisations operating in that industry today and get an idea of what the career is like, and what might be on offer in the near future,”

There was also a focus on fashion and environmental impacts of a throw-away clothing culture. There was a clothes swap event, alongside a sewing workshop that demonstrated how to repair and upcycle garments rather than discarding them. These activities encouraged participants to rethink their approach to clothing consumption and waste.

Mícheál Ó Cadhla, Community Climate Change Officer at Waterford City and County Council added, “At a time when all organisations need to be showing leadership on sustainability and climate action, it was great to see the range of activities across SETU, especially on the Cork Road Campus in Waterford. There is clearly a strong interest from the student body in the practical steps which they can take to tackle climate change.” 

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