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By Waterford City & County Council

Battle of wits and words in ‘A.I. is NOT a Threat to Humanity’ Soapbox debate

This year’s Regional Europe Direct Soapbox public speaking competition takes place in the Dr Mary Strangman Large Room in City Hall, The Mall, Waterford on Wednesday, November 6th.

The topic is ‘A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) is not a threat to Humanity’ and entrants are invited to deliver a three-minute speech for or against the topic.

The competition, sponsored by the European Commission Representation and supported by Waterford City and County Council, is open to entrants in two categories: ages 16 and under or 17 and over. 

Regional winners will go on to represent their region in the national competition at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin on November 26th.

Breda O’Shea, Executive Librarian with Waterford City and County Council said, “I would encourage young people to enter the Soapbox competition. Whether you’re a proficient public speaker or have a particular viewpoint on the topic, it’s a wonderful experience in expressing your views and it’s also a great confidence booster.

“As well as going on to represent your region in the national finals and have a chance to win €1,000 worth of One4All vouchers, regional winners will receive a prize of an iPad.”

Caoilan Walsh, last year’s winner of the 17 & over category added, “The Soapbox was an absolutely wonderful experience, and I would do it again if I could. I had a wonderful time both from the competition and social aspect. I learned so much about both Irish and EU politics from the study I did for my speech.

“Just taking part was enough for me, but winning was a better feeling than I can ever describe! If you or someone you know is interested in public speaking or the world around you, I would highly recommend entering the soapbox competition.”

The term soapbox originates in the use of an empty crate as a platform by speakers to give speeches, often impromptu, to passers-by from around the turn of the last century. The most famous location for soapbox oratory is Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, London, which has been a setting for public speaking since the 1870s.

To enter you can download the application form and read the competition rules from the Europe Direct Waterford page https://waterfordlibraries.ie/europe-direct/ or call into any of Waterford’s 12 Library branches.  Emailed application forms will be issued with a confirmation of receipt email. Please contact Central Library on 051 849975 if you don’t receive confirmation.

Closing date for application is 4.30pm, Friday November 1st, 2024.

By Waterford City & County Council

CUISLE CEOIL Coirm cheoil i gcomóradh ar Choláiste Gaeilge na hAirde Móire fadó

Tionóladh oíche iontach cheoil agus amhránaíochta Gaeilge in Eaglais Naomh Pól san Aird Mhór, Co Phort Láirge ar an Aoine seo caite, 27 Meán Fómhair mar cheiliúradh ar Choláiste Deuglán, Coláiste Gaeilge a bhí in ard a réime i sráidbhaile cois cósta na hAirde Móire céad bliain ó shin.

Eagraithe ag Oifig na Gaeilge de Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, bhí trí chór agus ceoltóirí áitiúla páirteach sa cheolchoirm speisialta seo, i gcuimhne ar uair nuair a bhí an Ghaeilge mar theanga labhartha laethúil san Aird Mhór. Bhí Cór Fear na nDéise, faoi stiúr Darren Ó Droma, mar aoianna speisialta na hoíche, agus in éineacht leo bhí Cór Pobail na hAirde Móire agus páistí ó Scoil Náisiúnta Deuglán Naofa san Aird Mhór. D’oscail Cór Pobail na hAirde Móire an coirm cheoil le leagan álainn den amhrán Sliabh Geal gCua, faoi stiúr Anne Gartland, agus chan an trí chór réimse d’amhráin Ghaeilge, ina measc amhráintí a foilsíodh i leabhrán dar teideal ‘Cuisle Ceoil’, bailiúchán amhrán na nDéise, a foilsíodh céad bliain ó shin, i mí Iúil 1924, ag fear áitiúil Mícheál Ó Foghlú, duine de bhunaitheoirí Choláiste Deuglán.

Bhí Cuisle Ceoil mar leabhar amhrán acu siúd a d’fhreastal ar Choláiste Deuglán idir na 1920daí agus na 1940daí agus labhair an Comhairleoir Niamh O’Donovan, a d’fhreastal ar an gcoirm cheoil mar ionadaí ar Mhéara Chathair & Chontae Phort Láirge, faoi “cé chomh hálainn is a bhí sé éisteacht leis na hamhráintí traidisiúnta, atá mar dhlúthchuid dár n-oidhreacht Ghaeilge, agus beocht curtha iontu arís anseo anocht, díreach trasna an bhóthair ón áit ar canadh iad i gColáiste Deuglán, agus tá bród orm tacú leis an ócáid seo agus le tograí eile a dheineann ceiliúradh ar chultúr saibhir na Gaeilge i bPort Láirge.”

Ghlac an Comhairleoir O’Donovan agus Cartlannaí Joanne Rothwell, le bunchóip den leabhrán Cuisle Ceoil agus de ghrianghraf daoibh siúd a d’fhreastal ar Choláiste Deuglán sa bhliain 1938 ar an oíche, dá iarsma a bhronn Olive Keane, thar cheann a muintir, ar Chartlann Phort Láirge.

Chomh maith leis an trí chór, sheinn ceoltóirí óga Laoise Nic Íomhair agus Johnjoe Brockie ón Aird Mhor, in éineacht le Katie Halpin Hill ón Rinn, sa choirm cheoil chomh maith agus thug an tOifigeach Gaeilge, Máire Seó Breathnach cur i láthair ar stair Choláiste Deuglán. Roinn sí sean-ghrianghrafanna den gColáiste agus daoibh siúd a d’fhreastal air, agus thug sí cur síos ar na ceangail atá fós idir an choláiste agus muintir na hAirde Móire sa lá atá inniu ann. Bhí sliocht cuid acu siúd a bhí bainteach leis an gColáiste sa lucht féachana ar an oíche, ina measc Marie O’Sullivan, gar-iníon le Mícheál Ó Foghlú.

Bhí an finale, nuair a roinn Cór Fear na nDéise an stáitse le páistí Scoil Náisiúnta Deuglán Naofa chun an t-amhrán ‘Ar Maidin Dia Máirt’ a chanadh, ar ceann de bhuaicphointí na hoíche agus tháinig an trí chór agus an lucht féachana le chéile chun an t-amhrán a chanadh le fonn agus le fuinneamh, mar chríoch chuí le hoíche iontach cheiliúrtha.

D’eagraíodh Cuisle Ceoil le tacaíocht ó chlár Éire Ildánach Phort Láirge.

By Waterford City & County Council

International Delegates Celebrate Erasmus + WikiWomen Initiative at Waterford’s Celtic Knot Conference

Metropolitan Mayor Cllr Joe Kelly Pictured with with members of the Wikimedia Malaysia User Group

The Celtic Knot Conference kicked off on Wednesday, 25th September, at the Tower Hotel, Waterford, bringing together international delegates from across the globe to discuss language diversity and digital inclusion. The conference has been running since 2017, beginning as a collaboration between Wikimedia UK and the University of Edinburgh. Over the years it has been hosted in Wales and Cornwall, and due to the pandemic moved online for a number of years. This year the conference returned with a hybrid model, having grown its international reach by going virtual. This year Wikimedia Community Ireland hosted the event, in partnership with Wikimedia UK supported by funding from the Wikimedia Foundation.

From Wednesday 25th to Friday 27th September delegates presented and discussed a variety of projects within the Wikimedia movement which work with various minoritised and indigenous languages around the globe. On Thursday, 26th September, Wikimedia Community Ireland hosted their Erasmus+ Multiplier event as part of the conference program, featuring the launch of the WikiWomen Schools Toolkit.

The day began with a networking coffee morning, providing attendees an opportunity to connect and discuss shared interests in language preservation, digital literacy, and gender equality. This was followed by a formal welcome from Metropolitan Mayor Cllr Joe Kelly, who addressed the gathering and officially opened the multiplier event.

“We are delighted to welcome delegates from around the world to Waterford, a city that proudly embraces its role in global digital initiatives,” said Cllr Kelly. “The WikiWomen project is an inspiring example of how we can bridge gender gaps and promote language diversity online, while connecting communities through shared knowledge and culture. It’s fantastic to see Waterford at the centre of such important work.”

Praising the initiative, Cllr Kelly continued “I am immensely impressed with the work being done here. This project isn’t just about Wikipedia; it’s about bringing people from all over the world together to share their cultures, experiences, and languages. It’s fantastic to see such collaboration and dedication, and I truly believe this is one of the most impactful projects I’ve encountered.”

The WikiWomen Schools Toolkit, developed as part of the Erasmus+ program, was a key focus of the event. Amy O’Riordan, Irish Language Officer with Wikimedia Community Ireland, introduced the project, emphasising its importance in the Digital Age. The toolkit is the first of its kind in Ireland, designed specifically for second-level students to improve their research, writing, as well as information and digital literacy skills through the Irish language, while also addressing the gender gap on Wikipedia and Vicipéid.

“The WikiWomen project, part of the Erasmus+ program, aims to close the gender gap on Wikipedia by empowering students to write about the achievements of notable women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people who are all under-represented online. It’s been incredible to see the enthusiasm and dedication from the students involved, and we are excited to continue this important work of linking digital literacy with language preservation, especially in the Irish language.” – Amy O’Riordan [Oifigeach Gaeilge at Wikimedia Community Ireland]

The highlight of the morning was a presentation by four students from Coláiste Oiriall, Co. Monaghan, accompanied by their múinteoir, Faela Mhic Dhomhnaill. The students shared their experiences working on the WikiWomen project, including their research on notable women and how it helped them develop both their communication and research skills, through a bilingual presentation through Irish and English.

Faela MhicDhomhnaill remarked, “This project has opened doors we never expected, allowing our students to contribute to something much bigger and to respect the collaborative efforts of the global Wikimedia community. It’s amazing to see them become part of this initiative.” The presentation was met with praise from all attendees, including John Walsh from Foras na Gaeilge, who described the project and students’ presentation as “absolutely inspirational and exceptional and exemplary.”

A panel discussion moderated by Sophie Fitzpatrick, Program and Communications Manager with Wikimedia Community Ireland, followed the student presentations. Panellists included Amy O’Riordan, Shannon Eichelberger (Chairperson of Wikimedia Community Ireland), Galder Gonzalez (Basque Wiki), and Faela Mhic Dhomhnailll. The panel explored the development of the toolkit, its impact, and the importance of collaboration between schools, GLAMs (Galleries,

Libraries, Archives, and Museums), and Wikimedia. Galder Gonzalez then gave a live demonstration of the WikiWomen Schools Toolkit, showcasing its accessibility and flexibility. He highlighted how the toolkit is available on Meta Wikimedia and can be translated into different languages. Within hours of the event, translations of the toolkit had begun into Malay, Brazilian Portuguese, and Central Borus Dusun.

The event also highlighted two significant global initiatives—Pitabangan and Wiki Loves Monuments. The Pitabangan initiative, organised by the Wikimedia Malaysia User Group, focused on creating and improving articles about Waterford in native languages from around the world. This nine-day global collaboration mirrors the Irish tradition of “meitheal,” where communities come together for collective work, strengthening cultural ties across borders and sharing knowledge in an open forum.

Additionally, the Wiki Loves Monuments competition, a global photography contest that encourages people to document cultural heritage sites, showcased stunning images of Irish landmarks. Both initiatives emphasise the role of digital platforms in preserving local culture and history on a global stage.

Hot to Get Involved

Wikimedia Community Ireland remains open to partnerships with schools and GLAMs interested in adopting the project and receiving support in implementing the toolkit. For teachers, students, and educational programs interested in getting involved with the WikiWomen project, this is a unique opportunity to promote gender equality and enhance digital literacy through the Irish language. Whether you’re looking to bring the program into your classroom, youth group, or community, we invite you to join this international effort. For more information about the general project, visit www.wikiwomen.eu.

Any Irish teachers or schools interested in participating can get in touch directly with Wikimedia Community Ireland’s Oifigeach Gaeilge via email at oifigeach.gaeilge@wikimedia.ie to learn how to implement the program and receive support. Let’s work together to close the gender gap and elevate minority languages on Wikipedia!

By Waterford City & County Council

Registration for Certificate of Exemption for XL Bully type dogs now open

DoRCDFrom today, October 1st, 2024, new regulations will prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bully type dogs, and from February 1st, 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a Certificate of Exemption.

All XL Bully dog owners must apply for a Certificate of Exemption

This certificate will be unique to each XL Bully type dog and owner. Owners will need to provide:

  1. Copy of Valid Dog Licence: Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, every dog must be licensed and kept under effective control and must have a collar bearing the owner’s name and address. Licences are available from any Post Office or online at www.licences.ie.
  2. Microchipping Certificate: It is a legal requirement in Ireland to have all dogs implanted with a microchip and registered on an approved database by the time they are 12 weeks old.
  3. Confirmation of neutering: Owners must arrange to have their XL Bully type dog neutered by a registered Veterinary Practitioner in order to receive a Certificate of Exemption.
  4. Photographic proof of identity of owner: i.e. copy of passport, driver’s licence, public services card, etc.
  5. Proof of address of owner: i.e. copy of utility bill or bank statement within previous three months, etc.

Owners of XL Bully type dogs can apply for a Certificate of Exemption online at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/environment/dog-control/

or by posting all required documentation to:

Environment Section, ref: XL Bully Dog, Waterford City and County Council, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford X91 PK15.

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Notes to editors:

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has signed the Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024 that will introduce the ban on XL Bully type dogs in Ireland.

The ban comes into force in two stages beginning on the 1st October 2024 with a full ownership ban coming into force on the 1st February 2025.

The period between these two dates will allow current XL Bully dog owners time to apply for a Certificate of Exemption from their local authority to permit them to keep their dog until the end of its natural life. There will be no fee for the certificate of exemption.

Further information regarding the XL Bully ban can be found at www.gov.ie/xlbully 

By Waterford City & County Council

Bringing Ragnall to life in Waterford Libraries

Designed by Walton Institute, the Creative Waterford RagnallAR mobile app brings Waterford Library’s famous Ragnall mascot to schools and homes.

Waterford Libraries and Walton Institute at Southeast Technological University (SETU) are proud to announce the launch of the RagnallAR mobile app. Funded by Creative Waterford and developed by the extended reality team in Walton Institute in collaboration with Waterford Libraries, the mobile app uses augmented reality to bring a life-size model of Waterford Libraries mascot, Ragnall, to whichever physical location that the user is in. This means it is possible to have Ragnall appear in schools, homes, gardens and even on holidays. The app allows Ragnall to be moved around a location and different animations can be triggered such as Ragnall waving. Individuals can also pose for a photo with the virtual life sized Ragnall using the app.

The launch was held in the Ardkeen Library on Saturday, September 28th, 2024 as part of the celebrations for National Public Libraries Open Day with the Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford, Councillor Joe Kelly.

Stephen Barnes, Extended Reality Lab Manager in Walton Institute, spoke about bringing his love of technology and reading together in one exciting project. “As a voracious reader and having spent a lot of my childhood in the library, this project was close to my heart. It offered a unique opportunity for our team to showcase what we can offer in an accessible, easy to use example that shall bring fun to the community whilst also bolstering interests in visiting Waterford Libraries. It is my hope that this app can help people to see the possible applications of this technology and that it is not just restricted to headsets. We are already brimming with ideas for features that we can add which will enrich the library experience for people. I can’t wait to work on the next chapter with Waterford Libraries.”

Sinead O’Higgins, Senior Executive Librarian with Waterford Libraries was delighted with the collaboration and possibilities for interactive technologies in piquing the interest in reading. “Here at Waterford Libraries, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with Stephen and his colleagues in the Mixed Reality Lab in Walton Institute a SETU. It has opened our eyes to the possibilities that new technologies can have on our library services and our communities. We are very excited to see Ragnall, our popular library mascot, in AR format and we have already been inspired to think about what we can co-create with the Walton Institute next!”

It is envisaged that this project shall expand to include additional features to encourage people to visit their local library as well as for children to pick up or continue the wonderful lifelong habit of reading.

National Public Libraries open Day celebrates the valuable work of Public Libraries in Ireland and invites you to ‘Take a Closer Look’ at your local library. Libraries offer over 12 million books, eBooks, audiobooks, online courses, games and other items. You can order books from any library to be delivered to your local library for pick up and drop off your returns at any library in Ireland. Membership is free and there are no longer any late fees for items borrowed.

The app is currently available to use on devices in Waterford Libraries and can be downloaded from the android play store. Keep an eye on the Apple app store as it will be available for download very soon.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Fire Services encouraging householders to check smoke alarms

Members of Kilmacthomas Fire Brigade during a recent Home Fire Safety Visit at Lemybrien, Co. Waterford

Fire Safety Week 2024 takes place from September 30th to October 6th 2024

#24FSW #STOPfire

With Fire Safety Week 2024 taking place from September 30th to October 6th, Waterford Fire Services are urging the public to be extra cautious about potential fire risks in their homes, particularly as we enter the colder months. The importance of ensuring fully operational fire alarms cannot be overstated.

This year’s theme is ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire – But What Did?’ and the campaign, jointly run with the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, aims to prevent home fires by understanding common causes and taking preventive measures.

Colin Barden, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Waterford Fire Service, emphasised, “With colder weather on the horizon, it’s crucial to be aware of additional fire risks. We urge homeowners to keep themselves and their families safe by ensuring smoke alarms are properly fitted, functional, and tested regularly. A working smoke alarm could be the key to keeping your family safe if a fire occurs.”

Tuesday, October 1st is Smoke Alarm Day, serving as a reminder to check that your smoke alarm is operational, with at least one on every floor and remember, when it sounds, get outside and stay outside.

Niall Curtin, Chief Fire Officer with Waterford Fire Service, highlights the increased risks during colder months, “As temperatures drop, we tend to use more heating appliances. It’s vital to be aware of the dangers these can pose. We advise people to have their heating systems serviced, keep flammable materials away from heat sources, and never leave portable heaters unattended.”

With Halloween and Christmas approaching, additional risks exist from festive lighting, flammable Halloween costumes and candles.  It’s crucial to have an action plan in place should a fire occur in your home.

For more information on smoke alarms and Fire Safety Week, visit www.firesafetyweek.ie and look for the hashtags #24FSW and #STOPfire across social media.

By Waterford City & County Council

Property owners of multi-unit developments invited to attend information evening

Outreach Events for Stakeholders in Multi-Unit Developments

Owners of apartments and properties in other multi-unit developments (MUDs) are invited to attend an information evening that aims to help them take a full and active role in their owners’ management companies (OMCs)

Hosted by The Housing Agency, the event takes place at Tower Hotel and Leisure Centre on Wednesday, October 23 at 7pm and is open to members of OMCs, and anyone else involved with apartments or MUDs. It will look at stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities and the supports available to them.

OMCs are responsible for looking after the shared spaces, facilities and services in a housing development, such as an apartment block.

David Rouse, Multi-Unit Developments Adviser with The Housing Agency, explains: “The OMC is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the common areas of the estate, for example lifts, corridors, hallways, stairs, gardens and car parks.

“Services for which it is responsible include building insurance, security, cleaning and waste management.”

The OMC is owned and controlled by all the home-owners in a development and owners are automatically made members of the OMC when they buy their property. The members then elect OMC directors.

OMCs can face a range of issues, including making sure owners pay their annual service charge on time and in full, putting money away in a sinking fund to replace parts of the building such as lifts or roofs, appointing a good property management agent to look after the day-to-day running of the development, and dealing with construction defects.

“The directors of an OMC, though usually volunteers, bear the ultimate responsibility for the management of the company, to ensure that it fulfils its purpose,” says Mr Rouse.

“Their role, therefore, can impact on the value of properties as well as the quality of residents’ living environment.

“Teamwork, communication and basic finance skills can help people to act effectively as directors of an OMC.”

While in most cases OMC directors are supported by the skills and experience of a licensed professional property management agent, they must still be familiar with the laws and regulations around running an OMC.

The Housing Agency is running a series of information evenings around the country during September and October, which are aimed at people involved with apartments and multi-unit developments. Among the issues raised by OMC members at previous events were problems with service charge collection, dispute resolution and understanding company law and directors’ duties.

While attendance at the information evenings is free, registration is required. More information can be found at https://www.housingagency.ie/news-and-events or by emailing MUD@housingagency.ie.

By Waterford City & County Council

Status Orange Rain Warning issued for Waterford

Orange Weather Warning

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange Rain Warning for Waterford and Cork, with heavy rain expected from 12:00 Sunday, September 29th to 00:00 Monday, September 30th.

Surface water levels will be elevated in Waterford on Sunday due to high accumulations of rainfall over a 6 to 12-hour period. Impacts are likely to include localised flooding from urban and fast responding smaller watercourses/catchments, drains, channels and flooding from overland flow.

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team met this morning and is monitoring the situation. Ground crews are on stand-by to deal with any issues that may arise, such as localised flooding, blocked drains, gulley overflows, etc.   Waterford City and County Council advises the public to exercise caution, heed public safety advice and avoid unnecessary journeys as driving conditions may be hazardous, with surface water flooding expected.

Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and are reminded to be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desk on 0818 10 20 20 and calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050

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By Waterford City & County Council

Strengthening collaborative partnerships to develop Waterford Rural Tourism

At the most recent Waterford Rural Tourism Network (WRTN) cluster meetings Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, together with Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions, visited and heard from businesses across the County about the challenges and opportunities that the 2024 summer season presented.

The Waterford Rural Tourism Network is made up of five cluster areas (Copper Coast, Blackwater Valley, Comeraghs, Gaeltacht, and Waterford Estuary) and each of the five meetings took place at a business within the relevant cluster area during the month of September.

Businesses were keen to highlight challenges they encountered this year which included, the weather, increased costs, lack of evening time food offering / things to do. Positives were also highlighted and included the success of online bookings, new products enticing new markets, the use of collaboration and referral to increase business, the importance of the international market, and strong repeat business proving that visitor satisfaction with the destination and overall experience were very positive.

The network co-ordinator, Julie O’Brien, of Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, led discussions and provided feedback on the challenges encountered and framed how some of the positive reports from the season could be transformed into bigger opportunities for the area. The recent and upcoming supports, training and networking events were outlined, and businesses were given the opportunity to feedback on what other supports they require to develop rural tourism in Waterford. Some businesses have already been connected with the Waterford Local Enterprise Office for individual business specific supports and other businesses were encouraged to avail of similar opportunities for their business.

Waterford City and County Council looks forward to continuing the development of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and other key stakeholders, including Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, Waterford LEO and Waterford Leader Partnership.

To continue the development of the WRTN the following events will be taking place before the end of the year:

  • Copper Coast Learning Journey on 2nd October
  • Fáilte Ireland Champions Programme in The Park Hotel Dungarvan on 10th October
  • WRTN – Network wide event on 7th November

To find out more about the Waterford Rural Tourism Network or join one of the five Clusters in Waterford, please email caroline@runda.ie.

This project is funded by Waterford City & County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayoral reception for Johnny Keegan (Hibernian FC)

Mayor Jason Murphy today held a Mayoral Reception in City Hall for Johnny Keegan.

Johnny has been a stalwart of Hibernian FC since 1970 as first a player, then a coach and a dedicated committee member serving in every position including secretary , treasurer and chairman.

Mayor Murphy commended Johnny by saying “The sterling efforts of Johnny Keegan and people like him are a testament to the continued success of the club”.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council advises of restrictions on slurry spreading

Tractor Spreading Slurry

Due to the Status Yellow rain warning issued by Met Éireann for Waterford, slurry spreading must not be undertaken until after the rain has passed.

The Status Yellow Rain warning is valid from midnight, Sunday September 29th to midnight Monday, September 30th.

Under the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2022, organic and chemical fertilisers or soiled water shall not be applied to land when heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours.

Farmers are also reminded that the last day for slurry spreading this season is Monday, September 30th.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford flies the Purple Flag once again in 2024

Waterford has, once again, received the coveted Purple Flag accreditation, which represents the gold standard of the management of evening and night-time economies.

This prestigious award underpins Waterford’s great blend of entertainment, dining, and culture, all the while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, and visitors in the evening and night-time economy, between the hours of 5pm and 5am.

In recognition of Waterford’s commitment to creating a dynamic, secure, and vibrant evening and night-time economy, the Purple Flag accreditation process is similar to the Green Flag Award for parks and Blue Flag for beaches.

Key successes noted in Waterford’s submission included the introduction of community safety wardens, increasing feelings of safety and support within the evening and night-time economy (ENTE), the positive approach to engagement with residents regarding noise levels, and being awarded the prestigious European City of Christmas 2024 title.

Jim ‘Flash’ Gordon, Proprietor of Revolution and Chair of the Purple Flag Committee said, “It is great that Waterford has once again been recognised as a vibrant and safe place, offering an eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, culture and arts.

“The importance and value of the nighttime economy cannot be underestimated.  Being recognised as a centre that combines entertainment, ambience, culture and choice, in a safe and inviting setting is a testament to the efforts of our collaborative partners, local business groups, community groups and the residents themselves.”

Part of the Purple Flag Waterford ethos is working with student bodies to reinforcing the message that we are all responsible for each other safety.

One such initiative was the recent attendance at Freshers 2024 Orientation in SETU Waterford, Cork Road and College Street campuses, to raise awareness for Purple Flag Waterford and promote an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out.

Julie Walsh, Purple Flag Administrator with Waterford City and County Council added, “We are delighted that Waterford has been successfully reaccredited the Purple Flag award for 2024.

“The successful reaccreditation is a result of the cumulative efforts of local businesses and stakeholders who work closely with Waterford City and County Council and An Garda Síochána to promote Waterford. We are looking forward to promoting Purple Flag and the impact it has on the ENTE in Waterford, in order to further develop a vibrant, safe evening and night-time environment for our residents and visitors to enjoy, experience and explore.”

An ongoing initiative to promote a safe night-time economy is the Ask for Angela campaign, which promotes safety and support in public spaces, especially for students participating in programmes in SETU and socialising at night in the city.

There are one hundred Purple Flag destinations around the globe across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia. This includes world renowned tourist destinations to small market towns.

By Waterford City & County Council

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

Thursday 26 September 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 to boil their water before use while Uisce Éireann water experts are working to rectify the issues. Customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.

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 will 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 supply and service section of water.ie.

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.

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.

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

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