Latest News & Announcements - Waterford City & County Council

11th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Strong Response to Waterford’s Night-Time Economy (NTE) Pilot Grant Scheme

Waterford City and County Council is pleased to announce that applications for the Night-Time Economy (NTE) Pilot Grant, launched earlier this year, have now been reviewed and approved.

A key aim of this funding is to extend Waterford’s nighttime economy beyond weekends and into mid-week programming, as well as supporting off-season cultural activity.

The scheme received an excellent response from local businesses, venues, and cultural organisations, with proposals showcasing creativity and a strong commitment to enhancing Waterford’s evening and late-night offering.

A vibrant programme of events will run across September, October, and November, bringing new colour and energy to the city’s Purple Flag Zone, which represents the gold standard of the management of evening and nighttime economies.

By spreading events across quieter nights and months, the programme will help sustain footfall, support local businesses year-round, and provide more options for people to enjoy the city by night.

Speaking of the announcement, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said, “It is heartening to see such imaginative, immersive and ambitious events proposed by Waterford’s arts and cultural communities.

“The events that received funding will greatly enhance the city’s nighttime atmosphere and light up the city this Autumn. Additionally, the programme itself, is a great initiative to support local talent and businesses, while giving residents and visitors alike more reasons to experience Waterford after dark.”

Some of the events planned to light up Waterford city by night include immersive guided tours exploring Waterford’s history in fresh and imaginative ways; cultural and theatrical experiences, including some gothic-inspired performances in atmospheric venues; live music events from youth showcases to innovative concert formats, inclusive events designed to make nightlife accessible to people with sensory needs and unique entertainment experiences such as wrestling shows with an Irish storytelling twist.

Michael Quinn, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added, “The variety and quality of events approved show the real potential to grow our nighttime economy in ways that are inclusive, exciting, and sustainable.

“Waterford City and County Council, along with our collaborative partners, is committed to making Waterford a Purple Flag exemplar, by supporting and sustaining a nighttime economy that is vibrant, diverse, safe and inviting for all who live here and all who visit.”

Waterford’s approved events will ensure that this autumn is one to remember, showcasing the city’s creativity and making it a destination of choice for vibrant, imaginative, and safe nighttime experiences.

Further details on the programme of events will be shared in the coming weeks.

10th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Have Your Say – Proposed Draft Variation No. 1 (Development Plan 2022-2028)

Volume 1 of Development Plan - Written Statement Waterford City & County Council has prepared Proposed Draft Variation No. 1 of the Waterford City & County Development Plan 2022–2028.

The draft variation is now on public display and we are inviting submissions and observations from the public. This is your opportunity to have a say in how Waterford grows and develops in the years ahead.

Full details are available at consult.waterfordcouncil.ie, where you can view the draft variation and make a submission online.

Submissions must be received by the closing date stated on the consultation portal – 19th September 2025.

10th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Libraries to Celebrate National Public Libraries Open Day 2025

Initiative encourages communities to take a closer look at range of free services offered

to all by public libraries

Dungarvan Library, Central Library in Waterford City and Ardkeen Library will join libraries across Ireland on Saturday, September 27^th to celebrate National Public Libraries Open Day 2025.

The nationwide campaign invites the public to “Take a Closer Look” at the modern, inclusive, and vibrant services libraries offer today. It highlights the evolving role of libraries in Irish society as places of entertainment, learning, connection, creativity, and community support.

This year’s campaign highlights that library membership is free and open to all, while raising awareness of the wide range of services available. In addition to a wide range of books, today’s libraries offer free access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, eMagazines, and eLearning Courses, alongside programmes of events for all ages, access to printing services, creative and study spaces. Public libraries are welcoming, accessible, inclusive community spaces that offer services and spaces to children and adults who are neurodiverse, while fostering wellbeing, life-long learning, and connection for everyone.

To mark National Public Libraries Open Day 2025, WLRfm will broadcast live from Ardkeen Library from 12 to 3pm on Saturday, September 27^th with balloon making, facepainting and several prizes to win on air and in the library.

Mary Conway, Waterford City and County Librarian at Waterford Libraries said, “At Waterford Libraries we see every day how libraries are community spaces where people connect, form friendships, and feel part of something bigger.

“We’re proud to offer a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone in our community, from toddlers discovering story time to retirees joining book clubs, students preparing for exams, and jobseekers using our digital resources. Libraries help people feel less isolated and more empowered, whether through a quiet moment with a book or a lively community event. We warmly welcome everyone to visit us on Public Libraries Open Day and at any time to explore all that Waterford Libraries has to offer.”

Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development at the Local Government Management Agency added, “Public libraries have evolved into vibrant community hubs that support learning, creativity, wellbeing, and connection. Beyond books, they offer access to IT services, digital tools, creative spaces, and inclusive programmes such as Right to Read, Summer Stars, Family Time at the Library, Literacy for All, Skills for Life, and digital lending services.

“National Public Libraries Open Day is a chance to explore everything your local library has to offer. Whether you’re looking to learn something new, connect with others, or simply discover what’s available, libraries are welcoming spaces full of opportunity.”

Everyone is encouraged to join the national conversation using the hashtags #LibrariesOpenDay and #TakeACloserLook.

For more information, visit www.waterfordlibraries.ie

9th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor of Waterford City and County welcomes donation of Waterford Scouts County Log Books

During National Heritage Week, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan welcomed the donation of log books from Waterford Scouts County to Waterford City and County Archives. The event was held at Waterford Central Library in Lady Lane.

The log books date from 1999 and are a great record of scouting in Waterford showcasing the members from beavers to venture scouts and beyond as they developed their skills and talents but most of all as they had fun out and about in Waterford. The photographs, programmes and tasks documented in the log books give a great view of the history of the scout groups in Waterford from Dungarvan to Waterford City and of all of those who volunteered with the Scouts.

The log books are not only a testament to Waterford County Scouting but also a testament to the commitment and passion for Waterford Scouting of Brian Fanning, who has been collating and documenting Waterford County Scouting in these log books for more than 20 years.

In attendance on the night were Chief Scout of Ireland, Eoin Callanan and Waterford County Commissioner, Seán Hayes along with a great showing of scouts from across the county, who were delighted to be given an opportunity to thank Brian Fanning for his work in showcasing their contributions to scouting.

The original log books have been donated to Waterford City and County Archives in addition to printed sets of volumes for the public to view.

These volumes were printed with the support of a number of sponsors and supporters: Waterford Credit Union; Lisduggan Credit Union; Waterford Courts Service; Mediforce; Doyle Concrete; RTS – Heating & Cooling systems; The Butler Family; The Collins Family; 15th/25th Waterford Sacred Heart Scout Group; 17th/20th/30th Waterford St Pauls Scout Group; AM Construction; Sean Hayes – Architect; Waterford Scout County and Walsh Butler Electrics. The volumes were printed by DVF Print and Graphic Solutions and bound by Thomas Carroll.

To arrange to view the log books contact the Waterford City and County Archivist at archivist@waterfordcouncil.ie or the Local Studies Librarian at lstudies@waterfordcouncil.ie

9th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council to hold Special Meeting for Presidential Election nominees

Waterford City and County Council will hold a special meeting for Presidential Election nominees at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan at 2pm on Friday, September 19^th.

Those wishing to seek nomination from Waterford City and County Council and to present at the special meeting should contact hdunphy@waterfordcouncil.ie no later than 5pm on Friday, September 12^th.

Requests received after this deadline will not be considered. The Presidential Election will take place on Friday, October 24^th 2025.

ENDS

8th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Is féidir iarratas a dhéanamh anois ar Dheontais Chleachtais Ealaíon agus Ionaid Ealaíon 2026

Tá Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge ag lorg iarratais anois ar Dheontais Chleachtais Ealaíon agus Ionaid Ealaíon 2026.

Moltar d’ealaíontóirí agus d’eagraíochtaí ealaíon ar fud na ndisciplíní uile iarratas a dhéanamh ar líne. Athraíonn leibhéil mhaoinithe de réir catagóire, agus tá deontais suas go dtí €4,000 ar fáil do thionscadail aonair. Tá dámhachtainí níos airde ar fáil d’eagraíochtaí ealaíon gairmiúla.

I measc na ngrúpaí agus na ndaoine aonair incháilithe tá:

• Drámaíocht agus Ceol Deonach agus Amaitéarach

• Scríbhneoirí & Filí

• Ealaíontóirí Radharcacha

• Taibheoirí (damhsa, amharclannaíocht, etc.)

• Ealaíontóirí Sráide & Seónna

• Ceolchoirmeacha Foirmiúla (bannaí, cláir, ensemble)

• Tionscadail ildisciplíneacha

• Deontais do na hEalaíona Tuaithe

• Deontais do dhrámadóirí & d’Fhoireann Léiritheoirí

• Deontais do Scríbhneoir Scáileáin & d’Fhoireann Léiritheoirí

Tá córas marcála trédhearcach i bpróiseas na bliana seo ionas gur féidir le hiarratasóirí a fheiceáil go soiléir conas a dhéanfar measúnú ar thograí. Ní mór ábhar tacaíochta, ar nós grianghraif, na meáin dhigiteacha, Ráitis maidir le Cosaint Leanaí, agus cuntais, a uaslódáil trí naisc.

Ní mór d’iarratasóirí a bheith ina mbaill chláraithe de Artlinks (saor in aisce a bheith páirteach). Chun clárú, seol ríomhphost chuig artlinks.ie@gmail.com. Cláraigh go luath le do thoil mar b’fhéidir nach bpróiseálfar iarratais a gheofar tar éis an 26 Meán Fómhair in am. Déanfaidh bord neamhspleách breithniú ar gach iarratas. Is é an spriocdháta le haghaidh iarratais ná 4.30pm, Dé hAoine, an 3 Deireadh Fómhair 2025 agus foilseofar cinntí go déanach i mí na Nollag 2025, ag braith ar fhaomhadh na Comhairle

Le haghaidh sonraí iomlána agus chun iarratas a dhéanamh ar líne, tabhair cuairt ar www.waterfordarts.com

8th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Applications now open for 2026 Arts Practice and Arts Venue Grants

Waterford City and County Council is now inviting applications for the 2026 Arts Practice and Arts Venue Grants.

Artists and arts organisations across all disciplines are encouraged to apply online. Funding levels vary by category, with single project grants available up to €4,000. Higher awards are available for professional arts organisations.

Eligible groups and individuals include:

Voluntary & Amateur Drama and Music
Writers & Poets
Visual Artists
Performers (dance, theatre, etc.)
Street Artists & Spectacle
Formal Concerts (bands, programmes, ensembles)
Multi-disciplinary projects
Rural Arts Grants
Playwright & Producer Team Grants
Screenwriter & Producer Team Grants

This year’s process features a transparent marking system so applicants can clearly see how proposals will be assessed. Supporting material, such as photographs, digital media, Child Protection Statements, and accounts, must be uploaded via links.

Applicants must be registered members of Artlinks (free to join). To register, email artlinks.ie@gmail.com. Please register early as requests received after September 26th may not be processed in time. All applications will be adjudicated by an independent board. Deadline for application is 4.30pm, Friday October 3^rd, 2025 and decisions will be published in late December 2025, pending Council approval.

For full details and to apply online, visit waterfordarts.com

8th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayoral Reception for the Organisers of Pride of the Déise

This morning, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, welcomed the people behind Pride of the Déise.

What began as a small initiative in 2019 has grown into a cherished part of Waterford’s festival calendar thanks to the hard work of passionate volunteers, organisers, and supporters.

Pride of the Déise is more than a festival; it’s a celebration of identity, solidarity, and love. It reflects the very best of Waterford: a city that embraces diversity, fosters inclusion, and stands proud with its people.

7th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Tomorrow: Road Closure – R685 Pickardstown, Tramore

The R685 at Pickardstown Shrine, Tramore will be closed from Monday 8th September to Monday 22nd September to facilitate emergency drainage works.

No through road during this period
Local diversions will be signposted

Waterford City & County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks road users for their cooperation.

Download map of alternative routes

6th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Seagrass Sessions – see the wonder of Tramore’s Seagrass Ecosystem at the Vitamin Sea Festival

“Seagrass Sessions – Come see the wonder of Tramore’s Seagrass Ecosystem in the Vitamin Sea Festival”

From the afternoon of September 18^th to September 21^st the Tramore Coast Guard Centre will host an exhibition dedicated to Seagrass.

The workhorse of the sea, many of us will hardly have noticed seagrass. Lately though, the work it does taking up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and its importance in providing a home for young fish is causing us all to take notice. This exhibition will show us all the beauty of Seagrass through photography and tapestries.

The Seagrass Sessions have been all about putting the spotlight on Seagrass in Tramore. Organised by Waterford City and Council’s Climate Team, in conjunction with the Seaschool and local artist Síle Walsh and funded by Creative Ireland, participants in the Sessions have been able to create wonderful art while learning about this precious resource.

The first Seagrass Session was a photography event, led by Tasneem Khan of the Seaschool on August 21st . Tasneem, a noted ecologist and photographer led the group in taking shots under the water to capture the grass and the species that live amongst it across a morning. The team got to grips with the underwater cameras and tried their best not disturb the visions below them.

Taking the photographs from the first Seagrass Session as their inspiration, a second Seagrass Session group met on August 25^th in TBay Surf Club. Led by artist Síle Walsh the group made their own tapestries using waste materials collected off the beach by Síle. Each unique and colourful piece captured the wonder of the Seagrass whether it was the movement in the piece or a representation of the variety of life that lives within the Seagrass beds.

Both the photographs and the tapestries will be on display upstairs in the Tramore Coast Guard Centre along with lots of information on the importance of Seagrass beds and how we can protect them.

The exhibition opens at 3:30pm on September 18^th. All are welcome.

5th September 2025

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/

5th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council to hold Special Meeting for Presidential Election nominees

Waterford City and County Council will hold a special meeting for Presidential Election nominees at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan at 2pm on Friday, September 19^th.

Those wishing to seek nomination from Waterford City and County Council and to present at the special meeting should email Ms. Honor Dunphy via hdunphy@waterfordcouncil.ie no later than 5pm on Friday, September 12^th.

Requests received after this deadline will not be considered. The Presidential Election will take place on Friday, October 24^th 2025.

ENDS

4th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor’s Welcome marks 50th Anniversary of Tom Dunphy’s passing

Mayoral Welcome for Dunphy family Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan hosted a special welcome reception on Wednesday, 3rd September, to mark the 50th anniversary of the passing of Tom Dunphy, member of the world-famous Royal Showband.

Tom, who grew up on the Mayors Walk, helped bring the unique sound of Waterford and the Irish showband era to international audiences, topping charts and performing across Ireland, Britain, and the United States.

The reception in City Hall was attended by members of Tom’s family, including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as Waterford honoured a legacy in song that continues to resonate fifty years on.

4th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Europe Direct Regional Soapbox Public Speaking Competition 2025

Europe Direct Waterford is delighted to announce the Regional Final of this year’s Soapbox Public Speaking Competition on Thursday 9th October.

Have your say at this year’s Regional Europe Direct Soapbox public speaking competition in Waterford. You could win an iPad or Samsung Tablet, sponsored by the European Commission Representation. Regional winners will go on to represent their region in the national competition in Dublin.

Date and venue of the Europe Direct regional Final: Thursday 9^th October at 10am in the Dr. Mary Strangman Large Room, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.

Please Note:

Entrants are invited to deliver a three-minute speech for or against the topic: Likes, Lies and Legal Limits: “Is It Time the EU Banned Social Media for Under-16s?”

Contestants will compete in one of two categories: Ages 16 & under OR 17 & over (Limit of 6 entries per category for schools).
The winner of both categories will be announced on the day of the event and invited to attend the National final to compete for €1,000 One4All vouchers.
Runner up prizes will also be presented on the day.
The date and venue for the National final in Dublin is currently under review.

To Enter:

Download the application form & read the competition rules from the Europe Direct Waterford page or call into any of our branches. Read your checklist before returning the application form.
Return your application form by email to both: pryan@waterfordcouncil.ie & katkins@waterfordcouncil.ie or in person to any of our library branches.
Emailed application forms will be issued with a confirmation of receipt. Please contact Central Library on 051-849975 if you don’t receive confirmation.
Application forms can also be dropped into or posted to any branch of Waterford Libraries by closing date: 4 pm on Monday 6^th October. We regret we can’t consider applications after that date.
Be sure to read through the Europe Direct Soapbox Competition Rules first!

For more information contact the Europe Direct Centre at Central Library: Phone: 051-849975

Application Form Checklist Rules

Testimonial from Soapbox winner

“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.”

Did You Know ?

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.