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By Waterford City & County Council

Young Waterford Playwright Award 2025

Young Waterford Playwright Award 2025

An exciting once-off opportunity for young local writers was revealed this week with news of the Young Waterford Playwright Award 2025.

Announcing the Award, valued at €2500, Bowler Hat Theatre Company Chairperson, Gabrielle Cummins, said it had arisen in the aftermath of the An Evening with Jim Nolan event produced by Bowler Hat at the Theatre Royal earlier this year.

“That production celebrated the 40th Anniversary of Jim’s play, The Gods Are Angry, Miss Kerr and marked the birth of Red Kettle Theatre Company.” said Gabrielle. “The event was also a celebration of Jim’s distinguished career and we are delighted to offer this Award as an encouragement to a new generation of emerging local playwrights.”

The Award will be administered by the Ted & Mary O’Regan Bursary Committee, of which Jim Nolan is a founding member. Eligible applicants will be aged between 15 and 30 years, and have either been born or living in Waterford or have some connection to the city or county.

Applicants will be invited to submit a ten-page extract from an existing play, along with an outline for a new work and an indication of how the Award would benefit them in their pursuit of a playwriting career. Applications for the award are now open and the closing date for receipt of submissions is Friday, October 31st at 5pm.

For further details on the submission process please go to www.waterfordyoutharts.com and the section Young Playwright Award 2025.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Age Friendly Alliance meets on International Day of Older Persons

Each year October 1st is dedicated to celebrating the International Day of Older Persons to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities of ageing.

The theme for 2025 ‘Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights’ was at the forefront of the agenda as members of Waterford’s Age Friendly Alliance met to underpin their objectives and to copper fasten Waterford as the Best Place to Grow Older In.

In delivering the Waterford Age Friendly Strategy 2023-2028, the Waterford Age Friendly Alliance is dedicated to ensuring that Waterford city and county continues to be a great place to live as we all grow older.

The age-friendly approach ensures that all our policies, programmes, services and infrastructure relating to the physical and the social environment, are designed in a way that enables older people to live in security, good health and continue to participate in society in a meaningful way.

The Alliance includes representatives from the Older People’s Council in Waterford along with other key stakeholders such as the HSE, An Garda Síochána, Waterford City and County Council, Waterford City Chamber, Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, Local Link and Waterford Volunteer Centre.

Key to the success of the work of the Alliance is the Waterford Older People’s Council, which represents the voice of older people in Waterford and plays a crucial role in the delivery of Waterford’s Age Friendly Strategy.

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council and Chair of Waterford’s Age Friendly Alliance said, “It is particularly apt for our Alliance to meet on International Day of Older Persons.

“Waterford, just like any other city throughout the world is faced with the evolving demographics of increased life expectancy.  While we are all living longer, we need to ensure that we also live better.

“The benefits of this multi-agency approach to enhancing the lives of older people cannot be understated.  With a myriad of stakeholders working hand in glove with the Older People’s Council, Waterford’s Age Friendly programme has been informed by a positive ageing perspective to deliver the supports, infrastructure and access to a place where people can live longer, better.”

During Positive Ageing Week, from September 29th to October 3rd, multiple events both indoors and outdoors brought senior residents out in large numbers. Marion O’Mara of the Older People’s Council said the Tea Dance held in St. Paul’s Centre in Lisduggan, Waterford, was among the indoor highlights, while outdoor highlights included walks in the city led by Ray McGrath, chairperson of Waterford Older People’s Council.

Deirdre Lang, National Director of Nursing, Lead for Older Persons Services with the National Clinical Programme for Older People with the HSE hosted a focus group aimed at co-designing a new public-facing version of the National Frailty Education Programme. Originally developed for healthcare professionals, this programme helps build understanding of frailty to improve outcomes for older adults.

Other topics discussed on the day included recent progress made towards achieving of goal of the Age Friendly Annual Workplan; the importance of promoting nutritious locally sourced food, along with the up-and-coming Age Well Expo which will be held in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan on Wednesday, November 19th.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council advises of close of slurry spreading season

Waterford City and County Council is reminding farmers that the slurry spreading season is now closed.

Waterford farms (located in Zone A) are not permitted to apply chemical fertiliser until January 27th, 2026.  For organic manures (excluding farmyard manure), the closed period for slurry application ends on January 12th, 2026.

Inspectors from Waterford City and County Council’s Environment department will be performing patrols throughout the closed period.  Any identification of slurry being spread on lands during the closed period will be cross reported to DAFM under conditionality.

It is also an offence under S.I. 113 of 2022 European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations; Schedule 4. Issues caused by out of season spreading may also be subject to a prosecution under this act.

By Waterford City & County Council

Nighttime resurfacing works on Dock Road, Ferrybank

Waterford City and County Council and BAM wish to advise that nighttime resurfacing works will take place on Dock Road in Ferrybank from:

  • Monday, October 6th to Friday, October 10th and from,
  • Monday, October 13th to Wednesday, October 15th

The works will commence at 8pm and finish at 6am daily.

The public is advised that a stop-go system will be in operation on Dock Road, and Rockshire Road will be closed at the junction with Dock Road. During these times, a diversion route via Newrath Road will be in place.

This nighttime work is intended to minimise any potential traffic disruption these works may cause for residents, businesses and commuters within the vicinity. It will also prioritise the safety of all road users and working personnel on-site.

Emergency and local access will be maintained for the duration of the works.

Waterford City and County Council and BAM apologise for any inconvenience caused and seek the understanding and co-operation of the public during the course of these works.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Applications invited for Waterford City & County Council’s 2026 Gaeltacht Scholarship Scheme

The Irish Office, Waterford City & County Council is delighted to announce Gaeltacht Scholarships for second level student(s) from Waterford to attend an Irish course in Coláiste na Rinne in Summer 2026.

Image: L. Suipeil

A singe Scholarship, or two half scholarships, will be available for a student(s) living in Waterford City or County (within the Council’s administrative area) to attend one of Coláiste na Rinne’s two-week summer courses in the Gaeltacht area of west Waterford next summer.

Máire Seó Breathnach, Irish Officer with Waterford City & County Council said, “Coláiste na Rinne’s summer Irish courses offer a wonderful opportunity for students to learn Irish in a welcoming and safe environment. Not only will their Irish improve, but they will also get to experience the vibrant cultural heritage of the Irish language while they are in An Rinn. The Council is delighted to be able to support a student/students to undertake this fabulous journey in the Gaeltacht.”

The application form and terms and conditions of the 2026 Gaeltacht Scholarships are available at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/GaeltachtScholarships2026

The final time and date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday, 31st October 2025.

By Waterford City & County Council

Seolann Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge Suirbhé chun Riachtanais Tithíochta Inacmhainne a thomhas

Affordable Housing SurveyTá Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge ag tabhairt cuireadh do dhaoine a spéis a chlárú chun cabhrú leo eolas a bhailiú ar an leibhéal éilimh ar Thithíocht Inacmhainne ar fud chathair agus chontae Phort Láirge.

Cabhróidh an t-eolas a bhaileofar ón suirbhé ar líne le riachtanais tithíochta áitiúla a aithint agus cuirfidh sé bonn eolais faoi phleanáil scéimeanna tithíochta inacmhainne amach anseo lena n-áirítear Scéimeanna Ceannaigh Inacmhainne, Scéimeanna Cíosa Costais agus an Scéim Réidh le Tógáil.

Cuireann Scéim Ceannaigh Inacmhainne an Údaráis Áitiúil tithe ar fáil ar phraghas laghdaithe do Cheannaitheoirí Céaduaire agus d’iarratasóirí Fresh Start, nach gclúdóidh a morgáiste agus a dtaisce comhcheangailte praghas margaidh an tí nuathógtha.

Chuir Méara Chathair agus Chontae Phort Láirge, An Comhairleoir Séamus Ryan fáilte roimh an suirbhé ag rá, “Is é bunphrionsabal an tsuirbhé seo ná léargas luachmhar agus praiticiúil a thabhairt ar fhorbairtí tithíochta inacmhainne ar fud Phort Láirge amach anseo, a fhreastalóidh go fírinneach ar éilimh na ndaoine atá incháilithe iarratas a dhéanamh.

“Agus Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge ag iarraidh tithe níos inacmhainne a chur ar fáil, treoróidh torthaí an tsuirbhé soláthar tithe inacmhainne sna háiteanna a bhfuil gá leo. Mholfainn do gach iarratasóir ionchasach ar thithíocht inacmhainne an suirbhé a líonadh isteach, mar is iad na tuairimí seo a threoróidh agus a bheidh mar bhonn eolais do phleanáil scéimeanna tithíochta inacmhainne i bPort Láirge amach anseo.”

Tá tithe curtha ar fáil cheana féin ag Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge faoin Scéim Ceannaigh Inacmhainne ag Páirc an Fhia i mBaile Liam, Páirc na Gréine i gCill Bharra agus ag An Clós sa Trá Mhór, agus beidh siad ag iarraidh tithe breise a chur ar fáil amach anseo.

Tá tithe ar Cíos de réir Costais curtha ar fáil ag an gComhairle chomh maith ag Gort na hInse, Baile na nDéiseach. Socraítear cíosanna Tithe ar Cíos de réir Costais ar a laghad 25% faoi bhun rátaí an mhargaidh, bunaithe ar na costais a bhaineann leis na maoine a thógáil, a bhainistiú agus a chothabháil.

Tá an suirbhé ag teacht le hobair na Comhairle maidir le tithíocht inacmhainne a chur ar fáil lena díol agus lena ligean ar cíos faoin bplean ‘Tithíocht do Chách’ agus maidir le tithíocht inacmhainne a chur ar fáil dóibh siúd ar ioncam íseal go meánach.

Cuirfidh torthaí an tsuirbhé ar Thithíocht Inacmhainne ar chumas na Comhairle cinntí eolasacha a dhéanamh maidir le seachadadh, dearadh agus suíomh scéimeanna tithíochta inacmhainne agus riachtanais incháilitheachta amach anseo. Caithfear leis na sonraí go léir a bhaileofar faoi rún agus ní úsáidfear iad ach amháin chun cinneadh a dhéanamh maidir le conas is fearr tithíocht inacmhainne a sholáthar.

Tá an suirbhé ar oscailt ar líne anois go dtí Dé Máirt, an 21 Deireadh Fómhair 2025 agus is féidir teacht air trí an nasc thíos.

Comhlánaigh an Suirbhé!

Is féidir fiosrúcháin maidir le Tithíocht Inacmhainne a sheoladh ar ríomhphost chuig affordablehomes@waterfordcouncil.ie

-CRÍOCH-

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council launches Survey to gauge Affordable Housing Needs

Affordable Housing SurveyWaterford City and County Council is inviting people to register their interest to help determine the level of demand for Affordable Housing throughout Waterford city and county.

Information collected from the online survey will help identify local housing needs and inform the planning of future affordable housing schemes to include Affordable Purchase Schemes, Cost Rental Schemes and the Ready to Build Scheme. The Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme makes homes available at a reduced price for First Time Buyers and Fresh Start applicants, whose combined mortgage and deposit will not cover the market price of the newly built home.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan welcomed the survey saying, “The premise of this survey is to provide valuable and practical insights into future affordable housing developments throughout Waterford, that will truly meet the demands of those eligible to apply.

“As Waterford City and County Council endeavours to provide more affordable homes, the results of the survey will roadmap the delivery of affordable homes in the locations they are needed. I would urge all prospective affordable housing applicants to complete the survey, as it is these opinions that will guide and inform the future planning of affordable housing schemes in Waterford.”

Waterford City and County Council has already made homes available under the Affordable Purchase Scheme at Deerpark in Williamstown, Summerfields in Kilbarry and The Courtyard in Tramore, and will be seeking to provide additional homes in the future.

The Council has also made Cost Rental homes available at Gort na hInse, Ballinaneasagh. Cost Rental Homes rents are set at least 25% below market rates, based on the costs of building, managing, and maintaining the properties.

The survey aligns with the Council’s work on delivering affordable housing for sale and rent under the “Housing for All” plan and for making affordable housing available to those on low to moderate income.

The Affordable Housing survey findings will allow the Council to make informed decisions about the delivery, design and location of future affordable housing schemes and eligibility requirements. All data submitted will be treated confidentially and used solely for the purpose of determining how best to deliver affordable housing.

The survey is now open online until Tuesday, October 21st 2025 and can be accessed via the button below.

Take Survey!

Queries in relation to Affordable Housing can be emailed to affordablehomes@waterfordcouncil.ie

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Applications for Waterford City and County Council’s Grants Scheme for Festivals and Events 2026 now open

The application process for Waterford City and County Council’s Festivals & Events Grants Scheme 2026 is now open for applications. The scheme aims to support events across Waterford which help contribute towards making Waterford a more vibrant and sustainable place.

Following the success of some of last year’s festivals offering a more environmental and greener agenda, this year’s application, once again, has an emphasis on sustainability. The Local Authority is looking to work with festivals and events on delivering Waterford’s goal of becoming Ireland’s first carbon-neutral area.

Festivals and events are encouraged to highlight a range of sustainability measures, such as the use of an innovative form of renewable energy through Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), an outright ban on all single-use plastics and where possible the provision of onsite refill water stations.

For 2025, Waterford City and County Council approved the allocation of €1,671,107 in festival and event funding to aid the development and promotion of 71 festivals and events that have an economic, tourism, cultural/artistic or community benefit for Waterford.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said, “Arts, creativity and music are integral to the very fabric of Waterford.In 2025, 71 Council-supported festivals brought light, laughter, music and creativity to the streets of Waterford city and county.

“I would hope to see even more festivals added to the calendar in 2026 and would encourage artists, creatives, musicians, and directors to apply so we can continue to showcase Waterford as a sustainable place where artistry, creativity and talent shine.”

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council added, “Waterford City and County Council is committed to supporting local talent and fostering community spirit, and this grants scheme is a fantastic opportunity for established, new and niche festivals to apply for funding.

“As Ireland’s Best Place to Live, our quality of life is buoyed by the vibrancy and excitement that Waterford’s unique festivals never fail to deliver.It’s not only those who live in Waterford that benefit, but these events draw large numbers of visitors who generate valuable spend, thus boosting the local economy.”

Applications must be submitted online at www.waterfordfestivals.ie where applicants can access the T’s & C’s and resources to assist in delivering their event.

The closing date for applications is 4pm, Friday, October 24th, 2025.

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Closures: REMINDER – L’Etape Ireland Cycle Event

L'etape IrelandNotice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, will close the following public roads to through traffic on 28th September, 2025 to facilitate the L’etape Ireland Cycle Event.

Roads to be closed

  • Closure #1 – Ticincor Climb (L7082)
  • Location: From the junction of R680 to junction of R671 (Ballymacarbry Village)
  • Time: 09:15 AM – 10:45 AM Note: Local access available
  • Closure #2 – R668
  • Location: From R671 Junction (Newtown Crossroads) to junction of R668 (Convent Road)
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Closure #3 – L1026 Lyre East Road
  • Location: From Lyre East Road to junction of R672
  • Time: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Closure #4 – Beary’s Crossroads L7025
  • Location: From Junction of R672 (Beary’s Crossroad) to junction of R676
  • Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Closure #5 – Seskin Hill
  • Location: From junction of R676 to junction of R680
  • Time: 1:15 PM – 4:20 PM

All residents and road users are advised to plan accordingly. Local access will be facilitated where possible and safety marshals will be present throughout the route.

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

Stride to School initiative launched at St. Augustine’s College, Dungarvan

Students were out in force in Dungarvan on Wednesday 24th September 2025 for the launch of the Stride to School initiative at St Augustine’s College – an effort to encourage walking and cycling as fun, energising and sustainable ways for students to travel to and from school.

The initiative, supported by Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Sports Partnership, is part of a wider push to promote active travel across the county.

The Dungarvan students have welcomed Stride to School as a chance to socialise with friends, enjoy fresh air and exercise before class, and help reduce traffic congestion around the school.

Gary Morahan, Deputy Principal at St Augustine’s College, highlighted the social, environmental and health benefits of the initiative: “Stride to School is a fantastic opportunity for our students to mix with each other on the way to school. It’s very good for their physical health and mental wellbeing. As they walk to school each morning, they can chat and interact with each other. It’s also very good for the environment and helps to reduce traffic congestion around our school.”

Eamonn Cashin, teacher at St Augustine’s College, said the school community is “absolutely delighted” to start Stride to School: “The students are walking to school in their hi vis vests, they are safe, healthy, the sun is shining. It’s a fantastic initiative and I would love to see more schools in the area get behind it.”

Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer at Waterford City and County Council, commended the school for leading the way in encouraging healthier, more sustainable daily travel routines for its students: “St Augustine’s College has shown great leadership in getting Stride to School up and running. It’s starting to build momentum and will continue to grow over the coming months. We look forward to working with schools across Waterford to launch Stride to School and support them in changing travel behaviours.”

Jordan Kelly, Community Sports Development Officer with Waterford Sports Partnership, praised the students’ energy and commitment: “It’s fantastic to see the students walk and cycle to school at St Augustine’s College. It’s great for them to be able to get their exercise in before starting school, which will benefit them greatly throughout the day.”

If your school would like more information on how to join the Stride to School movement, email activetravel@waterfordcouncil.ie.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

An Exhibition of Photographs by James Hughes opens at The Index Gallery, Central Library

Carn Stove - James Hughes

The Decoration of Absence: The Silent Traces of Irish Interiors

An Exhibition of Photographs by James Hughes opens at The Index Gallery, Central Library

Waterford Libraries is delighted to welcome photographer James Hughes to Waterford as part of a Creative Waterford Shared Island Exchange between Waterford City and County Council and Mid & East Antrim Borough Council.

Hughes’ Photographic Exhibition The Decoration of Absence: The Silent Traces of Irish Interiors will be opened by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan at the Index Gallery Central Library on Wednesday, October 1st at 6.30pm and all are welcome to attend.

James Hughes is a Northern Irish photographer and artist, whose photographic practice ranges from social documentary through commercial to fine art photography.

His first photographic experience was of a childhood spent using a box brownie (made by his mother when she worked for Kodak). James is self-taught, and influenced by late 20th century photography and literature, influences that he continues to link through his practice to-date.

James has an extensive background of research in photography (MA, MPhil). A celebrated photographer, with many exhibitions and awards, his work is represented internationally in museums and galleries, commercial work also has its place while he continues to pursue his personal career and passion through photography, art and poetry.

This exhibition is supported by Creative Communities on a Shared Island, funded by Creative Ireland, is a joint two-year initiative between Waterford City and County Council and Mid & East Antrim Borough Council to develop and enhance our shared sense of community through the lens of creativity in areas such as heritage, literature and the arts and is also part of the Imagine Art Festival Programme.

The exhibition runs at the Index Gallery, Central Library from October 1st to 31st, 2025 (Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 10am-5pm, Wed 1-8pm and Sat 10am-1pm and 2-5pm).

You can view Hughes’ work at https://www.jameshughesfoto.com/

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Charting a Century of Local Government Change

 

Waterford City and County Council is pleased to present a seminar on Sweeping Changes – Separation and Centralisation in Local Government Reform.

Taking place in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan on Saturday, October 4th, this free event examines the sweeping changes the 1925 Local Government Act brought to local governments with the abolition of Rural District Councils. Don’t be fooled by the title though, this seminar will be rife with rows, repudiations and tales of embezzlement and prison.

The seminar will explore centralisation in Local Government reform by the new Free State Government.

The abolition of the Rural District Councils was not well received by many in Waterford, and, in fact, the members of Waterford County Council officially repudiated their own Chairman, Senator P.W. Kenny for his support of that abolition. The requirement for all new local authority staff to pledge allegiance to the Free State was another source of contention and there was no great love for the idea of one County Medical Officer in Waterford Corporation or Waterford County Council.

1925 was a difficult year all round in Waterford. There was concern about unemployment in the city, distress in Ballingoul and the Council was beset with not one, but two, cases of embezzlement.

The seminar will be opened by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan.

Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD will provide the opening address on The Future of Local Democracy-Local Government Reform in Ireland.  Dr. Aodh Quinliven will speak on The Dead Hand – A historical perspective on local government in Ireland and Dr. Arlene Crampsie will address Taking Power from the people – abolishing the Rural District Councils.

Waterford City and County Archivist, Joanne Rothwell will focus on The 1925 Act in Action in Waterford.

The event will close with a light lunch for attendees. The event is free to attend, however, pre-booking is necessary. To book your place visit Eventbrite at: https://bit.ly/sweepingchanges

By Waterford City & County Council

North Quays Update – September 2025

This bird’s view of Waterford’s North Quays Public Infrastructure really highlights the progress being made, particularly on the transport hub, sustainable transport bridge and south quays plaza. Earlier this month, works commenced on the Western railway flood defences and the works at Abbey Road are nearing completion.

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