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Waterford City & County Council

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By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Road Closure Arrangements – Harvest Festival 2025

Notice 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 road to through traffic on the dates listed below to facilitate the Waterford Harvest Festival:

Roads to be closed

From 6am Friday 5th until 10pm Sunday 7th September 2025

  • L5532 Arundel Square
  • L5531 Peter Street
  • L15237 Michael Street North (from its junction with Patricks St. to Lady Lane)
  • L91092 Broad Street
  • L91091 Barronstrand Street
  • L90352 Georges Street
  • L90353 Blackfriars Lane
  • L90354 Arundel Lane
  • L90355 Little Patrick Street
  • L55301 Bakehouse Lane
  • L1525 Patrick Street
  • L15023 Sargents Lane (from its Junction with Jenkins Lane Car Park)
  • L1502 O’Connell Street (from its Junction with Thomas Street)
  • L5501 Gladstone Street

From 6am Saturday 6th September until 10pm Sunday 7th September 2025

  • L1528 Johns Street (Applemarket)

Diversion Routes

A comprehensive Traffic Management Plan will be in place from the start of the road closures and all alternative routes will be signposted.

  • Access to the Cork Road from Ballybricken Green shall be via Mayors Walk and Barrack Street.
  • Access to The Quays from Ballybricken shall be via James Street & Vulcan Street.
  • There will be no access to The Quays from O’Connell Street after Vulcan Street.
  • Access and egress to Jenkins Lane Car Park shall be via Meeting House Lane only.
  • Entry to Patrick Street will controlled by security and barriers at its junction with Stephens Street and Carrigeen Park and all non-permitted traffic shall be directed to Stephens Street and onto Lady Lane. Traffic Permitted to the closed section of Patrick Street is limited to Taxis, Festival Production and Emergency Vehicles.
  • Access to Alexander Street shall be via Stephen Street, with egress via Lady Lane.
  • The traffic direction on the section of Lady Lane from Michael Street to Bakehouse Lane shall be reversed for the duration of the Road Closures

Emergency Access

  • Access will be maintained for the emergency services at all times to all areas subject to these road closures.

Local Residents

As on street car parking on the above streets will be unavailable during the event car owners who reside on the effected streets will be asked to relocate to other area of the city. Any vehicle found parked in such areas will be impounded and will be subject to a release cost.

Deliveries

All businesses within the cordon area are being asked to avoid, if possible, deliveries to and from their premises during the festival period. No unauthorised vehicles will be allowed within the site area between the hours of 8am – 9pm.

Car Parking

  • Access to all city centre car parks will be unaffected.
  • Public Parking on High Street (from its junction with Exchange Street Car park to Conduit lane) shall be unavailable from 6am Friday 5th until Sunday 7th September.

Public Transport

Buses

The following Bus Routes will be affected:

  • W4 – Peter Street to Browns Road.

Full details will be made available closer to the event from Bus Éireann.

Taxis

Arising from the closure of Peter Street and Arundel Square the Peter Street Taxi Rank shall be closed for the duration of the Road Closures. With the closure of the Peter Street rank the nearest main rank shall be 50m away at the appointed stand on Patrick Street.

Signage within City Square Shopping Centre and at Peter Street will direct users to the Patrick Street rank.

By Waterford City & County Council

Graduate Engineer Opportunities with Waterford Council

Current Vacancies

Waterford City & County Council is inviting applications for a panel of Graduate Engineers on a three-year specific purpose contract.

Application forms and candidate information booklets are available to download at www.waterfordcouncil.ie. Completed applications must be emailed to recruitment@waterfordcouncil.ie, clearly stating the position in the subject line, no later than 4.00 p.m. on Thursday, 11th September 2025.

Hard copy applications will not be accepted. Applicants are advised to use an active email address, as all communication during the selection process will be issued via email.

Waterford City & County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Closure Notice – R685 Pickardstown, Tramore

Road Works - Update

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.

By Waterford City & County Council

Clean Air Together Waterford

Clean air together poster

We are looking for people living in Waterford City and Environs to take part in this clean air project.

It will only take a few minutes, to stick up an air sensor outside your house and past it back to the EPA after one month.

We need 400 people to sign up across the city, so if you live in the city, (or know people who do), can you consider signing up for this project.

We are looking to get all areas of the city covered, including into south Kilkenny, so please help out.

Clean Air Together Waterford City is an exciting citizen science project led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with Waterford City and County Council.

The project aims to recruit 400 participants to measure levels of the traffic-related air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), across Waterford City and environs.

If you are interested in participating you can sign up today by visiting www.cleanairtogether.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Gerhardt Gallagher ‘Bequest’ and Mór Artists Collective ‘Beneath the Layers’ at Old Market House Arts Centre Dungarvan

The Old Market House Arts Centre Dungarvan was delighted to welcome a full house of visitors, artists, family and friends for the reception of two significant exhibitions being held over the weekend.

Mór Artists Collective, ‘Beneath the Layer’ and ‘Gerhardt Gallagher: Bequest’, an exhibition featuring works recently donated to Waterford by this prolific Waterford-born artist, was officially opened by Cllr. Damien Geoghegan, Leas Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District.

Forester and artist Gerhardt Gallagher, who died on 2nd May  2024, was born in Waterford City in 1936.  His father, Roland, a dentist, fought in the War of Independence and Irish Civil War, while his mother, Lisa, witnessed the rise of fascism in her native Germany.

In 1939, Gerhardt and his younger brother Leonard were separated from Lisa, pushed through the window of a packed train attempting to leave wartime Germany.  Lisa finally boarded, finding them, but for those hours Gerhardt thought he’d never see her again.

From childhood, Gerhardt had two passions: nature and art.  He spent hours at Waterford Docks, sketching boats, waves and seabirds.  Having attended De La Salle College he went on to study art in Waterford, NCAD and later in Airfield House and Black Church Print Studios, Dublin.

A renowned and dedicated Forester, Gerhardt’s visual art practice spanned over six decades, ranging from large scale abstract paintings, exquisite prints and drawings to detailed studies of nature – in particular his beloved trees.

His works can be found in the collections of the Arts Council, Waterford Art College, RTÉ and the Office of Public Works.  Gerhardt’s parents, Roland and Lisa Gallagher were also instrumental in the establishment of the Waterford Municipal Art Collection.

Gerhardt’s final decade brought challenges, chiefly the loss of his beloved wife Miriam in 2018.  Though deeply concerned by climate catastrophe and the polarised stasis that had gripped Irish forestry, his passions for nature, science, art, politics and philosophy never faltered.

Waterford City and County Council is grateful for the generosity of Gerhardt and his family in donating this work to Waterford.

Also featured in the Old Market House Arts Centre is the ‘Mór Artists Collective: Beneath the Layers’ exhibition inspired by one of Ireland’s most unique and notably rich historical resources – The Fota House Wallpaper Collection.  Developed in partnership with Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, over 30 of the 48-member collective of artists across East Cork and West Waterford have responded in diverse media including painting, written work, collage, sound installation and more.

Mór Artists Collective is an artists-led membership organisation for artists living and working professionally in the visual, performing and literary arts in rural East Cork and West Waterford and is facilitated by Greywood Arts and supported by Cork County Council and Waterford County & City Arts offices.

Both exhibitions continue at the Old Market House, Dungarvan until the end of September.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Harvest Festival Returns This September

Harvest Fest

The Waterford Harvest Festival is set to return from 5 to 7 September, filling Ireland’s oldest city with food, music and family fun. Now in its sixteenth year, the festival has become one of the highlights of Waterford’s cultural calendar, attracting visitors from across the country.

Across the three days, the city will host a packed programme of events including artisan food markets, live cooking demonstrations, family activities and headline music performances. Among the highlights this year are the new Harvest Tea Cruise on the River Suir, offering afternoon tea prepared by award-winning chef Keith Boyle while sailing from the marina to Waterford Castle.

The festival will also see the return of Beats, Bites & Bubbles, a lively street dining celebration featuring local food producers, street performers and live music. Concerts are planned throughout the weekend, with acts such as Mick Flannery, John Spillane and Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones taking to the stage.

This year’s programme has been designed to offer something for everyone, with a mix of free and ticketed events to suit all ages and budgets. There will be a strong focus on local produce, sustainability and accessibility, with dedicated sensory-friendly spaces and eco-friendly measures in place.

Tickets for special events will go on sale from Friday 4 July, while applications for food and drink producers to join the festival market will open on Tuesday 9 July. Full details are available at waterfordharvestfestival.ie.

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

Waterford All-Ireland Minor Hurling Champions honoured with Civic Reception

On Thursday, August 28th, Waterford’s All-Ireland Minor Hurling Champions were honoured with a Civic Reception at Waterford’s City Hall.

The team, management, coaches and selectors were greeted warmly by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, Elected Members and the Council’s management team.

Mayor Ryan welcomed the team to the Council Chambers and recounted that memorable June day in Thurles against Clare.

“Over 16,000 voices roared from the stands, the sound of Waterford passion echoing around Thurles. On the field, we witnessed not only skill and bravery but a unity and resilience that carried this team to victory.”

Detailing their All-Ireland winning campaign the mayor added, “To the players, you have etched your names into Waterford’s proud sporting story. You have given every young hurler in this county something to dream about, and every supporter a day they will never forget

“To the coaches, selectors, and support staff… your commitment and leadership made this possible. Success is never an accident; it comes from planning, persistence, and faith in the journey.”

Concluding his address, he said, “You have done your clubs and your county proud, and today’s Civic Reception is a mark of how deeply we value your achievement.”

Mayor Ryan then handed over to Cllr. John Pratt to formally propose the motion which was seconded by Cllr. Adam Wyse.

Manager James O’Connor thanked the Mayor and Elected Members for the invitation to a Civic reception to acknowledge the team’s sporting achievement, in winning an All-Ireland Minor Hurling final, which he hoped “would inspire our young players in the future to achieve at the highest level over the coming year.”

He also paid tribute to the parents, the County Board, the management team and the players as he wished them all the very best in the future.

With the Irish Press Cup at hand, captain James Comerford spoke of the incredible honour for him as team captain to be afforded a Civic reception.

“For those on the outside looking in, this journey began on March 28th at Semple Stadium, exactly three months before our dreams became a reality. In actual fact, the journey began over three and a half years ago.”

James said, “Since lifting the All-Ireland trophy three months ago, it’s been an unforgettable summer for all of us.  We’ve had the privilege of bringing the cup back to our clubs and our parishes and meeting younger players, who I hope have the dream of wearing the Waterford jersey themselves.”

The captain concluded, “Everywhere we’ve gone the pride of the people reminds us just what this win means, not just to us, but to Waterford as a whole. This All-Ireland title belongs to all of Waterford… every club, every coach, every parent, every supporter who’ve played their part in our journey.”

An inspirational Waterford soared to a first All-Ireland minor hurling title in 12 years when they overpowered Clare by 1-18 to 0-10 in front of 16,411 fans on June 28th at FBD Semple Stadium.

-ends-

Photos: Noel Browne

By Waterford City & County Council

Cleaner, Greener Home & Garden workshop

Cleaner, Greener garden event

The workshop will include a demonstration and the opportunity to take some samples home (Please bring your own containers).

“Cleaner, Greener Home & Garden workshop with sustainability consultant Aoife Munn

  • Central Library Waterford
  • Friday 5th September
  • 12:30pm

This is a one hour session where you can learn how to make natural cleaning products for you home that will not damage the environment like bought ones can. Find out what to use and where in both the home and the garden – bring empty containers to take home samples!

Call us on 051 849975 to book your place.

By Waterford City & County Council

Closing: Heritage Week “Wonder Wander” photo competition

Wonder Wander Graphic

Only a couple of days left to enter the “Wonder Wander Photo Competition.

“Do you have a favourite historic window, door, gate, shopfront or architectural feature in Waterford? Maybe it’s a charming doorway, a beautifully rusted iron gate, or an old timber shopfront with stories to tell.

We’re inviting photographers of all ages to take part in our National Heritage Week “Wonder Wander Photo Competition”, celebrating the hidden and historic gems scattered throughout Waterford’s streets.

✨ Whether you’re under 18 or a grown-up with an eye for detail, grab your phone or camera and snap your favourite historic feature in Waterford City.
What we’re looking for:
  • Historic windows
  • Beautiful or unusual gates
  • Old shopfronts
  • Any distinctive architectural detail you love

 

🏆 Prizes:
  • Under 18s: €75 Waterford Chamber of Commerce voucher
  • Adults: €100 Waterford Chamber of Commerce voucher

 

📝 How to enter:

Wonder Wander Trails:

📅 Deadline for entries: 1st September 2025

Let your eye wander… and share the wonder.

#WonderWanderWaterford #Heritage Week #HiddenHistory #PhotoCompetition

By Waterford City & County Council

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

Volume 1 of Development Plan - Written StatementWaterford 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.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council shortlisted for Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards

Waterford City and County Council has been shortlisted in two categories of the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2025.

The awards are held in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and showcase best practice in local government and recognise the skills, vision and innovation within local government.

The Business Pledge for a Cleaner, Greener Waterford has been shortlisted in the Climate Change category. This category recognises innovative initiatives that not only educate but take concrete actions to mitigate against the effects of climate change.

As part of Waterford City and County Council’s Roadmap to delivering a Carbon Neutral Waterford by 2040, the Local Authority introduced its Business Pledge for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford in September 2024.

A baseline emissions inventory of Waterford City revealed that businesses were the largest source of emissions in the city, accounting for 28% of emissions. Many are small businesses that struggle to find the time or capital to invest in changes that would make their business more sustainable.

In 2024 Waterford City and County Council ran an ambassador campaign to encourage businesses to sign up to the Pledge and complete actions to reduce their carbon footprint over the next few years. Businesses were rewarded with a 9% rates discount while the Council monitored emissions reductions.

Over 1,000 businesses have taken the Pledge and the Council continues to work with these businesses to give them the support, tools and advice they need to become more sustainable.

In the Health and Wellbeing category, Good Grief has been shortlisted.  This award recognises initiatives by a Local Authority that promote the health and wellbeing of its community.

Good Grief is a collaborative initiative between Waterford City and County Council and Wexford County Council, funded by Creative Ireland.  Its primary focus is exploring the role of creativity in supporting self-soothing for adults over 18 in their second-year post-bereavement.

By partnering with academic institutions and health organisations, Good Grief seeks to understand how artistic engagement can aid emotional healing and resilience during the complex grieving process. Good Grief exemplifies a community-focused, cross-sectoral approach to bereavement support, highlighting the importance of creative expression as a tool for wellbeing and recovery in the later stages of grief.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said, “I am delighted to see the work of Waterford City and County Council and its partners recognised nationally.

“These projects highlight the effectiveness of collaborations between the Local Authority, business stakeholders, health and education institutions and the local community.

“From promoting and supporting ways to mitigate climate change to providing mechanisms to enrich mental health and wellbeing, these projects demonstrate that truly powerful results can be yielded when people work together.”

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council added, “The awards recognise and showcase dedication and enthusiasm. This year’s shortlisted projects not only demonstrate innovation and drive, but also the vision of the Local Authority, working in conjunction with local stakeholders in continuing to make Waterford the best place to live, work and invest in.”

The 2025 Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, sponsored by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage take place in Dublin on November 27th.

By Waterford City & County Council

New Mural Celebrates Diversity in Waterford

New Mural Celebrates Diversity in Waterford

As part of this year’s Waterford Walls Festival, The Walls Project is proud to unveil a powerful new mural by acclaimed Irish artist AndyMc, celebrating cultural diversity and what it means to be Irish in 2025.

The mural – United Ireland – shows two small children – one of whom is Indian, the other Irish – who have just completed an artwork symbolising their shared vision for a more inclusive Ireland.

At its heart, the artwork is a tribute to diversity, empowerment, and possibility, highlighting the vital role that all of the communities that make up our society play in shaping a better, more inclusive Ireland.

The public is invited to visit the mural on Jenkins Lane in Waterford City.

The mural adds to the growing legacy of Waterford Walls, Ireland’s largest street art festival, supported by Waterford City and County Council, and reflects the festival’s ongoing commitment to representation, community, and creativity.

By Waterford City & County Council

Major flood prevention works to protect Waterford rail line underway

Works from late August to early 2026 will affect some off-peak morning rail services, Mondays to Thursdays – via IRISH RAIL

Major flood prevention works to protect the rail line on the approach to Waterford are underway, as part of the Waterford North Quays Development, Iarnród Éireann has advised customers.

The flood prevention works will be undertaken by contractors for Waterford City and County Council (WCCC) and will address the recurring flooding issue which has occurred over many years at this location and ensure the railway service is climate resilient into the future.

As well as ensuring rail services are no longer impacted by flooding, both to the existing station and the new Plunkett Station from 2027, the works will allow a new electrical signalling system to replace the mechanical system which has been in place, and reinstate track capacity and routes to / from Waterford.

The company is advising customers that the flood defence works will necessitate disruption to some off-peak rail services on Monday to Thursday mornings over a total of six months, from late August onwards (excluding the Christmas season). Waterford North Quays Public Transport elements are funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority.

What do the flood defence works involve?

The Flood Defence system will comprise a combination of sheet piled walls, impermeable trenches and an extensive drainage network with two associated pumping stations.

This infrastructure is to be installed from Sally Park in the west to east of the new Plunkett Station and Transport Hub, over a 1.1km length.

The specific works on the Western Flood Defence Wall which will require service impacts are over an 800 metre section, from the western end of the main Plunkett Station platform to east of the Waterford West signal cabin.

Due to the depth to rock, the sheet piles are up to 25metre in height and 0.6m wide and will be installed generally along the low watermark line. The wall line is located 5metres to 7metres from the passenger track.  The flood defence wall will be installed from the River Suir, by means of two large barges and a piling rig.

Service impacts from works

Iarnród Éireann has worked with WC&CC and BAM (main contractor) throughout the project to minimise disruption to rail services and to identify the optimum approach to these works.

On detailed review of the works, due to the potential to foul the line, Iarnród Éireann has identified that line closure is required and unavoidable. This will be during the lifting and placing of piles due to their length, the working environment and the proximity to the railway.

The agreed work programme seeks to balance the timescale for delivery of the flood defence system with avoiding disruption to the busiest rail services on the route.

25th August to 27th November 2025, and 5th January to 26th March 2026

Works will take place from 08:00hrs to 14:30hrs on Mondays to Thursdays during the above dates.  As a result, the following service alterations will apply:

  • 07:20hrs and 10:15hrs Dublin Heuston to Waterford will terminate at Kilkenny, with bus transfers from Kilkenny to Thomastown and Waterford
  • 11:00hrs and 13:05hrs Waterford to Dublin Heuston will have bus transfers from Waterford and Thomastown to Kilkenny, and train from Kilkenny to Heuston.  Please note bus transfers will depart Waterford at 10:45hrs and 12:50hrs respectively, please check Journey planner for details.
  • 09:45hrs Limerick Junction to Waterford will terminate at Carrick-on-Suir with bus transfer from Carrick-on-Suir to Waterford

This ensures that only two of eight services each way daily between Waterford and Dublin are affected Mondays to Thursdays, and that weekends are unaffected.  It will also ensure that full services operate throughout December and the New Year period, crucial for city centre traders and tourism.

ENDS

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