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By Waterford City & County Council

A Refreshing Start to Bike Week 2024: Dawn Cycle to Tramore

This past Saturday morning, Waterford City & County Council hosted an invigorating “Dawn Cycle” event, marking a special start to Bike Week 2024. As the sun began to peek over the horizon, approximately twenty cycling enthusiasts gathered in Waterford at the brisk hour of 6 am, setting the stage for a memorable ride to Tramore.

The event, part of a nationwide celebration to promote cycling as detailed on the Transport for Ireland’s Bike Week page, aimed to highlight the benefits of cycling, both for personal health and as a sustainable transport option. The journey from Waterford city to scenic Tramore offered participants a unique opportunity to experience the tranquility of the early morning, with quiet streets and the fresh, crisp air of the dawn creating a perfect backdrop.

Riders of all ages and abilities joined the cycle, demonstrating the inclusive spirit of Bike Week. The camaraderie among participants was palpable, with seasoned cyclists and beginners alike sharing laughs, stories, and encouragement.

Upon arrival in Tramore, cyclists were greeted with stunning views of the coastline, a rewarding sight after their early morning endeavor. The event concluded with a communal cuppa where stories were shared over cups of coffee and breakfast treats at the T-Bay surf club on the prom.

As Bike Week continues, Waterford Council hopes to see more residents choosing bicycles as their preferred mode of transport, inspired by the success of this picturesque early morning ride.

See the flyer below for more events throughout Waterford for Bike Week 2024, and consider joining the cycling revolution to better health and a cleaner environment!

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Elections Candidate Nomination Week opens Monday 13th May

Candidate Nominations

Candidate nomination papers for 7th June Local Elections, will be accepted from 9.30am on Monday 13th May 2024. The closing date for the acceptance of complete and valid nomination papers and all required supporting documentation is 12 noon on Saturday 18th May 2024.

Nomination Papers
Completed nomination papers must be delivered in person to the Returning Officer, Paul Johnston or his nominee by either yourself as the candidate or your proposer. Nominations delivered by any other means including post, email etc. are not acceptable and will be deemed invalid. This process is by appointment only.

In order to facilitate candidates and minimise delays, please contact the Corporate Services office in advance to book an appointment for a mutually convenient time. Please contact either Anne Flynn at 051-849685 or Honor Dunphy at 051-849695 in this regard.

  • Nomination Papers will not be accepted after 12 noon on Saturday May 18th 2024 under any circumstances.

Forms and guidelines for propsective candidates can be found on our Elections Hub.

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor of Waterford City and County welcomes UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) to Waterford

Earlier this year, Waterford was invited to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. The invitation followed the collaborative work between Waterford City and County Council, Kilkenny County Council, the Southern Regional Assembly, SETU and Waterford Chambers in setting out the ambition and commitment in Waterford to fostering lifelong learning opportunities for all its citizens.

On Wednesday May 8th Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway welcomed Raúl Valdés-Cotera, Chief Programme Coordinator at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning in Hamburg, Germany and Coordinator of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities to City Hall, where they discussed partnership and collaboration between agencies under the themes of Empowering Individuals and Transforming Societies.

Welcoming Mr. Valdés-Cotera, the Mayor said, “I myself am an advocate of lifelong learning having progressed from being the one taught in the classroom to being the one doing the teaching…a combined learning journey of over 50 years.  The benefits of lifelong learning can never be overstated.  All of us representatives here today are committed to Waterford and the wider region becoming a leading Learning Region within the global network.  Working with SETU, the Southern Regional Assembly, Waterford Chambers and WWETB, our ambition is to lessen the inequities within disadvantaged areas and marginalised communities through creating lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

Michael Quinn, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added, “The advantages of being part of this global network are far-reaching and as we strive to become a Learning City there is further potential to bring cutting-edge technology and innovation to the SME sector through learning initiatives.”

Mr. Valdés-Cotera said, “A people-centred and learning-focus approach builds the basis of a learning society.  We are delighted that Waterford is joining a network of 356 cities across 79 countries.

“This network provides a platform for members to exchange inspiration and knowledge and demonstrate best practice on inclusive lifelong learning.  We are looking forward to working with all the stakeholders to cultivate and grow lifelong learning in the region.”

Following the reception in City Hall, Mr Valdés-Cotera met with members of Waterford Chamber of Commerce Skillnet team, followed by a visit to WCQ Place (Waterford Cultural Quarter), Waterford’s newest Community and Cultural Hub at Barker Place on O’Connell Street and concluded with a tour of SETU Department of Architecture at the Granary building.

As a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, Waterford can grow and develop as a recognised city of learning and build upon the strong stakeholder commitment and political support of the Learning City Initiative. The Designation of Waterford as a UNESCO Learning City is strongly supported by regional policy and advances the ambition set out in the Southern Regional Assembly’s Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy to develop Waterford City as a UNESCO Learning City, joining Limerick and Cork City as part of a network of Learning Cities and to develop the entire Southern Region as a UNESCO Learning Region.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Higgins visits Local Enterprise office in Waterford

Minister of State for Employment Affairs and Retail Business, Emer Higgins T.D., visited the Waterford Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) last Thursday May 2nd.

This was the Minister’s first visit to a Local Enterprise Office. On arrival the Minister was greeted by Deputy Mayor, Declan Doocey, Head of Enterprise, Gareth Evans and Senior Enterprise Development Officer Jacqui Gaule. The Minister was then introduced to council officials and members of the LEO team as well as some of their client companies.

Minister Higgins said:

“I am delighted to visit the Waterford Local Enterprise Office and meet with the LEO teams and their clients. This is my first opportunity to visit a Local Enterprise Office as Minister for State and it is a pleasure to see the hard work that is happening on the ground and to see first hand the work the LEOs and the Department are doing to support these businesses.”

The Minister was then introduced to LEO clients who were invited in to showcase their businesses. Mark Bergin of Coffeehouse Lane explained how they sell their own artisan manufactured, ethically sourced premium hand-roasted coffee through independent retail stores, the food service sector and SuperValu. Coffeehouse Lane were the winners of a Waterford Glas Awards in 2023.

Minister Higgins then met Stephanie Wickham of ExPat Ltd., who specialise in international tax advice across multiple jurisdictions. ExPat Taxes were the overall winner of the LEO Waterford Digital Awards in 2023 and will represent Waterford at this year’s National Enterprise Awards which are taking place in the Mansion House later this month.

The Minister was introduced to silversmith Gene O’Shea who specialises in quality, handmade pure silver jewellery.  Each piece is designed and created by Gene and is hallmarked at Dublin Castle.  Minister Higgins then spoke with Tony Hayes of the Irish Handmade Glass Company. They specialise in coloured, mouth blown and hand-cut crystal and their products range from tableware to lighting and decorative ornaments to jewellery.  They also work with leading companies designing corporate awards and gifts for events.

The Minister met with Keith Molloy of Molloy’s Butchers Ardkeen, also a winner at the 2023 Waterford Glas Awards. The company deliver produce in reusable crates with no single use cardboard or plastics accepted with all packaging either 100% home compostable or infinitely recyclable. Molloy’s encourage their customers to bring their own reusable containers and offer an incentive of 25% off to encourage this practice.

Minister Higgins then spoke with Dermot Harrington and Ken O’Shea of Reso Health.  The company are developing a platform to provide precision nutrition for professionals in the workplace.  This platform will combine an onsite dispenser with an employee-controlled app to deliver a range of nutritional supplements targeted specifically to the user.

The Minister finished her visit with a short walk to Strong Roots Jewellery where she met owner Michelle Dunne, an artist and metalworker who creates bespoke jewellery. Using the Celtic Tree Calendar as her inspiration her jewellery is based on the strong roots that shape us, nature, family, friends and hobbies.

On the conclusion of her visit, Minister Higgins said:

“The hard work of the LEO office here in the Waterford can be seen in every business I have met today. It is fantastic to see that the strategy of my Department and the LEO Network has helped create an environment in which these business can thrive.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Summer Festival: Robert Boyle Summer School, Lismore

The 12th Annual Robert Boyle Summer School is taking place in Waterford City & County Council and in Lismore Heritage Centre from Thursday 09th until Sunday 12th May. Father of Chemistry’s Robert Boyle (1627-1691) contributions to Science revolutionised scientific thought, and each year we celebrate this scientific visionary with a diverse line-up of academics, historians, presenters and artists over a three day festival.

Our theme this year is Science and Art, continuing the success of our sold-out Robert Boyle Winter School in January.

This year’s line-up:

  • Antiquarian Roger Gaskell explores the scientific classic ‘Micrographia’ by Robert Hooke. This text was the original scientific bestseller, and presented drawn images of insects and flora under a microscope for the first time ever.
  • Leonardo da Vinci features prominently on the schedule. Scholar Dr Martin Landrus of University of Oxford explores the interrelationships of Science and Art in da Vincis work, whilst figurative artist Una Sealy discusses the influence of da Vinci in her anatomical works.
  • Artist Nuala Clarke joins us to delve into the commonalities between scientific and artistic methodologies.
  • Dr Fernando Corbalán, University of Zaragoza and author of the The Golden Ratio, The mathematical language of beauty illustrates the relationships between Mathematics and Art.
  • SETU lecturer Carlos Garcia Pando demonstrates how da Vinci’s work informed the invention of the 3D printer.

This year, we offer our guests a botanical art workshop with artist Gooee O Brien, followed by the ever-popular garden party to reflect and discuss in the grounds of Lismore Castle. The Summer School is made possible through a collaboration between Calmast STEM Engagement Centre South East Technological University and the Lismore Heritage Centre, with support from the Waterford City & County Council local industry partners, and Lismore Castle Estates.

BOOKING is essential, for further information, please visit https://www.robertboyle.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Inaugural One Waterford, One People event hailed a success

The inaugural One Waterford, One People event which was held in the People’s Park on Bank Holiday Monday was hailed a great success by the organisers and participants.

The event, a celebration of diversity in Waterford, was organised by Waterford Trades Council and supported by Waterford City and County Council, and community organisations and agencies including Waterford Area Partnership, Waterford Sports Partnership and Waterford New Communities Network.

Featuring a compendium of costumes and culture and a symphony of musical entertainment, the free family-friendly event took place in the People’s Park, with the bandstand featuring as the main stage for music acts from Ukraine, Brazil, India, the Philippines, Africa and more, along with a host of Irish musicians including a céilí band and drummers from Waterford Academy of Music and Arts.

David Lane, President of the Waterford Trades Council extended his gratitude to those involved in the organisation of the event, its participants and everyone came along to soak up the atmosphere of One Waterford, One People.

“There was a brilliant array of performers from Ireland, India, the Philippines, England, Brazil, South Africa, the Igbo Community and Ukraine.  The event showcased how communities can come together and celebrate diversity, and doing so under the banner of solidarity and trade unions works very well.

“We estimate that there were in the region of 500 people at the event throughout the afternoon, enjoying the free music, dance and cultural showcases.  It’s a template that we hope to work on and repeat.  I’d also like to thank our partners Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Area Partnership, Waterford Sports Partnership and Waterford Integration Services.”

Katherine Collins, Project Manager of Waterford’s Cultural Quarter (WCQ) said, “It was a lovely addition to the Bank Holiday weekend.  The People’s Park was the perfect setting to celebrate Waterford’s rich cultural diversity.

“As a warm and welcoming place, Waterford City and County Council is pleased to support events like this that showcase Waterford as being inviting and inclusive for all.”

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Images :  DGM Photographic

By Waterford City & County Council

Notice of Playground Closure – Walton Park, Dungarvan

Walton Park

Waterford City & County Council wishes to advise the public that the playground at Walton Park, Dungarvan is closed to all users until 19th May 2024 to facilitate the installation of new equipment.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

By Waterford City & County Council

Age Friendly Waterford’s “Age Well” Expo : 7th May

Age Well Expo

Age Friendly Waterford’s “Age Well” Expo will take place in the Tower Hotel on 7th May from 1-6pm.

There will be speakers, stands, music and refreshments – below is the agenda for the day. It is being supported by Healthy Waterford, WCCC and UPMC Whitfield.

By Waterford City & County Council

Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2024

Molly KeaneSince 1998, the Arts Office has been running this national annual Creative Writing Award to celebrate the rich literary life of the late Molly Keane.  Molly lived in Ardmore, Co. Waterford until she died in 1996. She started writing at a young age to ‘supplement her dress allowance’. Her first ten novels and four plays were published under the pseudonym M.J. Farrell. She married into the Keane family of West Waterford but sadly her husband died at the age of 36.

Molly ceased writing until 1981 when ‘Good Behaviour’ was published under her real name.  It became a publishing sensation and was well received as a masterpiece of black comedy for which she was short-listed for the prestigious Booker Prize in 1981.

The Arts Office, Waterford City & County Council by kind permission of the Keane family is now inviting entries for a previously unpublished short story for this years’ award.

The closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 14th June 2024 at 12 noon.

There is a cash prize of €250 plus a writing course under the auspices of the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore to the value of €300 for the winner and there is no entry fee.

Full guidelines and the online submission details are now live on the Waterford Submit platform see: https://submit.link/2CB

 

 

By Waterford City & County Council

May Bank Holiday Water Safety Appeal from Water Safety Ireland, Coast Guard and RNLI

Watersafety irelandAhead of the May bank holiday weekend, Water Safety Ireland, the Coast Guard and the RNLI are jointly appealing to people to be safe and summer ready when planning an activity on or near the water. The organisations are urging people to ensure that boats and other watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, are checked and in good working order following the winter period. Engines should be serviced and all equipment, particularly lifejackets, should be in good condition.

 

If out on a boat, or other water vessel:

  • Wear a lifejacket, carry a reliable means of communication – a VHF radio and ideally a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) with mobile phone back up in a watertight case
  • Ensure that you tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back

If planning activities on the water:

  • Always bring a means of effectively communicating a distress
  • Use readily available sources of information to check the environmental conditions (weather and tides) in advance of your trip
  • Seek help immediately if you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, by using Marine VHF channel 16 or Dialling 112 and asking for the Coast Guard

If you are swimming:

  • Water temperatures are still cold at this time of the year, consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm
  • Acclimatise slowly
  • Wear a bright swimming cap and consider a tow float to increase your visibility
  • Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague

Kevin Whitney, Operations Manager at the Coast Guard reminded everyone to ‘Plan& Prepare’ before considering any water-based or coastal activity ahead of and during the summermonths: ‘Donot use inflatable toys in open water or swimout after anything drifting as things can quickly gobadly wrong. Be aware of potential dangers and well preparedbefore engaging in any water-based activities. The Be Summer Ready website at www.gov.ie/summerready provides good watersafety advice and we
urge the public to read this before venturing out on the water.’

Roger Sweeney, Deputy CEOat Water Safety Ireland said: ‘An average of five people drown in Ireland every fortnight and cold water is often a factor. Sudden immersion can cause a shock to your body, a loss of breathing control, dizziness, and panic. Hypothermia and muscle cooling soon makes swimming difficult or impossible, particularly for children who have less body fat. Keep cold water swims short and enter the water slowly, staying within your depth. Shore anglers should always wear a
lifejacket and walkers should carry a mobile phone and keep a close eye on incoming tides to avoid being stranded.’

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘Many people will be taking vessels to the water for the first time this year so this is a good time to think about checking your equipment, especially your lifejacket so that it is fit for purpose.

‘Others maybe planning a trip tothe beach and a swim in the sea. We would encourage swimmers to be mindful of rip currents which can be difficult to spot, but are sometimesidentified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea’s surface. Even the most experienced beachgoers can be caught out by rips so remember don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, wade don’t swim. If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore. Always
raise your hand and shout for help.’

If you see somebody in trouble on thewater or along the coast, orthink they are in trouble, use Marine VHF channel 16 or Dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Ends

By Waterford City & County Council

Greenfeed wins the 3rd annual Pitch Perfect competition

LEO Pitch Perfect 2024

Greenfeed is the successful 2024 Waterford Pitch Perfect business. The announcement was made by Jacqui Gaule, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Local Enterprise Office Waterford.

Greenfeed has created a new animal feed additive which will dramatically reduce methane emissions from ruminant species (such as cattle) currently farmed in Ireland. Animal methane emissions are the largest single producer of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Ireland accounting for 24% of all emissions released each year.

Michael Power of Greenfeed really enjoyed the process and was delighted to become the overall winner, “The competition was very enjoyable, particularly to see so many wonderful home-grown business ideas. The entire group learned from the process and for me, winning the overall pitch competition was just a bonus.

“Greenfeed will allow the Irish government to reach its climate targets and decrease the penalties it would be subject to, removing the need for a mass cull of the national herd. Greenfeed’s solutions will allow farmers greater autonomy over their farms, including the size of their herd and their day-to-day activities, while also being incredibly beneficial for the environment”.

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Waterford, ArcLabs Research and Innovation Centre and Boxworks joined forces to deliver this Start Up Competition for those with an innovative business idea or those already in business trading less than 18 months.

Participants, limited to those based in Waterford, were guided through the initial stages of developing their idea/business. Then successful applicants were selected for a Business Boot camp where they perfected their pitch before presenting to panel of judges.

The bootcamp was delivered by the Entrepreneurs Academy on April 26th & 27th. The winner received €1,000 in prize money and a desk space for 6 months as part of the LEO Desk Programme in collaboration with Boxworks. All participants were offered mentoring as part of our LEO Mentoring programme.

Jacqui Gaule was impressed with the quality of entries, “This marks the third year of our Pitch Perfect competition, and we were truly impressed by the quality of applications we received. The participants who took part in the programme collaborated exceptionally well and the calibre of the pitches was outstanding. It’s inspiring to witness the influx of fresh ideas and emerging businesses from Waterford.”

Local Enterprise Office Waterford is here to help you start a business, expand an existing business or reach new markets. It provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland.

Contact your Local Enterprise Office Waterford for information about its programs and grants, on www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie for access to all its training support information.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Notice regarding Electoral Register Appeals

LOCAL AND EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS

Polling Day Friday 7th June 2024

I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE THAT:

  1. The latest date for the receipt of Appeals in respect of the Register of Electors of the County of Waterford in advance of the 39th and 40th Referendums of the Constitution shall be Wednesday 22nd May 2024 at 4.30pm.
  2. All such Appeals will be heard by the County Registrar of Waterford Circuit Court, sitting at the Courthouse, Catherine Street, Waterford, and should be directed by post or personal delivery to that address.
  3. Any Appeals received after the final date shall not be considered by the County Registrar until after Polling Day for above referendums.

Dated this 30th day of April 2024.

Signed : James Seymour, County Registrar, Waterford Circuit Court.

Electoral Act 1992: Schedule 2, Rule 39, (inserted by Section 106 (j) Electoral Reform Act 2022)

By Waterford City & County Council

National discussions to promote vibrant and thriving nighttime economy

Association of Town & City Management

Earlier this month the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) hosted a conference in Athlone giving delegates the opportunity to discuss and explore the further development of a thriving evening and nighttime economy.

Representatives involved in the management of nighttime destinations across Ireland were invited to discuss a range of issues including business supports, late night transport, events and Purple Flag accreditation.

The Purple Flag programme is the framework under which the vision for a vibrant, open, safe and appealing city for all can be achieved.  Under the auspices of the flag, local stakeholders have been working together since 2015 to promote the evening and nighttime economy as a lever of economic and social prosperity for Waterford.

Most recently, Waterford received Purple Flag status in 2023, recognising Waterford’s 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.

Jim ‘Flash’ Gordon, Proprietor of Revolution and Chair of the Purple Flag Committee said, “The value of Purple Flag accreditation can’t be emphasised enough.  It means that local stakeholders, both public and private bodies, are continually working in partnership to enhance Waterford’s evening and nighttime experience.

“It’s imperative that locals and visitors have a breadth of cultural, arts and music options available to them in the evening in a safe and welcoming environment, and while there can be challenges, Waterford is an exemplar as our Purple Flag accreditation confirms.”

In recognition of Waterford’s commitment to creating a dynamic, secure, and vibrant evening and nighttime economy, the Purple Flag accreditation process is similar to the Green Flag Award for parks and Blue Flag for beaches. There are one hundred Purple Flag destinations around the globe across Ireland, the UK, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia. This includes world renowned tourist destinations to small market towns.

Julie Walsh, Economic Development, Waterford City and County Council said, “This conference provided insightful and practical guidance in furthering Waterford’s nighttime economy offering.  It also highlighted the challenges towns and cities around Ireland are facing and looked at ways to mitigate those, through cooperation, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.

“Through these strategic partnerships we can continue to focus on the nighttime economy and foster a vibrant, lively and safe Purple Flag zone, through cultural events, festivals and supporting areas such as late-night public transportation and hospitality, reinforcing Waterford as the Best Place to Live in Ireland.”

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Note to editors:

About ATCM: ATCM is a respected voice for town and city management at both a European and wider global level. A not-for-profit organisation with members that come from the public, private and third sectors. They include key stakeholders and thought leaders who develop and implement shared visions, strategies and action plans for town and city centres throughout Ireland and the UK.

By Waterford City & County Council

Digital Help Hub back at Central Library

Digital Health Hub

The highly-anticipated Digital Help Hub is back and ready to assist you this Friday at the Central Library Waterford starting from 10am till 1pm. This will take place every Friday in May. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert support in all things digital. Come and speak to one of the advisors.

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