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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Fire Service urges public test smoke alarms during National Fire Safety Week

In the run up to the annual safety campaigns around Fire Safety Week, Waterford Fire Service is once again urging people to be vigilant of fire risks in their homes, with a special emphasis on testing your smoke alarm.

Fire Safety Week takes place this year from October 17th to 23rd, with the campaign focus encouraging all homes to have working smoke alarms and to test them weekly.

The annual awareness and safety campaign is jointly run with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service to enhance fire safety across the island, particularly in the home, with a campaign slogan of “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives – Have you a plan if yours goes off!”

Speaking on the importance of having proper equipment in your home, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Colin Barden said, “It is a worrying statistic that, on average, 25 people die in fires in Ireland each year. We are encouraging homeowners to act now to keep themselves and their families safe. The importance of having a plan of action, should a fire occur, cannot be overstated.”

“Householders should check that their smoke alarms are fitted properly, are working and test them regularly. We can’t rely on our sense of smell when we are asleep, in fact smoke can put you in a deeper sleep, so you are relying on an alarm to wake you.”

Tuesday October 18th has been designated “Smoke Alarm Day” with special emphasis online and on social media channels across Ireland’s local authorities.

Chief Fire Officer with Waterford Fire Service, Niall Curtin outlined how continuous changes in our living environment mean we need keep reconsidering fire safety in the home.

“Post Covid, many of us are now spending more time at home so it is more important than ever that we are informed as to the steps we can take to protect ourselves and our homes from fire. This is also true at times, such as the upcoming Halloween and Christmas celebrations, when there may be additional risks in our homes such as increased fire load with sources of ignition such as candles and temporary festive lighting.”

For maximum protection one smoke alarm per room is recommended by the Fire Service, with the exception of the bathroom, kitchen and garage.

Heat detectors can also be considered in kitchens where fumes from cooking could lead to unwanted alarm activations. For minimum protection one smoke alarm for each level/floor of your home located in the hallway and landing is necessary.

To find out about how a working smoke alarm can save your life visit www.firesafetyweek.ie or keep an eye out for the hashtags #22FSW, #STOPFIRE and #SmokeAlarmsSaveLives on social media.

By Waterford City & County Council

Road resurfacing works on Parnell Street and Manor Street from Monday, October 17th

Waterford City and County Council wishes to advise that road resurfacing works will commence on Parnell Street and Manor Street on Monday, October 17th.

The works will take place from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday until Friday, October 28th.

Both Parnell Street and Manor Street will reopen to traffic each evening from 7pm and fully at weekends.

The following diversions will be in place:

Traffic coming into the city from the Cork Road:

From October 17th to October 28th traffic coming into the City from the Cork Road will be diverted right onto the R675 Tramore Road and then left onto the R709 Inner Ring Road at the Tramore Round Roundabout. Traffic will follow the Inner Ring Road to the Folly Roundabout and turn left towards the R708 Ballytruckle Road.  Follow the R708 along South Parade and Catherine Street and finally turning right onto the R680 The Mall.

Traffic coming out of the city from the Mall:

From October 17th to October 21st traffic coming out of the City from the R680 The Mall will continue straight onto Parnell Street and turn left onto the R680 Johnstown. Traffic will turn right at the traffic lights onto the R708 Ballytruckle Road and follow the diversion the Folly Roundabout. Diverted traffic will turn right onto the R709 Inner Ring Road and continue to the Tramore Road Roundabout. Traffic can turn right towards the City centre onto the R680 or straight on to the RSC Roundabout turning left onto the R680 Cork Road heading out of the City.

From October 24th to October 28th traffic coming out of the City from the R680 The Mall will turn left onto the R708 Catherine Street. Traffic will follow the R708 Ballytruckle Road as far as the Folly Roundabout. Diverted traffic will turn right onto the R709 Inner Ring Road and continue to the Tramore Road Roundabout. Traffic can turn right towards the City centre onto the R680 or straight on to the RSC Roundabout turning left onto the R680 Cork Road heading out of the City.

Local access will be maintained onto The Manor and Parnell Street for the duration of the road closures.

If possible, road users should avoid the area for the duration of these works.

Some bus routes will be impacted by the diversions and full details will be available on the Bus Eireann website.

Waterford City and County Council apologises for inconvenience caused during these essential roadworks.

By Waterford City & County Council

‘Blacksmith’ Sculpture Officially Unveiled at Durrow Station

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary joined members of Dungarvan Men’s Shed recently to formally unveil ‘The Blacksmith’ sculpture located at Durrow Station on the award-winning Waterford Greenway.

The art piece was the brainchild of Dungarvan Men’s Shed and is a tribute to the local blacksmith, or ‘Gabha’, who worked in their forges located in every parish all over Ireland.  The sculpture incorporates the steel remnants of the roof trusses of St. Molleran’s Church, Carrickbeg.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Cllr. O’Leary said that he was “delighted to be part of the event to formally launch ‘The Blacksmith’ and by doing so highlighting the importance of the ongoing links of the wider community with the amenity that is Waterford Greenway.  I would also like to take this opportunity to commend Dungarvan Men’s Shed for its work in the wider local community.” Cllr O’Leary also went on to acknowledge the work of the Waterford City and County Council Greenway Team for their ongoing hard work on this project and others.

Nicky Sheehan, Chair of Dungarvan Men’s Shed stated, “We are delighted to donate this monument of ‘The Blacksmith’ to Waterford Greenway. I would like to thank our Shed members ​who helped prepare the materials and ​work​ed together with Waterford City and County Council​ staff, Michael Norris and Ger Kirwan​ to deliver this important art piece at a location where many people will see it.”

‘The Blacksmith’ follows on from a previous collaboration between Dungarvan Men’s Shed and Waterford City and County Council where shed members had created amenity benches which have since been installed at a number of rest points along Waterford Greenway.

By Waterford City & County Council

EPA Report recognises continued improvements in Ireland’s drinking water quality

  • Over 99% of Ireland’s drinking water supplies fully compliant with standards
  • Major projects completed include Vartry Water Treatment Plant and upgrade of Leixlip WTP, benefiting 717,000 people
  • Over 42,000 lead connections replaced since 2017

October 7 2022 – The quality of Ireland’s drinking water continues to improve as a result of Irish Water’s progress in upgrading infrastructure, improving treatment processes, and enhancing monitoring of public supplies.

The latest Drinking Water Report published by the EPA shows that Ireland’s public water supplies are safe to drink, with 99.7% compliance with microbiological and chemical standards.  This represents a further improvement in drinking water quality and shows the benefits resulting from Irish Water’s ongoing high level of investment in water services nationwide.

In 2021, we invested over €460 million in Ireland’s water treatment plants and networks, with 12 water treatment plants built or upgraded and an additional 39 sites upgraded under the National Disinfection Programme. Key projects completed include new treatment plants in Vartry and Leixlip which together are benefitting over 700,000 people with cleaner, more secure drinking water supplies. As a result of this progress, the population on the EPA’s list of ‘at risk’ supplies reached its lowest ever level in 2021.

The EPA report in particular recognises that the ongoing improvements made by Irish Water in testing and monitoring drinking water supplies have played a key role in identifying risks to drinking water quality and protecting public health. Many of these risks existed for years but only came to light due to the more robust testing and sampling regimes that we have put in place. In some cases this has resulted in protective Boil Water Notices or other restrictions being introduced while the issues are addressed. This, according to the EPA, is a positive development which will result in a safer water supply for all customers.

Significant progress has also been made in developing systems to improve the management of incidents. In response to drinking water quality incidents in Gorey and Ballymore Eustace in 2021, the new National Operations Management Centre has been stood up on a 24/7 basis and so far 56 of Ireland’s largest drinking water plants, catering for a population of 2.85 million people, have been connected. This enables these plants to be monitored around the clock and action to be taken immediately when issues arise. Training has also been rolled out to all water services staff across the country to better equip them to manage or escalate incidents, so that we can protect and inform our customers.

Margaret Attridge of Irish Water said, “The EPA Drinking Water Report shows that the quality of Ireland’s drinking water supplies continues to improve. We have increased investment in our drinking water services year on year, and this is reaping big benefits for all our customers nationwide, giving them the assurance that, when they turn out their tap, they can enjoy clean, safe drinking water.

“We recognise of course that challenges remain in some areas and we have prioritised our efforts in addressing these. In particular our enhanced focus on monitoring and testing supplies allows us to identify problems early and take action to fix them and, where appropriate, notify the public of any risks to their drinking water.

It will take a number of years and high levels of investment to bring our public water supply to the standard we all strive for but we are confident that we are on track to achieve this. Public health is our top priority and we will continue to work in partnership with our stakeholders, including the EPA, to ensure world class drinking water supplies for all our customers.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Active Travel Scheme – Knockateemore, Dungarvan

Over the past few weeks and months, Waterford City & County Council has received a significant number of representations, from both private citizens and councillors, seeking the clearing and upgrade of the pathway between the N-25 and the L-3166 at Knockateemore (see map below). These submissions suggest that the route should be opened to pedestrians to improve walking and cycling links locally.

This pathway was, in the past, a route used locally as a walking route in but has now become overgrown and limited in its use.

Waterford City & County Council is committed to improving local pedestrian links and promoting sustainable mobility options throughout Waterford. One of the most effective methods of achieving this is through the development of local pedestrian routes such as this pathway to facilitate short and medium distance walking and cycle journeys.

The work involved opening of the walkway is ideally suited to avail of funding under the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Active Travel fund. This fund seeks to provide new and upgrade existing walking and cycling routes as part of the national climate action plan. These types of schemes seek to reduce reliance on the motor car and reduce the country’s transport related carbon emissions.

The Active Travel funding and the associated works programme are managed by Waterford City & County Council’s Active Travel Team.

Drawing of proposed Active Travel scheme at Knockateemore.

The Active Travel team is now seeking further submissions, comments, and engagement from you as a potential user, resident in the area or a landowner in respect to the re-opening of the pathway to pedestrians and cyclists only.

We are keen in hear how the route was used in the past and what you would like to see it become in the future. We are keen to learn how its opening might help people in the area reduce their reliance on their car by allowing children to cycle to school, travel to sports facilities etc.

From an initial review of the route there is some evidence that limited use is being made of the route and some basic clearing has been carried out to facilitate pedestrian access.

The Council will consider any submissions or observations made in writing regarding the proposal. Submissions should be lodged here, or with Ian Ludlow, Staff Officer, Active Travel Team, Waterford City & County Council, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford or by email to iludlow@waterfordcouncil.ie to be received by Friday 28th October 2022.

Please note that comments, including names of those making comments, submitted to the Council regarding this consultation may appear in the public domain.

By Waterford City & County Council

National Women’s Enterprise Day 2022

 

Female entrepreneurs and budding businesswomen from across Waterford are being encouraged to look to the future and register for this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day.

Returning to a traditional live format after two virtual years, National Women’s Enterprise Day looks forward to Local Enterprise Office Waterford putting on events for businesswomen across the county and inspire those who may have a business idea they want to get off the ground. This year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) was launched in Waterford. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, now in its 16th year, will take place on the 13th of October with the aim of encouraging female entrepreneurship and supporting women in business across the country.

The theme of this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day is “Our Future, Our Way”

Our Leading Light for the event is Frances O’Reilly of Dog Dry.  Frances developed drying coats for dogs using an innovative design and was established in February 2021.  The product has been awarded for innovation by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland and Frances became an Enterprise Ireland client within a year of start-up.

Frances recommends any Start-Up to contact their Local Enterprise Office and any female entrepreneur to make the most of events like the National Women’s Enterprise Day in October, “The LEO can give you great support, whether it is mentoring, grants, training, or the chance to take part in a ‘start your own business’ course to help you to figure out if starting a business is the right thing for you. Their clients are also a valuable network, so you feel less isolated when working for yourself. Events like NWED are really important.”

As part of the event a facilitated workshop will take place using the Lego Serious Play approach.  This is an innovative method used to enhance business performance and introduce new skills through creative thinking and problem solving.  The workshop is designed with the purpose of helping attendees to gain a deeper understanding of psychological strengths, values and communications styles.

There will be a panel discussion featuring female business owners Frances O’Reilly of Dog Dry; Margaret Julian of GDPR Audits and Network Waterford President, Kamila Bystrzonowska of Momo Restaurant and Karen Tompkins of The Treasure Vox and Teresanne O’Reilly as MC.

Brid Kirby, Acting Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Waterford said that the event will be of benefit to any female entrepreneur who is either thinking of starting a business or already in business.

“The speakers at this event are highly renowned in their own right as well as inspiring others in business.  Supporting women in enterprise and addressing the key challenges confronting women in business is paramount to ensuring female entrepreneurs realise their full business potential.

“At Local Enterprise Office Waterford we have a broad range of support services, including events like this that enable entrepreneurs to take their business to take the next level.  What National Women’s Enterprise Day does is not only showcases the work of successful female entrepreneurs, but also supports and fosters female entrepreneurship by encouraging more women to start their own business.”

Waterford’s event is supported by Waterford Chamber, Waterford Micro Business Network and Network Waterford, and starts at 3pm on October 13th in Faithlegg House Hotel.

For more information on the events in each area and how to register go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/NWED

Photo: Launch of this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day

Pic show from left:  Sarah Flood, SNAP Mayo; Tara Lane, Centre Piece Rosettes; Breege Cosgrave, Chair of National Women in Enterprise Day 2022 & Local Enterprise Offices; Frances O’Reilly, Dog Dry; and Laura Sinnott, Wexford Preserve; at the launch of this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day.

Pic. Keith Arkins Media No Repro Fee

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder : Two Rice Bridge lifts today

There will be two bridge lifts at Rice Bridge today, Tuesday 4th October 2022 – at 12 noon and 2pm.

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Safety Authority calls on public to sign up to European Road Safety Charter

Road Safety Authority calls on public to sign up to European Road Safety Charter

  • Charter targets 50% reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by 2030
  • Announcement comes at start of Irish Road Safety Week

3 October 2022 – At a launch event taking place at Europe House today, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) issued a call for individuals and organisations to sign up to the European Road Safety Charter (ERSC). The charter commits members to an EU target of 50% reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by 2030.

The charter is open to individuals and organisations to join, whether they already have extensive experience with road safety initiatives or are just making a start. The ERSC offers members access to the resources and tools necessary to help them in their journey and reach targets to reduce road casualties and serious injuries by 50% by 2030. The public are encouraged to join the charter by registering online: LINK

The RSA has been appointed as National Relay for the ERSC in Ireland, a role that includes the promotion of the ERSC and increasing membership and commitments at national level. In addition to this the National Relay encourages knowledge sharing of road safety initiatives and the exchange of good practices among signatories in Ireland, urging both civil society and institutions to adopt effective measures that improve road safety.

Speaking about the announcement, Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) – said: “Today marks the start of Irish Road Safety week and we are calling on organisations and members of the public to join us in signing up to the European Road Safety Charter. By signing the charter, you are pledging yourself or your organisation to take action to meet EU target of decreasing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by the year 2030. The Charter is open to individuals and organisations across a range of sectors whether you are a haulage company responsible for large transport fleets, a vehicle insurance company, or an organisation whose employees drive for work. In fact, your employees don’t have to drive for work to take part in the charter. As more people take up active modes of travel you might have team members who walk or cycle to and from work, or your organisation might simply want to contribute to improving road safety in Ireland, playing your part in saving lives and preventing serious injury on our roads.”

Commenting on the announcement, Sarah Lynch, Policy Officer, Road Safety at the European Commission said: “One of the main goals for the new phase of the European Road Safety Charter is to bring new energy to the network, in part through a stronger network of National Relays in each of the participating countries. Ireland has a long-standing appreciation for the value of collaboration, partnership and learning from international best practice in refining its approach to policy design and development. We are delighted to have the Road Safety Authority acting as the Irish national relay for the European Road Safety Charter.

The Charter is the largest civil society platform on road safety. To date, more than 3,500 public and private entities have committed to the Charter and carried out road safety actions and initiatives targeted at their members, employees and the rest of civil society. Together, these various entities form a community in which members can share their expertise and actions, inspiring and learning from each other.”

The European Road Safety Charter, led by the European Commission, is the largest civil society platform on road safety with the mission of developing a road safety community with an ultimate vision of reducing deaths and serious injuries on the EU roads.

Around 3,500 companies, associations, local authorities, research institutions, universities, and schools have committed to the Charter, and their actions have strengthened road safety culture across Europe, improved knowledge about the causes of collisions, and helped to create preventative measures and solutions.

In 2021, Ireland was fourth in the European Union in terms of road safety with 27 deaths per million inhabitants.

Today’s event marks the start of Irish Road Safety Week (3rd – 10th November). The RSA is hosting a range of events and activities across the country to promote road safety in local communities, schools and workplaces.  To find out how you can get involved, go to RSA.ie for further information.

By Waterford City & County Council

Give us your thoughts : 5 current “Active Travel” public consultations

There are currently 5 Active Travel Public Consultations that need your feedback.

Submissions may be made on our online consultation platform : consult.waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

More than 24000 people in Waterford using the toilet as a bin

Clean Coasts and Irish Water urge the public to ‘Think Before You Flush’ in a bid to safeguard our environment

 Monday 3 October 2022: Irish Water and Clean Coasts are urging the public to continue to ‘Think Before You Flush’ as a recent survey has revealed that more than 24,000 people living in Waterford continue to regularly flush wipes and other sanitary items down the toilet. Worryingly those aged under 35 are twice as likely to dispose of ‘flushable’ wipes down the toilet, compared to those aged over 35. No wipes whether marked ‘flushable’ or not should be flushed down the toilet.

With sea swimming and the use of our beaches increasingly popular all year-round, it’s a timely reminder that our flushing behaviour has a direct impact on the environment and that making small changes can help prevent sanitary waste ending up on Ireland’s sandy beaches, rocky shores and secluded bays.

A new campaign video targeting under 35 years olds aims to connect with this audience in way that encourages real behavioural change.

Broadcaster Bláthnaid Treacy who is also supporting the campaign, said: “I am delighted to support the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign. For me, it is important that we all play a positive role when it comes protecting the environment. Collectively, small changes can have a huge impact so I would encourage everyone to consider their flushing habits. It is simple really, just ‘Think Before You Flush’.

Speaking about the survey results Ian O’Mahony, Irish Water said: “In 2018, our research informed us that 36% of people living in Ireland were regularly flushing the wrong things down the toilet. Irish Water have been working in partnership with Clean Coasts on the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign and during this time, we have made significant progress, as this figure has now reduced to 21%.

Whilst this represents a 42% improvement in people’s flushing behaviour, it still represents almost a million people nationally using the toilet as a bin: that’s more than 24,000 people living in Co. Waterford. The impacts of flushing the wrong things down the toilet are clear to see, as we are still removing thousands of sewer blockages from our network every month and continue to see this waste ending up on our beaches”.

“Following the latest survey findings, we have a call to action to those aged 35 and under in particular to be mindful of their flushing behaviour as this age profile can really help make the difference. We are keen to remind people that wipes should never be flushed down the toilet even if they are labelled as ‘flushable’. The impact of this waste ending up in our natural environment, on our beaches, shores and riverways is stark. Removing this waste from the sewerage network can be a nasty job which is easily avoided.

“Our message is simple: only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet. All other items including wipes and other sanitary products should go in the bin even if they are labelled as flushable.

This will reduce the number of sewer blockages, the risk of flooding to homes and businesses and the risk of pollution in the environment harming wildlife such as fish and birds and associated habitats. We have all witnessed the love story unfold between the public and swimming, whether that be at piers, beaches, lakes or rivers. A small change in our flushing behaviour can make a big difference to our natural environment – put wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary items in the bin and not down the toilet.”

Speaking about the campaign, Sinead McCoy, Clean Coasts said: “The Think Before You Flush campaign, through education and awareness, aims to prevent items like wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary items washing up on Ireland’s spectacular beaches.

While we have seen a positive improvement in the nation’s flushing behaviour since 2018, one in five adults still admit to regularly flushing unsuitable items down the toilet. By making small changes in our flushing behaviour, we can prevent the harm caused by sewage related litter in our marine environment. We are asking everybody to only flush the 3 P’s – pee, poo and paper – and put everything else in the bin.”

Ends

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