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DRAFT Waterford City and County Council (Prevention and Control of Litter) Byelaws 2022

Draft Bye- Laws for the
Prevention and Control of Litter
Local Government Act 2001 – Part 19 & Section 199(1)

Please note that Waterford City & County Council proposes to make new Bye-Laws, in accordance with Section 21 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and Section 199(1) of the Local Government Act 2001 and in accordance with Part 19 of the Local Government Act 2001, for the Prevention and Control of Litter in the administrative area of Waterford City & County Council.

Waterford Libraries awarded over €300,000 for ‘My Open Library’ initiatives

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced an investment of over €3.1 million in 46 library branches across the country.

Some €2.2 million in funding will be provided to roll-out the ‘My Open Library’ initiative in a further 17 branches – which will allow people to access their local library outside of normal opening hours, with Tramore benefitting to the tune of  €225,859. Dungarvan and Lismore Libraries have been granted €52,672 and €33,379 respectively for the upgrade of the existing ‘My Open Library’ services.

Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council said, “With an overall investment of over €250,000, the highest allocation in the Country in this category, I am particularly delighted that the community of Tramore will now get to experience the benefits of the service too as the funding will facilitate the rollout of ‘My Open Library’. This is a wonderful initiative which has proven phenomenally successful in Dungarvan, and the additional funding to it and Lismore will further enhance the ‘My Open Library’ services in the area.”

“Tramore Library prides itself on providing an exemplary service to the community, but now the provision of longer opening hours coupled with a transformational upgrade to the building itself will make the library a landmark public building in Tramore, as well as making it more accessible to a large cohort who can’t ordinarily visit during normal opening hours.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary welcomed the investment stating that it will further enhance Tramore Library’s public service offering.  “As a burgeoning town, inhabitants of and visitors to Tramore will be able to take full advantage of the wide range of services available from the library at a time that suits them.”

Minister Humphreys made the announcement at World Library Congress in Dublin. The event is hosting approximately 1700 delegates from 100 countries.

Announcing the €3.1 million investment, Minister Humphreys said, “I’m really pleased to support 46 library branches right across the country with an investment of €3.1 million. This funding will see the roll-out of the ‘My Open Library’ initiative in a further 17 branches – ensuring thousands more members can access their local library outside of normal opening hours. This initiative allows people to avail of self-service library services between the hours of 8am and 10pm, seven days per week. And I’m also pleased today to announce funding to further improve facilities in 29 branches that have already embraced the ‘My Open Library’ initiative.”

The Minister concluded, “’My Open Library’ is the flagship initiative under the current Public Libraries Strategy ‘Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities’. It will also form an important part of the successor to the current public library strategy which my Department is currently working on. I would like to thank all those that took the time to respond to the recent public consultation on the development of the new strategy. I look forward to considering these responses and to the opening of further ‘My Open Library’ facilities into the future.”

-ENDS-

Minister Naughton set to double fines for key road traffic offences

  • RSA and An Garda Síochána call on road users to ‘Summer Safely’ as peak holiday season begins
  • August 2021 worst month for road deaths in a decade with 22 deaths
  • 94 deaths and 673 serious injuries to date to date in 2022 – 42% increase in fatalities
  • An Garda Síochána announce 61 new safety camera zones bringing total to 1,373
  • RSA to introduce new campaign to highlight the ‘Speed Fallacy’
  • Road users urged to share the road safely and for drivers to slow down.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Ms. Hildegarde Naughton is set to introduce regulations that will double the fixed charges relating to key road safety offences including speeding, phone use and non-wearing of seatbelts. This will see the fine for speeding increase from €80 to €160 and the fine for using a mobile phone while driving or for not wearing a seatbelt will double to €120. Fines will be doubled for other offences that put the safety of vulnerable road users at risk.

The announcement was made at the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána’s mid-summer road safety appeal which urged road users to share the roads safely and for drivers to slow down as the peak summer holiday season gets into full swing.

The appeal took place at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal and seeks to remind road users that they should expect higher traffic volumes, not just over the August Bank Holiday but throughout August, as tourists and holidaymakers take to the road during what is a high-risk period on the road.

The highest number of monthly fatalities in 10 years was recorded in August 2021 with an alarming total of 22 deaths. 2022 has already seen a 42% increase in fatalities compared to the same period in 2021. 94 people have been killed on the roads so far this year, an increase of 28 deaths.

Speaking at the launch of the Road Safety Appeal at ATU Donegal, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Ms. Hildegarde Naughton said: “I am gravely concerned about the high number of deaths on our roads this year. We need to act now to stem this increase. Accordingly, I intend to double the fines for key road traffic offences which are putting drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at most risk of death on our roads. For example, the fine for speeding will soon increase from €80 to €160 and the fine for using a mobile phone while driving or for not wearing a seatbelt will double to €120. I will also be doubling fines for offences which put the safety of our children who are walking, cycling, or scooting to school at risk. Increasing fines for these offences will act as a stronger deterrent to those who break our lifesaving rules of the road.”

Continuing, Minister Naughton said, “We are approaching August which is typically a very busy time of the year on our roads and as such a high-risk period. The summer is an exciting time when so many people take holidays to explore new and familiar places across Ireland, but we must remember to stay safe on the road while doing so. August is also a busy time for road works and safety upgrades so I would appeal to motorists to be mindful of those who are working to improve the quality of our roads, footpaths and cycle-lanes.”

Ms Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson, Road Safety Authority said: “We have seen a devastating increase in road trauma this year. 94 people have died and 673 seriously injured. All of us have a responsibility to stop this upward trend in road crashes. I want to commend the Minister’s decision to double the fines for drivers who break lifesaving rules of the road. There are too many people being killed and seriously injured and we must act to prevent more families from going through this trauma.”

Ms O’Donnell added, “At the RSA we will be launching a new campaign to highlight what’s known as the ‘Speed Fallacy’. The ‘Speed Fallacy’ is the belief that you save lots of time by speeding on a journey when in fact the time savings are miniscule, a minute or two at most on an average journey.”

She concluded by saying “We are heading into the main summer holiday period of the year and road users should expect increased traffic volumes and therefore a higher level of risk when using the road. We are asking all road users to bear this in mind. Our advice to all road users is to remain alert to danger and expect the unexpected on the road.”

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána said: “There has been an alarming increase in road traffic incidents this year. We know many people will be eager to take to the roads to enjoy the remainder of the summer period, but we want people to do so responsibly. Sadly 94 families already this year have been visited by members of An Garda Síochána to be told the devastating news of the loss of a loved one.

An Garda Síochána will continue to enforce our life saving road traffic laws and we are committed to targeted enforcement and increased Garda visibility on our roads to address the worrying increase in road deaths this year.”

Assistant Commissioner Hilman added, “I am pleased to announce that as of 6am this morning, 61 New safety camera zones will become operational, bringing the total number of safety camera zones nationwide to 1,373’.

Between January and mid July this year a total of 88,368 motorists have been detected speeding, I would appeal to all motorists to slowdown.

Mr Sam Waide, CEO of the Road Safety Authority said: “As we head into main holidaying month of summer, the roads will be busy with people holidaying at home and tourists holidaying here from Northern Ireland, and further afield. The roads will also be very busy with people socialising, travelling to sporting events, festivals, agricultural vehicles bringing in winter and spring harvests, cyclists, walkers, and children who are on summer holidays. My appeal is for all road users to share the road safely, be considerate of other road users and most of all slow down. It’s better to arrive alive than not at all.”

Mr. Waide added “We are deeply concerned by the level of fatalities and serious injuries taking place on our roads already this year. The progress we have made in road safety over the last number of years is at risk of stalling.  The June Bank Holiday alone saw eight people die in road collisions on what should have been an enjoyable long weekend which instead turned into a tragedy for some. Let’s all work together to avoid a repeat of this and ensure we all stay safe and enjoy what remains of the summer.”

This August Bank Holiday Weekend drivers are being reminded that the RSA and participating Applegreen service stations are providing free cups of coffee to drivers to help combat driver fatigue. The offer is available from 2pm to 8pm on Friday 29th and on Monday 1 June.

The RSA will also be distributing free reusable cups at select Applegreen stores on Friday 29th July. Please visit one of the following stores to claim yours:

  • M1 Lusk North – Dublin
  • Ballymount Applegreen – Dublin
  • Midway Food Court Applegreen – Portlaoise – Laoise
  • Lemybrien Applegreen -Waterford
  • Tuam road – Galway

ENDS

Road Closure arrangements for Waterford SPRAOI 2022

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, propose to close the following roads to through traffic during the times specified below on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 29th July to 1st August, 2022 to facilitate the Waterford Spraoi Festival.

For the parade route and other event programming, see Spraoi’s website.

Notice of Intention to hold an event – Harvest Festival 2022

In accordance with the Part XVI of the Planning & Development Act, 2000 as amended, Waterford City & County Council hereby gives notice that it intends to hold the following event:
Waterford Harvest Festival 2022, Waterford City, September 9th – 11th 2022.

This event is a celebration of food and culture, particularly highlighting artisan organic food production from the South East Region. The event shall be held throughout
Waterford City Centre but particularly at locations in Arundel Square, John Roberts Square (inc Broad Street, Georges Street & Barronstrand Street), Little Patrick Street,
Gladstone Street, Hanover Street O’Connell Street, Micheal Street and John Street (Applemarket).

The event will include the following:-

  • Family friendly activities with a food, food related, health or lifestyle element;
    • Quality Market;
    • Relevant, topical and interesting food & food related demonstrations, talks, discussions and activities;
    • Music;
    • Presentation of Waterford’s food heritage.

The anticipated attendance at the event is 40,000 over the duration of the festival
The proposals including the Draft Event Management Plan may be inspected online at the Waterford City & County Council website www.waterfordcouncil.ie for a period of
5 weeks commencing on 21st July 2022.

Submissions or observations in respect of the proposal may be made to Waterford City Council on, or before, 10th August 2022. Submissions should be submitted via post to the
address below or email to planning@waterfordcouncil.ie

Temporary Road Closure – N72 at Ballyrafter, Lismore

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 public road to
through traffic from 2nd to 26th August, 2022 to facilitate Road Pavement Reconstruction.

The road will be fully closed, including overnight, for the full
closure period.

Road to be closed:
• N72 at Ballyrafter, Lismore.

Diversion Routes:
• Heading East:
HGV’s to divert at Tallow onto R634 to the N25, At Rincrew Roundabout follow N25 to Dungarvan. All other traffic turn left at Ballyrafter service station and follow R668 (Vee Road) then R669 (Melleray Road) to Cappoquin

• Heading West:
HGVs turn left onto R671 at Welcome Inn towards Clashmore to N25, then N25 to Rincrew Roundabout, then R634 towards Tallow. All other traffic turn left at Avonmore Bridge, Cappoquin, follow L1018 to Kilahaly Bridge, then 1017 to Lismore.

Cuairt an Aire Jack Chambers chuig Gaeltacht na nDéise

Ag ócáid i gColáiste na Rinne, An Rinn, Co Phort Láirge, Déardaoin 14 Iúil, chas Jack Chambers,TD, Príomh-Aoire an Rialtais agus Aire Stáit le cúram don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht le ionadaithe de Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise. I measc iad siúd sa phictiúr in aice leis an Aire ar dheis tá Aodhán Mac Cormaic, Stiúrthóir na Gaeilge, Roinn na Gaeltachta (ar chúl); Vanessa Ní She, Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga do Ghaeltacht na nDéise; Siubhán Nic Ghrianna, Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Cabríní de Barra, Oifigeach Forbartha, Teanga Tí, Glór na nGael

Bhí Jack Chambers TD, Príomh-Aoire an Rialtais agus Aire Stáit le cúram don Ghaeltacht agus don Spórt i láthair ag ócáid a bhí ar siúl i gColáiste na Rinne, An Rinn, Dún Garbhán, Co. Phort Láirge ar an Déardaoin seo caite, 14 Iúil. Thug an ócáid seo deis do eagraíochtaí agus pobal Ghaeltacht na nDéise an Plean Teanga atá ag feidhmiú ó 2018 – 2024 a cheiliúradh. D’eagraigh Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise an imeacht le tacaíocht ó Udarás na Gaeltachta. Is é aidhm Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise ná Clár Forbartha Pobal a chur chun cinn in éineacht leis an Plean Teanga de réir na beartais Teanga atá leagtha amach sa phlean. Tá deontas ar fáil ó Udarás na Gaeltachta.

Ar an oíche bhí soláistí ar fáil agus ceol. Bhí cúpla focal ó Cathaoirleach bhord Comhlucht Forbartha, an Bainisteoir Forbartha agus Príomhoide Choláiste na Rinne.

Dúirt Liam Suipéal, Cathaoirleach, Bord Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise, “Fáiltíonn Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise roimh chuairt an Aire Chambers agus lucht na Roinne ar Ghaeltacht na nDéise. Tá cabhair nach beag tugtha ag An Roinn d’fhorbairt na Gaeltachta anseo agus tá scéimeanna agus tograí áirithe déanta agus idir lámha againn sa Phlean Teanga a chuideoidh le muintir na háite agus lucht na Gaoluinne amach anseo.”

Dár leis an t-Aire Jack Chambers, Aire Stáit Gaeltachta agus Spóirt, “Táim fíorbhuíoch as ucht an fháilte a chur Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise romham ag Coláiste na Rinne inniu. Ba mhaith an deis a bhí anseo casadh leis an gcoiste agus an tOifigeach Pleanála Teanga atá ag tabhairt faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga a chur chun cinn i nGaeltacht na nDéise.

Is léir go bhfuil obair den scoth á dhéanamh sa Limistéar Pleanála Teanga seo ó a cheadaíodh an plean teanga in 2018, agus go bhfuil muintir na Déise fíor thiomanta do chur chun cinn na Gaeilge ina gceantar. Guím gach rath ar an obair atá á dhéanamh acu sa Limistéar Pleanála Teanga.”

Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre to undergo future-proof refurbishment

The Town Hall Theatre, Friary Street, Dungarvan is to undergo an upgrade as Waterford City and County Council invests significantly in the venue which dates back to the 19th century.

The investment will be in upgrading the online booking system and the upgrade of stage lighting and associated system, for which a tender is currently underway.

Kieran Kehoe, Dungarvan Town Manager and Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council said the new physical and operations structures will future-proof the theatre. “The theatre is a wonderful, old-style, local amenity and this investment will ensure that it is on a secure footing to bring a quality artistic offering to the people of Dungarvan and its environs for years to come.”

“Waterford City and County Council is investing €40,000 in the upgrade of the stage lighting, which will greatly enhance the mood and experience of the audience.”

Conor Nolan, Arts Officer added, “The upgrades to the lighting system and booking system will consolidate the Town Hall’s reputation as a leading arts centre. With a new user-friendly online booking system to be developed and investment in lighting and staging, the venue will be an even more accessible and attractive addition to the arts and culture landscape, while still retaining its traditional charm.”

To allow for these works to progress, the facility will not be available for use until Spring 2023 when details of new operations will be announced.

For future information about Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre please contact dungarvantheatre@waterfordcouncil.ie

Irish Language Plan for Dungarvan approved

At an event in the Old Market House Art Centre in Dungarvan on Thursday 14 July, Jack Chambers TD, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish Language and the Gaeltacht, announced that the Irish Language Plan for Dungarvan has been approved.

The announcement means that Dungarvan is now officially recognised as a Gaeltacht Service Town. The Minister of State also announced that €80,000 will be provided each year to support the implementation of the Plan over a seven year period.

At the event, the Mayor for Waterford City & County Council John O’Leary welcomed the Irish Language Plan saying that it will support the development of the Irish language in Dungarvan for the benefit of the communities of Dungarvan and the Waterford Gaeltacht.

Dónal Ó Conghaile, the Chairperson for Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge, the local committee that is officially recognised to develop the Irish Language Plan, said that it has been clearly demonstrated that Dungarvan has specific importance as a Gaeltacht Service Town and that there is a long and strong relationship between the people of Dungarvan and Gaeltacht na nDéise.

He indicated that there will now be an opportunity to employ an Irish Language Planning Officer for the town to support the development of the Irish language in the area, with an emphasis on support for families and young people, for businesses and in education, and for the public in general.

He stated that Dungarvan’s Irish Language plan is a road map that is based on extensive consultation and provides a demonstration of the aspirations of the people of Dungarvan and its environs in regard to the Irish language, including those of the Waterford Gaeltacht community.

‘’I am really hoping that more people from the community will be interested in being members of Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge so as to support the implementation of the plan. At the moment we are working towards Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge acquiring status as a Cooperative Society and anybody who would be interested in the development of the Irish language in the area would be most welcome to join,’’ he said.

Also present as the event with the Minister of State Jack Chambers was Mary Butler TD, Minister for Mental Health and Older People and TD in County Waterford, TD’s and Councillors from the county, Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford City & County Council, representatives from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, Foras na Gaeilge, Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge committee, Waterford City and County Council, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Glór na nGael, Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber of Commerce, town businesses and the Irish language community from Dungarvan and its environs, including the Waterford Gaeltacht.

2GoCup Initiative Launched in Waterford City & County

Waterford City and County Council is proud to partner with 2GoCup – the €1 Deposit & Return Scheme for takeaway cups – in a joint initiative to tackle the single-use waste across Waterford City & County.

At the launch on Friday 15th July 2022 at the Granary Café in Waterford City, the ten participating Cafés were invited to celebrate their collective effort to tackle single-use waste. The project is due to commence on 26th July and will run for three months.

All participating cafés will offer customers the opportunity to buy a €1 2GoCup or bring their own reusable cup. Customers can get this €1 deposit back whenever they want to or exchange their 2GoCup for a new one in any participating café. We are delighted to have these ten cafes committed to take part in this initiative. It is hoped that the participating cafes will then encourage other cafes to accept and move towards reusable cups.

The ten businesses taking part in this pilot are:

  1. Coach House, Kilmacthomas
  2. Whistlestop Cafe, Suir Valley Railway
  3. Causeway Cafe, Dungarvan
  4. Cafe Bliss, Abbeyside
  5. The Railway Cottage, Clonea
  6. The Granary, Hanover Street
  7. Under the Clockhouse, Catherine Street
  8. The Stable Yard, Georges Court
  9. Trade, The Quay
  10. Gallwey’s Chocolate Cafe, Henrietta Street

How does it work?

Customers have to pay a €1 deposit for their 2GoCup. They can reuse the cup in your shop or in any other shop using 2GoCups.They can exchange their cup for a fresh 2GoCup if they wish. They can get their €1 deposit back if they want or they can keep the cup!

“2GoCup is proud to be working with Waterford City & County Council on an initiative that promotes reuse right across the region. As a solution-driven Irish business, we love nothing more than working closely with independent cafes right up to large organisations looking to swap out their disposable cups and save money. We expect this project will not only benefit the consumers looking to get their coffee sustainably but also boost the business financially. We look forward to more cafes in Waterford joining up to have an impact” – Kevin Murphy, CEO of 2GoCup.

Mayor of Waterford City & County, Councillor John O’ Leary was present to launch the scheme.  Addressing the group, the Mayor said that “It is very encouraging to see businesses supporting this campaign, both here in Waterford and all along our beautiful Greenway. I hope that they will lead the way for others to join them in this goal and urge other cafes to move towards reusable cups also.”

During his speech, he also said that “We all have an opportunity to take action to reduce our impact on this earth. Every action counts. By taking part in this scheme, you are all becoming part of the solution by reducing your carbon footprint by supporting the circular economy and helping the fight against Climate Change”.

Plean Teanga Dhún Garbhán ceadaithe

Ag ócáid in Ionad Ealaíon Seanteach an Mhargaidh i nDún Garbhán Déardaoin 14 Iúil, d’fhógair Jack Chambers,TD, Príomh-Aoire an Rialtais agus Aire Stáit le cúram don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht, go bhfuil plean teanga Dhún Garbhán ceadaithe.

Ciallíonn seo go bhfuil Dún Garbhán aitheanta go hoifigiúil mar Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta anois.

D’fhógair an tAire Stáit chomh maith go mbeidh €80,000 sa bhliain á chur ar fáil chun tacú le cur i bhfeidhm an phlean teanga thar thréimhse seacht mbliana.

Ag an ócáid, chuir Méara Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge John O’Leary fáilte roimh an bPlean Teanga ag rá go dtacóidh sé leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn i nDún Garbhán ar mhaithe le pobail Dhún Garbhán agus Gaeltacht na nDéise.

Deir Dónal Ó Conghaile, Cathaoirleach Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge, an coiste áitiúil atá aitheanta go hoifigiúil chun an Plean Teanga a fhorbairt, go bhfuil sé léirithe go soiléir go bhfuil tábhacht faoi leith ag Dún Garbhán mar Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus go bhfuil gaol láidir agus fad bunaithe idir muintir an bhaile agus muintir Ghaeltacht na nDéise.

Thug sé le fios go mbeidh deis anois Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga a fhostú don bhaile chun tacú le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge sa cheantar, le béim ar thacaíochtaí do teaghlaigh agus daoine óga, do ghnóthaí agus oideachais agus don bpobal go ginearálta.

Dúirt sé gur mapa bóthair atá i bPlean Teanga Dhún Garbhán atá bunaithe ar chomhairliúchán leathan agus a thugann léiriú cruinn ar mhianta mhuintir Dhún Garbhán agus máguaird, Gaeltacht na nDeise san áireamh i leith an Ghaeilge.

‘’Tá mé ag súl go mór chomh maith go mbeidh spéis ag breis daoine ón bpobal a bheith mar bhaill de Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge chun tacú leis an bPlean a chur i gcrích. Faoi láthair táimid ag obair ar stádas Comharchumann a fháil do Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge agus bheadh na múrtha fáilte roimh aon duine atá suim acu i chur chun cinn na Gaeilge sa cheantar a bheith mar bhall,’’ ar sé.

I láthair chomh maith ag an ócáid leis an Aire Jack Chambers bhí Mary Butler TD, Aire Meabhairshláinte agus Daoine Aosta agus Teachta Dála i bPort Láirge; Teachtaí Dála agus Comhairleoirí ón gcontae, Michael Walsh, Príomhfheidhmeannach, Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, ionadaithe ón Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon Spóirt agus Meán, Foras na Gaeilge, Coiste Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge, gnóthaí an bhaile agus pobal na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Glór na nGael, Cumann Tráchtála Dhún Garbhán agus Gaeilge Dhún Garbhán agus máguaird, Gaeltacht na nDéise san áireamh.