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Waterford City & County Council

Latest News & Announcements

By Waterford City & County Council

Meeting tomorrow: Help shape Waterford’s Age Friendly Strategy

Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Age Friendly Alliance are inviting the public to participate in a series of workshops in the city and county, to help shape Waterford’s next Age Friendly Strategy.

Facilitated by Community Engagement Partners, the workshops will discuss topics such as community and health services, housing, active participation, transport, and isolation, with the view to developing a new strategy to ensure a better quality of life for older people.

Kevin Moynihan, Waterford City and County Council’s Age Friendly Programme Manager, is encouraging people to register and participate in the free workshops.  “Waterford’s next Age Friendly Strategy will be shaped by the people it affects.  It is crucial that these opinions are heard in order to implement a strategy that delivers a better quality of life for older people in Waterford.”

“The format of the workshops is quite informal and engaging.  They will involve discussions in small groups as well as some full sessions for all participants and will be facilitated by Community Engagement Partners along with facilitators from the Social Inclusion Programme.”

The workshops will be held from 11am to 1pm in The Tower Hotel Waterford and from 2pm to 4pm in the Majestic Hotel Tramore on Thursday June 16th.  The second series of workshops will take place from 11am to 1pm in The Park Hotel Dungarvan and from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at Lismore Heritage Centre on Friday, June 24th,

Places are free but limited.  To book your place call James on 087-1322497 or for further information see www.waterfordcouncil.ie/agefriendly

By Waterford City & County Council

Mount Congreve awarded over €1m additional funding under Rural Regeneration & Development Fund

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD has announced that €1,125,135 in grant funding will be made available for the redevelopment and restoration of Mount Congreve Estate, in addition to €3,726,00 granted in 2019 under the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF) and Project Ireland 2040.

The additional funding has been welcomed by Waterford City and County Council.

Michael Quinn, Director of Services for Economic Development, WCCC said “The additional investment in Mount Congreve House and Gardens is not only guaranteed to deliver a world class visitor centre, but also reaffirm Mount Congreve’s ranking as one of ‘the great gardens of the world.’ “

Upon completion, the project will deliver a tourism destination attracting 150,000 visitors annually, with an enhanced visitor experience to the gardens and planted woodlands.   Investment in the under developed assets on the estate will generate additional employment and revenue opportunities, along with increased visitor numbers, and ensure the long-term viability of this enormously important visitor attraction.

The re-invigoration of the gardens will create an iconic visitor experience at Mount Congreve, through improvements to the garden infrastructure, establishment of new plant collections and the installation of creative play features that tell the story of Mount Congreve.

To maximise the benefit of the 18th Century mansion house, a new purpose-built visitor hub is in development in the existing courtyard and stables adjacent the eastern wing of the house.

The courtyard area will be covered with a glazed roof, with many of the existing architectural features being retained, and will include a cafe, servery, kitchen areas, retail area and visitor facilities. As well as this, some works will be undertaken to the Main House to accommodate a visitor welcome space with reception area, ticketing, orientation and interpretation pre-show.

A new wetlands area is under construction, the car park area has been fully resurfaced, and works on pathways, interpretation and way-finding elements are all in progress.

Substantial completion of the project is expected to be achieved by the end of summer, with a soft opening planned for early autumn 2022.

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Help shape Waterford’s Age Friendly Strategy

Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Age Friendly Alliance are inviting the public to participate in a series of workshops in the city and county, to help shape Waterford’s next Age Friendly Strategy.

Facilitated by Community Engagement Partners, the workshops will discuss topics such as community and health services, housing, active participation, transport, and isolation, with the view to developing a new strategy to ensure a better quality of life for older people.

Kevin Moynihan, Waterford City and County Council’s Age Friendly Programme Manager, is encouraging people to register and participate in the free workshops.  “Waterford’s next Age Friendly Strategy will be shaped by the people it affects.  It is crucial that these opinions are heard in order to implement a strategy that delivers a better quality of life for older people in Waterford.”

“The format of the workshops is quite informal and engaging.  They will involve discussions in small groups as well as some full sessions for all participants and will be facilitated by Community Engagement Partners along with facilitators from the Social Inclusion Programme.”

The workshops will be held from 11am to 1pm in The Tower Hotel Waterford and from 2pm to 4pm in the Majestic Hotel Tramore on Thursday June 16th.  The second series of workshops will take place from 11am to 1pm in The Park Hotel Dungarvan and from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at Lismore Heritage Centre on Friday, June 24th,

Places are free but limited.  To book your place call James on 087-1322497 or for further information see www.waterfordcouncil.ie/agefriendly

By Waterford City & County Council

Consultation Reminder: Three Active Travel Schemes in Dungarvan

Waterford City & County Council proposes to undertake the construction works and  crossing / footpath improvements at the Dungarvan locations mentioned below.

The drawings of these schemes are available for inspection above and are also on display in our Customer Services Departments in Bailey’s New Street in the City and Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan from Tuesday 10th May 2022 to Wednesday 08th June, 2022.

The Council will consider any submissions or observations made in writing regarding the proposal. Submissions should be lodged 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 Monday 20th June 2022.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 (Interim Version)

The Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 was made at a special plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council on the 7th of June 2022 and will come into effect on the 19th of July 2022.

In order to make the main policy text and associated development management information available prior to the plan becoming live, set out below is an interim version of the main policy document (Volume 1) and development management standards (Volume 2) along with the main land use zoning provisions, flood mapping and specific development objectives relating to areas across the city and county:

The documents and information presented here represents an amalgamation of the various amendments to the draft plan as agreed by the Council. All environmental reports, detailed map data and appendices associated with the draft plan are currently available on the consult.waterfordcouncil.ie portal and these will be finalised and made available on the date of the plan coming into effect.

We will be working to prepare a final version of all documents which will be published on our website, and which will also be available in hard copy on the 19th of July. An Irish translation of the main policy document will also be available in due course.

By Waterford City & County Council

South East Food Stories: Stories to write home about

South East Food Stories has just been launched to help promote the wide variety of producers, providers and makers delivering quality foods directly from source to plates across the South East.

The South East is known for an abundance of naturally sourced food and drink, and for its unique and inventive makers and producers. Anyone who has tasted the area’s high quality local food, foraged on beaches and in forests to find the best natural foodstuffs, and tasted the local beverages, will have a story to tell about it.

The pilot agri-food initiative incorporates produce from across Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford and highlights the businesses working hard to keep food sustainability at the heart of what they do.

Speaking about the impact of South East Food Stories, Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East said: “We are delighted to see tourism businesses across the South East coming together to create high quality food trail experiences aligned to the Ireland’s Ancient East Brand. Visitors are increasingly seeking out opportunities to immerse themselves in the local story and this trail provides a great opportunity to sample the wide variety on offer in these counties.”

Director of Ireland South, Alan Quirke, said: “The South East offers a varied tourism experience, blending heritage, coastal activities, gardens with other activities and attractions. What stands out about the South East is its vast agri-food market and we’re delighted to be able to showcase the wide range of produce across the five counties.”

Granville Hotel, The Sea Gardener, GROW HQ and Everett’s Restaurant have come together to tell the South East Food Story in Waterford. Locally sourced ingredients form the land and sea are expertly crafted and can be enjoyed while dining and staying in Waterford.

Speaking about their story, Marie Power of The Sea Gardener said: “We’re delighted to be telling our own food stories from the South East. We really enjoying showing people how and where to forage for the tastiest varieties of seaweed and how to incorporate this wonderful natural superfood in cooking to enjoy its distinctive taste and health benefits.”2

The campaign is inspired by the importance of food and its production as part of our overall tourism experience. All five counties have hundreds of years’ worth of heritage and history with wonderful visitor experiences, which serve as a backdrop to fresh experiences and new stories.

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Recruitment: Traffic Warden

Waterford City and County Council is creating a panel for Traffic Wardens from which
permanent and temporary positions in Waterford City and Dungarvan, as they become
available, will be filled.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated adaptable and flexible person capable of
acting on their own initiative, with a strong sense of commitment to delivering quality
public services.

This is an online application process only :   APPLY HERE

Deadline: 3pm, Monday 20th June, 2022

By Waterford City & County Council

Closing: Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2022

Deadline: 22nd June 2022 at 12 noon

Since 1998 the Arts Office of Waterford City & County Council 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 Wednesday 22nd June 2022 at 12 noon. There is a cash prize of €250 plus a course at the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore to the value of €250 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/TR

or QR code below:

By Waterford City & County Council

Official Opening of Waterford Council’s latest social housing development

Waterford’s latest social housing development, Port na Machan in Kilmacthomas was officially opened by Cllr. John O’Leary, Cathaoirleach of the Comeragh District.

Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler TD was also in attendance as the ribbon was cut on the 16-unit development.

Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Somers Construction was the main contractor on the development with the design team led by CJ Falconer & Associates.

The development consists of a mix of homes with 6 one-beds, 8 two-beds and 2 three-beds.  All of the ground floor units have a south-facing garden, while the first-floor apartments are fitted with balconies, overlooking the River Mahon and river walkway.

Addressing the attendees Cllr. O’ Leary said, “The importance of having a home of your own cannot be understated. A home provides security, control, belonging, identity, and privacy, among other things. It gives us a place to set off from in the morning, and a place to come home to.”

Cllr. O’Leary also commended Waterford City and County Council’s Housing department, engineering team, estate management team, John Somers Construction and CJ Falconer & Associates for “a truly collaborative project, which has resulted in the high standard of this development.”

Ivan Grimes, Director of Services for Housing, Waterford City and County Council, said, “We are extremely pleased with the standard of finish at Port na Machan.  All of the homes are A2-energy rated for greater energy efficiency and cost savings.  Not only are the homes appointed to the highest standards, they are set against one of the most picturesque backdrops in the heart of Kilmacthomas, close to schools and amenities, a stone’s throw from the Waterford Greenway and close to Dungarvan and Waterford city.”

“In partnership with the Department of Housing, Waterford City and County Council will continue to deliver projects such as Port na Machan, which not only provide homes for families, but also help sustain local shops, local services and local communities.”

Senator John Cummins, Councillors from the Comeragh and Dungarvan / Lismore districts along with residents of the new development were in attendance.

By Waterford City & County Council

Have Your Say! Blackwater River Valley – Outdoor Recreation Feasibility Study

We are seeking your views about Outdoor Recreation in the River Blackwater Valley, Co. Waterford. 

To find out more information about the current feasibility study or to make a submission please click on the following link: Blackwater River Valley Outdoor Recreation Feasibility Study or email riverblackwater@waterfordcouncil.ie for further details.

By Waterford City & County Council

RSA & IFA urge farmers and motorists to share the road ahead of silage season

June 9, 2022: The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) are appealing to motorists to take extra care as the number of tractors, trailers and other farm machinery using the roads increases during the summer season.

The appeal comes as farmers and contractors have started cutting silage around the country.

Both the RSA and IFA want farming contractors and other drivers to remember to be mindful of other road users and to always be on the lookout for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

Sam Waide, Chief Executive, RSA said: “This is a very busy time of year for farmers. The number of tractors and trailers out using the roads will increase dramatically. I am asking all drivers and motorcyclists to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other farm machinery on the road, turning into and out of fields. If you are travelling behind farm machinery, please be patient and only overtake when it’s safe to do so. Farmers should be aware of traffic building up behind them and keep left where possible and if safe to do so to allow other vehicles pass safely. Use your indicators to warn other road users of maneuvers, and never use your mobile phone whilst driving on the road. We should all expect the unexpected, as danger could literally be around the next corner.’’

IFA President Tim Cullinan said: “It is a busy time on farms at the moment as farming contractors bring in silage around the country. Both the IFA and the RSA are renewing our annual appeal for motorists to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other agricultural machinery exiting from fields and farmyards. We are also asking anyone driving farm machinery, especially on rural roads, to cut back on their speed, not to get distracted and understand that around every corner could be a neighbouring family or friend out for a walk, a cycle or maybe riding a horse.’’

Drivers of agricultural vehicles are being reminded that they are subject to all road traffic legislation. They are required to carry the appropriate license and farm vehicles are required to be taxed, insured and must be roadworthy, including fully operational lights front and rear.

Drivers of agricultural vehicles are reminded:

  • To wash down wheels regularly to avoid carrying mud and stones onto the public road.
  • To be particularly careful when transporting material such as silage, slurry, sand and gravel so that it does not spill on the road and pose a road safety risk.
  • Not to load overload trailers so as to cause them to be unstable on the road.
  • To look out for low bridges, overhanging trees, overhead cables and uneven road surfaces which could cause the load to shift and possibly overturn.
  • The driving mirror must provide an adequate view of the road to the rear and all agricultural vehicles must have proper working brakes on both tractor and trailer units. They also must be fitted with lights, reflectors and indicators.
  • That large farming vehicles should consider using an escort vehicle to warn other road users.
  • To ensure that tractors are driven at an appropriate speed for the road conditions.

Farmers are also being reminded of the following safety tips:

  • Plan and prepare for all work with machinery. Always allow adequate time for the job.
  • Always practice the SAFE STOP procedure. Reverse-park safely, handbrake on, controls in neutral, lower all attachments, engine off and remove keys!
  • Carry out regular checks and maintenance of all farm vehicles, particularly brakes.
  • Never remove or modify guards in order to save time.
  • Only use machines if you know how to use them safely and have received suitable training.
  • Always drive at a safe speed and know your limits.
  • Make sure that plough lamps/work lights are never used when travelling on public roads. Amber flashing lights give adequate notice of slower vehicles to other road users.

Ireland’s Road Safety Strategy

Ireland’s fifth government Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% over the next 10 years.

This means reducing deaths on Ireland’s roads annually from 144 to 72 or lower and reducing serious injuries from 1,259 to 630 or lower by 2030.

The strategy is the first step in achieving the 2020 Programme for Government commitment of bringing Ireland to ‘Vision Zero’. This is to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by the year 2050.

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Road Closure: Jenkins’ Lane, Waterford

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 road to through traffic from 3pm to 6pm each Saturday from 11th June to 27th August, 2022 (Excluding Spraoi weekend 28th to 31st July, 2022) to facilitate Summer in the City Festival.

Road to be closed:
• Jenkins’ Lane, Waterford.

Objections or submissions may be made in writing to the Director of Services, Roads, Water and Environment, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford not later than 4pm on 24th May, 2022.

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