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Waterford City & County Council

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By Waterford City & County Council

Southeast Homeless Action Plan 2023-2026 launched in Waterford

Waterford City and County Council, along with regional Local Authorities and the Health Service Executive (HSE) launched the Southeast Homeless Action Plan in City Hall on Wednesday, April 10th.

Welcoming the Action Plan, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway said, “The Southeast Homelessness Action Plan sets out an ambitious and challenging vision for addressing and enhancing homeless services across the Southeast. Waterford City and County Council is fortunate to work alongside our Local Authority colleagues and impressive NGOs who are committed to treating people who are experiencing homelessness with dignity and care.

This plan covers a range of actions across six strategic aims which set out the work associated with the ongoing objective to reduce homelessness, provide ongoing support through the Housing First programme for rough sleepers and individuals with complex needs.”

Claire Hartley, Senior Executive Officer with Waterford City and County Council said that the action plan will create a definitive roadmap to augmenting homelessness services through inter-agency collaboration and action.

“This 360° approach to preventing homelessness, reducing homelessness in its duration and providing assistance to those who were formerly homeless, is only possible through cooperation.

“Agencies such as the HSE, housing bodies, voluntary service providers and the Local Authorities of the Southeast; Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Tipperary, with Waterford City and County Council designated as Lead Local Authority, are dedicated to the long-term objective of consigning homelessness in the region.”

Mr. Paul Goff, HSE General Manager Social Inclusion, additionally recognised the partnership approach with the Local Authorities and the NGO in striving to achieve the health outcomes within the strategy.

The Southeast Homeless Action Plan has been informed and guided by key policy documents such as:

  • Housing for All, a multi-annual plan which sets out to ensure every citizen has access to a good quality home to purchase or rent at an affordable price.
  • Housing First National Implementation Plan which underpins the Government’s commitment to providing permanent and lasting solutions to rough sleeping and long-term homelessness in Ireland.
  • Implementation of the National Quality Standards Framework for Homeless Services in Ireland which strives to inform service users as to what can expect from homelessness services across the country.
  • Sharing the Vision – A mental health policy for everyone – which recognises that many vulnerable groups, including those who are homeless, have specific needs, which mental health services should be equipped to meet.

For further information or to access the Southeast Homelessness Action Plan 2023-2026 visit https://bit.ly/SoutheastHomelessActionPlan2023-2026

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Images: Free to use: David Murphy Studio

201314: Yvonne Dam – (Homeless Services, Waterford City and County Council), Ann-Marie Cushen (Homeless Services, Waterford City and County Council), Susan Lanigan (Homeless Services, Waterford City and County Council), Emily Kelly (Homeless Services, Waterford City and County Council) & Kristine Phelan (Homeless Services, Waterford City and County Council)

201320: Clare O’Sullivan (Tinteán Housing) & Ann O’Leary (South East Services, South East Simon)

201325: Louise Casey (Homeless Services Lead, Waterford City and County Council), Clare O’Sullivan (Tinteán Housing) & Ann O’Leary (South East Services, South East Simon), Claire Hartley (Housing SEO, Waterford City and County Council) & Anne-Marie Walshe (HSE, Homeless Lead)

201340: Edel Leahy (Focus Ireland), Patrick Connaughton (Carlow County Council) & Brian O’Donovan (Carlow County Council)

201343: Ivan Grimes (Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council), Louise Casey (Homeless Services Lead, Waterford City and County Council), Cllr Jason Murphy, Cllr Frank Quinlan, Cllr Mary Roche, Claire Hartley (Housing SEO, Waterford City and County Council), Cllr Joe Conway (Mayor of Waterford City and County), Cllr Joanne Bailey, Cllr Jim Griffin, Cllr Adam Wyse, Paul Goff (HSE) and Cllr Seanie Power.

By Waterford City & County Council

Notice re: Greenway Footbridge, Dungarvan

The Greenway Footbridge adjacent to the Civic Offices, Dungarvan, will temporary reopen tomorrow Friday afternoon. Thanks to all for your cooperation. Please take precaution as temporary surfacing will be in place over the weekend.

The footbridge will be closed for a few hours again on Tuesday morning April 16th. to facilitate permanent macadam reinstatement at location of the works around the air valves.

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Alert // Flooding due to heavy rainfall

  • Spot Flooding on Waterford to Dunmore East Road R686 – Drive with caution on all roads today.

  • Flooding reported on the R673 – approach road to Ardmore, Co. Waterford.

  • Spot flooding also reported on the R675 Coast road between Dungarvan and Tramore.

  • Spot flooding at the Sweep, Kilmeaden and on approach to Kill village.

With high tide due this evening, already saturated ground and rainfall due to persist until approx. 10pm, motorists are advised to exercise caution, expect that there may be standing water on some roads, reduce speed and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists.

Sign up to MapAlerter for latest free text updates.Waterford City and County Council crews are in attendance.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Expressions of Interest sought for 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme

Town & Village Renewal logo

Waterford City & County Council will administer the 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 and is a key initiative of Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025. The objectives of the 2024 Town and Village Renewal Scheme are focused to align with the commitments within Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy documents.

The focus of the Town & Village Renewal Scheme is on ensuring the development of Waterford’s rural towns and villages and making them more attractive places to live and work and increase their economic potential.

Waterford City & County Council now seeks expressions of interest from towns and villages, for funding of suitable projects under this initiative. Expression of interest form and details of the Scheme’s outline can be obtained by e-mailing townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie and completed expression of interest forms are to be returned before 5.00pm Friday 19th April 2024.

All applications will be subject to a selection process using National Criteria.  Selected expression of interest applications will be developed into detailed bids for consideration for the 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder : Closure of Public Planning Office

Due to construction works, the public planning office in Waterford City (Menapia Building) will be temporarily closed on:

  • Tuesday 9th April
  • Wednesday 10th April
  • Thursday 11th April

The Planning Office can still be contacted on planning@waterfordcouncil.ie and on 051-849562.

By Waterford City & County Council

REMINDER: Temporary Closure of former Railway Bridge/Greenway Footbridge, Dungarvan

Irish Water Contractor, David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd working on behalf of Irish Water will be undertaking essential Maintenance Work on Air Valves next week from Monday April 8th. to Friday April 12th. inclusive on the footbridge adjacent to the Council Civic Offices. Through Pedestrian and Cycling Traffic will be prohibited during this period of time. Such Traffic will be diverted.

See below the Temporary Traffic Management Plan and circulated letter, showing the Diversion on both approaches to the Greenway Footway Bridge.

By Waterford City & County Council

Storm Kathleen – Orange Wind warning issued for Waterford

Storm Kathleen - Orange Wind warning issued for Waterford

The public is advised that Storm Kathleen will bring gale force southerly winds, with some severe and damaging gusts.

Accordingly, Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange Wind warning for Waterford from 07:00 Saturday, April 5th to 14:00 Saturday, April 5th.

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team attended a virtual Met Éireann Technical Briefing this morning and is advising the public that Storm Kathleen is expected to bring disruption throughout tomorrow that will may have an impact further into the weekend.

The public are advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.   Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris as trees are in full leaf.

There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas, especially in Southern and Eastern counties. In addition to this, the storm may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations.   People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.     Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving.

Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.  ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1850 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie, in regards to power restoration times.

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise caution.

“Met Éireann has advised that Storm Kathleen will bring severe and damaging gusts.  The strong winds will also lead to fallen trees and branches, and debris on the roads, making journeys hazardous. With coastal water levels high there may also be a risk of wave overtopping.”

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather team will continue to monitor the situation.  Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050

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By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant

The deadline for Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant registration is fast approaching!  Businesses have until May 1st to register on the ICOB Portal at icob.ie.

Eligibility Criteria: Make sure to check the portal for the criteria and see if your business qualifies. Don’t miss out on this vital support for small and medium businesses!

Act Now: Register as soon as possible to avail of this grant. Payments will commence from late April 2024.

Visit icob.ie for more information.

As part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257m for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses. Waterford City and County Council, funded through Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), will manage the rollout of the grant to qualifying businesses.

Eligible businesses will receive a once-off grant payment. The amount of the grant payable to eligible businesses is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill the business received in 2023. However, it is not a Commercial Rates waiver and businesses should continue to pay their Commercial Rates bill as normal.

What is the purpose of the grant?
The grant is available to qualifying businesses as a contribution towards the rising costs faced by businesses. The grant is intended to aid businesses but is not intended to directly compensate for all increases in wages, or other costs, for every business.

How much is the grant?
The grant is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill received by an eligible business in 2023.

– For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of <€10,000, the ICOB grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023.
– For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the ICOB grant will be €5,000.
– Businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rates bill greater than €30,000 are not eligible to receive an ICOB grant.

What businesses are eligible to receive the grant?
The following are the main qualifying criteria:

  • Your business must be a commercially trading business currently operating from a property that is commercially rateable.
  • Your business must have been trading on 1st February 2024 and you must intend to continue trading for at least three months from the date you verify your information.
  • You must provide confirmation of your bank details.
  • Your business must be rates compliant. Businesses in performing payment plans may be deemed to be compliant.
  • Your business must be tax compliant and must possess a valid Tax Registration Number (TRN).

Please note that Waterford City and County Council reserves the right to claw back any grant payment which is later found to be incorrect. This includes any circumstances such as error by the recipient business or the local authority making the payment, or where a business makes a false declaration of eligibility.

How soon can businesses avail of the grant?
An online system is being developed to manage the submission of essential information. Waterford City and County Council will write shortly to businesses with further details, including how to register and how to submit information online. The system is expected to be available in mid-March.

What is the closing date?
The closing date for businesses to confirm eligibility and to upload verification details will be 1st May 2024.

Where can I find out further information?

Further correspondence and guidance has issued in mid March with the invite letter to commercially rateable businesses about the scheme. In addition, an FAQ is available below. You should refer to the invite letter for guidance and the FAQs below prior to making your submission.

If you have queries regarding your Commercial Rates account including outstanding balances, contact Waterford City and County Council at rates@waterfordcouncil.ie. Our team are happy to discuss any balances outstanding on your rates and what steps can be taken to ensure compliance with the scheme.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City Public Infrastructure Project Update

An aerial view of Ferrybank during North Quays works

The next phase of traffic management in Ferrybank will commence on Monday 8th April 2024. It is anticipated that this works phase will take six to eight weeks to complete.

The traffic management will consist of closing the left outbound lane and reopening the right outbound lane along Fountain Street, from Rockshire Road to the Abbey Road junction. The two corresponding inbound lanes along this section of roadway will be operational during this phase of works. Access to adjacent local businesses will be maintained at all times and signage will be in place throughout these works and on all approach roads.

Waterford City and County Council appreciates the community’s continued patience and cooperation while this extensive infrastructure project progresses.

By Waterford City & County Council

Temporary Closure of former Railway Bridge/Greenway Footbridge adjacent to Civic Offices,Dungarvan

Irish Water Contractor, David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd working on behalf of Irish Water will be undertaking essential Maintenance Work on Air Valves next week from Monday April 8th. to Friday April 12th. inclusive on the footbridge adjacent to the Council Civic Offices. Through Pedestrian and Cycling Traffic will be prohibited during this period of time. Such Traffic will be diverted.

See below the Temporary Traffic Management Plan and circulated letter, showing the Diversion on both approaches to the Greenway Footway Bridge.

By Waterford City & County Council

Time-Lapse of Waterford’s North Quays works progress

Check out this amazing time-lapse footage of Waterford’s North Quays works, illustrating construction progress on the Sustainable Transport Bridge piers and the South Plaza, footage is from September 2023 right through to the end of March 2024.

Thanks to BAM for the footage.

By Waterford City & County Council

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2023

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced funding of €4.1 million to develop and enhance over 150 outdoor recreation projects.

The investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be key to enhancing our mountain trails, forest walks, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.

It will also provide a boost to local economies by attracting more visitors to our rural communities.

Up to €30,000 will be invested in each project under today’s round of funding – with a focus being placed on small scale enhancements, upgrades and repairs.

The Waterford projects being funded include:

Waterford ORIS Recipients

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“With summer just a couple of months away, I’m really pleased to announce over €4.1 million to develop over 150 outdoor recreation projects right across Rural Ireland. The investment I’m announcing today will greatly enhance the natural amenities right on our doorstep – from our walkways, mountain trails and forest walks, to our cycleways, beaches and rivers. I believe the projects receiving funding today will play an important role in attracting more visitors to our rural towns and villages. So my big message as Minister today is to get out and explore those hidden gems in your community. The clocks are going forward this weekend – a perfect reason to go on that hike or cycle and enjoy the great outdoors.”

Minister Humphreys continued:

“The Government’s Rural Development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’ and the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’, have together set the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come. The health benefits from engaging in outdoor activity combined with the economic and social benefits that can be achieved by this investment for rural Ireland, will no doubt serve us well in to the future. That is why I am making this funding available today and I look forward to making further announcement for larger scale investment in this sector in the coming weeks.”

A full list of successful projects is available here .

The announcement today will also benefit local communities with new or enhanced outdoor facilities while also helping to support local economies by continuing to offer domestic and international visitors an attractive and exciting array of outdoor amenities.

This funding will be invested in 151 outdoor recreation projects, bringing the total number of projects funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, since its establishment in 2017, to almost 1,600 nationwide.

These projects, under Measure 1, are to receive funding of up to €30,000 and will be delivered by September 2025. Further announcements of successful projects under Measures 2 and 3 of ORIS 2023 will be made in the coming weeks.

The funding announced today is in addition to the €2.3m which was announced in November 2023 for 50 projects under the Project Development Measure of ORIS.

ENDS

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