Skip to content
Waterford City & County Council

Latest News & Announcements

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Climate Action Plan – Consultation

Waterford City and County Council is preparing a Local Authority Climate Action Plan.

We’re looking for your input into our Local Authority Climate Action Plan. Help us shape appropriate actions to facilitate and enable effective climate action at a local and community level. Our Plan is currently in draft, and the final version will be adopted by our Elected Members before 23rd February 2024.

The Council has been at the forefront of climate action in Waterford for many years. It plays a significant role in the delivery of mitigation and adaption measures at the local level.

Purpose of the Plan:

  • To deliver on national obligations to achieve the National Climate Objective of becoming a Climate Resilient, Biodiversity Rich, Environmentally Sustainable and Carbon Neutral Economy by no later than the end of 2050.
  • To deliver and promote evidence-based and integrated climate action by way of adaptation and mitigation measures, centred around a strong understanding of the role and remit of the local authority on climate action.

How to make a submission:

  • Submissions will be accepted online or via post.
  • All submissions must be received before 5pm on 16/06/23. The contents of your submission may be published.
  • At all times Waterford City and County Council will comply with GDPR guidelines.

To read the draft plan and to make a submission online, please go:

Consultations | Waterford City & County Council (waterfordcouncil.ie)

To make a submission in writing please post to:

Climate Action Coordinator, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Co. Waterford, X91 PK15

By Waterford City & County Council

Public Participation: Identification of Bathing Waters

Local authorities must identify official bathing areas in their area every year so that they can be monitored for safety, water quality and their level of use.  To help with this process, Waterford City and County Council is asking people who swim at beaches, lakes and rivers to tell them if they think they should maintain existing designated bathing waters designations or give a new official bathing area designation to areas that are commonly used for swimming, but not identified at the moment.

Under European and Irish law, Irish local authorities must identify bathing waters each year so that these areas can be monitored to ensure they meet stringent microbiological water quality standards. In some cases, the official bathing areas are also the areas where local authorities focus their resources providing lifeguards during the summer season.  These laws also require that the local authority prepares detailed descriptions or profiles for each of the identified bathing water sites that describe not just the bathing area but also areas in the surface waters catchment area that could be a source of pollution. The profiles include an assessment the risk of pollution and what action would be taken if pollution occurs.

If you are a regular swimmer and want to help your Council decide which bathing areas should be classified as such, it might be helpful to consider the following:

  • How your swimming area has been used up to now
  • How many people use the site
  • What facilities exist at the site and how accessible it is
  • Any safety issues

If you wish to propose your favourite beach/river etc. as a new bathing water site or comment on an existing site please visit https://bit.ly/IdentificationOfBathingWaters2023

Closing date for submissions to Waterford City and County Council is 28/9/2023.

The bathing water quality results and annual classification of bathing waters can be viewed at www.beaches.ie. The latest available EPA report Bathing Water in Ireland Report can be viewed here: https://www.epa.ie/publications/

-ENDS-


Note to editors:

Local authorities are required under the Bathing Waters Directive and the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 (SI No 79 of 2008) to identify bathing waters on an annual basis. The Directive requires that water quality at all designated bathing waters meets stringent microbiological standards in order to protect the health of people who choose to bathe there.

By Waterford City & County Council

Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2023

Since 1998, the Arts Office has been running this national annual Creative Writing Award to celebrate the rich literary life of the late Molly Keane.

Molly lived in Ardmore, Co. Waterford until she died in 1996. She started writing at a young age to ‘supplement her dress allowance’.  Her first ten novels and four plays were published under the pseudonym M.J. Farrell. She married into the Keane family of West Waterford but sadly her husband died at the age of 36.

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

The Arts Office, Waterford City & County Council by kind permission of the Keane family is now inviting entries for a previously unpublished short story for this years’ award.
The closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 2nd June 2023 at 12 noon.

There is a cash prize of €250 plus a course at the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore to the value of €300 for the winner and there is no entry fee. Full guidelines and the online submission details are now live on the Waterford Submit platform see: https://submit.link/1H2

or the QR code below:

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant 2023

Waterford City and County Council invites submissions from community groups, youth groups, schools or other community development organisations, based in County Waterford, who are interested in receiving funding for public education and awareness initiatives regarding litter or graffiti.

Examples of projects previously funded under this grant include:

  • Dog fouling – community projects on dog fouling have been effective in the past, putting responsibility firmly back on the dog owner to clean up after their dog. Stencils can be provided to groups who wish to buy paint to stencils messages onto black spot areas/effected streets in their community, etc. Similarly, if an awareness campaign wished to tie in with the Council’s campaign by erecting posters locally, holding a number of local awareness events (virtually or in person) or by acting as a Green Dog Walker ambassador within their community, such a project could be funded. School assembly talks/class workshops could be held either virtually or in school (depending on school/COVID restrictions in place at the time) to highlight the issue.
  • Roadside litter – A local poster competition could be run with schools. These could be displayed at local takeaways, deli counters, cafes and shops to remind customers to bring their litter home with them and not throw it from the car. A digital competition could be run with a local secondary school to use on your group’s social media account.

Apply online via : http://bit.ly/AntiLitterGrant2023

Closing date for applications: close of business on 18th May 2023.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder : CLÁR Scheme 2023

The CLÁR 2023 Funding Scheme is now open for applications.

The CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) Scheme provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant population decline. The CLÁR Funding Scheme is available to areas of population decline in County Waterford, as defined in the CLÁR area map and the list of CLÁR Electoral Districts below.

There are three measures being funded under the 2023 CLÁR programme.

Measure 1, operated by Waterford City and County Council, aims to develop community facilities and amenities. Up to 15 applications in total can be submitted from the relevant Local Authorities in respect of Measure 1. Priority for 2023 will be given to small-scale renovation works to community buildings and community centres that did not receive funding under the Community Centres Investment Fund. The maximum level of funding for any individual project is €50,000, and grant-funding is at a rate of 90% of total project costs.

Types of projects that may be supported under Measure 1 include small-scale renovation works to community facilities, multi-use gaming areas, playgrounds, sensory gardens, community cinemas, and community gyms. Funding will not be available for school/community safety measures, footpaths, pedestrian crossings, bus shelters, or works to current school buildings that are not open to the public after school hours.

All necessary permssions must be in place at the time of making an application, including landowner consent, planning permission, and match funding, and proof of same must be submitted with any application. Any facilities funded must be available to the public without a requirement to be a member of a club or enrolled in a school. Facilities on school grounds must be open to the public outside of school hours.

Measure 2, administered directly by the Department of Rural and Community Development, provides funding for mobility, cancer care, and community first responders transport.

Measure 3, also administered directly by the Department, provides funding for Island Communities for Island Community Transport and Outdoor Community Recreation Amenities.

  • Waterford City and County Council will be operating Measure 1 of the CLÁR scheme.

Applications should be submitted to Waterford City and County Council at swhelan@waterfordcouncil.ie by Thursday 11th May 2023 at 4:00p.m.

If you live in a rural area of County Waterford and have a project idea that could benefit your community, consider applying for funding through the CLÁR Scheme 2023. This could be an opportunity to develop or enhance community facilities and amenities that can improve the quality of life for local residents. Be sure to review the guidelines and criteria for each measure before submitting your application.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder : Bealtine Festival Flagship Choir

Another first for Waterford Libraries, as Waterford Libraries Bealtaine Choir has been chosen as the Bealtaine Flagship Choir for a packed programme of Dawn / Dusk Chorus events in 2023.

Established in 1995, Bealtaine is one of Ireland’s largest co-operative festival and the world’s first national celebration of creativity in older age. Bealtaine takes place each May for the entire month.  The ancient festival of Bealtaine or Beltane (held on May 1), marked the midway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, and heralded the start of summer.

The Festival brings together people from all over Ireland to foster and inspire creativity among older people and to promote the skills, experiences and exposure that can lead to a rich creative life for all older people.

Event Description:

The Dawn Chorus is a nationwide choral event in which older people come together with a choir in their locality and sing at dawn to welcome the day and the season. The Bealtaine Flagship Choir for 2023 is Waterford Libraries Bealtaine Choir led by Anne Woodworth, who will sing in the beautiful surrounds of the Dunmore East Library at Fisherman’s hall (overlooking the harbour). Sunday 7th May 8am

The Bealtaine Choir will also perform a Dusk Chorus in the sensory garden of Carrickphierish Library. The garden opened in September 2022 and is an accessible space that is sensory rich, welcoming and engaging for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy with their families and friends. Thursday 25th May 6pm

All are welcome to join in these free events. Livestream also available on the Bealtaine Facebook page.  In partnership with Sing Ireland and Waterford City And County Council.

The event links are here:

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Circular Economy Grant 2023 (formerly Waste Prevention Grant)

Are you part of a group that wants to help to take steps on waste prevention, re-use and repair activities in your local area?

Waterford City and County Council invites submissions from community groups, youth groups, schools or other community development organisations, based in County Waterford, who are interested in receiving funding for initiatives regarding the circular economy, reuse and repair.

A circular economy is based on long-life products that can be renewed, reused, repaired, upgraded and refurbished to preserve natural resources, protect habitats and reduce pollution. It is about finding ways to keep items in use longer and not generating as much waste in the first place.  It’s about rethinking the way we do things – redesigning the items we use – changing attitudes and changing behaviours about what we buy and what we throw away.

The main focus for projects this year should be on projects to promote a circular economy e.g. repairing, reusing, building skills and knowledge in the community to facilitate repair and reuse, changing attitudes and behaviours to how we use items, reduce use of single use items (encourage use of reusable items). Applications for projects under these themes will be prioritised for funding. Why not apply for funding to help you carry this project out?

How to apply:

  1. The application form for this grant is available from the http://bit.ly/WastePreventionGrant2023
  2. The grant application form should be completed and returned to the Environment Section for consideration by the closing date 5pm on Wednesday 17th May 2023.

By Waterford City & County Council

Bike Week 2023 Waterford

Bike Week 2023 will take place from Saturday 13th to Sunday 21st May 2023.

Check the events that will be held throughout Waterford:

Bike Week 2023 Programme

All the events are free, but some require booking online:

Lunch Time Cycle City

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bike-week-lunch-time-cycle-waterford-city-tickets-622517646037

Night cycle on the Greenway

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bike-week-waterford-greenway-night-cycle-tickets-622543433167

Dawn Cycle to Tramore

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bike-week-dawn-cycle-waterford-to-tramore-tickets-622562901397

Passage East / Wexford Cycle

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/30km-waterford-to-wexford-passage-east-cycle-via-the-ferry-tickets-622568277477

Tea time cycle on Greenway

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/waterford-greenway-tea-time-cycle-tickets-622571798007

Waterford Walls cycling tour

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bike-week-waterford-walls-cycling-tour-tickets-630059102737

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Dungarvan Roundabout Sponsorship Scheme 2023

Waterford City & County Council is implementing a scheme for the sponsorship of roundabouts around our city and county.

The Council is seeking to engage with businesses and organisations who wish to enhance our city and county’s built environment while benefiting from advertising opportunities being offered on two roundabouts in the Dungarvan area.

An applicant may submit a tender for either one or both roundabouts. Where a number of tenders are received for a particular roundabout, the sponsorship will be awarded to the highest tenderer.

Overview

  • This tender relates to the sponsorship of two roundabouts on public roads on the N25 Dungarvan Bypass.
  • The two roundabouts are Springmount Roundabout and Strandside Roundabout which are located on the N25 Dungarvan Bypass.
  • The sponsorship duration will commence in June 2023 and conclude in December 2027.
  • The sponsorship fee is per annum for four years from 2024–2027 and for 2023 is for seven months pro rata of the annual fee from 2024–2027 as the sponsorship period will commence on 1st June 2023. Part payments will not be accepted.

Tender Documents
Full tender document, map, fee information, specifications, tender form etc. are available here in the TENDER DOCUMENT.

Communications
Communications in connection with the Tender or requests for clarification should be addressed to: Anthony Russell, Administrative Officer, Environment Department, Waterford City & County Council, Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

E-mail: arussell@waterfordcouncil.ie

The latest date for receipt of communications in connection with this tender is: 4:00pm on Friday, 5th May 2023.

Closing date for receipt of tenders is 4:00pm on Friday, 12th May 2023.

By Waterford City & County Council

Recruitment : 3 current positions

Jobs must be applied for on the official application form provided for each post. Completed application forms must be returned by email only to the e-mail address specified on the individual application form. Qualifications and particulars for each job will be provided with each application form.

  1. Civil Technician – Grade 1
  2. Head of Enterprise – LEO Waterford
  3. Retained Firefighter, Ardmore

See https://waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/human-resources/vacancies.htm for all details

By Waterford City & County Council

Ballinacourty GreenWay Spur Improvement Works- Public Meeting

Waterford City and County Council is organising a public information event regarding the Ballinacourty Greenway Spur widening and improvement project. This is a ‘drop in’ event which will take place in St. Laurence’s Community Hall, Ballinroad, X35 KT53 on Tuesday 9th May between 5 and 8 p.m. Interested parties are invited to attend to meet and discuss the current proposals with members of the project team and to view project plans and particulars. Those in attendance will also be advised as to how they might get involved in the Part VIII Planning process, which commences on the same date and will close for public submissions on 20th June 2023.

The proposed development will consist of:

  • Improvement works to the existing pathway by widening the path and by carrying out some drainage works along the route in the townlands of Kilgrovan and Ballynacourty, Co. Waterford:
  • Widening southern section between L7010 Ballinard and L7011 Ballinclamper Road a distance of approx. 450 metres to 3 metres wide.
  • Widening the northern section between L7011 Ballinclamper Road and L3011 Clonea Strand Road a distance of approx. 630 metres to 5 metres wide
  • Provision of a pedestrian crossing on the L-7011 at Ballinclamper and improvement of the sight lines at this crossing.
  • Provision of one agricultural crossing point along the route which will be formed by way of gated access.
  • Connecting two of the main car parks serving the Clonea Strand Blue Flag Beach at Ballinclamper and at Ballinard with a new pathway between the Greenway and the car park.
  • Addition of a new picnic and amenity area at Ballinclamper car park on Council owned lands which will include some surfacing works.
  • Enhancement of the existing amenity area/bike parking at Ballinard car park.

The proposed enhancement works are being funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme which is administered at national level by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland. To date this scheme has funded numerous recreation schemes around Co. Waterford since its inception in 2017.

 

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Temporary Road Closure : Hennessy’s Road, Waterford

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 5th May, 2023 to facilitate the Installation of New Waste Water Connection.

Road to be closed:

  • Hennessy’s Road, Waterford

Diversion Route, Via Hennessy’s Road to Cannon Street to Barrack Street to Manor Hill
from either direction.

Latest News
Made in Waterford and hosted in the EU :)