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By Waterford City & County Council

St. Patricks Day Parade participants put best feet forward

With the return of the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade to Waterford since 2019, local community, sporting, musical and entertainment groups are getting ready to put their best feet forward.

With dozens of registrations received from groups to participate in the Waterford parade on March 17th preparations are well underway to wow spectators along the parade route.

Johnny Codd, Festival Co-ordinator says the response from community groups to take part in the Parade has been great.  “The registrations are coming in every day from groups throughout the city, county and even further afield.  I think most have missed out on the fun of the parade over the last two years, so this year is the perfect opportunity to dig out the face-paint, the sparkles and the bunting.”

Some of the groups to have registered so far include Soul Dance Arts, Waterford’s newest and youngest stage school.  Led by Jack Cunningham, the group features a host of talented young people. Jack said “We cater to children of all abilities from the ages of 3 right up to 18, specialising in dance, drama and song, but we mainly focus on building confidence and making friends.”

“We will have a group of 30 people walking in the parade, and who knows we may even dance down the Quay. The students of SDA are thrilled to be walking in the Parade for the first time”.

The Waterford Malayalee Association will also walk in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  The group consists of over 350 families, and will be represented by over 100 people in the parade.  The Waterford Malayalee Association is a group of families from Southwest India with at least one front-line worker in each family.  This group has been a vital part of providing care in health-settings around Waterford in UHW, Whitfield Clinic and most of the nursing homes throughout the City and County.

Bobby Iype from Waterford Malayalee Association commented that “Our whole group are counting down the days until we walk together in the St. Patricks Day Parade in Waterford. Celebrating our culture with floats and pageantry is a huge part of our culture in South West India, and this special day gives us a chance to come together as a community in our adopted home of Waterford”.  He added, “We love Waterford, and St. Patricks Day is a great opportunity for us to celebrate with the larger Waterford community”.

The Waterford St. Patrick’s Day parade will start at 1pm, with entries gathering at the Bridge Street end of the Quay. The parade begins at the Waterford Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay, past the Clock Tower and the Plaza, moving around to the Mall.

There will also be an online streaming of the Parade, so those who cannot attend or remain cautious about attending large events can still enjoy the celebrations.

To find out more details of the St. Patricks Day Parade and three day festival in Waterford visit www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com or keep an eye on ‘Waterford St Patricks Day Parade’ on social media channels.

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Let Dandelions Bee!

Let Dandelions Bee! is a campaign to let dandelions bloom for a short few weeks to help feed bees this Spring. They are our wild bees’ most favourite food. Help halt the bee decline by simply leaving dandelions to grow in your garden this March and April.

The best way to help our bees this year is to do nothing!

If you have grass or lawn at home, give the mower a rest for 2 or 3 weeks while the first flush of dandelions come into bloom, usually in March or early April. For more information, see www.letdandelionsbee.ie or https://pollinators.ie/resources

By Waterford City & County Council

Break the Bias – Waterford’s Third Global Women’s Conference

Join us for Waterford’s Third Global Women’s Conference

Do you want to Break the Bias this International Women’s Day?

Next Tuesday (8th March) Waterford Integration Services, Europe Direct Waterford and Waterford Libraries are coming together on International Women’s Day to host Break the Bias – Waterford’s Third Global Women’s Conference a morning with an inspirational line-up of women. This event will take place in the Theatre Royal from 10:30am – 12noon. Tickets are FREE and can be booked on the Waterford Europe Direct Eventbrite page or you can call into your local library for more details.

The very special line-up of speakers and performers will include Waterford writers Dalal Sayed and Lani O’Hanlon, Magda Boulabiza from European Network Against Racism, Health Advocate and performer Osas Iyamu Usideme, Director of the Bealtaine Library Choir Anne Woodworth, members of the Bealtaine Library Choir, singer-songwriter Minnie Marley as well as Cora Kearney founder of the Positive Ability Network, student Ciara Fitzgibbon and Sarah Benson CEO of Women’s Aid will record a short message for the event. Programme Lead at Waterford Integration Services Anne Nolan will MC the event which will highlight and celebrate women’s achievements.

International Women’s Day reminds us that whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough; action is needed to level the playing field. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can imagine a gender equal world, a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

We can strive for a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive and a world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias on International Women’s Day (IWD) and beyond. This is a free event but booking is essential: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/break-the-bias-waterfords-3rd-global-womens-conference-tickets-267727238377

Join the conversation #BreakTheBias #IDW2022

The Europe Direct Waterford Centre is based in Central Library in Waterford City. It is part of a community of 424 Europe Direct centres around Europe whose purpose is to reinforce the important connection between EU institutions and citizens The Europe Direct network provides timely and factual information on European matters, but also seek to engage with citizens regarding the state and future of the European Union. You can find out more at: @eudirect on Facebook and Twitter.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Sinead O’Higgins, Manager Central Library and Europe Direct Waterford. sohiggins@waterfordcouncil.ie / 087 3637119

By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore Tidy Towns nominated for ‘Best Kept’ award

Tramore, a silver medallist in the National SuperValu Tidy Towns competition 2021, is one of eight locations in the Republic nominated to compete with locations across Northern Ireland for the “Best Kept” 2022 All-Island title.

The ‘Best Kept’ competition is run by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council and the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Ireland’s Best Kept Towns award is where the top towns from the Northern Ireland Amenity Council’s Best Kept Awards and the Department of the Environment’s Tidy Towns Competition compete with each other for the honour of being adjudged “Ireland’s Best”.

During the month of May unannounced judging will take place and will see the town of Tramore marked across a variety of categories based on presentation of buildings, appearance of approach roads, streets and public areas, presentation of natural environment, residential area, tidiness and more.

Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Joe Kelly congratulated the Tramore Tidy Towns group by saying “This is a fantastic achievement for the Tramore Tidy Towns group, and for the people of Tramore. The Tidy Towns group have done phenomenal work since their inception, and were rewarded with a Silver medal in the Tidy Towns competition. It is testament to their hard work, dedication and commitment to Tramore, that the town has now been nominated for a ‘Best Kept’ award”. Cllr. Kelly went on to say that “I have no doubt that you will again represent Tramore well, and I hope that the people of Tramore will get on-board with this, and that the greater community will get involved in making Tramore one of Ireland’s Best Kept places”.

Ann Cheasty, Chairperson of Tramore Tidy Towns explains that “although the town secured a silver medal in the 2021 National SuperValu Tidy Towns competition we need an ongoing community effort to retain the high standards we have set for the town. It is a great honour for Tramore to be nominated for the All-Island competition, and we look forward to seeing people from all levels of the community helping us to keep Tramore clean, tidy and well-presented in advance of the arrival of the judges in May. We would also like to thank the maintenance staff of Waterford City & County Council and particularly Ray Hogan and his team in Tramore, with whom we worked closely to achieve the high standards”.

The other nominations from the Republic of Ireland for 2022 are Abbey in Co. Galway, Inistioge in Co. Kilkenny, Abbeyleix in Co. Laois, Birr in Co. Offaly, Raheny in Dublin, Athlone in Co. Westmeath and Dundalk in Co. Louth.

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor of Waterford to host vigil for Ukraine

The Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly, will host a peaceful vigil this coming Sunday 6th March at 12 noon outside City Hall on the Mall.

To the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community in Waterford, we support you and we stand in solidarity with you.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Libraries return to full opening hours from Monday 7th March

Picture: Patrick Browne

Waterford Libraries return to regular Opening Hours after pandemic

Waterford Libraries is pleased to return to full hours and full services from Monday March 7th.

National restrictions on library visits and branch events are now lifted so library staff will resume all library book clubs, story-times, class visits and talks.

Staff would also like to remind the public to be respectful of other members as we return to regular library service and be aware that some library patrons will still need to maintain distancing and/or mask wearing for health reasons.

Jane Cantwell, City & County Librarian with Waterford Libraries explained that getting back to interacting with the public is a welcome move.  “It is hugely important part of our job. Our in-house events have been sorely missed, both by our staff and by the general public. However, we were very lucky to be able to facilitate our members throughout the pandemic, where they could still use our online resources, but that said we are looking forward to injecting life and learning back into Waterford Libraries branches.”

Jane continued, “We are proud of the efforts of our staff during the pandemic, particularly when we operated the Covid Community Response Helpline, but the announcement that we are returning to full opening hours is a sure sign of life returning to normal.  We look forward to welcoming our members to our twelve branches across the City and County and to being able to offer our full array of services. “

Central Library, Carrickphierish Library, Ardkeen Library, Lismore Library and Dungarvan Library are resuming lunchtime opening.  Browns Road Library, Kilmacthomas Library, Cappoquin Library and Portlaw Library are returning to their full opening of three days a week.

The libraries at Ardkeen, Carrickphierish, Central Library and Dungarvan are introducing one morning a week of Community Hours on a trial basis. These mornings are perfect for groups and school tours to access our branches while the branch is closed to the general public.  Please contact your local branch to arrange a visit for your group or class during our Community Hours.

Full details of all branch opening hours can be found at www.waterfordlibraries.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Consultation : National Minimum Wage 2023

The Low Pay Commission makes recommendations to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment designed to set a minimum wage that is fair and sustainable.

When appropriate the minimum wage can be adjusted to assist as many low-paid workers as possible without harming overall employment or competitiveness.

Consultation on the National Minimum Wage 2023.

Open from 23 February to 23 March 2022.

The Low Pay Commission is looking for your views on the National Minimum Wage rate for 2023.

Have your say:

Email: secretarylpc@enterprise.gov.ie

Or post to:

The Secretary, The Low Pay Commission, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, 23 Kildare Street, Dublin 2

No opinion is too big or small.

By Waterford City & County Council

Bain triail aisti – Seachtain na Gaeilge sna Déise with Waterford City & County Council

Seachtain na Gaeilge is being celebrated in Waterford again this year, with a number of events and activities taking place, both online and in person. The Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council is collaborating with a number of different groups to provide a range of events and activities to celebrate the Irish language and culture of the Déise.

Filíocht (Poetry) le Róisín – the fifth in a series of online talks being organised by Daonscoil na Mumhan this winter will take place on Tuesday evening, 1st March from 7-8pm, with guest speaker Róisín Sheehy, who is a poet, dramatist and broadcaster. If you have not already done so, you can register for Róisín’s talk and the remaining talks in the series through the website www.daonscoilnamumhan.com

Seal le Seanchaí – If you like storytelling and listening to a good yarn you will be most welcome to join us for Seal le Seanchaí, which takes place online on Thursday, 3rd March at 7pm on Zoom. This event is being organised by Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge, in conjunction with the Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council, and with support from the national Seachtain na Gaeilge fund. Local seanachaí, Séamus Ó Lonáin will be master of ceremonies and there will be lots of folklore, stories, fables and songs shared on the night. You must register in advance with Cabríní at cabrini@glornangael.ie

Ciorcal na gCiorcal – Irish conversation groups in Waterford will have a chance to get together online for the ‘Ciorcal na gCiorcal’ event being organised by Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge and Gael-taca, Corcaigh on Tuesday, 8th March. If you would like to take part to practice your ‘cúpla focal’, you can register in advance at cabrini01@gmail.com or 087 653 2944.

Bilingual Table Quiz – this year’s Bilingual Table Quiz organised by the Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council will take place online on Thursday, 10th March at 7.30pm and is open to the public. This will be a fun table quiz, giving people a chance to use their ‘cúpla focal’ in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. You can register in advance by contacting the Irish Officer on msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie

Ceol Cois Tine – a fireside concert ‘Ceol Cois Tine’, will be broadcast on www.waterfordinyourpocket.com on Wednesday, 16th March at 7.30pm. This event is being organised by Waterford’s Older People’s Council, with the support of Waterford City & County Council’s Irish Office and the national Seachtain na Gaeilge Fund. The concert will feature a range of local talented singers, musicians and poets and will be one of the highlights of Seachtain na Gaeilge in Na Déise.

Dungarvan Trad Session – Dungarvan Trad school of music will hold a traditional Irish music session in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan at 2pm on St. Patrick’s Day and all are welcome. This event is also supported by the national Seachtain na Gaeilge Fund.

WATERFORD LIBRARY SERVICES
Staff from the Libraries throughout city and county have organised a programme of bilingual/Irish events and activities, which will take place in the coming fortnight and all of which are free of charge.

Waterford Library Service has an extensive stock of Irish language books, which will be on display in various Libraries around the city and county during Seachtain na Gaeilge, with people encouraged to borrow and read the fabulous range of Irish language books that are available for both adults and children. Also, the Libraries’ social media pages – Facebook, Twitter and Instragram – will feature the Irish language during Seachtain na Gaeilge. Details of all events and activities will be shared on the Library Service website, www.waterfordlibraries.ie

Irish Word Search – look for and translate ten Irish words/phrases in Ardkeen Library during Seachtain na Gaeilge. Pick up a worksheet, fill in the words and be in with a chance to win a small prize.

Rannta le Chéile for Children – join Cabríní de Barra from Glór na nGael in Dungarvan Library for fun rhymes and stories ‘as Gaeilge’ for families with young children. These sessions will take place at 10.30am and 11.10am on Tuesday, 8th March and spaces are limited and will be filled on a first come first served basis.

Be on the lookout for Logainm an Lae with Waterford’s Placenames Committee @Oifigeach Gaeilge Phort Láirge on Facebook during Seachtain na Gaeilge. There will be daily posts on the rich placenames heritage of the Déise, as presented on the website www.deiselogainm.ie

We would like to thank all the individuals and groups for their co-operation and support in organising the programme of events and activities for this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge Therefore, if you would like to practice your ‘cúpla focal’, or simply listen to our native language in use, please feel free to attend any of these free Seachtain na Gaeilge events. Bain sult as!

-ends-

Further information: Máire Seosaimhín Breathnach, Irish Officer: (087) 7434123

By Waterford City & County Council

FREE Wildflower Masterclass, Friday 4th March

Due to demand Waterford City & County Council are happy to announce a FREE Wildflower Masterclass which is open to all residents in the Waterford area who would like to plant a wildflower area in their community. The class will cover everything about wildflowers including planting techniques, wildflower mixes, different planting methods, where to buy your seed and much more.

  • The session will be held over Zoom on Friday 4th March 10am – 12noon.

There will be time for questions and notes will be sent to participants after the session. It is expected that this session will book out so please register your interest as soon as possible.

This two hour session covers everything you need to know about Wildflowers and creating fantastic pollinator friendly areas to improve your area. It will cover everything from rewilding to seed sowing, ground preparation, maintenance and sources of real Irish Wildflower seed. The session is lively and interactive and there is an opportunity to send in photos for the area you are considering planting, so you can get personalised advice from the horticulturalist Aoife Munn.

The Wildflower Masterclass will take place on Friday March 4th at 10 am – 12 noon. Please note this session is not recorded so you must be available at this time to attend. Registration will be taken at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/wildflower-masterclass-sponsored-by-waterford-city-county-council-registration-203642950547

By Waterford City & County Council

National Slow Down Day – 07.00hrs on Tuesday 1st March to 07.00hrs on Wednesday 2nd March 2022

An Garda Síochána will conduct a national speed enforcement operation “Slow Down”, supported by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and other stakeholders, for a 24 hour period from 07.00hrs on Tuesday 1st March to 07.00hrs on Wednesday 2nd March 2022.

The aim of “Slow Down day” is to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding, to increase compliance with speed limits and act as a deterrent to driving at excessive or inappropriate speed. The overall objective is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.

Excessive and inappropriate speed is a major contributory factor in road traffic collisions, confirmed by an RSA report on fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012 which found that excessive speed was a contributory factor in almost one third of all fatal collisions during that time. The higher the speed, the greater the likelihood is of a collision happening and the more severe the outcome of that collision.

Chief Superintendent Michael Hennebry Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said: “Firstly I would like to thank the majority of those who travel within the speed limits. However, our enforcement operations continue to detect motorists traveling at speeds significantly above the posted speed limits. This reckless behaviour poses a serious risk not just to the motorists themselves, but to all the road users, especially vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists. This is not just about speeding enforcement detections. It’s about saving lives”.

As a general rule a 1% reduction in average speed will bring about a 4% reduction in fatal collisions, and this is why reducing motorists’ speed is essential to improving road safety.

Chief Superintendent Hennebry continued:- I’m appealing to all road users to support us in our efforts to keep everybody safe on our roads.  Please slow down, check your speed, drive safely, not only on National Slow Down Day, but every day”.

Mr. Sam Waide, CEO, Road Safety Authority, said:- “Excessive speed continues to be a leading contributory factor in fatal and serious injury collisions in Ireland and internationally. It has been estimated that 30% of fatal collisions are the result of speeding or inappropriate speed. Evidence shows that many drivers are choosing to speed in our towns, villages and on rural roads. The RSA’s Free Speed observational study found that half of all drivers (52%) were observed speeding on urban roads and over a quarter (27%) were speeding on rural roads. This National Slow Down Day, and indeed every day, please remember the faster you drive, the more likely you are to crash which could result in death or serious injury. Slow down – drive at a speed that is appropriate to the conditions and your experience and remember a speed limit is not a target.”

The operation will consist of high visibility speed enforcement in 1322 speed enforcement zones. We will also deliver the message through various media channels to remind people of the potential impact on families and communities of speeding.

Government Departments, Local Authorities, Public and private sector fleet operators are invited to participate in the initiative by circulating to employees the key message of “Slow Down” and, whether driving for business or private purposes, to always drive within the speed limit and at a speed appropriate to the prevailing conditions.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Bain triail aisti – Seachtain na Gaeilge sna Déise le Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge

Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge á ceiliúradh i bPort Láirge arís i mbliana le go leor imeachtaí á n-eagrú, idir cinn ar líne agus i bpearsain. Tá Oifigeach Gaeilge Phort Láirge ag obair i gcomhar le grúpaí éagsúla chun réimse leathan imeachtaí a chur le chéile chun an Ghaeilge agus cultúr na Gaeilge a cheiliúradh.

Filíocht le Róisín – beidh an cúigiú caint i sraith cainteanna arlíne atá á n-eagrú ag Daonscoil na Mumhan don gheimhreadh ar siúl tráthnóna Dé Máirt seo chugainn, 1 Márta óna 7-8.00i.n. Is í an file, drámadóir agus craoltóir Róisín Sheehy a bheidh mar aoichainteoir agus is féidir clárú ar líne don chaint seo agus na cainteanna eile sa tsraith tríd an suíomh idirlíon www.daonscoilnamumhan.com

Seal le Seanchaí – más spéis leat scéalaíocht agus éisteacht le seanchaithe, beidh fáilte romhat a bheith linn don ócáid Seal le Seanchaí, a bheidh ar siúl ar an Déardaoin, 3 Márta ar a 7.00i.n. trí fhíschomhdháil Zoom. Tá an ócáid seo á n-eagrú ag Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge, i gcomhar le hOifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Phort Láirge agus le tacaíocht ó Chiste Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Beidh an Seanchaí áitiúil, Séamus Ó Lonáin mar fhear an tí agus beidh neart seanchais, scéalta, finscéalta agus amhráin roinnte ar an oíche. Is gá clárú roimh ré le Cabríní ag cabrini@glornangael.ie

Ciorcal na gCiorcal – Beidh seans ag Ciorcail Chomhrá na nDéise teacht le chéile le grúpaí eile don ócáid “Ciorcal na gCiorcal”, atá á n-eagrú ag Coiste Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge agus Gael-taca, Corcaigh ar an Máirt, 8 Márta. Más suim leat a bheith páirteach, is gá clárú roimh ré ag cabrini01@gmail.com nó trí ghlaoch ar 087 653 2944.

Tráth na gCeist Dátheangach – eagróidh Oifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Phort Láirge Tráth na gCeist dátheangach ar líne i mbliana ar an Déardaoin, 10 Márta ar a 7.30i.n. agus é oscailte don phobal i gcoitinne. Is gá clárú roimh ré leis an Oifigeach Gaeilge, Máire Seó Breathnach ag msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie

Ceol Cois Tine – craolfar coirmcheoil ‘Ceol Cois Tine’ ar www.waterfordinyourpocket.com ar an gCéadaoin, 16 Márta ar a 7.30i.n. Tá an choirmcheoil seo á n-eagrú ag Comhairle na Seanóirí, Port Láirge, le tacaíocht ó Oifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Phort Láirge agus ó Chiste Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Beidh réimse iontach oirfidigh os na Déise ag glacadh páirte, idir amhránaithe, ceoltóirí agus filí. Táimid ag súil go mór leis.

Seisiún Ceoil le Dungarvan Trad – beidh seisiún ceoil traidisiúnta ar siúl in Óstán Lálor, Dún Garbhán ar a 2i.n. ar Lá Fhéile Pádraig agus beidh fáilte roimh chách. Tá an ócáid seo á reachtáil le tacaíocht ó Chiste Sheachtain na Gaeilge.

SEIRBHÍSÍ LEABHARLAINNE PHORT LÁIRGE
Beidh roinnt imeachtaí Gaeilge agus dátheangacha á n-eagrú ag an bhfoireann os na leabharlanna éagsúla sa chathair agus sa chontae sa choicís amach romhainn agus iad ar fad saor in aisce.

Tá stoc mór de leabhair Ghaeilge ag Leabharlanna Phort Láirge agus beidh na leabhair seo ar thaispeáint sna leabharlanna éagsúla le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge agus iachall faoi leith á cur ar dhaoine, idir óg agus aosta, leabhair Ghaeilge a léamh. Chomh maith leis sin, foilseofar míreanna beaga Gaeilge ar leathanaigh mheáin shóisialta na Leabharlanna – Facebook, Twitter and Instragram – le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge Is féidir an t-eolas ar fad a fháil ar www.waterfordlibraries.ie agus ar leathanach Facebook @WaterfordLibraries.

Tóraíocht Taisce Focal Gaeilge – aimsigh agus aistrigh deich bhfocal/frása Gaeilge i Leabharlann Ard Chaoin le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge. Pioc suas do bhileog oibre, líon isteach na bhfocal agus beidh seans agat duais bheag a bhuachaint.

Rannta le Chéile do Pháistí – beidh Cabríní de Barra ó Ghlór na nGael i mbun rannta agus scéalaíocht as Gaeilge go pháistí óga i Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán ar an Máirt, 8 Márta ar a 10.30r.n. agus 11.10r.n. Tá líon teoranta spásanna i gceist dos na seisiúin seo agus déanfar tús freastail ar na daoine is túisce a thagann.

Bígí ag faire amach chomh maith do Logainm an Lae, a bhuíochas do Choiste Logainmneacha Phort Láirge ar leathanach Facebook Oifigeach Gaeilge Phort Láirge gach lá le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge. Tabharfar blaiseadh d’oidhreacht shaibhir logainmníochta na nDéise, mar atá sé ar fáil ar an suíomh www.deiselogainm.ie

Gabhaimid buíochas le gach duine sna seirbhísí agus eagraíochtaí éagsúla as ucht a gcomhoibriú agus a gcuid tacaíochta chun an clár imeachtaí seo a eagrú mar cheiliúradh ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge i mbliana. Mar sin, má tá suim agat freastal ar réimse imeachtaí trí Ghaeilge, nó do chúpla focal féin a chleachtadh, tá rud éigint duit le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge i mbliana. Bain sult as!

-críoch-

Tuilleadh eolais: Máire Seosaimhín Breathnach, Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge (087) 7434123

By Waterford City & County Council

Housing Minister visits Waterford City

Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage visited Waterford on Friday February 25th to officially open Butterfield, Mount Neil Estate at Carrickphierish.

Comprising of 57 units, Phase 1 is now completed and occupied with Phase 2 tenancy scheduled for March 2022. The development was funded through the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme and was constructed by Frisby Homes Ltd. The Minister along with tenant families, representatives from Waterford City and County Council, Circle Voluntary Housing Association, Mayor of Waterford City and County and local councillors, officially cut the ribbon to the completed estate.

The Minister visited 45-47 Morgan Street, a former public house that has been derelict for almost 10 years. Seven apartments are being delivered through the Repair and Lease Scheme with completion scheduled for April 2022.

The Minister also visited St, Joseph’s House, a former religious convent on a landmark site on Manor Hill.  Through the Repair and Lease Scheme, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, 71 dwellings for the elderly will be delivered. Of the 71 dwellings, 50 units are located within the main building and 21 located in the various out-building clusters on the site, while the former chapel on the site will be proposed as community space for multiple uses by tenants.

Since 2016, Waterford Council has been actively seeking to reduce the level of vacant homes across Waterford City and County. The Council’s Vacant Homes Team works to encourage vacant property owners to allow their properties to be used for social housing through the Repair and Leasing Scheme and the Buy and Renew Scheme.  The Repair and Lease Scheme has been particularly successful in delivering 1-bed and 2-bed units in urban areas where there is a proportionately larger demand for this type of accommodation.

Minister O’Brien said, “The housing projects and developments being spearheaded by Waterford City and County Council have eradicated a significant amount of dereliction in the city.”

“Under the Housing for All scheme, by increasing residential developments in Ireland’s cities and providing for the efficient use of existing stock, cities such as Waterford are well placed to deliver strong sustainable communities for families to flourish in.”

“Coupled with this the recent €27m Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) allocated by my department last year is enabling Waterford realise its vision of being a city that offers a broad range of opportunities for people to live, work and play in its re-imagined places and spaces.”

The Minister also launched Waterford Council’s Affordable Housing Purchase Scheme which will be open to first time buyers who are currently unable to get a mortgage for a new house in Waterford City.

Minister O’Brien said, “Today is important as we launch the first Affordable Housing Fund-supported affordable purchase housing scheme under the Government’s Housing for All plan which will see an average of 6,000 affordable homes available nationally each year.”

“The Affordable Purchase Scheme opens up opportunities for purchasers who have been unable to access mortgage funding to date due to a shortfall in available funding. Eligible buyers will be able to access the Local Authority Home Loan and the Help to Buy scheme. We see today as another significant milestone in meeting our commitment to support home ownership and increase affordability.”

The houses in Kilbarry, Williamstown and Carrickphierish will be available for purchase and interested persons should log onto www.waterfordcouncil.ie to express an interest in the scheme and find further details.

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

WC&CC Affordable Housing Scheme – register your interest using our Online Form

Waterford City & County Council is seeking to progress affordable housing in Waterford City at a number of locations in partnership with developers and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

DEADLINE : Thursday March 31, 2022 at 5:00 PM

For first time buyers who are currently unable to get a mortgage for a new house in Waterford City the affordable housing scheme will provide for:

· The purchase of a home from our partner developers using mortgage borrowing to the greatest extent possible, within the income capacity of the purchaser/s and the Central Bank prudential rules.

· The Council to take shared equity in the home to cover the shortfall in the price to a maximum of 40% and a minimum of 5%.

The Shared Equity by the Council in the home can be redeemed at any stage in the future by payment to the Council or may be left in place until a future sale of the property or for the lifetime of the purchaser/s.

Interested persons should note that:

· You will have to be able to meet the 10% deposit requirement of the money borrowed.

· The purchaser/s will be eligible for the Help to Buy scheme for first time buyers. Help to Buy Scheme link · Purchaser/s may be eligible for a Local Authority Home Loan (LAHL). Local Authority Home Loan link

In general you, as an individual or joint applicant, will need to have a Gross Income of between €55,000 and €70,000 to be eligible for this scheme.

If you wish to register an interest in purchasing a home in Waterford City please register here: https://submit.link/Kc

 

ONLINE ASSESSMENT – IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

· This is a provisional expression of interest only, for the purpose of gathering information and determining potential levels of interest.

· Eligibility criteria may change from time to time.

· Completion of the assessment does not imply eligibility or convey approval in any form, to a future offer of affordable housing by Waterford City & County Council.

· This is not a waiting list and will not determine priority.

· The existence of this register does not preclude others from applying to be considered for affordable housing.

· The data submitted by you as part of this submission, will be retained for as long as the relevant statutory provisions remain in force and may be used for the following purposes:

– The establishment of a register of provisional levels of interest in affordable housing provided by Waterford City & County Council but will not form any part of a wait list.

– To make further contact with applicants to confirm continuing interest and for final confirmation of actual interest.

– The potential onward transfer of the data to a register maintained by Waterford City and County Council of confirmed interest, which can be used as part of the process for final evaluation, prior to provisional approval for affordable Housing

– The potential onward transfer to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government or the Housing Agency as part of any evaluation or approval process associated with affordable housing.

– As a base register from which a list of approved applications may be derived to be passed on to a builder/developer of affordable homes.

This information is sought by the Housing Department of Waterford City &County Council and retained in pursuance of the functions of Waterford City & County Council in relation to housing under the Housing Acts 1966-2015 and in relation to affordable housing under Part 5 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions ) Act 2009 and Section 96 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended and Affordable Housing Act 2021.

For queries, please email: affordablehomes@waterfordcouncil.ie

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