Latest News & Announcements - Waterford City & County Council

26th August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Major flood prevention works to protect Waterford rail line underway

Works from late August to early 2026 will affect some off-peak morning rail services, Mondays to Thursdays – via IRISH RAIL

Major flood prevention works to protect the rail line on the approach to Waterford are underway, as part of the Waterford North Quays Development, Iarnród Éireann has advised customers.

The flood prevention works will be undertaken by contractors for Waterford City and County Council (WCCC) and will address the recurring flooding issue which has occurred over many years at this location and ensure the railway service is climate resilient into the future.

As well as ensuring rail services are no longer impacted by flooding, both to the existing station and the new Plunkett Station from 2027, the works will allow a new electrical signalling system to replace the mechanical system which has been in place, and reinstate track capacity and routes to / from Waterford.

The company is advising customers that the flood defence works will necessitate disruption to some off-peak rail services on Monday to Thursday mornings over a total of six months, from late August onwards (excluding the Christmas season). Waterford North Quays Public Transport elements are funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority.

What do the flood defence works involve?

The Flood Defence system will comprise a combination of sheet piled walls, impermeable trenches and an extensive drainage network with two associated pumping stations.

This infrastructure is to be installed from Sally Park in the west to east of the new Plunkett Station and Transport Hub, over a 1.1km length.

The specific works on the Western Flood Defence Wall which will require service impacts are over an 800 metre section, from the western end of the main Plunkett Station platform to east of the Waterford West signal cabin.

Due to the depth to rock, the sheet piles are up to 25metre in height and 0.6m wide and will be installed generally along the low watermark line. The wall line is located 5metres to 7metres from the passenger track. The flood defence wall will be installed from the River Suir, by means of two large barges and a piling rig.

Service impacts from works

Iarnród Éireann has worked with WC&CC and BAM (main contractor) throughout the project to minimise disruption to rail services and to identify the optimum approach to these works.

On detailed review of the works, due to the potential to foul the line, Iarnród Éireann has identified that line closure is required and unavoidable. This will be during the lifting and placing of piles due to their length, the working environment and the proximity to the railway.

The agreed work programme seeks to balance the timescale for delivery of the flood defence system with avoiding disruption to the busiest rail services on the route.

25^th August to 27^th November 2025, and 5^th January to 26^th March 2026

Works will take place from 08:00hrs to 14:30hrs on Mondays to Thursdays during the above dates. As a result, the following service alterations will apply:

07:20hrs and 10:15hrs Dublin Heuston to Waterford will terminate at Kilkenny, with bus transfers from Kilkenny to Thomastown and Waterford
11:00hrs and 13:05hrs Waterford to Dublin Heuston will have bus transfers from Waterford and Thomastown to Kilkenny, and train from Kilkenny to Heuston. Please note bus transfers will depart Waterford at 10:45hrs and 12:50hrs respectively, please check Journey planner for details.
09:45hrs Limerick Junction to Waterford will terminate at Carrick-on-Suir with bus transfer from Carrick-on-Suir to Waterford

This ensures that only two of eight services each way daily between Waterford and Dublin are affected Mondays to Thursdays, and that weekends are unaffected. It will also ensure that full services operate throughout December and the New Year period, crucial for city centre traders and tourism.

ENDS

25th August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Become an EPA Citizen Scientist and measure air quality in Waterford City this October

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Waterford City and County Council, today launched Clean Air Together Waterford, a citizen science project to measure air quality in Waterford. 

Four hundred people, businesses and community groups across Waterford City and environs are needed to sign up to help measure levels of the air pollutant Nitrogen Dioxide this autumn. Kicking off in October, the project will help us better understand air quality in Waterford city, and what needs to be done to improve it.

These ‘Citizen Scientists’ will use small measurement tubes to assess levels of Nitrogen Dioxide, a major traffic-related pollutant known to be harmful to our health and the environment. Together with all of the other data collected, these measurements will give a detailed snapshot of air pollution from traffic in the city.

Speaking ahead of the launch, EPA Director, Dr Micheal Lehane said, “The EPA is delighted to be bringing the Clean Air Together project to Waterford City. The project is a great opportunity for the people of Waterford city to become Citizen Scientists and play an active part in developing a better picture of – and learning more about – air pollution in their own city. Data from this project will also provide important air quality data to the EPA and the Council.

“Taking part in the project is free and open to all residents, businesses or community groups in Waterford City and its environs. Please visit  www.cleanairtogether.ie to find out more and register to participate”. 

Taking part could not be simpler – you don’t need to be an expert, and the project is open to everyone. Once registered and selected, you will be sent a test kit with a measurement tube and easy instructions on how to get started. Participants will install their measurement tube on Thursday 2^nd October and leave it in place for four weeks as it captures levels of Nitrogen Dioxide. Participants collect the tube on Thursday 30^th October and post it back to the EPA, free of charge. The tube will be analysed and a map of all results showing Nitrogen Dioxide levels measured across the city will be published early in 2026.

When the project is completed, the EPA will publish a map showing the results at www.cleanairtogether.ie, allowing you to compare your results to those in other parts of the city.

Celebrating the project’s launch, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said:, “I very much welcome this campaign to Waterford City and its environs and would encourage the people of Waterford to get involved. We can all play our role in helping to alleviate air pollution in our city.

“The importance of clean, breathable, quality air can never be underestimated. Its benefits are manifold and have wide-ranging implications on our health, our well-being, our communities and our environment. The data gathered from the Clean Air Together campaign will not only help the EPA and Waterford City and County Council better understand nitrogen dioxide pollution in Waterford City, but more importantly it will help influence policies and put measures in place to reduce these levels.”

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council added, “This initiative aligns very well with Waterford City and County Council’s ambition for the city to attain carbon neutrality by 2040. The reduction of major emissions and the development of meaningful sustainability must be done through innovation and in equal measure, collaboration and behavioural change.

“That is why the engagement of the public in this Clean Air Together project is paramount for the Council and the EPA to identify what steps can be taken to reduce nitrogen dioxide in our communities and to help to make Waterford the home to Ireland’s Cleanest Air.”

You can find more information and register to participate on the Clean Air Together project website. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 17^th September 2025

22nd August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

New footpath in Tramore improves safety and connectivity for residents

For many years, wheelchair user Helen Cullen found it difficult to exit the front of her home on the Waterford Road in Tramore. “I didn’t feel safe coming onto a main road and having to look through the windows of parked cars just to see if I could access the route to the beach or town,” Helen said.

Following the completion of a new footpath delivered by Waterford City and County Council under its Active Travel Programme, safety and connectivity have now significantly improved for Helen and other residents in the area.

“Before the works, I had to use my back entrance, but now I can safely use a new ramp and wheel straight onto a lovely new footpath and go about my day,” Helen said. “The new path has made the area much safer. The place looks fresher and better. It’s great.”

The new footpath connects to existing pedestrian infrastructure and serves as an important link for people walking to local destinations such as Tramore AFC and Tramore GAA Club. It also improves access for those who use the route to walk to the Ring Road and the town centre.

The Waterford Road, Tramore Active Travel scheme is part of Waterford City and County Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable, active travel options for residents and visitors. Construction recently started on a dedicated two-way cycle track on the Tramore Ring Road.

“We all know how important it is to feel safe walking in our own communities,” said Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Séamus Ryan. “Whether it’s a child walking to football training, someone from the area heading into town, or a wheelchair user like Helen coming out her front door, this new footpath is already making a real difference. It’s part of our ongoing work to make Tramore and Waterford safer, more connected, and easier to get around on foot or by bike.”

Tramore AFC also welcomed the new footpath. Club Treasurer Stuart Kennedy said: “Our members, especially the younger ones, now have a safe route to walk to training and matches. Parents can feel confident knowing their children are walking safely on the new path, without having to navigate a busy road.”

ENDS

Photos: Helen Cullen

21st August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Vibrant murals by talented local artist on display in Ardkeen Library

The stunning work of Waterford artist, Lisa Murphy, is now prominently displayed on the walls of the children’s library at Ardkeen Library.

Over the summer the artist hosted workshops for the library’s younger service users to get their ideas and input to help create a fantastical, creative and welcoming space, particularly for toddlers and primary school aged children.

The murals stretch brightly across two walls and the impact is remarkable.

The first wall includes the quote “Library Kids are going to save the world” by librarian Mychal Threets, a true advocate of libraries, a passionate reader and a TikTok sensation.

The second wall is adorned by an exploding book of adventure and ideas. This mural takes inspiration from Creative Ireland’s directive to mainstream creativity in the community and promote future wellbeing, with libraries at the heart of creativity in the community.

Nicola Spendlove, Creative Communities Engagement Officer, Waterford City and County Council was delighted to visit the library and see Lisa putting the finishing touches to the murals, saying “Art like this doesn’t just make the space more beautiful, it sparks conversation and imagination in those who view it. The library is such a formative place where we can discover lifelong passions and community as children.

“Lisa’s murals shout out loud and clear that children are not just welcome in Ardkeen Library, but are a respected and integral part of its fabric.”

-ends-

Images: Patrick Browne

Tracy McEneaney and Catherine Grant of Waterford Libraries, Artist Lisa Murphy and Nicola Spendlove Creative Communities, Waterford City and County Council.

20th August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Closure Arrangements : Harvest Festival 2025

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 road to through traffic on the dates listed below to facilitate the Waterford Harvest Festival:

Roads to be closed

From 6am Friday 5th until 10pm Sunday 7th September 2025

L5532 Arundel Square
L5531 Peter Street
L15237 Michael Street North (from its junction with Patricks St. to Lady Lane)
L91092 Broad Street
L91091 Barronstrand Street
L90352 Georges Street
L90353 Blackfriars Lane
L90354 Arundel Lane
L90355 Little Patrick Street
L55301 Bakehouse Lane
L1525 Patrick Street
L15023 Sargents Lane (from its Junction with Jenkins Lane Car Park)
L1502 O’Connell Street (from its Junction with Thomas Street)
L5501 Gladstone Street

From 6am Saturday 6th September until 10pm Sunday 7th September 2025

L1528 Johns Street (Applemarket)

Diversion Routes

A comprehensive Traffic Management Plan will be in place from the start of the road closures and all alternative routes will be signposted.

Access to the Cork Road from Ballybricken Green shall be via Mayors Walk and Barrack Street.
Access to The Quays from Ballybricken shall be via James Street & Vulcan Street.
There will be no access to The Quays from O’Connell Street after Vulcan Street.
Access and egress to Jenkins Lane Car Park shall be via Meeting House Lane only.
Entry to Patrick Street will controlled by security and barriers at its junction with Stephens Street and Carrigeen Park and all non-permitted traffic shall be directed to Stephens Street and onto Lady Lane. Traffic Permitted to the closed section of Patrick Street is limited to Taxis, Festival Production and Emergency Vehicles.
Access to Alexander Street shall be via Stephen Street, with egress via Lady Lane.
The traffic direction on the section of Lady Lane from Michael Street to Bakehouse Lane shall be reversed for the duration of the Road Closures

Emergency Access

Access will be maintained for the emergency services at all times to all areas subject to these road closures.

Local Residents

As on street car parking on the above streets will be unavailable during the event car owners who reside on the effected streets will be asked to relocate to other area of the city. Any vehicle found parked in such areas will be impounded and will be subject to a release cost.

Deliveries

All businesses within the cordon area are being asked to avoid, if possible, deliveries to and from their premises during the festival period. No unauthorised vehicles will be allowed within the site area between the hours of 8am – 9pm.

Car Parking

Access to all city centre car parks will be unaffected.
Public Parking on High Street (from its junction with Exchange Street Car park to Conduit lane) shall be unavailable from 6am Friday 5th until Sunday 7th September.

Public Transport

Buses

The following Bus Routes will be affected:

W4 – Peter Street to Browns Road.

Full details will be made available closer to the event from Bus Éireann.

Taxis

Arising from the closure of Peter Street and Arundel Square the Peter Street Taxi Rank shall be closed for the duration of the Road Closures. With the closure of the Peter Street rank the nearest main rank shall be 50m away at the appointed stand on Patrick Street.

Signage within City Square Shopping Centre and at Peter Street will direct users to the Patrick Street rank.

19th August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

€408,469 in Outdoor Recreation Funding Announced for Waterford

On Thursday August 14^th, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced funding of €8.7 million to deliver 221 recreational based projects nationwide through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). The funding announced is in respect of Measure 1 (small scale repair and development of recreational infrastructure) and the Project Development Measure of the Scheme.

The announcement shows the government’s commitment to ongoing investment in recreational facilities such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based amenities and mountain access routes through ORIS. It also will directly support the ambitions of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy – ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors.’

In Waterford applications to the scheme were submitted by Waterford City and County Council and separately by Waterford Leader Partnership CLG in collaboration with local community groups, trail management organisations and other stakeholders. In total, 10 outdoor recreation projects will receive €408,469 in funding.

The following were the successful projects:

Waterford City and County Council Projects:

Ardmore Pier and Boat Cove – Upgrade of Ardmore Pier and Boat cove to facilitate access for sea swimming – €40,000.
Beach access route at Crooke – Improvement of walking route and provision of safe access onto the beach to complete a walking loop between Passage East and Crooke – €40,000
Dunmore East Woods – new trail section at Lacey’s Wood – Upgrade works to the existing informal trail through Lacey’s Wood section of woodland to the north of Dunmore East – €39,510
Promotion of outdoor recreation in Waterford – To highlight the range of outdoor recreation opportunities and experiences in Waterford – €40,000
Waterford Greenway Play Trail upgrade – Repair and upgrade of Crooked Bridge Play and Amenity Area at Crooked Bridge, Garrynageragh East – €40,000
Project Development Measure: Accessibility audit of coastal and river access points – Accessibility and safety audit at beaches, coastal and river access points including harbours and slipways for walking, swimming and water sports – €50,000

Waterford Leader Partnership CLG Projects:

Enhancing outdoor accessibility and biodiversity measures on the Anne Valley Walk – Installation and upgrade of multi-access infrastructure on the Anne Valley Walk – €39,848
Improving Accessibility on the Tallow Ramp Boreen – Repairing trail erosion, improving drainage, and clearing vegetation for better accessibility on the Ramp Boreen – €39,376
Reroute of St. Declan’s Way off-road via St. Declan’s Well, Monalummery – Reroute St. Declan’s Way through St. Declan’s Well and boreens, reopening 1.4km of off-road paths – €39,998
Project Development Measure: Planning the Development of the Glentanagree Bridge “Barracks” Trailhead & Recreation Site – Works to include trail assessment, ecological assessment and management plan to bring site into use – €44,737.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan welcomed this positive announcement for Waterford’s outdoor amenities by saying, “It is wonderful news to see the recent funding announcement under ORIS 2024/2025. Over the past decade in particular Waterford has witnessed the development and upgrade of numerous wonderful outdoor recreation experiences which we can be truly proud of. Not only do these amenities enhance Waterford’s reputation as an outdoor destination for visitors to the area but they also help ensure the health and well-being of the local population and help build resilience in our communities.

“I would like to warmly congratulate staff at Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Leader Partnership CLG involved in the submission of these applications, as well as sincerely thanking the community groups who were highly involved in the application process.”

Stakeholders involved in the area of outdoor recreation here in Waterford are currently preparing the first ever Waterford Outdoor Recreation Plan, in line with the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy.

All of the projects funded under this most recent announcement will very much support the implementation on this plan once it is launched in late 2025.

More details of this latest ORIS funding announcement and other outdoor recreation information can be found here

19th August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Heritage Week Begins with a Battle Cry at Woodstown

On Sunday, August 17^th, visitors to the Waterford Greenway enjoyed a thrilling start to Heritage Week in Waterford at the Aonach na nDéise Viking Festival.

Back for its eight year and attracting nearly 2,000 visitors over the course of the weekend the event played host to over 120 re-enactors from Déise Medieval, including six visiting re-enactors from Iceland.

The increasingly popular festival is supported by Waterford City and County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Museum of Ireland, TVAS Archaeology, The Discovery Programme, Abarta Heritage and SETU.

A great addition this year was Fuinseog Woodland Crafts who brought entertainment and a new world of wooden games to everyone aged three to seventy-three, along with regular features such as the Irish Wolfhounds, Viking Boat and wonderful craft displays in the Viking Village.

The Outreach Education Team from the National Museum of Ireland, TVAS Archaeologists and the Discovery Programme were also on hand with fun challenges and fascinating displays.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan was in attendance and praised the level of activity, energy and entertainment provided at the event.

Also on site to view the activities and the value of the Community Monuments Fund for supporting events such as this were Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler T.D and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan T.D.

There they met with the participating groups and commended the strong collaboration behind the project, acknowledging the significance of the Woodstown Viking Site which is unparalleled in Ireland.

Aonach na nDéise will be back next year with more battle tactics and Viking craftwork.

18th August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Lismore wastewater network to undergo additional upgrades

Uisce Éireann is continuing its work to upgrade the wastewater network in Lismore. During recent works, additional areas of the wastewater network were identified that require further attention. To address these, a follow-on phase of work will begin this week and continue until the end of September.

As part of these works, several storm gulleys will be connected into the new storm sewer, two manholes will be replaced, and approximately 205 metres of new storm sewer will be installed.

The works will take place from the entrance of the hotel carpark down to the water fountain feature.

David Shalloo, Portfolio Manager with Uisce Éireann said: “These additional works are a necessary step in strengthening the wastewater network in Lismore and ensuring its long-term reliability. We’re committed to delivering these upgrades as efficiently as possible while minimising disruption for the local community. We appreciate everyone’s continued patience and cooperation as we carry out this important phase of work.”

To facilitate the safe and efficient delivery of these works, traffic management will be in place in the form of a stop/go system, and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Upon completion, Waterford County Council will carry out reinstatement works on the affected section of the N72 road.

The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Shareridge.

18th August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Biodiversity events during National Heritage Week

As part of National Heritage Week, Waterford City and County Council’s Biodiversity Office is hosting a series of wildlife-related events throughout the city and county.

Tues. 19^th August:

11a.m. – 1p.m. Loch sa Leabharlann, a dual-language interactive talk with WCCC Biodiversity Officer and NPWS Conservation Ranger, Éinne Ó Cathasaigh on the species and habitats of Ireland and their connection to our language. We will bring some of the habitats of the count to you in Dungarvan Library – you do not need to be an Irish speaker to join in. All ages welcome.

Register here or walk in on the day: Loch sa Leabharlann | An interactive dual-language talk on habitats Tickets, Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 11:00 | Eventbrite

7.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m. Bankside Bat Walk on the Colligan River.

Join WCCC Biodiversity and Waters team for a two-hour exploration in Colligan Woods of the freshwater habitats and the animals that call its waters and woodlands home. Starting with a delve into the animals living underwater and then taking out the bat detectors to find out how many species of bat live here. All ages welcome, please ensure to wear appropriate clothing.

Limited capacity. Attendees must register here in advance: Heritage Week: Bankside Bat Walk on the Colligan River Tickets, Tue, Aug 19, 2025 at 7:30 PM | Eventbrite

Weds. 20^th August:

1p.m. – 2p.m. Not Stopping Now! For the Ocean lunchtime webinar series continues with a Heritage Week special on ‘Marine Research’ in Ireland. We will be joined by research Anthony Adu-Gyamfi to chat about Life amongst the Seaweed Farms and his research on animals living within these areas in close proximity to seagrass habitats. Kerry Biodiversity Officer will talk through the extent of Ireland’s marine area and the work that is being carried out by MTU in Tralee Bay on Angel Sharks. This is a collaboration between WCCC, An Taisce Climate Ambassadors, The Heritage Council, Kerry CoCo, ATU Marine and Freshwater Research Centre and MTU.

Online event, register here: https://eeu-antaisce-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U5rz97HRTfCJ5ttJV2PDNQ

Thurs. 21^st August

Starting at 1p.m. Seagrass Sessions Photography Workshop for ages 18+ with Dr. Tasneem Khan. Tell the story of seagrass through the camera lens. The Waterford County County Council Climate Action Office invites you to explore, document and celebrate our hidden seagrass meadows off Tramore, on a half day, shallow water photography workshop with biologist and photographer Tasneem Khan. This will happen from the meeting spot at Lisselan Intake, Tramore.

Sat. 23^rd August

10a.m. – 4p.m. One-day Pollinator Planting Workshop for communities in Portlaw with Aoife Munn. Ages 18+

Topics covered include:

Pollinator planting techniques,
Drought resistant plants,
Mini pond building
Wildlife movement
Rewilding and managed areas
Water conservation and much more!

Participants will need to bring gardening gloves and a keep cup (reusable cup of any type) with them on the day and a packed lunch. Tea and Coffee will be supplied.

The course is lively and interactive with free gifts to take home for all participants.

Attendance by registration only at: www.tinyurl.com/PollinatorPlantingPortlaw

Please note booking is only through the links provided.

All events are registration only except for Loch sa Leabhlann in Dungarvan Library. All events listed can be found on www.heritageweek.ie when filtered for Waterford.

18th August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Clean Air Together Waterford

Clean Air Together Waterford City is an exciting citizen science project led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with Waterford City and County Council.

The project aims to recruit 400 participants to measure levels of the traffic-related air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), across Waterford City and environs.

If you are interested in participating you can sign up today by visiting www.cleanairtogether.ie

18th August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Ardkeen Library celebrates India Day

On Saturday, August 16^th, Ardkeen Library hosted a celebration of India Day.

The coffee morning, organised by Waterford Libraries staff, was well attended with almost 350 people enjoying a showcase of Indian food and culture.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan welcomed the attendees, saying the event was an opportunity to show support and appreciation for the Indian community in Waterford.

Tracy McEneaney, Executive Librarian, Waterford Libraries, explained the reason behind organising the event. “We are lucky to have an Indian community that enriches Waterford. The appreciation and esteem that the Indian community is held in Waterford was very much evidenced by the fantastic turnout on the day and by the support we received from local businesses in helping us put the event together.”

14th August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards Celebrates its 21st year

The launch of the 21st Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards took place at The Park Hotel recently and speaking at the launch Deputy Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr. John Pratt acknowledged the work of the PPN, saying

“Waterford has a proud tradition of volunteering and community action, it is what connects our towns, villages and rural areas and Waterford PPN has played a huge role in this by supporting and giving a voice to its 780 member groups/organisations enabling them to shape a better, more inclusive and more vibrant Waterford”

The awards scheme is Waterford’s only platform celebrating the vibrancy of the community and voluntary sector. It honours the dedication and passion of volunteers and organisations that strengthen wellbeing, inclusion and community life and well- being. Rooted in empowerment, inclusivity and active citizenship the awards shine a light on the often unsung heroes that build a stronger more connected society and inspire others to get involved.

None of this would be possible without the generous support and commitment of the sponsors whose belief in community values helps honor and uplift the unsung heroes among us. Their support reflects a shared dedication to building a vibrant, inclusive and connected Waterford for all. This year’s awards are in collaboration with Waterford City & County Council, Waterford Volunteer Centre, Expressway, Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership, South East Energy Agency, BHP Insurance, Cairde Credit Union & Waterford Credit Union, Local Link Waterford & Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Marion O’ Mara Secretariat member from the Waterford PPN thanked all the sponsors and stated “The longevity of these awards is a true testament to the enduring spirit of volunteerism in Waterford and to all those who have supported this initiative over the years from our committed Council and generous sponsors to the tireless efforts of the PPN Secretariat and staff.

Group Categories & Prizes

Children & Youth
Community Safety
Environment & Conservation
Health & Wellbeing
Spick & Span/Best Kept Residential Area
Social Enterprise
Social Inclusion & Community Support

Winners of the above awards will receive €700 per category and there will be 2 runner prizes of €300 per category.

Individual Volunteer of the Year Awards

Age Friendly Volunteer of the year
Board/Committee Member of the year
Junior Volunteer of the Year

The winner will receive a crystal award and a certificate of achievement.

Pride of Place National Award

The prestigious Pride of Place National Award will go to one standout group, selected from the seven category winners who will go on to represent Waterford in the National All Island Pride of Place Awards taking place in 2026.

Closing Date – Closing date for receipt of nominations is Wednesday 3^rd SEPTEMBER 2025

For further information, Terms & Conditions and nomination forms please visit www.waterfordppn.ie call 058 21198 or email waterfordppn@gmail.com

Now is the time to nominate the volunteers, groups, and community champions who are making a real difference in Waterford. Let’s give them the recognition they deserve.

14th August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Closing: Heritage Week “Wonder Wander” photo competition

Only a couple of days left to enter the “Wonder Wander Photo Competition.

“Do you have a favourite historic window, door, gate, shopfront or architectural feature in Waterford? Maybe it’s a charming doorway, a beautifully rusted iron gate, or an old timber shopfront with stories to tell.

We’re inviting photographers of all ages to take part in our National Heritage Week “Wonder Wander Photo Competition”, celebrating the hidden and historic gems scattered throughout Waterford’s streets.

✨ Whether you’re under 18 or a grown-up with an eye for detail, grab your phone or camera and snap your favourite historic feature in Waterford City.

What we’re looking for:

Historic windows
Doors with a story
Beautiful or unusual gates
Old shopfronts
Any distinctive architectural detail you love

🏆 Prizes:

Under 18s: €75 Waterford Chamber of Commerce voucher
Adults: €100 Waterford Chamber of Commerce voucher

📝 How to enter:

Fill out our quick entry form and submit your photo – tell us a little bit about your chosen feature

ENTER HERE

Wonder Wander Trails:

📅 Deadline for entries: 1st September 2025

Let your eye wander… and share the wonder.

#WonderWanderWaterford #Heritage Week #HiddenHistory #PhotoCompetition

13th August 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Exploring our Foundations during National Heritage Week

National Heritage Week runs from Saturday, August 16th to Sunday, August 24th with a fascinating range of events for all ages and interests right across Waterford city and county.

This year’s theme ‘Exploring our Foundations’ invites us to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us.

In Waterford, Heritage Week kicks off this weekend with Áonach na nDéise – Woodstown Viking Festival at the Waterford Greenway. This signature event of Waterford’s Heritage Week Programme, supported by Waterford City and County Council, is now in its eight year.

The free, family-friendly event draws great crowds every year for those who want to enjoy vigorous Viking fighting in battle re-enactments and explore the range of crafts in the Viking Village from blacksmithing to spinning and weaving, jewellery making and leatherworking, to pottery and woodturning.

There’ll be Viking games and storytelling for children, along with the outreach education team from the National Museum of Ireland and TVAS Archaeologists with their Dig in a Box for the aspiring Indiana Joneses.

The Discovery Programme will also have a display explaining very exciting findings from three years of geophysical surveys from the site.

A Viking Boat, Birds of Prey Display and Irish Wolfhounds are always very popular with attendees. With plenty of food trucks and green spaces available on site, it’s the perfect picnic spot.

The great Viking spectacle takes place from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, August 16^th and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, August 17^th.

The event may be accessed by walking/cycling (10 minutes) from Carriganore Car Park along the Greenway (adjacent to X91 XD96) turning left on crossing N25 flyover.

You can check out all the fantastic events taking place in Waterford during National Heritage Week at https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings