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Waterford City & County Council

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By Waterford City & County Council

Siro’s Full Fibre Broadband Roll Out In Tramore Underway

SIRO, Ireland’s leading provider of 100% fibre broadband, has announced the expansion of its network to Tramore. Construction works in the town to facilitate SIRO’s network build have already commenced and will continue during the first half of 2024.

SIRO’s fibre network will be available to over 4,000 premises in the town upon completion of the build.

The announcement was made as part of a presentation by senior SIRO representatives to the monthly meeting of Waterford City and County Council on Thursday.

Tramore will join Waterford city and Dungarvan as SIRO-enabled full fibre broadband towns. SIRO first rolled out its network to Waterford city in 2019 with over 12,000 premises in the city which can now connect to its network.

Similarly, its build in Dungarvan will complete early this year, with almost 3,200 premises fibre enabled, with the majority of Dungarvan premises already live on the SIRO network.

The network expansion to Tramore, will see over 19,000 premises and over 52,000 County Waterford residents passed by the SIRO network.

Areas in Tramore which will benefit from the rollout include: Moonvoy Valley, Glenroad, Mountfield, Strandhill, Somerville, Meadowbrook, Ard Haven, Main & St. Patrick St, Priest’s Rd, Westbrook, Newtown, Carrigealea.

The first homes in Tramore will be able to order the new broadband services from April 2024, with the remainder coming on stream over the following months.

The rollout of a full fibre broadband network in Tramore is part of SIRO’s ongoing network growth. SIRO is targeting more than 700,000 premises in towns and cities across Ireland by 2026. To date, almost 550,000 premises in 135 towns across the country can access the SIRO network. Overall, SIRO is investing more than €1 billion in delivering high speed, future proofed broadband across Ireland.

SIRO Chief Executive Officer, John Keaney, commented, “SIRO’s expansion in Tramore is part of our ongoing objective to provide accessible and future proofed fibre broadband services to communities across Ireland.

“Reliable connectivity is now a critical infrastructure for all communities and towns, like Tramore. Having this service for your home or business fosters economic development, drives job creation and underpins thriving and sustainable communities“, added Mr. Keaney.

Michael Walsh, Waterford City and County Council Chief Executive, stated: “The expansion of SIRO’s Full Fibre broadband network is welcome news for the County. We believe that, by promoting the digital agenda through a dynamic workforce and enhanced infrastructure, we can secure sustainable economic growth and prosperity into the future.

“Establishing a secure and universal digital connectivity is crucial for unlocking economic, social, and environmental potential. This encompasses facilitating increased remote work, creating job prospects, accessing new markets for businesses, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of public services, and fostering more adaptable work environments.

“Additionally, digital technologies can significantly contribute to the revitalisation of our towns and villages. Furthermore, they can play a vital role in decreasing energy and resource consumption and supporting the process of decarbonisation.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Maintenance works at Kilbarry Nature Park

Over the coming weeks (15/01/24 – 09/02/24) we will be carrying out management and maintenance works at Kilbarry Nature Park, including the clearance of vegetation from the side slopes.

The purpose of the same is to implement a maintenance programme to ensure establishing trees are permitted sufficient space and not hampered by aggressive growing and fast colonising vegetation such as gorse and briars. This is in line with best practices for tree establishment in the Forestry and Landscape Guidelines.

20-meter sections will be cleared of gorse, briars and other aggressive vegetation shall be controlled with strategically planted trees being maintained. Works will be completed in advance of the nesting season under Section 40(1) (a) of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford selected to host World Rally Championship

Rallying clubs, motor enthusiasts and the business community across the South East are celebrating today, as MotorSport Ireland President Mr. Aiden Harper announced the World Rally Championships is set to be hosted in the region for one of the three years, with Limerick and Kerry hosting the other two years.

This will be the largest event ever to be staged in the region, with the base camp being specially erected in Waterford, attracting thousands of visitors to Waterford and surrounding counties, as well as 841 million TV viewers across the world.

Graham Scallan, Chairman of the South East Region Group (SERG), thanked the panel of Motorsport Ireland and FIA delegates for selecting the South East to host this world event over the coming years, saying. “We are thrilled, honoured and humbled by the successful outcome, all members involved in our voluntary bid committee put in a huge amount of work to help us achieve this result. The nine clubs have 472 years of experience in running motorsport events and we look forward to working closely with the WRC Promoter on planning the event. I would also like to thank the County Councils, Chambers of Commerce and Local Authorities in the South East Region, The Port of Waterford and everyone who supported us on our successful bid.”

According to James Coleman, Vice-Chair of SERG (South East Regional Group): “It has taken months of hard work to get to this point and we couldn’t be more overjoyed. The collaborative effort across the region that was shown in order to get this over the line was exemplary and we look forward to working with all stakeholders as we set about making this the best World Rally Championship venue ever. Having three South East Local Authority Chief Executives, namely Michael Walsh, Lar Power and Tom Enright, involved in the process showed unity and collaboration across the region, which is hugely important, not just in terms of the World Rally Championship, but for the development of our region as a whole.

“We presented an unmatched opportunity for an exhilarating and successful event, equipped with our excellent road networks and infrastructure, providing convenient access for both participants and spectators. Waterford City offers ample accommodation opportunities, picturesque landscapes with historical cultural attractions as an ideal backdrop for the world rally championship.

“It is fitting the event is coming to the homeplace of the late Craig Breen and it is an incredible way to honour his contribution to the sport.

“Right now we just want to savour this moment as the first leg in the journey and then the hard work will truly begin but be assured, it’s going to be epic.”

Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, was also heavily involved with the bid and said the economic benefits are astounding.

“It is projected that this will generate in excess of €100 million windfall for the region and everyone will benefit from this in the long run, hospitality, tourism, retail and more.

“We already know Waterford offers the best in terms of festivals and live events and this will be no different. We have worked very closely with SERG, the regional Local Authorities, the Port of Waterford and Failte Ireland on realising this dream and we are confident of the long-lasting benefits it will bring to the region.”

Meanwhile, Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council said: “We had tough competition from Limerick and Tralee in this bid, but I have no doubt in my mind that the judging panel made the right decision. I, along with my regional colleagues, have offered our full commitment to this and every accommodation will be made to ensure a successful event. While we understand rallying may be a niche sport, the positive impact this will have on our city and wider region is widespread. It’s a wonderful way to start the new year and we look forward to working with Motor Sport Ireland and all stakeholders as the months and years progress.”

The World Rally Championship 2025 is expected to take place in late August/early September, with similar dates in 2026 and 2027 and is subject to Government funding.

The host years for each venue is still to be decided.

By Waterford City & County Council

Noise Bye-laws

With the changes to opening hours proposed in the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022 we want to consider whether any controls should be put on outdoor dining area and beer gardens to limit noise nuisance to residents living in the vicinity.
The aim is to try and find a reasonable balance between the night-time economy and the needs of residents living in the vicinity, and we need to hear your opinion.
https://consult.waterfordcouncil.ie/en/content/pre-consultation-noise-bye-laws
Closing date: 11th February

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford once again ranked as Ireland’s Cleanest City

Once again Waterford has emerged as Ireland’s Cleanest City in the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) Anti-Litter League.  The city ranked 13th out of 40 cities and towns and was classed as Clean to European norms.

 

Waterford City continues to score very well in the IBAL litter league, and this was very much helped along by seventeen out of the twenty-four sites surveyed getting the top litter grade and there no litter blackspots.

 

The report also cited, ‘It’s not just the litter situation which sets Waterford City and other high-ranking towns / cities apart but the overall presentation and maintenance of the sites e.g. The People’s Park has typically been top ranking and yet there were continued works within to improve it.

 

‘The Riverwalk along the Quays and Merchant’s Quay Car Park have both been recently improved and enhanced.’

 

Some of the sites that were awarded Grade A include Lady Lane, John Robert’s Square (Barronstrand St./Broad Street), Waterford Greenway at Bilberry, the People’s Park, the Mall, the Medieval Quarter and SETU.

 

Ballybeg has again scored very well and was also classed as Clean to European norms, with six out of the ten sites getting the top litter grade, three just missing it, and only one seriously littered site.

 

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council welcomed the IBAL league results, saying “Waterford is once again the cleanest city in Ireland, and that is testament to the work of the local authority, volunteer clean-up groups and the local communities.

 

“This collaborative approach by the Council with voluntary committees, schools and local business groups is working in keeping Waterford a clean, attractive place to live, work and invest in.

 

“There remains however, some privately owned sites than need to be addressed, as littering and discarded rubbish was noted in some areas. If every business got behind the movement and ensured their premises and grounds were maintained to a high standard, there is no reason for Waterford not to attain Cleaner than European norms classification in the next survey.”

 

Ella added, “Waterford City and County Council will continue to introduce new environmental awareness initiatives in addition to those that have generated a seismic shift in how we discard our rubbish, such as Cigarette Butt Ballot bins, Bring Banks Sensor Bins, the Schools Litter Challenge and the Bag It Bin It campaigns.”

 

Details of the most recent Irish Business against Litter Survey can be found at https://ibal.ie/anti-litter-league/

 

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Images attached:

Area surveyed from Reginald’s Tower to the Irish Silver Museum, Irish Wake Museum, Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Place and Christ Church Cathedral awarded Grade A as ‘an exceptionally well presented and maintained environment which is clearly very well respected.  It was spotless throughout.’

 

About IBAL:

Set up in 1996, Irish Business Against Litter is an alliance of companies sharing a belief that continued economic prosperity – notably in the areas of tourism, food and direct foreign investment – is contingent on a clean, litter-free environment.  As part of the IBAL Anti-Litter League, An Taisce monitors towns independently and in accordance with international grading standards.

By Waterford City & County Council

Met Éireann Cold Weather Advisory and Status Yellow Low Temperature warnings issued for Ireland

A Met Éireann Status Yellow Low Temperature / Ice Warning has been issued for Ireland and is in place until 10am tomorrow (9th January), while a Cold Weather Advisory is currently in place and will remain in effect until 10.30pm on Friday, January 12th.

The possible impacts of these conditions include black ice and frost on the roads and dense fog at times leading to hazardous / dangerous travelling conditions.

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

“There have been incidences of black ice and frost reported on roads in Waterford County.  Waterford City and County Council ground crews have attended to the Priority One and Two road network, and gritting will be undertaken as required on these Priority One and Two roads for the duration of the cold weather advisory warning.  The crews are also attending to salting Priority Three roads as and when resources allow.

“We would advise all motorists to exercise caution on their journeys, reduce speed and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, as there is the risk of black ice and frost on the roads.

“Please allow extra time for any journey and be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.”

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team is monitoring the situation and a map of winter maintenance routes can be found at:

https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/roads-parking/severe-weather.htm

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

Waterford officially recognised as European City of Christmas 2024 at ceremony in Madrid

At a ceremony at Torrejón de Ardoz in Madrid on January 3rd, 2024, Waterford was officially recognised as the European City of Christmas 2024 by the International Jury of the European Capital of Christmas.

Waterford was proudly represented by Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway, along with his wife Sandra, Finn Brophy, Executive Technician with Waterford City and County Council’s Economic Development Department, and members of Winterval Organising Committee, Trevor Darmody, John Grubb, and Tina Darrer.

In December last year, the International Jury of the European Capital and City of Christmas 2024 competition unanimously voted to award the European City of Christmas 2024 title to Waterford City.

The International Jury, chaired by Prof. Dr. Danuta Hübner, Member of the European Parliament, was impressed with Waterford City and County Council’s submission, citing, ‘The City of Waterford is an extraordinary jewel of Christmas harmony and aesthetics and represents values such as solidarity, which lies with the local communities as well as a strong commitment to its heritage as a hallmark of identity, material and above all immaterial and culture.

On accepting the award on behalf of the people of Waterford, Mayor Conway greeted the judging panel and attendees in Spanish and said, “On behalf of the people of Waterford, I want to say how happy we are to be here in Madrid to receive our recognition as the European City of Christmas 2024.”

He added, “I want to endorse the splendid work done by Waterford City and County Council for their continued faith and support of Winterval Waterford…to our management team, and in particular Finn Brophy, Trevor Darmody, John Grubb, and Tina Darrer from Waterford’s vibrant commercial and hospitality sectors, for their inspiring and diligent work for our lovely city in Ireland’s southeast.

“I wish also, of course, to record our thanks to all involved in the judging of the event and express special thanks to Alberto Gutiérrez Alberca, president of the Christmas Cities Network, who led the creation of the Award in 2017 and the people of Torrejón de Ardoz for their tremendous hospitality.”

Winterval, Ireland’s Christmas Festival, was created by Waterford City and County Council in partnership with local stakeholders in 2012 and is regarded as the country’s premier Christmas festival.  The festival concluded on December 23rd, having run for six weeks and enjoyed a ‘record-breaking’ year with 700,000 people enjoying an abundance of Christmas magic and festive family favourites in Ireland’s Best Place to Live.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council congratulated the team involved in securing the title of European City of Christmas, saying, “Winterval is synonymous with Christmas in Waterford and Ireland, and now has rightfully been acknowledged as being on a par with European cities of Christmas such as Genoa, San Sebastián, Liège and Valkenburg.

“The input from the Local Authority, the organising committee, stakeholders and the local business community has been exceptional and steadfast, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and hard work in bringing this prestigious title to Waterford.”

Waterford, now part of the European Christmas City Network, will be assisted in forging alliances with Christmas cities within the network and working with European Christmas cities to share knowledge, experience, and creative ideas.

The European Christmas City Network, which is supported by the European Parliament, was founded to promote the values of European culture diversity, and especially the different and varied Christmas traditions throughout Europe that have transcended in the world.

In addition to Waterford been recognised as the European City of Christmas 2024, Brno in the Czech Republic was recognised as European Christmas Capital, while special mention was given to the small municipality of Almanza in Spain with less than 600 inhabitants.

The International Jury of the European Capital and City of Christmas will visit Waterford in 2024 and plans are already underway to create a festive spectacular befitting of the European City of Christmas title.

For further information about the European Capital and City of Christmas visit www.europeancapitalofchristmas.org

Image attached :

17:

Miguel López-Valverde Argüeso, Minister of Digitalization of the Community of Madrid, John Grubb (Every Event Ltd), Festival Director of Winterval, Trevor Darmody (WAMA Ltd) Festival Director of Winterval, Finn Brophy, Waterford City and County Council and Event Controller of Winterval, Mayor of Torrejón de Ardoz, Alejandro Navarro Prieto; Danuta Hübner, President of the International Jury, former European Commissioner for Regional Policy and Trade, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland and MEP; Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway and Tina Darrer (Dooleys Hotel) Member of the Winterval Committee.

By Waterford City & County Council

Big plans for Waterford designers at Showcase 2024

Waterford’s craft and design industry will have strong representation at this year’s Showcase Creative Expo, which takes place from January 21st to 23rd 2024 in The RDS in Dublin.

Running for over forty years, Showcase has an impressive track record in attracting Ireland’s most talented makers and designers, along with buyers from over twenty countries. It offers the chance to explore the best of Ireland’s creativity from over 450 exhibitors including leading Irish designers and manufacturers and the very best emerging home-grown creative talent.

Four craft and design companies will be showcasing the very best of Waterford creativity, design and innovation, with the assistance of Local Enterprise Office Waterford.

 

Fiona Fahy, Feed Me Mother

Feed Me Mother is Ireland’s first sustainable breastfeeding and maternity clothes brand. It’s dedicated to empowering breastfeeding mothers to look and feel stylish and comfortable. The idea came to its founder Fiona after the birth of her first child in 2017, “Sustainable clothing that supports mothers in their postpartum journey is very important to me. I wanted a breastfeeding wardrobe that reflected my own style and personality, that was comfortable but gave me the confidence to feed freely, anywhere I wanted. And I knew I couldn’t be alone in feeling this way.”

 

Lynn Shead, Natures Alchemy

Natures Alchemy offers natural skincare products with a herbal medicine twist. All products are infused with organic herbs and flowers to add extra layers of healing and protection to your skincare routine. Founder Lynn is looking forward to the opportunity Showcase provides, “I’m very excited to attend Showcase in January for the first time with Waterford Local Enterprise office. Really looking forward to seeing all the other amazing Irish businesses on show, meeting small business friends in person there as well as finding new stockists that will bring Natures Alchemy to new parts of the country.”

 

Kayleigh Sutton, Phat Poly

Kayleigh is a self-taught Maximalist Jewellery Designer, creating handcrafted colourful and fun jewellery in her home studio, which is located in Tramore in Co. Waterford. Phat Poly, creates eye-catching and kitsch earrings that were lightweight and guaranteed not to cause skin irritations. Commenting on her business, “What I love about how I run my business is how often I get to play with ideas and create new designs. Unlike mainstream jewellery brands, you can find new Phat Poly designs most months! This keeps things fresh and exciting for me and my customers.”

 

Kim Whyte, Pawpear

Pawpear exists to connect people through the slow art of the handwritten message. Its exquisitely colourful stationery is designed and made in Ireland, and inspired by its richness of culture, nature and heritage. Founder Kim plans to make the most of Showcase, “As a new brand it’s hugely important to have face-to-face discussions with customers, build relationships and get feedback on our product, pricing and packaging.  Showcase Ireland will hopefully help me meet lots of interesting retailers face-to-face rather than by email or over the phone.”

 

Working in partnership with the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) around the country set up a dedicated area within Showcase every year – the Local Enterprise Showcase – enabling up to 100 designers, manufacturers and craftspeople to sell directly to international buyers.

Jamie Whitty, Business Advisor at LEO Waterford said that Showcase is an invaluable stepping stone to any craft-maker or designer getting an audience with potential clients.  “With buyers from Ireland, Europe, the USA and Asia, Showcase is truly established as the must-see trade event.  For anyone in the fashion, jewellery, home or giftware business the event offers exposure to new international markets.

“Not only is their place subsidised by the LEO, in advance of the expo the businesses will avail of training and briefing days in order to help them perfect their pitch and give them the tools, advice and insights to take full advantage of this fantastic opportunity.”

If your business is in pre-start, start-up or established business phase and would like to find out more about what business support services are available from LEO Waterford visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/ or call to LEO Waterford offices at 35, The Mall, Waterford or the Civic Offices in Dungarvan.

-ENDS-

 

Photo:  Karen Dempsey Photography

Fiona Fahy of Feed Me Mother, Lynn Shead of Natures Alchemy, Jamie Whitty LEO Business Advisor, Kim Whyte of Pawpear and Cayleigh Sutton of Phat Poly. 

By Waterford City & County Council

GLACFAR SAOR IN AISCE LE CRAINN NOLLAG NÁDÚRTHA I GCOMHAIR ATHCHÚRSÁLA AG NA HIONAID FHÓNTAS POIBLÍ GO DTÍ AN 13 EANÁIR 2024

  • Cill Bharra

Luan – Aoine   11.00r.n. – 4.00i.n.

 

  • Dún Garbhán

Luan – Déardoin 8.30r.n.- 1.00i.n. & 1.30i.n.- 4.00i.n.

Satharn 9.00r.n. – 12.30i.n.

 

Déan athchúrsáil ar do chadhnraí le do thoil. Úsáid na boscaí bailiúcháin chadhnra i do theach, i do scoil, san ionad oibre, i do shiopa áitiúil agus ag d’ionad fóntas poiblí áitiúil.

By Waterford City & County Council

Notice of Rate 2024

Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019

Under Section 4 of the above Act (inserted by S263 of the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023), the Annual Rate on Valuation for the Ordinary Expenditure for Waterford City and County Council for services for the year ending 31st December 2024 is €0.2891.

Dated this 2nd of January 2024
Michael Walsh
Chief Executive

By Waterford City & County Council

Revised Traffic Management System – Ferrybank

As part of the Waterford City North Quays Public Infrastructure Project, a revised traffic management system will be installed on Fountain Street and Abbey Road, Ferrybank from January 2nd 2024.

The traffic management will consist of:

  • Closing the free flow lane from Abbey Road onto Fountain Street
  • Closing the bus lane from Fountain Street towards Rice Bridge
  • Re-directing pedestrians from the Abbey Road crossing to the Fountain Street crossing

This traffic management system will remain in place for a number of months.

Warnings and signage will be in place throughout these works.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Status Yellow Thunderstorm Warning for Munster

A Met Éireann Yellow Thunderstorm warning is currently in place for Waterford until 21:00 this evening (Thursday, December 28th).

The possible impacts of these conditions include power outages, hazardous travelling conditions and localised flooding.

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

“Our ground crews are attending to a number of fallen trees and roads blocked as a result of yesterday’s Status Orange weather event.  While the worst of the weather has passed, the current thunderstorm warning is expected to bring some scattered thunderstorms and spells of rain, which could lead to localised and spot flooding.  These conditions combined with fallen branches and debris on the roads will make travel hazardous.”

“We would also advise motorists to avoid driving through floods.  If a road is flooded, do not attempt to drive through it and choose an alternative route, as flood waters can be deeper than they appear. Pavement and road surfaces may also be damaged beneath the flood waters.”

Motorists are reminded to be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team is monitoring the situation and Council ground crews are on stand-by to deal with any issues that may arise, such as localised flooding, blocked drains, and gulley overflows.

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

Waterford City and County Council advises the public to:

  • Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings.
  • All road users should be aware of the hazardous travelling conditions, and allow extra time for journeys.
  • The public are warned electricity wires are always live, never approach. If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999
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