The R685 at Pickardstown Shrine, Tramore will be closed from Monday 8th September to Monday 22nd September to facilitate emergency drainage works.
No through road during this period
Local diversions will be signposted
Waterford City & County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks road users for their cooperation.
We are looking for people living in Waterford City and Environs to take part in this clean air project.
It will only take a few minutes, to stick up an air sensor outside your house and past it back to the EPA after one month.
We need 400 people to sign up across the city, so if you live in the city, (or know people who do), can you consider signing up for this project.
We are looking to get all areas of the city covered, including into south Kilkenny, so please help out.
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
The Old Market House Arts Centre Dungarvan was delighted to welcome a full house of visitors, artists, family and friends for the reception of two significant exhibitions being held over the weekend.
Mór Artists Collective, ‘Beneath the Layer’ and ‘Gerhardt Gallagher: Bequest’, an exhibition featuring works recently donated to Waterford by this prolific Waterford-born artist, was officially opened by Cllr. Damien Geoghegan, Leas Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District.
Forester and artist Gerhardt Gallagher, who died on 2nd May 2024, was born in Waterford City in 1936. His father, Roland, a dentist, fought in the War of Independence and Irish Civil War, while his mother, Lisa, witnessed the rise of fascism in her native Germany.
In 1939, Gerhardt and his younger brother Leonard were separated from Lisa, pushed through the window of a packed train attempting to leave wartime Germany. Lisa finally boarded, finding them, but for those hours Gerhardt thought he’d never see her again.
From childhood, Gerhardt had two passions: nature and art. He spent hours at Waterford Docks, sketching boats, waves and seabirds. Having attended De La Salle College he went on to study art in Waterford, NCAD and later in Airfield House and Black Church Print Studios, Dublin.
A renowned and dedicated Forester, Gerhardt’s visual art practice spanned over six decades, ranging from large scale abstract paintings, exquisite prints and drawings to detailed studies of nature – in particular his beloved trees.
His works can be found in the collections of the Arts Council, Waterford Art College, RTÉ and the Office of Public Works. Gerhardt’s parents, Roland and Lisa Gallagher were also instrumental in the establishment of the Waterford Municipal Art Collection.
Gerhardt’s final decade brought challenges, chiefly the loss of his beloved wife Miriam in 2018. Though deeply concerned by climate catastrophe and the polarised stasis that had gripped Irish forestry, his passions for nature, science, art, politics and philosophy never faltered.
Waterford City and County Council is grateful for the generosity of Gerhardt and his family in donating this work to Waterford.
Also featured in the Old Market House Arts Centre is the ‘Mór Artists Collective: Beneath the Layers’ exhibition inspired by one of Ireland’s most unique and notably rich historical resources – The Fota House Wallpaper Collection. Developed in partnership with Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, over 30 of the 48-member collective of artists across East Cork and West Waterford have responded in diverse media including painting, written work, collage, sound installation and more.
Mór Artists Collective is an artists-led membership organisation for artists living and working professionally in the visual, performing and literary arts in rural East Cork and West Waterford and is facilitated by Greywood Arts and supported by Cork County Council and Waterford County & City Arts offices.
Both exhibitions continue at the Old Market House, Dungarvan until the end of September.
The Waterford Harvest Festival is set to return from 5 to 7 September, filling Ireland’s oldest city with food, music and family fun. Now in its sixteenth year, the festival has become one of the highlights of Waterford’s cultural calendar, attracting visitors from across the country.
Across the three days, the city will host a packed programme of events including artisan food markets, live cooking demonstrations, family activities and headline music performances. Among the highlights this year are the new Harvest Tea Cruise on the River Suir, offering afternoon tea prepared by award-winning chef Keith Boyle while sailing from the marina to Waterford Castle.
The festival will also see the return of Beats, Bites & Bubbles, a lively street dining celebration featuring local food producers, street performers and live music. Concerts are planned throughout the weekend, with acts such as Mick Flannery, John Spillane and Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones taking to the stage.
This year’s programme has been designed to offer something for everyone, with a mix of free and ticketed events to suit all ages and budgets. There will be a strong focus on local produce, sustainability and accessibility, with dedicated sensory-friendly spaces and eco-friendly measures in place.
Tickets for special events will go on sale from Friday 4 July, while applications for food and drink producers to join the festival market will open on Tuesday 9 July. Full details are available at waterfordharvestfestival.ie.
Stay up-to-date with the latest planning applications and decisions in Waterford City and County. Each Friday, we publish a comprehensive list detailing new applications, permissions granted, and other updates. Access the latest planning lists here to stay informed about developments in your area.
On Thursday, August 28th, Waterford’s All-Ireland Minor Hurling Champions were honoured with a Civic Reception at Waterford’s City Hall.
The team, management, coaches and selectors were greeted warmly by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, Elected Members and the Council’s management team.
Mayor Ryan welcomed the team to the Council Chambers and recounted that memorable June day in Thurles against Clare.
“Over 16,000 voices roared from the stands, the sound of Waterford passion echoing around Thurles. On the field, we witnessed not only skill and bravery but a unity and resilience that carried this team to victory.”
Detailing their All-Ireland winning campaign the mayor added, “To the players, you have etched your names into Waterford’s proud sporting story. You have given every young hurler in this county something to dream about, and every supporter a day they will never forget
“To the coaches, selectors, and support staff… your commitment and leadership made this possible. Success is never an accident; it comes from planning, persistence, and faith in the journey.”
Concluding his address, he said, “You have done your clubs and your county proud, and today’s Civic Reception is a mark of how deeply we value your achievement.”
Mayor Ryan then handed over to Cllr. John Pratt to formally propose the motion which was seconded by Cllr. Adam Wyse.
Manager James O’Connor thanked the Mayor and Elected Members for the invitation to a Civic reception to acknowledge the team’s sporting achievement, in winning an All-Ireland Minor Hurling final, which he hoped “would inspire our young players in the future to achieve at the highest level over the coming year.”
He also paid tribute to the parents, the County Board, the management team and the players as he wished them all the very best in the future.
With the Irish Press Cup at hand, captain James Comerford spoke of the incredible honour for him as team captain to be afforded a Civic reception.
“For those on the outside looking in, this journey began on March 28th at Semple Stadium, exactly three months before our dreams became a reality. In actual fact, the journey began over three and a half years ago.”
James said, “Since lifting the All-Ireland trophy three months ago, it’s been an unforgettable summer for all of us. We’ve had the privilege of bringing the cup back to our clubs and our parishes and meeting younger players, who I hope have the dream of wearing the Waterford jersey themselves.”
The captain concluded, “Everywhere we’ve gone the pride of the people reminds us just what this win means, not just to us, but to Waterford as a whole. This All-Ireland title belongs to all of Waterford… every club, every coach, every parent, every supporter who’ve played their part in our journey.”
An inspirational Waterford soared to a first All-Ireland minor hurling title in 12 years when they overpowered Clare by 1-18 to 0-10 in front of 16,411 fans on June 28th at FBD Semple Stadium.
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Photos: Noel Browne
The workshop will include a demonstration and the opportunity to take some samples home (Please bring your own containers).
“Cleaner, Greener Home & Garden workshop with sustainability consultant Aoife Munn
This is a one hour session where you can learn how to make natural cleaning products for you home that will not damage the environment like bought ones can. Find out what to use and where in both the home and the garden – bring empty containers to take home samples!
Call us on 051 849975 to book your place.
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.
ENTER HERE
Wonder Wander Trails:
📅 Deadline for entries: 1st September 2025
Let your eye wander… and share the wonder.
Waterford City & County Council has prepared Proposed Draft Variation No. 1 of the Waterford City & County Development Plan 2022–2028.
The draft variation is now on public display and we are inviting submissions and observations from the public. This is your opportunity to have a say in how Waterford grows and develops in the years ahead.
Full details are available at consult.waterfordcouncil.ie, where you can view the draft variation and make a submission online.
Submissions must be received by the closing date stated on the consultation portal – 19th September 2025.
Waterford City and County Council has been shortlisted in two categories of the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2025.
The awards are held in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and showcase best practice in local government and recognise the skills, vision and innovation within local government.
The Business Pledge for a Cleaner, Greener Waterford has been shortlisted in the Climate Change category. This category recognises innovative initiatives that not only educate but take concrete actions to mitigate against the effects of climate change.
As part of Waterford City and County Council’s Roadmap to delivering a Carbon Neutral Waterford by 2040, the Local Authority introduced its Business Pledge for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford in September 2024.
A baseline emissions inventory of Waterford City revealed that businesses were the largest source of emissions in the city, accounting for 28% of emissions. Many are small businesses that struggle to find the time or capital to invest in changes that would make their business more sustainable.
In 2024 Waterford City and County Council ran an ambassador campaign to encourage businesses to sign up to the Pledge and complete actions to reduce their carbon footprint over the next few years. Businesses were rewarded with a 9% rates discount while the Council monitored emissions reductions.
Over 1,000 businesses have taken the Pledge and the Council continues to work with these businesses to give them the support, tools and advice they need to become more sustainable.
In the Health and Wellbeing category, Good Grief has been shortlisted. This award recognises initiatives by a Local Authority that promote the health and wellbeing of its community.
Good Grief is a collaborative initiative between Waterford City and County Council and Wexford County Council, funded by Creative Ireland. Its primary focus is exploring the role of creativity in supporting self-soothing for adults over 18 in their second-year post-bereavement.
By partnering with academic institutions and health organisations, Good Grief seeks to understand how artistic engagement can aid emotional healing and resilience during the complex grieving process. Good Grief exemplifies a community-focused, cross-sectoral approach to bereavement support, highlighting the importance of creative expression as a tool for wellbeing and recovery in the later stages of grief.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said, “I am delighted to see the work of Waterford City and County Council and its partners recognised nationally.
“These projects highlight the effectiveness of collaborations between the Local Authority, business stakeholders, health and education institutions and the local community.
“From promoting and supporting ways to mitigate climate change to providing mechanisms to enrich mental health and wellbeing, these projects demonstrate that truly powerful results can be yielded when people work together.”
Sean McKeown, Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council added, “The awards recognise and showcase dedication and enthusiasm. This year’s shortlisted projects not only demonstrate innovation and drive, but also the vision of the Local Authority, working in conjunction with local stakeholders in continuing to make Waterford the best place to live, work and invest in.”
The 2025 Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, sponsored by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage take place in Dublin on November 27th.
As part of this year’s Waterford Walls Festival, The Walls Project is proud to unveil a powerful new mural by acclaimed Irish artist AndyMc, celebrating cultural diversity and what it means to be Irish in 2025.
The mural – United Ireland – shows two small children – one of whom is Indian, the other Irish – who have just completed an artwork symbolising their shared vision for a more inclusive Ireland.
At its heart, the artwork is a tribute to diversity, empowerment, and possibility, highlighting the vital role that all of the communities that make up our society play in shaping a better, more inclusive Ireland.
The public is invited to visit the mural on Jenkins Lane in Waterford City.
The mural adds to the growing legacy of Waterford Walls, Ireland’s largest street art festival, supported by Waterford City and County Council, and reflects the festival’s ongoing commitment to representation, community, and creativity.
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.
25th August to 27th November 2025, and 5th January to 26th 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:
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.
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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 2nd October and leave it in place for four weeks as it captures levels of Nitrogen Dioxide. Participants collect the tube on Thursday 30th 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 17th September 2025
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.”
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Photos: Helen Cullen
