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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford householders urged to avail of free eWaste recycling event

Waterford householders are being urged to bring their electrical and electronic waste to a free collection day to help the county meet recycling targets which have increased since the first lockdown in 2020.  The event, hosted by WEEE Ireland with support from Waterford City and County Council, takes place on Saturday September 17th from 10am to 4pm at the Tesco Car Park, Tramore.

All household items with a plug or a battery will be accepted free of charge, including old washing machines, TVs, toasters and kettles, electronic tools and toys, cables, IT equipment, mobile phones, remote controls, and even watches.

“In Waterford, and across Ireland, we are buying more electrical goods than ever – with the annual tonnage on the market rising from 15kg a head in 2016 to 22kg a head last year,” said WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.

“Shopping stats during the pandemic showed a surge in spend on new electrical devices like mobile phones, computers, small kitchen appliances and white goods. With old items still lying around many households we want to offer the opportunity to recycle these for free.  People in Waterford have contributed greatly to e-waste recycling every year, and we want to encourage that trend.”

A surge in lockdown spring cleaning saw 1145 tonnes of electrical waste collected in Waterford by the country’s largest recycling scheme in 2021, despite Covid-19 and travel restrictions still in place for much of the year.

9.86kg of e-waste was recycled per person in Waterford last year – falling short of the 2020 collection rate of 10.45kg and the national average of 10.86kg per person.  However, the county’s e-waste target for 2022 has increased to 13kg per person, to reflect yearly increases in electrical goods consumption, accelerated by Covid-19.

“82% of all material that we collect is recovered for use again in manufacturing through both indigenous operators and specialist processors in Europe,” said Mr. Donovan.

“Most end-of-life products contain metals and minerals in higher concentrations than primary resources. These stocks of resources are the urban mines of the future, so our recycling efforts can have a significant impact on the environment.”

In 2021, the equivalent of 231,179 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided by recycling e-waste through the WEEE Ireland Scheme as opposed to landfilling. That is the equivalent of the annual carbon consumption of 4,624 hectares of trees.

WEEE Ireland accounts for over two thirds of all national waste electrical and electronics collection activity on behalf of 1,296 producer members.

These free events are proudly supported by Waterford City and County Council.

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer, Waterford City and County Council added, “Recycling e-Waste is incredibly beneficial for both the environment and the economy. Together, we are diverting waste from landfill, recovering raw materials for reuse and ensuring hazardous materials are safely and responsibly disposed of.

“We look forward to working with WEEE Ireland and Waterford householders to hopefully recycle a record-breaking amount of electronic waste in 2022.”

Wee_Waterford_A4 Aug.pdf

By Waterford City & County Council

Heritage week Photo Competition – Take a picture of Waterford’s Medieval Walls & Towers

This coming week is Heritage Week and we’re having a photo competition !

Over the past few years Waterford City  & County Council have been working on our Medieval City Walls and Towers.

Last year, during the Public Consultation for Waterford’s Medieval Walls Interpretation Plan, people came back with their impressions and ideas for the walls.

This year we are working on a Medieval Walls and Towers Trail and also illuminating some of the walls.  For Heritage Week, we would like you to take some photos.
This competition is open to professional and amateur photographers.  You are welcome to submit up to a maximum of 5 photos and they can be of the Walls, Towers, features or activities along them, or even selfies. Photographers can submit existing or new photographs to this competition.

There are 2 categories:

  1. Students under 18
  2. Adults

** ENTER HERE **

The closing date is 26th of August and the winning photos will be posted on our social media. Any queries to rryall@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Ukrainian kids star in children’s football tournament

10 серпня у Дубліні відбулася безпрецедентна подія: перший турнір з дитячого футболу  між командами українських переселенців.  Український дитячий ФК «Дунгарван-Україна», заснований молодим тренером з Києва Дмитром Косіним, зустрівся у дружньому поєдинку зі столичними командами ФК «Динамо-Дублін» під керівництвом тренера Володимира Khrystych.

Дангарван представляли три команди з українських хлопчиків та дівчаток. Вік найменшої учасниці – 5 рочків, найстаршого – 15. І всіх їх поєднує непереможне захоплення футболом.

Загалом у змаганнях взяло участь понад 80 дітей. Це видатна подія не лише для Ірландії, але й для Європи. Юні українці-дунгарванці  показали себе досить пристойно. За результатами турніру маленькі футболісти привезли до Дунгарвану пам’ятні медалі та 4 кубки, які відтепер будуть експонуватися  у Дунгарванському центрі українських переселенців.

Але для організаторів заходу головною нагородою стали щасливі дитячі усмішки – адже завдяки змаганням діти отримали безцінну нагоду поспілкуватися з однолітками, які говорять однією з ними мовою, проявити себе та хоч трохи відволіктися від жахливих подій на батьківщині.

Сподіваємося, що це – лише початок, і юні українці й надалі множитимуть футбольну славу Дунгарвану.

On August 10th, an unprecedented event took place in Dublin: the first children’s football tournament between teams of Ukrainian immigrants. Ukrainian children’s FC “Dungarvan-Ukraine”, founded by a young coach from Kyiv, Dmytro Kosin, played a friendly match with FC “Dynamo-Dublin” under the leadership of coach Volodymyr Khrystych.

Dungarvan was represented by three teams of Ukrainian boys and girls. The youngest participant was a 5 year old girl and the oldest a boy of 15, all of them united by an invincible passion for football.

In total, more than 80 children took part in the competition. This is an outstanding event not only for Ireland but also for Europe. Young Ukrainians from Dungarvan gave a good account of themselves, bringing back to Dungarvan commemorative medals and 4 cups, which are now exhibited in the Dungarvan Rest Centre for Ukrainian refugees.

For the organizers of the event, the main reward was the happy children’s smiles. Thanks to the competition, the children got a priceless opportunity to communicate with their peers, to show their ability and to get away from the terrible events in their homeland for a while.

We hope that this is only the beginning, and the young Ukrainians will continue to increase the football glory of Dungarvan.

By Waterford City & County Council

Gum Litter Taskforce Campaign Launch in Dungarvan

Last week, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. John O’Leary officially launched the Gum Litter Taskforce’s gum litter education campaign in Dungarvan, alongside members of Dungarvan Tidy Towns.

The Gum Litter Taskforce is an environmental initiative that was set up to develop and implement an awareness campaign to reduce gum litter in the most sustainable way.  Since 2007, Ireland has achieved a 70% reduction in chewing gum litter.  The study from the Gum Litter Taskforce, also shows that gum litter now accounts for only 8% of all litter compared with 2007, when the campaign was first launched. The 2019 campaign maintained an all-time high of 93% of people stating that they regard chewing gum as litter, up from 74% when the campaign first began 14 years ago, pointing to the attitudinal impact which the campaign has had.

The latest results of the National Litter Pollution Monitoring report showed the percentage of gum as a proportion of litter at 9.4%, down from 10.6% the previous year (2019). More than three in five (63%) people agree that the campaign is at least fairly likely to stop them dropping gum, the highest level seen in the current campaign.  48% of respondents claimed that they stopped dropping gum because they saw the Bin-It campaign, up from 41% in 2019 and 60% of people said the campaign has made them want to change the way they dispose of their gum.

Of the launch Mayor O’Leary said, “I am delighted to be attending the launch of the Gum Litter Taskforce campaign.  The success of the Gum Litter Taskforce’s campaign to date is a testament of what can be achieved when local authorities and the community work together. We look forward to working alongside the Gum Litter Taskforce to ensure that our beautiful Déise remains Ireland’s Cleanest City”.  Waterford was judged by IBAL to be Ireland’s Cleanest City in 2020 and 2021, with Dungarvan and other towns receiving awards in the 2021 Tidy Towns Special Awards.

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer, Waterford City and Council spoke about the importance of community with a campaign such as this. “Incorrect disposal of gum not only destroys the physical appearance of our beautiful city and towns, but as it can only be removed by using special equipment, the removal can also damage our footpaths.  The littering of gum is also extremely harmful to wildlife as are the chemicals which may need to be used to remove discarded gum.  Through continuing to engage with people and educating them on the harm of gum litter, we can work to make gum litter on the streets of Ireland a problem of the past”.

As part of the Gum Litter Taskforce the ‘Bin It!’ education programme will travel across the country and deliver 60 performances a year to primary schools nationwide, with the ambition to visit 180 schools by 2025.

The ‘Bin It!’ school roadshow encourages students to responsibly dispose of litter, and particularly gum litter, through actor-led workshops.  The latest cycle of the campaign will see the programme shift its focus from secondary school students to students in fifth and sixth class, and a return to in-person workshops, and kicks off in September.

–Ends-

By Waterford City & County Council

Heritage week Photo Competition – Take a picture of Waterford’s Medieval Walls & Towers

This coming week is Heritage Week and we’re having a photo competition !

Over the past few years Waterford City  & County Council have been working on our Medieval City Walls and Towers.

Last year, during the Public Consultation for Waterford’s Medieval Walls Interpretation Plan, people came back with their impressions and ideas for the walls.

This year we are working on a Medieval Walls and Towers Trail and also illuminating some of the walls.  For Heritage Week, we would like you to take some photos.
This competition is open to professional and amateur photographers.  You are welcome to submit up to a maximum of 5 photos and they can be of the Walls, Towers, features or activities along them, or even selfies. Photographers can submit existing or new photographs to this competition.

There are 2 categories:

  1. Students under 18
  2. Adults

** ENTER HERE **

The closing date is 26th of August and the winning photos will be posted on our social media. Any queries to rryall@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Summer in the City and Music Generation Waterford present Draíocht Phort Láirge

Cathedral Square is set to host the highlight event of Summer in the City for 2022 on Sunday next, August 14th, when over 70 young musicians from Music Generation Waterford’s specially-formed fusion orchestra will perform for the first time ‘Draíocht Phort Láirge’ – a collection of newly composed music by Nóra Byrne Kavanagh, reflecting the beauty and topography of the Waterford region.

With traditional Irish music setting the main pace of the collection, the undertones of brass, wind, classical guitars, wind, brass, electric, acoustic, bass guitars and percussion will bring a unique eclectic sound, drawing on the talents of young musicians form across Waterford.

Music Development Officer Shauna McCullough said, “We are incredibly excited to be part of Summer in the City once again and share this new music with the people of Waterford. Sunday will be the culmination of months of creative and hard work by everyone involved and we hope the people of Waterford will come out to enjoy the day in Cathedral Square and see the orchestra perform on the big event stage!”

Anna Jordan, Festival Director added, “I am overwhelmed with how lucky we are to live in a county where we can casually pop an originally composed composition with an Orchestra of over 70 youths into Cathedral Square of a Sunday. Music Generation have been a dream team to Summer and the City recovery year and are an asset to Waterford. This is the highlight of this year’s festival.”

‘Draíocht Phort Láirge’ is a collection of 12 original compositions of music, composed by Nóra Byrne Kavanagh with harmonies, countermelodies and percussive elements created through a collaboration between Music Generation Waterford team of local musicians Nóra Byrne Kavanagh (Irish traditional music), Danny Pullman (wind & brass), Jennifer Hartery (classical guitar), Darragh O’Connor (acoustic and electric guitars), Jill Devlin (harps) and Chris O’Sullivan (percussion). The preparation of the orchestra was also supported by Music Generation Waterford team members Emily Cox (Irish traditional music), Edward O’Neill (bass guitars & brass) and Conor Clancy (guitars).

Summer in the City on Sunday August 14th will kick off at 12pm, transforming Cathedral square into a family friendly event with live music from young rock and pop bands, followed by the premiere of ‘Draíocht Phort Láirge’ when the 70 piece orchestra will take to the event stage for 2pm. Waterford sketchers will also be out and about along with child friendly activities available on the day supported by Active Cities Waterford.

This event is funded by Waterford City and County Council, Music Generation Waterford and Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media LLPPS.

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Development Plan launched

The Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022-2028 was officially launched by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary.

The plan, which was fully adopted by Elected Members of Waterford City and County Council last month, is a statutory planning document, covering the six-year period from 2022-2028 and guides the day-to-day operation of the Planning Authority and broader strategic investment decision making.

The City and County Development Plan is the principal planning strategy document for the area and gives spatial expression to the physical, economic, social and environmental needs of the community, in order to support and regulate new development, enhance valued assets and amenities and protect the environment.

The development plan is now at the heart of a plan-led system whereby public capital investment programmes and priorities are aligned to support the adopted development strategy. This principle has been established through Project Ireland 2040 comprising both the National Planning Framework (NPF) as the State’s national spatial development strategy and the National Development Plan (NDP) as the capital investment programme to support delivery at all levels of the planning hierarchy. By ensuring good policy alignment with EU, national and regional policy and the UN SDGs, the development plan can drive investment that is targeted towards identified priorities and leverage funding and partnership opportunities at a local level.

Initial results from Census 2022 demonstrate that Waterford City is on target for achieving an ambitious growth target of 85,000 as set out in the National Planning Framework, by 2040.  This new development plan supports the continued achievement of these targets.  In addition, the Development Plan also provides the basis on which Local Area Plans will be prepared for parts of Waterford City, Dungarvan, Tramore and other urban towns across the county over the lifetime of the plan.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary said the plan provides a clear roadmap to enable the city and county reach its full potential and deliver key objectives in economic development, housing, placemaking, climate action and transport.

“Waterford’s ambitions for the next six years are writ large in this development plan.  The public consultations yielded over 1,000 submissions. This is heartening and highlights how much the public is truly invested in Waterford’s vision for growth and improvement.”

“Waterford’s commitment to a proactive and dynamic approach towards sustainable social, environmental and economic development of the region is steadfast and this development plan lays the foundation for achieving these objectives.”

In addition to the development plan identifying the quantum of land required to facilitate the delivery of necessary housing targets, the plan also identifies regeneration sites to deliver regenerative, compact and sequential growth;  policy objectives to ensure competitive retail development, economic expansion through support for indigenous SMEs and FDI; the implementation of core strategies to ensure a low carbon future and a rural strategy to support rural communities in delivering transformative changes.

Following the adoption of the Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022-2028 by elected members of Waterford City and County Council, the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) commended the local authority on ‘a coherent and appropriate strategy for the delivery of key national planning objectives including the promotion of compact growth and town and village centre regeneration.’

The Development Plan and the complete suite of documents including all environmental reports and appendices is available for inspection at the following locations:

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Cuairt an Aire Jack Chambers chuig Gaeltacht na nDéise

Ag ócáid i gColáiste na Rinne, An Rinn, Co Phort Láirge, Déardaoin 14 Iúil, chas Jack Chambers,TD, Príomh-Aoire an Rialtais agus Aire Stáit le cúram don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht le ionadaithe de Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise. I measc iad siúd sa phictiúr in aice leis an Aire ar dheis tá Aodhán Mac Cormaic, Stiúrthóir na Gaeilge, Roinn na Gaeltachta (ar chúl); Vanessa Ní She, Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga do Ghaeltacht na nDéise; Siubhán Nic Ghrianna, Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Cabríní de Barra, Oifigeach Forbartha, Teanga Tí, Glór na nGael

Bhí Jack Chambers TD, Príomh-Aoire an Rialtais agus Aire Stáit le cúram don Ghaeltacht agus don Spórt i láthair ag ócáid a bhí ar siúl i gColáiste na Rinne, An Rinn, Dún Garbhán, Co. Phort Láirge ar an Déardaoin seo caite, 14 Iúil. Thug an ócáid seo deis do eagraíochtaí agus pobal Ghaeltacht na nDéise an Plean Teanga atá ag feidhmiú ó 2018 – 2024 a cheiliúradh. D’eagraigh Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise an imeacht le tacaíocht ó Udarás na Gaeltachta. Is é aidhm Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise ná Clár Forbartha Pobal a chur chun cinn in éineacht leis an Plean Teanga de réir na beartais Teanga atá leagtha amach sa phlean. Tá deontas ar fáil ó Udarás na Gaeltachta.

Ar an oíche bhí soláistí ar fáil agus ceol. Bhí cúpla focal ó Cathaoirleach bhord Comhlucht Forbartha, an Bainisteoir Forbartha agus Príomhoide Choláiste na Rinne.

Dúirt Liam Suipéal, Cathaoirleach, Bord Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise, “Fáiltíonn Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise roimh chuairt an Aire Chambers agus lucht na Roinne ar Ghaeltacht na nDéise. Tá cabhair nach beag tugtha ag An Roinn d’fhorbairt na Gaeltachta anseo agus tá scéimeanna agus tograí áirithe déanta agus idir lámha againn sa Phlean Teanga a chuideoidh le muintir na háite agus lucht na Gaoluinne amach anseo.”

Dár leis an t-Aire Jack Chambers, Aire Stáit Gaeltachta agus Spóirt, “Táim fíorbhuíoch as ucht an fháilte a chur Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise romham ag Coláiste na Rinne inniu. Ba mhaith an deis a bhí anseo casadh leis an gcoiste agus an tOifigeach Pleanála Teanga atá ag tabhairt faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga a chur chun cinn i nGaeltacht na nDéise.

Is léir go bhfuil obair den scoth á dhéanamh sa Limistéar Pleanála Teanga seo ó a cheadaíodh an plean teanga in 2018, agus go bhfuil muintir na Déise fíor thiomanta do chur chun cinn na Gaeilge ina gceantar. Guím gach rath ar an obair atá á dhéanamh acu sa Limistéar Pleanála Teanga.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre to undergo future-proof refurbishment

The Town Hall Theatre, Friary Street, Dungarvan is to undergo an upgrade as Waterford City and County Council invests significantly in the venue which dates back to the 19th century.

The investment will be in upgrading the online booking system and the upgrade of stage lighting and associated system, for which a tender is currently underway.

Kieran Kehoe, Dungarvan Town Manager and Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council said the new physical and operations structures will future-proof the theatre. “The theatre is a wonderful, old-style, local amenity and this investment will ensure that it is on a secure footing to bring a quality artistic offering to the people of Dungarvan and its environs for years to come.”

“Waterford City and County Council is investing €40,000 in the upgrade of the stage lighting, which will greatly enhance the mood and experience of the audience.”

Conor Nolan, Arts Officer added, “The upgrades to the lighting system and booking system will consolidate the Town Hall’s reputation as a leading arts centre. With a new user-friendly online booking system to be developed and investment in lighting and staging, the venue will be an even more accessible and attractive addition to the arts and culture landscape, while still retaining its traditional charm.”

To allow for these works to progress, the facility will not be available for use until Spring 2023 when details of new operations will be announced.

For future information about Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre please contact dungarvantheatre@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Irish Language Plan for Dungarvan approved

At an event in the Old Market House Art Centre in Dungarvan on Thursday 14 July, Jack Chambers TD, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish Language and the Gaeltacht, announced that the Irish Language Plan for Dungarvan has been approved.

The announcement means that Dungarvan is now officially recognised as a Gaeltacht Service Town. The Minister of State also announced that €80,000 will be provided each year to support the implementation of the Plan over a seven year period.

At the event, the Mayor for Waterford City & County Council John O’Leary welcomed the Irish Language Plan saying that it will support the development of the Irish language in Dungarvan for the benefit of the communities of Dungarvan and the Waterford Gaeltacht.

Dónal Ó Conghaile, the Chairperson for Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge, the local committee that is officially recognised to develop the Irish Language Plan, said that it has been clearly demonstrated that Dungarvan has specific importance as a Gaeltacht Service Town and that there is a long and strong relationship between the people of Dungarvan and Gaeltacht na nDéise.

He indicated that there will now be an opportunity to employ an Irish Language Planning Officer for the town to support the development of the Irish language in the area, with an emphasis on support for families and young people, for businesses and in education, and for the public in general.

He stated that Dungarvan’s Irish Language plan is a road map that is based on extensive consultation and provides a demonstration of the aspirations of the people of Dungarvan and its environs in regard to the Irish language, including those of the Waterford Gaeltacht community.

‘’I am really hoping that more people from the community will be interested in being members of Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge so as to support the implementation of the plan. At the moment we are working towards Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge acquiring status as a Cooperative Society and anybody who would be interested in the development of the Irish language in the area would be most welcome to join,’’ he said.

Also present as the event with the Minister of State Jack Chambers was Mary Butler TD, Minister for Mental Health and Older People and TD in County Waterford, TD’s and Councillors from the county, Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford City & County Council, representatives from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, Foras na Gaeilge, Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge committee, Waterford City and County Council, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Glór na nGael, Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber of Commerce, town businesses and the Irish language community from Dungarvan and its environs, including the Waterford Gaeltacht.

By Waterford City & County Council

Plean Teanga Dhún Garbhán ceadaithe

Ag ócáid in Ionad Ealaíon Seanteach an Mhargaidh i nDún Garbhán Déardaoin 14 Iúil, d’fhógair Jack Chambers,TD, Príomh-Aoire an Rialtais agus Aire Stáit le cúram don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht, go bhfuil plean teanga Dhún Garbhán ceadaithe.

Ciallíonn seo go bhfuil Dún Garbhán aitheanta go hoifigiúil mar Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta anois.

D’fhógair an tAire Stáit chomh maith go mbeidh €80,000 sa bhliain á chur ar fáil chun tacú le cur i bhfeidhm an phlean teanga thar thréimhse seacht mbliana.

Ag an ócáid, chuir Méara Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge John O’Leary fáilte roimh an bPlean Teanga ag rá go dtacóidh sé leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn i nDún Garbhán ar mhaithe le pobail Dhún Garbhán agus Gaeltacht na nDéise.

Deir Dónal Ó Conghaile, Cathaoirleach Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge, an coiste áitiúil atá aitheanta go hoifigiúil chun an Plean Teanga a fhorbairt, go bhfuil sé léirithe go soiléir go bhfuil tábhacht faoi leith ag Dún Garbhán mar Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus go bhfuil gaol láidir agus fad bunaithe idir muintir an bhaile agus muintir Ghaeltacht na nDéise.

Thug sé le fios go mbeidh deis anois Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga a fhostú don bhaile chun tacú le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge sa cheantar, le béim ar thacaíochtaí do teaghlaigh agus daoine óga, do ghnóthaí agus oideachais agus don bpobal go ginearálta.

Dúirt sé gur mapa bóthair atá i bPlean Teanga Dhún Garbhán atá bunaithe ar chomhairliúchán leathan agus a thugann léiriú cruinn ar mhianta mhuintir Dhún Garbhán agus máguaird, Gaeltacht na nDeise san áireamh i leith an Ghaeilge.

‘’Tá mé ag súl go mór chomh maith go mbeidh spéis ag breis daoine ón bpobal a bheith mar bhaill de Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge chun tacú leis an bPlean a chur i gcrích. Faoi láthair táimid ag obair ar stádas Comharchumann a fháil do Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge agus bheadh na múrtha fáilte roimh aon duine atá suim acu i chur chun cinn na Gaeilge sa cheantar a bheith mar bhall,’’ ar sé.

I láthair chomh maith ag an ócáid leis an Aire Jack Chambers bhí Mary Butler TD, Aire Meabhairshláinte agus Daoine Aosta agus Teachta Dála i bPort Láirge; Teachtaí Dála agus Comhairleoirí ón gcontae, Michael Walsh, Príomhfheidhmeannach, Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, ionadaithe ón Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon Spóirt agus Meán, Foras na Gaeilge, Coiste Dhún Garbhán le Gaeilge, gnóthaí an bhaile agus pobal na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Glór na nGael, Cumann Tráchtála Dhún Garbhán agus Gaeilge Dhún Garbhán agus máguaird, Gaeltacht na nDéise san áireamh.

By Waterford City & County Council

Free TuneFest Summer Lunchtime Sessions at the Old Market House Arts Centre, Dungarvan

If on Thursdays over the summer weeks you want some quality free music, pop into the Old Market House Arts Centre, Lower Main Street, Dungarvan from 12 noon to 1.30pm.

The sessions will feature traditional musicians from the area for you to enjoy as you browse the artwork or simply listen to the music, people are encouraged to come in at whatever time over their lunch break which suits, to catch a tune or a few.

Last month, TuneFest held their annual festival with concerts, workshops and recitals, these new lunchtime sessions will offer visitors the opportunity to hear a variety of musicians and styles over the coming weeks. Bígí linn, Thursdays from midday in the Old Market House Arts Centre, Dungarvan, starting this Thursday 14th July 2022.

These sessions are brought to you by the Arts Office, Waterford City and County Council. Tá fáilte roimh gach aoinne.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder : Temporary Road Closure : Mayor’s Walk, Waterford

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, will close the following public road to through traffic from 4th to 8th July, 2022 to facilitate New Connection for Irish Water.

Road to be closed:
• L1511 Mayors Walk, Waterford.

Diversion Route:
• Via Newgate Street and Manor Hill &
• Via Newport Terrace to Ballybricken Green

By Waterford City & County Council

Welcome Ambassadors make welcome return to Waterford

The Waterford Welcome Ambassadors are back to offer a genuine and local céad míle fáilte to visitors to Waterford.

After a two year hiatus, the Waterford Welcome Ambassadors are a welcome sight on the streets of the city and county.  Welcome Ambassadors offer visitors all the local tips on the range of things there are to see and do as well as advising them on places to eat and how to get to the many spectacular locations and attractions throughout County Waterford.

The Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Kelly welcomed the Ambassadors back. “Following a two year break in the programme, it is fantastic to have friendly volunteers back on the streets helping visitors find their way around Waterford again.”

“Our thanks must go to all the volunteers who give their time to provide the service. Their pride in promoting Waterford should be an inspiration to us all.”

This year sees the beginning of the handover of the coordination of the Welcome Ambassador Programme in Waterford City from Waterford Area Partnership to the newly established Waterford Volunteer Centre.

Sharon Higgins, Manager of Waterford Volunteer Centre said, ‘This is an exciting programme for the volunteer centre to be involved in. We are passionate about the role that volunteers play in the community and already we have seen the experience and positivity the ambassadors bring with them. They are an asset to tourism in Waterford.”

Speaking on behalf of Waterford Area Partnership who initiated the programme for The Tall Ships Races in 2011, Catherine Power acknowledged the positive contribution of all volunteer ambassadors who participated over the past 11 years.

“We are delighted to work with Waterford Volunteer Centre and Waterford City and County Council to ensure the programme continues into the future and goes from strength to strength. To have Waterford Volunteer Centre in place is so positive for volunteering across our city and county and we are really pleased to be involved for this year. I wish all the ambassadors all the best for the summer programme in the years to come.”

Waterford Chamber oversees the Programme in Tramore through the Tourist Information Centre and according to Lynda Lawton, Operations Officer, “It is wonderful to have our team of experienced volunteers back out again this summer under the management of Johnny O’Grady. Johnny and his team are a popular addition to the summer season in Tramore and we are heartened to see a number of new volunteers join us this year.”

The Waterford Welcome Ambassador Programme runs every weekend for 12 weeks in Waterford City and Tramore, and on cruise ship days during the summer months.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer Waterford Welcome Ambassador in Waterford City or Tramore email info@volunteerwaterford.ie for more details or drop into the volunteer centre.

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