Due to construction works, the public planning office in Waterford City (Menapia Building) will be temporarily closed on:
The Planning Office can still be contacted on planning@waterfordcouncil.ie and on 051-849562.
Irish Water Contractor, David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd working on behalf of Irish Water will be undertaking essential Maintenance Work on Air Valves next week from Monday April 8th. to Friday April 12th. inclusive on the footbridge adjacent to the Council Civic Offices. Through Pedestrian and Cycling Traffic will be prohibited during this period of time. Such Traffic will be diverted.
See below the Temporary Traffic Management Plan and circulated letter, showing the Diversion on both approaches to the Greenway Footway Bridge.
Due to construction works, the public planning office in Waterford City (Menapia Building) will be temporarily closed on:
The Planning Office can still be contacted on planning@waterfordcouncil.ie and on 051-849562.
Irish Water Contractor, David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd working on behalf of Irish Water will be undertaking essential Maintenance Work on Air Valves next week from Monday April 8th. to Friday April 12th. inclusive on the footbridge adjacent to the Council Civic Offices. Through Pedestrian and Cycling Traffic will be prohibited during this period of time. Such Traffic will be diverted.
See below the Temporary Traffic Management Plan and circulated letter, showing the Diversion on both approaches to the Greenway Footway Bridge.
Waterford based dhbArchitects have once again been shortlisted in a national competition for their town centre project in Tramore. The competition is ‘Building and Architect of the Year’, with the winner announced at an awards ceremony in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin on April 12th.
Máire Henry, Director of dhbArchitects, said, “I see this as a joint award for ourselves, our extended design team, our client Waterford City and County Council, our contractor, and the very supportive Tramore Town Centre Management group. We all worked together to deliver a much-needed public outdoor space in the old centre of Tramore town.”
Following investment of €5.1m from the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF), Waterford City and County Council, and Uisce Éireann, the project has transformed the heart of Tramore Town into a vibrant, connected outdoor pedestrianised space, where people can once again stroll, meet, sit, converse and connect, overlooking Tramore Bay.
The design places a strong emphasis on pedestrians over cars, resulting in increased walking among both locals and visitors. This has led to numerous positive outcomes, including improved physical health, a cleaner environment and a more robust local economy.
The addition of custom Irish limestone seating acts as an outdoor amphitheatre, attracting children who engage with the space while their parents queue and chat at the popular bakery and coffee shops that now line the area.
The seating also provides a resting spot for those who may find the steep topography challenging. Furthermore, this space serves as a pop-up performance area, hosting local parades and festivals.
Morris Conway, Acting Senior Architect with Waterford City and County Council said, “This project has created a vibrant town centre, with its bright and open reclaimed pedestrian area. The stepped seating and cascading paving are as practical as they are eye-catching, creating an impressive focal point, attracting visitors and increasing dwell time of those who visit the area.”
The Tramore Public Realm project was awarded a Commendation at the annual Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) awards in 2023.
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Waterford City and County Council, in association with Fáilte Ireland and EveryEvent, is delighted to announce a jam-packed four-day programme of St. Patrick’s Festival events from Friday, March 15th to Monday, March 18th.
The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Seize the Déise’, with community, sports, and charity groups encouraged to get involved to showcase the very best of all things Waterford in a show of colour, music and pageantry. And best of all…most events are FREE!
With so much to do, see and experience, make sure you don’t miss a beat and download the full programme, with links to all events and where apt, ticket bookings, visit https://stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com/programme-of-events/
Music: Kick-start your St. Patrick’s Festival weekend with free family fun activities at John Robert’s Square. Over the four-day festival, Waterford’s city centre will be abuzz with the return of the much-loved City Centre Fairground, perfect fun for the littlest family members. Wobbly Circus has been enthralling and delighting for years, so don’t miss them throughout the weekend, along with Waterford Active Cities and the Irish Olympic Federation, demonstrating sports skills of all codes.
Local talent will be feature big and bold as the Suir Ukulele Strummers, Waterford Centre of Music Choir, Bienvue Gospel Choir, the Uilleann Pipe Orchestra, EJ Mae, Liam & Bill, Omega 3, Knockadollys, Divorce Party, The Bad Shirts, the Booley House, Mark Atkins, and Caoimhe Power perform free gigs throughout the centre, from the Waterford Cultural Quarter (WCQ) to John Roberts Square to the Apple Market Stage. The Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum band, a Waterford musical institution is the perfect prelude to St. Patrick’s Day at the Bishop’s Palace.
You can soak up the atmosphere of two great sporting clashes as Waterford take on Kilkenny in the National Hurling Final and Ireland and Scotland go head to head in the Six Nations Championship…all on the Big Screen at Bailey’s New Street.
Late night entertainment: The music continues into the evening with energetic performances from Alan Power and the Aftershocks, Delta Dog, The Bad Shirts and Spring Break on the Apple Market Stage, Louise & Simon Whelan and Amaro Swingos at WCQ and back by phenomenal demand, the Churchyard Sessions at Bailey’s New Street featuring The Mulligans and Mad Ferrit. The Burning Circus brings its intense, fiery spectacle to the Apple Market Stage when the lights go down!
Craft and entertainment: With so much to choose from, don’t tie yourself up in knots, although the Celtic Knotwork Workshop in Waterford Cultural Quarter might be the perfect solution in case you do! Lovers of literature be sure to get along to the Spoken Word stage, while Fierce Mild will be bringing the classic 90’s pop tunes we all danced along to.
Arts & Crafts for all: Paint, print and play at The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) Children’s Arts and Crafts Workshops and at City Square Shopping Centre or try your hand at festive Lino Printing at GOMA.
Culture & Tours: Delve into the illustrious history of Ireland’s Oldest City with free entry to the Medieval Museum. You’ll get the steps in with an Afternoon Walking History tour of the Viking Triangle or take a jaunt on the Illuminations Tour when the sun goes down to see the iconic city walls up close. The Urban Greenway tour quite literally puts the (green) spotlight on the city’s historical monuments and iconic buildings. You can take the route the Vikings once took and see the city from the majestic River Suir aboard the Osprey Viking Cruise, while the multi-cultural celebration of language, culture and music at St. Patrick’s Gateway Centre is a must.
Theatre: Garter Lane and the Theatre Royal have a St. Patrick’s Weekend programme that will appeal to all lovers of good music, and rib-tickling comedy. The Clancy Family returns to the Theatre Royal with songs and memories from the Clancy household, while funnyman Neil Delamare will bring his razor-sharp observations on life and trad. Everyone’s favourite Cork man, Reggie from the Blackrock Road will play homage to his beloved Leeside at Garter Lane.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Seize the Déise’ and will begin at 1pm sharp on St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday March 17th. Led by Grand Marshall, All-Ireland finalists, Waterford Senior Camogie team, over 2,000 participants are scheduled to take part in the parade.
The parade begins at Waterford Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay, past the Clock Tower and the Plaza, moving around to the Mall, with entries gathering at the Bridge Street end of the Quay at the start of the parade.
Optimum viewing positions are from the Quays, where there is plenty of room as well as at the Mall. The parade will end at the Mall / Parnell Street junction and we ask that patrons do not congregate in Parnell Street as this area is designated for post-parade and production staff.
Waterford City and County Council is delighted to announce an Autism Family Friendly Area at the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Working with Autism Friendly Waterford and 50 Shades of Exceptional we are proud to introduce this initiative as part of our vision to make Waterford Ireland’s first autism friendly city. A special area has also been reserved and sign-posted for wheelchair users / special access at Mall Lane. This is on a first come, first served basis and intending patrons should make themselves known to stewards.
Last minute entries to the parade are still open to community groups from Waterford City, County and beyond – intending participants should complete the application form on the St. Patrick’s Festival website www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com
There will also be an online streaming of the Parade, so those who cannot attend but still wish to enjoy the celebrations.
To find out more details of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and four-day festival in Waterford visit www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com to download the 2024 programme and keep an eye out on Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Festival social media channels.
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Images:
For further information / arrange an interview:
Johnny Codd
Festival Coordinator
Waterford City and County Council
087 785 0538
John Grubb
Programme coordinator
EveryEvent
086 3403127
On Thursday February 29th, Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD visited the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) site.
Almost a year to the day since ground was broken on the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD, works have advanced significantly on this flagship urban regeneration project and are on schedule, delivering one of the largest ever investments in Waterford and the southeast region.
The public infrastructure works are funded with a public investment of €207m, including €100.6m of Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) funding and a further €70m from the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The works include enhanced multi-modal access routes, a public transport hub including the relocation of Waterford train station to the North Quays, and a sustainable transport bridge.
The sustainable transport bridge will link the reallocated train station to new walking and cycling infrastructure. These works will reduce the reliance on private car and facilitate alternative modes of transport for those accessing the city centre through the delivery of enhanced and integrated sustainable and active travel infrastructure.
Separate contracts for new foul and stormwater pumping stations in Ferrybank will be completed in May 2024.
During his visit, Minister Donohoe TD said, “Works have advanced significantly on this flagship project, which I was delighted to visit. It is so encouraging to see the National Development Plan come to life through projects such as the North Quays and to see the progress that is being made on its delivery, first-hand. This project will be transformative for Waterford City, opening up the north side of the city for the benefit of the people of southeast.
“The development, which will not only deliver improved, high-quality transport infrastructure, as well as pedestrian and cycling facilities, making it easier to navigate the city, but will also include office space, residential, retail, and hotel accommodation. Sustainable, urban regeneration opens up cities in the most positive way, providing immense opportunities and possibilities to those who live there.
“This project, which is one of the largest ever investments in Waterford and the southeast region, will change the way people view the city, travel around it, live in it and make the very most of it. I look forward to continued updates on project delivery and to seeing the difference it will make to the people of Waterford, and the surrounding region, in the years ahead.”
The infrastructure will enable the commercial development on the SDZ Site by Harcourt Developments, which will include offices, residential, retail, accommodation, and tourism investment in conference/exhibition facilities, as well as a 4-star hotel and visitor’s centre. All of which will be developed to be sustainable, high-quality and climate resilient.
The development places a significant emphasis on improving the public realm through investment in new civic spaces, high-quality transport infrastructure and pedestrian and cycling facilities which will connect Waterford City Centre and the Southeast greenways.
Waterford’s new state of the art Transport Hub will be unique in Ireland and will put Waterford at the forefront of integrated and sustainable city centre transport infrastructure.
Michael Walsh, Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council said, “The progress to date on this publicly funded project must be commended. The transformative effects for Waterford and the region will soon be apparent as, upon completion, this development will not only increase employment and provide much needed high-quality residential units, but it will also enhance our retail, tourism and cultural offering and reinforce Waterford’s reputation as the Best Place to Live in Ireland.”
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Waterford City and County Council, in association with Fáilte Ireland, is delighted to present a jam-packed four days of craic agus ceol, live entertainment, music and culture taking place from March 15th to March 18th alongside the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of traditions, flavours, and rhythms that showcase the rich diversity within our community. Lose yourself in a symphony of sounds, spectacular events and an eclectic mix of historical and cultural attractions taking place throughout the city.
Highlights of the festival include a smorgasbord of free events in Waterford’s Cultural Quarter; the Spoken Word stage, live performances from EJ Mae, Knockadollys, Delta Dogs and Amoro Swings, to name but a few.
Why not step back in time and join the Epic Tour, speciality walking tours, the Illumination Tours and the Dark History tour…all free and all spectacular! Or enjoy free entry to Waterford’s Medieval Museum and GOMA Gallery on March 16th.
The Apple Market Stage will be heaving all weekend as the best of local and national musical talent takes to the stage, including After The Break, Uillean Pipe Orchestra, The Booley House, Omega 3, Divorce Party, Alan Power and the After Shocks, and a fiery performance from the Burning Circus, along with so much more.
Bailey’s New Street will form the backdrop for the Churchyard Sessions featuring great live music along with a big screening of Waterford vs Kilkenny in the Allianz Hurling League, followed by a Six Nations Championship showdown, as Ireland take on Scotland.
Waterford’s Theatre Royal, Garter Lane and St. Patrick’s Gateway have a diverse offering of comedy, culture, folklore and music and John Robert’s Square will host all manner of strummers, choristers, clowns, food, fairgrounds and face-painters.
The parade’s theme is “Seize the Déise”, led by Grand Marshall, Waterford Senior Camogie team, which made history last year by reaching its first All-Ireland Senior Camogie Final in 78 years.
On Sunday, March 17th, the Waterford St. Patrick’s Day parade will start at 1pm, with entries gathering at the Bridge Street end of the Quay. The parade begins at the Waterford Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay, past the Clock Tower and the Plaza, moving around to the Mall.
Keep an eye out for the full programme of events coming soon on www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com
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Attached image: The Burning Circus
For further information:
Johnny Codd
Festival Coordinator
Waterford City and County Council
087 785 0538
Waterford has been designated a UNESCO Learning City and been invited to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. The UNESCO Learning City Designation recognises good practices in promoting quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. This achievement of Learning City status follows the collaborative work of Waterford City and County Council, Kilkenny County Council, the Southern Regional Assembly, SETU, Waterford Chambers and the ETBs in preparing an application to UNESCO, setting out the ambition and commitment in Waterford to fostering lifelong learning opportunities for all its citizens.
As a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, Waterford can grow and develop as a recognised city of learning and build upon the strong stakeholder commitment and political support of the Learning City Initiative. The Designation of Waterford as a UNESCO Learning City is strongly supported by regional policy and advances the ambition set out in the Southern Regional Assembly’s Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy to develop Waterford City as a UNESCO Learning City, joining Limerick and Cork City as part of a network of Learning Cities and to develop the entire Southern Region as a UNESCO Learning Region.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “As Mayor I would like to express how proud we are to be joining the UNESCO Learning Cities family.
“One of the most significant things about this network is the strong emphasis on lifelong learning, and that is something that we in Waterford as a council, and as a city will strive to consolidate and promote for the people of Waterford.”
He added, “Myself, my council colleagues, and the people of the city have a great and unwavering belief in the importance of learning…from the cradle to the grave. We will do everything we can to be vibrant members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and assure you of our great commitment and support.”
On receiving news of the UNESCO Designation, Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly, Terry Shannon said, “I want to commend the great collaboration of all involved in making this commitment for Waterford to become a UNESCO Learning City. Becoming a Learning City will help achieve progress in disadvantaged areas and marginalised communities and will develop our knowledge, innovation and strong skills base our future.”
The designation of Waterford as a UNESCO Learning City has also been welcomed and commended by Waterford Members of the Southern Regional Assembly, Cllr. Tom Cronin, Cllr. Thomas Phelan and Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness.
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Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, is replacing approximately 700 meters of old cast iron water watermains in Dungarvan.
The watermains that were prone to frequent bursts and leakage are being replaced with new high-density polyethylene (plastic) pipes. Once complete, the works will provide a more reliable water supply, and reduce high levels of leakage. This project will also facilitate social and economic growth into the future, through the upgrading of water infrastructure.
The first section of this upgrade is 100 meters of new water mains on O’Connell Street between the junction of Stephens Street and St Bridget Terrace. These works are due to start week commencing 15 January and are programmed to last four weeks. This will be followed by a 600 meter section of new water mains on Springmount and Mitchell street, with a programme duration of eight weeks.
Once completed customers in this area will enjoy an improved water supply with less disruption. Shareridge Civil Engineering are contracted to carry out the work on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
Commenting on the project David Murphy Uisce Éireann said: “To facilitate the safe delivery of the project and to minimise impact on the community, areas of work will be limited to short sections. Traffic management will be in place at this time, in the form of a stop/go system. Local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.”
Murphy continued “This essential work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network across the country, prioritising investment where it is needed most enabling these communities to thrive.”
This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council to reduce leaks every day. Fixing leaks can be complicated. We have over 63,000 km of water pipes underground in Ireland – enough to circle the earth one and a half times. Most leaks aren’t visible, resulting in precious water being lost but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2022 it was 37%. We are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 25% by the end of 2030.
The works may involve some short-term water shut offs and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water shut offs. Uisce Éireann understands that this type of work can be inconvenient and work crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption.
Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or check out the Water Supply Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website for regular updates.
The works also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customer’s water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead these are being replaced.
For more information visit www.water.ie/projects-plans/national-projects/leakage-reduction-programme/
Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie
Luan – Aoine 11.00r.n. – 4.00i.n.
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.
Monday – Friday 11am – 4pm
Monday – Thursday 8.30am – 1pm & 1.30pm – 4pm
Saturday 9am – 12.30pm
Please recycle your batteries. Use the battery collection boxes in your home, in your school, in your work place, in your local shop and at your local civic amenity site.
Waterford City & County Council wishes to advise the public that the playground at Walton Park, Dungarvan will be closed to all users until 20th December 2023 to facilitate the installation of new equipment.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
The Waterford Gallery of Art on O’Connell Street is the home of one of the oldest and best civic collections of art in Ireland. The Waterford Art Collection, founded in 1939, includes artworks by some of Ireland’s most renowned artists including Paul Henry, Jack B Yeats, Mainie Jellett, Sir Frederic William Burton and Evie Hone. Established and maintained through the incredible generosity of individual donors and charitable organisations, the gallery is delighted to receive several new donations from two of the leading figures of the Irish art world.
David Britton, the former director at Adam’s Auctioneers and owner of the Frederick Gallery with curator and art historian, Karen Reihill, have personally gifted to Waterford a selection of works which will feature in exhibitions from early next year. One of the incredibly significant, and rare donations, is a folio entitled ‘Short Course Waterford 1949’. This beautifully made handbound book includes original linocuts by various well-respected artists from the time including Christopher Campbell, R.J. Hobbs, Patrick Heney (Padraig Ó hÉanaigh), James Manning, John Pearce and more. It is a delight and tribute to see the works return back to their home of origin.
Alongside this donation is a limited edition ‘artists working proof’ illustration by Elizabeth Rivers which was created as the main image for the book, ‘The Man Who Invented Sin’ (1948), by Sean O’Faolain. This commissioned artwork was completed for The Devin Adair Company in June 1948 and Rivers remained friendly with Sean and Eileen O’Faolain for the remainder of their life. Rivers, who was born in England but spent the majority of her life in Ireland and on the Aran Islands was also close friends with artist Hilda Roberts, one the founding figures of the Waterford Art Collection and Gallery. Roberts taught at Newtown School from the late 1920s alongside husband and headmaster, Arnold Marsh. The Waterford Gallery of Art currently features a free exhibition, ‘Arnold & Hilda’ exploring their life and work.
Britton and Reihill have also presented to the Collection a large and curious etching entitled ‘Toad and Spider, early morning June’ (1979) by Patrick Hickey. The artwork was identified as an item amiss from the gallery’s sizable collection of prints and etchings obtained from Dublin’s ‘Graphic Studio’ in the late 1970’s.
The folio, illustration by Rivers, and etching by Hickey will feature in the gallery’s ‘Prints and Drawings’ exhibition opening February 14th 2024. This opening is parallel to an accompanying exhibition launching on the same day in the gallery which celebrates the one-hundred-year anniversary of the founding of the Friends of the National Collections of Ireland. ‘100 Years of the FNCI’ will showcase the 10 substantial donations the FNCI have gifted to the Collection since their foundation in 1924 as well as an early painting by Sarah Purser, the initiator of the FNCI and resident of Dungarvan for 25 years.
Lastly, in acknowledgement of the research and development of an Olympic themed exhibition due to open in the gallery next summer, the collection has kindly been gifted a pastel work entitled, ‘Man of Sweden’ created by Christopher Campbell. This personal and masterly executed work is a portrait of Chistopher’s brother Laurence, who was also a recognised artist whose paintings feature in the Waterford Art Collection.
Art, including architecture, literature, music, painting and sculpture, were included as part of the Olympic Games between 1912 and 1948. The Waterford art Collection includes works by many artists (such as Christopher Campbell) that took part in the Olympics during these dates including artworks by silver medal winner Jack B Yeats, and bronze medal winner Letitia Marion Hamilton.
The Waterford Arts Office and Waterford City and County Council are incredibly thankful for the generosity and consideration shown by David Britton and Karen Reihill in supporting the work and programming of the gallery in the coming year and assisting the future development of Waterford’s prized art collection.
The Waterford Gallery of Art is open to the public Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm and admission is free for all.
Luke Currall
Visual Arts Co-Ordinator
The Waterford Gallery of Art
lcurrall@waterfordcouncil.ie
