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By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore business wins Senior Student Enterprise Award

Tramore Sea Salt Spray from Ard Scoil na Mara wins Best Senior Student Enterprise in Waterford and qualifies for the National Student Enterprise Finals. Joining the Tramore business is Protein Pros from Mercy Convent secondary school, who won Best Junior Student Enterprise.

The county finals took place on Tuesday March 5th at the Park Hotel in Dungarvan. Co-ordinated by the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, the final took place during Local Enterprise Week. The competition is the most successful programme of its kind in the country. 27,000 budding entrepreneurs from 380 secondary schools across the country have been running their own enterprises, with help from their teachers and Local Enterprise Offices.

Tramore Sea Salt Spray, winner of the Senior award, created, produced and sold a unique product to enhance hair texture and volume by using natural mineral-rich sea salt, giving your hair a beachy, tousled look while also nourishing and strengthening it. The team comprised of Ben Phelan, Arlo Barron, Donnacha Flannery and Sam Ahern.

While the first Junior winners in Waterford in nearly 10 years produced a product similar to protein balls, however they made various different protein shapes instead. They offered multiple flavours including biscoff, dairy milk, and peanut butter in the shape of stars and hearts. The team included Sophie Wall, Emily O’Regan, Casey Wyse and Layla Costello.

The Waterford Student Enterprise Programme started in September with over 1,000 students from 14 schools in Waterford City and County. They created their businesses, developed, branded, promoted and sold. But most importantly they learned what it felt like to run their own business.

Finally, 100 students represented 12 schools in Waterford County competed in the Waterford Student Enterprise Final on Tuesday March 4th at the Park Hotel in Dungarvan. 36 businesses in total, shortlisted from a total of 350 who commenced the competition in September, presented their business plans and challenged for the top prize in the county section of the Student Enterprise Programme.

Tramore Sea Salt Spray and Protein Pros will represent Waterford at the National Finals on May 8th, taking on 34 other businesses, the best of the rest of the country.

National finalists from all over the country will set-up enterprise displays before taking part in a series of judges’ interviews.  The judging panels take numerous factors into account, such as business reporting, innovation, market research, risk management and finances.

Praising the teachers and local schools involved in the programme, Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, said: “We run a very successful and popular Student Enterprise Programme here in Waterford, thanks to the support of the many schools and teachers in the area. The Student Enterprise Awards give local teenagers a taste of what it’s like to run their own business and to be their own boss. Along the way, the programme helps them develop important entrepreneurship skills, learning about sales, innovation, managing finances and finding new markets. Learning the fundamentals of running a business now, will help them throughout their studies and career.”

Further information about May’s National Finals is available through www.studententerprise.ie, which also has free resources and video tutorials for students and teachers for the 2025/2026 programme.

For more information, please contact your Local Enterprise Office at 35 the Mall in Waterford City or Civic Offices in Dungarvan. Alternatively, you can email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie .

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2025 winners’ list:

Best Display: –              School: Abbey Community College              Business: Beessentials

Best Innovation: –            School: Newtown Secondary School                      Business: Nubus

Students’ Choice: –          School: Ard Scoil na Mara, Tramore                         Business: Tramore Sea Glass & Shell Art

Best Interview: –             School: Blackwater Community School            Business: M A R S

Best use of Social Media: –     School: St. Augustine’s College                        Business: Knot Kidding

Most Sustainable: –           School: Waterpark College                                 Business: Return to Raffle

Merit Award: –               School: Waterpark College                              Business: Glisten Ireland

Junior Winner: –            School: Our Lady Of Mercy Secondary School        Business: Protein Pro’s

Senior 3rd: –                  School: Ard Scoil na nDeise                             Business:  LA Slick Stick

Senior 2nd: –                School: Ard Scoil na Mara, Tramore               Business: Tramore Sea Glass & Shell Art

Senior 1st:-                School: Ard Scoil na Mara, Tramore                        Business: Tramore Sea Salt Spray

Captions:

DSCF0428: Sophie Wall, Emily O’Regan, Casey Wyse and Layla Costello and their business Protein Pros from Mercy Convent Secondary School, Waterford receiving the Junior Student Enterprise Programme award from Councillor Damien Geoghegan and Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise Waterford LEO at the final of the Waterford Student Enterprise Programme in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan, hosted by the Local Enterprise Office – David Clynch

DSCF0445: Donnacha Flannery, Arlo Barron, Ben Phelan and Rob Kenny and their business Tramore Sea Salt Spray from Ard Scoil na Mara Tramore, receiving the Senior Student Enterprise Programme award from Councillor Damien Geoghegan and Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise Waterford LEO with judges Dermot Walsh, Sharon O’Brien, Jamie Whitty and David Walsh at the final of the Waterford Student Enterprise Programme in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan, hosted by the Local Enterprise Office – David Clynch

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister of State makes return to his native Waterford

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins TD paid a visit to his home city of Waterford last week (Friday, February 21st) where he met with Waterford City and County Council management team and visited an affordable housing development in Tramore.

First port of call was City Hall where Minister Cummins met with Waterford City and County Council Chief Executive, Sean McKeown and members of the senior management team, where he was updated on a range of topical issues including the URDF (Urban Regeneration and Development Fund) projects in the city and county.

Some of the ongoing URDF projects include the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ); the redevelopment of the former Munster Express building on Merchant’s Quay into a smart data research hub; Parade Quay, a mixed-use development and new urban realm space in the Viking Triangle, and the large-scale redevelopment of the historic city centre building at No.3 & No. 4 George’s Street.

There was also discussion on planning matters, social and affordable housing projects, including cost rental.

The Minister then travelled to Tramore where he officially turned the sod on The Courtyard at Ballycarnane, the latest affordable housing development in the seaside town.  The scheme when completed will consist of 25 newly built and beautifully designed homes, with a mix of two- and three-bedroom terrace and semi-detached properties. The Courtyard is the latest development launched under the Affordable Purchase Scheme, in partnership with Waterford City and County Council and developers, R. McDonald & Sons.

Through the scheme, these homes are available at a reduced price for first-time buyers whose mortgage and deposit will not cover the price of the home and who are seeking to purchase a newly built home.  The scheme was introduced in 2024 and will be completed by the end of 2025.

Speaking of the visit, Minister Cummins said, “I was delighted to visit Waterford City and County Council on Friday in my capacity as Minister of State at the Department of Housing. My meeting with members of the senior management team focused on the future of Waterford city and county, particularly a number of projects that we will work hard to progress. As part of my visit, it was an honour to turn the sod on the latest affordable purchase development in Tramore, the Courtyard, Ballycarnane which is being delivered by Waterford City & County Council with the support of the Affordable Housing Fund.”

“I want to commend all involved at Waterford City and County Council and at R. McDonald & Sons in delivering these exceptional, well-designed, modern, energy efficient homes beautifully located here in the sunny southeast. This government is committed to providing more housing solutions for people.  This visit and the interest around this development displays the scheme is working to help get people on the housing ladder. I look forward to seeing these houses used in time to come and I will continue to work hard to offer more solutions like this.”

In welcoming Minister Cummins to City Hall, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “We are delighted to welcome Minister Cummins to City Hall in his new role as Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.  John is no stranger to Waterford Council having served as a councillor for over eleven years and as a Senator for five years.”

“As a local authority that has been highlighted as an exemplar in housing provision, it was great to discuss the Council’s pipeline of housing initiatives, the regeneration of our towns and villages through URDF and RRDF (Rural Regeneration and Development Fund) and the progress on the North Quays.”

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Images (Free to Use); Noel Browne

1:  Minister Cummins TD is pictured with (l-r) Richard McDonald, R. McDonald & Sons, Government Chief Whip Mary Butler TD, Sean McKeown Waterford City & County Council Chief Executive, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, and Senator Joe Conway.

4: Minister Cummins TD with Richard McDonald, R. McDonald & Sons and Walter Holden Senior Executive Architect, Waterford City & County Council.

8: Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins TD turns the sod on The Courtyard development at Ballycarnane, Tramore with

Walter Holden, Senior Executive Architect Waterford City & County Council; Clodagh McDonald, Lawrence & McDonald Selling Agents;  Richard McDonald, R. McDonald & Sons;  Helena Dennehy, Director of Services Waterford City and County Council; Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy; Government Chief Whip Mary Butler TD, Sean McKeown Waterford City & County Council Chief Executive; Senator Joe Conway & Melanie Cunningham-Head, Waterford City and County Council.

By Waterford City & County Council

The Coastguard Cultural Centre Tramore to host unique collaboration between photographer and poet

Image of Lafcadio Hearn, printed on a Hosta leaf, using developer made from Hosta leaves.During 2022, photographer Margaret O’Brien-Moran and poet Mark Roper visited the wonderful Japanese Gardens in Tramore on a regular basis. Their hope was to create a collaborative work based on their joint impressions of the Gardens during a calendar year.

The fruits of their labour can now be seen, in the exhibition ‘From The Japanese Gardens’, which runs at the Coastguard Cultural Centre in Tramore throughout the month of February.

The exhibition will feature photographs, a short film, scrolls, silk hangings and more. A book of short poems and images will be for sale. Margaret is an experimental photographer, seeking to replace chemicals in the development of her work, in the interests of sustainability.

For the exhibition, she has made various different kinds of images, such as Anthotypes, Cyanotypes, Sun Pictures and Eco Prints, using developers made from plants in the Gardens. There is, for instance, an image of Lafcadio Hearn (in whose honour the Gardens were made) developed using the plant Hosta. This has been printed onto a Hosta leaf, with the printed leaf then being preserved in resin.

The short poems in the book, by Waterford-based poet, Mark Roper, follow the course of a year in the Gardens, from January:

Such cold today –

even the trees

wear socks of moss.

through all the drama of Spring, Summer and Autumn, into December:

Winter sun. Leaves

all gone from the trees.

Quiet in the garden.

Light on stone.

Running stream.

 

In many different ways, the exhibition comes directly from The Japanese Gardens.

‘From the Japanese Gardens’ runs from Monday, February 3rd to Friday, February 28th 2025 at The Coastguard Cultural Centre, Doneraile Drive, Tramore West, Tramore, Co. Waterford X91 HP63 and is open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The exhibition will be launched on Friday 7th February at 7pm by speaker Agnes Aylward.  For further information call 086 3782722.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore Prom public toilets closed

Toilets at Tramore Prom

Due to damage caused by Storm Ashley, the public toilets on the Prom in Tramore will remain closed until further notice.

The nearest public facilities are located at Strand Road, Tramore.

Waterford City and County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused.

By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore’s latest amenity bowls over boarders

On Thursday, September 19th, the sun shone as Tramore’s newest outdoor amenity, the Skatepark on the Lower Prom, was officially opened by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy.

The high-quality facility was constructed in concrete and combines elements of bowl and street plaza features, designed with the specific needs of skateboarders in mind.

Cutting the ribbon, the Mayor said, “I’m delighted to officially open this top-class facility.  The skatepark is a wonderful addition to Tramore as it provides a welcome, free, fun, active space for all to enjoy.

“Set on the Prom and looking across at the sea, this skatepark is the icing on the cake for the town of Tramore.  Tramore combines natural beauty, fun, family-friendly amenities, and opportunities for healthy pursuits seamlessly.  The addition of the skatepark to the town is yet another asset that will make Tramore an even more inviting and welcoming destination for young people, locals and tourists alike.

“Waterford City and County Council will continue to invest in facilities such as the skatepark, to encourage healthier pursuits and a more sustainable lifestyle for all.

I’d like to commend the Environment Department, particularly Project Manager Brian Murray, and SEO Dawn Wallace, for bringing this high-calibre amenity to Tramore, in a very timely manner and for giving full consideration to the aesthetics of the structure.”

Concluding the Mayor said,

“Finally, I would like to wish all our skateboarders, young and old, the absolute best as they make full use of this brilliant new facility. May it be a place where skills are honed, friendships are formed, and lasting memories are made. From skating across the rails, perfecting a kickflip or an ollie, to working on tricks in the air, there is something for everyone here. The design of this park allows for creativity to develop and for you to work on your own unique style.”

The skatepark was designed with input from the local skateboarding community and the feedback has been very positive.  Those in attendance, including 4th class pupils of Tramore Educate Together NS and their teacher Katie McAuliffe, enjoyed a skateboarding demonstration by local skateboarders Peter Breen, John Twomey, Heather O’ Connor, David Hartley and Taylor O’Brien.

Dawn Wallace, Senior Executive Officer, Waterford City and County Council said,

“It was important that the views of those who will use the park be taken into consideration, and that input was invaluable throughout the process.  By consulting with the skateboarding community, we were able to deliver a practical, yet top-class skatepark that is accessible to all ages and all abilities.”

Specialist companies Browne Brothers Site Services Limited and Vulcano Skateparks were engaged to undertake the detailed design and construction.  The Skatepark was constructed in a sustainable manner, applying the principles of the circular economy in terms of reuse of materials and life cycle costing.  Any stone or concrete removed from the original skatepark was brought to a recycling facility where it will be crushed and reused as fill material on future projects.

Waterford City and County Council secured funding of €202,371 from the Community Recognition Fund from the Department of Rural and Community Development with additional funds of €90,924 provided by Waterford City and County Council.

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Images – Free to use: Noel Browne

1. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with children from teacher Katie McAuliffe’s 4th class, Tramore Educate Together NS.

2. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with skater Peter Breen, Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan and Senator John Cummins.

4. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with Senator John Cummins,  Dawn Wallace, Senior Executive Officer, WCCC, Brian Murray, Project Manager, Fergus Galvin former Director of Services WCCC, Cllr .Lola O’ Sullivan and Paul Johnston, Acting Director of Services, WCCC.

5.  Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy cuts the ribbon at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark

6. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with Fergus Galvin, former Director of Services WCCC, Dawn Wallace, Senior Executive Officer, WCCC, Brian Murray, Project Manager and Paul Johnston, Acting Director of Services, WCCC.

8. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark.

10. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy pictured at the official opening of the Tramore Skatepark with skater Peter Breen.

12. Skater Taylor O’Brien showing his skills at the official opening of Tramore Skatepark.

By Waterford City & County Council

New Tramore Skatepark set to ‘bowl over’ skateboarders

Work is progressing well on Tramore’s newest outdoor amenity, the Skatepark on the Lower Prom.

The high-quality facility will be constructed in concrete and combine elements of bowl and street plaza features.  It has been designed with the specific needs of skateboarders in mind with input from the local skateboarding community.

Dawn Wallace, Senior Executive Officer, Waterford City and County Council said, “The skatepark is shaping up really well, and even at this early stage the feedback from skateboarders and the local community has been extremely positive.

“Not only will the skatepark be an attractive and accessible outdoor recreational facility, but it will also be a fabulous asset to the town and significantly improve the aesthetics on the Lower Prom and make Tramore an even more inviting destination for tourists, day-trippers and locals.”

Brian Murray, Assistant Engineer with Waterford City and County Council added, “This new state of art skatepark is to replace the former facility on the site. The former skatepark was a great draw for dedicated skateboarders, however over a period of twenty years the infrastructure constructed from steel and fibreglass deteriorated gradually.

“The new concrete skatepark will be much more resilient to the elements and provide a safer boarding experience for all users.”

Local skateboarding groups were consulted in the creation of the preliminary design, and specialist companies Browne Brothers Site Services Limited and Vulcano Skateparks were engaged to undertake the detailed design and construction.

The input from the skateboarders was very much taken on board and when officially opened later in the Autumn, skaters of all abilities will be able to effortlessly complete their ollies, frontside 180s, laser flips and kick flips in the bowl section, while at the street plaza area, skaters can negotiate street obstacles such as railings and ledges.

The main funding stream for the project is the Community Recognition Fund from the Department of Rural and Community Development with additional funds provided by Waterford City and County Council.

The new Tramore Skatepark will be officially opened by the Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy in September.

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Images:  Peter Breen: T Bay Surf Centre

By Waterford City & County Council

Facilities Updates

Facilities Updates

  • Walton Park, Dungarvan has reopened following recent renovations and repairs.
  • The Multi Use Games Area in An Garraun estate, Tramore is closed for essential repair work until further notice.

By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore Public Realm Architects shortlisted for National Architectural Award

Tramore Public Realm

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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By Waterford City & County Council

Public Consultation – Tramore Ring Road Pedestrian & Cycle Improvements

Waterford City & County Council proposes to undertake the construction of a 3km long pedestrian and cycle improvement scheme along the R675 Tramore Ring Road between Riverstown Roundabout and Newtown Roundabout, Tramore.

The proposed works include:

  • Construction of a dedicated two-way cycle track separated from vehicle traffic by a raised kerb or grass verge.
  • Junction tightening measures along the route.
  • Upgrade of 5no roundabouts to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Construction of 3 No. signal-controlled pedestrian crossing points as indicated on the drawings.
  • Improving connections to existing footpaths and estates at various locations as indicated on the drawings.

The objective of the scheme is to prioritise pedestrian and cycle movements over vehicles and to provide a safer and more attractive connection between the three primary schools, the secondary school, sports ground, and the numerous housing estates along the scheme extents.

The drawings together with the information leaflet are available for inspection on Waterford City and County Council’s consultation portal at consult.waterfordcouncil.ie and is also on display in our Customer Services Departments in Bailey’s New Street in the City and Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan from Tuesday 3rd October 2023 to Tuesday 31st October 2023.

The Council will consider any submissions or observations made in writing regarding the proposal.

Submissions should be made on the Council’s Consultation portal or by writing to James Cummins, Staff Officer, Active Travel Team, Waterford City & County Council, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford or by email to jcummins@waterfordcouncil.ie to be received by Tuesday 31st October 2023.

Please note that comments, including names of those making comments, submitted to the Council regarding this process will form part of the statutorily required report to be presented at a meeting of the elected members. Accordingly, they may also appear in the public domain.

By Waterford City & County Council

Beach Wheelchair Booking system opened by Waterford Sports Partnership

Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) is pleased to announce an online booking system for Tramore’s Beach Wheelchair is now live.

The beach wheelchair is free to use and is available seven days a week.

Introducing the initiative, Pauline Casey, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with WSP was delighted with the response to the introduction of the beach wheelchair.  “We have had a fantastic response to the introduction of the beach wheelchair at Tramore.  Users of the beach wheelchair have let us know that its addition has made all the difference to how they can access Tramore’s Blue Flag beach.

“Now the addition of an online booking system will make it easier and more accessible for those with mobility issues to book in advance.

“We have a beautiful beach and prom area, but it’s not always been accessible to everyone. The beach wheelchair gives users and their families and friends the opportunity to enjoy Tramore beach together.”

Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan, Chair of the Waterford branch of Irish Water Safety also welcomed the online booking system.  “The beach wheelchair has been a great success since we introduced it in 2021, however its availability was never a certainty.  Now users will be able to visit the booking portal and book a specific time that suits them.

“I’d encourage any person with a disability or infirmity who up to now hasn’t been able to experience the best of Tramore beach to visit the site and register.  Nobody should be excluded from enjoying all that our coastline has to offer.

“I’d also like to thank the Local Authority and the local businesses for their continued support in bringing this great facility to Tramore, in particular T-Bay Surf Club and Molly’s Café.”

The beach wheelchair is for use within the designated Lifeguard Area on Tramore Beach. between 10am and 5pm and is free of charge.

To book visit https://www.waterfordsportspartnership.ie/beach-wheelchair/ or email pcasey@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Housing Minister announces 277 social and affordable homes in Waterford

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD was in Waterford today (Friday, June 16th) to announce 277 social and affordable homes at six sites across the city and county.

First port of call was An Garrán in Tramore, where along with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary, the Minister turned the sod on a new Waterford City and County Council development of 50 A-rated residential units, comprising 6 one-bed, 28 two-bed, 11 three-bed and 5 disabled access two-bed units.

The Minister then visited and met with residents of Slí na Coille, Clúid Housing’s newest social housing development.  The scheme is a mix of houses, apartments and duplexes and provides secure, high-quality homes for 27 families. The residents came from Waterford City and County Council’s housing list and began moving into their new homes in August of 2022.

Mayor O’ Leary said, “It’s heart-warming to visit Slí na Coille.  Having met with the residents there is an evident overarching theme and that is community, the sense of which is palpable.  What started out as bricks and mortar have very quickly been transformed into homes, places of security and belonging for the residents.

“I’d like to commend the dedication of Clúid Housing in bringing this latest scheme to fruition, which brings the number of homes in Waterford owned or manged by them to 231.”

In the city, Minister O’Brien visited Summerfields and met with developers Whitebox Developments.  The development consists of 92 units and form part of Waterford City and County Councils’ Affordable Purchase Scheme, along with the development at Deerpark, which comprises 25 affordable homes. Under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, homes are available at a reduced price for first-time buyers whose mortgage and deposit do not cover the price of the home.

At St. Joseph’s the Minister cut the ribbon on an age-friendly housing development on the landmark site of Manor Hill.  The former convent has been transformed into 71 dwellings, with 50 units located within the main building and 21 located in the various out-building clusters on the site, while the former chapel on the site has been repurposed as a community space for multiple uses by tenants.

Over €4.2 million was approved through the Repair and Lease Scheme, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.  The funding was provided under Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland.  The Repair and Lease Scheme has been pioneered in Waterford and is a significant driver in providing high quality affordable housing solutions and at the same time has significantly addressed and delivered the return to use of vacant buildings in Waterford.

Minister O’Brien said, “Waterford City and County Council is leading the way in delivering new social and affordable homes, and in particular in tackling vacancy which to be frank is a scourge in many villages, towns, and cities across the country. I can only commend them on what has been a fantastic day, visiting numerous housing developments which are either underway or have just been completed.

“I want to particularly mention the St. Joseph’s development. I visited St. Joseph’s back in March 2022 when works were underway and I am blown away by what I saw today. The progressive nature of this Local Authority has helped to bring that project to fruition and I congratulate everyone involved in it. Housing for All will see us deliver more projects like these, and at scale too,” he concluded.

At St. Joseph’s Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD also launched Waterford’s Age Friendly Strategy 2023-2028, saying, “I am delighted to be launching the second ever Waterford Age Friendly Strategy 2023-2028, as we cut the ribbon on an age-friendly housing development on this landmark site. This pioneering development for Waterford, one which I hope to see replicated around the country, sees a former convent and chapel transformed into 71 dwellings and multi-use community space for tenants.

“As Minister for Older People, I look forward to further development of Waterford as a leading age friendly county in the coming years.”

The final visit to Waterford’s housing developments was to Ostmen Place, where the Minster was joined by Waterford Metropolitan Mayor, Cllr. Jason Murphy.  Ostmen Place is a new social housing development consisting of 14 new social housing units in Ballytruckle, providing a mix of one, two and three-bedroom units.

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Free to use images: Noel Browne

3/ 5/6 / 7 – Senator John Cummins, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr John O’Leary, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD and Marc Ó Cathasaigh TD

8 – At the launch of Waterford’s Age Friendly Strategy were Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr John O’Leary, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD, Waterford City and County Council Chief Executive, Michael Walsh, and members of Waterford’s Older Peoples Council and Waterford City and County Council Community staff.

  1. Sod turning at An Garrán
  2. Ribbon cutting at Slí na Coille.

By Waterford City & County Council

Tramore Public Realm shortlisted for Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Award

Tramore’s Public Realm has been shortlisted for Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Award.  The public realm works were designed by renowned Waterford-based firm dhb Architects in collaboration with Waterford City and County Council.

The awards are one of the longest running architectural awards in Ireland and promote and highlight the quality of work by RIAI members in Ireland and internationally.

Tramore’s town centre has been transformed into a vibrant and connected hub, following investment of approximately €5m from the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF), Waterford City and County Council, and Uisce Éireann.

Máire Henry of dhb Architects was delighted that the project was shortlisted.  “The premise of this project was to make Tramore Town Centre an energetic and welcoming place for those who live, work and visit the area.

“By linking retail and residential hubs with Tramore’s Blue Flag Beach, there is now a cohesiveness to Tramore that didn’t exist before.  The project has created a new vibrant pedestrian area and a real focal point for Tramore town centre.”

Morris Conway, Senior Architect with Waterford City and County Council added, “Tramore is a stunning seaside town that has long held a special place in the hearts of those who live there and those who visit year in, year out.

“The public realm works have created a recognisable town centre, with its bright and open reclaimed pedestrian area, supporting a new cohort of small artisan businesses in the area, while the stepped seating and cascading paving are as practical as they are eye-catching.”

This year’s RIAI Awards received a record number of 187 entries, with 53 projects shortlisted.  As in previous years, the shortlist of projects forms the basis for the RIAI Public Choice Award, from which the public selects their favourite project of the year by voting online.

To see the shortlisted projects and to cast your vote visit https://www.riai.ie/public-choice-award-poll

The winner of the RIAI Public Choice Award will be announced on June 22nd.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Ten flags flown at Waterford’s Blue and Green Coast beaches

Waterford’s coastline was recently recognised by An Taisce as three beaches were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag and seven the Green Coast Award Flags.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches. The programme promotes environmental education, sustainable development of tourism, environmental management systems and ensure safety and access for beach users.

According to Katia Hunter, Executive Scientist with Waterford City and County Council, the awarding of the Blue and Green Coast Flags is a great endorsement of Waterford’s coastline.

“The beaches that received the Blue Flag in 2023 are Ardmore, Clonea and Tramore beaches.  All of these beaches not only returned excellent bathing water results, but a series of stringent environmental and safety-related criteria were also met.

“The Green Coast flags were awarded to Annestown, Ballyquin, Curragh, Goat Island Beach, Guillamene Cove, Newtown Cove and Kilfarrassey, as they all demonstrated excellent water quality, and were appropriately maintained and managed to ensure the protection of the natural environment.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’ Leary commended not only the Local Authority’s Environment Department, but also the work of voluntary groups that dedicate themselves to ensuring an unspoilt environment for all to enjoy.

“The work of volunteers from groups such as Clean Coasts, Tidy Towns, and ecological groups, have made huge inroads in assisting in the maintenance and management of our coastline and its amenities.

“These volunteers are passionate about preserving our natural environment, whether it’s through litter picking, wildlife conservation management or developing educational programmes.  By enhancing our natural amenities, they are heightening the enjoyment we can all derive from our beaches and coastline.”

Blue Flag began in Ireland in 1988 with 19 beaches and 2 marinas being awarded. Since then, the Blue Flag programme has grown from strength to strength with 84 beaches and 10 marinas being awarded in 2023.

Each year Blue Flag is awarded to over 4,500 beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators in 49 countries globally. Beaches are awarded for the bathing season (June 1st to September 15th in Ireland) and marinas are awarded for up to 12 months, depending on their period of operation. The awarded sites for Ireland are announced at the end of May each year.

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Images – free to use:

Tramore 1: Martin Kerins, Katia Hunter and Ella Ryan of Waterford City and County Council with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary

Tramore 2: Members of Clean Coasts (Tramore Tidy Towns and T-Bay Surf Club) with Waterford City and County Council staff and Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. John O’Leary.

Tramore 3:Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary and Katia Hunter, Executive Scientist, Waterford City and County Council

Clonea 2: Ms Hayes 3rd and 4th class from Garranbane National School, Elaine Doyle Clean Coasts Development Officer, Clare Morrissey, Mary Power and Yvonne Whelan Dungarvan Bay Open Water Swimmers, with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary.

Clonea 4; Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary, Katia Hunter and Claire Morrissey

About An Taisce:

An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, operates the programme in Ireland on behalf of the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE).

The Blue Flag programme is funded in Ireland by the Department of the Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

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