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St. Patrick’s Festival set to honour Waterford’s ‘Saints & Scholars’

Waterford City and County Council and EveryEvent, with the support of Fáilte Ireland, are delighted to announce the return of the St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival celebrations – four days of craic agus ceol, live entertainment, pageantry, and tradition from March 14th to March 17th.

The theme for this year’s festival is Saints & Scholars – A Celebration of Waterford’s rich heritage.  As with previous years the festival is a celebration of Waterford’s people and communities, its culture and heritage, its diversity, and its musical and artistic talent, with a nod to our very own renowned Saints and Scholars.

St. Patrick is in the company of esteemed Waterford ‘scholar’, Luke Wadding, who was instrumental in placing the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in the Church’s Calendar of Saints.

Born in Waterford in 1588, Luke Wadding was an academic, author, historian and a Franciscan, who was at one stage considered for Pope.  He is however best remembered for ensuring St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated world-wide after it was added to the liturgical calendar.

This was the starting point of Waterford’s long-held association with St. Patrick’s Day.  In February 1903, before March 17th was ever declared a National Day of Celebration, a meeting was held in the Town Hall in Waterford where the citizens unanimously voted to make St. Patrick’s Day a ‘general holiday’ where local businesses would close in order to allow everyone to celebrate.

That year Waterford was Ireland’s first city to hold a St. Patrick’s Day Parade and over 120 years later, that tradition is stronger than ever!

Details of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and festival event will be revealed in the coming weeks, however Johnny Codd, Festival Director, Waterford City and County Council said there will be plenty for all to enjoy.

“Waterford has a great track record in festivals and events.  We were the first to hold a St. Patrick’s Day Parade and this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival will not disappoint.  From parades and pageantry, live music and cultural events and festival fairgrounds to history tours, there really is something for all ages to experience and enjoy.”

Waterford City and County Council and EveryEvent are also inviting applications from community groups, sports clubs, charities and businesses, large and small, to take part in the parade to really showcase what a diverse and special place Waterford is.

John Grubb of EveryEvent said, “We’re hoping to see as many groups as possible line up for the Parade this year.  It’s a fantastically fun occasion for all participants and a great platform to showcase your club, society and community to Waterford.”

If your business, group or club would like to take part in Waterford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025 visit https://stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com/take-part-in-2025/ and register your interest.

Notice of temporary changes to Peter Street Taxi Rank

Harvest Festival 2024Waterford Harvest Festival – Friday 6th September to Sunday 8th September 2024

Due to the 2024 Waterford Harvest Festival, the Peter St. Taxi Rank shall be closed for 3 days commencing Friday 6th September at 6am, until 10pm Sunday 8th September.

Temporary Taxi Ranks will be available at Patrick Street and High Street for the duration of the closure.

Spraoi 2024 – Road Closure Arrangements

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 roads to through traffic during the times specified below on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 1st to 5th August, 2024 to facilitate the Waterford Spraoi Festival.

DateRoad / AreaTime
Thursday 1st August to Monday 5th AugustO’Connell St. from junction of Hanover St. to Gladstone St.8pm Thursday to 1am Monday
Thursday 1st August to Monday 5th AugustGladstone St.8pm Thursday to 1am Monday
Saturday 3rd August to Monday 5th AugustThe Mall6am Saturday to 1am Monday
Saturday 3rd AugustHenrietta St.12 Noon – 6pm
Saturday 3rd AugustParade Quay, Custom House Quay9.15pm to 10.15pm
Sunday 4th AugustHenrietta Street12 Noon – 6pm
Sunday 4th AugustJohnstown8.30pm – 10pm
Sunday 4th AugustParnell St.8.30pm – 10.30pm
Sunday 4th AugustParade Quay9pm – 11.45pm
Sunday 4th AugustCustom House Quay9pm – 11.45pm

Spraoi 2024 – Road Closure Arrangements

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 roads to through traffic during the times specified below on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 1st to 5th August, 2024 to facilitate the Waterford Spraoi Festival.

DateRoad / AreaTime
Thursday 1st August to Monday 5th AugustO’Connell St. from junction of Hanover St. to Gladstone St.8pm Thursday to 1am Monday
Thursday 1st August to Monday 5th AugustGladstone St.8pm Thursday to 1am Monday
Saturday 3rd August to Monday 5th AugustThe Mall6am Saturday to 1am Monday
Saturday 3rd AugustHenrietta St.12 Noon – 6pm
Saturday 3rd AugustParade Quay, Custom House Quay9.15pm to 10.15pm
Sunday 4th AugustHenrietta Street12 Noon – 6pm
Sunday 4th AugustJohnstown8.30pm – 10pm
Sunday 4th AugustParnell St.8.30pm – 10.30pm
Sunday 4th AugustParade Quay9pm – 11.45pm
Sunday 4th AugustCustom House Quay9pm – 11.45pm

Cllr. Joe Kelly elected Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford

Cllr Joe Kelly elected Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford

At the AGM of the Metropolitan District of Waterford held in City Hall on Monday 24th June, independent Councillor, Joe Kelly, was elected as Metropolitan Mayor for a one-year term.

Cllr. Kelly was proposed by Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan of Fine Gael, and seconded by Cllr. Blaise Hannigan.  Cllr. Kelly’s appointment comes after he had previously served as plenary Mayor of Waterford City & County from 2021-2022, as well as Metropolitan Mayor in 2018.   Also nominated for the position were Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald of Sinn Féin and Cllr. David Daniels, Independent.

Cllr. Frank Quinlan of Fine Gael was elected as deputy Mayor, having been nominated by Cllr. Eamon Quinlan of Fianna Fáil.

Speaking after his appointment, a delighted Cllr. Kelly said:

“I am deeply honoured to be elected as the Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford for a second time. This city & county holds a special place in my heart, and I am committed to representing it with dignity and pride. The importance of the democracy in which we live, and work cannot be undervalued.  It gives all the Councillors here present our mandate to work for those that elected us.

Cllr. Kelly, beginning his fourth term as an elected representative, thanked his family and especially his wife Frances, as well as paid tribute to those Councillors who were not returned in the recent election.  In what was a first Metropolitan AGM without his presence, Cllr. Kelly paid tribute to the late Davy Daniels, a long serving member of the Council who passed away since the last meeting.

The Metropolitan Council is the constituent part of the overall Waterford City & County Council, which represents the Waterford City, Tramore, Passage East and Dunmore East areas and their hinterlands.  There are 18 elected representatives for this district, which is made up of three local government electoral areas, each with 6 Councillors – Tramore & Waterford City West, Waterford City East and Waterford City South.

ENDS

People’s Park Fountain gets contemporary upgrade

The Fountain in the People’s Park was unveiled today (May 29th) by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway.

The new fountain, which has retained the shape and limestone capping of the previous fountain, consists of a 7-metre stainless steel spray ring with 88 individual water jets along with a dynamic colour change lighting display and a water filter system that can be monitored and accessed remotely.

Speaking at the unveiling, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said, “This is a wonderful addition to the People’s Park, and I’m delighted that so many people will be able to enjoy the calming sound and relaxing ambience that the fountain brings to this space.

“For anyone taking a stroll in the park, having a bite of lunch outdoors or enjoying the play areas for children, the new fountain is sure to be a big draw.

“What was once marshland almost 170 years ago, is now a vibrant, green, biodiverse and family-friendly public space which is on all of our interests to enjoy, respect and preserve.”

In addition to the construction of the new fountain, the Carlisle Bridge which links the People’s Park to Waterford Court House across the River Pill was also reopened.  Carlisle Bridge dates back to 1857 when it was built to provide a pedestrian link between the Courthouse and the People’s Park. The bridge, which is a very earlier example of the use of reinforced concrete construction, was opened by the 7th Earl of Carlisle after whom it was named.

In recent years much of the original iron work and lattice work on the bridge had become heavily corroded and in late 2023 Waterford City and County Council appointed Cumnor Construction to undertake a refurbishment of the bridge, which included the replacement of corroded wrought iron work, a full back to bare metal stripping of the old paint and repainting in colours that would in keeping with those used during the Victorian period.

The bridge was refurbished at a cost of almost €200,000 which was largely funded by grant funding from the Department of Transport’s Bridge Rehabilitation Works Programme.

Commenting on the fountain works, Dawn Wallace, Environment Senior Executive Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “We are delighted with the results.  The People’s Park is a wonderful public amenity that contains modern, accessible facilities such as the playground, playing pitch, skate park and adult gym, but what makes it particularly special is that it retains the history of the place.

“The bandstand has stood prominently in the heart of the 16-acre park since 1869 along with the Russian canons which were captured by the British Army at the Battle of Sebastopol in 1854.  These significant historical features are now complemented by the new upgraded fountain and refurbished pedestrian access bridge, which means there is something for everyone to enjoy in this expansive natural space.”

The overall cost of the fountain refurbishment was €160,000 and works were completed earlier this month by contractors Fountainworks of Navan with civil support works carried out by Liam Whelan Plant Hire of Dungarvan.

Waterford Digital Story Trail shortlisted in two categories of .ie Digital Town Awards

A digital story trail featuring augmented reality which offers tourists an engaging way to discover Waterford’s rich and fascinating history via their smartphone has been shortlisted in the Digital Tourism and Digital Changemaker categories of the .ie Digital Town Awards 2024

The .ie Digital Town Awards recognise and reward projects with a digital element created by town groups, individuals and local communities.

In February of last year, Waterford City and County Council in partnership with Imvizar, and with Fáilte Ireland funding under the Destination Towns Initiative, launched Waterford’s first Digital Story Trail (DST), which explores the history, culture, and heritage of 15 different locations across the city centre, including Reginald’s Tower, Waterford Crystal, the Watchtower and Arundel Square.

Through the use of augmented reality smartphone technology, visitors and locals can experience Waterford’s past by watching digital animations of characters and architecture appear as if they are in the physical world right in front of them. The trail can be accessed for free by scanning one of the numerous QR codes on signs located throughout the city trail or by visiting visitwaterford.com/digitalstorytrail/

This innovative experience seamlessly combines audio, augmented reality, and a simple-to-use web interface which allows visitors to interact with Waterford City’s rich past. Using a mobile device, visitors are transported to 15 key locations where they can listen to tales from historical figures and witness AR recreations of pivotal moments.

In addition to meeting life-like characters from Waterford’s past, scanning the QR code also provides an audio tale from an historical figure, coupled with interesting facts and a timeline of events. Spanning over a thousand years of Waterford’s history, tourists can listen as Reginald, a Viking King and warlord from the 10th century, as he describes his quest to launch raids all over Ireland and watch as Thomas Francis Meagher, Leader of the Young Irelanders in the 1848 Rebellion, raises the first Irish tricolour.

Waterford’s history of master craft making is also recognised.  Rachel Penrose, the wife of one of the founders of Waterford Crystal, William Penrose, appears in a recreation of an 18th century glass-blowing scene. Trail users can also meet Anastasia Fleming, a silversmith from the late 1700s, and see a reimagined façade of her silversmith shop.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway commended the initiative saying it truly brings Waterford’s history to life in a fun, engaging and fascinating way.  “With over 1,000 years of history to explore the Digital Story Trail takes the user on an intriguing journey, in which they can meet the characters that shaped Ireland’s Oldest City.”

Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “The Waterford Digital Story Trail was identified as an ideal way to introduce visitors to the varied stories and characters of Waterford. It provides visitors with free entertainment at any time of the day, taking about one and a half hours to complete.  Users can stop and start at any point, and it purposefully leads people past attractions, shops and café’s to encourage people to dwell longer in the destination.”

The DST has exceeded expectations attracting over 25,000 visitors and boosting the city’s tourism, particularly from international guests. In its first year 75% of users were from Ireland but through promotion international users increased to 43% in 2023 with US, UK, Germany, France and Spain being the top users. Beyond enhancing tourism, the trail has deepened the community’s connection to its heritage, making history more accessible and engaging through innovative technology.

The project’s success has not gone unnoticed. It was featured in the New York Times “52 places to go” list in 2024 and praised on RTE’s Nationwide for its exemplary approach to digital heritage storytelling.

This year’s shortlisted finalists cover the full spectrum of idea development and readiness, with the gala awards ceremony taking place in Athlone on May 24th.

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Image – Free to use Patrick Browne

Anastasia Fleming, an 18th Century silversmith, and Odin Lord of Valhalla with then Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary the launch of the Waterford Digital Story Trail in February 2023.

Waterford Walls Announces its Year Ten Line-up!

Waterford Walls, the beloved festival that has been transforming the city’s walls into vibrant works of art, is gearing up for a monumental milestone in 2024 – its tenth anniversary! And trust us, they’re pulling out all the stops to make this year unforgettable.

Prepare to be wowed as an eclectic blend of talent from all over Ireland and across the globe descends upon Waterford. From the iconic Chris ‘Daze’ Ellis of NYC subway fame to the hyper-realism master Jeks from North Carolina, and Irish favourite Dan Leo, the roster is stacked with 38 awe-inspiring artists. Representing countries far and wide including France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Peru, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, and beyond, this year’s lineup promises to be a true celebration of global creativity. Festival Manager Gabe McGuinness says he is excited to make the programme public after months of preparation: ‘we’re thrilled to be announcing such a jam-packed lineup of artists featuring long-running festival favourites and exciting new names never seen before in Waterford as we celebrate our 10th anniversary.’

The full Year Ten lineup is:

CLAIRE PROUVOST [FRA] | DAN LEO [IRL] | DAZE [USA] | ED HICKS [GBR] | .EPOD [GBR] | HALFSTUDIO [PRT] | HMC [IRL] | HOCK [IRL] |  JEAN ROOBLE [FRA] | JEKS [USA] | JOHN BRADY [IRL] | KAROL [IRL] | KMG [SCO] LAIDBACK [IRL] | LIBERTAD RICE [ARG] | LIDIA CAO [ESP] | LOUIS MASAI [GBR] |LUOGO COMUNE [ITA] | MICHELLE URBAN [DEU] | NASCA UNO [DEU] | NEAN [BEL] NETO VETTORELLO [BRA] | NIALL.OL [IRL] | NOVICE [IRL] | OMIN [IRL] PEACHZZ [GBR] PENS [IRL] | RAME13 [ITA] | RASK [IRL] | ROISIN CLOTHIER [IRL] | SILLYME [ITA] SHANE O’MALLEY [IRL] | STAYLO [IRL] | SUFEK [IRL] | VARIOUS & GOULD [DEU]

But that’s not all – mark your calendars for August 9 to 18 because Waterford Walls is not just a festival, it’s an experience. Dive into a whirlwind of colour and culture with a jam-packed schedule featuring workshops, tours, talks, breakdancing, DJs, movie screenings, and live painting events. This year the festival is also delighted to partner with Wicklow Wolf, who will be serving up their full range of craft beers at its festival hub at The Forum.

Waterford Walls is made possible by the support of a whole host of sponsors and funders including Waterford Council, The Arts Council, Creative Ireland, Waterford Cultural Quarter, the European Festival Association, Colourtrend Paints, Montana Cans, Number 21, Zinnia, Fyrefli, Rapid Cabs and Fitzgerald Power. The embassies of France, Italy, Portugal and Belgium support the participation of artists from their countries.

Join Waterford Walls in commemorating a decade of art, community, and creativity this August. For more details, visit wallsproject.ie or follow on social media. This is a celebration you won’t want to miss!

ENDS

Waterford City and County Council to host range of activities to celebrate Africa Day

Waterford City and County Council, working with Waterford Integration Services, Everyevent and Waterford Cultural Quarter (WCQ), is delighted to announce plans for Africa Day 2024, which will include a range of activities including two music stages, dance groups, market stalls, children’s activities, petting zoo, food tasting and much more to celebrate the occasion.

africa_day_waterford_2024

These activities will take place within the heart of Waterford Cultural Quarter on O’Connell Street on Saturday, May 25th from 12 noon to 4pm.

Africa Day celebrates the richness of African cultures and the contribution of people of African descent to Irish life.  Africa Day celebrations are organised by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs in partnership with African embassies in Ireland and local authorities around the country.

Launching Africa Day Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming T.D., said, “I am delighted to launch the programme for Africa Day 2024. Ireland has growing trade, political and cultural links across the continent of Africa. Africa Day is an opportunity to promote those links and learn more about the diversity and vibrancy of African cultures.“The Department of Foreign Affairs is working with local authorities around Ireland on a nationwide programme of events.”

Africa Day is the annual worldwide celebration of the people, cultures, and potential of the African continent. This year, all 31 Local Authorities across Ireland will host various cultural, artistic, and family-friendly events.   These will include contemporary African-Irish culture, as well as family fun days, fashion, art, film, music, dance, and food events, which will take place in towns and cities across Ireland.

To find out more about Africa Day 2024 visit www.AfricaDay.ie or follow Africa Day on social media.

Reminder : Closure of Public Planning Office

Due to construction works, the public planning office in Waterford City (Menapia Building) will be temporarily closed on:

  • Tuesday 9th April
  • Wednesday 10th April
  • Thursday 11th April

The Planning Office can still be contacted on planning@waterfordcouncil.ie and on 051-849562.

Waterford St. Patrick’s Festival

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:

  • The Mulligans
  • Divorce Party
  • Bienvue Gospel Choir
  • 311042355:  The Burning Circus

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

Minister for Public Expenditure visits North Quays site

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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New events added to Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Festival Programme

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