Plans & Strategies - Waterford City & County Council

12th May 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Launch of Public Consultation for SouthEast EV Strategy

“Region 5” consisting of Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford City and County Councils are seeking public input to inform the development of a regional EV Strategy. The goal of the strategy is to address the challenges and opportunities in deploying EV charging infrastructure in the South-East region. Public consultation opened on May 1st and will run until 4pm on May 30th 2025. This consultation invites residents, stakeholders, and the general public to share their views and input on the future of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in their areas.

By developing a comprehensive network of strategically located charging stations, the strategy is intended to support the growing number of EVs on our roads, ensuring that all areas are adequately served and help meet our climate action targets. The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan published for consultation by ZEVI (Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland) in 2024 sets out minimum charging capacity requirements for local authorities per geographical area. En-route charging along major highways and travel routes are being supported separately by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. As part of this regional consultation, stakeholders are asked to consider two key types of local charging infrastructure when providing their inputs:

Destination charging which involves installing charging stations at popular destinations such as shopping centres, hotels, and tourist attractions.
Neighbourhood charging focuses on providing charging options within residential areas,
making it easy for EV users to charge their vehicles convenient to their residence.

Your feedback will be instrumental in developing a comprehensive EV charging infrastructure strategy that meets the needs of our communities and facilitates sustainable transport. The questionnaire is accessible at the following web address (www.southeastevstrategy.com) from May 1st until 4pm on May 30th 2025.

30th April 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Launch of Public Consultation for SouthEast EV Strategy

“Region 5” consisting of Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford City and County Councils are seeking public input to inform the development of a regional EV Strategy. The goal of the strategy is to address the challenges and opportunities in deploying EV charging infrastructure in the South-East region. Public consultation opens on May 1st and runs until 4pm on May 30th 2025. This consultation invites residents, stakeholders, and the general public to share their views and input on the future of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in their areas.

Destination charging which involves installing charging stations at popular destinations such as shopping centres, hotels, and tourist attractions.
Neighbourhood charging focuses on providing charging options within residential areas,
making it easy for EV users to charge their vehicles convenient to their residence.

29th April 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Public Consultation: Draft Litter Management Plan 2025 – 2028

Waterford City & County Council is committed to keeping our streets, parks, and communities clean – but we need your input!

The Draft Litter Management Plan 2025 – 2028 is now open for public consultation, and this is your opportunity to shape how we tackle litter and waste in Waterford. Whether it’s improving bin facilities, addressing illegal dumping, or promoting waste reduction, we want to hear your views.

The draft plan is available online at consult.waterfordcouncil.ie, where you can also make a submission.

How to Submit Your Feedback

🖥 Online: consult.waterfordcouncil.ie (Preferred)
📩 Email: envsubmissions@waterfordcouncil.ie
📮 Post: Environment Dept., Waterford City & County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford
🗓 Deadline: 4:00 PM on April 30, 2025

Download Draft Document

11th March 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Public Consultation: Draft Litter Management Plan 2025 – 2028

Waterford City & County Council is committed to keeping our streets, parks, and communities clean – but we need your input!

The draft plan is available online at consult.waterfordcouncil.ie, where you can also make a submission.

How to Submit Your Feedback

Download Draft Document

31st January 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

The Residential Zoned Land Tax: What Waterford Landowners Need to Know

The Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) is an annual tax introduced by the Irish government under the Finance Act 2021. Its primary objective is to encourage the development of serviced lands zoned for residential or mixed-use purposes, thereby increasing housing supply and revitalising vacant or idle urban lands. Local authorities are responsible for identifying lands subject to this tax, while the Revenue Commissioners oversee its administration.

Key Dates and Mapping Process:

Final Map for 2025: This map identifies lands potentially liable for the tax in 2025. Landowners have until 1st April 2025 to request a zoning change for their land. If specific conditions are met, they may be exempt from the 2025 tax liability.
Draft Map for 2026: Set to be published by 1st February 2025, this map highlights lands that may be liable for the tax in 2026. Landowners and interested parties can make submissions regarding the inclusion of land on this draft map until 1st April 2025.
Maps can be viewed here.

Making a Submission or Rezoning Request:

Submissions concerning the 2026 Annual Draft Residential Zoned Land Tax Map and rezoning requests concerning the Final Residential Zoned Land Tax Map 2025 can be made by 1st April 2025 by registering at https://consult.waterfordcouncil.ie or by sending a written submission to the Planning Department, Waterford City and County Council, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford City.

28th January 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Public Meetings this week : County Outdoor Recreation Plan in development for Waterford

A five-year plan for outdoor recreation in Waterford is being developed for the first time in collaboration with a number of leading stakeholders.

These include Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Sports Partnership, Waterford Leader Partnership, Fáilte Ireland, Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Get Ireland Walking who have joined together to steer the development of the plan, which is being facilitated by Outscape. It is important for everyone with an interest in the outdoors to get involved as your input will play a vital role in shaping a plan that reflects the county’s natural beauty and the aspirations of our community.

The aim of the plan is to promote the enjoyment of outdoor activities in our natural landscapes, while also ensuring that these activities are sustainable and accessible to a broad section of the population.

The meetings are taking place on the following dates:

Wednesday 29th January: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, SETU Arena, Carriganore, Waterford, X91 XD96
Thursday 30th January: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, X35 CC97

Anyone interested in attending can register at this link – https://forms.office.com/e/Y33zPg2Jgh

It is hoped the plan will reflect the diversity of outdoor pursuits outlined in Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the national outdoor recreation strategy, and includes activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, fishing, horse riding, rock climbing, running, orienteering along with many water activities including open water swimming, surfing, kayaking, SUP, canoeing, sailing to name a few. Air based activities such as paragliding or hang gliding are also included.

The development of this plan is made possible through funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

For further information, please contact David Abbott, Outdoor Recreation Officer with Waterford Sports Partnership on 086 1650970 or dabbott@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

ENDS

17th January 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Have your Say! County Outdoor Recreation Plan in development for Waterford

A five-year plan for outdoor recreation in Waterford is being developed for the first time in collaboration with a number of leading stakeholders.

The meetings are taking place on the following dates:

Wednesday 29th January: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, SETU Arena, Carriganore, Waterford, X91 XD96
Thursday 30th January: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, X35 CC97

Anyone interested in attending can register at this link – https://forms.office.com/e/Y33zPg2Jgh

The development of this plan is made possible through funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

For further information, please contact David Abbott, Outdoor Recreation Officer with Waterford Sports Partnership on 086 1650970 or dabbott@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

ENDS

6th December 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Draft Waterford City & County Council Noise Action Plan 2024 – 2028

Waterford City and County Council invites submissions from the public on the draft Noise Action Plan 2024-2028, prepared under S.I. No. 549 of 2018 (as amended), to address noise from major transport sources.

This is a strategic plan to address noise from major roads in Waterford. The plan excludes noise from domestic activities, noise created by neighbours, noise at workplaces or noise inside a means of transport or due to military activities in military areas.

The main purpose of the plan is to inform and consult the public about exposure to noise from major roads and the corrective measures that may be considered to address these issues.

The draft plan will be available for inspection during normal opening hours 9.30 am to 4.00 pm at the following locations for a period of six weeks beginning on 4th December, 2024 to 15th January, 2025.

Customer Service Desks, Bailey’s New Street, Waterford and Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
On our public consultations portal, under “MATERIALS”

Submissions on the draft Noise Action Plan may be made either:

Electronically via this form, labelled “Make Submission”
or in writing (marked Draft Noise Action Plan) to: Aideen Jacob, Administrative Officer, Roads Section, Waterford City and County Council, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford.

Submissions must be made in writing no later than 4:00pm on Wednesday the 29th January 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be in one medium only i.e. online or hard copy. Submissions should include your name and email address and where relevant, details of any organisation, community group etc. you represent.

21st October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Current Public Consultations : We need your opinions!

Waterford City and County Council is currently seeking your input on several important Public Consultations.

Community voices matter and your feedback helps shape the future of our city and county.

Below, you’ll find a list of our 6 ongoing public consultations with relevant information and link to make a comment.

Draft Waterford Heritage Strategy 2025-2030
A plan to preserve and promote Waterford’s heritage over the next five years.
Closing Date: 8th November 2024
Notice of Consideration of Vacant Property Rate Reduction Scheme
Proposal to consider reducing rates on vacant properties to encourage reuse.
Closing Date: 23rd October 2024
Development of Boutique Hostel at former Bank of Ireland Building, Lismore
Proposal for converting the old bank building in Lismore into a boutique hostel.
Closing Date: 18th November 2024
Proposed Development of New Kilmacthomas Fire Station
Plans for a new fire station to enhance emergency response in Kilmacthomas.
Closing Date: 18th November 2024
Notice of Intention to Extinguish Public Right of Way (Abbey Road, Ferrybank)
Proposal to close a public right of way along part of Abbey Road in Ferrybank.
Closing Date: 29th October 2024
Development Work at No. 3 & 4 Great George’s Street, Waterford
Proposed development work for conservation and reuse of buildings at George’s Street, Waterford.
Closing Date: 29th October 2024

Make your thoughts known on these projects by commenting at : https://consult.waterfordcouncil.ie/en/browse

15th October 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Draft Waterford Heritage Strategy 2025-2030: Have Your Say!

Waterford City and County Council has unveiled the Draft Waterford Heritage Strategy 2025-2030, and now is your chance to be part of shaping the future of our rich cultural and natural heritage. This strategy aims to protect, celebrate, and promote Waterford’s unique history, landscapes, and traditions over the next five years. It covers key areas like heritage conservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism.

The draft is now open for public consultation, and the Council invites residents, businesses, and community groups to share their thoughts and feedback. This is an opportunity for you to contribute to the vision that will guide how we preserve and celebrate Waterford’s heritage for years to come.

Visit the consultation website to read the draft strategy and submit your comments before the deadline of November 8th.

23rd September 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Plean Corparáideach Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge – Comhairliúchán Poiblí ar Líne ar oscailt anois

Plean Corparáideach Tugtar cuireadh don phobal a gcuid tuairimí a chur isteach ar Phlean Corparáideach Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge 2024-2029.

Feidhmíonn an Plean Corparáideach mar chreat straitéiseach gníomhaíochta an údaráis áitiúil thar thréimhse na comhairle reatha ó 2024 go 2029. Is cuid lárnach de ghnó an údaráis áitiúil é agus leagann sé amach fís agus ráiteas misin Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, atá bunaithe ar chroíluachanna na heagraíochta.

Is é an Plean Corparáideach an straitéis uileghabhálach don eagraíocht agus treoróidh sé forbairt na bPleananna Seachadta Seirbhíse Bliantúla.

Tá an Plean Corparáideach á ullmhú ar bhonn cuimsitheach trí chomhairliúchán le páirtithe leasmhara inmheánacha, sé sin comhaltaí tofa, baill foirne agus coistí éagsúla, mar aon le páirtithe leasmhara seachtracha.

Is é an cuspóir atá leis ná ionchur a thabhairt do na páirtithe leasmhara go léir i bhforbairt an phlean.

Ag leagan amach na gcúig phríomhaidhm chorparáideacha ardleibhéil, chomh maith leis an bhfís, an ráiteas misin agus na croíluachanna as seo go 2029, ba mhaith le Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge do thuairimí agus d’aiseolas a chloisteáil faoi na rudaí ar mhaith leat go ndíreodh Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge orthu sna cúig bliana amach romhainn.

Agus é ag oscailt an chomhairliúcháin phoiblí ar líne, dúirt Méara Chathair agus Chontae Phort Láirge, an Clr. Jason Murphy, “Le linn shaolré na Comhairle seo, tá tuairimí an phobail ina ndlúthchuid de Phlean Corparáideach a fhorbairt atá nuálach, uaillmhianach agus inbhuanaithe agus a thacaíonn le riachtanais Phort Láirge mar an áit is fearr le cónaí ann, le bheith ag obair ann, le gnó a dhéanamh ann agus le cuairt a thabhairt air.”

Dúirt Seán McKeown, Príomhfheidhmeannach Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge freisin, “Beidh Plean Corparáideach 2024-2029 ina threochlár don Údarás Áitiúil chun tosaíochtaí straitéiseacha a sheachadadh agus chun a chinntiú go bhfreastalaítear ar riachtanais shaoránaigh, phobail agus pháirtithe leasmhara uile Phort Láirge.”

“Tá an t-ionchur ón bpobal thar a bheith luachmhar agus cuideoidh sé linn an Plean Corparáideach a mhúnlú agus, dá bhrí sin, Pleananna Seachadta Seirbhíse Bliantúla na heagraíochta a fhorbairt.”

Breithneofar gach aighneacht a dhéanfar agus cuirfear tuarascáil ar an bpróiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí ar fáil do chomhaltaí tofa Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge chun cabhrú le Plean Corparáideach a thabhairt chun críche.

Beidh an tairseach Comhairliúcháin Phoiblí ar líne ar oscailt go dtí 5pm, Dé hAoine, 11 Deireadh Fómhair 2024 agus is féidir aighneachtaí a dhéanamh trí chuairt a thabhairt ar https://bit.ly/CorporatePlan24-29

Is féidir aighneachtaí a sheoladh ar ríomhphost freisin chuig Honor Dunphy ag hdunphy@waterfordcouncil.ie nó sa phost chuig Honor Dunphy, Oifigeach Riaracháin, Oifig Chorparáideach, Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, Halla na Cathrach, An Meal, Port Láirge, X91 PK15.

-Críoch-

23rd September 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council Corporate Plan Online Public Consultation now open

Members of the public are invited to submit their observations on Waterford City and County Council’s Corporate Plan 2024-2029.

The Corporate Plan serves as the local authority’s strategic framework for action over the duration of the current council from 2024 to 2029. It is a central part of the business of the local authority and sets out the vision and mission statement for Waterford City and County Council which are based on the core values of the organisation.

The Corporate Plan is the overarching strategy for the organisation and will guide the development of the Annual Service Delivery Plans.

The Corporate Plan is being prepared on an inclusive basis through consultation with internal stakeholders, i.e. elected members, staff and various committees, along with external stakeholders. The purpose is to provide all stakeholders with an input into the development of the plan.

Setting out the five high level key corporate aims, as well as the vision, mission statement and core values from now until 2029, Waterford City and County Council would like to hear your views and feedback about what you would like Waterford City and County Council to focus on over the next five years.

Opening the online public consultation, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “Over the lifetime of this Council, the views of the public are intrinsic to developing a Corporate Plan that is innovative, ambitious and sustainable and supports the needs of Waterford as the best place to live, work, do business in and visit.”

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council added, “The Corporate Plan 2024-2029 will be the roadmap for the Local Authority to deliver strategic priorities and ensure that the needs of all Waterford citizens, its communities, and stakeholders are met.

“Input from the public is invaluable and will help us shape the Corporate Plan and consequently develop the organisation’s Annual Service Delivery Plans.”

All submissions made will be considered, and a report on the public consultation process will be provided to the elected members of Waterford City and County Council to assist in finalising the Corporate Plan 2024-2029.

The online Public Consultation portal is open until 5pm, Friday October 11^th 2024 and submissions can be made by visiting https://bit.ly/CorporatePlan24-29

You can also email submissions to Honor Dunphy hdunphy@waterfordcouncil.ie or by post to: Honor Dunphy, Administrative Officer, Corporate Office, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford, X91 PK15.

-ends-

29th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Age Friendly Waterford to host Inaugural Age Well Expo in Tower Hotel

On Tuesday, May 7^th, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway will officially open Waterford’s Age Well Expo in the Tower Hotel.

This Age Friendly Waterford free event, in association with Healthy Waterford, UPMC Whitfield and Waterford City and County Council, will showcase the services, supports and activities available to older people to lead fulfilling, healthy and active lives.

On the day there will be over 50 exhibition stands including An Garda Síochána, Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB), HSE, SETU Lifelong Learning, ALONE, Waterford Volunteer Centre, Waterford Libraries, Fire Services, Waterford Sports Partnership and Local Link.

There will be numerous speakers including Waterford Integrated Care for Older People (WICOP) who will deliver a presentation on its services, while an older person learner from SETU will share their experience of returning to education.

There will be stands on the range of services provided by Waterford City and County Council. Information will be provided on how to reduce energy costs, housing grants, community engagement initiatives, recreational activities tailored for older adults and much more.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway is looking forward to officially opening Waterford’s inaugural Age Well Expo, saying “This multi-agency approach to enhancing the lives of older people is to be welcomed. The stakeholders involved in bringing this expo to Waterford provide a wealth of services and insightful programmes that are specifically engineered to support older people in our communities.”

“Whether its enrolling in a college course, volunteering in the community, learning about energy saving grants, accessible transport facilities, and opportunities for civic and social participation, the Age Well Expo will have something for everyone who strives to age well.”

Michael Walsh, Chair of Age Friendly Alliance, said the Age Well Expo will provide the opportunity for older people to engage with support agencies and service providers on the day. “The premise of this exhibition is to put the needs of Waterford’s older people front and centre. Waterford’s Age Friendly programme has been informed by a positive ageing perspective, with the objective of enhancing and improving the lives of older people throughout Waterford city and county, by giving them a voice in the decision-making processes and equipping communities to become great places, and even lifelong homes, for people of all ages.”

Gwen Daniels, UPMC Whitfield Hospital, General Manager, said UPMC understands the importance of community support services for older members of society. “Waterford has a great network of services for the older members of the community and this event hopes to highlight them and introduce as many people to them as possible. On the day there will be exhibitors offering information and support with security, education, medical and social activities. There will also be guest speakers to help educate and promote wellbeing and inclusion.

“By collectively working together, we hope to unite and support those who have contributed to our city and county throughout their lives. We hope this will be the first of many events of its kind for Waterford.”

Established in January 2014, Age Friendly Ireland coordinates the national Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme with the first Age Friendly Strategy for Waterford City and County being launched in 2017. The Programme brings together, supports and provides technical guidance to the 31 local-authority-led, multi-agency Age Friendly City and County Programmes in every local authority area.

The Age Well Expo will take place in the Tower Hotel (X91 VXEO) from 1pm to 6pm on Tuesday, May 7^th. Along with the information stands and guest speakers, there will be live music and entertainment, and refreshments will be provided.

The event is free, and all are welcome to attend.

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Images – free to use: Andrew McDermott Photography

12th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Southeast Homeless Action Plan 2023-2026 launched in Waterford

Waterford City and County Council, along with regional Local Authorities and the Health Service Executive (HSE) launched the Southeast Homeless Action Plan in City Hall on Wednesday, April 10th.

Welcoming the Action Plan, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway said, “The Southeast Homelessness Action Plan sets out an ambitious and challenging vision for addressing and enhancing homeless services across the Southeast. Waterford City and County Council is fortunate to work alongside our Local Authority colleagues and impressive NGOs who are committed to treating people who are experiencing homelessness with dignity and care.

This plan covers a range of actions across six strategic aims which set out the work associated with the ongoing objective to reduce homelessness, provide ongoing support through the Housing First programme for rough sleepers and individuals with complex needs.”

Claire Hartley, Senior Executive Officer with Waterford City and County Council said that the action plan will create a definitive roadmap to augmenting homelessness services through inter-agency collaboration and action.

“This 360° approach to preventing homelessness, reducing homelessness in its duration and providing assistance to those who were formerly homeless, is only possible through cooperation.

“Agencies such as the HSE, housing bodies, voluntary service providers and the Local Authorities of the Southeast; Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Tipperary, with Waterford City and County Council designated as Lead Local Authority, are dedicated to the long-term objective of consigning homelessness in the region.”

Mr. Paul Goff, HSE General Manager Social Inclusion, additionally recognised the partnership approach with the Local Authorities and the NGO in striving to achieve the health outcomes within the strategy.

The Southeast Homeless Action Plan has been informed and guided by key policy documents such as:

Housing for All, a multi-annual plan which sets out to ensure every citizen has access to a good quality home to purchase or rent at an affordable price.
Housing First National Implementation Plan which underpins the Government’s commitment to providing permanent and lasting solutions to rough sleeping and long-term homelessness in Ireland.
Implementation of the National Quality Standards Framework for Homeless Services in Ireland which strives to inform service users as to what can expect from homelessness services across the country.
Sharing the Vision – A mental health policy for everyone – which recognises that many vulnerable groups, including those who are homeless, have specific needs, which mental health services should be equipped to meet.

For further information or to access the Southeast Homelessness Action Plan 2023-2026 visit https://bit.ly/SoutheastHomelessActionPlan2023-2026

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Images: Free to use: David Murphy Studio

201314: Yvonne Dam – (Homeless Services, Waterford City and County Council), Ann-Marie Cushen (Homeless Services, Waterford City and County Council), Susan Lanigan (Homeless Services, Waterford City and County Council), Emily Kelly (Homeless Services, Waterford City and County Council) & Kristine Phelan (Homeless Services, Waterford City and County Council)

201320: Clare O’Sullivan (Tinteán Housing) & Ann O’Leary (South East Services, South East Simon)

201325: Louise Casey (Homeless Services Lead, Waterford City and County Council), Clare O’Sullivan (Tinteán Housing) & Ann O’Leary (South East Services, South East Simon), Claire Hartley (Housing SEO, Waterford City and County Council) & Anne-Marie Walshe (HSE, Homeless Lead)

201340: Edel Leahy (Focus Ireland), Patrick Connaughton (Carlow County Council) & Brian O’Donovan (Carlow County Council)

201343: Ivan Grimes (Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council), Louise Casey (Homeless Services Lead, Waterford City and County Council), Cllr Jason Murphy, Cllr Frank Quinlan, Cllr Mary Roche, Claire Hartley (Housing SEO, Waterford City and County Council), Cllr Joe Conway (Mayor of Waterford City and County), Cllr Joanne Bailey, Cllr Jim Griffin, Cllr Adam Wyse, Paul Goff (HSE) and Cllr Seanie Power.