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By Waterford City & County Council

Community Recognition Fund 2024 now open for applications

The Community Recognition Fund 2024 (Window 3) is now open for applications until 4pm, Wednesday, January 8th, 2025.

The fund supports projects in cities, towns, and villages hosting Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and International Protection Applicants, focusing on developing facilities for the future benefit of all community members.

The Fund is distinct from other public funding programs aimed at addressing the immediate public service needs arising from the influx of new arrivals, and aims to create lasting benefits for communities, strengthening local infrastructure while supporting the integration and well-being of new arrivals.

The overall allocation for Waterford is €1,436,394, of which €282,701 is available under Window 3.

Applications are now being accepted from Dungarvan, Abbeyside, Ballinroad, Tallow and Clonea Power / Mothel, and funds may be reallocated if no suitable projects are identified within these target areas.

These specific areas have significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries and may not have received funding allocation in Window 1 or 2 earlier this year.

Applicants are advised that the process will be competitive with specific evaluation criteria applied to ensure the best projects receive support.

Sinéad Breathnach, Senior Executive Officer in Community, Waterford City and County Council stated, “This final round of funding in 2024 is a great opportunity for communities within the target areas to enhance their local facilities and foster integration. We encourage all eligible areas to apply and take full advantage of the fund.”

This is the final call for applications under the Community Recognition Programme 2024.

For further information on the application process, please visit https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/community-and-sport/community-grants/ or Waterford City and County Council’s social media platforms.

By Waterford City & County Council

Applications are now open for Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2025 and Historic Thatch Buildings Grant 2025

The Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2025.

The primary focus of the HSF is to assist with the conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the broader benefit of communities and the public .Grants are  from €50,000 up to €200,000 and focus on larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where:

  1. A clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or
  2. A clear residential benefit has been demonstrated (such projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary)

The total value of all public funding provided for individual projects is 50% of eligible costs. In exceptional circumstances a higher percentage may be sought, subject to a max of 80%.

Eligible applications will be assessed for selection under the following criteria:

  • Significance of the structure
  • Efficacy of the grant in achieving the aims of the Historic Structures Fund
  • Quality of the methodology and technical merit of the works proposed
  • Contribution of the proposed works to keeping the structure in use, or bringing it back into use
  • Broader public or community benefit of the project

The Department encourages project promoters to incorporate a traditional skills training element in the project. There is a requirement for a comprehensive and sound methodology to accompany the application and that in the event of a successful application,  appropriately qualified conservation professional shall oversee the works.

The Historic Thatch Buildings  Grant 2025

The purpose of the scheme is to protect the heritage value of historic thatched roof buildings across Ireland, including dwellings and other structures. An application under the BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings Stream does not preclude a separate application under the Historic Structures Fund or the main stream of the BHIS, but only one grant can be availed of per structure. A Method Statement or description of the proposed works, drawn up in consultation with an experienced thatcher or other relevant building professional, is required.

The Conservation Section, Waterford City and County Council will administer both schemes on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.   Full details of the schemes, including the application forms, the applicant checklists and the criteria are available on our Grants page.

Completed application forms to be submitted by email only to Planning@waterfordcouncil.ie  by Friday 17th January 2025.

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Enterprise Office goes Digital

Local Enterprise Office goes Digital

The Local Enterprise Office has launched its new online digital supports for small and medium sized enterprises. Grow Digital for Business is an initiative from the Local Enterprise Office designed to give its clients a digital edge.

The LEO’s expert digital consultants will assist these clients through analysis of gaps, exploration of opportunities and guidance in implementation of new digital solutions.

They’re intended to reduce the stress of running a business by reducing paperwork, improve results and efficiencies, integrate CRM systems, retain staff and improve overall performance.

Head of Enterprise in Waterford, Gareth Evans encourages all who are eligible to explore these new supports to contact the office, “For more information on your eligibility and in order to discover how Digital for Business can give you edge we’re encouraging all small businesses in Waterford to contact the team here at the Local Enterprise Office.

“Digital for Business is open to small enterprises with between 1 and 50 paid employees who are not currently clients of Enterprise Ireland or the IDA, they must be established and trading for at least 6 months, and operate within County Waterford.”

The support the LEO can offer via Digital for Business includes, analysis of existing digital systems in the business to identify potential gaps in meeting business needs, exploration of opportunities to optimise existing systems and to integrate with new solutions to enhance business operations and guidance on the implementation of new or enhanced digital solutions.

It does not cover costs associated with routine or business as usual upgrades of digital systems already in use that would not lead to a significant improvement in the business.

Once you have completed your Digital for Business you can take the next step on your digital journey with the Grow Digital Voucher. This offers small and medium businesses with up to 50 employees financial support to embrace digital technology. A Digital for Business project report must be completed within the previous two years. With this you can apply for up to €5,000 to embrace new technologies including cyber security, stock control or online booking or payment systems.

Funding will be in the form of a grant. The grant aid will be 50% of eligible costs with minimum grant aid of €500 up to a maximum grant of €5,000 per application. Enterprises can be approved for a maximum of two Grow Digital Voucher projects up to a maximum cumulative grant value of €5,000 as identified in their Digital for Business project to support their Digitalisation journey. Approval of a second Grow Digital Voucher is dependent on the demonstrated achievement of the progression of the business as outlined in the Digital for Business report. Allowable expenditure will be towards supporting the Digitalisation progression of the applicant.

All applications for Grow Digital Voucher should be discussed with your Local Enterprise Office in Waterford. Investigate your options and eligibility via the LEO’s website,  www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

County Waterford LEADER 2023-2027 : Targeted Call for Projects

County Waterford LEADER 2023-2027 : Targeted Call for Projects

Please be advised that the following information workshops will be held in advance of opening the next official call for Expression of Interests (EoI) for funding under the new LEADER 2023 – 2027 Programme:

  • 12th November 2024: Park Hotel, Dungarvan, 7:00-8:30 pm
  • 13th November 2024: Tramore Lifeguard Station, 7:00-8:30 pm
  • 14th November 2024: The Red Hall, Lismore, 7:00-8:30 pm

Attendance at one of these workshops is compulsory for those intending to apply for funding. Please book your place by calling 058-54646 or 058-51505 or by emailing claire.connors@wlp.ie or info@wlp.ie before 12 noon on Friday, 8th November 2024. Following attendance, the EoI form will be provided, which must be submitted by 2 pm on Friday, 15th November 2024.

Further details can be had in the download below.

Summary - Targeted Call for Funding

By Waterford City & County Council

Financial Support to assist businesses in the Hospitality and Retail Sectors

Power Up grant
Power Up grant of €4,000 is available to businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors
Register before Friday 8th November.

Local Authorities are now emailing businesses who may be eligible for the Power Up grant. The email includes details on how to register. Don’t delay with registering, the Power Up registration Portal is open for a limited time in order to get payments to businesses before the end of the year.

Registering is similar to ICOB registration and is quick and easy. Please go to enterprise.gov.ie/powerup for further information.

If you have not received an email and think you may be eligible please contact your Local Authority.

What is the Power Up grant?
The Government announced the Power Up grant as part of Budget 25 for businesses in the Retail and Hospitality sector.  The Power Up grant has a budget of €170 million and the grant to eligible businesses will be €4,000.

Who is eligible for Power Up?
There are two types of qualifying business:

  • A business that received the second payment of ICOB and continues to meet the ICOB criteria
  • Businesses in the hospitality and retail sector that did not have a rates bill in 2023 may qualify if they meet the criteria. Those businesses should check with their local authority to check eligibility once the scheme goes live.

Read full details on the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment website.

By Waterford City & County Council

Arts Practice & Specialist Grant Applications now live

Tá Iarratais ar Dheontais Chleachtais Ealaíona & Speisialaithe beo anois. Téigh go dtí www.waterfordarts.com. Tá an nasc i dTreoirlínte.
Dáta deiridh 4 Samhain ag 4pm.

Arts Practice & Specialist Grant Applications are now live. Go to www.waterfordarts.com. The link is in Guidelines.
Closing date November 4th at 4pm.

By Waterford City & County Council

Iarratais ar Scéim Deontais d’Fhéilte agus Imeachtaí 2025 ar oscailt anois

Iarratais ar Scéim Deontais de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge d’Fhéilte agus Imeachtaí 2025

Iarratais ar Scéim Deontais de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge d’Fhéilte agus Imeachtaí 2025 ar oscailt anois.

Ní mór iarratais a chur isteach ar líne ag www.waterfordfestivals.ie áit ar féidir le hiarratasóirí acmhainní a fháil chun cabhrú leo lena n-imeacht a chur i gcrích.

Is é 4.00pm ar an Luan, 4 Samhain, 2024 an spriocdháta le haghaidh iarratas.

By Waterford City & County Council

Will your business take the Pledge?

Waterford City and County Council introduces 9% rates discount for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford 

As part of Waterford City and County Council’s roadmap to delivering a carbon neutral Waterford by 2040, the Local Authority is introducing its Business Pledge for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford on Monday, September 2nd.

The scheme, formerly known as the Commercial Energy Discount Scheme, was launched in 2022 and has supported thousands of businesses across the city and county in transitioning to carbon neutrality.

Businesses are invited to take the Business Pledge to strive towards a cleaner, greener Waterford, and commit to completing at least two actions in the next 12 months that would reduce the carbon footprint of their business. Businesses who make the pledge will be able to avail of a 9% discount on their rates, providing their rates have been paid in full.  Waterford City and County Council is working towards meeting its own climate goals and the Business Pledge is an opportunity for Waterford businesses to play their part and be rewarded in their efforts to make Waterford a sustainable place to do business.

In 2023, 800 businesses took advantage of the scheme by identifying opportunities for reducing energy usage and costs, exploring the potential of renewable energy while availing of a discount on their commercial rates.

Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, Gráinne Kennedy said, “Waterford City and County Council is currently the only local authority delivering such an initiative in Ireland, and by working with local businesses we can collectively make Waterford the most sustainable place in Ireland to do business.

“We have reached out to local Ambassadors who are making day-to-day changes that will have a positive, far-reaching impact on the environment, on their costs and on the future.”

Dooley’s Hotel in Waterford City is making changes in how the family-run hotel uses ingredients, serves food and operates its in-house laundry service, to become more energy efficient and reduce waste.

Cantec Group’s efforts in reusing packaging and pallets, upgrading its vehicle fleet to EVs, and supplying clients with remanufactured machines with an 80% reduction in carbon emissions very much align with the objectives of the Business Pledge.

In An Rinn, Powerflow Electronics uses energy generated from its solar panels and recycles packaging and parts, while Blossom and Berry Florists in Lismore, sources its flowers and packaging materials ethically.

Gráinne added, “By being more aware of energy saving opportunities and exploring renewable energy options, businesses can not only save money, but they can effect real change by adopting a sustainability strategy and reducing carbon emissions.  Collectively, these changes have the potential to achieve a positive impact for businesses across Waterford.”

The scheme is open to businesses whose annual rate bill is less than €10,000 or who operate in the hospitality and leisure industries. These businesses will be eligible to receive a rates energy discount of 9% once they have provided details of the actions they will take to become more sustainable in the coming year.

Submissions open on Monday, September 2nd and to avail of the rates discount, accounts must also be fully paid by 23:55pm on October 18th 2024 or are in an agreed Direct Debit payment plan. The credit will be applied after the deadline once the requirements have been met.

  • To find out more about taking the Business Pledge for a Cleaner, Greener Waterford, T&Cs, and how to avail of a 9% commercial rates discount, visit this page.  Scheme opens September 2nd and runs until October 18th 2024.

-ends-

 

Images – Free to use:  Patrick Browne

Cian Gill, Climate Action Officer, Waterford City and County Council with: Greg Tuohy, Cantec Group, John and Fergal Power, Powerflow Electronics, Claudia O’Neill, Blossom and Berry, and Tina Darrer, Dooley’s Hotel.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Community Recognition Fund 2024

Community Recognition Fund Window 2, 2024 LaunchOn 15th March 2024, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Joe O’Brien announced details of a €50 million Community Recognition Fund. The allocation for Waterford is €1,436,394, including €71,819 for administration.

This major initiative follows on from both the 2023 Community Recognition Fund and Window 1 of the 2024 Community Recognition Fund and aims to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities for the benefit of the entire community, in recognition of the contribution being made by communities across the country in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries. It is separate in its objectives and scope to any other public funding streams, aiming to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.

The scheme outline directs that only areas with high levels of new arrivals will be deemed eligible for this scheme.

The minimum level of funding for a project is €50,000 and the maximum is €500,000, with those in excess of €200,000 requiring a specific business case. Projects must be capital in nature, address needs in their areas and deliver medium-long term benefits for the entire community.

It will be a competitive process, with specific evaluation criteria. Interested groups will be required to outline their capacity to deliver their projects, including details of the track record of project partners and experience of delivering similar projects.

Groups should consider their respective project requirements, clear projected costs, planning dependencies and demonstrate how their project will benefit the entire community.  Projects must be achievable within the allowed timeframes.  Favourable consideration will be given to groups who can provide match funding.

Smaller projects cannot be artificially combined to meet the minimum threshold of €50,000 – while the 2023 scheme provided funding for small scale investment in clubs and communities (e.g., for small scale equipment), the focus of the 2024 scheme is on projects of greater scale and impact.

The possible types of capital projects that can be funded under the scheme include:

  • development, enhancement or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens including communication boards, allotments, and recreational areas;
  • development, enhancement or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities including facilities such as community swimming pools, changing rooms, toilets, digital aids such as score / information boards etc.
  • enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community after school hours;
  • purchase of larger scale equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations e.g., music, arts or sports equipment that benefit the full community;
  • transport infrastructure such as the purchase of community vehicles, bus shelters and attendant information boards;
  • projects that help address dereliction and/or wider local economic and community development objectives;
  • purchase and refurbishment of vacant or derelict buildings for community use where a clear need is identified.

Unallocated funds from Window 1 will now transfer to Window 2.  For the purpose of Window 2, applications will be only considered from the following areas: Dungarvan /Abbeyside/ Ballinroad and Waterford City Centre and the North West Suburbs, as these areas were identified as having significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries and did not receive their total funding allocation in Window 1 earlier this year.

Window 3 of the Community Recognition Fund will launch on the 1st January 2025 and will be open to other priority areas outside of Tramore, Dungarvan, Lismore and Waterford City North West Suburbs/City Centre, where there are large numbers of new arrivals.

Deadline for Window 2 applications: Friday, September 6th, 2024 at 4:00pm

APPLY HERE

By Waterford City & County Council

Good News for Built Heritage in Waterford

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, has recently announced the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) for 2025. This scheme is intended to support a substantial number of projects across the country, while also promoting the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople, and tradespersons in the repair and restoration of historic buildings.

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) is a government grant initiative funded by the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS), designed to assist owners and custodians in maintaining and conserving these significant structures. It operates in tandem with the Historic Structures Fund (HSF), which supports larger-scale conservation works on heritage properties. The funding for these schemes is administered through Local Authorities.

Ireland’s historic buildings play a vital role in enriching our cities, towns, villages, and countryside, while also fostering a strong sense of place and community pride. The primary responsibility for the protection of structures safeguarded under the Planning and Development Acts lies with their owners and occupiers. These custodians, along with Local Authorities, are charged with ensuring the preservation of these important buildings.

Since 2016, Waterford City and County have been allocated nearly €2 million for conservation projects under these schemes. To date, this funding has supported 168 projects, provided over 11,000 days of employment, and generated expenditure exceeding €4 million. These figures do not include the non-conservation aspects of the projects, which have also generated additional local employment and economic activity. The projects funded in Waterford have varied in scope, including essential repairs to rainwater goods, walls, windows, chimneys, and thatched roofs, as well as the restoration of stained glass windows and shopfronts.

The BHIS provides funding for the repair and conservation of the following types of buildings (or qualifying structures):

  1. Protected structures—buildings listed on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS)
  2. Proposed protected structures—buildings that the Local Authority proposes to include on this list
  3. Structures in Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs)—buildings located within areas defined as an ACA in the Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022-2028
  4. Vernacular buildings, such as farm buildings
  5. Historic shopfronts

For 2025, there have been some changes to the BHIS compared to previous years. Notably, the scheme has been advertised much earlier than usual. This adjustment allows the details of the successful projects and the corresponding funding amounts to be announced in early January 2025, providing applicants and contractors with additional time to arrange and complete the works within the year.

The funding awarded for successful projects will range between €2,500 and a maximum of €50,000. The total value of public funding provided for individual projects can cover up to 80% of the total project cost, with the final amount determined by the Local Authority on a case-by-case basis.  The scheme will be administered by the Conservation Section of Waterford City and County Council.

Completed application forms and photographs of the structures must be submitted via email to planning@waterfordcouncil.ie by Friday, 27th September 2024.

By Waterford City & County Council

Community Recognition Fund 2024

Community Recognition Fund Window 2, 2024 LaunchOn 15th March 2024, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Joe O’Brien announced details of a €50 million Community Recognition Fund. The allocation for Waterford is €1,436,394, including €71,819 for administration.

This major initiative follows on from both the 2023 Community Recognition Fund and Window 1 of the 2024 Community Recognition Fund and aims to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities for the benefit of the entire community, in recognition of the contribution being made by communities across the country in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries. It is separate in its objectives and scope to any other public funding streams, aiming to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.

The scheme outline directs that only areas with high levels of new arrivals will be deemed eligible for this scheme.

The minimum level of funding for a project is €50,000 and the maximum is €500,000, with those in excess of €200,000 requiring a specific business case. Projects must be capital in nature, address needs in their areas and deliver medium-long term benefits for the entire community.

It will be a competitive process, with specific evaluation criteria. Interested groups will be required to outline their capacity to deliver their projects, including details of the track record of project partners and experience of delivering similar projects.

Groups should consider their respective project requirements, clear projected costs, planning dependencies and demonstrate how their project will benefit the entire community.  Projects must be achievable within the allowed timeframes.  Favourable consideration will be given to groups who can provide match funding.

Smaller projects cannot be artificially combined to meet the minimum threshold of €50,000 – while the 2023 scheme provided funding for small scale investment in clubs and communities (e.g., for small scale equipment), the focus of the 2024 scheme is on projects of greater scale and impact.

The possible types of capital projects that can be funded under the scheme include:

  • development, enhancement or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens including communication boards, allotments, and recreational areas;
  • development, enhancement or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities including facilities such as community swimming pools, changing rooms, toilets, digital aids such as score / information boards etc.
  • enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community after school hours;
  • purchase of larger scale equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations e.g., music, arts or sports equipment that benefit the full community;
  • transport infrastructure such as the purchase of community vehicles, bus shelters and attendant information boards;
  • projects that help address dereliction and/or wider local economic and community development objectives;
  • purchase and refurbishment of vacant or derelict buildings for community use where a clear need is identified.

Unallocated funds from Window 1 will now transfer to Window 2.  For the purpose of Window 2, applications will be only considered from the following areas: Dungarvan /Abbeyside/ Ballinroad and Waterford City Centre and the North West Suburbs, as these areas were identified as having significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries and did not receive their total funding allocation in Window 1 earlier this year.

Window 3 of the Community Recognition Fund will launch on the 1st January 2025 and will be open to other priority areas outside of Tramore, Dungarvan, Lismore and Waterford City North West Suburbs/City Centre, where there are large numbers of new arrivals.

Deadline for Window 2 applications: Friday, September 6th, 2024 at 4:00pm

APPLY HERE

By Waterford City & County Council

Funding available to community groups in Waterford for National Heritage Week events

Belle LakeLocal Authority Waters Programme opens grants scheme of €30,000 for Water Heritage Day 2024 

Friday, 28th of June 2024: The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) encourages community groups in County Waterford to apply under the ‘Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme 2024’ to celebrate Water Heritage Day on Sunday the 25th of August.

To make an application see: LAWPRO Small Grants and Events Scheme 2024 | Online Consultation Portal of the Waters and Communities Office

Consult with your local Community Water Officer, Catherine Seale-Duggan   for advice Communities Team – Local Authority Water Programme (lawaters.ie) Deadline for applications is Tuesday, 16th July 2024.

 LAWPRO works in partnership with the Heritage Council, and  you can register your event on www.heritageweek.ie/get-involved/organise-an-event

By Waterford City & County Council

Ministers Humphreys and Joe O’Brien announce Waterford funding under Local Enhancement Programme 2024 General (Main) Fund strand

Dept. of Rural and Community Development logoMinisters Humphreys and Joe O’Brien announce €153,405.16 for 164 projects in Co Waterford under the Local Enhancement Programme 2024 General (Main) Fund strand.

  • Small grants to benefit community groups across Waterford.
  • Supporting community groups a key focus of ‘Our Rural Future’.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, have today announced the successful projects in Co. Waterford under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2024.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 was launched in December 2023 with funding of €6 million available, which included €1 million in funding ring-fenced specifically to support Women’s Groups. The funding will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.

The Department of Rural and Community Development’s Local Enhancement Programme 2024 is administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area.

Announcing the successful projects for Co. Waterford today, Minister Humphreys said:

“The Local Enhancement Programme is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, who are the building blocks of Irish community life. I want to congratulate the successful applicants and to thank them for the vital work they do in providing services in their local communities. These grants will help thousands of community organisations, clubs, men’s and women’s sheds, youth centres and parish halls, to continue to provide their valuable services to the people in their areas.”

Minister Humphreys added:

“Supporting local communities to shape their future is a key focus of the Government’s rural development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’. The funding I am announcing today will ensure that important work can continue to be delivered by communities on the ground and I’m delighted that every single county will benefit. I would like to thank Waterford County Council and Local Community Development Committee for their assistance in administering this fund.”

Also announcing the successful projects today, Minister Joe O’Brien said:

“The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 provides vital support to community groups in order to help them improve their facilities. It supports small-scale funding for projects which range from purchasing IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings. Ultimately the Programme responds to local needs. These investments allow community groups to carry out the invaluable work they do on behalf of others in local areas throughout the country. The impact of the Local Enhancement Programme is considerable.”

Waterford City and County Council will be in contact with recipients of the LEP 2024 General Fund in the coming weeks. Also, recipients of the Women’s Groups Fund strand will be announced in due course.’

ENDS

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