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Scheme / Grant

By Waterford City & County Council

Shop Front Improvement Scheme 2021

Applications are now invited from business in Waterford City centre and Dungarvan town centre for a grant to support to improvements in the presentation of their shop or business front.

The objective of the scheme is to enhance the appearance of retail and commercial premises in Waterford City centre and Dungarvan town centre by encouraging and supporting owners of local retail and commercial premises to improve their individual shop/ business fronts .

The scheme provides for up to 50% of the cost of shop front refurbishment, depending on the work proposed with a maximum allowable contribution of €2,000 per applicant depending on the nature of the work.

In addition to the above grant aid, specific grants will be available in Dungarvan town centre to promote the use of Irish language signage. 

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 30th April 2021.

For more queries on the scheme, see contact persons below.

 Documentation

By Waterford City & County Council

Applications are now invited for the 2021 Community Heritage Grant Scheme

The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is now OPEN for applications. The Scheme closing date is Monday 29th March 2021 at 5pm.

The Heritage Council has allocated in the region of €1,000,000 to its Community Grant Scheme 2021.

The aim of this scheme is to support capital projects that improve access and inclusion to heritage sites; that apply good heritage practice to the management of places, collections, or objects (including buildings). The scheme also supports the purchase of essential equipment. This scheme is intended to enable communities and heritage non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to continue their work in this area or to start new initiatives.

Project Timeframe

Projects that begin after the grant offer date in early May, and are completed by 8th October 2021 can be considered for funding under this scheme.

Who can apply?

• The scheme is open to:
• voluntary and community groups
• heritage-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• not-for-profit heritage organisations
• Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI) participants
• Adopt a Monument Programme participants

Applications from other organisations, private companies or individuals will not be considered.

How to apply

Submit your application via The Heritage Council’s Online Grants System by Monday 29th March 2021 at 5pm. Applications or supporting documents cannot be submitted after this time

Full details on the website https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding/community-heritage-grant-scheme-2021

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Waste Prevention Grant 2021

Are you part of a group that wants to help to take steps on waste prevention, re-use and repair activities in your local area?

Waterford City and County Council invites submissions from community groups, youth groups, schools or other community development organisations, based in County Waterford, who are interested in receiving funding for initiatives regarding waste prevention, reuse and repair.

The main focus for projects this year should be on food waste prevention, composting and projects to promote a circular economy e.g. reduce use of single use items (encourage use of reusable items). Applications for projects under these themes will be prioritised for funding. Closing date for completed applications is 5pm 25th March 2021.

The application form and Terms & Conditions for this grant are available below.

How to apply:

  • The application form for this grant is available from the http://bit.ly/WastePreventionGrant2021 or by phoning 0761 10 20 20.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • The grant application form should be completed and returned to the Environment Section for consideration by the closing date 25th March 2021.

By Waterford City & County Council

Local Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant 2021

Are you part of a group that wants to help to put a stop to dog fouling in your community? Have you noticed litter along the roadsides and want to prevent it?

Waterford City and County Council invites submissions from community groups, youth groups, schools or other community development organisations, based in County Waterford, who are interested in receiving funding for initiatives regarding litter or graffiti.

The main focus for projects this year should be on dog fouling and roadside litter. Applications for projects under these themes will be prioritised for funding. Closing date for completed applications is 5pm 18th March 2021.

How to apply:

By Waterford City & County Council

ArtLinks Bursaries 2021 – Call for Applications

Waterford City & County Council in partnership with the ArtLinks partners in Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford is pleased to announce that they are currently accepting applications for the Professional and Emerging ArtLinks Bursary Awards 2021.

ArtLinks is a partnership of the four Local Authority Arts Offices in Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford and supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.  ArtLinks provides professional development opportunities and supports for established and emerging artists who are resident in the four partner local authority areas in the South East region.

Artists must be a current member of ArtLinks to avail of these supports. You must be registered on or before 28/2/2021 to be eligible to apply for these bursaries. Email artlinks.ie@gmail.com to request a membership application form if you are a new applicant.

This year the application process is online and the closing date for receipt of ArtLinks Bursary applications is Monday 15th March 2021 at 4pm.

Please note that there will be a separate application process for the Collaboration Award for collaborative projects between ArtLinks members, details of which will be announced in March 2021.

Application forms and guidelines are available to download from www.waterfordarts.com

For all ArtLinks enquiries please contact artlinks.ie@gmail.com

Follow @Artlinks.ie on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates.

By Waterford City & County Council

Social Enterprise Development Fund 2021 – Open for Applications

Social Enterprises called on to apply to €400,000 fund to address Ireland’s greatest social
challenges:

  • The Social Enterprise Development is a €3.2 Million Fund running from 2018-2022
  • €400,000 in cash grants will be made available as well as additional business supports
  • Rethink Ireland CEO calls social enterprises ‘critical’ to a just social and economic recovery from Covid-19 pandemic

€400,000 in funding is being made available to social enterprises to help lead the post-Covid economic and social recovery through Rethink Ireland’s Social Enterprise Development Fund 2021 which was officially launched today (21.01.2021). The objective of the fund is to find and back the best social enterprises in Ireland by making cash grants and strategic business support available to Awardees.

Social enterprises are businesses that work primarily to improve the lives of people. Their core objective is to achieve a social, societal, or environmental impact. Like other businesses, Sociale nterprises pursue their objectives by trading in goods and services on an ongoing basis. However,surpluses generated by social enterprises are re-invested into achieving their core social objectives.

The Social Enterprise Development Fund was created by Rethink Ireland in 2018 in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland and funded by IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Since the Fund’s foundation in 2018, the Fund has supported 40 social enterprises with cash grants and business supports and further 38 through their Genesis & Accelerator Programmes. It has enabled social enterprises to support 681 people to access employment, (the majority of whom are from minority groups) and mobilise 2430 volunteers. Previous social enterprises include:

1. Turn2me: Turn2me provides a safe, anonymous and confidential space to anyone aged 12 plus in Ireland seeking support with their mental health and well-being 24/7.
2. CyberSafeIreland: CyberSafeIreland empowers children, parents and teachers to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
3. Grow Remote: Grow Remote’s mission to enable people to work, live and participate locally by making remote employment both visible and accessible in their communities.

Commenting today, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD, said: “The Social Enterprise Development Fund plays an important role in supporting social enterprises who are making a positive difference to their communities. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have all been reminded of the importance of strong communities. The Social Enterprise Development Fund 2021 will help to grow Ireland’s strong and vibrant social enterprise sector.”

CEO of Rethink Ireland Deirdre Mortell, said: “Rethink Ireland is delighted to open applications for the Social Enterprise Development Fund for 2021. Social enterprises are at the heart of addressing Ireland’s greatest social challenges and strengthening communities. We believe they are playing a vital role in this pandemic and will play an even more critical role as we recover from the crisis.”

“Social enterprises employ people who would typically be considered far from the labour market, produce ethical and sustainable products and / or provide vital local services at more affordable rates than the private sector. They can and will contribute to a just economic, social and sustainable recovery and we are calling on social enterprises across Ireland to apply to our fund.”

George Jones, Chairman & Group Non Executive Director IPB Insurance said, ‘We are delighted to support Rethink Ireland and our Local Authority Members for the fourth year of the combined €3.2m Social Enterprise Development Fund. This initiative aims to provide critical support to the very best social enterprises across Ireland. Last year we were thrilled to support a social enterprise in every local authority area in the country for the first time and we are again encouraging social enterprises in every
county to apply to this year’s Fund’.

The 2021 Fund will be open for applications from 21st January until the 5th of March 2021. Further details are available on https://rethinkireland.ie/

ENDS

By Waterford City & County Council

Supporting Waterford Communities Fund 2021

Waterford City & County Council is committed to encouraging communities / residents and empowering communities to make a difference to their areas/communities. To support this, the Council is inviting applications to the 2021 Supporting Waterford Communities Fund.

The Supporting Communities Fund provides grant aid assistance to Community Groups, Residents Associations, Sports Clubs and other groups/committees who are engaged in community activity, providing community services or carrying out improvement works at local or county level.

By Waterford City & County Council

Economic Incentive Scheme for Vacant Properties in Urban Areas 2021-2022

Waterford City & County Council is offering incentives over a three year period to attract new retail and other businesses within the core retail area of the City Centre, towns and village centre of Waterford in order to bring vibrancy and vitality to the city and town centres.

It is intended to ensure that any incoming retail or service use will respect and enhance the multifaceted character of the area and will allow and encourage a diversity of uses to increase its overall attractiveness for shopping, leisure and business purposes.

There will be a strong presumption in favour of grant-aid for higher order comparison retail outlets including fashion outlets – both multiple and independent stores, ‘lifestyle stores’, flagship stores, niche and specialist retailers such as home furnishings, beauty products, jewellery and bookshops.

Level of Support available under the Economic Incentive Scheme

For more details on the scheme, please read the scheme guidelines or contact one of the Economic Development Team. To apply for the scheme, register here.

Waterford City Centre
Maureen Fitzsimons – mfitzsimons@waterfordcouncil.ie, 087 7649173

Dungarvan town centre
Bernadette Drohan – bdrohan@waterfordcouncil.ie, 087 2586597

All other areas in Waterford
Lisa Grant – lgrant@waterfordcouncil.ie, 087 2124242

Code of Conduct between Landlords and Tenants for Commercial Rents

On 01 October 2020, the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation published its Code of Conduct between Landlords and Tenants for Commercial Rents. This voluntary code, which is to apply until 31 July 2021 seeks to give guidance to landlords and tenants where commercial tenancies have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The Code does not apply to all tenancies and specifically states that where tenants are in a position to pay rent in full, they should continue to do so.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford receives €110k funding under Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2020

Six projects in Co. Waterford received almost €110,000 in funding under the scheme with four successful applications submitted by Waterford City and County Council and two by Waterford Leader Partnership. Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan welcomed the announcement of funding saying,  “investment in upgrading and maintaining trails and outdoor recreational amenities like these has become more important than ever. Throughout 2020 we saw that people really seized the opportunity to get out in the open air at one of the many outdoor amenities spread right across the county. Taking our daily exercise has now become a vital part of daily life as we navigate our way through this pandemic. It is vitally important that the Local Authority and communities are enabled to maintain our favourite walking and cycling routes and other amenities which allow people to enjoy these facilities at their very best. Well done to all involved with the funding applications and we all look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour this year”.

The following projects were successful in securing funding under Measure 1, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2020:

The Towers Walk, Ballysaggartmore: This charming, woodland walk can be found about 3.5km outside of Lismore on the Ballyduff Road. It is an ideal location for a pleasant walk and picnic at any time of year. The funding allocated will allow Waterford City and County Council carry out necessary maintenance works along the trail and at the imposing gothic gate lodges which date back to the 1850’s.

The Boolas Loop Walk and Nire Valley Walks: The Comeraghs have attracted hikers and hill walkers for many years now. There are networks of marked walking trails near Rathgormack and the Nire Valley, with a number of Fáilte Ireland National Looped Walks at both locations. The funding allocated here will allow repair works required to some of the trails.

Abbeyside Coastal Walk: Phase 1 of the Abbeyside Coastal Walk was funded under this scheme in 2019. Phase 2 will allow for a further enhancement and extension of this trail which has attracted many users since the walkway was opened in summer 2020.

Waterford Leader Partnership was also successful in being allocated funding for two projects under the funding scheme, one of which is Mount Melleray Monastery Walks. Three looped walks are located on the grounds of the Historic Mount Melleray Abbey. The Abbey is nearly at the halfway point on St. Declan’s Way, and these looped walks will provide either a gentle break for walkers and pilgrims to survey the Knockmealdowns on the pilgrim walk to Ardmore, or a pleasant walk for day visitors to the Café at the Monastery. Mount Melleray Monastery Walks will provide upgrades to: The Well Walk, 2.5 Kms, the Cross Walk 4.1 Kms and the Source Walk, 9.1 Kms. Works will involve an upgrading of the walks to meet NTO standards. Mount Melleray Abbey is in the process of completing its new Tourist Hostel to facilitate walkers on St. Declan’s Way. Nearly €400,000 is being invested in the new Tourism Facility, which is part funded by LEADER.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council Festival & Event Grants 2021

Waterford City and County Council has allocated €1,287,300 in festival and event funding to aid with the development and promotion of events in Waterford City & County during 2021.   The allocation supports 70 festival and events throughout Waterford City and County with the aim to promote local festivals that have an economic, tourism, cultural/artistic or community benefit for Waterford.

Speaking following the adoption of the Festival Grants for 2021, Cllr Damien Geoghegan stated ‘As Mayor I am delighted that Waterford City & County Council is in a position to support so many events across Waterford in the coming year.  While 2020 has been a challenging year for all and many of our events could not be held, we are hopeful that by showing our continuing support for the many community and voluntary events across the county that these groups will be ready to bring vibrancy back into our communities when restrictions allow.  I would like to express my gratitude to the many voluntary and professional groups that put so much effort into their applications and help make Waterford a great place for our residents and for visitors.’

Name of Festival2021 Allocation
1848 Tricolour Celebration€4,500
A Slice of Culture€600
Arts Festival  Online Support€5,000
Bealtaine Living Earth Festival€1,500
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival€7,000
Campervan of Sound Music & Arts Festival€1,000
Camphire International Horse Trials and Country Fair€5,000
Capital of Culture/Music Generation€84,000
Celebration of International Women’s Day€1,500
Comeragh Christmas Craft Fair€1,200
Comeraghs Wild Festival€28,000
Copper Coast Festival 2021€500
Copper Coast Trad Fest 2021€2,000
Creative Ireland€15,000
Daonscoil na Mumhan€1,500
Deise Medieval Greenway2021€2,500
Dungarvan Aglow€20,000
DUNMORE EAST BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2021€10,000
Dunmore East Festival of Food, Fish and Fun€5,000
Dunmore East Walking Weekend€500
Festive Lighting€111,850
Festive Support briefing€5,000
Fun for Life 2021€500
Giggle of the Galaxy€2,000
Harvest Festival€65,000
Imagine Arts Festival€20,000
International Women’s Day Festival 2021€1,500
John Dwyer Trad Festival 2021€3,000
Knockanore Fete€1,000
Lismore Towers and Tales€5,000
ModPoets Fest 21€1,400
Nire Valley Drop MTB Challenge€1,750
O’Connell Street Festival€9,000
Pride of the Déise€2,050
Ravens Rock Rally€3,000
Robert Boyle Summer School€2,000
Seasonal Annimation in Dungarvan€10,000
Southeast Science Festival€5,000
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival€70,000
Sprog€2,000
St Patricks Day Parade, Waterford City€45,000
St. Patrick’s Day Dungarvan€5,000
St. Patricks Day Portlaw€1,000
Summer in the City 2021€59,000
Summer on The Mall€15,000
Tallow Tostal Festival€500
The Barony Of Gaultier Rose Festival.€550
THE BOOLEY HOUSE€1,000
The Carbally Art By The Sea Festival.€1,000
THE CELTIC BOX CUP€10,000
The Good Old Days Festival.€1,000
The LIT Young Writers Festival€1,800
Tionól Nicolás Tóibín€2,000
Tramore Christmas Festival€5,000
Tramore St Patricks Day Parade€5,000
Tramore Street Party€4,000
TUNEFEST€5,000
Viking River Festival€3,000
Vitamin Sea Festival€15,000
Waterford Film Festival€500
Waterford Heath and Wellbeing Family Fest€3,000
Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards€5,600
Waterford Viking Marathon€22,000
WATERFORD WALLS FESTIVAL€35,000
Waterford Writers Weekend€34,000
Well Festival of Arts & Wellbeing€4,000
West Waterford Festival of Food€50,000
Winterval€429,000
Wyse Park Arts Spectacle scheme€6,000
Yogafest€1,000
€1,287,300

By Waterford City & County Council

Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2021 & Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2021

Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2021 

The BHIS scheme seeks to leverage private capital for investment in small-scale, labour-intensive projects and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of Protected Structures and in certain cases, the conservation of structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA).  Waterford has been allocated €136,800. Funding awards made under the scheme will be between €2,500 and €15,000, with applicants matching in full the grants being awarded.

Completed application forms and photos of the structures to  be submitted only by email to Planning@waterfordcouncil.ie by 5pm on 22nd January 2021. Please ensure that the grant scheme name is in the subject line and note that all forms must be completed in full in order to be processed. The Department will formally approve projects for funding by 26th of February 2021. Successful applicants must have the works completed by 24th of September 2021.

For further information or if you have any queries in relation to the schemes please contact: Rosemary Ryall, Executive Conservation Officer, Waterford City and County Council by e-mail:  rryall@waterfordcouncil.ie

  • BHIS 2021 Appendix I – Application Form A
  • BHIS 2021 Circular

    • Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2021

    The primary focus of the Historic Structures Fund will be on conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the broader benefit of communities and the public.

    For further information or if you have any queries in relation to the schemes please contact: Rosemary Ryall, Executive Conservation Officer, Waterford City and County Council by e-mail:  rryall@waterfordcouncil.ie

  • HSF 2021 Appendix I – Application Form A
  • HSF 2021 Circular

    • By Waterford City & County Council

    Waterford Council launches Economic Incentive Scheme for Vacant Properties in Urban Areas 2021-2022

    Waterford City and County Council launched an Economic Incentive Scheme to encourage new business in the core retail areas of Waterford City Centre, Dungarvan and Tramore and across all of Waterford’s town and village centres.

    The Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Damien Geoghegan, in welcoming the scheme said “We are working together with the City and Town Centre Management Groups to continually improve our City and Town centres. The economic incentive scheme will bring vibrancy and vitality to our core retail areas while also addressing vacancy rates.”

    The scheme is intended to encourage the following businesses to take up the scheme:

    • Cosmetics / beauty products
    • Specialist Health Food shops
    • Shoe Shops
    • Toy Shops
    • Hi-tech / High-end Electronics
    • Music Shops
    • Specialist (Hobby) Stores
    • Artisan / Craft Shops Giftware/Interiors/Fashion businesses & shops
    • High End Retail – globally scaled
    • Shops offering a unique experience

    The Economic Incentive Scheme is both generous and innovative. The supports offered across the three strands include a Rates exemption for the first 3 years of operation, a tiered level of start up funding totalling €6,000 alongside access to a range of soft supports from Waterford LEO and Economic Development section at Waterford Council.

    The scheme is new to Waterford and expands on previous Retail Support Grants and is the most extensive scheme to date. Details of the scheme will be available soon on www.waterfordcouncil.ie and on all social media accounts.

    ENDS

    By Waterford City & County Council

    Rolling Call for funding under LEADER Rural Development Programme 2014-2020

    This is a final call for rolling applications under the LEADER Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

    Waterford Leader Partnership CLG, on behalf of County Waterford LCDC, will seek Expressions of Interest (EOIs)

    OPENING DATE FOR EOI’S IS 9AM THURSDAY 8TH OCTOBER &
    CLOSING AT 5PM MONDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2020

    Successful & unsuccessful EOI’s will be advised by noon on Tuesday 13th October. Successful applicants will then be invited to submit a funding application with a deadline of 12pm Friday 6th November 2020. Only projects that have all the required permissions & documentation by this deadline will be considered eligible for this call.

    Invitation to application stage does not mean that you will be awarded grant aid as it is a competitive process. (Please note that the minimum grant amount is €5,000 and the maximum is €200,000). Funding may be awarded under all themes and sub themes to a maximum of 50% of the total project cost for private promoters and up to 75% for community group applicants. Consideration of the rate of aid offered will be
    done on a project by project basis.

    An Irish version of this Call will be available on our website www.wlp.ie

    By Waterford City & County Council

    Waterford Council call for applicants for Festival Grants for 2021

    2020 has been a challenging year for all and in particular the arts and culture sector.  Each year Waterford Council supports a wide range of festivals and events across the city and county and plans are already progressing to continue to support a programme of festivals and events in 2021.

    Festival and event organisers across Waterford are being encouraged to submit their application for funding for next year’s events.  While the final budget allocated for festivals and events will be agreed later this year as part of the Council’s annual budget process, the call now highlights the value that Waterford Council places on the many community and voluntary committees and professional arts organisations that bring arts, culture and vibrancy to Waterford.

    Applications can be submitted online at www.waterfordfestivals.ie from October 6th and the closing date for applications is Friday November 6th.  This year’s application reflects the impact that Covid has had on events in 2020 and invites applicants to consider how they can be creative in the programming of their event to ensure all or part of it can go ahead if the level of local or national restrictions change and to make sure they have measures in place to ensure public safety.

    A helpline will be open from October 6th to November 6th to answer any queries relating to the application process – 0761 10 2169

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