Waterford welcomes Purple Flag assessors for 2025 Evaluation
Waterford City proudly welcomed Kevin O’Sullivan and Damon Blake from the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM) on Friday, July 18th, as part of the city’s 2025 Purple Flag assessment.
The visit marks a significant milestone in Waterford’s continued commitment to delivering a vibrant, inclusive, and safe evening and night-time economy (ENTE). Having held Purple Flag accreditation since 2015, Waterford remains a national leader in showcasing a dynamic and welcoming city centre from 5pm to 5am — encompassing family-friendly entertainment, arts and culture, late-night shopping, award-winning dining, pubs, and nightclubs.
The assessment began with a welcome reception in the historic Mayor’s Parlour at City Hall. Jim “Flash” Gordon served as Master of Ceremonies, followed by a warm welcome from Mayor Seamus Ryan, who spoke of the city’s pride in its Purple Flag status. Key contributions from Claire Hartley Senior Executive Officer, Economic Development, Jim Gordon Chair of the Purple Flag Working Group, and Eddie Mulligan (Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership) further emphasised the strength of local collaboration.
A standout feature of the day was the outstanding guided tour, where Waterford’s incredible Purple Flag Zone was brought to life. The assessors were met with the warmest of welcomes from local businesses, community organisations, and stakeholders. From the breathtaking craftsmanship at Waterford Crystal to the immersive stories at Waterford Treasures and the inspiring work of Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, each stop highlighted the rich depth of the city’s night-time offering.
Hospitality shone brightly throughout the tour. The Granville Hotel, Tully’s, O’Sullivan’s, Union, The Lounge and Woodman, Revolution, and The Reg all opened their doors to the assessors, offering a true taste of Waterford’s vibrant and diverse nightlife. These venues showcased the city’s unique character, atmosphere, and unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and community spirit.
The presence and ongoing support of An Garda Síochána further underscored the collaborative approach Waterford takes to creating a safe and welcoming city after dark.
“I want to sincerely thank all those who continuously give their time, energy, and commitment to upholding the Purple Flag ethos in Waterford. From local businesses and volunteers to our dedicated partners in An Garda Síochána, WLCSP, the PPN, and beyond – your support is the reason our city continues to shine after dark.
A special thank you to everyone who attended the welcome reception and helped set a positive tone for the visit. Waterford City & County Council remains fully committed to supporting and growing the night-time economy here in our Purple Flag zone. Together, we’re creating a city centre that reflects the pride, energy, and community spirit of Waterford.” – Julie Walsh, Purple Flag Project Lead, Waterford City & County Council.
“We were thrilled to welcome Kevin and Damon to Waterford and showcase everything our city has to offer when the sun goes down,” said Mayor Seamus Ryan. “The Purple Flag is more than just an accreditation – it reflects the strength of our community partnerships, the quality of our venues, and our shared commitment to ensuring a better night out for everyone.”
“The Purple Flag is a great example of how Waterford works in partnership to create something greater than the sum of its parts,” added Claire Hartley, Senior Executive Officer with the Economic
Development team. “It highlights not only the strength of our local businesses and venues, but also our shared vision for a thriving night-time economy that’s safe, diverse, and inclusive.”
To learn more about Waterford’s Purple Flag Zone, visit www.purpleflagwaterford.com
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