Latest News & Announcements - Waterford City & County Council

18th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Planners seeking workable legislation Conference told

Gavin Lawlor, President of the Irish Planning Institute, has said that the priority of planners is to ensure that the Planning and Development Bill, currently passing through the Oireachtas, is workable for the long term, not to slow the legislative process down.

Addressing over 300 professionals from across the planning, construction and sustainability sectors at the Institute’s annual conference in Waterford on the progress of the Bill, he said, “In its current form this Bill is not fit for purpose. It will have a detrimental impact on citizen engagement in the planning process, and it proposes unrealistic timelines, guidelines and compliance, making aspects of the Bill unworkable.

“Our ambition is not to slow down the Bill but to work with policy makers to get it right. We have made a number of submissions on the legislation and engaged very constructively and openly but remain convinced that the Bill requires further section-by-section consultation and review with practitioners so that the implications in practice of the new measures can be considered.

“The IPI want to see a Bill that serves the needs of society and the common good for generations to come. We remain fully committed to working with the Minister, Minister of State, Department, Oireachtas members and all stakeholders to make sure this legislation is fit for purpose, and we look forward to seeing further revisions and amendments at Report Stage.”

Addressing his first Conference as President, Gavin Lawlor, who became head of the Institute in January also said his focus for the sector is establishing planners’ critical role in delivering climate action and sustainability. Attracting more people to planning as a career and ensuring the profession provides a united front are also priorities of his tenure.

He added: “Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Planners understand the issues of climate, biodiversity, demography and economic development but our voice risks being drowned out by those that don’t have a holistic understanding of these issues.

“Planners know how to ensure the housing and infrastructure we need is delivered for the benefit of the environment and society and we need to be more assertive about the skills and knowledge we bring.”

“To do this we have to work collaboratively. Much of this year’s conference programme is about building understanding across the planning, technology, construction and sustainability sectors but we also need to build understanding across the planning profession itself and break down barriers. “

Also, welcoming delegates to this year’s Conference Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway said, “This year’s conference will focus on planning for smart, sustainable, and competitive regions and cities, and it is our vision in Waterford City and County Council to make Waterford City ʻthe most liveable city in Irelandʼ where our growing population can sustainably live, work and play.

“The North Quays is a flagship sustainable urban regeneration project. The project creates the opportunity to develop a sustainable and exemplary city centre by connecting the north and south sides of the city and will reduce dependency on travel by private car and will increase the modal shift of journeys to walking and cycling, and further encourage this by the creation of high-quality public realm space. The overall North Quays project is a model for the proper integration of land use planning and transport planning which is critical to delivering the smart, sustainable and competitive cities needed to meet our future challenges.”

He added, “Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with the Urban Regeneration & Development Fund and other stakeholders is also investing in the regeneration of the heart of the historic city centre, while investment in the sustainable regeneration of Waterford’s towns and villages is also continuing with the support of the Rural Regeneration Development Fund.”

Among those addressing the IPI Conference this year is Peter Mullan, new chair of An Bord Pleanála who gave the keynote address this morning (Thursday) while the conference will also be addressed by Michael Flood from the OECD.

17th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council leads the way in tackling vacancies

Last month, Dublin City University (DCU) and the Dublin Simon Community published “Opportunities and Challenges of Vacant ‘Above the Shop’ Units (VATSUs) for Residential Use in Ireland.”

According to the report, vacant above the shop units (VATSUs) are particularly complex units to bring into reuse, requiring significantly more flexibility, resources, risk mitigation and absorption, contingency planning, and multi-disciplinary work than other types of vacant units. The report addresses the challenges, opportunities and processes presented by the conversion/reuse of VATSUs for residential use.

Waterford featured prominently in the report as an example of where a local authority can activate and encourage the reuse of vacant above-shop buildings and spaces, in particular due to its widespread take up of the Repair and Leasing (RLS) scheme.

The report noted, “Property owners are working closely with local government officials to renovate vacant properties, including VATSUs, and increase social housing stock in the process. Following on this trend, one business owner has renovated two of their properties using RLS in recent years. Along with stripping both buildings back completely ‘from the floor to the roof’, renovations included putting in new walls, ceilings, floors, rewiring, replumbing, and kitchens. They also had to take out and rebuild the rear wall on one of the buildings, as it was in a poor state of repair, and put in a vented bin store outside each building.”

The continued uptake and delivery through the Repair and Lease scheme were noted, with Waterford accounting for a substantial number of dwellings brought back into use.

More recently in the Dáil on April 9^th Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said, “Waterford City and County Council is the leading local authority in delivering units under RLS.

“It participated in the original pilot scheme, commencing in October 2016. To end 2023, Waterford has delivered 312 homes under RLS, 56% of national delivery. This includes the largest RLS project to date, St Joseph’s House, Manor Hill, where 71 homes have been created in a previously vacant convent in a city centre location.”

In June last year, the Minister cut the ribbon on the age-friendly housing development at the landmark site on Manor Hill, saying, “Waterford City and County Council is leading the way in delivering new social and affordable homes, and in particular in tackling vacancy which to be frank is a scourge in many villages, towns, and cities across the country.”

The former convent has been transformed with 50 dwelling units located within the main building and 21 located in the various out-building clusters on the site, while the former chapel on the site has been repurposed as a community space for multiple uses by tenants.

Over €4.9 million was approved through the Repair and Lease Scheme, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The funding was provided under Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland. The Repair and Lease Scheme has been pioneered in Waterford and is a significant driver in providing high quality affordable housing solutions and at the same time has significantly addressed and delivered the return to use of vacant buildings in Waterford.

In County Waterford, 48% of homes provided to the end of 2023 by RLS are one-bed units, with a further 37% providing two-bed homes.

The Report Opportunities and Challenges of Vacant “Above the Shop” Units (VATSUs) for Residential Use in Ireland by Michelle Connolly of Dublin Simon Community and Dr Kathleen Stokes of Dublin City University can be found at:

https://www.dubsimon.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/19834_VATSU_Report_Web.pdf

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Image: St. Joseph’s House, Manor Hill

17th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Deadline for Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant fast approaching

Increased Cost of Business Grant

As part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257m for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses.

Waterford City & County Council, funded through Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), is managing the rollout of the grant to qualifying businesses. Closing date for businesses to confirm eligibility and to upload verification details is May 1st 2024.

What is the purpose of the grant? The grant is available to qualifying businesses as a contribution towards the rising costs faced by businesses. The grant is intended to aid businesses but is not intended to directly compensate for all increases in wages, or other costs, for every business.

How much is the grant? The grant is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill received by an eligible business in 2023.

– For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of <€10,000, the ICOB grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023.

– For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the ICOB grant will be €5,000.

– Businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rates bill greater than €30,000 are not eligible to receive an ICOB grant.

What businesses are eligible to receive the grant? The following are the main qualifying criteria:

Your business must be a commercially trading business currently operating from a property that is commercially rateable.
Your business must have been trading on 1^st February 2024 and you must intend to continue trading for at least three months from the date you verify your information.
You must provide confirmation of your bank details.
Your business must be rates compliant. Businesses in performing payment plans may be deemed to be compliant.
Your business must be tax compliant and must possess a valid Tax Registration Number (TRN).

Please note that Waterford City & County Council reserves the right to claw back any grant payment which is later found to be incorrect. This includes any circumstances such as error by the recipient business or the local authority making the payment, or where a business makes a false declaration of eligibility.

What is the closing date? The closing date for businesses to confirm eligibility and to upload verification details is May 1^st 2024.

Where can I find out further information? Correspondence and guidance have been issued to qualifying commercially rateable businesses. In addition, an FAQ is available online and you should refer to this guidance and FAQ prior to making your submission.

For further information about the ICOB Grant visit https://bit.ly/Waterford-ICOB

If you have queries regarding your Commercial Rates account including outstanding balances, contact Waterford City & County Council at rates@waterfordcouncil.ie. Our team are happy to discuss any balances outstanding on your rates and what steps can be taken to ensure compliance with the scheme.

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16th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta 2024

Tá áthas ar Oifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge a fhógairt go bhfuil sé i gceist Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta a bhronnadh ar dhaltaí meánscoile ó Phort Láirge i mbliana.

Bronnfaidh Oifig na Gaeilge scoláireacht(aí) ar dhalta(í) a chónaíonn i gCathair nó i gContae Phort Láirge (laistigh de limistéar riaracháin na Comhairle) chun freastal ar Chúrsa Samhraidh* de chuid Choláiste na Rinne i Rinn Ó gCuanach.

*Braithfidh dátaí an chúrsa ar an saghas scoláireachta a bhronnfar – scoláireacht lae nó scoláireacht chónaithe.

Is féidir foirmeacha iarratais agus sonraí iomlána na scoláireachta a fháil trí theagmháil a dhéanamh le:

Máire Seosaimhín Breathnach, Oifigeach Gaeilge, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge, Oifigí Cathartha, Dún Garbhán, Co Phort Láirge Teil: 058 22001 R-phost: msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie

Sé an t-am agus an dáta deiridh a nglacfar le hiarratais ná 5.00i.n. ar an Aoine, 3 Bealtaine 2024

The Irish Office, Waterford City & County Council is delighted to announce Gaeltacht Scholarships for second level student(s) from Waterford this summer.

A Scholarship(s) from the Irish Office will be available for a student(s) living in Waterford City or County (within the Council’s administrative area) to attend one of Coláiste na Rinne’s two-week summer courses* in the Gaeltacht area of west Waterford.

*The dates of the course will depend on the type of scholarship received – a day scholarship or a boarding scholarship.

Application forms and full details of the terms and conditions of the scholarships are available by contacting:

Máire Seosaimhín Breathnach, Irish Office, Waterford City & County Council, Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co Waterford Tel: 058 22001 E-mail: msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie

The final time and date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm on Friday, 3rd May 2024

15th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Wonder Wander Walking Trails

: Cappoquin Launch Invitation

: Waterford Launch Invitation

The launch of the Wonder Wander Walking Trails for Cappoquin and Waterford City will take place on the 22^nd of April .

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage has produced 2 Wonder Wander Walking Trails in association with Waterford City and County Council. Rose Ryall Conservation Officer has said that the aim of these trails is to celebrate a sense of place by exploring the rich and diverse heritage of the Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA) in the historic cores of Cappoquin and Waterford City .As part of the project, community workshops and drop-in information sessions were held to facilitate discussion, storytelling, and interpretation. Engaging with local schools was particularly rewarding, enriching both the trail maps as well as raising public awareness of our built heritage.

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will attend the launch of the Cappoquin Trail by the Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Declan Doocey . This will be held at at 10 am in Cappoquin Community Centre .

In Waterford, the Mayor of City Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway will launch the Waterford Trial at the Central Library Waterford at 1pm. Both events will be followed by the opportunity to do some of the trail afterwards

All are welcome!

The maps will be available to download on the NIAH website from the launch date and some paper copies will be available on the day.

15th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Open : Community Recognition Fund 2024

On 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 the 2023 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 which aim to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.

The scheme details set out that only areas which have high levels of new arrivals will be deemed eligible for this scheme.

The minimum level of funding for an individual 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 competitive with specific evaluation criteria. Interested groups will need 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.

Deadline : Wednesday, May 15th 2024 at 4:00 PM

**APPLY HERE**

14th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant

The deadline for Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant registration is fast approaching! Businesses have until May 1st to register on the ICOB Portal at icob.ie.

Eligibility Criteria: Make sure to check the portal for the criteria and see if your business qualifies. Don’t miss out on this vital support for small and medium businesses!

Act Now: Register as soon as possible to avail of this grant. Payments will commence from late April 2024.

Visit icob.ie for more information.

As part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257m for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses. Waterford City and County Council, funded through Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), will manage the rollout of the grant to qualifying businesses.

Eligible businesses will receive a once-off grant payment. The amount of the grant payable to eligible businesses is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill the business received in 2023. However, it is not a Commercial Rates waiver and businesses should continue to pay their Commercial Rates bill as normal.

What is the purpose of the grant?
The grant is available to qualifying businesses as a contribution towards the rising costs faced by businesses. The grant is intended to aid businesses but is not intended to directly compensate for all increases in wages, or other costs, for every business.

How much is the grant?
The grant is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill received by an eligible business in 2023.

– For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of <€10,000, the ICOB grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023.
– For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the ICOB grant will be €5,000.
– Businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rates bill greater than €30,000 are not eligible to receive an ICOB grant.

What businesses are eligible to receive the grant?
The following are the main qualifying criteria:

Your business must be a commercially trading business currently operating from a property that is commercially rateable.
Your business must have been trading on 1st February 2024 and you must intend to continue trading for at least three months from the date you verify your information.
You must provide confirmation of your bank details.
Your business must be rates compliant. Businesses in performing payment plans may be deemed to be compliant.
Your business must be tax compliant and must possess a valid Tax Registration Number (TRN).

Please note that Waterford City and County Council reserves the right to claw back any grant payment which is later found to be incorrect. This includes any circumstances such as error by the recipient business or the local authority making the payment, or where a business makes a false declaration of eligibility.

How soon can businesses avail of the grant?
An online system is being developed to manage the submission of essential information. Waterford City and County Council will write shortly to businesses with further details, including how to register and how to submit information online. The system is expected to be available in mid-March.

What is the closing date?
The closing date for businesses to confirm eligibility and to upload verification details will be 1st May 2024.

Where can I find out further information?

Further correspondence and guidance has issued in mid March with the invite letter to commercially rateable businesses about the scheme. In addition, an FAQ is available below. You should refer to the invite letter for guidance and the FAQs below prior to making your submission.

If you have queries regarding your Commercial Rates account including outstanding balances, contact Waterford City and County Council at rates@waterfordcouncil.ie. Our team are happy to discuss any balances outstanding on your rates and what steps can be taken to ensure compliance with the scheme.

13th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Folúntas : Eolaí Chéimithe

PAINÉAL DO:

Eolaí Chéimithe
(Conradh ar Théarma Seasta 3 Bliana)

Tá iarratais á lorg ag Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge ó iarrthóirí atá cáilithe go cuí ar mian leo a bheith curtha san áireamh don phainéal thuas. Tá Foirm Iarratais agus Leabhrán Faisnéise d’Iarrthóirí le haghaidh na nithe thuas ar fáil le híoslódáil ó shuíomh Gréasáin Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge.

Ní mór foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe a sheoladh le ríomhphost chuig recruitment@waterfordcouncil.ie ag lua go soiléir an post a bhfuiltear ag cur isteach air sa líne ábhair tráth nach déanaí ná 4 i.n. ar an Déardaoin, 2ú Bealtaine, 2024.

Ní ghlacfar le cóipeanna crua.

Ní mór foirm iarratais oifigiúil a chomhlánú ina hiomláine roimh dháta deiridh an chomórtais. Tabhair faoi deara le do thoil nach nglacfar le leasuithe ar an iarratas tar éis an dáta deiridh.

Seol d’iarratas ó sheoladh ríomhphoist a ndéanfaidh tú athbhreithniú rialta air le do thoil mar is tríd an seoladh ríomhphoist sin amháin a dhéanfar cumarsáid le linn na tréimhse measúnaithe/roghnúcháin.

IS FOSTÓIR COMHIONANNAS DEISEANNA Í COMHAIRLE CATHRACH & CHONTAE PHORT LÁIRGE

12th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Two Construction Contracts Awarded for Cappoquin Regeneration Project

Waterford City and County Council has awarded the first two construction contracts for the Cappoquin Regeneration Project.

Marlhill Construction from Ardfinnan has been awarded the contract for the refurbishment of Moore’s Hotel on Main Street, and Conor Phelan Construction from Dungarvan have been awarded the contract for the refurbishment of three terraced townhouses at 6, 7 and 8 Main Street.

The Department of Rural and Community Development is investing over €6m in the overall Cappoquin Regeneration Project through its Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF). This investment is being augmented by additional funding from Waterford City and County Council and the Cappoquin Regeneration Company. The Regeneration Project aims to address vacancy and dereliction in the town centre and invest in the town centre’s public domain.

The construction contract for the derelict former Moore’s Hotel will transform the 150-year-old building into residential upper floor accommodation over ground floor commercial premises. Extensive reconstruction, refurbishment and conservation works will be completed over the coming 12 months with the new properties ready for occupation by the end of 2025. The housing contract will transform the vacant terraced townhouses into three new homes with ancillary mews accommodation at the rear on Green Street. Again, extensive reconstruction and refurbishment works over the coming 12 months will deliver the new homes for occupation by the end of 2025.

Further projects currently in design development under the RRDF Regeneration Project include the refurbishment of Fennell’s Pub & Uniacke’s Shop on Main Street and proposed public realm works at Market Square and Main Street.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway acknowledged that it was a significant day for Cappoquin, saying “This investment is a ringing endorsement of the potential of Cappoquin and surrounds, as a vibrant, sustainable, and vital area that will see families locate to and thrive in.

“The success of the Cappoquin Regeneration Project will be measured against the success of similar rural regeneration projects, such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the West Waterford Sports Hub, and the rejuvenation of Blackwater House. These have breathed new life and energy into Waterford’s rural communities and no doubt, we can anticipate the same outcome in Cappoquin with the delivery of new, energy efficient, modern family homes to the area.”

Dr Ben Murphy, Chairperson and Director of Cappoquin Regeneration Company CLG, said that he and his fellow directors and members of Cappoquin Regeneration Company are delighted to see the first contracts of the town regeneration project being awarded.

“The company members have worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Cappoquin to reach this very important milestone for the town and acknowledges the support of the members and staff of Waterford City and County Council and the Tomar Trust in this regeneration project.”

He added, “We would also like to acknowledge the funding of the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund and we are very much looking forward to having another phase of the town centre regeneration project completed over the next 18 months.”

12th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

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 www.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 24^th.

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Image – Free to use Patrick Browne

Anastasia Fleming, an 18^th 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.

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.

11th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Notice re: Greenway Footbridge, Dungarvan

The Greenway Footbridge adjacent to the Civic Offices, Dungarvan, will temporary reopen tomorrow Friday afternoon. Thanks to all for your cooperation. Please take precaution as temporary surfacing will be in place over the weekend.

The footbridge will be closed for a few hours again on Tuesday morning April 16^th. to facilitate permanent macadam reinstatement at location of the works around the air valves.

8th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Alert // Flooding due to heavy rainfall

Spot Flooding on Waterford to Dunmore East Road R686 – Drive with caution on all roads today.
Flooding reported on the R673 – approach road to Ardmore, Co. Waterford.
Spot flooding also reported on the R675 Coast road between Dungarvan and Tramore.
Spot flooding at the Sweep, Kilmeaden and on approach to Kill village.

With high tide due this evening, already saturated ground and rainfall due to persist until approx. 10pm, motorists are advised to exercise caution, expect that there may be standing water on some roads, reduce speed and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists.

8th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Expressions of Interest sought for 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme

Waterford City & County Council will administer the 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 and is a key initiative of Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025. The objectives of the 2024 Town and Village Renewal Scheme are focused to align with the commitments within Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy documents.

The focus of the Town & Village Renewal Scheme is on ensuring the development of Waterford’s rural towns and villages and making them more attractive places to live and work and increase their economic potential.

Waterford City & County Council now seeks expressions of interest from towns and villages, for funding of suitable projects under this initiative. Expression of interest form and details of the Scheme’s outline can be obtained by e-mailing townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie and completed expression of interest forms are to be returned before 5.00pm Friday 19th April 2024.

All applications will be subject to a selection process using National Criteria. Selected expression of interest applications will be developed into detailed bids for consideration for the 2024 Town & Village Renewal Scheme.