Waterford City & County Council wishes to advise the public that the playground at Walton Park, Dungarvan is closed to all users until 10th May 2024 to facilitate the installation of new equipment.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Age Friendly Waterford’s “Age Well” Expo will take place in the Tower Hotel on 7th May from 1-6pm.
There will be speakers, stands, music and refreshments – below is the agenda for the day. It is being supported by Healthy Waterford, WCCC and UPMC Whitfield.
Since 1998, the Arts Office has been running this national annual Creative Writing Award to celebrate the rich literary life of the late Molly Keane. Molly lived in Ardmore, Co. Waterford until she died in 1996. She started writing at a young age to ‘supplement her dress allowance’. Her first ten novels and four plays were published under the pseudonym M.J. Farrell. She married into the Keane family of West Waterford but sadly her husband died at the age of 36.
Molly ceased writing until 1981 when ‘Good Behaviour’ was published under her real name. It became a publishing sensation and was well received as a masterpiece of black comedy for which she was short-listed for the prestigious Booker Prize in 1981.
The Arts Office, Waterford City & County Council by kind permission of the Keane family is now inviting entries for a previously unpublished short story for this years’ award.
The closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 14th June 2024 at 12 noon.
There is a cash prize of €250 plus a writing course under the auspices of the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore to the value of €300 for the winner and there is no entry fee.
Full guidelines and the online submission details are now live on the Waterford Submit platform see: https://submit.link/2CB
Ahead of the May bank holiday weekend, Water Safety Ireland, the Coast Guard and the RNLI are jointly appealing to people to be safe and summer ready when planning an activity on or near the water. The organisations are urging people to ensure that boats and other watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, are checked and in good working order following the winter period. Engines should be serviced and all equipment, particularly lifejackets, should be in good condition.
If out on a boat, or other water vessel:
If planning activities on the water:
If you are swimming:
Kevin Whitney, Operations Manager at the Coast Guard reminded everyone to ‘Plan& Prepare’ before considering any water-based or coastal activity ahead of and during the summermonths: ‘Donot use inflatable toys in open water or swimout after anything drifting as things can quickly gobadly wrong. Be aware of potential dangers and well preparedbefore engaging in any water-based activities. The Be Summer Ready website at www.gov.ie/summerready provides good watersafety advice and we
urge the public to read this before venturing out on the water.’
Roger Sweeney, Deputy CEOat Water Safety Ireland said: ‘An average of five people drown in Ireland every fortnight and cold water is often a factor. Sudden immersion can cause a shock to your body, a loss of breathing control, dizziness, and panic. Hypothermia and muscle cooling soon makes swimming difficult or impossible, particularly for children who have less body fat. Keep cold water swims short and enter the water slowly, staying within your depth. Shore anglers should always wear a
lifejacket and walkers should carry a mobile phone and keep a close eye on incoming tides to avoid being stranded.’
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘Many people will be taking vessels to the water for the first time this year so this is a good time to think about checking your equipment, especially your lifejacket so that it is fit for purpose.
‘Others maybe planning a trip tothe beach and a swim in the sea. We would encourage swimmers to be mindful of rip currents which can be difficult to spot, but are sometimesidentified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea’s surface. Even the most experienced beachgoers can be caught out by rips so remember don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, wade don’t swim. If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore. Always
raise your hand and shout for help.’
If you see somebody in trouble on thewater or along the coast, orthink they are in trouble, use Marine VHF channel 16 or Dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
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Greenfeed is the successful 2024 Waterford Pitch Perfect business. The announcement was made by Jacqui Gaule, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Local Enterprise Office Waterford.
Greenfeed has created a new animal feed additive which will dramatically reduce methane emissions from ruminant species (such as cattle) currently farmed in Ireland. Animal methane emissions are the largest single producer of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Ireland accounting for 24% of all emissions released each year.
Michael Power of Greenfeed really enjoyed the process and was delighted to become the overall winner, “The competition was very enjoyable, particularly to see so many wonderful home-grown business ideas. The entire group learned from the process and for me, winning the overall pitch competition was just a bonus.
“Greenfeed will allow the Irish government to reach its climate targets and decrease the penalties it would be subject to, removing the need for a mass cull of the national herd. Greenfeed’s solutions will allow farmers greater autonomy over their farms, including the size of their herd and their day-to-day activities, while also being incredibly beneficial for the environment”.
Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Waterford, ArcLabs Research and Innovation Centre and Boxworks joined forces to deliver this Start Up Competition for those with an innovative business idea or those already in business trading less than 18 months.
Participants, limited to those based in Waterford, were guided through the initial stages of developing their idea/business. Then successful applicants were selected for a Business Boot camp where they perfected their pitch before presenting to panel of judges.
The bootcamp was delivered by the Entrepreneurs Academy on April 26th & 27th. The winner received €1,000 in prize money and a desk space for 6 months as part of the LEO Desk Programme in collaboration with Boxworks. All participants were offered mentoring as part of our LEO Mentoring programme.
Jacqui Gaule was impressed with the quality of entries, “This marks the third year of our Pitch Perfect competition, and we were truly impressed by the quality of applications we received. The participants who took part in the programme collaborated exceptionally well and the calibre of the pitches was outstanding. It’s inspiring to witness the influx of fresh ideas and emerging businesses from Waterford.”
Local Enterprise Office Waterford is here to help you start a business, expand an existing business or reach new markets. It provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland.
Contact your Local Enterprise Office Waterford for information about its programs and grants, on www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie for access to all its training support information.
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LOCAL AND EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS
Polling Day Friday 7th June 2024
I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE THAT:
Dated this 30th day of April 2024.
Signed : James Seymour, County Registrar, Waterford Circuit Court.
Electoral Act 1992: Schedule 2, Rule 39, (inserted by Section 106 (j) Electoral Reform Act 2022)
Earlier this month the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) hosted a conference in Athlone giving delegates the opportunity to discuss and explore the further development of a thriving evening and nighttime economy.
Representatives involved in the management of nighttime destinations across Ireland were invited to discuss a range of issues including business supports, late night transport, events and Purple Flag accreditation.
The Purple Flag programme is the framework under which the vision for a vibrant, open, safe and appealing city for all can be achieved. Under the auspices of the flag, local stakeholders have been working together since 2015 to promote the evening and nighttime economy as a lever of economic and social prosperity for Waterford.
Most recently, Waterford received Purple Flag status in 2023, recognising Waterford’s blend of entertainment, dining, and culture, all the while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, and visitors in the evening and night-time economy, between the hours of 5pm and 5am.
Jim ‘Flash’ Gordon, Proprietor of Revolution and Chair of the Purple Flag Committee said, “The value of Purple Flag accreditation can’t be emphasised enough. It means that local stakeholders, both public and private bodies, are continually working in partnership to enhance Waterford’s evening and nighttime experience.
“It’s imperative that locals and visitors have a breadth of cultural, arts and music options available to them in the evening in a safe and welcoming environment, and while there can be challenges, Waterford is an exemplar as our Purple Flag accreditation confirms.”
In recognition of Waterford’s commitment to creating a dynamic, secure, and vibrant evening and nighttime economy, the Purple Flag accreditation process is similar to the Green Flag Award for parks and Blue Flag for beaches. There are one hundred Purple Flag destinations around the globe across Ireland, the UK, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia. This includes world renowned tourist destinations to small market towns.
Julie Walsh, Economic Development, Waterford City and County Council said, “This conference provided insightful and practical guidance in furthering Waterford’s nighttime economy offering. It also highlighted the challenges towns and cities around Ireland are facing and looked at ways to mitigate those, through cooperation, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
“Through these strategic partnerships we can continue to focus on the nighttime economy and foster a vibrant, lively and safe Purple Flag zone, through cultural events, festivals and supporting areas such as late-night public transportation and hospitality, reinforcing Waterford as the Best Place to Live in Ireland.”
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Note to editors:
About ATCM: ATCM is a respected voice for town and city management at both a European and wider global level. A not-for-profit organisation with members that come from the public, private and third sectors. They include key stakeholders and thought leaders who develop and implement shared visions, strategies and action plans for town and city centres throughout Ireland and the UK.
The highly-anticipated Digital Help Hub is back and ready to assist you this Friday at the Central Library Waterford starting from 10am till 1pm. This will take place every Friday in May. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert support in all things digital. Come and speak to one of the advisors.
On Tuesday, May 7th, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway will officially open Waterford’s Age Well Expo in the Tower Hotel.
This Age Friendly Waterford free event, in association with Healthy Waterford, UPMC Whitfield and Waterford City and County Council, will showcase the services, supports and activities available to older people to lead fulfilling, healthy and active lives.
On the day there will be over 50 exhibition stands including An Garda Síochána, Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB), HSE, SETU Lifelong Learning, ALONE, Waterford Volunteer Centre, Waterford Libraries, Fire Services, Waterford Sports Partnership and Local Link.
There will be numerous speakers including Waterford Integrated Care for Older People (WICOP) who will deliver a presentation on its services, while an older person learner from SETU will share their experience of returning to education.
There will be stands on the range of services provided by Waterford City and County Council. Information will be provided on how to reduce energy costs, housing grants, community engagement initiatives, recreational activities tailored for older adults and much more.
Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway is looking forward to officially opening Waterford’s inaugural Age Well Expo, saying “This multi-agency approach to enhancing the lives of older people is to be welcomed. The stakeholders involved in bringing this expo to Waterford provide a wealth of services and insightful programmes that are specifically engineered to support older people in our communities.”
“Whether its enrolling in a college course, volunteering in the community, learning about energy saving grants, accessible transport facilities, and opportunities for civic and social participation, the Age Well Expo will have something for everyone who strives to age well.”
Michael Walsh, Chair of Age Friendly Alliance, said the Age Well Expo will provide the opportunity for older people to engage with support agencies and service providers on the day. “The premise of this exhibition is to put the needs of Waterford’s older people front and centre. Waterford’s Age Friendly programme has been informed by a positive ageing perspective, with the objective of enhancing and improving the lives of older people throughout Waterford city and county, by giving them a voice in the decision-making processes and equipping communities to become great places, and even lifelong homes, for people of all ages.”
Gwen Daniels, UPMC Whitfield Hospital, General Manager, said UPMC understands the importance of community support services for older members of society. “Waterford has a great network of services for the older members of the community and this event hopes to highlight them and introduce as many people to them as possible. On the day there will be exhibitors offering information and support with security, education, medical and social activities. There will also be guest speakers to help educate and promote wellbeing and inclusion.
“By collectively working together, we hope to unite and support those who have contributed to our city and county throughout their lives. We hope this will be the first of many events of its kind for Waterford.”
Established in January 2014, Age Friendly Ireland coordinates the national Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme with the first Age Friendly Strategy for Waterford City and County being launched in 2017. The Programme brings together, supports and provides technical guidance to the 31 local-authority-led, multi-agency Age Friendly City and County Programmes in every local authority area.
The Age Well Expo will take place in the Tower Hotel (X91 VXEO) from 1pm to 6pm on Tuesday, May 7th. Along with the information stands and guest speakers, there will be live music and entertainment, and refreshments will be provided.
The event is free, and all are welcome to attend.
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Images – free to use: Andrew McDermott Photography
The Wonder Wander Walking Trails were launched in the city and Cappoquin earlier this week.
These trails have been produced by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, The Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, in association with Waterford City and County Council.
At the city launch in the Central Library, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway highlighted that the trail shines a light on some of the lesser known architectural details of our streetscapes. He mentioned buildings such as Christchurch Cathedral, The Port of Waterford building and the City Walls, but also noted the lovely details that we pass everyday such as the Art Noveau windows on the Baptist Church in Catherine Street, the ornate terracotta figures on Clyde House and the terraced houses such as those at St Otteran’s Place.
In Cappoquin, Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Declan Doocey spoke about the historic shopfronts, which are the best in the county and referenced the ornamental details such shamrocks and flowers which are carved into the woodwork .
The launches concluded with a very informative walk along part of the trail conducted by John Beattie, NIAH.
Rose Ryall, Conservation Officer with Waterford City and County Council said that “the aim of these trails is to raise public awareness of our built heritage and 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.”
Pop-up models at the events were produced by Kevin Moran of EZexploring and highlighted the variety of structure types in the city and Cappoquin. Edel McWeeney-Moran from EZexploring spoke about the community workshops and the drop-in information sessions which were held in the city’s Central Library and Cappoquin Community Centre.
Edel said, “Engaging with local schools such as the 6th class students from St Declan’s primary school and the 3rd class students at Cappoquin Primary school was particularly rewarding. The video at the event showed the drawings the pupils produced of their favourite historic buildings.”
John Beattie from the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage explained the development of the trails and that this pilot project in Waterford and Meath will be rolled out elsewhere. The final product launched is a self-guided walking route which includes points of interest ranging from regionally important buildings like churches to more modest buildings, reflecting the architecture and cultural heritage of the everyday. The map provides user friendly information on the points of interest with interpretative text illustrated by a combination of images and drawings The map also includes a scavenger hunt to get people out there analysing their streets and looking at them in a different way.
Copies of the trail maps are available at Cappoquin Community Centre, Lismore Library and Waterford Central Library and are also available on the ‘Places to Visit’ page on the NIAH website Buildings of Ireland: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage or at our Built Heritage & Conservation page.
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The Dungarvan Customer Service Offices of Waterford City & County Council will open at the later time of 10am on Monday 29th April 2024.
Waterford City and County Council’s Environment Department has produced an educational anti-dog fouling resource pack for Waterford’s national schools which emphasises responsible dog ownership.
Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “The idea behind the education packs is to start a discussion with children about the hazards of dog poo. We all know it’s unsightly and smelly, but discarded dog poo can pose a health hazard as it contains harmful bacteria such as E-coli and parasites like roundworm.
“Not only that, parents with buggies, children, and vulnerable groups such as wheelchair users and the visually impaired, are particularly at risk of stepping in or wheeling through dog poo, and being exposed to health implications, not to mention the unpleasantness and inconvenience of getting poo on shoes, hands or wheels.”
The Bag It Bin It education pack has been distributed to all national schools in Waterford city and county. It includes lesson plans and worksheets for teachers, along with crossword puzzles, colouring pages and stories that highlight the importance of cleaning up your dog’s waste by bagging it and binning it.
Kieran O’Sullivan, Principal of Faithlegg National School said the education packs have been very well received by both students and teachers. “Great work has been done to raise awareness of the issue of dog fouling on footpaths, trails and parks, but this education pack has heightened the significance of this amongst our students. They have learned about the health hazards it can pose, and how harmful it is to the environment.
“All dog owners have a civic responsibility to clean up after their dogs and if we all bag it and bin it, we can protect our communities, our wildlife and our outdoor spaces.”
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Image: Ella Ryan WCCC with Alison Walsh and Jack O’Sullivan from Cheekpoint/Faithlegg Tidy Towns and members of Faithlegg National School Student Council.
A family-friendly, free music event will celebrate diversity in Waterford this coming Bank Holiday Monday, May 6th.
The One Waterford, One People event is organised by Waterford Trades Council with support from Waterford City and County Council, and community organisations and agencies including Waterford Area Partnership, Waterford Sports Partnership and Waterford New Communities Network.
The gathering will take place, weather permitting, in the People’s Park from 2pm to 5pm and will feature a global array of talented music acts from Ukraine, Brazil, India, the Philippines, Africa and more, along with a host of Irish musicians including a céilí band and drummers from Waterford Academy of Music and Arts.
David Lane, President of the Waterford Trades Council explains how the event will bring together many different nationalities who call Waterford home. “Celebrating the music and culture of different cultures and nationalities is important, especially as Ireland is now home to an estimated 160 different peoples from across the world. Waterford has a great tradition of welcoming people and getting people to work together for the betterment of all, and trade unions have been at the heart of that.
“Music events also help foster and deepen understanding of various ethnic backgrounds. The event in the People’s Park is exactly that, a gathering to celebrate One Waterford, One People as we all strive to make Ireland an even better place in which to live and work.”
Katherine Collins, Project Manager of Waterford’s Cultural Quarter (WCQ) said, “Waterford City and County Council is pleased to support this free event as it showcases and celebrates Waterford’s cultural diversity. This event is very much aligned with the goals of WCQ, in making Waterford an open, welcoming, creative, and vibrant place for people of all nationalities to live, work and play.”
The bandstand at the People’s Park will be the focal point for the event and Waterford Sports Partnership will also be providing games for children in the vicinity.
While there will be no food stalls in the park, families are encouraged to bring a picnic, enjoy the music, soak up the atmosphere, and bring home any rubbish generated.
The event, which takes place on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon, is weather dependent and further notices and updates will be provided closer to the date on social media postings.
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