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By Waterford City & County Council

Age Friendly Waterford to host Inaugural Age Well Expo in Tower Hotel

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

By Waterford City & County Council

Wonder Walking Trails launched in Waterford city and county

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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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council launches ‘Bag It Bin It’ Education pack for national schools

Waterford City and County Council launches ‘Bag It Bin It’ Education pack for national schools

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.

By Waterford City & County Council

Diversity to be celebrated with free Music Event in the People’s Park

One Waterford, One People posterA 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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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council urges public to report use of single use plastics

Waterford City and County Council urges public to report use of single use plastics
Waterford City and County Council urges public to report use of single use plastics

In July 2021, the EU imposed a ban on the use of single use plastics, including plates, stirrers, cutlery and straws. The restrictions were introduced in order to replace the use of single use plastic with more sustainable alternatives.

Single use plastic can end up in the environment and lead to the problem of micro plastics in our seas and oceans and are some of the most common single use plastic items found on our beaches.

Today, the majority of businesses use biodegradable alternatives, however, there still remains a small cohort of businesses that continue to use environmentally harmful single use plastics.

Waterford City and County Council is urging members of the public to report premises still using single use plastic cutlery.  Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer, Waterford City and County Council said, “We are still seeing single use plastic cutlery being offered to customers in cafés and takeaways in Waterford.  Unless the business is taking back plastic cutlery to wash and reuse, the plastic cutlery is single use.  Unfortunately, some manufacturers are labelling their products reusable, leading retailers to think they are okay.

“The consequences of single use plastics can be seen on our beaches and coastlines as 80% of marine litter is plastics.  Not only is the litter unsightly, but plastic residues are also found in marine life, such as fish, shellfish and birds and invariably in the human food chain.”

Niall added, “Waterford City and County Council is encouraging members of the public to let us know about businesses that are still using single use plastic cutlery.  It is not our intention to fine businesses initially, but to educate them about single use plastics, the alternatives that are available to them, and the benefits to the environment”.

The Single Use Plastic Regulations introduced a €2000 fixed payment notice for any producer placing single use cutlery on the market.

To report premises using single use plastics call Waterford City and County Council on 0818 10 20 20 or email contact@waterfordcouncil.ie

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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.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council leads the way in tackling vacancies

St. Joseph’s House, Manor Hill
St. Joseph’s House, Manor Hill

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 9th 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

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.

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 & 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 1st 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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By Waterford City & County Council

Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta 2024

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

By Waterford City & County Council

Wonder Wander Walking Trails

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

By Waterford City & County Council

Open : Community Recognition Fund 2024

Community Recognition FundOn 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

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.

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

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