National Award for local collaboration

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Conan Power

Waterford Chamber has won the Local Authority Collaboration Award at the Chambers Ireland Awards, which were held in Kilashee House Hotel and saw the coming together of Chambers from all over Ireland to recognise the work they do in supporting the business community.

This is the second time Waterford Chamber has been recognised in this category in recent years, for their ongoing work with Waterford City & County Council.

This year’s award was specifically for the two organisations coming together to explore the scope of opportunities for Waterford City Centre, by engaging RIKON and EY to carry out research and feasibility studies respectively.

Accepting the award, Gerald Hurley, CEO Waterford Chamber said: “We have an excellent working relationship with Waterford City & County Council and our goals are aligned as we both work tirelessly to promote Waterford as a great place to live, work, do business and invest in.

“We are a City of Opportunity and we all have our part to play. These reports are available for anyone to share, so we can collectively deliver the right message for Waterford.

“The data presented by EY and RIKON shows the potential that exists on our doorstep and for this initiative to get national recognition is testament to everyone who worked on it.”

Waterford also saw the coming home of the Chamber of the Year Award, which was won by Waterford Chamber in 2021 and this year Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber scooped the title.

“We are thrilled for our colleagues Oren Byrne and Jenny Beresford and all the team. No other county can say they have two Chamber of the Year Awards in  a three year period and it affirms the commitment, diversity and determination of the business community we all represent.”

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Advanced Notice : Road Closure : R683 Passage East Road at Parkswood

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Conan Power

R683 Passage East Road at Parkswood

A section of road on R683 Passage East Road at Parkswood towards Passage East from Wednesday June 7th to Friday June 9th will be closed to facilitate road surfacing works.

Diversions will be in place.

Please allow extra travel time for your journey.

Posted in Road Works / Closures | Leave a comment

Taking Pride in Waterford City and County

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Conan Power

June 1st marked the first day of Pride Month as Waterford City and County Council celebrates LGBTQ+ people, culture and communities.

To mark the start of Pride Month, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan, along with members of the Dungarvan Pride Committee raised the Pride flag outside the Dungarvan Civic Offices.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Pride Festival in Dungarvan, 2023 sees the town’s festival returning bigger, brighter and better.

Emilene Stafford, Dungarvan Pride committee co-chair, is promising a festival that not only celebrates LGBTQ+ people, culture and communities, but an inclusive festival to be enjoyed by all.

“Last year’s festival was phenomenal and the positive feedback we received was the catalyst for us to make this year’s Pride Festival even better, featuring cinema screenings, information sessions and of course, Dungarvan’s second ever Pride Festival.  On June 8th we have a special screening of To Wong Foo at Dungarvan Cinema.  On June 15th there will be an open parent and family information session, hosted by Chillout LGBTI+ Youth Project, which provides a safe supportive community for LGBTQ+ people and their families.

“Dungarvan Pride Festival takes place in Walton Park on Saturday, June 17th. The line-up will feature MC and local Drag Queen Lady Fifi Fondue on the main stage with live music from AVI & Changing Channels, Understarling, Drag King Phil T Gorgeous, Lip Sync Battle and Edgar Kirby School of Performing Arts.  Walton Park will be jam-packed with activities for everyone to enjoy, such as The Wobbly Circus Jugglers, Acrobats & Aerial trapeze artists, Junior Einstein Science Club,  along with The Dog Lady Dog Show, Fairy House Building with Catherine Barron, and a selection of food and beverage trucks.”

Cllr. Geoghegan added, “What struck me about last year’s Pride festival was the colour, the warmth, the diversity and the sense of belonging. Dungarvan prides itself on being an inclusive town, and that was more than evident last year as young and old, gay and straight people, experienced that inclusivity throughout the month.

However, each of us has a responsibility to not just be welcoming and accepting each June, but every day of the year.”

In Waterford city, The Pride of the Déise committee has organised a jam-packed weekend celebration of LGBTQ+ people and communities.  Running from Friday, June 2nd to Monday, June 6th, the programme includes the Pride March, The Cultural Quarter Block Party, GAYncient History at Manor tree Youth and Community Centre and back by popular demand PRIDE Ride Greenway Cycle from Bilberry to Kilmeaden.

More information and the full programme of events for Pride of the Déise can be viewed at https://prideofthedeise.ie/

Pride Dungarvan and Pride of the Déise are proudly supported by Waterford City and County Council.

-ends-

Free to use images: David Clynch

Posted in Arts / Culture, Community Alerts, Events & Festivals | Leave a comment

Water Safety Appeal from Coast Guard, RNLI & Water Safety Ireland for bank holiday weekend

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Conan Power

The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have issued a joint water safety appeal as people are expected to enjoy the water this bank holiday weekend.

Even in good weather, water temperatures remain cold and the organisations have advised that those taking part in any waterbased activity should make sure they have the proper equipment and know how to do it safely.

The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland advise to always carry a means of calling for help and to keep it within reach at all times. When kayaking or paddle-boarding close to shore, conditions can turn quickly and wearing a buoyancy aid or lifejacket can make the critical difference. If you unexpectedly find yourself in the water and wearing a lifejacket, you have given yourself vital time to be brought to safety.

While the good weather is set to continue, always check the forecast, tide times and sea conditions before setting off. Get regular updates if planning to be out for any length of time. And be prepared to change your plans or cancel the trip if the forecast is unfavourable.

For those swimming, remember to acclimatise slowly, wear a bright swimming cap and consider a tow float to increase visibility. Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague. Swim in areas that are lifeguarded or are known locally to be safe.

Irish Coast Guard Operations manager Micheál O’Toole said; “We appeal to everybody to plan for and attend to their personal safety. We again are warning on the dangers of using inflatable toys such as LiLo’s on or near the water, be it seaside, lake or river. Please do not bring such items with you. We again express our thanks to all members of the emergency services who will be on duty over the weekend, in particular volunteer members of Coast Guard, RNLI, Community Inshore rescue boats and mountain rescue teams. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.”

RNLI Water Safety Lead Linda-Gene Byrne said: ‘The fine weather and brighter evenings will encourage more people onto the water and it’s great to see people out and about and enjoying it. If you fall in unexpectedly, remember to ‘Float to Live’ – lie on your back and spread your arms and legs, gently moving them to keep afloat. Keep floating until you feel your breath coming back before calling for help or swimming ashore if nearby. Taking a few minutes to check you have taken all the necessary equipment and advice for your activity and knowing what to do in an emergency will give peace of mind and help prevent accidents.’

Water Safety Ireland’s Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney said: “This weekend, please remember that although air temperatures have risen, our waterways are still too cold for extended swims. A full moon on Saturday will make the coastline more precarious and rip currents will be stronger. Swim within your depth at the lifeguarded waterways listed at www.watersafety.ie/lifeguards. A full moon also creates lower low tides that will expose even greater areas of the coastline which often tempts walkers to explore sandbanks. Be aware of being trapped by incoming tides, carry a fully charged mobile phone, and please provide constant uninterrupted adult supervision for any children in your care.”

The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland also wish to express their condolences to the families and friends of the two young men who lost their lives in jet ski accidents on Carlingford Lough and on Lough Derg.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or you think that they are in trouble, dial 112 or use marine VHF radio Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Ends

Posted in Community Alerts, Departmental Press Release | Leave a comment

Minister Noonan announces €2.7 million funding for local biodiversity projects

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Conan Power
  • 188 community projects across all 31 local authorities have received funding through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) 
  • LBAF projects include restoration, invasive species management, surveys, education and awareness projects
  • All projects support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan
  • Small Recording Grants scheme funds 67 local projects

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, has today announced a combined €2.7m in funding for local biodiversity projects. Over €2.5 million is being awarded to local authorities to carry out biodiversity projects through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) and €193k is being granted to the natural history recording community through the Small Recording Grants scheme.

Local Biodiversity Action Fund

Operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the scheme was first launched in 2018. Since then, a total of just over €6m has been granted to local authorities through the LBAF for projects that support actions in the 3rd National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). This year’s grants will build on that investment.

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD:

“Given that it’s Biodiversity Week, I’m especially delighted to announce funding of over €2.5 million for 188 biodiversity projects. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund is an enormously impactful scheme that supports local authorities and communities to deliver on Ireland’s national objectives for nature, from invasive species to habitat restoration to awareness-raising to surveys and monitoring work. As more and more Biodiversity Officers join the ranks of our local authorities, I know that the benefits for nature and people that this Fund provides are only going to grow.”

A total of 188 projects have been approved across all 31 local authorities, covering a range of biodiversity-related activities, including invasive alien species control, dune restoration, wetland surveys and biodiversity awareness and training.

Projects approved this year include:

  • 8 local authorities joining together to monitor the Quagga mussel invasive species in the Shannon
  • 3 local authorities supporting The Shannon Dolphin Project, which is 30 years old this year (2023) making it one of the longest dolphin studies in Europe
  • Habitat mapping in Cork
  • Development of an Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Galway City Council
  • Installation of closed predator-proof fences at five key breeding wader sites in County Donegal
  • Hedgerow survey in Kilkenny County

Small Recording Grants

A grant scheme providing support to Ireland’s natural history recording community is now in operation for a fifth year, with growing popularity and record numbers of applicants. The Small Recording Grant scheme, managed by the NPWS, aims to help established naturalists recording in Ireland to maintain and enhance their expertise in species identification, and to develop the next generation of natural history recorders.

The Small Recording Grants scheme supports volunteers, groups, societies and associations of recorders who have limited or no access to financial supports for their work. 67 applicants have been notified of their funding allocations, at a combined total of €193k. The projects supported include:

  • Dissection Masterclass for Determination of Species of Moths
  • Dragonflies and Damselflies in County Tipperary
  • Sponge Recording Project
  • A Targeted Bioblitz Survey of Freshwater-Associated Taxa in the Burren
  • Wexford Barn Owl Project

The data generated by these recording exercises is utilised by the NPWS to inform its understanding of the distribution and ecology of many species and to assess their status. In turn, it informs advice on nature conservation objectives and practical measures to protect species and habitats.

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD:

“It is fantastic to be able to fund these local initiatives once again. In 2022, my Department funded 24 projects to the tune of €70,000. This year, we have significantly increased resources for this very worthwhile scheme, with 67 projects approved at a cost of €193,000 – almost 3 times the projects and 3 times the funding.

“This scheme supports the work of the NPWS in recording many aspects of individual species that it would be almost impossible for my staff to carry out themselves.”

A full list of the projects funded under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2023 can be viewed or downloaded on the Department’ website:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/aeb0e-local-biodiversity-action-fund-project-funding-2023/ 

ENDS

Posted in Built Heritage, Scheme / Grant | Leave a comment

Ten flags flown at Waterford’s Blue and Green Coast beaches

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Conan Power

Waterford’s coastline was recently recognised by An Taisce as three beaches were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag and seven the Green Coast Award Flags.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches. The programme promotes environmental education, sustainable development of tourism, environmental management systems and ensure safety and access for beach users.

According to Katia Hunter, Executive Scientist with Waterford City and County Council, the awarding of the Blue and Green Coast Flags is a great endorsement of Waterford’s coastline.

“The beaches that received the Blue Flag in 2023 are Ardmore, Clonea and Tramore beaches.  All of these beaches not only returned excellent bathing water results, but a series of stringent environmental and safety-related criteria were also met.

“The Green Coast flags were awarded to Annestown, Ballyquin, Curragh, Goat Island Beach, Guillamene Cove, Newtown Cove and Kilfarrassey, as they all demonstrated excellent water quality, and were appropriately maintained and managed to ensure the protection of the natural environment.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’ Leary commended not only the Local Authority’s Environment Department, but also the work of voluntary groups that dedicate themselves to ensuring an unspoilt environment for all to enjoy.

“The work of volunteers from groups such as Clean Coasts, Tidy Towns, and ecological groups, have made huge inroads in assisting in the maintenance and management of our coastline and its amenities.

“These volunteers are passionate about preserving our natural environment, whether it’s through litter picking, wildlife conservation management or developing educational programmes.  By enhancing our natural amenities, they are heightening the enjoyment we can all derive from our beaches and coastline.”

Blue Flag began in Ireland in 1988 with 19 beaches and 2 marinas being awarded. Since then, the Blue Flag programme has grown from strength to strength with 84 beaches and 10 marinas being awarded in 2023.

Each year Blue Flag is awarded to over 4,500 beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators in 49 countries globally. Beaches are awarded for the bathing season (June 1st to September 15th in Ireland) and marinas are awarded for up to 12 months, depending on their period of operation. The awarded sites for Ireland are announced at the end of May each year.

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Images – free to use:

Tramore 1: Martin Kerins, Katia Hunter and Ella Ryan of Waterford City and County Council with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary

Tramore 2: Members of Clean Coasts (Tramore Tidy Towns and T-Bay Surf Club) with Waterford City and County Council staff and Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. John O’Leary.

Tramore 3:Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary and Katia Hunter, Executive Scientist, Waterford City and County Council

Clonea 2: Ms Hayes 3rd and 4th class from Garranbane National School, Elaine Doyle Clean Coasts Development Officer, Clare Morrissey, Mary Power and Yvonne Whelan Dungarvan Bay Open Water Swimmers, with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary.

Clonea 4; Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary, Katia Hunter and Claire Morrissey

About An Taisce:

An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, operates the programme in Ireland on behalf of the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE).

The Blue Flag programme is funded in Ireland by the Department of the Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Posted in Awards, Bathing Water Notice, Tramore | Leave a comment

Arts Office congratulates Waterford poet on Markievicz Award

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Conan Power
Áine Uí Fhoghlú

Áine Uí Fhoghlú

The Arts Office, Waterford City & County Council, congratulate Áine Uí Fhoghlú, An Rinn, Co. Waterford on being a recipient of the Markievicz Award 2023.

Maith thú, Áine.

Full PR : https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/46faa-film-music-theatre-and-traditional-arts-represented-among-markievicz-award-2023-recipients/#

Posted in Arts / Culture, As Gaeilge, Awards, Departmental Press Release | Leave a comment

Attention all Council Tenants – Notice of Rent Review 2023

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Conan Power

A Rent Review is currently being carried out for all Social Housing Tenants.

In order to ensure that we have the household correct and up to date details, tenants are requested complete the Rent Review Form regarding their household makeup and income details.  This document has been posted to all tenants but is also available below.

It is the tenant’s responsibility under their Tenancy Agreement to ensure that they submit the correct details to the Council for rent calculation purposes. Failure to return the form fully completed with the relevant proofs of income may result in a penalty rent being applied to the account.

Before returning the completed form, please ensure to include details of ALL occupants and the following relevant documents:

  • If in full/part time employment supply 3 recent consecutive payslips for all household members who are in employment.
  • If Self-employed submit recent Notice of Tax Assessment from Revenue.
  • Aged 18 and over in fulltime education submit proof from school or college.
  • Occupant Moved In provide the date of occupancy and previous address.
  • Occupant moved out provide the date they left and proof of new address.

Please return the form fully completed with relevant proofs of income by Monday 12th June 2023 to the Customer Service Desk, Waterford City & County Council, Bailey’s New St. Waterford X91 XH42, or Civic Offices, Davitt’s Quay Dungarvan, Co. Waterford X35 Y326.

Alternatively completed forms and supporting documentation can be scanned to the email address below.

Queries: rentreview@waterfordcouncil.ie | 051 849923

Posted in Community Alerts, Housing | Leave a comment

Information Day & free Kitchen Caddy distribution

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Conan Power

Posted in Environmental Campaigns, Events & Festivals | Leave a comment