Waterford Today | Waterford's free weekly newspaper

As the death toll in Kenya nears 500, Irish international aid agency Trócaire today launched an appeal on behalf of thousands of innocent civilians caught up in the violence. Trócaire is appealing for support from the Irish public for its humanitarian and local democracy work in the region.

"About 250,000 people have been left homeless following the recent clashes in Kenya" said Justin Kilcullen, "and Trócaire's office in Nairobi is working hard to provide food and shelter to families left homeless by the violence. Our work also involves strengthening local democratic movements in Kenya to bring about a just and peaceful society".

According to Justin Kilcullen "Trócaire has been working in Kenya for 35 years and our East-Africa regional office, in Nairobi is very well equipped to handle the sensitivities and complexities of this situation.

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Sinn Féin Dungarvan Town Councillor Brendan Mansfield today supported the estimates for funding for the coming year. This is the first time Sinn Féin has supported the estimates.

Cllr Mansfield said, "This doesn't represent a change in policy, but a change in the circumstances in which the estimates are voted on. Sinn Féin is still adamantly opposed to service charges as a double taxation on people, and I personally fully support that position'.

Mansfield added: "However, the service charges have now been removed from the Book of Estimates, and I have therefore, for the first time, been in a position to consider the content of the estimates separately from that issue. I believe the estimates to be fair and to contain some very constructive, positive elements. In these circumstances, and after consultation with my party and with constituents, I am pleased

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The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Brian Lenihan, T.D., published the Garda Síochána Policing Plan for 2008 in which the Plan, submitted to the Minister by the Garda Commissioner, sets out the proposed arrangements for the policing of the State in 2008, taking into account the Policing Priorities recently set by the Minister.

The Plan also details proposals to realign Regional, Divisional, District and Sub-District boundaries with local authority boundaries. This will facilitate the establishment and operation of the Joint Policing Committees.

Publishing the Plan, Minister Lenihan said: "The Policing Plan maps out the key objectives and actions required for the effective policing of our towns, cities and communities, the protection of the security of the State and the ongoing modernisation and development of An Garda Síochána in 2008.

I recently outlined the 2008 policing priorities for An Garda Síochána

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Comeragh Active Retirement Association.

Our Christmas Lunch at the Woodlands Hotel was a great success, with a large attendance present. The beautiful meal was followed by some music, dancing, and singing. Our musician, Dick Quinn, was in great form and his selection had practically everyone on the the floor. Our thanks also to our vocalists who contributed greatly to the entertainment.

A reminder that our AGM will be held on Wednesday, January 16th in the Woodlands Hotel at 2pm. We look forward to a full attendance and hope to see some new faces on our committee. Plans for our holidays in 2008 are already in hand, and details will be provided in the coming months.

The Chairperson and Committee wish all our members a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Waterford Active Retirement Association.

The trip to Punchestown Races will take place on Wednesday Feburary 20th

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With the pension crisis in full swing many of Waterford's 16,000 savvy seniors may look to their property for a solution. With this in mind Seniors Money, the leading provider of Lifetime Mortgages in Ireland, commissioned a national survey* which looked at the attitudes of the nation towards, what is most people's biggest asset, their home.

John Coade, Seniors Money consultant in Waterford commented "Inheritance rights have merited much discussion in recent times as this age-old mindset is being challenged and replaced with a more balanced approach. The cost of living in Ireland is notoriously high - and it's becoming increasingly difficult for those in retirement, who have inadequate pension funds, to not only maintain the standard of living they desire, but also to afford major financial events such as home maintenance or significant medical costs. However, those people in Waterford

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The RNLI Helvick Lifeboat Station and RNLI Dungarvan Fundraising Branch AGM will take place in Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club, Davitt's Quay, Dungarvan on Friday January 25th at 8pm.

All are welcome to an interesting, informative open night, and if you are wondering what keeps the RNLI Lifeboat afloat, DHSC is the place to be.

The RNLI is an entirely voluntary organisation and the crew members are always ready to forsake the comforts of home and answer the call to save life at sea, often in dangerous circumstances. Info 087 243 9659; 086 813 4597; 087 238 5491.

Christopher Kelly, Hon Chairman of the RNLI Dungarvan Fundraising Committee says "On behalf of the Officers and Committee Members of the RNLI Dungarvan Fundraising Branch, I wish to express my sincere thanks to all of you who have helped our fundraising projects in

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The Financial Regulator launched a new campaign to encourage consumers to makeover their finances for the New Year. Research carried out on behalf of the Financial Regulator shows that 23% of people said their biggest concern in the New Year was to sort out their finances, compared with 16% who want to get fit and 7% who want to give up smoking.

Consumer Director, Mary O' Dea said, "The New Year is traditionally a time when people make resolutions to do all sorts of things, including sorting out their finances. And as Christmas is usually the most expensive time of year for many people, now is a good time to look at your post-Christmas financial situation and start off the New Year as you mean to go on. This might mean spending some time working out your budget, dealing with

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Michael O' Keeffe of M&J Cleaning, Waterford was the lucky winner of a well timed €500 from Culleton Insurances prior to Christmas.

Culleton Insurances, which expanded into Waterford just over two years ago, ran a competition in December that gave van owners the chance to win €500. By simply texting the renewal date of his van insurance, Michael was chosen as the winner.

According the Gary O' Keeffe, Commercial Manager, the premise of the competition was to promote the extensive range of van products in the Culleton portfolio, "Culleton Insurances has one of the most competitive and accessible policies for van owners and drivers. Through a major insurance group, we have secured a new insurance product that gives van drivers as many options as private drivers.

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Seven SPAR stores in Waterford were awarded top honours at the annual 5 Star Awards which took place in Co. Kildare recently.

Padraig Breathnach's SPAR, Ballinagoul, Ring, David Dodd's SPAR, Ferrybank, SPAR, Manor Village, Cork Road, Gerry Gray's SPAR, Barrack St., Waterford, Steve Johnson's SPAR, Kilmeaden, Tony Kelly's SPAR, Tramore and John Walsh's SPAR, O'Connell St., Dungarvan were all presented with 5 Star Awards in recognition of the excellent standards they maintained throughout the past year. In addition, David Dodd's SPAR, Ferrybank achieved the special distinction of being awarded its fifth consecutive 5 Star Award.

The awards programme, which is run in association with the Excellence Ireland Quality Association, recognises excellence in areas such as shop presentation, customer care and food safety. The national awards were presented at The Killashee

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The Health Service Executive has confirmed contingency arrangements will apply for the month of January in respect of accessing the Community Welfare Officer services in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

The HSE had been using a facility at Mary St., Dungarvan as regards its Community Welfare Officer (CWO) meeting with clients. The premises had been adjudged unsatisfactory and attempts were ongoing to source alternative accommodation.

Unfortunately, prior to the finalisation of arrangements in this respect and at short notice, management at the HSE's Waterford Community Services were recently left with no option but to cease the CWO service at the Mary St. facility on health and safety grounds.

As a contingency arrangement, clients wishing to access the CWO are advised to phone either: (051) 842 802 or (087) 257 5807.

The CWO has informed individual clients and liaised with the local Dept. of Social &

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Waterford Youth Arts have returned to the office after the festivities running a short period of intensive registration at "The Arch", Barrack St, Waterford.

This registration period will be for both old and new members and has begun since the 3rd of January so places are filling up fast.

The new term will begin on the 7th of January with all classed from Mon-Sat beginning that week.

If you are considering taking up a new hobby or perhaps fancy joining to simply make some new friends and learn new skills there are so many options to choose from. With weekly workshops in Drama, Dance, Film and Art the only problem is deciding which one you like best!!

For further information on Waterford Youth Arts simply phone the office on 051-879377 or send us a query via email; info(at)waterfordyoutharts.com

New members welcome!!

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The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Brian Lenihan T.D., today published the 2007 asylum statistics. 3,985 asylum applications were received in the State in 2007, a 7.6% decrease on the corresponding figure of 4,314 in 2006.

When the number of transfer orders (225) effected in 2007, under the EU Dublin II Regulation, is taken into account this in real terms reduced the number of asylum applications to be processed in the State to 3,760.

The top five source countries for 2007 were Nigeria, Iraq, China, Pakistan, and Georgia. For 2006, the main source countries were Nigeria, Sudan, Romania, Iraq and Iran.

Since the early 1990's Ireland the number of asylum applications increased considerably, from some 39 applications in 1992 to a high of 11,634 in 2002. Since 2002 there has been a significant turnaround in this trend

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Waterford Boat Club has received a shipment of six new boats to its premises on Canada St which will significantly expand its fleet of racing boats in time for the upcoming racing season.

The boats were paid for by a combination of the sports capital grant from the Dept of Arts, Sports and Tourism and the monies raised by the hard working members of the club through various fundraising activities. The boats are a welcome addition to the club which has been recruiting new members since October. The six boats comprise five single sculls, which are designed for an individual to row on is or her own and one a quadruple scull to suit four people at once. The boats were acquired recently along with seven sets of oars will be put through their paces at various regattas throughout the country

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- Waterford schools urged to submit entries now to get their share of €60,000 prize fun.

Second level schools and students in Waterford have just a few weeks left to submit entries for the Bank of Ireland National Student Awards 2008 as the deadline of Friday, 25th January fast approaches.

With a prize fund of over €60,000, the annual awards scheme recognises exemplary student performance in five categories - art, sport, entrepreneurial spirit, academic achievement and community spirit.

The 2008 national finalists will each receive €1,500 and an additional €3,000 for their school. From these, one will be chosen as the overall national winner and will be awarded a cash prize of €3,000 plus €5,000 for their school.

The 2007 winner of the overall National Student of the Year Award was Peadar O'Mathuna from Colaiste Daibheid in Cork City.

Now

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The following details have been made available by the HSE in relation to babies born on Christmas Day 2007 and New Year's Day 2008 in Waterford Regional, Wexford, St. Luke's for Carlow/Kilkenny and South Tipperary General Hospitals.

Waterford Regional Hospital

There was one baby, a boy born at 10.14am in WRH on the 25th December 2007 (Christmas Day).

There were five babies born on 1st January 2008 (New Year's Day) at WRH. The first New Year baby was a girl (weighing 8lbs) born at 3.59am to Amanda Moylett from New Ross, Co. Wexford. Next was a baby boy (weighing 8lbs,3o) born at 11.30am to Siobhán Murphy from Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Another baby girl (weighing 7lbs,15o) was born at 3.06pm and another boy (weighing 8.14lbs) at 7.31pm. The final New Years baby was a boy called Harry (weighing 6lbs7o), born at 10.42pm to

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