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Dear Editor

Reacting to a report published last week which shows the cost of rents rising well ahead of increases in earnings, Sinn Féin City Councillor David Cullinane said the new Government administration must reverse the amendment in the Planning and Development Act 2000 which allows developers to buy their way out of their obligations to provide social and affordable housing.

The Daft Rental Report has shown that the number of properties available to rent has dropped by 20% and the amount of rent people are paying is going up. It is ridiculous to think that the average level of monthly rent that people are now paying is ?1,382. What we need is a robust, all-Ireland tenant protection regime to protect the equal rights of all to adequate and appropriate housing alongside reform of the Planning and Development Act. Currently people are

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A NUMBER of primary school children in Waterford have received Awards of Science Excellence in recognition of their increased participation and knowledge gained through the Discover Primary Science (DPS) programme.

The 13 Waterford schools presented with awards were: Ballymacarbry National School, Gaelscoil na nDéise, St John of God National School, Knockanore National School, Scoil Naomh Mhichíl, Whitechurch National School, Bunscoil Gleann Sidheain, Kilrossanty National School, Aglish National School, S N Lios Mor Mochuda, Scoil na Croise Naofa, Waterford Educate Together National School and Garranbane National School. Commenting at the Awards, Peter Brabazon, Director of the Discover Science and Engineering programme, said: "Waterford Primary School students have done their county proud. Their awards are testament to the increased quality of science education in primary schools in Waterford. Credit is due

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OXFAM Waterford shop at 8 Georges Street, is looking for volunteers over the summer months to help out in the running of one of Oxfam Ireland's 45 shops throughout the country.

Oxfam's Waterford new shop manager, Steven Beasant, said if the people of Waterford have a couple of hours a week to spare Oxfam Waterford would be delighted to hear from you. Do you have an interest in Fashion, retro and vintage? Are you a budding window designer? Do you like to make new friends and skills? If the answer is yes, then this is the opportunity for you.

Oxfam Waterford are currently looking for books and music as part of our 'clear ur gear' initiative. New Manager of Oxfam Waterford shop Steven Beasant said: "No Oxfam shop

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Immrama 2007

'Wonderful scenery, a warm welcome, hidden gem, excellent festival, discerning audience' were some of the words used by Jung Chang to describe her visit to the 2007 Immrama Festival of Travel Writing. Ms Chang and her husband and co-author Jon Halliday were the key note speakers at this year's festival. Thunderous applause greeted these internationally renowned authors as they closed their presentations on their best selling publications 'Wild Swan's & Mao'. Both Jung and Jon commented positively on the questions and answers session which followed their presentation. 

On Sunday morning, Mary Houlihan Festival PRO brought them on a guided tour of the West Waterford Area. Both were fascinated by the profusion of rhodendron bushes at the Vee Gap. The rhododendron is a native plant species of the

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Splashworld Sharks Swimming Club held an awards giving ceremony on Tuesday, the 12th of June in O'Shea's Hotel, Tramore.

The ceremony marked the swimming club's first ever awards night. The children involved in the Splashworld Sharks swimming club train 2/3 evenings a week for approximately 60 minutes, and attend 3/4 swimming galas annually.

Annette Flanagan, Secretary of Splashworld Sharks Swimming club, thought it was about time that the commitment and achievement of the children and coaches be recognised.

Speaking on behalf of the club, Ger Duffy thanked their sponsors: South East Construction, Splashworld, Alfie Hales and Anne's Florist.

One of the clubs members, Nicky Flanagan achieved the fastest ever 100m for the club this year, which is quite an achievement both for Nicky and for the club. Nicky was awarded the clubs' Best Swimmer of the Year Award for the

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Six non-nationals who are suspected of being involved in an ATM skimming operation were arrested last Thursday, the 21st of June at 3pm on Parnell Street. The six men were brought to Waterford Garda Station where they were detained and questioned.

It is understood that some of the equipment used in relation to the theft were recovered by the Gardaí. All six men were charged with being in possession of items related to theft.

The men were brought before a special sitting of the Waterford District Court at 9pm on Friday evening, they were remanded in custody to Cork prison to appear at Waterford District Court next Thursday, the 28th of June.

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In a valiant fundraising effort, 16 daredeviling brave souls took to the skies on Saturday, June 9th 2007 and jumped out of an aeroplane at the Irish Parachute Club in Clonbulogue, Edenderry, Co Offaly on behalf of the South East Simon Community.

The jump has raised r7,000 for the South East Simon Community, which is a huge bonus for this vital service which provides: supported advocacy, outreach, re-settlement, tenancy support and supported housing to people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness throughout the South East Region.

Chris Anderson, Regional Development Officer, says:

'This event is always great fun but takes real courage to do. We can't thank our jumpers enough. Their fund-raising efforts make a real difference to our work which is 92% funded by public donations."

The jumpers from

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Event will find Ireland's fastest professions and county!

The SPAR Mile Challenge, which will be one of the biggest participation events in the country during 2007, will take place in 28 venues across Ireland on Saturday 7th of July.

The Waterford leg of the event will take place at the Regional Sports Centre Track, Cork Road,

Waterford. Start time 11am. Coincidentally the Irish mile record was set on that date 25 years ago by Ray Flynn.

The event has been created to encourage people of all ages, shapes, sizes and

fitness levels to run a mile on that day, whether it is for charity, for a challenge or just for fun with friends and family. Those running for charity can select their own or opt for SPAR's chosen charity which is the Irish Hospice Foundation.

All those who compete will be accurately

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National Irish Bank and the Football Association of Ireland have announced their 'Top 10 Tips on how to be a Soccer Star'. Working with successful eircom League of Ireland stars, such as Kevin Hunt and Shane Robinson, the FAI have developed these

'Top Tips' to put budding soccer aces on the right path to sporting success.

Top 10 Tips on how to be a soccer star from 10 great players!

'Eat Healthily' says St Patrick's Athletic star Joseph Ndo

Liam Kearney from Cork City says you need to 'Exercise regularly'

Drogheda United's Shane Robinson says it's all down to 'Practise Practise Practise!'

Derry City hero, Pat McCourt recommends 'Get lots of sleep'

'Look after your eyesight' advises Barry Murphy of Shamrock Rovers

'Improve your Coordination' is the advice from Captain Colm Foley of St Pat's

'Stretch properly' are the wise words of Hoops' hero Aidan Price

'Accept the

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David achieves European standard

In Mannheim in germany last weekend a number of athletes from Ferrybank AC?together with David McCarthy, West Waterford, competed in a junior international meeting hoping to achieve qualifying standards for the European Junior Championships next month and David McCarthy did just that. In a blanket finish in the 1500 metres final he finished second behind a German athlete in a time of 3 minutes 49.52 seconds and so qualified. Mairead Murphy, Ferrybank AC,?chasing a qualifying time o f 14.20 seconds in the 100M Hurdles, lost out narrowly with a time of 14.24 seconds, finishing fourth in her heat and not making the final. Christopher Russell also had a personal best of 10.95 seconds in the 100 metres an made the standard for the World Youth Championships. He also had a personal best in the 200 metres of

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The Ennis Road was all a-buzz on Sunday

afternoon last as protagonists Tipperary and Limerick came to town. Both counties were here for the third in their epic encounters in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship having played out a draw in both their previous meetings over the last two weekends. The reward for the victor, a meeting with Waterford in the Munster final. For the loser it was back to the qualifiers and that can sometimes prove to be a bit of a "banana skin". Some forty odd thousand, with mind you, a huge home support were there to hopefully bear witness to another magnificent piece of entertainment. I ask the question again and again. Where else in the World would you get the kind of fare that hurling serves up week in and week out throughout the championship? Anyway

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Lucozade Sport Munster Senior Cup Final

PASSAGE UNITED 0 WATERFORD UNITED 2

GOALS from Alan Mulcahy and Vinny Sullivan proved good enough to give Waterford United their first Munster Senior cup title in 20 years as the Blues got the better of Passage United at Turners Cross. Waterford were the better side from the outset with Alan Mulcahy causing endless problems down the right flank and after crossing twice for Robbie Brosnan and Daryl Kavanagh during the opening minutes, neither could direct their headers on target.

After the Munster Senior league outfit had failed to clear their lines on 29 minutes, Conor McDonald nearly took advantage inside the penalty but taken by surprise, he could only steer a right-footed shot wide of the posts. However, the Blues took the lead from the penalty spot on 31 minutes when Larry Lee upended Alan Mulcahy

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Waterford Castle Hotel was the idyllic setting for the Irish Wheelchair Association’s inaugural Ladies Lunch. The morning may have brought dark clouds and heavy rain, but nothing could dampen the spirits of the Ladies who were in attendance for this worthy cause.

The day itself began with a Piper Heidseik Champagne reception, followed by a sumptuous four course meal. Nicola Beresford, as MC, provided an informative insight into the great work the IWA is involved in.

Lynda Murphy, journalist, recalled her experience as she spent a morning in a wheelchair, in order to understand the day – to – day obstacles faced by wheelchair users. Following the meal, a charity auction was held. Roisin O’Shea acted as celebrity auctioneer for the proceedings.

In total, over €5,000 was raised to go

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The Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Cha O’Neill and the Minister for Social & Family Affairs, Martin Cullen TD on Monday last launched Project 2014, an ambitious and fully-costed plan that will see over ?2.4 billion invested in Waterford over the next seven years.

With an emphasis on maintaining and enhancing the quality-of-life enjoyed in the city and its hinterland, Project 2014 has been prepared by Waterford City Council in partnership with neighbouring local authorities and other stakeholders in the public and private sector.

Major elements of Project 2014 include a ?310m Government Quarter on a 3.7-acre site at Catherine Street, Bolton Street and The Mall; a ?300m investment by Waterford Crystal and Ballymore Properties in an international lifestyle development at the Waterford Crystal headquarters in Kilbarry and regeneration projects worth

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A local man named as Mr John Grant, aged 20, was killed when his car left the road at a notorious accident black spot just past the pier lookout, and plunged over a cliff in Tramore, on Sunday the 17th of June.

It is understood that Mr Grant was driving along Cliff Road when his car went over the cliff and crashed on the rocks below, just before 10 pm on Sunday night.

Emergency services were quick on the scene, the gardaí, fire brigade, ambulance crew, cliff rescue and RNLI were all involved in the rescue operation. However, Mr Grant was confirmed dead at the scene. He was the only occupant of the vehicle.

Mr Grant’s removal from Waterford Regional Hospital to St. Paul’s Churchtook place last evening at 7:30pm (Tuesday). Requiem mass this morning at 10am (Wednesday).

Burial afterwards to St. Nicholas’s Cemetery,

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