The Live Register in Waterford has taken a massive leap yet again with over 340 more people now seeking benefit in the month of October.

The number of people in Waterford on the live register now stands at 9,437, an increase of over 3,000 since the same time last year with over half of those people being men over the age of 25.

However, from the regional breakdown supplied by the Central Statistics Office last Friday, there have been significant increases in the Live Register in the last month both the city and county with 80 more people being added to the Dungarvan register with the remaining 261 being from the city.

The CSO figure also pointed to an increase of women being added to the register with the South East region having the largest increase in October with a 4.2% hike in women seeking benefit.

In reaction to the news of increased female uptake in the Live Register, Vice-Pres...
Read More »

Pictured is the scene at Larchville housing estate which was struck by a mini tornado on Saturday afternoon last causing thousands of euro worth of damage.Up to ten houses suffered roof damage with tiles and chimneys crashing into front gardens and onto the street frontage. Several cars were also damaged but thankfully no one was injured in the incident which occurred at around 3.30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. A lady from Ormonde Crescent, Lismore Lawn driving past as the mini tornado struck had a fortunate escape from injury when falling tiles broke the windows of her car and caused damage. She wishes to thank all those in the area who came to her assistance.

A meteorologist speaking on local radio said that a combination of heavy thundery rain accompanied by...
Read More »

As confirmation came at November's meeting of Waterford City Council on Monday that there will be a shortfall in central government funding to the council next year, opposition towards a further commercial rate increase has already been tabled by Waterford Chamber of behalf of city retailers.

Waterford Chamber and several city councillors have come out against any proposals to increase commercial rates on business ahead of the city council budget which will be decided in mid-December, even though there will be a tighter set of finances for the local authority this year.

With an expectation by some members of Waterford City Council that the budget deficit will be bigger than last year, the chamber and a number of councillors have already expressed disapproval of any rate increases.

Rates made up 31% of council funding for the budget voted on last year which saw an increase of 4% for that period...
Read More »

The HSE have launched a new awareness campaign on the problem of elder abuse with a particular emphasis on financial abuse of the elderly.

In their campaign, the HSE will be running a series of newspaper and radio information campaigns along with a new leaflet with defines elder abuse and lists the many forms in which it can occur.

The forms of elder abuse covered in the new leaflet include the above mentioned financial abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, neglect and discriminatory abuse and sexual abuse.

In relation to financial abuse, the areas that fall under this category include theft, fraud, pressure on wills, power of attorney or the misuse of an elder persons money, property or other material assets.

On who may be guilty of elder abuse, the HSE say that it can be an individual or organisations from family members and friends to businesses and nursing homes.

We need your help to reach our Christmas target of €250k!

The ISPCC are looking for volunteers to take part in our public collections from November 19th – 22nd in Waterford's City Square Shopping Centre. If you can spare a couple of hours please contact Marie on 021 4509588 for more information.

Each year the ISPCC depends on the generosity of the general public to help raise 90% of the funding required to carry out its work. By donating a couple of hours or even a day to help with our collections you will be helping us towards reaching our 2008 fundraising target of €4.5million

For further information on getting involved with the ISPCC, please contact Marie on 021 4509588 or register online: www.ispcc.ie

Help make a difference this Christmas and donate a few hours of your time.

Former Fianna Fail City Councillor Michael Ivory will be contesting the 2009 local elections as a non-party candidate after resigning from Fianna Fail this week.

Mr. Ivory officially resigned last Monday over the issue of medical card provision for those over 70 and in his words, 'could not in all conscience continue to remain in the Fianna Fail Party'.

Ivory intends to re-run in Ward Two after losing his seat in that area in 2004.

In reaction, Fianna Fail TD for Waterford, Brendan Kenneally told Waterford Today that he was sorry that Michael Ivory was leaving the party and was surprised at the move.

Deputy Kenneally said that he wished Michael Ivory well on whatever he decided to do and that he had been a great friend over the years.

However, Kenneally also said that Mr. Ivory had been unhappy with the new selection process of local election candidates in the city, s...
Read More »

Waterford County Council has issued a warning notice under the Planning Acts against TK Maxx which has recently commenced trading on the retail Park on the outskirts of the city. Also an enforcement notice was issued to James Treacy, t/a Butlerstown Developments relating to the unauthorised use of a servicve road onto the retail park.

In a statement the County Council say: "A warning letter was issued to the following parties:-

1) James Treacy T/A Butlerstown Developments
2) TK Maxx
3) TJX UK trading as TK Maxx

in respect of alleged non-compliance with planning permission consisting of unauthorised use of unit at Butlerstown Retail Park, consisting of sale of goods other than those approved by the Planning Authority under condition 22 of PD06/522. The warning letter was issued on 13th October 2008 allowing 4 weeks from the date of service of the letter for submissions or observatio...
Read More »

Waterford Regional Gardening Club has an Illustrated lecture by Michael White, Curator of Mt. Congreve Estate on an insiders view of this lovely garden, and the gardens world class plant collection.

Date, 20/11/08 Thursday.

Venue, Waterford Crystal Sports & Leisure Centre, Cork Rd, Waterford.

Time, 8pm

Admission €7 non members. Followed by tea and a chat. All are very welcome.

Contact Richard 087 9107259, Kathleen 051 293911, Anne 087 6502067, for further information.

The Waterford Greens have expressed their serious concerns at reports that Waterford City Council intends to close down the Saturday Market on Georges Street with a view to relocating it to Blackfriars Church. According to Waterford Green Party spokesperson, Brendan McCann, such a move could spell the death-knell of the market.

"The Waterford Greens feel that the Saturday Market on Georges Street is a very positive development for the city," said Brendan McCann. "The market creates colour and vibrancy. It attracts people to the City Centre who otherwise might not go shopping there. We are very concerned over the proposed new location at Blackfriars Church. This location would be unattractive for customers and would be almost invisible to passers-by. We don't think the market would last a month there."

"We also think that Blackfriars Church would be an unsuitable location for a market on account of the poor q...
Read More »

Fine Gael Waterford Senator Paudie Coffey has praised the success of the drug seizure reported off Castletownbere but warned that as operations are being stymied along the Cork coast, smugglers may turn their attention to Waterford.

"The drugs haul at the weekend was an impressive demonstration of the effectiveness of combined operations by our national law enforcement agencies and shows what can be achieved by international co-operation against drug trafficking. With busy sea lanes off Ireland's south coast, they may seek out isolated parts of the county Waterford coast for new routes into our country. I have campaigned long and hard against anti-social behaviour, especially in Waterford City, and am well aware of the how the drug menace affects us all. Both the Customs Service and the Gardaí maintain free phone lines for people to report suspicious activities. By taking an active role, noting the numbers and calling t...
Read More »

The Wellbeing Centre on Philip Street is the location for Waterford's newest Yoga classes with a schedule to meet the demands of modern living.

Heta Hautamaki, who teaches Yoga for just ten euro per class every weekday, told Waterford Today that the classes are for everyone from the old and the young and all shapes and sizes.

Originally from Finland, Heta says that entry into the classes can come at either a class by class basis or by booking a number of classes, ensuring that people in the city can fit it into their tight schedules.

She said there can be some who think that they are not 'flexible' enough for Yoga but dismissed that saying that 'everyone' can do Yoga.

Heta's class sizes have no more than ten people per lesson and the reason for this she says is so people can be comfortable and safe while also getting the attention they need.

Heta is just 25 herself had ...
Read More »

Other names for this drug include meth, juice and phy. Methadone is a painkiller and a depressant ("downer drug"). It is a green liquid and is usually taken orally but if the drug is in a tablet form it can be injected. Methadone also has a therapeutic use as it is most commonly prescribed to treat heroin addiction. It is not a cure for heroin addiction but instead of a replacement therapy, it reduces the cravings of heroin and the user can then wean themselves off the drug by reducing the doses. Methadone can only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

Effects
Methadone is a narcotic, painkiller and a depressant. This drug is used as substitute for heroin and the user can become addicted to this substitute as it is equally as addictive as heroin. The drug can become very dangerous if it is taken with alcohol.

The effects of methadone last up to 24 hours which are longer than h...
Read More »

A documentary called 'A Lion in the room was screened last Friday at Greyfriars Art Gallery. The documentary is concerned with Autism and Autistic diagnosis and Treatment in Ireland.

The film later won first place in the best film documentary of the festival and was presented with a beautiful goblet as the prizes were sponsored by Waterford Crystal

The film follows the path of a child called ADAM, told by his mother. It is a story of escape from institutionalisation, and the fight to get services and treatment for ADAM.

Medical experts explain the background to Autism, diagnosis and treatments now available which have been life changing. ADAM represents the general neglect given to children with this condition which is treatable.

The main medical expert featured in the film is Waterford Autism Specialist and advisor to the European Parliament Dr Caroline Ward-Goldsmith who has been i...
Read More »

Fáilte Ireland recently awarded two research bursaries to support the development of tourism research in Ireland. Roseline Dalton from Waterford Institute of Technology was awarded a Tourism Research Scholarship while Dr. Ruth Mattimoe, an accounting lecturer from DCU Business School, was awarded a Research Fellowship. Now in its fifth year, the Fáilte Ireland research scheme is designed to encourage and support students and lecturers from various disciplines to engage in tourism research in the higher education sector.

Having worked for over a decade in the hospitality industry, Roseline gained a wealth of experience both in the hotel industry and by establishing her own hospitality business. Her research will respond to the need for more industry ...
Read More »

Deputy John Deasy, Fine Gael has been informed that there are 50 handgun licences issued in the Waterford/Kilkenny Division for 2007/2008. This is an increase in four years from 2004-2005 when the licences issued numbered just 10 handguns for the garda division.

The comparable figures for adjoining counties are: Wexford Division 188 (2007-2008) up from 55 in 2004-2005.

In Tipperary there were 51 handgun licences issued in 2007-2008, up from 12 in 2004-2005.

Commenting on the figures which he provides from every Garda division throughout the country Deputy Deasy said:

"These figures clearly demonstrate the massive inconsistency of licensing handguns by different Garda Superintendents. It also clearly demonstrates the rapid and worrying liberalisation of the possession of handguns in Ireland.

"The Government has said it will legislate for this issue but we believe this must ...
Read More »

"In today's economic climate, it's all about the bottom line. Performance and productivity are now critical in business and every cent matters." That's the view of Tony McLaughlin, Managing Director of Windsor HRM, a leading provider of specialist HR and finance services. "As a business manager, you need to ask yourself the question: Is my company fit for business? And more to the point: Am I getting the most from my people?"

Established in 2007 and based in Waterford, Windsor HRM are essentially one stop business partners with particular experience of start up situations, rationalisation programmes and wind down projects. They seek to manage organisational change by focusing on people performance and contributing directly to overall profitability.

"Every employer knows the value of talented staff," says Tony. "By identifying areas where changes can be made, they can improve performance and increase profitab...
Read More »

Splashworld is delighted to announce a series of speaker sessions taking place in the leisure centre throughout November. These events are free to the general public and Splashworld hopes that it will generate a lot of interest amongst Waterford and Tramore residents interested in all areas of fitness and health.

The first speaker, Martin Cullinane from T-Bay Surf and Eco Centre in Tramore will discuss how along with its cardiovascular benefits, cross training in any sport off season will help maintain a sense of balance, flexibility, muscle strength, hand to eye co-ordination, and an improved sense of motion. Martin's session takes place on Monday, November 17th. The next day, Tuesday, November 18th, Mary O'Sullivan an experienced nutrition consultant will give an informed talk on nutritional needs for the body.

The following week, on Monday, November 24th, Seamus Doyle from Balance Personal Training will ...
Read More »

The Mayor of Waterford, Jack Walsh, officially opened the new office of Waterford PWDI and Waterford CIL. Situated at Unit 2, Aylesbury Manor, Johnstown (opposite Miller Marsh car park), it is open to the public from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, dealing with a wide range of disability issues.

PWDI or People with Disabilities in Ireland is an umbrella organisation which brings people together locally and nationally to work on common issues that affect all people with disabilities. It offers advice on such matters as disabled parking permits, social welfare entitlements and housing modification grants.

CIL or Centre for Independent Living helps people with disabilities to achieve choice and control over their own lives and full participation...
Read More »

Pictured right is Mr. Tom Hartley, Lord Mayor of Belfast who was on a recent visit to the Waterford constituency. He is pictured on a visit to Waterford Crystal receiving a presenation from Collr. Joe Kelly who works there, with Collr. David Cullinane. The East Waterford cumann of Sinn Féin welcomed Tom Hartley, Lord Mayor of Belfast, to a function at the Farleigh Pub in Passage East on Saturday last. Cumann Chair, Pat Fitzgerald, said he was delighted to introduce Tom, who was a tireless worker for the working people of Belfast for many years. Tom spoke about the changed circumstances in Belfast City Hall and that a copy of the 1916 Proclamation now hung in the Mayor's Parlour, together with a Tricolour. He said he was confident that Pat Fitzgerald would be an excellent re...
Read More »

Deputy Brian O'Shea has been informed by Mr. Fred Barry, Chief Executive, NRA that as the construction works at the junction of the N.25 and the R.680 are now completed. The public lighting will revert to hours of darkness. Deputy O'Shea had raised the matter with Mr. Barry that the 12 lights at this location had been on constantly since Christmas '07. Mr. Barry said that the lights have been on full time for health & safety reasons due to construction works in the area. Should the public lighting cable be hit at any time during construction it is easier for the ESB to locate and repair the cable more speedily. As the construction works are now completed the public lighting will revert to the hours of darkness.

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) has urged Waterford homeowners to measure their homes for the cancer causing gas, radon.

Measurements made by the RPII to-date highlight that more than one in five homes in Waterford exceed the acceptable level. Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer in Ireland and causes up to 200 deaths per year, an issue highlighted at today's National Radon Forum in Dublin.

Dr. Ann McGarry, Chief Executive of the RPII, said: "It is relatively easy for homeowners to reduce their health risk from exposure to radon gas. A simple measurement test can identify the level of gas in the home and if high levels are found then it is relatively cheap to fix the problem. I would urge members of the public to measure their home for radon immediately."

The RPII has measured just over 970 houses in County Waterford and on average 22 per cent of these have be...
Read More »

Sinn Féin Waterford City Councillor David Cullinane has sharply criticised the Government's inaction on job creation after the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office showed that unemployment has risen from 5.1% to 6.7% in the third quarter of this year. The figures for Waterford show an increase of almost 400 on the live register for October alone rising from 9.096 to 9,437. Even more worrying is that the Waterford figures have increased from 6,112 in October 2007 to today's figure of 9,437. Cllr Cullinane called on the Government to introduce a back to education scheme for young construction workers.

Speaking this week as unemployment figures were released David said, "This Government ignored all the warning signs that the economy was heading for a slowdown and failed to prepare for the recession even though all the economic indicators pointed to such inevitability. The result of all of this can clearly be s...
Read More »

Deputy John Deasy is calling for a permanent District Court judge to be appointed in Waterford. There has not been a permanent judge appointed in Waterford for almost a year now. The area concerned covers Waterford City, Tramore and much of the eastern part of the county. Deputy Deasy said: "I believe it is the only urban centre in the country where there is not a permanently appointed judge. This has been pointed out to me by senior Garda officers, solicitors and barristers in the Waterford area for some time. To have a permanent District Court judge is a critical appointment when you're taking on local criminals. A judge needs to be familiar with the local scene, particularly individuals involved in repeat offending. At present there is no continuity on the bench in Waterford."

Deasy said: "I did receive a response from the Minister for Justice indicating that an appointment would be made at some point in the future. ...
Read More »

By Rosie Mason, Dispensing Audiologist

Now that Hallowe'en and the American Election are over thoughts are turning to the next big event on the calendar, Christmas. I love listening to people talking about it: the wide variety of opinions, and the conviction with which they are held, is a perfect demonstration of how much we vary as individuals! Some special moments at Christmas are tranquil, thoughtful and quiet. But not all! It can be a very challenging time for our hearing. Most of the things we look forward to involve being able to hear them.

Recently a father and son came to see me. They explained they hadn't seen each other for many months and they had a lot of catching up to do. Sadly they weren't getting very far as the father was having difficulty hearing the son. The son was repeating himself and getting hoarse, and the father was getting tired trying to listen. The son commented to me 'I can keep...
Read More »