The Waterford office of MABS (Money Advice Budgeting Service) have reported an 80% increase in the number of calls relating to mortgage repayment difficulties in the first nine months of this year compared to the same time in 2007.

Anna Walsh, Money Advice Co-Ordinator with MABS told Waterford Today that the first thing they should do is to acknowledge the problems with repayments while looking into all the options available.

One option according to Anna Walsh was to go to the mortgage lender and negotiate an offer of repayment terms, some of which can be as low as repaying only the interest on the mortgage itself.

When asked if mortgage lenders would ever accept such an arrangement, Anna Walsh replied by saying that with the changing times, mortgage lenders may be more flexible but that MABS can negotiate on a person's behalf.

For those on Social Welfare, an option to seeking a m...
Read More »

A small device thrown into the Bilberry Halting Site last Sunday night exploded but the occupants luckily escaped injury in what is believed to be the latest escalation of the traveller feud that has gripped the city for nearly five months.

A spokesperson for the Defence Forces said that the bomb was a 'crude homemade device' and that it had already detonated before they had arrived at the scene before declaring the area safe early on Monday morning.

The same Defence Force spokesperson said that the scene, declared safe at 8:40am, was handed back over to Waterford Gardai along with the device which is now being taken for forensic tests.

Gardai say that no damage was caused to the halting site and that they are keepin...
Read More »

Eamon McGrath secretary of the Ballymacaw Fianna Fail cumann who is seeking a nomination to contest the local elections next year has welcomed the decision by An Bórd Pleanála to grant permission to the KRM construction partnership for their 280 million development in Waterford City. The good news story comes at a time when building activity is at a standstill so the 600 jobs created during construction and the 1300 when the project is finalised is very welcome news indeed.

While I respect everybody's right to object the few people who objected to this development and delayed the project for so long should hang their heads in shame. I also understand that the same few people are holding up similar projects throughout the city and its environs which would also create thousands of extra jobs and help to stimulate our economy. As a young person who is passionate about our city and county I am calling on these objectors to ...
Read More »

The public spirited patrons of the Candy Store, St. Johns Park, Waterford have embarked on a novel fundraising initiative in aid of Assissi House day care centre for the elderly in Airmount.

Twelve male patrons have posed topless for a novelty calendar which will be sold for €10 and all proceeds go to Assissi House.

The fundraiser was the brainchild of local St. Johns Park man, Snooky Power who ran the idea past Marion Heffernan, pub manager who immediately consented and Paul De Courcey was recruited to put the plan into action.

Paul asked about 15 male patrons if they would agree to pose topless for the cause, and on the night, twelve good men and true duly bared their chests for the photo shoot.

The Calendar which was shot by Rick Whelan, well known presenter with WLR fm and Beat 102-103 in black and white, was produced by Graphic FX proprietor, Christy O'Grady.

The...
Read More »

The Waterford One World Centre, with the generous support of Trôcaire, is hosting a human rights film festival on December 2nd and 3rd at the Garter Lane Arts Centre. These films are being shown in observance of International Human Rights Day.

As part of these observances, the Centre is proud to present the first annual Waterford Humanitarian Award to Sister Ann Hayes, who has demonstrated a life-long commitment to human rights both in Ireland and abroad. Sister Ann has contributed significantly to the health and well-being of large segments of the Waterford population.

The Centre is showing Stolen Childhoods and War Dance, both of which examine critical human rights issues that continue to affect the world at the beginning of the 21st century.

Stolen Childhoods examines the plague of child labour from the vantage point of eight different countries. This critically acclaimed film is narrated by M...
Read More »

Santa's helpers brought some Christmas cheer as they launched the ISPCC's annual nationwide Holly Days appeal and announced Santa's arrival for last Saturday in the Waterford Debenhams store.

Marie Quirke, ISPCC Community Fundraiser for Waterford, speaking at the launch said, "We are delighted to once again have the support of Debenhams this Christmas. Christmas is a time of great joy and anticipation for children of all ages. Unfortunately not every child is lucky enough to experience a happy and healthy Christmas. This Christmas we are calling upon the public to show their support for the ISPCC by buying something from the charity range in Debenhams stores or buying a holly badge. Monies raised will help us ensure the ISPCC can always reach out to children who despe...
Read More »

A Waterford Mother has been awarded the Hooper Dolan Financial Graduate Excellence Award at W.I.T. Mature student and business graduate Susan McManus, from Airport Road, was chosen by the Institute's School of Business lecturers in recognition of her outstanding achievement during her study career in W.I.T.

Chosen from undergraduates in the School of Business' eight undergraduate degrees, Susan was presented with a specially commissioned commemorative trophy, designed by local artist Pat Cunningham, and a cash prize.

The Award honours the graduate who has demonstrated both excellent academic performance and contributed to the School of Business by displaying notable entrepreneurial skills and business acumen, throughout their study career in WI...
Read More »

One Of Waterford's Oldest Hotels Is Embarking On An Ambitious Extension To Its Ballroom, The Minaun Room.

Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Club In Waterford Is An 18Th Century Mansion Which Has Been Sensitively Restored To Form The Centre Piece Of A Magnificent Four Star Hotel. The Carefully Planned And Designed Extension To The Rear Of The Hotel Will See The Ballroom Now Being Able To Cater For Almost 200 Guests.

The Hotel Wished To Extend The Ballroom For A Number Of Years To Cater For The Greater Demand For Larger Weddings And Conferences. As Well As Benefitting Customers, The Move Is Also Great News For The Local Economy And Will See The Hotel Increase Their Workforce During Peak Periods.

The Imminent Refurbishment Will See The Hotel Adding A Specially Designed And Constructed Glass Conservatory Type Extension To The Rear And Side Of The Minaun Room. The Planning Was Undertaken By Local Com...
Read More »

Santa will arrive to Kilmeadan Station on Sunday 30th November on the Santa Express. Families are invited to board the Santa Express and begin an exciting journey, returning to the station to visit Santa in his Railway Cottage. Operating each weekend in December, this is a magical Christmas experience for all the family.

The Waterford & Suir Valley Railway will operate the Santa Express for the sixth year. Each year a new surprise is introduced as families tend to come year after year, making it an annual family outing. Maria Kyte, Business Development Manager for the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway says of the event this year: "Of all our special events the Santa Express is the one we look forward to most. It is a pleasure to meet...
Read More »

Waterford is to receive an investment boost with the news that €42,000 is being made available for the employment of staff in community facilities according to Deputy Brendan Kenneally. The Fianna Fáil TD has said this will lead to community related jobs being created in Manor St John Youth Service, which will receive the funding for this purpose.

The funding is being made available under the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affair's Community Services Programme. The idea behind the programme is to promote social and economic development within communities with the added benefit of providing real employment opportunities for people in those communities. The programme provides employment opportunities for people from disadvantaged groups, including people with disabilities, long-term unemployed and lone parents.

Ms. Máire Hoctor, T.D., Minister of State at the Departments of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government and Health and Children, today (17th November) presented the winners of the National Tidy Towns Competition, from the South East Region, with their prizes, at a ceremony held in The Golden Thatch Inn, Emly, Co. Tipperary. She was joined on stage by Mr. Joe Palmer General Manager, Fáilte Ireland/South East, Mr. Ray Kelly, Marketing Director, SuperValu and Mr. Ray Foley Regional Manager, SuperValu.

In congratulating everyone involved, the Minister pointed out that there was unprecedented interest in TidyTowns in this the 50th anniversary of the competition. The Minister said, "standards in the South East Region continue to be extremely high. The Region secured five gold medals in 2008; Leighlinbridge, Kilkenny, Emly, Clonmel and Lismore. The Minister also congratulated the four National Award winners in the reg...
Read More »

Foot Solutions, a franchise focused on foot care, custom and over the counter arch supports and comfort shoes, opened their doors to the Waterford City public last May with a new retail outlet on Michael Street.

The new Waterford store was opened by qualified neuromuscular and physical therapist, Peter Jones, who has already been making inroads in the specialised footwear and footcare business.

Waterford Today was given a tour of the new store which Peter runs with his highly trained staff to tell Waterford a bit about why he opened the latest edition of the franchise in Waterford.

On Foot Solutions, Peter said: "Foot Solutions cater for everything, really. We can make custom arch supports and we also carry over the counter orthotics. We deal with people who have corns to people who have had amputations and operations but the majority of our customers are just people who are looking for a comfort...
Read More »

In the current economic environment, charities should take a more rigorous approach to applying business practices when running their organisations, attendees at The Partnering for Success Conference were told.

Mark Butcher, an international expert on the community and voluntary sector delivered the keynote address at the event. The Conference included representatives from the private and community & voluntary sectors, who came together to explore the leadership and management challenges facing organisations in Ireland and how both can learn from each other.

Mark Butcher told the conference delegates that focus on customer management strategy, adopting structural delegation, mission critical priorities and avoiding pitfalls like strategic neglect could mean the difference between just surviving and delivering stakeholders a quality service.

The conference marks the first time that the corpor...
Read More »

Money belonging to Irish Savers may have been secured by the Irish Government, but they have thus far ignored the far greater problem of liquidity.

Many small and medium sized businesses rely on short term loans to cover payroll but because the banks have a cash flow problem, there is no money to give. If we are to prevent massive layoffs and business closings in the run up to Christmas, the government must act to recapitalize the banks.

Kathy Sinnott MEP for Ireland South says, "We are staring down the barrel of massive unemployment, house foreclosures, and businesses going under."

"The Government has guaranteed people's savings, but have done nothing to get money flowing in Ireland and protect Irish jobs and thus Irish families."

"I call on the government to recapitalize the banks immediately before Ireland falls into an economic hole we will struggle to climb out of. People need j...
Read More »

Cllr Tom Murphy is delighted to be informed by Mr. Jim Hickey Senior engineer that work will commence this week to put in place traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing at the junction of Hennessy's Road and Mattie's Hill.

This Junction has been an accident black spot and there have been many accidents there. "I know residents and motorists will be put out while work is taking place but it will be worthwhile in the long run" said Cllr Murphy I am delighted this work is taking place as I had put forward a motion at City Council asking for this "When work is completed it will be safer for children crossing to school, for the residents of Kingsmeadow Hennessy's Road and Cork Road and it will also make it safer for motorists.

Cllr Tom Murphy PC is also delighted to announce his appointment to the Regional Health Forum. Attending his first meeting in Cork on Thursday, 13th November he was welcomed to the Forum b...
Read More »

Up to 5,000 of self employed individuals in the south-east counties running their own business through a limited company are in for a big surprise when they realise that they have to go back to school to train as a pension trustee.

The Pensions Board recently announced that all pension trustees would be obliged to undergo training to ensure their competence as a trustee of the pension scheme.

This will involve a significant proportion of those contributing to their individual corporate pension scheme (i.e. John Smith the plumber) undergoing training as a pension trustee to ensure that they give appropriate advice to the members i.e. themselves. This will come as news to many individuals who assumed that they had simply bought a commodity product and had no ambition to become experts on the technical aspects of pensions.

According to Oliver Murphy, Irish Broker Association council member in Wat...
Read More »

This Wednesday evening (November 26th) at 7pm on RTE 1 Nationwide will feature some local overweight pet dogs hoping to shed a few pounds with the help of a Waterford company's slimming aid.

Developed by Nutriscience, ReductAid is a 'slimming aid' for dogs diagnosed as being over weight. Designed to work as part of an overall approach to help the owner help the dog become healthier and happier, the central philosophy is to aid weight loss while stimulating the dog with an improved, healthier lifestyle.

Despite the fact that up to 50% of pet dogs are overweight, 76% of their owners believe that their pets weight is "just right". Another real statistic is that half of pet owners feed snacks to their pets more than once a day and only 30% exercise their dogs eno...
Read More »

Some of the best stores in the country were recognised at the 2008 FBD Retail Excellence Ireland Awards recently.

At a glittering ceremony in the plush Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny, Sienna Home Furnishings was recognised along with some of their most innovative colleagues in the country. This is the second year that Sienna has featured in the Top 50 of the FBD Retail Excellence Awards since they opened their doors in Waterford in 2004.

The judges rated performance based on more than 50 variables, including standard of exterior, use of windows, footfall management and service. A thorough mystery shop was carried out on all stores, after which the top 100 were selected for a rigorous store assessment. From those, the Top 50 were selected.

Adrian Taheny, Marketing Director, FBD Insurance, said: "As the value of retail sales in Ireland currently stands at €30.61 billion, it is a very important...
Read More »

A Waterford based community group unveiled their transformation to the local community yesterday (Tuesday), thanks to the B&Q One Planet Living Awards. Dunhill Rural Enterprises saw off competition from more than 1,000 other entrants to secure €8,600 of B&Q products and support from local employees in B&Q's brand new community One Planet Living Awards.

Dunhill Rural Enterprises Ltd is a community based charity set up to create jobs and educational opportunities in the local community. In recent years, the enterprise park has created 80 new jobs and several new businesses have opened, including a community education centre. The B&Q One Planet Living Award of €8,600 was used to develop a community garden, providing education opportunities in Permaculture and organic gardening techniques and a sensory trail at the Integrated Constructed Wetlands [which treat waste-water organically from the park a...
Read More »

Waterford City Council has confirmed that the latest round of results from testing in areas previously identified as having excess levels of lead in the public water supply has indicated that lead levels are falling after the Council took steps to adjust the pH level measuring acidity and alkalinity in the supply.

However, as it has still to determine if the reduced lead levels will be sustained over time, the Council is continuing to advise the occupants of older homes in two residential areas close to the city centre to continue taking precautions before using tap water for drinking or food preparation.

The first area of the city where an issue arose is bordered by a line from The Mall (though not including The Mall) out the Newtown/Dunmore Road as far as Glenville and from Johnstown via John's Hill, Grange Park, Passage Road and back to the Dunmore Road.

Similar issues subsequently arose in ...
Read More »

One of Ireland's best-loved actors, 84-year-old Anna Manahan, is to become the first ever Patron of Active Retirement Ireland, the organisation has announced.

Active Retirement Ireland represents 457 Active Retirement Associations throughout the country, with a total of almost 25,000 members. It is the largest national network of local and community-based voluntary groups for older people.

Ms. Manahan has been involved in her local branch of Active Retirement Ireland – the Waterford Active Retirement Association – for six years. In common with thousands of Active Retirement members throughout the country, she spoke out strongly against the recent Budget proposals to remove universal entitlement to medical cards for over-70s, and urged older people to demonstrate in protest.

Commenting on Ms. Manahan's role as Patron of Active Retirement Ireland, Maureen Kavanagh, Chief Executive of ...
Read More »

The Waterford branch of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) is lending its support to a campaign that aims to promote the importance and value of supporting local businesses, produce and services and encourages active participation in local community groups.

The 'Go Local' campaign will run in communities throughout the country from November 23rd to 29th and is being co-ordinated by the rural affairs wing of the Irish Farmers' Association, IFA Countryside. The campaign is being supported by the VFI, GAA, An Post, FBD, The Church and Bord Bia.

As part of the campaign publicans throughout Waterford will be promoting and celebrating the 'Go Local' message by staging a variety of events ranging from local information and awareness evenings to live music and entertainment nights to local charity meetings.

Val Hanley, VFI President, commented: "Our members are an integral part of local communit...
Read More »

An innovative service for children struggling with Dyslexia and other learning difficulties is about to be launched in Waterford. Touch-Type, Read and Spell (TTRS) aims to improve reading, spelling and touch-typing skills. During the course, the student will learn a vocabulary of 4,000 words through typing, seeing the words and sentences on screen and hearing them on headphones. This three-strand approach means that the course is suitable for a variety of learning styles.

Touch-Type, Read and Spell is now being offered in over thirty centres in Ireland and has proved to be very effective in developing the literacy and as a result, the confidence and self-esteem of children with learning difficulties. The course is also being used in some areas by the VEC to teach adults. Although it is relatively new here, it has been running in the UK for 16 years with a great deal of success. The founding company's website www.ttrs.co...
Read More »

The introduction of new legislation on covert surveillance will help reduce the levels of witness intimidation and bring more criminals to justice, according to Waterford TD and Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Brendan Kenneally. This follows the announcement by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform that they are to legislate for the use of evidence gathered through covert surveillance methods such as bugging to help prevent and detect serious crime.

"If we want to stop serious crime we need to take serious actions," said Deputy Kenneally. "Anything that can be done to bring these thugs and criminals to justice is a step in the right direction and I'm delighted that the Government is to bring this legislation forward. We want to make our streets safer for the law abiding citizens of this country. Too many criminals think they can do as they please. We need to put anyone who is engaged...
Read More »

An experienced planner has rejected recent speculation that the number of public sector planners could or should be reduced to reflect the current sharp drop off in planning application numbers.

Peter Thomson previously worked as a local government planner in both the UK and Ireland and now works in private practice in the southeast region. He expressed concern that any targeting of planners will only serve to further dent confidence in the construction sector and hinder local authorities in addressing other important planning issues that have gone unaddressed in recent years.

"The reality is that the planning departments in most local authorities were swamped during the boom when it was common for them to have several large-scale developments under consideration simultaneously while they also continued to process numerous small-to-medium sized planning applications, each of which needed proper consideratio...
Read More »

Five members from Waterford Young Fine Gael - Keith Winters, Lauren Traynor, Aaron Doocey, Jamie Cullen and Fiona Cummins were recently selected as part of a delegation comprised of seventeen YFG members throughout the south of Ireland to attend a four day seminar and trip to the European Parliament in Brussels. The group traveled on the 3rd of November along with other members of YFG from Limerick, Cork, Tipperary and Kerry. On Tuesday they attended a meeting in the European Commission with the Secretary General Catherine Day, whose role is the highest non elected position within the European Union. Here they held a round table discussion on issues such as the economy, foreign affairs and of course the effect of Irelands no vote for the Lisbon Treaty. <...
Read More »

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D. today outlined his proposals to ban licensed handguns. The issue was raised some weeks back by Waterford Fine Gael Deputy, John Deasy who highlighted the huge increase in handguns legally held in Ireland over the past number of years. He pointed to the inconsistency in the numbers of handguns across various Garda divisions throughout the country.

The Minister said the handgun ban would be included in legislation currently being prepared which will be published shortly.

Minister Ahern said: "Since being appointed, I have made clear my growing concern at the number and type of handguns being licensed.

"From the early 1970s, in the light of the Troubles, until 2004, all handguns were banned in this jurisdiction. But following a series of judicial decisions that is no longer the case and about 1800 handguns have been license...
Read More »

The National Council of ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association, has unanimously recommended that member companies unilaterally introduce an immediate 12 month pay freeze.

The National Council has reached this decision, which will be communicated to all members, as a consequence of the serious deterioration in business activity and the forecast of a more difficult economic environment in 2009.

While acknowledging that all sectors of the economy are experiencing difficulties, many businesses are currently on the precipice and require immediate relief from escalating costs, in particular labour costs, as evidenced by recent redundancy figures and the added difficulties in accessing finance.

A 12 month pay freeze will provide members, who are predominantly labour intensive, with the badly needed breathing space to allow them to trade their way out of their current predicament and ...
Read More »

The MS READaTHON reading period is now over and the sponsorship collection phase has begun! Organisers would like to extend a big thank you to Waterford, who really got behind the campaign this year! 21 schools took part across the county, with 1,683 children reading hundreds of books, in order to raise money for people with Multiple Sclerosis.

Now that the Reading Period is over, teachers can start gathering sponsorship from pupils to ensure they are entered into the Great Prize Draw in December, where children can win anything from a Laptop to a Trip to see Man United play at Old Trafford. There are also great prizes for teachers such as a trip for anywhere in the world, so get that sponsorship in to MS Ireland for your chance to win!

Since 1988, when the MS READaTHON was first held in Ireland, over 10 million euro has been raised. This year, 735 schools took part from all over Ireland, with a total of al...
Read More »

Byrne's World of Wonder, Ireland's leading toy retailer on Cork Road, Waterford, has launched its annual Christmas Appeal. All monies collected will benefit the ISPCC, which is Byrne's World of Wonder's nominated charity, while all toys will be distributed through the Society of the St. Vincent de Paul network.

Now in its third year, the appeal aims to collect new and unwrapped toys and books as well as monetary donations for needy Irish children while minimising any effort involved for the public. Having a toy shop as a drop off point makes giving easy for those already doing their Christmas toy shopping. People are urged to give early this year in order to allow toys to be delivered to the many deserving little boys and girls around Ireland in time for Christmas.

The appeal will run until December 24th throughout all 22 Byrne's World of Wonder stores in Arklow, Liffey Valley, Coolock, Naas, Newbridge, Na...
Read More »

To mark the 2008 GAA football and hurling Championships, Littlewoods Ireland, launched a countrywide search to find the nation's best dressed GAA fan. The results did not disappoint as hundreds of supporters submitted pictures to show just how far they are willing to go for their county!

Waterford hurling fan, Gina Flavin was the overall winner with a Deise inspired 'flag' dress custom made for her by local lady Ruby Russell, and a white fur-trimmed cowgirl hat! Gina commented: "I decided I would design my own dress because after many hurling matches, the jersey was just too warm. Even though we lost the final I went up and down from Croke Park in style." To complete the look, Gina also sported a custom-made bag emblazoned with Up the Deise and the Waterford crest, wh...
Read More »

Waterford woman Linda McCarthy from Dunmore East has been nominated for the title of Catering Manager of the Year in the prestigious Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI) Awards. Linda, who is Front Line Manager at the ARAMARK/ Campbell Catering restaurant in AOL Broadband Waterford, will compete against catering managers from all over Ireland and the overall winner will be announced later this month. The IHI Catering Manager of the Year Award recognises professionalism and excellence of managers in the Irish Catering Industry. Finalists of this category are highly self-motivated with excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills and an ability to meet challenging objectives. The winner will be selected by an independent industry representative adjudication panel.

Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, on Monday last opened the Association of Local Authority Arts Officers Annual Conference at Faithlegg House Hotel, Waterford. This 2008 Conference marks the first occasion at which the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism has met and addressed the Association's Conference.

Addressing delegates, Minister Cullen said: "Local authority arts officers provide opportunities to express the creativity which is distinctive to each town or town-land around the country. It is you who prepares the ground locally for the talents we wish to see flourish. You, who through vision and action make this a country where the arts are created and appreciated by communities."

Minister Cullen continued: "It is approaching some 25 years since the creation, under an Arts Council-led initiative, of the first arts officer post in a local authority. The ambition underpinning this i...
Read More »

The Waterford Walk and Cycling Campaign has reacted negatively to the Parking Levy proposals in the Finance Bill 2008 as farcical, self-defeating and grossly unfair and they are calling on all local TDs to reject the Bill. The cyclists say that, according to their reading of the Finance Bill, if you use your car for more than ten days a year you are liable to pay the full EU200 fee. A spokesperson explained: "what this seems to mean is that even if only once a month you happen bring your car to collect the kids, do the shopping or whatever you are liable for the full EU200 levy". According to the cycle campaigners, the only other way out is to submit a declaration that you will not use the car parking space at all.

"In our view this measure provides an incentive for increasing the use of private cars and increased congestion. If you have been forced to pay for something then the natural human reaction is to use what yo...
Read More »

Fáilte Ireland South East has won an Institute of Advertising Practitioners of Ireland Advertising Effectiveness Award for its ground-breaking Right Here, Right Now domestic tourism advertising campaign. The Advertising Effectiveness Awards are considered to be the flagship industry awards for the advertising industry and celebrate the most effective advertising campaigns in Ireland.

The campaign showcased the unique tourism attractions, events and activities in the South East of Ireland through an innovative TV, radio, print and outdoor advertising campaign and presented the region in a fresh, new light to the Irish consumer. The results of the campaign were very positive leading to growth in the numbers of Irish tourists visiting the region.
Read More »