Local groups putting the heart back into Waterford's Johnstown
A new community defibrillator, located in the car park adjacent to Renew Enterprises, was recently purchased by Renew Enterprises in collaboration with local businesses. Photo: Joe Evans
From cleaning up the St John’s River to providing a lifesaving community resource, Renew Enterprises and local businesses are showing what can happen when a group of individuals and businesses come together.
The most recent example of this being the new defibrillator for the Johnstown, Waterside and John Street area of Waterford City recently purchased by Renew Enterprises, a Waterford-based social enterprise.
The defibrillator, located in the car park adjacent to Renew Enterprises, is accessible to the public as an important community resource for local businesses, residents and the general public in the area.
Danny Murphy, CEO of Treo Port Lairge CLG, which operates Renew Enterprises, said, “We hope it never has to be used, but if it is ever needed, it is there and accessible to everyone in the local area.
This was a real team effort between local businesses, and we are delighted to play our part in providing this important resource.”
The initiative of purchasing a defibrillator was a collaborative effort, this newspaper was told, involving Paul Walsh and Susan O’Mahony of Waterford Foot Clinic, Dervla Mulligan of Urban Hype, Emma Ryan of Green Moon Therapy, Tom Kearney of Kearney Butchers, Sean Carey of S&K Carey Builders, and the management and staff of Renew Enterprises.
The initiative reflects the growing sense of community among local businesses in an area of the city that has experienced a period of neglect, Renew Enterprises said in a statement to the Waterford News & Star.
Since moving into the old Wander Inn in December 2022, the staff of Renew Enterprises have taken it upon themselves to look after the local area and contribute to making it a better place for everyone.
For quite some time, St John’s River had accumulated rubbish, including old bicycles, traffic cones, railings and shopping trolleys.
With the support of the Friends of St John’s River, Waterford Marine River Rescue and Renew Enterprise staff, much of this waste has been removed over the last number of years.
Today, the river is a very different sight.
It is not uncommon to see a ballet of swans or a gaggle of ducks under the bridge, bringing life and character back to this part of the city.
Renew Enterprises is a social enterprise operated by Treo Port Lairge CLG. Its work combines social inclusion, employment opportunities, environmental sustainability and the circular economy.
Renew’s contribution to the circular economy is at play in plenty of their services, including their bicycle repairs and refurbishments, paint reuse initiative, woodwork and restoration and e-bike hires.
Through these activities, Renew Enterprises helps reduce waste, promote sustainable transport, and provide opportunities for individuals who are not engaged in employment and want to make a difference in their community.
Purchasing a defibrillator for this part of the city, the work along the St John’s River and Renew’s collaboration with Waterford City & County Council are all perfect examples of how local businesses, volunteers, social enterprises and a local authority can work together to make a positive difference, a Renew spokesperson told this newspaper.
“Renew Enterprises is proud to be part of the Johnstown, Waterside and John Street community and remains committed to supporting local people, protecting the environment and helping to build a safer, healthier and more sustainable Waterford City.”
