Over 386,000 meals were delivered to struggling families in Waterford in 2024

Over 386,000 meals were delivered to struggling families in Waterford in 2024, according to a report just published by Waterford Area Partnership.

In addition the report also revealed that hundreds of people across the Déise county received personal supports to help improve their quality of life by getting a job or being assisted to access education and 81 local community groups were supported to contribute to thriving communities across Waterford City and County.

The information is included in Waterford Area Partnership’s Annual Impact Report for 2024 which, for the first time, is available to view as a multi-media digital file on their website https://wap.ie/annual-report-2024/ 

The report highlights examples of the type of supports delivered by WAP across the entire county, including: Start your own business and mentoring; Business training and mentoring; English language conversation and proficiency classes.

The supports also included promoting the work of community garden groups, men’s sheds and women’s groups and there was also two-year long engagement with the Larchville and Lisduggan communities to explore residents' views on what needs to be done to improve home energy efficiency and costs, community facilities and community greening which could all contribute to positive climate action.

The report also outlined collaboration with groups focused on neurodiversity to improve supports for individuals within County Waterford. There was also supports for migrants, refugees and people seeking international protection in addition to measures to assist local community groups to respond to local needs.

The WAP also provided assistance to people out of work to gain experience through work placements.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: "Waterford Area Partnership’s growing success has also contributed to increased social inclusion funding within the county, for example, their success at winning a contract to deliver the Workability Programme, which supports disabled people to access better employment and education opportunities."

WAP is one of the 49 Local Development Companies operating in Ireland, and the annual report includes testimonies from individuals outlining the long-term impact of their engagement with WAP’s programmes.

Commenting about the publication, WAP’s CEO Liam Quinn said: "We are continually inspired by the strength, resilience, and potential within our communities. In 2024, we worked side by side with individuals and groups who, despite challenge and inequality, show what’s possible when people are supported to thrive."

"We are deeply grateful to our funders, partners, and the wider community for walking this path with us," he said.

"Their support makes our shared vision of a more inclusive and empowered Waterford a reality," he said.

Waterford Area Partnership is jointly funded to deliver its programmes through the Irish Government and the EU. It's a Company Limited by Guarantee and managed by a Voluntary Board of Management.