Waterford Council celebrated for urban revival achievements at Local Government Awards
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive Chambers Ireland, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, Claire Hartley, A/Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council, and Niall Cussen, Chief Executive Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR). Photo: Chambers Ireland
Last night Waterford City and County Council was successful in the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards with a win in the Urban Revival category.
Waterford Council was also a finalist in the categories of Heritage & Built Environment for the Irish Wake Museum, and in the Municipal District Initiative category for the Connecting Communities Roadshow series.
The victorious outing in the Urban Revival category recognised initiatives that promote urbanism through improving and enhancing the lived experience in urban environments.
Over 715 dwellings have been revitalised through various initiatives, signifying substantial progress in addressing vacancy and dereliction in Waterford’s towns and villages.
Receiving the award, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, "This award is testament to the hard work, foresight, and dedication of Waterford City and County Council, and particularly the Planning Department."
"Waterford has been long regarded as the exemplar in its efforts to tackle vacancy and dereliction, and I am delighted to see that recognised on a national platform."
An example of the efforts to enhance urban living include St Joseph's House. In June last year, the Minister for Housing, Darragh O'Brien TD cut the ribbon on the age-friendly housing development at the landmark site on Manor Hill, saying, “Waterford City and County Council is leading the way in delivering new social and affordable homes, and in particular in tackling vacancy, which, to be frank, is a scourge in many villages, towns, and cities across the country.”
The former convent has been transformed with 50 dwelling units located within the main building and 21 located in the various out-building clusters on the site, while the former chapel on the site has been repurposed as a community space for multiple uses by tenants.
Waterford has also pioneered the Repair and Lease Scheme, addressing and delivering the return to use of vacant buildings.
