Waterford News and Star

2 days ago | waterford-news.ie | Shannon Sweeney

Charging homeless people for Out-of-Hours beds would be a “catastrophe”, says Waterford Helping the Homeless. The group was responding to a report by the Waterford News & Star last week that Waterford City and County Council were reviewing their policy on free access to out-of-hours beds at McGwire House. Following the publication of the report, the News & Star spoke to Waterford Helping the Homeless co-founder Susie Moran, who said being homeless is expensive enough.

2 days ago | waterford-news.ie | Darragh Murphy

Pride of the Déise has unveiled its exciting lineup for this year’s festival. This year's theme revolves around 'existence as resistance'. The organisers explained this further, "that simply being as members of the LGBTQIA+ is seen as political, and in a time where those who want to see less of us, we refuse to make ourselves small. So we're having almost two full weeks of Pride of the Déise from Sunday, June 1, to Friday, June 13."Committee members spoke this week on what Pride means to them.

2 days ago | waterford-news.ie | Darragh Murphy

Significant insight into the North Quays development was offered last week by Waterford City and County Council and lead developer Harcourt. Pat Power, Company Director at Harcourt Developments, and Michael Quinn, Director of Services at Waterford Council, provided details on the development at this month's Plenary Council meeting. The transport hub, sustainable transport bridge, hotels, apartments and more were discussed. €138 million has been spent to date on the development.

2 days ago | waterford-news.ie | Darragh Murphy

Approximately 2,500 walkers ascended onto Waterford city over the weekend for the annual Darkness Into Light walk, raising vital funds for Pieta House, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity. FaDDIt was a fantastic day for all walkers, who were welcomed by beautiful weather and a vibrant community spirit. Chairman of the Darkness into Light committee, Des Purcell, said he was delighted with the turnout. “It worked very well and we had a huge number of young people.

3 days ago | waterford-news.ie | Darragh Murphy

In Waterford, 85 homes were brought back into use last year. The Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins has published figures showing nationally that 2,357 vacant social homes were brought back into active use in 2024 under the Voids Programme. Waterford City and County Council has shifted towards a planned maintenance model, which leads to quicker repairs, continuous use, and faster re-letting of social homes. 84 homes were returned to use in 2023 and 85 in 2024.