Congratulations: Waterford City and County Council wins big at Chambers Ireland awards

Congratulations are in order for Waterford City and County Council, which was successful in the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards. 

The Awards, which celebrated their 21st anniversary this year, reflect the dedication and innovation taking place at local government level, and showcase best practice in local government.

Waterford City and County Council scooped up a win in the 'Urban Revival' category. 

This award recognises initiatives that promote urbanism through improving and enhancing the lived experience in urban environments, with Waterford City and County Council’s efforts in 'Reviving Urban Living by reducing property vacancy and dereliction' being declared the winner.

Over 715 dwellings have been revitalised through various initiatives, signifying substantial progress in addressing vacancy and dereliction in Waterford’s towns and villages.

By taking on projects that were previously deemed unviable, Waterford City and County Council has delivered impactful solutions and vitality throughout the county.

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," he concluded. 

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Claire Hartley, Acting Director of Housing at Waterford City and County Council added: Our project 'Reviving Urban Living by reducing Property vacancy and dereliction' is one that substantially promotes urbanism through improving and enhancing the lived experience in urban environments, through activating and encouraging reuse of vacant and derelict properties."

An outstanding example of the efforts to enhance urban living include St. Joseph's House. 

In June of 2023, the Minister for Housing, Darragh O'Brien 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.

Over €4.9 million was approved through the Repair and Lease Scheme, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The funding was provided under Housing for All - A New Housing Plan for Ireland. 

The Repair and Lease Scheme has been pioneered in Waterford and is a significant driver in providing high quality affordable housing solutions and, at the same time, has significantly addressed and delivered the return to use of vacant buildings in Waterford.

Waterford City and County Council was also a finalist in the categories of 'Heritage and Built Environment' for the Irish Wake Museum, and in the 'Municipal District Initiative' category for the Connecting Communities Roadshow series.