Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with community groups and stakeholders, will host a series of Connecting Communities Roadshows throughout the city and county.
The roadshows, which take place from February through to May, will offer local communities the opportunity to engage with the Local Authority and its associated partners. They will also provide insight and guidance about setting up community groups, sourcing funding for developing community initiatives and how to build a stronger, inclusive, and vibrant place to live.
The initiative is spearheaded by Healthy Waterford and Waterford PPN, in collaboration with organisations such as Waterford LEADER Partnership, Waterford Area Partnership, Creative Waterford, HSE, Emergency Services and Waterford Sport Partnership, to name but a few.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway welcomed the initiative. “This series of Connecting Communities Roadshows is a fantastic platform to gain insightful and informative feedback from local communities.
“There is real value in finding out about what communities are doing, and doing well, and how they can be better, from those immersed in those communities. Shared advice, expertise, resources, and local knowledge are integral for any community to thrive and become more inclusive and welcoming for everyone who lives there.”
Sinéad Breathnach, Senior Executive Officer for Community & Sports with Waterford City and County Council explains, “The premise of these roadshows is the provide respective communities with a chance to engage with community services and to make suggestions as to how we can work together to make communities the best they can be.
“Not only will our partner agencies be in attendance, but there is also advice and insights on hand for those exploring setting up community groups, how to go about it and how to avail of funding streams to develop progressive community initiatives.”
Attendees can also meet with ‘Community Champions’ which will showcase their local services at the roadshows.
Ballysaggart Community Development CLG and its Chairperson, Michael Walsh believes that “staying updated with new and existing opportunities and collaborating with various agencies is crucial for community groups, old or new.
“Networking plays a key role and these one-stop-shops for locals will be of great benefit. We have benefited greatly by collaborating over the last number of years. I encourage all to attend as there will be something for everyone.”
The Connecting Communities Roadshows will take place at Lismore Heritage Centre on February 7th, The Park Hotel, Dungarvan on February 21st, Rainbow Hall, Kilmacthomas on March 6th, Community Hall, Ballymacarbry on March 20th, The Haven Hotel, Dunmore East on April 3rd, Cill Barra Sports Hall, Ballybeg on April 17th and Tramore GAA Community Hall on May 8th. These events are free to attend and members of the public are invited to call in anytime between 6pm and 8.30pm.
To find out more keep an eye on social media or contact Eoin Morrissey, Community Department Waterford City and County Council at eoin.morrissey@waterfordcouncil.ie or Muriel Tobin, PPN Waterford Coordinator at waterfordppn@gmail.com
