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Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland. Dublin is in the province of Leinster on Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey. The city has an urban area population of 1,345,402. The population of the Greater Dublin Area, as of 2
Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland. Dublin is in the province of Leinster on Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey. The city has an urban area population of 1,345,402. The population of the Greater Dublin Area, as of 2016, was 1,904,806 people.
Founded as a Viking settlement, the Kingdom of Dublin became Ireland's principal city following the Norman invasion. The city expanded rapidly from the 17th century and was briefly the second largest city in the British Empire before the Acts of Union in 1800. Following the partition of Ireland in 1922, Dublin became the capital of the Irish Free State, later renamed Ireland.
Dublin is administered by a City Council. The city is listed by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network (GaWC) as a global city, with a ranking of "Alpha-", which places it amongst the top thirty cities in the world. It is a historical and contemporary centre for education, the arts, administration, economy and industry.
Dublin is situated at the mouth of the River Liffey and encompasses a land area of approximately 115 square kilometres (44 sq mi) in east-central Ireland. It is bordered by a low mountain range to the south and surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west. The Liffey divides the city in two between the Northside and the Southside. Each of these is further divided by two lesser rivers – the River Tolka running southeast into Dubin Bay, and the River Dodder running northeast to the mouth of the Liffey. Two further water bodies – the Grand Canal on the southside and the Royal Canal on the northside – ring the inner city on their way from the west and the River Shannon.
The River Liffey bends at Leixlip from a northeasterly route to a predominantly eastward direction, and this point also marks the transition to urban development from more agricultural land usage.
Similar to much of the rest of northwestern Europe, Dublin experiences a maritime climate (Cfb) with cool summers, mild winters, and a lack of temperature extremes. The average maximum January temperature is 8.8 °C (48 °F), while the average maximum July temperature is 20.2 °C (68 °F). On average, the sunniest months are May and June, while the wettest month is October with 76 mm (3 in) of rain, and the driest month is February with 46 mm (2 in). Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.
Dublin's sheltered location on the east coast makes it the driest place in Ireland, receiving only about half the rainfall of the west coast. Ringsend in the south of the city records the lowest rainfall in the country, with an average annual precipitation of 683 mm (27 in), with the average annual precipitation in the city centre being 714 mm (28 in). The main precipitation in winter is rain; however snow showers do occur between November and March. Hail is more common than snow. The city experiences long summer days and short winter days. Strong Atlantic winds are most common in autumn. These winds can affect Dublin, but due to its easterly location it is least affected compared to other parts of the country. However, in winter, easterly winds render the city colder and more prone to snow showers.
In the 20th century, smog and air-pollution were an issue in the city, precipitating a ban on bituminous fuels across Dublin. The ban was implemented in 1990 to address black smoke concentrations, that had been linked to cardiovascular and respiratory deaths in residents. Since the ban, non-trauma death rates, respiratory death rates and cardiovascular death rates have declined - by an estimated 350 deaths annually.
The City of Dublin is the area administered by Dublin City Council, but the term "Dublin" is also used to refer to the contiguous urban area which includes parts of the adjacent local authority areas of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin. Together, the four areas form the traditional County Dublin. This area is sometimes known as the Dublin Region. The population of the administrative area controlled by the City Council was 553,165 in the 2016 census, while the population of the urban area was 1,345,402. The County Dublin population was 1,273,069 and that of the Greater Dublin Area 1,904,806. The area's population is expanding rapidly, and it is estimated by the Central Statistics Office that it will reach 2.1 million by 2020.
The percentage of Protestants in Dublin has dropped from over 10% in 1891 to 3-4% today.
Since the late 1990s, Dublin has experienced a significant level of net immigration, with the greatest numbers coming from the European Union, especially the United Kingdom, Poland and Lithuania. There is also immigration from outside Europe, including from India, Pakistan, China and Nigeria. Dublin is home to a greater proportion of newer arrivals than any other part of the country. Sixty percent of Ireland's Asian population lives in Dublin. Over 15% of Dublin's population was foreign-born in 2006.
The capital attracts the largest proportion of non-Catholic migrants from other countries. Increased secularization in Ireland has prompted a drop in regular Catholic church attendance in Dublin from over 90 percent in the mid-1970s down to 14 percent according to a 2011 survey.
Source: Wikipedia
Ireland Sights
Dublin is situated at the mouth of the River Liffey and encompasses a land area of approximately 115 square kilometres (44 sq mi) in east-central Ireland. It is bordered by a low mountain range to the south and surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west. The Liffey divides the city in two between the Northside and the Southside. Each of these is further divided by two lesser rivers – the River Tolka running southeast into Dubin Bay, and the River Dodder running northeast to the mouth of the Liffey. Two further water bodies – the Grand Canal on the southside and the Royal Canal on the northside – ring the inner city on their way from the west and the River Shannon.
The River Liffey bends at Leixlip from a northeasterly route to a predominantly eastward direction, and this point also marks the transition to urban development from more agricultural land usage.
Similar to much of the rest of northwestern Europe, Dublin experiences a maritime climate (Cfb) with cool summers, mild winters, and a lack of temperature extremes. The average maximum January temperature is 8.8 °C (48 °F), while the average maximum July temperature is 20.2 °C (68 °F). On average, the sunniest months are May and June, while the wettest month is October with 76 mm (3 in) of rain, and the driest month is February with 46 mm (2 in). Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.
Dublin's sheltered location on the east coast makes it the driest place in Ireland, receiving only about half the rainfall of the west coast. Ringsend in the south of the city records the lowest rainfall in the country, with an average annual precipitation of 683 mm (27 in), with the average annual precipitation in the city centre being 714 mm (28 in). The main precipitation in winter is rain; however snow showers do occur between November and March. Hail is more common than snow. The city experiences long summer days and short winter days. Strong Atlantic winds are most common in autumn. These winds can affect Dublin, but due to its easterly location it is least affected compared to other parts of the country. However, in winter, easterly winds render the city colder and more prone to snow showers.
In the 20th century, smog and air-pollution were an issue in the city, precipitating a ban on bituminous fuels across Dublin. The ban was implemented in 1990 to address black smoke concentrations, that had been linked to cardiovascular and respiratory deaths in residents. Since the ban, non-trauma death rates, respiratory death rates and cardiovascular death rates have declined - by an estimated 350 deaths annually.
The City of Dublin is the area administered by Dublin City Council, but the term "Dublin" is also used to refer to the contiguous urban area which includes parts of the adjacent local authority areas of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin. Together, the four areas form the traditional County Dublin. This area is sometimes known as the Dublin Region. The population of the administrative area controlled by the City Council was 553,165 in the 2016 census, while the population of the urban area was 1,345,402. The County Dublin population was 1,273,069 and that of the Greater Dublin Area 1,904,806. The area's population is expanding rapidly, and it is estimated by the Central Statistics Office that it will reach 2.1 million by 2020.
The percentage of Protestants in Dublin has dropped from over 10% in 1891 to 3-4% today.
Since the late 1990s, Dublin has experienced a significant level of net immigration, with the greatest numbers coming from the European Union, especially the United Kingdom, Poland and Lithuania. There is also immigration from outside Europe, including from India, Pakistan, China and Nigeria. Dublin is home to a greater proportion of newer arrivals than any other part of the country. Sixty percent of Ireland's Asian population lives in Dublin. Over 15% of Dublin's population was foreign-born in 2006.
The capital attracts the largest proportion of non-Catholic migrants from other countries. Increased secularization in Ireland has prompted a drop in regular Catholic church attendance in Dublin from over 90 percent in the mid-1970s down to 14 percent according to a 2011 survey.
Source: Wikipedia
Ireland Sights
Cork is a city in Ireland, located in the South-West Region, in the province of Munster. It has a population of 125,622 and is the second largest city in the state and the third most populous on the island of Ireland. The greater Metropolitan Cork area (w
Cork is a city in Ireland, located in the South-West Region, in the province of Munster. It has a population of 125,622 and is the second largest city in the state and the third most populous on the island of Ireland. The greater Metropolitan Cork area (which includes a number of satellite towns and suburbs) has a population exceeding 300,000. In 2005, the city was selected as the European Capital of Culture.
The city is built on the River Lee which splits into two channels at the western end of the city; the city centre is divided by these channels. They reconverge at the eastern end where the quays and docks along the river banks lead outwards towards Lough Mahon and Cork Harbour, one of the world's largest natural harbours. The city's cognomen of "the rebel city" originates in its support for the Yorkist cause during the English 15th century Wars of the Roses. Corkonians often refer to the city as "the real capital" in reference to the city's role as the centre of anti-treaty forces during the Irish Civil War.
With a population of 125,622, Cork is the second-most populous city in the State and the 16th-most populous area of local government. Per the Local Government Act 2001, Cork City Council is a tier-1 entity of local government with the same status in law as a county council.
While local government in Ireland has limited powers in comparison with other countries, the council has responsibility for planning, roads, sanitation, libraries, street lighting, parks, and a number of other important functions. Cork City Council has 31 elected members representing six electoral wards. The members are affiliated to the following political parties: Fine Gael (5 members), Fianna Fáil (10 members), Sinn Féin (8 members), Anti-Austerity Alliance (3 members), Workers' Party (1 member), Independents (4 members). Certain councillors are co-opted to represent the city at the South-West Regional Authority. A new Lord Mayor of Cork is chosen in a vote by the elected members of the council under a D'Hondt system count. The administrative offices for Cork County Council are also located within the city limits.
For the purposes of elections to Dáil Éireann, the city is part of two constituencies: Cork North-Central and Cork South-Central which each returns four TDs. Following the 2016 general election, these constituencies together returned two TDs for the Fine Gael party, three for Fianna Fáil, two for Sinn Féin and one for the Anti-Austerity Alliance-People Before Profit.
Cork is an important educational centre in Ireland - There are over 35,000 third level students in the city, meaning the city has a higher ratio of students in the population than the national average.[90] Over 10% of the population of the Metropolitan area are students in University College Cork (UCC) and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), including nearly 3,000 international students from over 100 different countries. UCC is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland, and offers courses in Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Science. The university was named "Irish University of the Year" four times since 2003, most recently in 2016. Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) was named Irish "Institute of Technology of the Year" in 2007, 2010 and 2016 and offers third level courses in Computing and IT, Business, Humanities and Engineering (Mechanical, Electronic, Electrical, and Chemical).
The National Maritime College of Ireland is also located in Cork and is the only college in Ireland in which Nautical Studies and Marine Engineering can be undertaken. CIT also incorporates the Cork School of Music and Crawford College of Art and Design as constituent schools. The Cork College of Commerce is the largest 'College of Further Education' in Ireland. Other 3rd level institutions include Griffith College Cork, a private institution, and various other colleges.
Research institutes linked to the third level colleges in the city support the research and innovation capacity of the city and region. Examples include the Tyndall National Institute (ICT hardware research), IMERC (Marine Energy), Environmental Research Institute, NIMBUS (Network Embedded Systems); and CREATE (Advanced Therapeutic Engineering). UCC and CIT also have start-up company incubation centres. In UCC, the IGNITE Graduate Business Innovation Centre aims to foster and support entrepreneurship. In CIT, The Rubicon Centre is a business innovation hub that is home to 57 knowledge based start-up companies.
The population of Cork City and its immediate suburbs was 208,669 according to the 2016 census. There were 119,230 people present in the Cork City Council administered area at the time of the 2011 census, of these 117,221 indicated that they were usually present in Cork. In common with other Irish urban centres, the female population (50.67%) is higher than the male population (49.33%), although the gap is somewhat smaller than in other cities. Of those usually resident, 110,192 (94.00%) indicated that they were White, 2,623 (2.24%) that they were Asian, 1,104 (0.94%) that they were Black, while 3,302 (2.82%) did not state their ethnicity. 100,901 (86.08%) were Irish citizens; 10,295 (8.78%) were citizens of other EU countries; 4,316 (3.68%) were citizens of countries elsewhere in the world; 1,709 (1.46%) did not state their citizenship.
In the 2006 census, no separate figures were provided for Cork City, however for the Greater Cork area, 94.51% identified as White, 1.13% identified as Black, 1.33% identified as Asian, 1.11% identified as Other/Mixed, while 1.91% did not state their ethnicity. In terms of nationality, the figures were 88.78% Irish, 6.56% were other EU citizens, 3.45% were citizens of countries elsewhere in the world and 1.20% did not state their citizenship.
Though the Census of Ireland 2011 counted 119,230 people in Cork city, there are in excess of 300,000 in the Metropolitan Cork area.
Source: Wikipedia
Ireland Sights
With a population of 125,622, Cork is the second-most populous city in the State and the 16th-most populous area of local government. Per the Local Government Act 2001, Cork City Council is a tier-1 entity of local government with the same status in law as a county council.
While local government in Ireland has limited powers in comparison with other countries, the council has responsibility for planning, roads, sanitation, libraries, street lighting, parks, and a number of other important functions. Cork City Council has 31 elected members representing six electoral wards. The members are affiliated to the following political parties: Fine Gael (5 members), Fianna Fáil (10 members), Sinn Féin (8 members), Anti-Austerity Alliance (3 members), Workers' Party (1 member), Independents (4 members). Certain councillors are co-opted to represent the city at the South-West Regional Authority. A new Lord Mayor of Cork is chosen in a vote by the elected members of the council under a D'Hondt system count. The administrative offices for Cork County Council are also located within the city limits.
For the purposes of elections to Dáil Éireann, the city is part of two constituencies: Cork North-Central and Cork South-Central which each returns four TDs. Following the 2016 general election, these constituencies together returned two TDs for the Fine Gael party, three for Fianna Fáil, two for Sinn Féin and one for the Anti-Austerity Alliance-People Before Profit.
Cork is an important educational centre in Ireland - There are over 35,000 third level students in the city, meaning the city has a higher ratio of students in the population than the national average.[90] Over 10% of the population of the Metropolitan area are students in University College Cork (UCC) and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), including nearly 3,000 international students from over 100 different countries. UCC is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland, and offers courses in Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Science. The university was named "Irish University of the Year" four times since 2003, most recently in 2016. Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) was named Irish "Institute of Technology of the Year" in 2007, 2010 and 2016 and offers third level courses in Computing and IT, Business, Humanities and Engineering (Mechanical, Electronic, Electrical, and Chemical).
The National Maritime College of Ireland is also located in Cork and is the only college in Ireland in which Nautical Studies and Marine Engineering can be undertaken. CIT also incorporates the Cork School of Music and Crawford College of Art and Design as constituent schools. The Cork College of Commerce is the largest 'College of Further Education' in Ireland. Other 3rd level institutions include Griffith College Cork, a private institution, and various other colleges.
Research institutes linked to the third level colleges in the city support the research and innovation capacity of the city and region. Examples include the Tyndall National Institute (ICT hardware research), IMERC (Marine Energy), Environmental Research Institute, NIMBUS (Network Embedded Systems); and CREATE (Advanced Therapeutic Engineering). UCC and CIT also have start-up company incubation centres. In UCC, the IGNITE Graduate Business Innovation Centre aims to foster and support entrepreneurship. In CIT, The Rubicon Centre is a business innovation hub that is home to 57 knowledge based start-up companies.
The population of Cork City and its immediate suburbs was 208,669 according to the 2016 census. There were 119,230 people present in the Cork City Council administered area at the time of the 2011 census, of these 117,221 indicated that they were usually present in Cork. In common with other Irish urban centres, the female population (50.67%) is higher than the male population (49.33%), although the gap is somewhat smaller than in other cities. Of those usually resident, 110,192 (94.00%) indicated that they were White, 2,623 (2.24%) that they were Asian, 1,104 (0.94%) that they were Black, while 3,302 (2.82%) did not state their ethnicity. 100,901 (86.08%) were Irish citizens; 10,295 (8.78%) were citizens of other EU countries; 4,316 (3.68%) were citizens of countries elsewhere in the world; 1,709 (1.46%) did not state their citizenship.
In the 2006 census, no separate figures were provided for Cork City, however for the Greater Cork area, 94.51% identified as White, 1.13% identified as Black, 1.33% identified as Asian, 1.11% identified as Other/Mixed, while 1.91% did not state their ethnicity. In terms of nationality, the figures were 88.78% Irish, 6.56% were other EU citizens, 3.45% were citizens of countries elsewhere in the world and 1.20% did not state their citizenship.
Though the Census of Ireland 2011 counted 119,230 people in Cork city, there are in excess of 300,000 in the Metropolitan Cork area.
Source: Wikipedia
Ireland Sights
Limerick is a city in county Limerick, Ireland. It is located in the Mid-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. Limerick City and County Council is the local authority for the city. The city lies on the River Shannon, with the historic c
Limerick is a city in county Limerick, Ireland. It is located in the Mid-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. Limerick City and County Council is the local authority for the city. The city lies on the River Shannon, with the historic core of the city located on King's Island, which is bounded by the Shannon and the Abbey River. Limerick is also located at the head of the Shannon Estuary where the river widens before it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 94,192 (2016 census), Limerick is the third most populous urban area in the state, and the fourth most populous city on the island of Ireland.
There are 102,161 people living in the Limerick City Metropolitan District. On 1 June 2014 following the merger of Limerick City and County Council a new Metropolitan District of Limerick was formed within the united council which extended the city area. The Metropolitan District includes the city urban area and extends outwards towards Patrickswell in the west and Castleconnell in the east. The City Metropolitan Area however excludes city suburbs located within County Clare. When included this increases the overall city and metropolitan area by a further 5,000 with a combined total population of 107,161. Limerick is one of the constituent cities of the Cork–Limerick–Galway corridor which has a population of 1 million people. It is located at a strategic position on the River Shannon with four main crossing points near the city centre. To the south of the city is the Golden Vale, an area of rich pastureland. Historically, much of the city's industry was based on this rich agricultural hinterland and it is particularly noted for Limerick Ham.
Limerick is officially the third largest city in Ireland with a population of 102,161 people according to the 2011 census carried out by the CSO. The past census reported a large population decline in central city areas due in part to the Limerick regeneration process where in these areas the largest reduction was reported nationally and also to outward migration following the collapse of the local and national economy from 2008 onwards. The population of the Limerick Larger Urban Zone as defined by the EU is 162,413. Limerick has a notably ethnically diverse population, and a large immigrant community, which saw especially rapid growth during the Celtic Tiger and the following decade. The Polish community is the second largest outside of Dublin, with an estimated 10,000 living and working in the city. Ireland's first Polish bank opened in 2007. The African community has set up a number of churches, which are now part of the cultural makeup of the city.
Limerick has a large stock of local authority housing. Prior to the merger of Limerick City and County Council 41% of all housing within the old Limerick City Council boundary was local authority, which was the highest in Ireland. This figure is however no longer accurate given the larger metropolitan district of the city.
Source: Wikipedia
Ireland Sights
Galway is a city in the West of Ireland in the province of Connacht. Galway City Council is the local authority for the city. Galway lies on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay and is surrounded by County Galway. It is the fourth most pop
Galway is a city in the West of Ireland in the province of Connacht. Galway City Council is the local authority for the city. Galway lies on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay and is surrounded by County Galway. It is the fourth most populous urban area in the Republic of Ireland and the sixth most populous city in the island of Ireland.
According to the 2016 Irish Census, Galway city has a population of 79,504; however, the rural county agglomeration is far bigger. Galway will be European Capital of Culture in 2020, alongside Rijeka, Croatia.
Galway has a year-round mild, moist, temperate and changeable climate, due to the prevailing winds of the North Atlantic Current. The city does not experience temperature extremes, with temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) and above 30 °C (86 °F) being rare. The city receives an average of 1,156 mm (45.51 in) of precipitation annually, which is evenly distributed throughout the year. The average January temperature in the city is 5.9 °C (43 °F) and the average July temperature is 15.9 °C (61 °F). This means that Galway, like most of Ireland, has a Maritime Temperate climate (Cfb) according to the Köppen climate classification system. While extreme weather is rare, the city and county can experience severe windstorms that are the result of vigorous Atlantic depressions that occasionally pass along the north west coast of Ireland. Most of these storms occur between late autumn and early spring. Due to the city's northerly location and its longitude, Galway has long summer days. Daylight at midsummer is before 04:20 and lasts until after 23:00. In midwinter, daylight does not start until 08.49, and is gone by 16:19.
Galway is known as Ireland's Cultural Heart and is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals, celebrations and events. Every November, Galway hosts the Tulca Festival of Visual Arts as well as numerous festivals.
On 1 December 2014, the Director General of UNESCO announced the official designation of Galway as a UNESCO City of Film.
In 2004, there were three dance organisations, ten festival companies, two film organisations, two Irish language organisations, 23 musical organisations, twelve theatre companies, two visual arts groups, and four writers' groups based in the city.
Furthermore, there were 51 venues for events, most of which were specialised for a certain field (e.g. concert venues or visual arts galleries), though ten were described as being 'multiple event' venues. The main squares in the city are Eyre Square (containing John F. Kennedy Park) in the centre of the city, and Spanish Parade next to the Spanish Arch.
In 2007, Galway was named as one of the eight "sexiest cities" in the world. A 2008 poll ranked Galway as the 42nd best tourist destination in the world, or 14th in Europe and 2nd in Ireland (behind Dingle). It was ranked ahead of all European capitals except Edinburgh, and many traditional tourist destinations (such as Venice). The New Zealand Herald listed Galway as one of 'five great cities to visit in 2014'.
Galway City is the capital of Connacht. The city has experienced very rapid growth in recent years. Galway has a strong local economy with complementary business sectors, including manufacturing industry, tourism, retail and distribution, education, healthcare and services that include financial, construction, cultural, and professional.
Most (47%) of the people employed in Galway work in either the commerce or professional sector, with a large number (17%) also employed in manufacturing. Most industry and manufacturing in Galway, like the rest of Ireland, is hi-tech (e.g. ICT, medical equipment, electronics, chemicals, etc.), due to the Celtic Tiger economic boom. Companies such as Boston Scientific, Medtronic, EA Games, Cisco and SAP AG have their regional offices or other offices in Galway City and environs. Soon Apple plans to build a massive data centre in Athenry outside Galway City. Tourism is also of major importance to the city, which had over 2.1 million visitors in 2000, and produced revenue of over €400 million.
Source: Wikipedia
Ireland Sights
Galway City is the capital of Connacht. The city has experienced very rapid growth in recent years. Galway has a strong local economy with complementary business sectors, including manufacturing industry, tourism, retail and distribution, education, healthcare and services that include financial, construction, cultural, and professional.
Most (47%) of the people employed in Galway work in either the commerce or professional sector, with a large number (17%) also employed in manufacturing. Most industry and manufacturing in Galway, like the rest of Ireland, is hi-tech (e.g. ICT, medical equipment, electronics, chemicals, etc.), due to the Celtic Tiger economic boom. Companies such as Boston Scientific, Medtronic, EA Games, Cisco and SAP AG have their regional offices or other offices in Galway City and environs. Soon Apple plans to build a massive data centre in Athenry outside Galway City. Tourism is also of major importance to the city, which had over 2.1 million visitors in 2000, and produced revenue of over €400 million.
Source: Wikipedia
Ireland Sights
Waterford is a city in Ireland. It is in the South-East Region, Ireland and is part of the province of Munster. The city is situated at the head of Waterford Harbour. It is the oldest and the fifth most populous city in the Republic of Ireland. It is the
Waterford is a city in Ireland. It is in the South-East Region, Ireland and is part of the province of Munster. The city is situated at the head of Waterford Harbour. It is the oldest and the fifth most populous city in the Republic of Ireland. It is the eighth most populous city on the island of Ireland. Waterford City and County Council is the local government authority for the city. Waterford is known for Waterford Crystal, a legacy of the city's former glass-making industry. According to the 2016 Census, 53,504 people live in the city of Waterford and its suburbs.
With a population of 53,504, Waterford is the fifth most populous city in the State and the 32nd most populous area of local government.
Following the Local Government Reform Act 2014, Waterford City and County Council is the local government authority for the city. The authority came into operation on 1 June 2014. Prior to this the city had its own local council, Waterford City Council. The new Council is the result of a merger of Waterford City Council and Waterford County Council. The Council has 32 representatives (councillors) who are elected from five electoral areas. The city itself forms three of the electoral areas – which when combined form the Metropolitan District of Waterford – and returns a total of 18 councillors to Waterford City and County Council. Residents in these areas are restricted to voting for candidates located in their ward for local elections. The office of the Mayor of Waterford was established in 1377. A mayor is then elected by the councillors from the two electoral areas of the Metropolitan District of Waterford every year, and there is no limit to the number of terms an individual may serve. Mary O'Halloran who was mayor during 2007–2008 was the first woman to hold the post. The current mayor is Adam Wyse.
For the purposes of elections to Dáil Éireann, the city is part of the Waterford constituency, which includes the county of Waterford except for those parts of the county near Clonmel that lie in Tipperary South. The constituency elects four deputies to Dáil Éireann. There are no such ward restrictions for these elections and voters are entitled to vote for any candidate throughout the city and county.
The climate of Waterford is, like the rest of Ireland, classified as a maritime temperate climate (Cfb) according to the Köppen climate classification system. It is mild and changeable with abundant rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. The counties in the Waterford area are often referred to as the 'Sunny Southeast'. The hottest months of the year are June, July and August with temperatures of around 17 – 22 degrees. Waterford gets rainfall all year round and the wettest months are October, November, December and January.
Waterford is the main city of Ireland's South-East Region. Historically Waterford was an important trading port which brought much prosperity to the city throughout the city's eventful history. Throughout its history Waterford Crystal provided employment to thousands in the city and surrounding areas.
Waterford Port is Ireland's closest deep-water port to mainland Europe, handling approximately 12% of Ireland's external trade by value. Waterford's most famous export, Waterford Crystal is an internationally known and highly sought after product that was manufactured in the city from 1783 to 2009 and again from 2010 to the present day. Some of the places where Waterford Crystal can be seen include New York City where Waterford Crystal made the 2,668 crystals for the famous New Year's Eve Ball that is dropped each year in Times Square, in Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle and the Kennedy Center, Washington.
Agriculture also played an important part in Waterford's economic history. Kilmeadan about 5 km from the city was also home to a very successful co-operative. The farmers of the area benefited greatly from the sale of their produce (mostly butter and milk) to the co-op. In 1964, all of the co-ops in Waterford amalgamated, and was registered as Waterford Co-op. This led to the construction of a cheese factory on a green field site opposite the general store, and Kilmeadan cheese was to become one of the most recognised and successful cheddar brands in the world. This is evident as the brand won a gold and bronze medal in the World Cheese Awards in London in 2005.
Today[when?], Waterford is the site of a number of multinational companies including GlaxoSmithkline, Bausch & Lomb, Nypro Healthcare, Sanofi, West Pharmaceuticals, Hasbro, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Honeywell International.
The Irish economic recession from 2008 onwards has had a major negative impact on Waterford's economy. A number of multinational companies have closed from the recession, including Waterford Crystal and Talk Talk, which has led to a high rate of unemployment. Until 2013 the hedge fund office of the Citibank resided here. Waterford Co-op and Avonmore Co-op have merged to form Glanbia plc.
The city is served by 21 primary schools[56] and 9 secondary schools. There is one third level institution in Waterford: Waterford Institute of Technology, which has applied for university status. Waterford College of Further Education previously called the Central Technical Institute (CTI), is a Post Leaving Certificate institute located on Parnell Street, Waterford city. It was founded in 1906 and thus celebrated its centenary in 2005. Mount Sion Secondary and Primary School at Barrack Street were founded by Edmund Ignatius Rice and the schools have seen many prestigious pupils pass through its doors. The Quaker co-educational boarding school, Newtown School is situated in Waterford, east of the city centre.
Waterpark College is a secondary school in Waterford. The school was established in 1892 on the banks of the River Suir as Waterfords' first classical school, and still provides a secondary education to boys and girls from Waterford City, County and the surrounding area. It has only recently become a co-educational school.
De La Salle College is a secondary school in Waterford. With more than 1,000 students and over 70 staff it is the biggest in the county. It ranks as a highly sought after college within the city. Founded by the brothers of the De La Salle in 1892, it now serves as a Catholic school for boys.
Source: Wikipedia
Ireland Sights
President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and youth leaders drawn from all districts under the affiliation of National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) on Friday held thought-provoking discussions on how they can collaborate in youth empowerment interventions. During the interface meeting, which was held at the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, the youth leaders outlined challenges young […] The post Chakwera commits to collaborate with youth on empowerment interventions in Malawi appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.
SINGAPORE - At least 2,000 victims fell prey to concert ticket scams between January and May, with losses amounting to at least $1 million. Most of these cases involved concert tickets to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, said the police in response to queries by The Straits Times on the concert ticket scam situation in Singapore. They included reports lodged by victims who were scammed while trying to get tickets to watch Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay in 2024. The police said they have been working closely with social media and e-commerce platforms to take down scam advertisements for concert tickets and accounts involved in such scams once they are detected. This included online marketplace Carousell suspending the sale of tickets to Swift's concerts on its platform between Feb 23 and March 9 to prevent users from being scammed. Carousell's chief of staff Tan Su Lin had said in March that in the rush for tickets, users were not catching on to warning signs, such as sellers' ratings that show if other buyers had found them to be reliable.
JAKARTA/SINGAPORE - Singaporean manager Zheng Huang was shocked to find his round-trip ferry ticket to Indonesia's Batam island had soared to more than $70 over the past two years. The 53-year-old, who used to visit the holiday spot every weekend for dining and shopping, now limits his trips to once or twice a month. «That's the only way out now... Since you're there, you better make the most of your time,» he told The Straits Times. His friends shared his frustration, but he lamented, «It's not within our control... we are held hostage.» Like Mr Zheng, other Singaporeans making the hour-long journey have been left baffled by the steep hikes, uniformly imposed by multiple operators, after Batam, part of Riau Islands province, reopened to international travellers in January 2022 as the Covid-19 pandemic waned. Now, the mystery may be a step closer to being solved after Indonesia's independent business watchdog disclosed it has launched a probe into potential collusion and price-fixing among ferry operators on the route.
If you are a fan of Malawian rap music, the name Suffix needs no introduction. He has been making waves since his inception into the music scene. His breakout song “Ulendo Wa Kumwamba” won him notoriety and established him as a household name with projects like the D.O.S mixtape, Dethrone EP, Before I Sleep, and […] The post Has Suffix delivered in his latest ‘Tailora’ album? appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.
I have just finished the first episode, I am largely optimistic about what’s to come. The show evokes in me some memories of the once promising “Moyo Wathu,TV show” directed by Afritrix’s very own Khama Mbaula featuring the talented Isaac Mafuel aka Zenhco wa Nyimbo Kale. By the way, what happened to that TV show? […] The post Review: The series, Mushroom Shade, is a greatest watch! appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.
They once led the TNM Super League race last season, not for days. For weeks, for months, to be precise. “This may be the Leicester City of Malawi,” a football pundit warned or, let’s say, foretold. But as it turned out in the end, Chitipa United were no Leicester City who defied mind-bogling odds in […] The post Is this a sad and painful ending of once mighty Chitipa United? appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.
[Capital FM] Nairobi -- South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) is projected to lose its parliamentary dominance with tallies from half of the votes cast in Wednesday's election putting it below the 50 per cent threshold required to govern.
[ISS] Not all Kenyans are enchanted by the prospect of being America's main partner in sub-Saharan Africa.
[AI London] Two years after summary dismissal of judges by the president, harassment, prosecutions and denial of rights of judges continue
South Africa's ruling ANC awaited the imminent confirmation on Saturday that it had lost its three-decade-old absolute majority and would have to find allies if it is to remain in power. With more than 98 percent of the votes from Wednesday's election counted, President Cyril Ramaphosa's African National Congress had only 40.15 percent support, a catastrophic slump from the 57.5 it won in 2019. This marks an historic turning point for South Africa as the party has enjoyed an absolute majority since 1994, when liberation leader Nelson Mandela led the nation out of white-minority rule and into democracy. «We have been talking with everybody even before the election,» ANC's deputy secretary general Nomvula Mokonyane told AFP on Friday, saying the party's decision-making body would set the course to follow after final results are announced. «Anything must be based on principles and not an act of desperation.» As votes continued to be validated, data from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) showed the centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA) held second place with 21.71 percent, slightly up on its 20.77 showing in 2019. But it was not a surge by the DA that cut into the ANC's vote share. In third place was former president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) on 12.6 percent, a surprise score for a party founded just months ago as a vehicle for the former ANC chief. The radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) was in fourth with 9.4 percent. The final results were to be formally announced on Sunday, but the IEC results website was being updated through the day and with the result no longer in doubt, politicians were turning their attention to the prospects of an ANC-led coalition. - No pardon, no party - The ANC has dominated South Africa's democracy with an unbroken run of five presidents from the party, but if President Cyril Ramaphosa is to remain at the helm he will have to decide whether to seek allies on his right or left. There will be resistance within his movement to a tie-up with the second-placed DA, under white politician John Steenhuisen, whose free market programme of privatisations and an end to black economic empowerment programmes sits at odds with the ruling party's traditions. Mandela's grandson, Mandla Mandela, an outgoing ANC lawmaker, told AFP the DA held «different ideals» making it too difficult to partner with. The radical left groups led by former ANC figures: firebrand Julius Malema's EFF or Zuma's MK, were more likely bedfellows, he said. But these options might also meet resistance within the more moderate sections of the ANC. Analyst and author Susan Booysen, said the EFF was perceived as «too erratic» and «unpredictable» in its demands. And the rift between Ramaphosa and Zuma -- who has long been bitter about the way he was forced out of office in 2018 -- was «too far reaching» to mend, she said. MK spokesman Nhlamulo Ndhlela seemed to agree. «We will engage with the ANC but not the ANC of Cyril Ramaphosa,» he said. Any coalition partner should be willing to amend the constitution to enact radical reforms and grant Zuma, who has been declared ineligible over a contempt of court conviction, a pardon, he said. But Mokonyane dismissed the notion that Ramaphosa's leadership was at risk, saying: «In the ANC we don't work that way. It's not a presidential election. It was an election that the ANC went in as a party and we are happy with it.» The ANC retains the loyalty of many voters for its leading role in overthrowing white minority rule. Its progressive social welfare and black economic empowerment policies are credited by supporters with helping millions of black families out of poverty. But over three decades of almost unchallenged rule, its leadership has been implicated in a series of large-scale corruption scandals, while the continent's most industrialised economy has languished and crime and unemployment figures have hit record highs. © Agence France-Presse
Diane Abbott has insisted that she will not run as a Labour candidate until she is endorsed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) on Tuesday.
Diane Abbott has insisted that she will not run as a Labour candidate until she is endorsed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) on Tuesday.
A loose alliance of investors, analysts and advocates is trying to let Americans mimic the trades elected officials make — but only after they disclose them.
Several INDIA bloc leaders arrived in New Delhi to discuss the Lok Sabha elections. Tejashwi Yadav, Raghav Chadha, Champai Soren, and Anil Desai expressed confidence in their alliance's performance. Tejashwi criticized exit polls and predicted surprising results in Bihar.
Prem Lal, under the guidance of the Additional District Commissioner Rahul Jain, heads to Tashigang with an EVM for elections, drawing from past experience at Hikkim, another high-altitude polling station.
The Delhi high court has cautioned that allowing each sadhu, baba, and guru to construct shrines or samadhi sthals on public land for personal benefits could have severe repercussions on public interests. The court expressed that naga sadhus, who are devotees of Lord Shiva, are meant to live lives of complete detachment from worldly affairs. Seeking property rights conflicts with their beliefs and practices.
Knowledge is power. Not in the sense of personal power, but in understanding. And I am always about growing my knowledge and understanding, especially within my community.
Mogadishu (HOL) — A U.S. airstrike on Friday targeted ISIS militants near Dhaardaar, Somalia, resulting in the deaths of three militants, according to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). The operation was coordinated with the Somali government.
Mogadishu (HOL)—The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has developed a new web platform designed to transform the analysis and visualization of geospatial data and improve humanitarian preparedness and response in Somalia.
Magician Trixy pulled out his best bag of tricks for the fifth live show this week as he tried to secure himself in the final on Sunday.
Donald Trump's hush-money trial was at its heart about his relationship with women - but the woman who mattered most was conspicuously absent throughout.
Amidst soaring temperatures and intense heat wave conditions, the Congress has accused the Rajasthan government of concealing the true extent of heatstroke-related deaths in the state. The opposition party has expressed concerns over the reliability of the official data and called for an independent probe to ascertain the correct death toll. This allegation has triggered a heated political debate, with the ruling party defending its figures and the Congress demanding greater transparency.
India's final election phase commenced, pivotal for Narendra Modi's potential third term. Modi's campaign, initially focused on economic promises, shifted to polarizing rhetoric against Muslims. Stiff opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, challenges Modi's narrative, focusing on economic grievances. Regional dynamics, particularly in West Bengal, underscore the broader contest between Modi's BJP and regional forces.
Punjab recorded a voter turnout of 23.91% till 11 am in the polling for the 13 Lok Sabha constituencies. Chandigarh's voter turnout was at 25.03% amid tight security arrangements. Various leaders also casted their votes at their respective constituencies.
The Seychelles' women's national team captain, Pascalina Moustache, has made history by becoming the first female of the island nation to become a professional footballer. Moustache, 32, has signed a contract with FK Saned Joniskis in the top division football in Lithuania. She played for the local women's team Rovers from the central district of Mont Fleuri for many years and was awarded Female Footballer of the Year in 2017. Moustache went on a trial with the Lithuanian club and impressed the club with her vision, accurate and precise passing as well her intelligence on the field. She signed her contract alongside FK Saned Joniskis' technical director, Tihomis Sloboda, early this month. Moutache has already been involved in matches since she signed with the team, where she was put straight into the starting 11 for the club's games. Earlier this year, along with Reena Esther, went on trials in Singapore with the help and recommendation of their national team coach, Chris Yip-Au. FK Saned plays in the Lithuanian Women's A League, which is Lithuania's top level women's football league. The club is based in Joniškis, a city in northern Lithuania with a population of about 9,900.
One woman and her friend paid a hefty price for forgetting to complete a mandatory travel document before embarking on their holiday. The 30-year-old freelancer, who wishes to be known as Jess, told AsiaOne they had to pay an additional $1,200 each to fly to New Zealand on April 17. Jess said that she and her friend had arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 3 about 1.5 hours ahead of the Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight's departure time of 7.50pm. But they ended up missing their flight after they were stopped at the check-in counter. The women were told by SIA staff they had to first apply for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), said Jess. The NZeTA is a compulsory travel document for some visitors from visa waiver countries, like Singapore, and transit passengers travelling to New Zealand without a visa. The pair immediately applied on the New Zealand immigration website, but their application was pending approval.
There was a line of taxis waiting for passengers at an empty taxi stand in Gardens by the Bay. But one man took to social media after claiming that he had been refused a ride there—not just once, but at least five times. In a Facebook post on the Complaint Singapore page on Saturday (June 1), Rabi Leo said that the «five to six» taxi drivers there all declined to ferry him to Sengkang. He claimed: «One uncle said, 'You should ask the front one'. Then I told him. 'In front all don't want to pick up'. He replied, 'Then you ask behind'.» «I know times are tough, but this is not like other counties. Can you just choose and pick customers?» Lamenting that it's not the first time taxi drivers had refused to pick him up, Leo urged the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to look into the matter. «One kind uncle previously said that all of them are waiting to go to the airport,» he said. «So they are waiting to find [a customer] who is going near that location.» Leo's post has since garnered more than 140 reactions. In the comments, several netizens advised Leo to report the incident to the relevant authorities.
He thought the job was genuine since it was made through the Lalamove app. But one man, who does deliveries part-time to earn extra cash, ended up $180 poorer after apparently getting swindled by a 'customer'. The delivery rider, who wanted to be known only as Han, told AsiaOne on Friday (May 31) he was initially thrilled with the «buy for me» job request since it came with a «generous» $130 payout. «I felt something amiss, but I just brushed it off as the job came from the Lalamove app, which is a reputable company,» the 30-year-old full-time IT executive said. After getting in touch with the customer, Han later bought groceries at a 7-Eleven outlet in Bukit Timah and a meal at McDonald's as requested. He also helped the customer top up $158 into their mobile wallet. «After sending the receipts as proof of purchase, he replied to me to keep them nicely and don't fold them,» Han said. «He also told me not to press the doorbell outside his home.»
A second twinning agreement has been signed between Seychelles' western Mahe district of Port Glaud with Savanne, a district from the south of Mauritius. The agreement was signed on Friday morning by Seychelles' acting Mayor of Victoria, Lydia Charlie, and the Savanne District Council President, Shubhowantee Seenavassen. «This is another great occasion, after the first signing earlier this week,» said Charlie who added that she hopes with the renewed partnership, all the programmes can be successful. «With the previous agreement, not all the plans materialised, due to various issues including the COVID-19 pandemic, but the hope is that now it all can be done,» said Charlie. The twinning agreement was first signed between the two districts in 2014, and the two districts have mainly collaborated in sports, but will now look to enhance that cooperation in other areas, such as craft, culture, and agriculture. «I am honoured to have renewed this agreement today, where this will consolidate our multi-faceted ties, as we have similar languages and culture,» said Seenavassen. He added that they will continue to promote exchanges and experiences in terms of strategy, policy and project development, in fields such as education, ecology and biodiversity. This is the second twinning agreement renewed this week with the first signed district of Anse Boileau and Mauritius' Black River signing their agreement on Tuesday.
The Treaty of Nice prepared the European Union only partially for the important enlargements to the east and south on 1 May 2004 and 1 January 2007. Therefore, following up on the questions raised in the Laeken Declaration, the European Convention made an effort to produce a new legal basis for the Union in the form of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. Following ‘no’ votes in referendums in two Member States, that treaty was not ratified. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP
The European Union is committed to supporting democracy and human rights in its external relations, in accordance with its founding principles of liberty, democracy and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. The EU seeks to mainstream human rights concerns into all its policies and programmes, and has different human rights policy instruments for specific actions — including financing specific projects through its financing instruments. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP
