The Europe Direct Information Centre based in Central Library, Waterford City, is one of a network of local contact points that serve as the direct link between you and the EU Institutions. The Europe Direct Information Centre is a service which helps you find answers to your questions about the European Union.

The centre offers information on all sorts of subjects related to the EU including your rights and opportunities as an EU citizen and how to take advantage of them. It can provide direct responses to general inquiries and, if you have more detailed questions, signpost you to the best source of information and advice at EU, national, regional and local levels.

The Europe Direct initiative was launched in Ireland in 2005. The European Commission wanted to create a network of accessible, local information centres in all member states. The mission of the network is to distribute information and advice about the European Union’s policies, actively promote local and regional debate about the European Union, allow the European institutions to disseminate local and regional information and give the public the opportunity to send feedback to the European Union institutions.

Growing Microgreens at Home with Walton Institute and Europe Direct Waterford

Are you ready to embark on a microgreen adventure? Join us for this engaging workshop, to learn and experiment with these ‘fast-food greens’. Learn the basics of growing microgreens in your own home, perfect for a sunny windowsill or any well-lit spot.

This workshop will focus on getting you started with growing microgreens – young, edible plants known for their intense flavours and high nutritional value. They’re great as garnishes, in salads, or for adding flavour to various dishes.
You will learn the fundamentals of microgreens, how to plant seeds and maintain healthy growth as well as how to harvest and store.
Participants will receive basic equipment to take home, including microgreen seeds, trays, and growing mediums to kick-start your own growing adventure.
The workshop session will also be supported with an online zoom drop-in clinic in the weeks following the workshop, allowing for troubleshooting and the sharing of experiences with fellow workshop attendees.
We’d love to hear about your journey, so we’ll also reach out to gather your feedback and see how you’re doing.

Facilitator: Aileen Drohan, Walton Institute (SETU) https://waltoninstitute.ie/
Workshop date: Friday 26th July
Time: 10.30am -12.30pm
Venue: Central Library, Lady Lane

Registration: Book your FREE place by calling Central Library on 051 849975. Leave your name, email, and a contact number with a staff member. Places are limited to 15 max.

Interactive Plant Sensor Workshop with Walton Institute and Europe Direct Waterford

Get ready for an exciting and interactive workshop where you’ll learn to connect a plant sensor to your phone via Bluetooth! Discover how to monitor your plant’s health by tracking air temperature, sunlight intensity, soil moisture, and fertility—tailored to each plant’s needs. Learn how to add plants for monitoring and explore free mobile apps to also help you identify plants in your home and garden.
Let your plants communicate their needs to you!

Take-Home Goodies: Participants will receive a potted herb and plant sensor to take home, courtesy of Literacy & Food Education (LEAF) project, especially prepared for you by GIY.
Share Your Progress: We’d love to hear about your journey, so we’ll also reach out to gather your feedback and see how you’re doing.
Facilitator: Aileen Drohan, Walton Institute (SETU) https://waltoninstitute.ie/
Max no. of Participants: 12

Workshop date: Friday 12th July 10.30am-12.30pm
Venue: Research Room, Central Library, Lady Lane.

Registration: Places are limited: Book your FREE place now by calling Central Library on 051 849975. Leave your name, email and a contact number with a staff member.

This workshop is running in partnership with Europe Direct Waterford.

FREE Event for Second Level Students: Mock Elections and Careers in the EU with Beat FM on Tuesday 14 May

Europe Direct Waterford, Eurodesk Waterford and Waterford City & County Council with the support of the Communicating Europe Initiative at the Department of Foreign Affairs would like to invite your school to send a group to our FREE Event: Mock Elections and EU Careers Fair which will take place in City Hall, Waterford on the morning of Tuesday 14 May.

There are two sessions: 9:45am – 11am or 11:15am – 12:30pm

The event is suitable for all second level students and class or year groups can be accommodated.

On the morning:

• Students will “Vote” in The European Elections. There will be polling booths, voting boxes and a live count set up.
• There will be information stands on EU careers and travel opportunities in education employment, training and volunteering.
• Students will be provided with lunch
• Beat FM will be in attendance
• Transport available for schools outside of Walking distance
• The first four schools to sign up will receive a special EU Adventure Pack containing a camera, microphone and a host of EU Resources for the classroom.

To book your free place or find out more you can contact:

Sinead, Europe Direct on sohiggins@waterfordcouncil.ieor by phone on 087 3637119

Amy, Eurodesk onwaterfordyic@wstcys.ieor by phone on 086 381 1739