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.
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:
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
On Friday 19th April, Europe Direct Waterford staff attended a European Parliament election hustings event in SETU chaired by Gerry Arthurs, Lecturer in International Relations & Politics SETU.
The Panel consisted of
• Grace O’Sullivan MEP, Green Party
• Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, representing Fianna Fáil in Ireland South in upcoming European Elections
• Kathleen Funchion TD, Sinn Fein
• John Mullins, Fine Gael
Europe Direct Staff provided information to attendees and passing students about living, working, and studying in Europe, at their stand along with handing out some great EU merchandise.
Caoilan Walsh and class mates – De La Salle school and winner of the 17 and over Europe Direct Waterford Soapbox speaking Competition 2023.
Teachers / Youth Leaders!
Booking now open for: Get Inspired, Get Involved, Get Skilled
FREE European Year of Skills Event for young people (aged 15+)
2023 is The European Year of Skills. This event will focus on skills and how they can be acquired. Listen to young people speaking about European opportunities they have engaged in and then you can ask our expert panel anything!
Having a workforce with in-demand skills is important for long-term sustainable growth and competitiveness. It will also ensure that the green and digital transitions are socially fair and just.
Join us on Monday 4 December from 10:30am – 12:30pm in The Theatre Royal Waterford and get inspired, get involved, get skilled.
FREE but booking essential as places limited:
Booking Form: https://forms.office.com/e/RwzsUPwgHG
First Round Bookings limited to 40 per school / Youth Project. Preference will be given to Senior Cycle Students and young people 15+
Speakers include:
Chair Tia Weldon, Waterford Comhairle na nÓg Chairperson
Mayor of Waterford Cllr. Joe Conway
Grace O’Sullivan, MEP
Erasmus+ Youth Exchange Participants from Youthreach & Farronshoneen Centre
Andrzej Zalecki Erasmus+ Study Student, SETU
Tara Fitzgerald, European Solidarity Corps Volunteer
Craig McCarthy, Profession Boxer
Liza and Alena – Ukrainian residents
Live Music by Music Generation, Waterford Fern Hope & Washed Out
Young people will get an opportunity throughout the event to text through questions for the panel.
Expert Panel with Moderator Mara Matthews,
Amy Doherty, Eurodesk Youth information Youth Worker (WSTCYS)
Sinead Day, International Affairs Manager South East Technological University (SETU)
Emma Jordan, WWETB Apprenticeship Training Advisor
Katie Lowry, Creative Europe Desk Ireland
Performance from special guest Yung Shakur
This event is organised by Waterford Youth Info Centre, Eurodesk Ireland, Europe Direct Waterford and Waterford Libraries. For more information please contact: info@wstcys.ie. Take-Away Lunch included
Have your say at this year’s Europe Direct Soapbox competition and be in with a chance to win an iPad, sponsored by the European Commission Representation.
We are excited to announce that this year’s Annual Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition is back in person! To be in with a chance to win a great prize, and represent your region in the national competition, please fill in the application form and return it via email to boshea@waterfordcouncil.ie and richardpower@waterfordcouncil.ie A librarian will issue you with a confirmation of receipt email. Please do contact Central Library on 051 849975 if you don’t receive an email.
Date and venue of the regional Final:
The final of the Regional Soapbox debate will take place on Wednesday 22nd November at 10am in the Large Room, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.
Please Note:
Entrants are invited to deliver a three minute speech for or against the topic: “There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter” – Barack Obama.
In today’s turbulent times, it is more important than ever to build a better future by voting in the EU Parliament Elections.
Contestants will compete in one of two categories: Ages 16 & under OR Ages 17 & over.
The winner of each category will be announced on the day of the event and will be invited to attend the National final with a chance to compete for One4All vouchers to the value of €1,000.
The provisional date and venue for the National final is Monday 27th November in the Royal College of Physicians. (Time to be confirmed).
To Enter:
Be sure to read through the Europe Direct Soapbox rules first!
To register your entry please CLICK HERE FOR THE Europe Direct Soapbox Application 2023 & Europe Direct Soapbox Rules 2023
Email your entry form to boshea@waterfordcouncil.ie and richardpower@waterfordcouncil.ie or post to Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre, Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford.
Tick the Europe Direct Soapbox Checklist 2023 to ensure that the application form is filled in and signed appropriately.
Closing Date for application form entries: Monday 20/11 by 4.30pm
For more information contact the Europe Direct Centre at Central Library on: 051 849975
Prizes are sponsored by the European Commission Representation in Ireland
The term soapbox originates in the use of an empty crate as a platform by speakers to give speeches, often impromptu, to passers-by from around the turn of the last century. The most famous location for soapbox oratory is Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, London, which has been a setting for public speaking since the 1870s.
Central Library was delighted to host Europe Direct Waterford’s Repair and Recycle workshop on Saturday the 24th of June. 12 participants took part in the free workshop, which was part of a project run in partnership with Walton Institute, SETU following on from a very successful Clothes Swap in Central Library on Wednesday 21st of June. The multi-talented Caroline O’Toole, Fashion Graduate, Sewing Skills tutor and Childrenswear designer facilitated the workshop.
Each participant brought an item of clothing to the event and learned how to alter and upcycle clothes, including how to resize jeans, upcycle a fitted skirt into a camisole, add a fringe to the bottom of a dress, ladder stitch a rip in a dress, replace the waistband of jeans with a stretch waistband.
Feedback on the day was very positive with participants enjoying the warm and friendly atmosphere as well as the opportunity to learn and develop new sustainable skills.
Celebrate International Women’s Day 2023 with Europe Direct Waterford, Waterford Libraries and Waterford Integration Services at Waterford’s 4th Global Women’s Conference which will take place in The Theatre Royal Waterford on Wednesday 8 March from 10:30am – 12noon.
The International Women’s Day 2023 campaign theme is #EmbraceEquity. The Conference, which is free and open to all, will focus on gender equity. Equity means creating a fair and equal world, challenging gender stereotypes, calling out discrimination, drawing attention to bias, and seeking out inclusion.
Keynote Speakers on the morning will include Dr. Ebun Joseph, Director Institute of Antiracism and Black Studies and Chairperson of the African Scholars Association Ireland (AFSAI) and Ojeaku Nwabuzo, Director (Policy, Advocacy, and Network Development), European Network Against Racism (ENAR).
Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ali Comerford will open the event, there will be poetry from Natalia Ruda and Singer Songwriter Yinashe will close the morning with her original songs.
Also speaking are Obianuju Ekedozie, Chair of Waterford Migrant Integration Forum, Jen Harris, CEO of Slí The Waterford Sustainable Living Initiative, Dr. Méabh Savage, South East Technological University (SETU).
WLR Journalist Dymphna Nugent will talk about Local Projects with our panel: Mary McInerney, Schools Education Worker Mincéirí Port Láirge, Karen Reilly, Community Development Worker Mincéirí Port Láirge, Nicola Tull, Renew Enterprises, Debbie O’Rourke, Community Youth Worker with Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service and Usomine Oshiogwemoh, Local Training Initiatives (LTI) Programme.
Author and climate Activist Dr. Lorna Gold will be interviewed by Grainne Kennedy, Waterford Council’s Climate Action Coordinator and Anne Nolan from Waterford Integration Service will MC the event.
All are welcome to attend this free event but booking is essential – Search for “Waterford’s 4th Global Women’s Conference” on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/waterfords-4th-annual-global-womens-conference-tickets-524757974227 or call into your local library for more details.
#EmbraceEquity #IDW2023
What a day we had on Monday 12th December!
Over 300 young people gathered in the Theatre Royal Waterford on Monday 12th December for our European Year of Youth – Make your Voice Heard event organised by Europe Direct, Waterford, Waterford Sustainable Living Initiative, Wyi Waterford and Waterford City and County Libraries.
We listened to youth activists and young people involved in a wide variety of EU funded projects. We spoke about fake news, climate action and the importance of listening to Ireland’s young people. Music Generation Waterford brought some amazing young musicians.
Huge thank you to all the young people and their teachers and youth leaders who braved the cold weather to attend. We are already planning next year!
Photographs by Davi Matheson.
Europe Direct Waterford this week announced the regional winners in this year’s Annual Soapbox Speechmaking Competition. Waterford student Aoife O’Connor from Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School was the winner in the 16 and under category and Wexford student Aidan Kehoe from Good Counsel College, New Ross was victorious in the 17 and over category. Both received a prize of an Apple iPad Air from the European Commission Representation in Ireland.
Aoife and Aidan competed against entrants throughout the region who all spoke for three minutes on the topic “Is Europe listening to its young people?” – a very relevant topic during 2022 which is the European Year of Youth. Both Aoife and Aidan have secured a place in the National Final where they will represent their region against regional winners from all over Ireland.
Head of the Regional Soapbox Judging Panel, Gerry Arthurs, Lecturer in International Relations & Politics at SETU congratulated both winners and said: “The standard of entries was exceptionally high, making the judging process a challenging – but also very rewarding, informative and encouraging exercise. The judges would like to thank all who took the time to research, record and to submit their entries. Your efforts give us reassurance that your generation will not fail to engage with, and to critique, the policies and actions that will shape the world in which we all have to share. We would also like to thank and to acknowledge the teachers who helped facilitate the entries, and to those in the higher age categories who took the time and the effort to participate.”
The National Soapbox competition is run through seven Europe Direct Centres based in public libraries throughout Ireland and is an initiative of the European Commission Representation in Ireland. The competition always showcases a unique mix of views on the topic and reminds us that debate and discussion remain at the heart of European democracy.
Europe Direct Waterford is part of a community of 424 Europe Direct centres around Europe. Their purpose is to reinforce the important connection between the EU institutions and citizens, providing timely and factual information on European matter and events while coordinating with other EU networks in the region to ensure easier local access to information for citizens, organisations and businesses. Europe Direct Waterford is run from Central Library in Waterford City.
Europe Direct Waterford would like to wish Aoife and Aidan good luck ahead of the National Soapbox Final where contestants will compete for the National title and Prize of €1000. The final will be uploaded to the Libraries Ireland YouTube channel on Monday 19th December at 11am. Libraries Ireland – YouTube
You can view the winning Regional entries on the Europe Direct YouTube Channel at: https://youtu.be/xI_u6f07z3k
Europe Direct Waterford joined forces with the Southern Regional Assembly to create and present the EU in my Region exhibition which is lit up in the eleven windows of Central Library.
The EU in my Region exhibition details the stories of 10 EU projects in the region, giving a snapshot of the type of work that both Europe Direct Waterford and the Southern Regional Assembly are involved in. Stories include a Citizen’s Dialogue on Social Enterprise in Dunhill, Waterford’s first Global Women’s conference, a Christmas decoration exchange between primary schools through the EU, the building of the Applemarket and the Celtic routes tourism project.
The exhibition is illuminated in the windows of Central Library, Lady Lane, so can be viewed up to 11pm each evening by passersby.
Congratulations to the Regional Winners of this year’s Europe Direct Soapbox Competition. The Waterford winners received their prizes this week of iPads from Libraries Ireland.
Pictured with their teacher Patrick O’ Dwyer are Ross Anderson and Shane Burke from Dungarvan CBS, Co. Waterford.
The National Soapbox competition is run through seven Europe Direct Centres based in public libraries throughout Ireland and is an initiative of the European Commission Representation in Ireland. The competition always showcases a unique mix of views on the topic and reminds us that debate and discussion remain at the heart of European democracy.
Europe Direct Waterford is part of a community of 424 Europe Direct centres around Europe. Their purpose is to reinforce the important connection between the EU institutions and citizens, providing timely and factual information on European matter and events while coordinating with other EU networks in the region to ensure easier local access to information for citizens, organisations and businesses. Europe Direct Waterford is run from Central Library in Waterford City.
View the Waterford Regional Winning Videos:
View the National Europe Direct Soapbox Competition Final:
Waterford Integration Services and Europe Direct Waterford are pleased to invite you to an event org
anised in partnership with IOM Ireland, (International Organisation for Migration), to raise awareness of the Undocumented living in Waterford and the Southeast of Ireland.
As humanitarian organisations we respond to issues of discrimination and exploitation of certain groups when trying to access employment and enterprise opportunities and other services. In recent times the Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the inequalities, disparities, and discrimination that the undocumented face when seeking access to services and employment or when trying to exercise their right to a safe and secure workplace.
Through our various services and programmes, we support excluded and marginalised groups, and contribute to social cohesion and policy development. Through this plenary and online event, we want to raise awareness of the plight of the undocumented and provide a forum for dialogue and information exchange.
It will feature contributions by a range of guest speakers and representations from civil society organisations.
Register at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/hidden-migrants-the-undocumented-tickets-191989554927
Hosted by Europe Direct, Waterford
Waterford is the location for one of seven new generation EUROPE DIRECT Centres
Europe Direct Waterford was delighted to receive news this week that it has been selected to continue as a Europe Direct Centre as part of the new Generation EUROPE DIRECT. Europe Direct Waterford looks forward to celebrating Europe Day this Sunday 9 May by joining with organisations throughout Europe in recognising our shared role in the European Project.
Join us at @eudirect on facebook and twitter this Sunday at 10am when we release three short videos made with our partners at Waterford Sustainable Living Initiative highlighting the important role of the EU in our lives: The EU and You; The Green New Deal; and Youth to Action.
Seven new generation EUROPE DIRECT centres started their work in Ireland on Tuesday 4 May after the European Commission announced the revamping of its network of information and communication points around Europe at the end of last week. These centres will bring the European Union, its policies and values to Ballinasloe, Blanchardstown, Clones, Letterkenny, Portlaoise, Sligo and Waterford.
They are part of a community of 424 Europe Direct centres around Europe whose purpose is to reinforce the important connection between EU institutions and citizens, helping to explain how Europe is combating the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting recovery through NextGenerationEU, and tackling the green and digital transitions.
The new Europe Direct network will continue to provide timely and factual information on European matters, but will also seek to engage with citizens regarding the state and future of the European Union. Seeing their role and mandate modernised, the new generation of Europe Direct centres will organise citizens’ dialogues and participatory events, for example for the Conference on the Future of Europe. They will offer relevant information on EU policies and priorities to local media and multipliers, and involve them in their activities. They will also help the Commission keep track of local sensitivities linked to EU policies. The new centres will equally promote active European citizenship in schools and coordinate with other EU networks in the regions, ensuring easier local access to information for citizens, organisations and businesses.
Andy Klom, acting Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland said: “Europe Direct centres play a key role facilitating people’s easy communication with the European institutions but they can also help citizens have a powerful voice in the ongoing EU-wide conversation on the future of Europe to which everyone is invited and every opinion matters. I wish every success to the new generation of Europe Direct centres in Ireland and they can always rely in their important work on the full support of the European Commission Representation in Ireland”.
Europe Direct Waterford is run from Central Library in Waterford City.
Virtual Visit to the European Commission, Brussels on the New European Bauhaus and Social Enterprise
On Tuesday 23 March a delegation from Waterford City & County Council, Waterford Institute of Technology and Waterford Social Enterprise Network made a virtual visit to the European Commission to discuss The New European Bauhaus and the Circular Economy.
We spoke with William Neale, Adviser for Circular Economy, Directorate-General for Environment and Ruth Reichstein, IDEA (Inspire, Debate, Engage and Accelerate Action).
Thank you to European Commission Representation in Ireland for helping us organise the visit through Europe Direct Waterford. We are looking forward to starting our New European Bauhaus journey.
To view presentations delivered during the virtual visit see the links below
Presentations:
Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre is delighted to present a Q&A with Stefan De Keersmaecker, EU Commission Spokesperson for Health, Food Safety and Transport.
This interview is part of a series of pre-recorded Interviews by four Europe Direct Centres in Ireland, Blanchardstown, Clones, and Waterford. The series focuses on Covid 19 Vaccination from a National, Scientific and European perspective. It is entitled Europe Direct: Questions & Answers on Covid-19 Vaccination.
In this interview Stefan De Keersmaecker, European Commission Spokesperson for Health, Food Safety and Transport, answers questions on Vaccination from a European standpoint. Topics included are: The Common European Response to the pandemic; Logistical challenges to distributing the vaccine to the member states; Speed with which the vaccines were developed while ensuring their safety and effectiveness; Criteria used when determining which vaccines to purchase; Exploring other Vaccines for future use; Bringing the pandemic under control.
Watch the Interview Here:
Interview by Breda O’Shea from Europe Direct Waterford, Central Library, Waterford City. Recorded on Tuesday 16 March 2021.
For more information about Covid 19 vaccination in Ireland, visit the HSE website: https://www2.hse.ie/covid-19-vaccine
The HSELive COVID-19 Helpline is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Lo-call: 1850 24 1850.
For more information about Covid 19 Vaccination from a European perspective, visit the European Commission website: https://ec.europa.eu/info/index_en
Europe Direct Waterford is delighted to announce that the winner of the Europe Direct National Soapbox Final, in the 19 and over Category, is our own Regional Winner Jen Harris! Gerard Kiely Head of the European Commission took great pleasure in announcing the winners and stressed that the calibre this year was very high despite being in a different format.
The event was online this year where each of the 15 finalists from 8 Europe Direct Centres countrywide, were judged on their three minute videos, to make their case for or against the theme ‘Everyone wants to go back to the pre-Covid way of life’. Jen Harris unanimously convinced the judges with her brilliant entry.
The overall winner of the 18 and under Category is Orla Devlin from Europe Direct Sligo. Well done to Jen Harris and to everyone who entered this year’s regional and final competitions.
If you haven’t already seen the final and you wish to, the link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oTC4-ZmvPw&feature=youtu.be
Congratulations to the Waterford Europe Direct Regional Soapbox Winners 2020.
Emma McMahon is the winner of the 18 and under category and Jen Harris of the 19 and over category. Congratulations to them both, the standard was particularly high this year. Their videos have been put forward for the National Soapbox Final.
A national panel of judges will review regional winning entries from around the country in advance of the national final which will take place on Wednesday 9th December, 2020 at 11:00 AM. All regional winner entries will be played and the winners of the grand prize of €1000 for each category will be announced live during the event.
We would like to wish Emma and Jen the very best of luck with their very impressive entries! The link to the National Soapbox Final is:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oTC4-ZmvPw&feature=youtu.be
If you would like to view Waterford Regional Winners before then the link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYOHQ4lh640&feature=youtu.be
This year the Annual Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition took place online.
Entrants competed in two categories (18 and under & 19 and over) and were invited to deliver a three minute speech, recorded on video, for or against the topic: Everyone wants to go back to the pre-Covid way of life.
Waterford Regional heat winners will be announced on Wednesday 2 December at 10am with special messages from Ireland South MEPs, Grace O’Sullivan and Sean Kelly.
A big thank you to our judges Una Kealy, Conor Nolan and Jim Lenane.
(This event will last 17 minutes).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYOHQ4lh640&feature=youtu.be
Annual Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition
This year the Annual Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition will take place online.
To be in with a chance to win an iPad mini and represent your region in the national competition, all you have to do is record a three minute video for or against the soapbox topic:
“Everyone wants to go back to the pre-Covid way of life”
The winner will receive an iPad mini and their video will be submitted to represent their region at the national competition where there will be a prize of €1000.
Please note:
All completed entries should be sent to:
All entries must be received before 12 noon on Friday 20th November.
Contact your local Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre for full details.
Europe Direct Soapbox Application 2020
Europe Direct Soapbox Rules 2020
Building a Social Economy Ecosystem in Waterford
Wednesday 4 November 11:00 AM – 12 Noon GMT Online
Join our expert panel who will discuss the development of social enterprises in Waterford City & County outlining the practical supports available as well as looking at the importance of building a peer support network.
The panel will discuss how best social enterprises can be developed and supported from the bottom up and identify challenges at local, national and EU level.
Speakers:
Grace O’Sullivan, MEP
Liz Riches & Nicola Kent, Waterford Area Partnership / Waterford Social Enterprise Network
Anne Nolan, Waterford Integration Services
Richard Gavin, Department of Rural and Community Development
Chair: Felicity Kelliher, School of Business, Waterford Institute of Technology
This event has been chosen as one of the 2020 European Social Economy Regions (ESER) partner events and is organised by Europe Direct Waterford, Waterford Social Enterprise Network and Waterford Institute of Technology.
Book your FREE Place:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/creating-a-social-economy-ecosystem-in-waterford-tickets-125207277337
Join us for Virtual Europe Day
Saturday 9 May from 10:00am – 11:00am
@eudirect on facebook and twitter
Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre will mark Europe Day virtually this Saturday 9 May on our Twitter and Facebook pages from 10:00am – 11:00am and we would like you and your communities to join with us on:
Using the #EuropeDay hashtag. Europe Day is celebrated every year on 9 May. The date marks the anniversary of the historical ‘Schuman declaration’. At a speech in Paris in 1950, Robert Schuman, the then French foreign minister, set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable. This marked the beginning of what is now the European Union.
Virtual Europe Day Schedule
10:00am – 10:20am Europe Day and the European Parliament
Introduction from Sinead O’Higgins, Waterford Europe Direct
10:20am – 10:40am Europe Direct and Europe in the Regions
10:40am – 11:00am Europe Workings for you Careers and useful resources
To overcome the current Covid-19 crisis, it is vital to work together, including at a European level. Europe Day is an opportunity to reflect on the benefits of such co-operation, not least terms of the EU actions to facilitate access to vital medical supplies, limit the social and economic damage of the pandemic, and repatriate Irish citizens stuck overseas. EU membership has brought, and will continue to bring, many direct benefits to Ireland and our daily lives, and help lay the basis for a sustainable recovery.
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 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. You can contact europedirect@waterfordcouncil.ie for more information.
Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre,
Central Library,
Lady Lane,
Waterford City.
051 849975
Follow Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre on Twitter
Find the Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre on Facebook
You must be logged in to post a comment.