Waterford rolls out red carpet to new residents

A new initiative aimed at supporting people moving to the heart of west Waterford has been launched.

Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber have developed a ‘welcome pack’ to support people moving to the town. The aim is to provide key information and contacts to help people settling in feel comfortable and part of the community.

CEO of Dungarvan Chamber of Commerce Jenny Beresford said: “I decided we would try and put together a welcome pack that would include absolutely everything a person needs to know to feel part of the community and feel a sense of place when they get here.

“It’s got absolutely everything and it’s one of those ‘Why didn’t we do it sooner?’ because it is so simple,” she added.

The welcome pack took about three months to compile and Ms Beresford consulted a number of people who have moved to Dungarvan, from within Ireland and overseas, to ensure the information is practical, up-to-date and useful.

The physical pack will be launched tomorrow, Tuesday, by Waterford hurler Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh.

It will be available through a number of businesses and offices in the area as well as the library, tourist and chamber offices and from AIB.

The pack, separated into different sections, contains a wide range of information from essential contact numbers to community groups and activities.

Ms Beresford said: “We have the Moving to Dungarvan section so that’s if you’re moving here how to get sorted and includes real estate agents, solicitors, banks and financials, bed and breakfast and self- catering guest houses.

“If you’re getting set up then you might need an architect, or building contractor, or landscape person, plumbers, electricians, domestic appliance repair, oil and fuel providers, you’d need hardware and electricals so that’s anything from building to moving in to a fully kitted-out place you still need bits and pieces.

“Settling in is the next category so there’s emergency services, civic offices, grocery stores, service stations, garages, launderettes, clothes’ alterations, library and information, churches, gyms, salons and barbers.

“We also have a transport category and healthcare, which includes hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, dentists, opticians, care facilities, and then we’ve got childcare, education and training, which includes childcare, parent and toddler groups, primary and secondary schools, school supplies, after-school programmes, third-level and further education and evening classes.”