Déise Today

The Low Pay Commission is expected to recommend the increase of the minimum wage by 5% in the next Budget. This would bring the current wage of €13.50 an hour to over €14 an hour. Cormac Cronin Owner of Bodega in Waterford city and Finbar Filan, Chair of Irish Small and Medium Businesses spoke to Damien today (Friday) on 'Déise Today' about how the increase would impact businesses in hospitality a...

A Garda review into the disappearance of Imelda Keenan in Waterford City in January 1994 has concluded without an upgrade, leaving her family frustrated and heartbroken. Imelda, originally from Mountmellick, County Laois, was 22 when she was last seen on Lombard Street. She had moved to Waterford and was living with her boyfriend at the time. Despite extensive searches and decades of campaigning b...

After experiencing concerning sudden pains in his arm and chest, 17-year-old Ferrybank hurler Conor Haley went to A&E where it was discovered that he had a hole in his heart. It came as a shock to the young athlete, who had been a hurler his whole life, training at least three nights a week. Apart from occasional difficulty with running pace and a series of minor injuries, Conor had no other s...

132 apartments, a major technology park, and a 40-megawatt solar farm are just some of the plans being proposed for the former Kilmeaden Cheese factory site in County Waterford. A planning application has been lodged with Waterford City and County Council for a ten-year permission to redevelop the 109-hectare site. It is one of the most extensive planning applications ever to come to council,secon...

A SPECIAL meeting of Waterford council takes place on Sept 19 next to allow prospective Presidential candidates address the council to canvass support. As was reported by WLR in recent days, it's expected controversial former MMA fighter Conor McGregor will be amongst those seeking to meet the members. Waterford Councillors Adam Wyse, Jason Murphy and Joe Kelly spoke to Damien this morning (Monday...

Laura Cronin, a post-primary teacher with significant experience in mainstream and Special Education Needs (SEN) settings is calling for a serious overhaul of the teacher recruitment process in Ireland. She says that despite the media's claim that there is a severe shortage in her subject areas such as Home Economics, positions in the Southeast or nationwide are non-existent. With nine years of ex...

One Waterford's aerial friends has returned after 200 years! Chairman of 'Waterford for Nature' John Power spoke to Damien this morning (Wednesday) on 'Déise Today' about the groundbreaking return of the white-tailed eagle to Waterford. John details the first successful breeding of these magnificent birds in 200 years, while explaining the journey of the eagles, their habitats, and the significanc...

Leading Health Insurance Expert Dermot Goode spoke to Damien this morning (Monday) on 'Déise Today' to discuss listener queries about healthcare plans and to offer advice on how to save money. Listen back as Dermot delves deep into the details of different schemes, ensuring that people are aware of what they're covered for. To hear about the complexities of health cover and what might best suit yo...

Today is WLR's Autism Awareness Day, and as a result, mothers Melissa Wall and Jennifer Roche joined Damien this morning (Thursday) on 'Déise Today' to speak about the reality of raising autistic children. Melissa and Jennifer spoke about how proud they were to finally send their autistic children to school, but they also touch on the challenges they have faced in navigating severe behavioural cha...

Businesses in Waterford have been participating in Disability Training locally, which is aimed at making workplaces more inclusive for all. The training is delivered by Waterford Area Partnership, and the most recent session took place yesterday in the Viking Hotel. WLR's Kieran Foley attended and began by speaking to Jamie Power, the co-ordinator of the WorkAbility programme with Waterford Area P...

Qualified Pet Bereavement Counsellor Ann Marie Troy spoke to Maria McCann this morning (Thursday) on 'Déise Today' about the often misunderstood grief surrounding the loss of a beloved pet. She talks about the importance of allowing oneself to grieve, acknowledging feelings of guilt, and the personal nature of each individual’s grieving journey. To listen back to this heartfelt conversation, click...

Currently recovering at University Hospital Waterford, Michael Keating opens up about the consequences of neglecting his health, leading to the amputation of both feet. Micheal spoke to Maria McCann this morning (Wednesday) on 'Déise Today' about not taking his Diabetes diagnoses seriously, sharing his deeply personal journey and the challenges he's faced in order to warn others. Listen back to th...

The Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon told the Independent Pandemic Evaluation Panel that children suffered disproportionately as a result of restrictive measures implemented by the State during the pandemic. He outlined that the closure of schools for prolonged periods, the shutting down of playgrounds, cancellation of sports and other activities, and other mobility restrictions significant...

Get your swimming togs ready for this weekend as temperatures are set to hit 25 degrees nearing heatwave levels! Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel spoke to Maria McCann this morning (Thursday) on 'Déise Today' about where the warm weather and what can be expected in Waterford. While today might be overcast, the sun is expected to break through this afternoon, setting the stage for a beau...

Psychotherapist, Author and Mental Health Lecturer Colman Noctor spoke to Maria McCann on 'Déise Today' this morning (Thursday) about pressures facing parents and students during the back to school season. Colman emphasises the importance of recognising the emotional struggles kids may face, whether it be related to peers, academic pressures, or the school environment itself. Tune in to hear exper...

Speaking to Maria McCann this morning (Wednesday) on 'Déise Today', newly elected Mayor of Waterford City and County Councillor Seamus Ryan spoke about what he has been up to during his first 6 weeks as mayor and people he has met across the community. He also detailed some of the what Waterford City and County Council plans to focus on in coming years. The council have a Capital Programme totalli...

This morning (Wednesday) on 'Déise Today', Maria McCann spoke to Adam, who is on a desperate search to find a new home for his family in the weeks ahead. For over two years, Adam and his partner have faced the daunting challenge of securing a place to live for their four kids while navigating the unforgiving Irish rental market. Adam shares the emotional toll of their search, the discrimination th...

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases diagnosed annually, according to a recent report by the Institute of Public Health (IPH). Minister of State for Public Health Jennifer Murnane O’Connor launched a public consultation on a potential ban on commercial sunbed use in Ireland in an attempt to address and combat the concerning data found in the report. Dara...

This Morning (Monday) on 'Déise Today', Waterford Driving Instructor Richie Roberts joined Maria McCann in studio to share his extensive insights gathered from nearly three decades on the road and in particular, the alarming rise in aggressive driver behaviour. He spoke about witnessing an increasing lack of civility behind the wheel, and how this shift in attitudes can lead to dangerous situation...

It's that time of year again - it's back to school season! Kids and teenagers alike face nerves, excitement and anticipation, while parents face a huge financial strain with a requirement of at least €725 for primary school kids and over €1,000 for secondary students. Suzanne Connolly, CEO of Barnardos, spoke to Maria McCann on 'Déise Today' this morning (Monday) about budgeting for back-to-school...

A fascinating, hard hitting and revealing series of interviews with three young men who work in the fitness business in Waterford. Jamie, Ian and Ross talk to Damien Tiernan in this exclusive podcast about their life, the drugs they took in the past, and the wonderful drug of healing, life and hope as they chart their paths for the future. Their stories come from the heart, and they're great for t...

Independent TD for Cork North Central Ken O’Flynn has criticised the government for refusing to exempt gratuities from income tax. He is quoted saying that "Taxing tips is petty and profoundly unfair — the Government must scrap it". Deputy O’Flynn is now calling for a full exemption from PAYE, USC and PRSI for all genuine customer gratuities. Anna Kissane, college student completing her work exper...

Mark Graham and Ellie O'Byrne are making history and testing boundaries on their phenomenal global tour! The couple set off from the Prom in Tramore, County Waterford, on February 1st of this year and have since been cycling East across the world. Mark and Ellie spoke to Damien on 'Déise Today' this morning (Thursday) from China, their 13th destination, about their journey across the Silk Road, th...

Senthill Ramasamy spoke to Damien this morning (Wednesday) on 'Déise Today' about the vibrant Indian community in Waterford, highlighting cultural celebrations and the importance of integration of diverse nationalities in light of recent racist attacks in Dublin. Senthill speaks about why education is so important in order to build stronger ties within the community. To listen back to their conver...

A section of Waterford's 900-year-old Norman walls has been removed and destroyed as part of an act of vandalism. Fianna Fáil representative Eamon Quinlan spoke to Damien this morning (Tuesday) on 'Déise Today' about the vandalism incidents that have seen damage caused to the Priory, the Quaker Tombstones and the Walls by Wyse Park. Delving into the history behind the walls, Councillor Quinlan exp...