Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan, welcomed President Catherine Connolly to City Hall today on her first official visit to Waterford.

President Connolly arrived with her husband Brian and her Aide-de-Camp. Mayor Ryan and the Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, Seán McKeown, greeted her at City Hall. Oireachtas members, councillors, senior officials and representatives from community and voluntary organisations gathered to mark the occasion.

In his address, Mayor Ryan praised the President’s lifelong commitment to public service and community engagement. He said her journey to Áras an Uachtaráin remains grounded in real life. He added that she understands public policy “lands in real homes, on real streets, and in real lives.”

The President met organisations that reflect Waterford’s strong tradition of civic participation. Representatives from the Waterford Public Participation Network spoke with her and outlined their work.

She met volunteers from Fiontar Pobail ó Ghaeltacht na nDéise, who sustain community life in the Gaeltacht. She also spoke with members of the Re-a-Suir group and residents from Belvedere Manor.

The visit showcased Waterford’s commitment to inclusion and wellbeing. Parents and advocates behind Ireland’s first Autism Friendly City initiative shared their work with the President. She also met service dog Alva and members of Waterford’s Older Persons’ Council.

Mayor Ryan said: “We are delighted to welcome Uachtaráin na hÉireann to Waterford today. I’m particularly pleased she met the communities and groups that shape this county every day. Waterford meets challenges by working together, and that spirit was clear in every conversation today.”

In her address, President Connolly urged action on climate change and called for strong local leadership. She also warned against the normalisation of war.

“Many solutions to the challenges we face must come from local communities,” she said. “Every sector of society and the economy must act, because climate change affects every part of our lives.”

She also recognised ongoing work across the city and county. She highlighted the regeneration of the North Quays and the Local Economic and Community Plan, which supports a sustainable and vibrant regional economy.

After leaving City Hall, President Connolly visited the BRILL Family Resource Centre in Ballybeg and Millennium Youth Community Services. Tomorrow, she will attend an event at the SETU Arena.