Pictured at the inaugural meeting of the Irish Purple Flag's Network in Dublin were Maureen Fitzsimons, Nick Donnelly and Nicola Kent (Purple Flag Steering Committee).

Pictured at the inaugural meeting of the Irish Purple Flag's Network in Dublin were Maureen Fitzsimons, Nick Donnelly and Nicola Kent (Purple Flag Steering Committee).

A delegation from Waterford joined representatives from across the country at the inaugural meeting of the Irish Purple Flag’s Network in Dublin last week.
The aim of the new network is to share Best Practice for the evening and night-time economy as well as ensuring that Purple Flag is developing in terms of awareness across Ireland.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Waterford Purple Flag Steering Committee, Co-Ordinator Nick Donnelly informed delegates that since attaining Purple Flag status in January of this year, the city has embraced the accolade and continues to work on maintaining and strengthening its reputation as a great place for evening and night-time entertainment.
“Waterford’s evening and night time economy encompasses a wide variety of activities which caters for everyone and helps to create a broad range of appeal which is a fundamental element in the development of our City Centre,” he said.
“Our approach has to be one of partnership and collaboration involving, in particular the businesses in the Purple Flag zone, as well as other key stakeholders such as the Gardaí, City & County Council, Comhairle Na nÓg and the various Business Organisations including Waterford Chamber and the Waterford Business Group.“
While the Purple Flag was awarded to Waterford in January, Mr Donnelly emphasised that the hard work starts now.
“Standards must be maintained and improved on. The adjudicators made a number of recommendations following their visit to Waterford last December and we must now look at implementing the various initiatives so we can retain our accreditation which is recognised not just in Ireland but all over Europe.”
The Waterford Working Group for Purple Flag will hold their next meeting in the Large Room, City Hall on Thursday, July 23rd from 12.30pm.