Waterford Area Partnership launch new brand identity: Buíon Phort Láirge

On Friday 26th September Waterford Area Partnership launched a new company brand identity, which includes a name change.

The new brand, Buíon Phort Láirge, is a result of a yearlong process to review, refresh and update the company’s identity to greater reflect its mission of ‘working in collaboration with others to empower communities and individuals by implementing person-centred programmes and activities that support social inclusion and equality”

Buíon is an Irish word for a group or crew of people working together in partnership. The use of Phort Láirge tethers the Company to its geographical location, and its multi-coloured logo mark reflects the diversity of individuals and groups that the company works with.  The tagline “Supporting People & Communities” reflects simply the objective of its work to create opportunities that help tackle the impact of social exclusion and discrimination.



The re-branding project was managed by a Working Group made up of the CEO, Chairperson and a number of staff representatives who worked with the Waterford design agency True Output to develop the new brand identity.

The re-brand launch was attended by Cllr Blaise Hannigan, who deputised for Waterford Mayor Seamus Ryan, Minister Mary Butler TD and Minister John Cummins TD who all spoke of the important role that Buíon, as a Local Development Company, contributes to the people and communities of Waterford.

Catherine O’Neill, the longest standing staff member brought the invited guests back to the formation of the local development company in Waterford in 1996 which has now grown from a staff of 3 then to a staff of over 50 now. A new Board of Directors was put in place in 2021 to steer the company out of a problematic period and its current Cathaoirleach, Eoin Ronayne acknowledged that difficult time, as well as calling on the political representatives present to address the outdated business model of funding which is constrained by short term contracts, a lack of parity with Public Service employees and the risk of staff, skills and experience loss that this brings.

Liam Quinn, CEO stated that “We are modernising our brand identity to reflect the company’s mission, vision, values and objectives.  Buíon Phort Láirge will continue to deliver employment, education, business and community development programmes to diverse individuals and groups in Waterford with a focus on promoting positive change and building thriving and inclusive communities.”