GALWAY County Council Housing Section staff pictured inside the newly refurbished community facility at the Tuam Halting Site. Back row: Damien Mitchell, Nigel Joyce, Enda Walsh and Eamonn Fleming. Front row: Angela Feeney and Nuala Heffernan. Picture: Aengus McMahon.

Refurbished community facility opens at Tuam halting site

A NEWLY refurbished community facility has been officially opened at the Tuam Halting Site.

It will provide a dedicated space for training programmes, information sessions, meetings, consultations and other community activities.

The facility has been refurbished through a collaboration between Galway County Council and Traveller organisation Brú Bríde. It was funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund.

“The community facility provides a dedicated space where Travellers and representatives from various organisations can come together to meet and collaborate,” stated Galway County Council Cathaoirleach Andrew Reddington.

“It will provide opportunities for information sharing, community activities and engagement, while creating a welcoming environment where people can access information, advice and support.”

The official opening was attended by members of Galway County Council’s Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee, elected representatives, representatives of Brú Bríde, council staff and members of the local community.

Damien Mitchell, Director of Housing with Galway County Council, believes the facility will provide an important space for Travellers, Traveller organisations and local services to work together.

“We hope that it will become a well-used and valued resource for the community, supporting engagement, information sessions and activities,” stated Mr Mitchell.

“The facility reflects the importance of partnership, community participation and working together to support the needs of the local community.”

The new facility will also provide opportunities for residents to take part in educational and training programmes, facilitated by Brú Bríde and the Family Resource Centre.

It also hoped the newly opened facility will help to strengthen links between the local community and support services.