Community

EXCERPT: “This Climate Bill substantially improves the 2015 law, but substantial weaknesses remain that must be fixed by TDs and Senators.” - Oisín Coghlan

Pobal’s voluntary board of directors meet nine times a year and you could be taking part in those meetings if you have a community development background, a good internet connection, and get in an application for board membership by this Friday afternoon. Meetings currently take place via Zoom.

“The M50 is something I hear about on the radio,” says Kristian Sheridan. He works for a global business you might never imagine setting up its Irish HQ in a small town in the West. Yet, it did just that.

Last night, on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day, 'Changing Ireland' met volunteers patrolling with Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention (LTSP).

• A voluntary group set up last year to welcome asylum-seekers to West Clare welcomed the Department of Justice and Equality’s decision in August to close the emergency Direct Provision centre. • On August 12th - the day the closure was announced - the Miltown Malbay Welcome Group thanked Minister Helen McEntee for her prompt action. • Civil society voices who welcomed the move included Clare PPN’s Sarah Clancy, author Ruairi McKiernan, and human rights activist John Lannon.

Editor Allen Meagher recounts his experience during the Covid lockdown. No more than anyone else, he really wasn't prepared for a pandemic.

In 1997, “Community” became a named function of a government department for the first time. It has remained in usage ever since. So how come Minister Heather Humphreys is responsible for two departments, one including Community? Allen Meagher reports:

Here’s a comprehensive analysis of what the proposed Programme for Government says that should concern and interest the many people devoted to community development and social inclusion.