Community

Little Free Libraries are now to be found dotted around the country, giving people the chance to take a book at their leisure or to leave books behind for others, but where are they coming from? The Little Free Library is a global phenomenon that began in the US state of Wisconsin in 2009 when the late Todd Bol built the first Little Free Library outside his house.

Spuds are now growing overhead after the official opening on October 20 of Galway City Partnership’s rooftop balcony garden on the Headford Road. Situated high above Lidl and with a commanding view of the Corrib and across the city, the roof area has been transformed into an urban oasis of tasty and organic vegetables, including carrots, broccoli, spinach and spuds and a variety of herbs and salads. There is even a fig tree in the rooftop greenhouse.

Change is said to be the only constant and across the country a number of local development companies have changed their names in recent times, to more accurately reflect what they do today. Here, we look at three organisations that rebranded and renamed themselves this year.

What’s in a name? Or more to the point, what's in a title? Well, when the title is CEO it can be quite a lot, or that is the view of some in a sector that has increasingly borrowed from the language of the corporate world.

What was Waterford Area Partnership until late September is now Buíon Phort Láirge, the name change reflecting an organisation that has rebuilt and expanded...

Jerry Buttimer, the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, today addressed the situation that community worker Sarah Clancy and other Irish citizens who have been detained by Israeli authorities while attempting to sail to Gaza find themselves in. He said international law applies to all of us, including Israel, and expressed concern for Sarah and others.

SICAP beneficiaries and community voices took centre stage today in celebrating the achievements of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) at a showcase event opened by Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer. Almost 250 delegates from Local Development Companies, City and County Councils, the Community and Voluntary sector and national representative organisations were in attendance.

Sarah Clancy, a well-known community worker based in Co. Clare, was among the Irish contingent sailing to Gaza with aid who were abducted in international waters last night by Israeli armed forces. She was sailing on board the Spectre along with Senator Chris Andrews and others, when attacked. Sarah has given staunch service to communities across Ireland over many years.