AGM 2017

Issues and solutions for rural communities, Community CCTV, our new app – Cairde, and more……

Guest speakers including Pat Spillane and Minister Sean Kyne

We are looking forward to an exciting and informative AGM for 2017. This event is open to the public (except for the formal AGM). It will be held on Saturday 9th September 2017 in Ballacolla Community Centre, Co Laois. We are very grateful to our sponsors, Community Finance Ireland, for their help in supporting this event.

Details of the event are below.

Workshops on Cairde, the new Muintir na Tire community app, will take place in the ante room at 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00.

Directions:

Exit M8 Motorway at Junction 3, towards Abbeyleix. Approximately 3km Clough/Ballacolla GAA club is on the left-hand side. The Centre is behind the GAA pitch.

Press Release:

Community CCTV and the new app, CÁIRDE, will be among the items up for discussion at this year’s AGM of Muintir na Tire, which is being held as part of a wider event that will be open to the public. It will be held in Ballacolla Community Centre, Co. Laois, on Saturday, September 9, at 12:30pm.

“The event will be practical and informative, and should appeal greatly to all community groups, particularly rural ones,” said Niall Garvey, Muintir na Tire CEO.

There will be a panel on the issues facing communities and their solutions. Legendary Kerry footballer, TV analyst, and Ambassador for the Action Plan for Rural Development Pat Spillane, and Minister Sean Kyne, who has responsibility for rural affairs, will be part of the panel. “The discussion is expected to be frank and forthright,” said Garvey.

There will also be a focus on community CCTV. “This is very topical right now, especially with the recent announcement of €3 million in grant aid available, but many groups do not know where to start.
“Our panel will have representatives from An Garda Síochána; a local authority; and a community group that made the journey. This will provide a great starting point for any interested group,” said Garvey.

“We will also have a number of exhibitors, including Muintir community councils and Community Alert groups demonstrating how they have successfully completed their own projects. Several CCTV suppliers will also be exhibiting, as will other service providers, including Pobal, which will provide information on the Seniors Alert Scheme – pendant alarms,” said the CEO.

“Muintir na Tire will also be previewing our new app: CÁIRDE, before its formal launch later this month. It is the new Muintir na Tíre service designed to connect, secure and empower communities. It works on the principles that there is safety in numbers, and people want to help each other.
“It connects local people, family, friends and neighbours so they can provide help and assistance to each other in times of need,” said Garvey.

“We are very grateful to Community Finance Ireland for their support in this event. All in all, there will be something here for anybody with an interest in community matters”, summarised Muintir National President, Michael Sweeney.