Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD) has had a busy few weeks with an even busier few months ahead.
The organisation will hold its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 30th October at 7.30pm in the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub, Society Street (H53 TH24). The AGM is open to all members and interested residents, with updates on the Enterprise buildings in Creagh & Society Street, Ballinasloe Life Magazine, and the many community projects spearheaded by BACD. Those wishing to attend are asked to register in advance by emailing info@bacd.ie
BACD has marked a significant milestone by becoming one of the first social enterprises in Ireland to secure People & Planet First Verification. This international mark, adopted in more than 130 countries, confirms that BACD prioritises purpose, people, and planet over profit. The verification examines five standards: purpose, operations, revenue model, use of surplus, and structure. Achieving this recognition cements BACD’s role as a community-focused organisation reinvesting resources to deliver long-term benefits.
Meanwhile, preparations are well underway for the Ballinasloe People of the Year Awards, taking place on the 21st November. Now in its fifth celebration under BACD’s stewardship, the awards celebrate outstanding voluntary contributions across the arts, sport, youth, and community life with full details available on bacd.ie. Nominations are now open & BACD are encouraging everyone to submit nominations of worthwhile candidates that deserve to be recognised for their contribution to our community by Friday, 10th October at 5pm.
Festive planning is also in full swing, with the Christmas Lights Campaign and Turn-On Festival scheduled for Saturday, 29th November. Supporting this year’s lights is the launch of Forever 80’s Galway, Ireland’s first AI-powered radio station, broadcasting wall-to-wall 1980’s classics from 3rd October. With DJ’s from Ireland and abroad, local student reporters, and nostalgic content, the station will raise funds to keep Ballinasloe glowing bright for Christmas. Donations can also be made via collection boxes in shops or by purchasing the light a light campaign Christmas Cards.
The Pulse Club continues its strong programme of networking events for entrepreneurs and SMEs, with recent meetings hosted by AIB, Salmons, and a successful lunch and learn held in BEH with Galway LEO and Galway Skills forum. Upcoming gatherings include the Shearwater Hotel on 30th October and Sheehy Meares Team McCullagh (Formerly McCullagh Remax) on 27th November. Meetings take place on the last Thursday of each month and are open to all business minded people. To get included on the mailing list email lyn@bacd.ie
Looking ahead, Ballinasloe will proudly host the National Hub Summit 2025, welcoming more than 500 attendees from across the country. The Enterprise Hub itself is thriving, with 16 of its 18 offices leased, with high demand for the hotdesking and co-working spaces. A waiting list is currently in operation for the small office units. The Enterprise Centre in Creagh is still at full occupancy and extremely busy with St Teresa’s Special School and Tiny Tots Montessori back in session, and a new intake of paramedic students along with the other 15 + micro enterprises based there. A special congratulations to the Paramedic class who recently graduated with flying colours.
For full details of BACD and its ongoing projects, follow us on our social media, bacd clg Facebook and Instagram pages, our bacd.ie website, or contact us via email info@bacd.ie or phone 0909646516
