Our Latest News

It was a momentous morning in Brackernagh, in the grounds of Quarry House, where 40 years since the opening of the custom build (designed by the late Larry Duffy) Day Care Centre, the team at Ballinasloe Social Services commemorated their past and showcased their new future. The attendees were brought full circle to a giant of Christian generosity and practical hope, Sr. Stan, whose requiem mass was being prayed in Dublin at the very same time.

Ballinasloe came together to honour its remarkable volunteers, community groups, sports leaders, creative champions and local businesses at the People of the Year Awards, hosted by BACD and supported by Ballinasloe Credit Union, the Shearwater Hotel, and KPW Design & Print. Held in the Shearwater Hotel on Friday 21st of November, the event celebrated dozens of individuals and groups whose work, talent and commitment continue to enrich the town.

Scoil an Chroí Naofa has recently launched an online petition via www.change.org, to give impetus to their campaign for a new, modern and energy-efficient building. When the boys’ and girls’ schools in town amalgamated 30 years ago, the Department of Education promised a new school building, and staff and pupils have been waiting since. “Our 300 pupils are learning in outdated classrooms,” says School Principal, Christine Connor. At present, the school operates from two buildings divided by the busy Society Street, requiring pupils to cross multiple times per day and putting them at risk of accidents. One building was constructed in 1937, and the other is a “temporary” prefab that was constructed in 1972.

Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD) held its 26th Annual General Meeting on 30th October 2025 in the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub, where members, directors, and stakeholders gathered to reflect on a year of continued progress, strong organisational performance, and deepening community engagement. Chairperson Seamus Duffy opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and emphasising the positive position of BACD’s core projects. Both the Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre (BEC) and Enterprise Hub (BEH) remain close to full occupancy, demonstrating continued demand for enterprise space and supports.

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).

Ballinasloe Training for Employment CLG, a Department of Social Protection Community Employment Project, is currently recruiting new participants for its programme, which operates throughout the town and its surrounding areas.

Ballinasloe Credit Union and Gort Credit Union are moving towards the final stages of a merger, which is expected to be completed in early 2026, subject to approval by members at the upcoming AGM in January. The Boards of both Credit Unions say the move will combine their resources, creating a stronger organisation to better serve members and local communities.

An application has been submitted for a large new filling station, electric charging points, and associated amenities at Mackney. The proposed development consists of two sites. Site A will see lands to the north-east of Junction 15 on the M6, east of Garbally Roundabout, developed into the new petrol station and facilities.