BACD CELEBRATES MILESTONES AND PROGRESS AT AGM

By Lucy Carroll

BACK ROW L TO R Claire Gibbons, Martina Flanagan, Dan Dowling, Sean Kelly, Eoghan Kenny, Lyn Donnelly, Front Row - Pearse Keller, Seamus Duffy, Joe Lyons, Marina Downey. MISSING FROM PHOTO: John McKenna, Anita Killeen and Cllr. Michael Connolly.

Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD) recently hosted its AGM in the newly inaugurated Enterprise Hub on Society Street, reflecting on a year of significant achievements and outlining plans for the future.

BACD Chairman Seamus Duffy highlighted the charity organisation’s continued collaboration with state bodies, third-level institutions, and community groups. He emphasised the ongoing promotion of the town through initiatives like the Life magazine, social media campaigns, video content, and participation in media, state, and investment events, as well as seminars and tradeshows.

A key highlight of the year was BACD’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, culminating in the opening of our second enterprise centre, the new Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub on Society Street, and the quick uptake of office spaces by eager clients shows its immediate value as a state-of-the-art town centre location. This milestone also provided an opportunity to reflect on 25 years of progress and express gratitude to the 61+ current and former board members, stakeholders, public representatives, project volunteers, and community members who have supported the organisation’s success.

“Finally, I want to thank the current Voluntary Board of Directors, Lyn and Martina in the office, our funders and business subscribers, and all the volunteers who have helped across all our projects,” Chairman Seamus Duffy concluded.

BACD has also been making strides on its long-term 10-year plan for the town, with notable progress in tourism development, including a taster weekend and securing funding through the Just Transition Fund for a new tourism website. Other successful projects over the past year include the ongoing Pulse Club networking meetings, involvement in the Community Hubs initiative, the adoption of the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model, the launch of Glow Radio, a pop-up Christmas community station, and the People of the Year Awards, which honoured 19 international athletes and over 40 community groups and individuals.

Manager Lyn Donnelly presented a comprehensive report on the operational aspects of the organisation, detailing various initiatives, funding applications, and programmes. Assistant Manager Martina Flanagan provided updates on marketing and website development, as well as the integration of platforms for community and company client use, including Connected Hubs and the Pulse Club.

The growth of Ballinasloe Life magazine was also celebrated, with its increased page count (from 40 to 76), expanded distribution, new digital availability, growing social media presence, and the efforts of its dedicated volunteer team.

Auditor James Coyle delivered an in-depth review of BACD’s finances, highlighting a significant increase in assets due to the new Enterprise Hub. The organisation recorded an income of €398,169 and expenditure of €397,654, resulting in a modest but welcome profit, particularly considering the ongoing loan repayments for the Hub.

In governance updates, no new director nominations were received. Kevin Broderick stepped down after seven years of service, with Chairman Duffy expressing gratitude for his commitment.

​Eoghan Kenny and Brian King resigned on rotation and were re-elected. The confirmed board for the next year comprises:

• Chairperson: Seamus Duffy
• Vice Chairperson: Brian King
• Directors: Anita Killeen, Dan Dowling, Eoghan Kenny, Joe Lyons, John McKenna, Marina Downey, Michael Connolly, Claire Gibbons, Pearse Keller, and Sean Kelly.