COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLINA - WESTERN PEOPLE (SEPTEMBER 9 EDITION)
Greater space, more activities and a dedicated drop-in centre will enhance the role of Craoibhín Ballina in the community when it moves to a new location later in the autumn.
Craoibhín Ballina was set up as a Moy Valley Resources IRD programme in 2008. Originally known as the Over-55 Club, it has been operating from a base on Cathedral Road, Ballina ever since. Seventeen years later, Craoibhín Ballina is a shining example of what social inclusion is all about.
The landmark building on Cathedral Road, which was once Ballina Vocational School, was the original headquarters of Moy Valley Resources before the organisation relocated to its larger offices and enterprise hub at Greenhills. Moy Valley Resources still runs the centre on Cathedral Road.
The move to a section of the former St Mary’s Secondary School, located just behind the old Convent building on McDermott Street, Ballina, will provide Craoibhín with extra room for activities and an expanded drop-in centre.
“This is a very positive step for our members and we are asking the community to bear with us during the transition as we get everything set up,” said Elizabeth Ferguson, the manager of Craoibhín Ballina.
“Our move will help us to develop improved facilities for the social connection and wellbeing of those using our services. We hope to transfer to our new location in October but we will announce a definite date as soon as we have one,” said Elizabeth.
To make the changeover easy, Craoibhín will operate a free shuttle bus between Cathedral Road and its new location.
