Minister Joe O’Brien’s Official Visit To Galway | September 2022

Meeting Minister Joe OBrien - original - 5.9.2022

Minister Joe O’Brien’s official visit to Galway

5th and 6th September 2022

On Monday, 5 and Tuesday 6 September 2022, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Social Protection, Joe O’Brien T.D. visited a number of community initiatives and met with a number of community representatives in Galway City and County, including GCCN, Galway City Ukrainian Community Response Forum, An Mheitheal Rothar, Galway City Partnership and Galway Simon Community.

The Minister met with Derrick Hambleton, John Rabbitte, Brian Doherty and Letizia Gorini from GCCN during the greet and meet especially organised by the Department with the GCCN Secretariat on Monday at the City Hall. This was a great opportunity for GCCN to discuss public participation at a local level and the importance of meaningful community engagement and representation.

During his visit, Minister O’Brien also launched the Galway Simon Community 2021 Annual Report, met with participants in the Community Employment (CE) Scheme, discussed CE opportunities for members of the Travelling community and visited An Mheitheal Rothar. A number of GCCN members had the opportunity to meet with the Minister during these occasions.

Minister O’Brien said:
“On my visits in Connemara and Galway City today I have once again had the opportunity to see first-hand the varied and vital work undertaken by community and voluntary organisations in their local communities. The commitment, energy and passion that underpins the work that these groups do has been palpable and I am glad to be able to show mine and my Department’s continued support.”