Offaly Volunteer Centre celebrate opening of new offices in the heart of Tullamore

Offaly Volunteer Centre officially opened its new offices in Tullamore's O'Connor Square on Tuesday morning, February 17.

The event marked an important milestone in the organisation’s continued growth and its commitment to strengthening volunteering and community life across the Faithful County. 

The opening was attended by Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development Jerry Buttimer, alongside volunteers, community partners, board members, and representatives from organisations and across the county.

An array of TDs and local politicians were present to support the organisation as they moved into their new premises. This included Offaly TDs Tony McCormack, John Clendennen and Carol Nolan. 

Councillors from Tullamore Municipal District including Sean O'Brien and Neil Feighery along with Birr Municipal District Councillors Hugh Egan and Eleanor Clendennen also gave their backing to the new volunteer centre at the opening. 

Minister Jerry Buttimer paid tribute to the work done by the Offaly Volunteer Centre in his speech at the event. He stated: "Today we are celebrating a group of people, we are heralding a new building but it's really just bricks and mortar, it's the people that keep it all together.

It takes everything to raise people up and support each other and what this organisation is doing is so powerful, when volunteers are giving somebody a hand, it supports them, nurtures them and creates community. It's so important for me to be here to support the work they are doing."

He concluded: "This new volunteer centre in a very visible part of town is vital because it tells the people of this town of the work you are doing, it's a tapestry woven by the spirit of supporting, connecting and strengthening which is what makes Offaly so special.

This new building will offer a home with a warm welcoming environment to be able to help people, it's a hub and a centre of excellence really, it's a place of kindness and support which is inclusive to all and people can feel like themselves."

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Chairperson of the Offaly Volunteer Centre, Molly Buckley said the occasion represents more than just a change of address. "This is a new chapter for Offaly Volunteer Centre. Offaly has shown time and again that it leads with heart when it comes to volunteering and community, and this new space will allow us to build on that strong foundation."

She continued: "It has been a privilege to be part of this journey from the beginning, and we are excited about what lies ahead for volunteers and communities across the county."

Manager of Offaly Volunteer Centre, Deirdre Fox acknowledged the opening is an opportunity to recognise the collective effort that underpins volunteering in Offaly.

"What happens locally, whether in Birr, Clara, Rahan, or Geashill, truly matters. Small acts of service multiplied across a county create real and lasting change."

She added: "The new offices will give us a welcoming base from which to support that work and the people who make it happen.”

Following speeches by Minister Buttimer, Chairperson of Offaly Volunteer Centre Molly Buckley and Manager Deirdre Fox, the opening concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque which was followed by an opportunity for guests to meet volunteers, staff, and partners.

The move to the new premises reflects the centre’s expanding work in connecting people with volunteering opportunities and supporting community initiatives at local level.

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Originally founded six years ago with the support of Volunteer Ireland, Offaly Volunteer Centre has developed strong partnerships with statutory agencies, community and voluntary organisations, local businesses, and new communities in the county.

The organisation works closely with Offaly Local Development Company, Offaly County Council and the Local Authority Integration Team, Family Resource Centres in Clara and Tullamore, and providers of IPAS and BOTP accommodation centres, among many others.

The centre has also acknowledged the contribution of local employers and corporate partners, as well as philanthropic supporters such as the Community Foundation of Ireland, whose backing has helped to strengthen volunteering initiatives throughout Offaly.

Minister Buttimer’s attendance highlighted the importance of national support for local volunteering infrastructure.

Offaly Volunteer Centre has welcomed the continued engagement and funding support from the Department and the volunteering section of the Department, which it says has been instrumental in enabling the centre to expand its reach and impact.