Adult News

Volunteers Needed to Run in Women's Marathon in aid of the Irish Refugee Council

2008-04-09T15:42:00.000-07:00

The Irish Refugee Council is appealing for volunteers (ladies only) to run or walk in the 10km Flora Women's mini marathon in aid of our campaigning and awareness work. Registration date is coming up fast, so we would ask you to contact us in the next few days.

If you are thinking of running, or have already put your name down, we would urge you to consider making it a sponsored run on behalf of the Irish Refugee Council (IRC). If you think friends or family would be interested then forward them this message.
Over the last 18 years, the IRC has played an active role in the fight for our vision of a just, fair and inclusive Irish society where people seeking refuge are welcome and valued.

The IRC has started a new advocacy and awareness drive around the four immediate priorities in our strategic plan:
1. A fair and transparent asylum and protection system. We have been working, with our allies in the sector, to raise debate among the public and politicians on the need for changes in the wording and the delivery of the Immigration and Protection Bill which is currently being debated by the Dail and Seanad. We have focused I particular on the need for a fair hearing, promotion of the best interests of separated children, transparency of the new developed Protection Review Tribunal and limits on detention and on deportation without notice.

2. Adequate accommodation and rights for asylum seekers in Direct Provision. Our public campaigns have promoted public awareness of the impact on the lives of asylum seekers of living on 19.10 and not being allowed to work, study or cook for themselves. To highlight this, asylum seekers from all over Ireland and members of staff ran the Adidas Dublin Marathon wearing bright orange t-shirt with the slogan "19.10Euro a week for an asylum seeker = NOT FAIR." We hope to step up the campaign for the abolition of direct provision, or at least a time limit of 6 months, so that asylum seekers can work and contribute to society.

3. Protection and rights for separated children: We are working for the implementation of the recommendations of the IRC report Making Separated Children Visible. This has involved a lot of work with authorities and NGOs concerned with the protection and rights of separated children, advocating for models of best practice, promoting public awareness and working for legal change.

4. Awareness of asylum seekers and refugees, their lives, aspirations and rights. A very pro-active media strategy has meant that the IRC's views and information on asylum and protection have featured in, on average, more than one major article or TV or radio piece on our priority areas every working day for the last six months.

All of this work costs money. We are happy to have the support of two major foundations as well as state funding, but it is vital that we raise our own independent funds to supplement this.

The Flora Womens Mini-Marathon is one of several fund-raising initiatives over the next year. If you cannot run, we would appeal to you to sponsor a runner or make a donation. Any offers to help organise future fund-raising events would also be appreciated.

The IRC relies on the support of a network of members, if you are interested in supporting our activities and becoming a member please return a completed membership form (attached) to Irish Refugee Council, 88 Capel Street, Dublin 1.

Irish Refugee Council
88 Capel Street
Dublin 1
Tel: +353 (1) 873 0042
Website: www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie

How to run for the IRC in the mini-marathon

Please contact Kirsty at Kirsty@irishrefugeecouncil.ie or fantastickirsty@yahoo.co.uk with your full name, address and a contact number before the 17th April if you wish to take part on our behalf. The entrance fee will be paid for you and all we ask is that you donate your sponsorship money to the IRC. T-shirts and sponsorship forms will also be supplied. Alternatively if you are unable to take part but wish to make a donation please send your donations to the above address.
For more information please view the Flora women' mini marathon websitehttp://www.womensminimarathon.ie/race_information/race_information.2.LE.asp

36 Students Sign Up As Volunteers for the Eglinton Computer/Internet Room

2007-09-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

Patricia Luby, Suzanne McKane, Triona Nic Ghiolla Choille from the Galway Refugee Support Group with Eglinton residents
Blessing & Chidi at the Student Volunteer Fair in Galway University (NUIG)

36 students signed up today at the 2007 Galway University Volunteer Fair to serve as unpaid voluntary supervisors for the Eglinton Computer Room!

"This was a marvelous result and was due solely to the excellent work carried out by residents", according to Brendan Smith, Outreach officer of the Digital Enterprise Research Institute & promoter of the Computer/Internet Room. Chidi, Esther and Blessing from the Eglinton. "These 3 ladies did a fantastic sales job at at the Fair convincing attendees of the importance that they could play in improving the lives of residents by agreeing to volunteer for the job. 36 was one of the highest responses received at any of the Exhibit's stands. Well done Girls!"
"I am calling a meeting late next week in the university of all volunteers that signed up. I am keeping my fingers crossed though that most of the names on the list will turn up for this induction service on the duties associated with supervising the computer room. If they do we will be able to keep the Computer/Internet Room open 4 to 5 days per week from mid-October, which will be a colossal bonus to the Eglinton Residents!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lorraine Tansey and the CKI team (Ruth, Ian, Mary & Maria), for the brilliant job they do every year in organising the annual Student University Volunteer Fair. They have tapped into a rich vein of goodwill and humanity that exists amongst the young people of Galway University. Last year 800 students participated in volunteer programmes which benefited thousands of people whose lives would have been so much poorer without their assistance."

The Candy Lady!

The 'live-wire' known as Alejandra from the Student Volunteer Fair organising committee (CKI Alive) making candy floss for the attendees

Galway Intercultural Forum off to a Good Start

2007-09-14T05:09:00.000-07:00

The inaugural meeting of the Galway City Intercultural Forum took place last Tuesday night in City Hall. Thirty people from up to 10 countries turned up to review the issues and challenges facing the relatively new non-Irish population of the city.

The event was sponsored by the Galway City Partnership, Galway City Community Forum and Galway City Council.
Oisin Kenny, who chaired the meeting, outlined the role of the Galway City Community Forum and the importance on integrating with local communities and voluntary organisations. He requested all organisations present to affiliate to the Forum as quickly as possible in order to benefit from the information resources and experience available and to get involved in the local government decision-making process. He was followed by Brendan Smith (Community Forum chairperson) who provided attendees with information on the valuable role that emigrants have done in shaping Galway as a outward-looking and vibrant city.
Other speakers included Ernest Bishop of the Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy.
During the proceedings, a series of analysis groups were set up to discuss the main areas of interest and issues facilitated by community workers such as Triona Nic Giolla Choille.
The Galway City Community Forum meets next Tuesday at 7pm in the Menlo Park Hotel. It is hoped that the Eglinton Residents Support committee will be signed up as a full member organisation by then.

Gathering of All Nationalities & Ethnic Groups in City Hall

2007-09-09T17:24:00.001-07:00

A get together of all nationalities and ethnic groups from Galway will take place in City Hall at 7pm on Tuesday September 11th.

This meeting will lead to the setting up of a new Galway City Intercultural Forum. Supported by Galway City Council and the local NGO and community sector through its umbrella organisation the Galway Community Forum, the Intercultural Forum will seek to ensure that all new communities now living in the city are involved in its cultural, social and economic development.
All Are Welcome! Teas & Coffees served on the night.
For further information, contact Oisin Kenny at 091-536844

Call for Migrant Representation onto new Taskforce on Integration of Migrant Communities into Society (Aug 2007)

2007-08-31T17:11:00.000-07:00

Africa Centre, an organisation working among the estimated 35,000 African immigrants living in Ireland is calling upon the Minister for Integration to seek for direct representation of migrant voices in the proposed taskforce.

The organisation welcomed the announcement made yesterday by the Minster of State for Integration, Mr. Conor Lenihan, to setup a Taskforce on the Integration of migrant communities into society.

Commenting on the Minister announcement, the Director of Africa Centre, Mr. Dier Tong said today that: “migrant community organisations, by the nature of their engagement with migrants at the grass root level and their contact with statutory and non-statutory bodies, are well placed to bring about maximum impact to the work of the proposed task force on integration”. Mr. Tong Continued: “Although migrant community organisations have been actively supporting their communities, they have rarely been directly represented at the policy and decision making forums”. “We are hopeful that the minister, with the commitment and understanding he has shown during the short period since he came into office, will recognise the importance of having migrant voices directly represented on the taskforce”, Mr. Tong concluded.

It is to be recalled that the Minister made the comments yesterday announcing the setting up of a task force to look at the challenges facing foreign nationals integrating into society. Mr Lenihan said that up to 12 people would be appointed to the working group which would identify issues facing communities.
He said the committee should be up and running at the beginning of next year and it would issue recommendations within a year

Africa Centre
Tel/Fax: 01-865 6951
Email: dier@africacentre.ie

The 'African Voice' newspaper- Promoting Cultural Diversity and Integration

2007-02-19T10:33:00.001-08:00

Want to write for the 'African Voice' newspaper?
The African Voice (Print Media) is a registered tabloid newspaper, established with the aim of promoting Cultural Diversity and Integration in Ireland. The newspaper will particularly focus on Africans in Ireland, along with more general news coverage.
So do you have a Flair for Writing? If so, the African Voice is looking for Voluntary Reporters/Contributors.
According to their statement, the African Voice is looking for interested persons that have:

an eye for a good story
a passion for reporting
a knowledge and understanding of community development issues
a reputation for accuracy
a knowledge and understanding of Cultural Diversity and Integration.

For more information contact: The Publisher- Malcolm Eremionkhale, The African Voice. Email: infoafricanvoice@yahoo.ie. Mobile: 087-2618184

The 'African Voice' newspaper- Promoting Cultural Diversity and Integration

2007-02-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

an eye for a good story
a passion for reporting
a knowledge and understanding of community development issues
a reputation for accuracy
a knowledge and understanding of Cultural Diversity and Integration.

For more information contact: The Publisher- Malcolm Eremionkhale, The African Voice. Email: infoafricanvoice@yahoo.ie. Mobile: 087-2618184

THE WHITE HORSE CHESS CLUB

2006-11-09T04:31:00.000-08:00

Are you interested in learning the art of playing Chess???
THE WHITE HORSE CHESS CLUB,
Will take place every Wednesday from 4.30-5.30pm
in the church area of the Eglinton Hotel.
For more information contact DEMITRIY in room 108.

CINEMA TRIP

2006-11-03T06:10:00.000-08:00

THERE WILL BE A
CINEMA TRIP
FOR ADULTS ON
WEDNESDAY EVENING 8TH NOVEMBER 2006

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND PLEASE SIGN YOUR NAME ON LIST AT RECEPTION

**FILM WILL BE ANNOUNCED ONCE LIST HAS BEEN COMPILED OF INTERESTED RESIDENTS

RIS Galway office

2006-10-27T04:31:00.000-07:00

Since 2003, the RIS Galway office has delivered accurate and up to date information on the rights and entitlements of individual asylum seekers and refugees in Galway city on a weekly basis through three drop-in clinics (Tuesday afternoons in the Galway People’s Resource Centre from 2.00 – 4.30 pm and in the Citizens Information Centre on Monday afternoon from 2.00 – 4.30 pm and on Thursday morning from 10.30 – 1.00 pm). RIS has also provided training on the rights and entitlements of various status holders for staff of the Citizen’s Information Centre and other statutory and voluntary agencies.
Queries presenting in clinics continue to be varied ranging from questions on the asylum determination process to residency, citizenship and family reunification. Changes in government policy and issues emerging from the community also influence the queries presenting in clinics.
In addition during 2005, we began to conduct periodic information sessions for groups of asylum seekers in accommodation centres in the Galway/ Mayo/ Donegal region, in response to requests from accommodation centre management and local community organisations Through this work, we identified an acute need in accommodation centres outside the Galway city catchment area.
As a result we extended our service to the Mayo area in January 2006 as a pilot project initially. We are currently operating a clinic from the Family Centre in Ballyhaunis on a monthly basis.
For further information on the Galway service, please contact Judy Irwin, Monday – Friday on 091 532850.

HOME MANAGEMENT COURSE

2006-10-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

There will be a home management course taking place in the Eglinton Hotel.
The 8 week course will involve some practical work including:
Cooking, advice on maintaining a home in Ireland, including advice on nutrition & health, shoping and budgeting.
Space for this course is limited so please sign up now.
Some of the course will take place outside of the Hotel.
This course will start in the first week of November once spaces have been cofirmed.

Subsidiary Protection

2006-10-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

Eligibility for Protection Regulations signed into law

The Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Michael McDowell T.D., has today signed into law the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006.

The Regulations give full effect in Irish law to the provisions of Council Directive 2004/83/EC on minimum standards for the qualification and status of third country nationals or stateless persons as refugees or as persons who otherwise need international protection and the content of the protection granted. The Directive is commonly referred to as the 'Asylum Qualification Directive' and is required to be transposed into national law by 10 October 2006.

The main provisions of the Directive have already been incorporated into the recently published Scheme for the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill which is currently being drafted. The Regulations signed today are required under EU law as an interim measure in order to give full effect to the provisions of the Directive by the transposition deadline. The Regulations are operative from 10 October 2006 and do not operate retrospectively.

The Regulations set out elements to be considered when determining applications for refugee status and subsidiary protection.

Refugee Status
The Regulations will be applied by the refugee determination agencies (Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT)) for the purposes of determining eligibility of non- EU nationals for refugee status in the State.

The refugee determination process which currently operates within the framework of the Refugee Act, 1996 already meets the requirements of the Directive and the Regulations. Nothing in the Regulations adds to or takes from the functions of the ORAC or the RAT in determining whether a person is a refugee or affects the substance of their considerations of applications for refugee status.

Subsidiary Protection
Subsidiary protections claims will be considered by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform after an application for refugee status is determined.

An unsuccessful asylum applicant when informed that his or her application for refugee status has been refused will be afforded an opportunity to apply to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for permission to remain in the State on the grounds that he or she is eligible for subsidiary protection. In general terms, such protection can be available to a person who does not qualify as a refugee but who, if returned to his or her country of origin, would face a real risk of suffering serious harm as defined for the purpose of the Directive.

Such matters are already determined by the Department under domestic and international legal obligations as part of the current leave to remain process.

The Regulations and the accompanying Information Note for the guidance of applicants can be accessed in full on the Department's website at www.justice.ie.

10 October 2006

NOTE FOR EDITORS

A copy of the Information Note on the Regulations is appended.

Information Note for applicants

This note is for information and guidance only. It does not purport to give a legal interpretation of the Regulations

European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.

1. Introduction.

The purpose of this note is to inform you about the regulations which the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has made. This note should be read in addition to the Information Leaflet for Applicants for Refugee Status in Ireland and updates Chapter 9 of that leaflet as to what happens if the Minister refuses to give you a declaration as a refugee.

2. Purpose of Regulations

The Regulations give effect in Irish law to Council Directive 2004/83/EC of 29 April 2004 and set out the minimum standards for the qualification and status of third country nationals or stateless persons as refugees or as persons who otherwise need international protection and the content of the protection. The Regulations are operative from 10 October 2006. The Regulations do not operate retrospectively.

3. What do the regulations cover?

3.1 The Regulations set out elements to be considered when determining applications for protection (including refugee status and subsidiary protection). These include:

(a) assessment of facts and circumstances of the application
(b) protection needs arising sur place
(c) internal protection
(d) acts of persecution
(e) reasons for persecution.

3.2 The Regulations also provide for a system of subsidiary protection in the State and set out the entitlements of persons granted such protection.

3.3 Nothing in these Regulations adds to, or takes from, the functions of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in determining whether a person is a refugee or affects the substance of the consideration by these bodies of applications for refugee status.

4. Do the Regulations affect the way applications for refugee status are investigated and determined?

The Regulations do not affect the way applications for refugee status are investigated and determined. The formal refugee determination processes currently operated by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal meet the requirements of the Council Directive and the Regulations.

5. What is subsidiary protection?

5.1 Subsidiary protection is protection other than refugee status against a real risk of suffering "serious harm" which consists of:

(a) death penalty or execution; or
(b) torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of an applicant in the country of origin; or
(c) serious and individual threat to a civilian's life or person by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict.

5.2 If you qualify for subsidiary protection you will be allowed to stay in the State and you will qualify for certain rights and entitlements. These rights and entitlements are set out in the Regulations.

6. How do I know whether I am eligible for subsidiary protection?

6.1 You are eligible for subsidiary protection if you satisfy the following three conditions:

(a) you are not a national of a Member State of the European Union,
(b) you have been refused a declaration as a refugee in Ireland, and
(c) substantial grounds have been shown for believing that, if returned to your country of origin, or country of former habitual residence, you would face a real risk of suffering serious harm and you are unable, or, owing to such risk, unwilling to avail yourself of the protection of that country.

6.2 You are not eligible for subsidiary protection if there are serious reasons for considering that you- :

(a) have committed a crime against peace, a war crime, or a crime against humanity, as defined in the international instruments drawn up to make provision in respect of such crimes;
(b) have committed a serious crime;
(c) have been guilty of acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations as set out in the Preamble and Articles 1 and 2 of the Charter of the United Nations;
(d) constitute a danger to the community or to the security of the State; or
(e) have left your country of origin solely in order to avoid sanctions resulting from crimes committed prior to your entry into the State where such crimes would be punishable by imprisonment had they been committed in the State.

If you have instigated or otherwise participated in the commission of the acts mentioned in 6.2 above, you are not eligible for subsidiary protection.

7. At what stage in the process can I make an application for subsidiary protection?

7.1 You can only make an application for subsidiary protection to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when your application for refugee status has been investigated and refused; the application must be in writing. If the Minister decides not to give you a declaration as a refugee, you will be sent a notice in writing stating that:

(a) your application for a declaration as a refugee has been refused;
(b) the period of your entitlement to remain in the State has expired;
(c) the Minister proposes to make a deportation order under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 requiring that you leave the State; and
(d) you have the option of making representations to the Minister within 15 working days setting out why you should be allowed remain in the State.

7.2 The notice will also contain an application form for subsidiary protection. If you consider that you may be eligible for subsidiary protection, you should complete and return the form to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

7.3 Your application for subsidiary protection will be considered by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

7.4 The regulations can be accessed in full on the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform website at http://www.justice.ie

Computer Room

2006-10-11T05:28:00.000-07:00

The Computer Room in Eglinton Hotel has been improved by:
1- Adding more new computers, so now we have 10 units.
2- Adding a CD Burner.
3- Adding a Cable Internet Connection which will help to make the access to the Websites easier and faster.
4- Making a new list for the classes including a beginner, medium level and experienced residents.
So a big thank to the people who did that!!!!!!!!!!

Empowerment through Communication

2006-10-09T06:15:00.000-07:00

The Women's Health Advisory Committee
Would like to invite members of asylum seekers (12 places available)
To the:
6th Women of the West Health Forum
Wednesday 25th of October 2006
9.30am – 4.00pm
In
Hotel Westport, Westport, Co. Mayo
Theme: "Empowerment through Communication"
Keynote Speaker: Ms. Mary Davis, Chairperson National Active Citizenship Board
Other Speakers & Workshop Facilitators:
Ms. Deirdre McHugh, Barrister & Lecturer GMIT Galway
Topic: Women’s Rights & Entitlements
Ms. Mary McDermott, Life Coach, Coaching Solutions
Topic: Managing the Issues in Women’s Lives
Note: There is no attendance fee and lunch will be provided. However all attendees must pre book on a first come first serve basis.
What you need to do:
Please bring this invitation to the notice of your group members.
Nominate one member of the group to co-ordinate attendance.
All places should be booked via this contact person, who should also take responsibility for registering attendees on the day of the conference.
At time of booking please inform us of any special needs your members may have and we will make every effort to accommodate them.
To facilitate attendance a transport grant of €150 is available to groups with 10 or more attending. A registered company bill headed receipt from the bus company will be required to claim this grant.
Telephone Booking to:
Adrienne Lynam, Women's Health Co-Ordinator, on 091 775928

Looking for a Volunteer Job in Galway?

2006-09-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

Great News! Galway City's first Volunteer Centre recently opened at the Westside Centre on the Seamus Quirke Road
According to its manager, Donncha Foley "The Centre provides information and advice to people interested in volunteering and to organisations looking for volunteers. We advertise vacancies, advise people on their options and help organisations support their volunteers."

This service will be of particular benefit to members of our community who often feel frustrated at being denied the right to work while their application for asylum-seeking status is being processed. The professional skills that we have are being ignored and are thus lost to the wider population of the country. Yet Ireland seems to be crying out for everything from doctors and economists through to cleaners and construction workers.

Though this volunteer service is only a few weeks old, nevertheless Donncha has a large number of interesting vacancies available. So why not visit the website at www.volunteergalway.ie where you can register online.

Asylum Overview May and June 2006-08-16

2006-08-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

New Asylum Applications: 400 applications were received in May and 275 applications in June 06 totalling 675 applications for the months of May and June and giving a figure of 2,085 for the first half of 2006. Top countries of new arrivals: Nigeria: 22%, Romania: 10%, Sudan: 9%, Iran: 7%, Somalia:5%

Decisions at First Instance: Of some 831 applications for asylum on which a decision was made in May/June, some 61 applicants were recognised as refugees, 677 refused and 93 persons returned (Dublin 2 Convention) to have their application processed in another EU country.

Appeal Stage: Of 327 substantive (ie 15 day appeals of negative first instant decision, some 54 of those who appealed were recognised as refugees, 297 refused and 11 appeals withdrawn.

Family Reunification: Some 218 new applications (involving 570 dependants) were received in January – June 06; some 291 applications (involving 657 dependants) were processed to completion. New applicants` country of origin: Somalia: 38, Nigeria: 19, DR Congo: 15, Iraq: 12, Iran: 10, Other: 124

Direct Provision: At 23/07/06, there were some 4,116 asylum seekers in 41 centres in 22 counties- including 643 people in Mosney, 200-300 in 6 centres and 100 – 200 in 5 centres.

Self Catering: 9 Centres; (Cork, Dublin 6, Louth, Roscommon); residents: 418 (Capacity: 606)

Amnesty: Italy`s government recently approved a decree which will regularise the status of 350,000 irregular migrants. This is not only an act of solidarity towards migrants but also a decision in the interest of the community, said Sig. Ferrero, Italy`s Min. for Social Solidarity.

'First Response' Course- First Aid

2006-07-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

Summer Course for Adults
Infant, Child & Adult chain of Survival
CPR for babies, toddler and adults

with
Public Health Nurses- Marian Brett & Helen Heagney

August 9 & 16 in Room 27, Eglinton

Only 8 places available

So sign up at reception now!

Eglinton Residents attend 'Irish Studies' University course

2006-07-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the largesse of university academic Louise De Paor, a number of Eglinton Hotel residents recently commenced an 8 week-long 'Irish Studies' summer programme at the Culture Programme Centre for Irish Studies of NUI Galway
With course fees in excess of 1,800Euro, this concession was much appreciated!
We look forward to having some of the attendees later publish their opinions on different apects of Irish culture.

Asylum Seekers completed
An eight-week course specifically for Asylum Seekers in March, April, and May 2006 provided an introduction to Irish history and culture through an exploration of selected aspects of Irish traditional music, song and dance. Tutor was Meabh Ni Fhuarthain. The course combined formal classes with practical workshops on aspects of sean-nos singing. Invited guest speakers gave a variety of presentations on history, literature and film.

Week 1, March 16th :Ireland: modernity and tradition
Week 2, March 23rd: The harp in Irish history
Week 3, March 30: Sean-nos singing and the language of song and dance.
Week 4, April 6: The Famine
Week 5, April 13th The emigrant experience, development of new performance platforms
Week 6, April 20th Irish Literature and film
Week 7 April 27th Organizations and Festivals
Week 8, May 4th Student Presentations

On Friday 19th of May all students were presented with certificates followed by a party. Transport was provided funding came from the Galway Diocesan Secretary Fr Ian.

Stress Management Course

2006-07-17T03:20:00.000-07:00

An 8 week stress management course for 10-12 residents organised by Lucy Dowling of the HSE's "Health Promotion' unit will take place in the 'The Annex', Community Services, Seamus Quirke Road.

Wordprocessing Classes- Friday September 29

2006-07-13T06:15:00.000-07:00

Interested in learning how to type out a really good letter to a Government Department or agency?
Would you like to be able to get some useful tips on preparing a nice written job application?

A once-off 3hr class will take place on Friday September 29th at 3.15pm. Only seven places are available.
So please leave your name, telephone and room number immediately at the Eglinton Hotel reception for the attention of Brendan Smith

Asylum Seekers Put Down Roots in Irish Soil!

2006-07-13T04:03:00.000-07:00

Last April, a large number of asylum seekers participated in a unique community planting initiative in Galway City.
City Hall invited the general public to plant trees in a pre-designed 'maze' beside the ruins of the well-known Terryland Castle. 'Maze' structures were once common features in the grounds of the great mansions of the ruling British artistocracy of the 17th-19th centuries.

However this maze was given a particular native Irish flavour- it was in the shape of a traditional 'Celtic' design of three interlocking 'spirals' and consisted solely of the indigenous 'Yew' trees.
1,800 trees were planted on the day by people of all races, creeds and ages.
The maze and castle are located in the grounds of Terryland Forest Park, one of Europe's newest and largest urban forest park developments