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 new premises place Offaly Volunteer Centre at the heart of the town, offering a more accessible and welcoming space for volunteers, community groups, partner organisations, and members of the public to connect, seek support, and explore ways to get involved in their local communities.

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 went on to say: "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."

Referring to the Government’s upcoming Volunteering Strategy, Minister Buttimer also expressed the hope that it would be embraced not merely as policy, but as something lived and practiced in communities every day.

"I hope we can all see the new Volunteering Strategy not just as a government policy document, but as a living document, one that is truly loved, lived, and put into practice every day."

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Chairperson of the Offaly Volunteer Centre, Molly Buckley reflected on the significance of the occasion and the sense of shared achievement felt across the room.

"It was genuinely lovely to see so many of our friends and colleagues celebrating our new premises with us. This centre exists because of the collective efforts of volunteers, board members, staff, partners, and communities.

She added: "Today felt like a celebration of all of that collaboration and commitment, and of the strong spirit of volunteering that runs through Offaly.”

Manager of Offaly Volunteer Centre, Deirdre Fox described the opening as an emotional and affirming moment for the organisation and its supporters.

"It was amazing to see so many people gathered together to celebrate this moment with us, days like today are heartwarming. They remind us that this work is about people, relationships, and community.

She continued: "Our new premises represent much more than a change of address. They reflect the strength of the relationships we have built across Offaly.”

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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Board member Malachy Mangan described the opening of the new premises as a particularly fitting moment for him personally, as he prepares to step back from the board, having served since before the centre first opened its doors.

"It feels like such a fitting way to mark this moment, having been involved since before Offaly Volunteer Centre even opened its doors. It has been a privilege to see how far it has come so to stand here today in this new premises is very special."

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.

Offaly Volunteer Centre plays a central role in connecting people with meaningful volunteering opportunities, supporting organisations to recruit and manage volunteers, and promoting a strong culture of civic participation throughout Offaly.