It was almost the cruellest of blows. Within the space of a few weeks, the specialist education and training provider EQUAL Ireland had gone from planning the acquisition of its own premises, to contemplating eviction and the possible closure of services. Matters were made worse by the fact that EQUAL Ireland faced eviction from the Galway centre that had been their home for many years. But the loss of the premises was secondary to the possible impact on the organisation's ability to deliver its innovative education programmes to its target group.
Since its inception in 2006, EQUAL Ireland’s has focused on the design and delivery of high quality training to those whom may have missed out on earlier educational opportunities and were now seeking to up skill. The unique concept originated in the Adult Education Department of Galway University and led to the development of accredited 3rd level education and training programmes with a focus on areas such as Business & Community Development, Social Enterprise & Management.
The practical programmes were developed in collaboration with a wide range of community and civil society groups and EQUAL Ireland’s secured contracts from a range of national and European educational and official bodies. The potential loss of their premises in Galway’s Liosbaun Industrial Estate threatened, at the very least, to severely disrupt the organisation’s critical work.
Prior to the sale, the organisation was given the opportunity to purchase the premises outright, which could help secure EQUAL Ireland and its critical work, over the longer term. But the organisation lacked the financial resources to make the necessary investment in its future and approached Clann Credo for support. Given the significant social and employment impact of their work in the region, that support was forth coming and the work of EQUAL Ireland was immediately placed on a more stable and secure footing.
Location: Building 8 6d Liosbaun Business Park, Tuam Road, Galway
Website:
http://equalireland.ie/