Community volunteers tangled in red tape

Volunteer groups whose work is at the heart and soul of their local communities have been dealt a body-blow – after they were told that they might not be insured to carry out their projects.

That’s despite the fact that they might have their own public liability insurance – but there are fears it may not cover them for works carried out on public roads or parks.

An outraged Cllr Peter Keaveney (FG) told a meeting of Ballinasloe Municipal Council that voluntary community groups were the lifeline of local areas – and that, without them, areas would be in a terrible state.

He said that these groups were doing works that the Council could not afford to – but now they were being told that they might not be entitled to do so because of insurance concerns.

“It is outrageous to suggest that community groups cannot go out and pick up litter or clean up roads because they do not have the Council’s permission to do so,” he said.

“They are going to do it anyway so regardless of what Galway County Council says, it is going to happen. They are doing invaluable work and now an obstacle is put in their faces,” Cllr Keaveney added.

Senior Executive Engineer Enda Mulryan told the meeting that while the works of voluntary groups was appreciated, there was always the matter of insurance.

He said that there was always documentation required that would allow them carry out works and not have the Council responsible for any eventualities.

He did explain that there were complications when it came to works being carried out on a public road.

Dunmore’s Cllr Joe Sheridan suggested that Galway County Council provide the necessary insurance for these community organisations to operate.

The Fianna Fail councillor said that these organisations were doing Galway Council a favour and should be rewarded for doing this.

“There are community groups that are doing the work of several Council employees and are not getting a penny in return. This has to stop or else they are rewarded for doing so.

“To suggest that Galway County Council are not going to support these groups is unacceptable. They are doing the work of the Council and should be rewarded accordingly,” Cllr Sheridan added.