Talks are due to take place between the Galway City Council and the Galway Volunteer Centre about an initiative which could see the Galway City Museum open seven days a week.
The museum is currently open Tuesdays to Saturdays and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Labour city councillor Niall McNelis feels the city would be better served if the museum could be open seven days a week.
Cllr McNelis argues that during summer it would enable more tourists to visit the museum and get a sense of Galway’s history and heritage; while Sunday openings would allow families and more members of the public to explore the building’s displays.
As a result, Cllr McNelis has organised a meeting between the city manager Brendan McGrath and the Galway Volunteer Centre, to see if volunteers could be assigned to the museum to assist staff and facilitate seven day opening.
Cllr McNelis is a strong supporter of the work of the Galway Volunteer Centre and in the ethos of volunteering.
“The Galway Volunteer Centre estimates that for every euro received in funding €5 is generated in volunteering,” he said. “I am very disappointed that central Government funding has had a 17 per cent cutback over the last five years. I am seeking a meeting with Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton to see how volunteering is not penalised.”
According to Cllr McNelis, more than 8,000 people have come to GVC seeking to volunteer. GVC has advertised almost 2,000 volunteer roles for more than 500 organisations including sports, arts, heritage, and community groups.
“Volunteer recruitment service is free to the public and community groups,” said Cllr McNelis. “By supporting Galway Volunteer Centre, you are supporting every other organisation in the city that has volunteers.”
The Galway City Volunteer Fair takes place in January
