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Published on
October 3, 2025
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A Visit to Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre
Recently, our Lorraine O’Connor our Community Education Officer, visited Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre (BTTC) and met with Centre Manager Deirdre Arnold to explore the centre’s impactful work in the heart of rural Offaly
Supporting Learning and Community Development
Just 10km from Tullamore, BTTC is a community-owned rural social enterprise serving the Tullamore & Edenderry Municipal District. Established in 1999 by residents, the centre was founded to meet the evolving training and development needs of the rural community as it entered the digital age.
Over the years, BTTC has grown into a vital hub for education, inclusion, and community development. As a not-for-profit CLG and registered charity, it operates with a sustainable business model, generating traded income while remaining deeply rooted in its social mission. It is also a proud member of the Social Enterprise Network for Offaly and a part of a Community Service Programme funded through Pobal and the DRCDG.
The centre’s work is guided by two key pillars: Advancement in Education and Services for Older Persons, with additional focus on community development and stand-alone projects tailored to local needs.
Training Opportunities for All
BTTC supports a wide range of cohorts across the county, including migrants, women’s and men’s groups, the long-term unemployed, and individuals seeking to upskill. More than 1,000 learners have received training from them in the last year. Its retrofitting training programme is particularly noteworthy, equipping learners with practical skills for sustainable employment.
As an Authorised Training Organisation (ATO) for SOLAS Safepass Training, Ballycommon also offers:
- QQI-accredited and non-accredited courses
- ICDL certification
- Skills for Work programmes
- IT and personal development training
- Career planning support
Through partnerships with organisations like Laois Offaly ETB and various funding partners, (BTTC) delivers external training and in-house training, extending its reach and impact.
Beyond its education programmes, the centre provides:
- A free weekly drop-in IT clinic
- Remote working facilities through the Connecting Communities Hub
- Meeting room hire with an interactive smart screen and high-speed broadband
- Kids Clubs and seasonal camps (Robotics, Coding, Green Screen Animation)
- Craft clubs for women and men
- Support for the Daingean Community Employment Scheme
Making an Impact in Rural Offaly
The dedication of Deirdre Arnold and her team shine through in every aspect of BTTC’s work. Programmes like those offered here are lifelines for rural communities—helping to combat isolation, foster opportunity, and build resilience and place people into employment.
The number of learners supported into employment and further education is a testament to the team’s commitment and to Deirdre’s tireless efforts in building strong relationships with local businesses and the wider community.
We are proud to have BTTC as a valued member of the Community Education Network and commend them for their outstanding contribution to local development. It’s no surprise that BTTC were recently nominated by Offaly County Council for the IPB Pride of Place Awards 2025 – Inclusive Community – and will take part in the finals in Limerick this November.
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Written by
Published on
October 3, 2025
Share This
A Visit to Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre
Recently, our Lorraine O’Connor our Community Education Officer, visited Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre (BTTC) and met with Centre Manager Deirdre Arnold to explore the centre’s impactful work in the heart of rural Offaly
Supporting Learning and Community Development
Just 10km from Tullamore, BTTC is a community-owned rural social enterprise serving the Tullamore & Edenderry Municipal District. Established in 1999 by residents, the centre was founded to meet the evolving training and development needs of the rural community as it entered the digital age.
Over the years, BTTC has grown into a vital hub for education, inclusion, and community development. As a not-for-profit CLG and registered charity, it operates with a sustainable business model, generating traded income while remaining deeply rooted in its social mission. It is also a proud member of the Social Enterprise Network for Offaly and a part of a Community Service Programme funded through Pobal and the DRCDG.
The centre’s work is guided by two key pillars: Advancement in Education and Services for Older Persons, with additional focus on community development and stand-alone projects tailored to local needs.
Training Opportunities for All
BTTC supports a wide range of cohorts across the county, including migrants, women’s and men’s groups, the long-term unemployed, and individuals seeking to upskill. More than 1,000 learners have received training from them in the last year. Its retrofitting training programme is particularly noteworthy, equipping learners with practical skills for sustainable employment.
As an Authorised Training Organisation (ATO) for SOLAS Safepass Training, Ballycommon also offers:
- QQI-accredited and non-accredited courses
- ICDL certification
- Skills for Work programmes
- IT and personal development training
- Career planning support
Through partnerships with organisations like Laois Offaly ETB and various funding partners, (BTTC) delivers external training and in-house training, extending its reach and impact.
Beyond its education programmes, the centre provides:
- A free weekly drop-in IT clinic
- Remote working facilities through the Connecting Communities Hub
- Meeting room hire with an interactive smart screen and high-speed broadband
- Kids Clubs and seasonal camps (Robotics, Coding, Green Screen Animation)
- Craft clubs for women and men
- Support for the Daingean Community Employment Scheme
Making an Impact in Rural Offaly
The dedication of Deirdre Arnold and her team shine through in every aspect of BTTC’s work. Programmes like those offered here are lifelines for rural communities—helping to combat isolation, foster opportunity, and build resilience and place people into employment.
The number of learners supported into employment and further education is a testament to the team’s commitment and to Deirdre’s tireless efforts in building strong relationships with local businesses and the wider community.
We are proud to have BTTC as a valued member of the Community Education Network and commend them for their outstanding contribution to local development. It’s no surprise that BTTC were recently nominated by Offaly County Council for the IPB Pride of Place Awards 2025 – Inclusive Community – and will take part in the finals in Limerick this November.
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23 February 2026
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AONTAS Statement on Voluntary and Community Sector Cuts in Northern Ireland
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