New Intreo Centre Centralises Social Welfare Services In Galway

The new Intreo Centre in Galway Centre, which provides a full range of social welfare services previously run by five separate offices in the city, has been officially opened by Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton.

The new centre offers a single point of contact in one location in Galway city. The catchment area for this new Intreo Centre is Galway city and its hinterland including east to Oranmore and Athenry, north to Claregalway and towards Headford and West including Oughterard and most of South Connemara and the Aran Islands.

Some 150 Department of Social Protection staff are based in the Intreo Centre which is headed up by Divisional Manager, Eoin Brown. Almost 16,000 customers will be assisted through this office which includes income supports and tailored employment supports for jobseekers.

The new Intreo service in Galway will reduce waiting times for jobseeker payments, significantly improve customer service and, for the staff, the working environment has been transformed.

Speaking at the official opening, the Tánaiste said: "Intreo has been a key element of the Government’s response to the high unemployment levels and it supports the objectives set out in Pathways to Work strategy to tackle unemployment. It links the payment of income supports with supports offered to jobseekers in their efforts trying to find work.

"The type of support provided by Intreo is customised to each person’s skills, experience and qualifications. A tailored progression plan is discussed and agreed by the jobseeker and their case officer. Intreo Galway provides a one-stop-shop for jobseekers where they can get their income and employment supports in the one place for the first time. Previously, the Department’s services were situated in five different locations around the city."

(MH/CD)