Volunteer women builders to the fore in Laois in Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall build in Portlaoise

Portlaoise woman Megan Ryan is one of nearly 80 women who are playing a big part in volunteering to help build a new place of worship for the Jehovah's Witnesses.

During the build, Megan has been behind the wheel of a dumper among other jobs. She is one of 77 women working without pay on the build of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise. 

The Jehovah's Witnesses say their construction projects, such as the one in Portlaoise see a considerable number of female volunteers actively participating. These volunteers do not need prior expertise, as they receive comprehensive on-site
training covering safety regulations and equipment handling.

Megan says she has volunteered to work on sites for about 10 years. For five of those years, she has held a site dumper ticket which she has put to use on various projects throughout the country.

“I was delighted to get a chance to build on my experience, especially at this project in my own town. I really enjoy the atmosphere onsite, the voluntary spirit and the craic. It’s been a great environment for learning and building confidence,” she said. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

One of the project coordinators, Joshua Dennis, spoke about the work of Megan and the other female volunteers.

"Their attention to detail, high-quality task execution, and enthusiasm are truly contagious," he said.

The Jehovah's Witnesses say they place great emphasis on the health and safety of all 180 volunteers involved in the construction of the Kingdom Hall.

“Some construction projects prioritize speed and cost due to commercial interests,” volunteer Kirsty said. “However, in Jehovah's Witnesses construction projects, safety is paramount because we believe that life is a gift from the Creator," she added.

All Jehovah’s Witnesses who volunteer to work on a construction project, undergo training on the proper use of personal protective equipment. Only trained individuals are permitted to use high-risk tools.

Mr Dennis spoke about safety. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"We strive to maintain a well-organized, clean, and tidy site. Power cables are kept suspended, extensive efforts are made to ensure safe heavy-equipment practices and fire extinguishers are readily available, all contributing to a safe environment," he said.

The volunteers are also encouraged to be vigilant in anticipating potential hazards.

"Before we start work, we conduct a general risk assessment to identify potential hazards we might encounter during the day and outline preventive measures," said Mr Denis.

The 180 square metre Kingdom Hall will have a capacity for 90 people ppon completion. The Jehovah's Witnesses say the new meeting place will offer numerous benefits to the community. 

"The advantages of the new Kingdom Hall for the community extend beyond its beautiful structure and the infectious joy of the volunteers. Attendees of meetings in these venues receive support in becoming better parents and children. They also find assistance in navigating difficult situations and discover a welcoming, pleasant, and friendly atmosphere," said Mr Dennis.

The Jehovah's Witnesses say the entire community is cordially invited to attend the weekly meetings at the new facility located beside St Mary's Hall, which is scheduled to open in late February.

Jehovah's Witnesses are Christian movement whose members believe in God, whom they refer to as Jehovah, and the complete Bible as his “inspired message”. They believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the saviour but not part of a Trinity.

More information is available on the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses, www.jw.org