Nominations EXTENDED for PPN members to nominate Reps to various committees

Secretariat - Social Inclusion Pillar 
Secretariat - Environment Pillar (Female)

 

Leitrim PPN are also seeking PPN Reps on the following committees:-

• Strategic Policy Committee Physical Environment
  (2 Vacancies) 

         Environment Pillar

         Community & Voluntary Pillar

• Local Development SPC 1 Rep (1 vacancy)
  Community & Voluntary Pillar

• Peaceplus Programme 2022-2027 (Target Group) - Disability/ Ex- combatants/ LGBTQIA+/ Minority Faith/ Older People/ Travelling Community/ Women/ Youth 
  (2 Vacancies)

Deadline: 5th Nov

Hope & Courage : Building Inclusive Communities

Thank you to all who attended the Hope & Courage : Building Inclusive Communities on Fri 16th Oct in The Island Theatre, Ballinamore.

 

This was a free workshop open to all organised by Leitrim Volunteer Centre, Leitrim PPN and Leitrim Development Company Community Connect Project.

THANK YOU FROM The Toy Library, Climate Action Team Leitrim County Council and Leitrim PPN

What a wonderful day of sharing, swapping, playing and connecting!

 

The Toy Library, Leitrim Climate Action team in Leitrim County Council and Leitrim PPN would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at the Swap & Play event on Sunday, 18th October, in The Landmark Hotel Carrick-on-Shannon, a collaboration with Leitrim County Council’s Climate Action Team and Leitrim Public Participation Network (PPN).

 

Thank you to every family who came along, every child who discovered something new to play with, and everyone who helped make the day such a success.

A very special thank you goes to the amazing volunteers, whose time, energy, kindness and enthusiasm helped bring this event to life. Your contribution makes a real difference, and we are so grateful for your support.

 

What exactly is The Toy Library?

The Toy Library is about much more than toys.  It is about creating opportunities for children to play, learn, explore and develop, while helping families access toys and play resources in a more affordable and sustainable way.

By sharing, swapping and reusing toys, we can reduce waste, give pre-loved toys a new lease of life, support families and show our children that small actions can make a big difference to our planet.

Launch of Health & Wellbeing Supports in Leitrim

On Sunday October 18th, Mental Health Ireland in partnership with Leitrim GAA, Leitrim Sports Partnership and HSE Connecting for Life launched their Health & Wellbeing Supports.

 

These supports comprise of a Health & Wellbeing Boardfor each club ground plus the county ground in the county, a supporting toolkit for each club and a webpage with additional National, Regional and Local Supports (linked through a QR code).

 

Health & Wellbeing Boards started as a Mental Health Ireland Initiative in the Midlands in 2012  and has grown from strength to strength across the country through various sporting bodies and member groups of the PPN such as the GAA, youth groups, farming organisations etc.

 

This initiative is about improving communication, raising awareness and ensuring that individuals know where they can turn to for support for themselves or someone close to them.

 

Leitrim PPN staff and secretariat members attended the launch and are proud to be involved in this project to highlight services to member groups.
At the launch were Bernie Mulligan Dolan Chairperson of Leitrim GAA Health & Wellbeing Committee & Leitrim PPN Secretariat, Gerry Creamer & Patrick Mc Greevy also Leitrim PPN Secretariat.

Have You Checked Out the Updated PPN Webpage?

The Department has updated and reorganised its Public Participation Networks (PPN) webpage on gov.ie, making it easier to find information, resources and supports.

 

The webpage includes links to Media & Events, Training & Support Material, and Resources & Publications.

Leitrim Local Community Safety Partnership Public Meeting - SAVE THE DATE

The Leitrim Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) invites members of the public to attend its upcoming Public Meeting on Tuesday, 10 November at 5pm in The Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon.

 

This meeting is an opportunity to hear about progress on community safety in Leitrim, raise issues affecting your area, and engage directly with the agencies and organisations working to make our communities safer.

 

Register via the link below or book your place by emailing: lcsp@leitrimcoco.ie

We encourage anyone with an interest in community safety to attend and be part of the conversation.

 

Leitrim PPN have 4 PPN Reps on this committee namely:-

Matthew Conlon               Manorhamilton MD

Bernie Mulligan Dolan      Ballinamore MD

Kathleen Flanagan           Carrick MD

Osazuwa Peter-Olabiyi     Minority Group

Celebrating the Women in Leitrim
Who Bring Us Together & Lead Us Forward

Thursday - 12th November 10am-1.00pm

Carrick Business Campus, Carrick on Shannon

Join us for an inspiring morning dedicated to the extraordinary women driving positive change across County Leitrim.  From the kitchen table to local community development, we are shining a light on the friendship, care, and grassroots leadership that keep our communities thriving.

From simple conversations and shared ideas to projects that make a lasting difference, this event is about recognising the women who are helping to shape a stronger, more connected and inclusive Leitrim.

This event is part of ‘The Hidden Half - Leitrim Women in Focus’ project facilitated by Women’s Collective Ireland - North Leitrim Women’s Centre supported by PEACEPLUS, Leitrim County Council & SEUPB & Leitrim PPN.

Leitrim PPN Winter Plenary - 19th Nov

Thurs 19th Nov 7 to 9pm at The Rainbow Ballroom of Romance, Brockagh Lower, Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim. F91 RK54

 

Theme: Beyond Borders/Building Communities – Sharing stories from both sides of the border, information stands for community groups, refreshments, networking, hear about the PPN & lots more.....

Coill na nÓg - Helping School Communities Grow a Greener Future!

Coill na nÓg, a native tree and hedgerow planting initiative from Biodiversity in Schools, in partnership with eFlow, is helping schools across Ireland create mini-woodlands, support biodiversity and connect young people with nature.

 

Schools can enter for the chance to receive free native tree and hedgerow packs, with opportunities to win one of three outdoor classrooms through a competition celebrating nature in school grounds.

 

The initiative is open to preschools, primary and secondary schools, and homeschool settings across Ireland.

Tesco's 100,000 Lighting Up Christmas Fund for Irish communities

The fund will provide grants of €5,000 to 20 community organisations to support Christmas lights, festive displays, switch-on events and seasonal activities that bring people together.

Community-based, not-for-profit organisations, committees or groups operating in Ireland are invited to apply online.

Deadline: 1st November

DRI Community Archive Scheme 2027

Does your community group hold photographs, documents, oral histories or other digital materials that capture your local history and heritage?

 

The Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI) Community Archive Scheme is now open for applications from eligible low or non-funded community organisations. Successful applicants receive free associate membership and support to help preserve their digital collections for future generations.

 

A great opportunity to protect your community’s stories and make them accessible to others.

 

Check the website for eligibility criteria and application details.

 

Deadline: 5th November

Bealtaine Touring Award 2027 

Age & Opportunity, the national organisation dedicated to empowering older people through arts, physical activity, personal development, and active citizenship, is pleased to announce the call for applications for the Bealtaine Touring Award 2027.

 

Proposals are invited from artists and producers for ready-to-tour performing arts productions to be presented during the Bealtaine Festival in May 2027. 

Deadline: 11th November

Sport Expense and Participation Grants 

Sport Expense and Participation Grants from the Challenged Athletes Foundation help cover expenses related to participating in sports, including travel, competition fees, and training costs.  These grants are designed to remove financial barriers so athletes with physical disabilities can access opportunities that keep them active, engaged, and progressing toward their goals. 

Deadline: 13th November

Intact Insurance Broker Partnership Fund

Insurance brokers across Ireland are being invited to apply for the new Intact Insurance Broker Partnership Fund, which aims to increase the impact of charitable donations.

 

The ‘Double Impact’ initiative will match eligible charitable donations made by broker partners by up to €5,000, with the additional funding paid directly to the nominated charity.

 

Employees of broker firms can nominate a registered charity they or their organisation already support, provided the relevant donation was made within the qualifying period.

 

The fund is open to charities working across a wide range of areas, including:

• Education
• Health services
• Employment and training
• Food support
• Recreation
• Other community services

The initiative is designed to recognise and amplify the charitable support already being provided by insurance brokers to communities across Ireland.

Deadline: 13th November

Regional Creatives Fund Ireland 2026 

The Regional Creatives Fund Ireland is Amazon's annual grant programme supporting registered Irish charities that create pathways into creative industry careers for people from underserved communities. Grants are available for organisations already running impactful creative upskilling programmes, helping them sustain, strengthen, or scale the work they're already doing. The fund covers all creative industries, from music and film to theatre, gaming, publishing, fashion, comedy, and beyond.

The fund is open to charities registered with the Charities Regulatory Authority

of Ireland.

Deadline: 30th November

Festivals Investment Scheme 2027 – Round 2

The Arts Council’s Festivals Investment Scheme supports small-to-mid-scale festivals to deliver high-quality arts experiences for audiences.  It focuses on programmes engaged with, and relevant to, local communities or communities of interest.

 

Round 2 is open to organisations delivering arts festival programmes in the Republic of Ireland that commence between 1 July and 31 December 2027.

Funding is available in three bands: Band A, up to €10,000;
Band B, €10,001–€25,000; 
Band C, €25,001–€45,000.
Applicants to Bands B and C must have been established for a minimum of three and five years respectively and have delivered the same number of consecutive festival programmes.

 

Deadline: 19th November

FOREST Partnership Joint Call 

FOREST Partnership Joint Call The European Partnership FOrests, forestry, and the forest-based sector: REsearch and innovation for a Sustainable Transition (FOREST) has launched its first Joint Call for transnational research and innovation projects.

 

Entitled FORESTPathways – Building Knowledge and Solutions for Resilient Forests and Sustainable Forest-Based Futures, the call brings together 36 Research Funding Organisations from 27 countries, with an indicative total public funding commitment of up to €40 million, including the European Union co-contribution.

Deadline: 2nd December

Win an Outdoor Classroom 

Biodiversity in Schools have an amazing competition this year! Thanks to their partner eFlow they have three outdoor classrooms available. That's right - THREE. Over €12,000 worth of outdoor learning resources to be shared across three schools.

 

All you need to do is take a picture (max 5)/ video (max 90 sec) of your class exploring a local/ school woodland or hedgerow or indeed planting trees at your school. Share it on Facebook, X or Instagram using the hashtag #CoillNaNog and tag Biodiversity in Schools and eFlow. Entries judged on creativity and impact. They will also accept email entries to: info@biodiversityinschools.com.

Deadline: 11th December

8th call of the European City Facility 

The European City Facility’s next call for applications opens on 26 October 2026, the programme has announced. Up to 62 municipalities or local authorities, their groupings or local public entities aggregating municipalities can apply for lump-sum grants of €60 000 each, a total of €3.72 million.

 

The grants are to develop investment concepts on energy efficiency actions, heating and cooling actions, clean energy actions, or a combination of those.

 

Deadline: 21st December

N4 Carrick-on-Shannon Bypass & Traffic Management Project - Public Display No. 5

Presentation of Proposed Project and Draft Land Acquisition

This project is a priority investment in the Government’s National Development Plan 2021-2030.

The N4 national primary road, from Dublin to Sligo, is a strategic corridor which connects Dublin to the northwest and border counties.

 

Public Display – Proposed Project and Draft Land Acquisition
The Project Team will be hosting an in-person Public Display of the Project on Friday 6th November 2026 between 2pm to 7pm, in The Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 N9W4.
This event will present all elements of the proposed Project, as well as the anticipated land acquisition required to deliver the Project.

 

Details of the Project including maps, will also be available from 9th November 2026 until 27th November 2026. More information in this fortnightly e-bulletin as it becomes available.

The Public Display material will be available to view in the Leitrim County Council Offices at Áras an Chontae, St. Georges Terrace, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 PF67, from 9th November 2026 until 27th November 2026.

 

If you are unable to access the consultation via the website, consultation material can be made available to you by post from:

Leitrim County Council, Áras an Chontae, St. Georges Terrace, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 PF67

 

For further information please log on to www.carrickonshannonbypass.ie or you can contact the design team by email at carrickdromod@arup.com or by phone at 071 96 20005.

2026 National Remote and Hybrid Working Survey

Western Development Commission new National Remote and Hybrid Work Survey launched this week in partnership with Atlantic Technological University.

The world of work has changed enormously. Remote and hybrid working are now firmly established, but we need to better understand what that means for people, businesses and communities.
Where people choose to live, the time spent commuting, spending in local economies, wellbeing and the future of our towns and villages. All important questions, and all areas where good research can help inform national policy.

Now your help is needed.
If you work remotely or in a hybrid arrangement anywhere in Ireland, please take 10 minutes to complete the survey. Whether your experience has been positive or challenging, we want to hear it.

Christmas Marketing Masterclass | Tuesday 10th November | Online | 

The Christmas period can be one of the busiest and most profitable times of the year for many businesses. This practical workshop will help participants create a clear marketing plan to maximise sales and customer engagement throughout the festive season.

Want to save time and strengthen your grant applications?

Join STRIDE's FREE online workshop, AI for Grant Applications, and discover how AI can help community and voluntary organisations develop stronger funding bids, reduce administration time, and apply for grants with greater confidence.

 

• Tuesday 3 November 2026
• 7:00 PM
• Online & Free to Attend
• Delivered by Sam Gibson, Alacrity Foundation

Parents Plus Additional Needs Online Programme

Mohill Family Support Centre will be running the Parents Plus Additional Needs Programme starting November 5th for 7 weeks.  
This programme will be ONLINE through Zoom.  This programme is for children aged 6-12 years old inclusive of those who are diagnosed or who may be waiting on a diagnosis.

Please if you are interested in more information or signing up for this programme contact the programme facilitators: Rachel on 086 603 5977 or Danielle on 087 457 3000.

Webinar: Understanding & Tackling Disinformation in the Sector, 13 November 2026

Disinformation is already influencing how charities and community organisations work, how staff and volunteers interact, and how communities perceive the essential services the sector delivers.

Understanding and Tackling Disinformation in the Sector is a practical webinar exploring new research into how disinformation affects charities, community groups and social enterprises across Ireland - and, how to respond to the growing tide of disinformation.

Participants will learn how to:

·        Explore the research findings and what they mean for Ireland’s community and voluntary sector.

·        Recognise disinformation risks and strengthen their organisation’s ability to respond.

Identify useful resources to help protect their work and maintain trust within their communities.

Leitrim PPN are a member of The Wheel, contact us if you wish to take part in this webinar.

When: Friday, 13 Nov @ 10am - 11am

Cost: FREE for members of The Wheel

Webinar: Making a difference together (International Men’s Day)

To mark the countdown to International Men’s Day 2026, HSE Health and Wellbeing - in conjunction with the Men’s Development Network, SETU and the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland - is hosting a men’s health webinar on Tuesday 17th November.

 

This will feature some great initiatives to support men’s health and wellbeing in Ireland, with inputs from organisations including Tosú, From Lads to Dads, the Mark Project and Movember. The special guest speaker will be Andy Moran - Mayo’s All-Ireland winning team Manager.

Community Exhibition by Leitrim Village ICA

Leitrim Village ICA was set up ten years ago to give women an opportunity to connect and to offer support to all women in our community.  Through co-operative effort, they keep education and lifelong learning of traditional Irish culture and language alive.

At present, they are undertaking a six-week course in painting which is being held in the Leitrim Village Community Centre.

The challenge for the group was to set up a 'Still Life' and create a painting based on the objects they had before them. The group were guided through demonstration on how to set up a composition, how to observe it, and how to use materials, focusing on shade and light in order to create shape and form. They were taught how to really observe their objects and to transfer this onto a canvas.

 

The finished paintings will be exhibited in the Jury Room café at The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon from the Thursday 29 October until 21 November.

The café will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm, except 26 and 31 October. Free admission and all welcome.

County Leitrim Social Inclusion Week

Dates

Social Inclusion Week will take place from the 16th to the 20th of November 2026

 

If you have or are interested in running an event for this week contact caillin@ldco.ie.

Oireachtas Essay Competition 2026-2027

Students in Senior Cycle (TY, 5th Year and 6th Year), as well as AS and A level students across the island of Ireland, are invited to submit essays on the theme:

Parliamentary Politics Matters for Europe / Tábhacht na Polaitíochta Parlaiminte don Eorap

Supervalu Tidy Towns Leitrim Results