Leitrim Village image taken by John Shanley

Connecting Women to

Local Decision Making in Leitrim

An impressive line-up of speakers and panellists feature in ‘Connecting Women to Local Decision Making in Leitrim’, on Friday June 13th.

Organised by Leitrim Public Participation Network, WCI North Leitrim Women's Centre and See Her Elected, the event takes place at Carrick-on-Shannon Business Campus Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 N1F2

 

The event runs from 10am to 12.30pm followed by lunch.

 

The keynote speaker will be Nikki Bradley Member of the Seanad Éireann & Disability Advocate. Nikki, who lives in Donegal was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 16, but never left her disability hold her back. She has climbed glaciers in Iceland, abseiled off Fanad Lighthouse in North Donegal and completed the infamous Fan Dance 24km march across the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons in Wales. In recent years she had her hip and thigh amputated. She ran for General Election in 2024 but was unsuccessful but was subsequently nominated to the Seanad in the same year, by the then Taoiseach, Simon Harris.

 

Dr Michelle Maher, Programme Manager of See Her Elected will also address the gathering. She will examine the history of women in politics in Leitrim and the opportunities for getting involved in decision-making through the structures of Leitrim’s Public Participation Network. SHE’s mission is to increase the number of women in local politics, particularly those in underrepresented rural areas. With women currently making up approximately 27% of elected representatives nationally with much lower in many rural counties, the 2029 local elections represent a crucial opportunity for meaningful change.

 

A panel discussion will be a central component to the day, hosted by See Her Elected and featuring four local women with different experiences of community leadership, including;

Lola Gonzalez, from Panama who has more than 20 years of experience and knowledge in the fields of inclusion, entrepreneurship and empowerment and is an advocate for social justice. She has worked with various Leitrim authorities on projects that advance the integration and inclusion of new communities in Ireland. Lola ran as an Independent candidate in the Local Elections 2024. 

 

Also on the panel is Bláithín Gallagher a passionate community leader, writer, and filmmaker, with a background in health services research and a career in disability and ageing advocacy.

She chairs The Model Arts Centre, Mná Glasa, and North West Greens and sits on the Sligo Rape Crisis Centre board which also serves Cavan and Leitrim. She facilitates the Leitrim PPN Environmental Linkage Groups, and has contested both local and general elections, championing equality, environmental action, grassroots representation, and women’s leadership.  Bláithín was editor of The Leitrim Guardian for several years.

 

Drumkeerin’s Mary Bohan has been a councillor for the past 45 years and is Fianna Fail's longest serving councillor, having first been elected in 1979. Mary’s mother Alice McTiernan was the first woman to ever run in Leitrim and comes from a family who were involved in politics.  Mary is hugely involved in community work in Drumkeeran in the Development Association and starting up the Credit Union. Mary served as Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council numerous times. Since 1922 there have only ever been six women elected to Leitrim County Council – that’s only six female councillors in over 100 years.

 

Bernie Mulligan Dolan, is another woman who does trojan work in her local community.   She is the chairperson of County Leitrim Health and Wellbeing Committee and also the chairperson of the Leitrim GAA Health and Wellbeing/Healthy Clubs. Bernie is on the Secretariat of Leitrim PPN and sits on Leitrim County Council SPC and was previous chair of Carrigallen Primary Care Centre.  Bernie is well known as a tireless worker on behalf of her community organising many events in Carrigallen.

 

Bringing the arts in Leitrim to the fore, as part of the day’s line-up, Treasa Nealon a playwright based in Manorhamilton will provide reflection with a reading.

The event will be opened by Assumpat Kelly from WCI North Leitrim Women's Centre and closed by Mary Mc Keon Co-ordinator Leitrim PPN.

Leitrim Volunteer Roadshow in Glenfarne

Leitrim PPN staff and some secretariat members attended the Leitrim Volunteer Centre Festival on Thurs in Glenfarne.

 

Well done to all involved and it was nice to meet with some of our member groups, collaborate with agencies present and network.

 

Pictured: Brian Smyth Secretariat, Olivia Fitzgerald Murphy Secretariat, Mary Mc Keon PPN Co-ordinator, Gerry Creamer Secretariat, Mary Mc Girl Support Worker

Leitrim PPN Member Spotlight
Carrick Men's Shed

The Carrick-On-Shannon Men's Shed aims to work towards a future where all men have the opportunity to improve and maintain their health and well-being by participating in a community Men’s Shed.

 

Check out the Men's Shed funding under funding section below.

Waters and Communities Special Award 2025

Co-sponsored by LAWPRO, Inland Fisheries Ireland, and Waterways Ireland, this award recognises outstanding community efforts in protecting and enhancing our local waterbodies.

 

This year, they're shining a light on water stewardship in local streams, rivers, lakes, estuaries, canals, beaches, and coastal areas.

 

If you are involved in a Tidy Towns group, show them how your group is making a difference by protecting and enhancing the naturalness of the water body.

Deadline: 9th June

Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation's education & employment bursary

The Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation's education & employment bursary is now open for applicants.

 

The bursary is a support which aims to help people build a better future for themselves through education, training or employment pathways.

 

Deadline: 12th June

Pilot Place-Based Philanthropy projects

The Department of Rural and Community Development have launched a philanthropic based fund.

 

A community group or organisation can apply for up to €50,000 of funding per year for three years from the department under this scheme.

The group must have a confirmed philanthropic funding partner.

The philanthropist would be required to match the funding awarded by the department for three years. i.e. if the Department awards €50,000 per year to the groups project for three years, then the philanthropist will also be required to provide the group with €50,000 per year for three years.

 

If interested groups have questions, can these please be addressed to community@leitrimcoco.ie

Deadline: 16th June

Disability Capital Support Fund 2025

Athletics Ireland is delighted to announce that the application process for the Disability Capital Support Fund 2025 is now live.  They invite applications from clubs across the country working in the area of disability & inclusion who are actively looking for new ideas and opportunities to make their club open & accessible to people with disabilities.

 

The Disability Capital Support initiative aims to reduce the barriers to sports participation for people with a disability through the provision of equipment and minor infrastructure.

 

The fund can be used to purchase a range of disability sports equipment and enabling infrastructure including hoists, handrails, fittings, mats, wheelchairs, ramps, inclusive sports equipment etc.

 

Deadline: 16th June

The Arts Council Bursary Awards!

Apply now for:

 

🔹Children & Young People's Art

 

🔹Dance

 

🔹Literature

 

🔹Multidisciplinary Art

 

🔹Music

 

🔹Theatre

 

🔹Trad Art

 

🔹Visual Art.

 

💶Maximum award ▶€20,000

 

Deadline: 19th June

Research Ireland Discover Programme

The Research Ireland Discover Programme is part of Research Ireland’s role to promote and support an awareness and understanding of the value of research and innovation to society and to facilitate engagement of members of the public with those engaged in research and innovation activities.

 

The Programme aims to empower participation, grow talent and inspire deep public engagement in STEM.  The Programme addresses critical areas such as broadening participation and ensuring equity of access, promoting climate action and sustainability, and encouraging co-creation with stakeholder groups.

This Programme will be run in collaboration with the Department of Education. Research Ireland is open to forging new co-funding partnerships with agencies and organisations.

 

Deadline: 24th June

AIB Community Fund

The AIB Community €1 Million Fund enables customers, the public and our employees to support the local charities that matter most to them, within their region. 

 

 

Deadline: 25th June

New Funding round for Cross-Border projects announced

The 2025 round of The Shared Island Civic Society Fund will allocate up to €2 million, and applications will be accepted from Monday, 26 May 2025, to Friday, 27 June.

 

Average grant of just under €30,000 for smaller grass-roots organisations, working in their local communities who encourage organisations to focus on cross-border connections, developing new and interesting collaborations, and strengthening existing partnerships.

 

Deadline: 27th June 

National Social Enterprise Awards 2025

The National Social Enterprise Awards 2025 are now open for applications. The Awards showcase the impact of Ireland’s social enterprise community, and celebrate the people and organisations that make it all happen.

The awards are organised by the Local Development Companies Network in collaboration with The Wheel, Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland and the Irish Social Enterprise Network.

 

Deadline: 27th June

FÍS Film Competition

There is an open invitation to all Dept. of Education designated Irish primary schools to enter their films into the annual national FÍS Film Awards competition.  There is no need to register in advance.  To enter, primary schools across the country are asked to create an (up to) five-minute film on a subject of their choice.

 

FÍS is a successful film project currently thriving in primary schools across Ireland. The initiative encourages children to explore the medium of film in the primary classroom developing essential skills in moving-image literacy, communication, teamwork, visual arts and even numeracy.

 

Deadline: 27th June

Swim Ireland Club Disability Pathway Fund

Swim Ireland team are looking ahead to the 2025-26 season and have launched a new fund to support the development and delivery of a club pathway for swimmers with a disability.

 

The fund, provided through Sport Ireland Dormant Accounts and underpinned by Sport Ireland policy on Diversity and Inclusion in Sport, is aimed at clubs who want to introduce participants with a disability to their club, support increased access to training for current members with a disability, expand a current programme to increase the number of participants with a disability, or another project to support swimmers with a disability.

 

Maximum funding application is €5,000.

 

Deadline: 30th June

Climate Action Summer Works Scheme for Schools

The Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee TD, has announced details of a new multi-annual Climate Action Summer Works Scheme for schools, which will open for applications in early May.

Previously named the Summer Works Scheme, it now has a strong climate dimension and enables schools to undertake small and medium scale maintenance and improvement works such as insulation, LED lighting, the provision of EV chargers and bike racks, as well as the traditional maintenance work associated with this scheme.

The Scheme also provides an important opportunity for post-primary schools to undertake refurbishment and improvement works to their science laboratories.

 

Deadline: 30th June

Need funding for Energy Upgrades?

We’ve got €500,000 in grants to help non-profits, charities, and voluntary groups lower their energy costs and carbon footprint.

 

Whether it’s insulation, solar panels, or EV chargers – we’ll support you every step of the way.

 

Don’t miss out – apply now and make your building work smarter.

 

Deadline: 18th July

Wildlife Acoustics Grant Program 2025

Wildlife Acoustics is proud to offer a quarterly grant program that supports the advancement of wildlife research, habitat monitoring, and environmental conservation.  Scientists may apply for a product grant to advance the study of bats, birds, amphibians, and other terrestrial wildlife—or a travel grant to help them attend a conference with their peers.

 

Deadline: 15th August

1,000 free Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp places for children at risk of educational disadvantage

This will support children attending schools in the DEIS programme through the School Completion Programme.

Community Benefit Funds under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme 

The community commitments in the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) seek to ensure that local communities benefit from Ireland’s energy transition through the Community Benefit Funds (CBF's).

 

The CBF's are funded by mandatory financial contributions made by renewable energy projects supported by the scheme.  These funds support local initiatives and payments to households close to the projects. Communities decide how to spend the funds through a public application process and the decisions taken by the Fund Committees. 

Men's Shed Funding

• Funding to support up to 450 Men’s Sheds with their running costs.
• Grants of up to €3,000 available to Sheds.
• Funding will be distributed by Irish Men’s Sheds Association

 

The funding is designed to assist Men’s Sheds with their running and operational costs such as heating, utility and insurance bills.

Small town, BIG impact! 

Learn how communities across Ireland are raising funds for local causes through Re-turn's deposit return scheme. Share YOUR story and you could win €2000!

Spot a Barn Owl?  Leitrim survey needs your help

Leitrim County Council & Bird Watch Ireland have launched the 2025 Barn Owl Survey.

Citizen science is an important element of the Barn Owl survey and monitoring.

 

Everybody remembers an encounter with a Barn Owl (whether alive or dead), and many people have gone to the effort to build and install nest boxes for Barn Owls – all this information is incredibly valuable and helps to direct survey efforts, ensure that nest sites are protected, understand causes of mortality and informs conservation efforts (such as the provision of nest boxes).

 

Please report information on Barn Owls using the link to the website below for reporting potential Barn Owl nest sites, Barn Owl sightings, dead Barn Owl and also if you have or know of a nest box installed for Barn Owls or if you have a suitable location for a Barn Owl nest box.

Calling all Afterschool Services in Leitrim!

“Tech Talk: Children’s Voices in the Digital World” 

This summer, children in afterschool summer camps are invited to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas about technology — and turn them into a creative poster!Through games, conversations, and art, children will explore how technology fits into their lives and what they wish adults knew. 

Online training and a facilitator pack, Fun, child-friendly activity ideas, Full support along the way - all provided.

For more information or to get involved, email michelle@leitrimchildcare.ie
Let’s give children a voice in the digital world! 

Study on Deposit Return Scheme Accessibility

This study aims to understand how accessible is the Deposit Return Scheme for online grocery shoppers, and identify any barriers preventing participation in the scheme.

 

Your support would help ensure that important accessibility perspectives are included in this research, which may contribute to improving how the scheme works for online shoppers across Ireland.

Covid-19 Evaluation

Everyone in Ireland felt the impact of the pandemic response – but each experience is different.

 

The independent COVID-19 Evaluation wants to understand the wide-ranging impacts. This Consultation gives you an opportunity to share your personal experience.  

 

Your input will help the Evaluation learn lessons to guide decision making for future events. 

Public Consultation on draft National Policy Statement and Roadmap on Circular Textiles

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has launched a public consultation on a National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles.

This draft Statement & Roadmap sets out for the first time a policy direction for Ireland regarding textiles. The aim of this consultation is to seek views from organisations and individuals. This draft has been informed by insights and recommendations from the Textile Advisory Group, and other sources. The document proposes the necessary steps for Ireland to achieve a circular economy in textiles.

 

Deadline: 7th July

Boost your rewilding knowledge with Rewilding Europe’s new free online course

Are you curious about rewilding?  Do you want to learn how to actively help nature recovery in your own way?  Rewilding Europe’s brand new free online rewilding course – which can be signed up to today – will empower you with rewilding knowledge and practical insights necessary to amplify nature recovery, regardless of age, background, or career.

Leitrim Sports Partnership's Summer Camp for All is back!

Lough Rinn | July 7th–9th, 2025

An inclusive, fun-filled camp designed for children, teens & adults with additional needs 

Camp Times:
Age 5–8: 10:00am – 12:15pm
Age 9–12: 10:15am – 12:30pm
Age 13–18: 1:00pm – 3:15pm

Adults: 1:15pm – 3:30pm

 

Activities include:
Kayaking, football, tennis, dance, cycling, sensory games & more!

Run by experienced LSP tutors
Just €20 for 3 days or €10 for one day (online payment)
Bring wet gear & a change of clothes for kayaking

To book, email: loughrinnsrh@gmail.com to request an application form!

Let’s make this summer the best one yet! 

Men's Health Week - June 9th to 15th 2025

The overall aims of the week are to:

• Heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages.
• Support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices / activities.
• Encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males.

Each year, there is also a specific theme. 

During 2025, the theme for the island of Ireland will be 

'Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Connecting for Health'.

A stronger future for Rural Europe - Ensuring LEADER/CLLD as a pillar of EU Development 

Leitrim Development Company are supporting an online petition to support the LEADER programme and its work in rural communities across Europe.  European budgets for the post-2027 period are currently being decided, and now is the time to lend your support to the campaign for a strong and secure LEADER programme.

 

Your support is crucial in making real change happen.

Leitrim PPN are hosted in Leitrim development Company.

Cruinniú na nÓg: Saturday 7th June 2025

Celebrate creativity this June with Cruinniú na nÓg in Leitrim!  A day filled with exciting events, workshops, and performances for young people to explore their artistic talents.

90km Cycle in honour of Conor Torsney

Kevin and Clodagh Torsney lost their 20 year old son on the 18th June last summer. Their families, community and friends were an immense support to them during their most difficult year.  They have decided to honour Conor and give something back to their community.  They are planning to cycle a sponsored 90km loop from Dromahair to Drumkerrin, Drumshanbo, Leitrim village, Battlebridge, Keadue, Ballyfarnon, Geevagh, Sooey, Ballygawley, Ballintogher and back to Dromahair on Saturday 14th June 2025.

 

Conor spent much of his sporting life in the Park in Dromahair and while he might have dragged his heels to training in his late teens, he did always come home in great form and full of chat after the session.

 

All funds raised will go towards the Dromahair Community Park.  The Community Park is at the centre of community life for residents of Dromahair and the surrounding area.  It currently includes a playground, a 1km walkway, picnic area, outdoor gym, all-weather floodlit astro turf and changing/meeting rooms.  A training area and car park are currently being planned/developed.  The Park was originally just a football field and today that football field is regularly unplayable and needs to be upgraded their our local clubs to thrive.  Grant aid will help but falls well short so fundraising is now needed for Dromahair Community Park.  Kevin and Clodagh hope to initiate this in honour of their son Conor.

Turning Vacant Properties into Cosy Homes

Leitrim County Council is hosting an Information Event to showcase the potential to transform vacant & derelict properties in County Leitrim into vibrant homes. The event, taking place on Thursday, 19th June 2025 from 3pm to 8pm in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim will also exhibit how to make existing homes warmer, greener, and more energy efficient.

The Keynote Speaker on the day will be Award Winning Architect Hugh Wallace. Hear from other Experts also as they share their expertise in property restoration and energy upgrades.

If you are a prospective or existing property owner and would like to attend this event, you can register your interest in attending by visiting Leitrim County Council’s website.

 

They are now inviting interested organisations to showcase their expertise in the exhibition area of the event and are seeking participation from the following:

 

·Credit Unions & Banks

·Auctioneers & Solicitors

·Retrofit and Sustainability Experts

·Architects and Energy Advisors

·Insulation Providers

·Window and Door Suppliers

 

Please note that spaces are offered free of charge but are limited.

Fleetwood Community Colours Returns for 2025

€75,000 worth of paint to local communities all across Ireland, supporting the spaces that bring people together and make our neighbourhoods shine.

 

From now until the end of June, 75 community groups and clubs will each receive up to €1,000 worth of Fleetwood paint – whether it’s to brighten a town hall, refresh a sports clubhouse, spruce up a Scout den, or add new life to a Women’s or Men’s Shed.

 

From now until June 30th, you could win 70 litres of Fleetwood Paint for your community group or club!

Forest Photography Competition Highlighting ‘Trees in our Lives’

The Department is delighted to collaborate with Teagasc on this exciting photo competition that celebrates trees and their value for farms, nature, and biodiversity. Shortlisted photos will be shared across our social media channels, so why not get snapping?

Calling All Coaches and Volunteers!

This year's Cúl Camp, running from July 7th to 11th, 10am–2pm each day — and your help is needed!

 

Volunteers (Ages 16–18): enthusiastic young volunteers to assist coaches with the day-to-day running of the camp.  It's a great way to get involved and gain some experience!

 

Parents: If you're available to help out in any way, even for a few hours on one of the days, your support would be greatly appreciated.  Please contact Conor on 0876091394 if you are available to give a hand any of the days.

Positive Living

The Marie Keating Foundation holds free Positive Living meetings for men and women living with metastatic cancer.

 

The Marie Keating Foundation urge people who are living with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis to reach out and engage with a community that understands the challenges this diagnosis presents.

 

This programme offers attendees both established and new, a chance to meet and talk with others affected by the disease and receive expert advice and information safely.

 

Positive Living is free to attend but registration is essential.

Are you a Childminder or thinking about becoming a Childminder in Co. Leitrim?

The Childminding pre-registration training is a mandatory course for anyone who intends to register with Tusla for a childminding service.

The aim of the training programme is to help you:

• Understand the new childminding regulations.
• Apply the regulations to your childminding practice.
• Understand the Tusla registration process for childminders.
• Understand the documentation required to register with Tusla.
• Access supports and resources.
  

It will also provide an opportunity to meet with other childminders both new and existing which will offer you great peer to peer support.

Once you have completed the training you will be issued with a certificate of attendance and there is absolutely no obligation on anyone who completes the training to register with Tusla.

 

For more information contact:
Aoife O'Neill, Childminding Development Officer
aoife@leitrimchildcare.ie
083 4683773

National Age Friendly Recognition & Achievement Awards 2025 |

EXTENDED CLOSING DATE - This Fri!

Due to high demand, Age Friendly have decided to extend the closing date for applications for this year’s National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards 2025.

The closing date is now Friday 6th June.

 

If you have any queries at all, please do not hesitate to call the shared service office on 0469032170 or email agefriendlyireland@meathcoco.ie

Free yoga classes at Dromahair Library 

For the next four weeks on Wednesdays Dromahair Library will have 'Yoga for Healthy Aging' between 3pm-4pm as well as 'Yoga for All' between 4pm-5pm.  On Thursday, classes for parents and toddlers will run between 9am-11am.  For further information or to book your place please contact Dromahair Library on 071 9650474 or email. dromahairlibrary@leitrimcoco.ie