Aftermath of Storm Éowyn in Leitrim- thankfully no loss of life 

Huge Crowd show up at Public Meeting on Power & Water Outages organised by Leitrim PPN - standing room only

Leitrim Public Participation Network, PPN hosted a public meeting on Thurs 23rd Jan in the Den, Ballinamore to bring many stakeholders together to discuss the various and serious issues that occurred recently during and after Storm Darragh.  

 

The meeting was attended by almost 150 people.  No government agencies attended the meeting to address the frequent power outages hours before many parts of the county were plunged back into darkness with the arrival of storm Eówyn.

 

There were many PPN registered groups present as well as individuals badly affected by the previous storm, all the county councillors in the Ballinamore MD area, residents associations, group water schemes and IFA rep - all present. 

 

A report on the meeting will be circulated to the ESB, Coillte, Uisce Eireann, Forest Industries Ireland, Leitrim County Council Councillors and Executive, TD's and  Minister Michael Healy Rea and Minister Dara Calleary.

Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity & Agriculture Linkage Group

All welcome to the Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity & Agriculture Linkage Group meeting in Leitrim Development Company, Drumshanbo this Wed 29th Jan at 7.30pm.

 

With presentations from:

• Leitrim Warmer Homes
• Retrofit Ready Sligo/ Leitrim
• North Leitrim Sustainable Energy Community

There will be an update from the Climate Action Team in Leitrim County Council also.

 

All welcome, tea/coffee on arrival.

Community Supports after Storm Éowyn

Leitrim County Council’s dedicated Community Support Helpline is now live for those who need support as a result of Storm Éowyn.

The support line is available on 071 965 0471 from 9am to 5pm.

 

The public can also email storm@leitrimcoco.ie for support.

 

Emergency calls should be directed to 999 or 112, in the normal way.

 

SPC Training for Leitrim PPN Reps - Fri 7th Feb - Sligo

 

All Leitrim PPN SPC Reps will be updated on travel arrangements, running order of the day etc. in a seperate email to follow:-

 

The training for SPC's will cover:

• The theoretical, contextual and political basis for the PPN system (incl. ICCL report);
• What we know of the experience of voluntary and community organizations of the PPNs to date (incl. key documents);
• Being pro-active on SPCs and related groups. Choosing the issues to pursue;
• Understanding and knowledge of local authority information, functions and operations;
• Effective participation in SPC meetings, incl. typical problems and how to handle them;
• Minutes, procedures and agendas
• How to work with public representatives, officials and press;
• Case studies of participation to date;
• How to make complaints.

ICCL published research report detailing infringements of civil society’s rights of public participation, freedom of association and freedom of expression - have a read below before the training.

Leitrim PPN Outreach Clinic

Come along to learn more about the PPN, how to get involved and have your voice heard, support with funding and upcoming grants and training courses.

 

PPN Outreach Clinics (capacity building with member groups)

• Ballinamore Thurs 13th Feb 10.30am – 1.30pm
• Carrick on Shannon Wed 26th March 10.30am – 1.30pm
• Manorhamilton Wed 2nd April 10.30am – 1.30pm

Launch of the Destination & Experience Development Plan for the Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne, & Border area

Leitrim & Roscommon PPN staff attended the Launch of the Destination & Experience Development Plan for the Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne, & Border area in Arigna Mining Experience last Tuesday.

 

This is a five-year tourism destination plan for Cavan, Leitrim and the area of Roscommon north of, and including Roscommon Town, as part of the development of the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region.

Want to share what the Public Participation Network is with your community members?

Leitrim PPN Member Spotlight

Dromod Harbour Pétanque Club

Pétanque, pronounced "pay-tonk", is a game suitable for all ages and abilities.  If you can throw/roll a metal ball at a target, you can play Pétanque, also called Boules. All that is needed is a set of Boules (€20/30) and a hard gravelly patch about 15 metres long and 4 metres.wide.  Anybody who has holidayed in the South of France will undoubtedly have seen this game played by the locals.  It's a relaxing way to spend an evening and get a little exercise and fresh air as well.

 

This activity should go down well with groups such as Men/Hen Sheds, ICA groups, Active Age Retirement groups and local Community groups.  As this game is suitable for all age groups, Schools, particularly TY students and Scouting/Guide Troops may like to have a go at Pétanque.  The Dromod Club is currently in the process of constructing a purpose-built Terrain which will incorporate three International-standard Pistes.  Nearby clubs exist in Cavan, Longford, Sligo and Athlone. Leitrim is currently among the very few Counties where there is no Pétanque facility.

 

Any enquiries, in relation to playing this sport or setting up a Club, should be directed to Tom Donnellan, Provincial Development Officer, at Connacht@irishpetanque.org or Michael Carroll, Dromod Harbour Chairperson, at mickeencrua@gmail.com.

Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to support those householders affected by #StormÉowyn

In dealing with emergency events the department generally adopts a three-stage approach as follows:

 

• Stage 1 provides emergency support payments for food, clothing and personal items in the immediate aftermath of the event
  
• Stage 2 involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items
  
• Stage 3 is to identify what longer term financial support is required, including plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting

Better World Books 2025 Literacy Grants

Better World Books is pleased to announce the 2025 Literacy Grants, inviting applications from organisations based in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland.  As an organisation committed to the global promotion of literacy and education, Better World Books recognises the transformative power of reading in fostering individual and societal growth.  Applications are encouraged from organisations engaged in initiatives that address literacy challenges, enhance educational opportunities, and expand access to reading for individuals of all ages.

 

Deadline: 31st January

The Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize 2025

Open to women writers, aged 18 or over (at the time of applying), who are currently living in the UK or Ireland.

 

The winner will receive a £1,500 prize, and all shortlisted authors will benefit from a one-on-one consultation with a literary agent.

 

Deadline: 31st January

Gaeltacht Grants 2025

Leitrim Co Board GAA in conjunction with Comhairle Contae Liatroma is offering grants for attendance at Gaeltacht courses to Leitrim boys and girls as part of their promotion of an Ghaeilge.

A number of grants for €300 and €200 will be awarded.

These grants are open to boys and girls living in County Leitrim.

 

Deadline: 12th February

HSE National Lottery Grant Scheme

The HSE offer National Lottery grants to health and social care projects.

Community groups and voluntary organisations can apply.

You must provide health or social care services to the community.  For example, you might help people with a disability, older people, carers or disadvantaged groups.

Public bodies, including the HSE, cannot apply for this funding.

 

Deadline: 14th February

The Trinity Music & Drama Access Fund 2025 is now open for applications! 

The Access Fund provides grants for Trinity candidates based in the UK and Ireland who experience barriers to accessing our music and drama qualifications.

 

You can apply for a maximum of £1,500 per group or £300 per candidate (or equivalent in Euros for applicants from the Republic of Ireland)..

 

Deadline: 14th February

2025 St. Patrick’s Day Event Grant Scheme

Leitrim County Council invites St. Patrick's Day committees to make applications for St. Patrick's Day Event Grants Scheme 2025.

 

Deadline: 17th February

The Entrepreneurship Impact Fund – Strand 2: Youth Entrepreneurship Incubators 2025

The Entrepreneurship Impact Fund 2023-2026 is a three-year fund, through the support of a private donor, which aims to have impact across three strands:

Strand 1: The Social Innovation Growth and Scaling Fund (awarded)

Strand 2: Youth Entrepreneurship Incubators

Strand 3: The Minority Entrepreneurship Fund

 

This fund is open to organisations that have a not-for-profit legal form, e.g. a company limited by guarantee, a co-operative, trust, charity, and other voluntary organisations.

 

Deadline: 17th February

Emigrant Support Programme

Working through hundreds of organisations across the world, the Emigrant Support Programme focuses primarily on two areas:

• support for the vulnerable and underrepresented
• nurturing Ireland’s cultural heritage abroad among the diaspora

 

Since 2004, the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) has assisted more than 900 organisations in 51 countries. Grants issued total over €250 million.

Individual grants have ranged from small amounts for grass-roots groups to major allocations awarded to voluntary and community organisations operating on a large scale.

 

Deadline: 19th February

Entrepreneurship Impact Fund –
Strand 3: Minority Entrepreneurship Fund

This Rethink Ireland fund is now open for applications.

 

The Entrepreneurship Impact Fund’s Strand 3 is a unique opportunity for 5 minority-led social enterprises, taking an entrepreneurial approach to social change, to get support to deliver sustained individual and collective solutions across communities over a three year period and beyond.

 

Deadline: 28th February

Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund Grant

The Fund has been established to provide targeted grants to individual species conservation initiatives, recognize leaders in the field and elevate the importance of species in the broader conservation debate.

 

Deadline: 28th February

2025 ESB Wind Farm Community Funds – Now Open

The fund is available to community and voluntary groups, non-profit groups or organisations with a charitable status.  The Wind Farm Community Funds will prioritise projects and initiatives that support and benefit the areas surrounding ESB wholly owned and co-owned wind farms, in the following categories:

• Education and skills
• Health, safety and wellbeing
• Environment and habitat conservation
• Energy efficiency and sustainability
• Culture and heritage
• Recreation, sport and social inclusion

Deadline: 7th March

2027 EU Green Capital & EU Green Leaf Awards

They recognise & reward the efforts of towns and cities striving for greener, healthier & more sustainable urban areas!

 

Deadline: 15th April 2025

€85 million for THRIVE scheme to revitalise Ireland’s heritage buildings

€85 million in funding is available through Ireland’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programmes to restore vacant or derelict heritage buildings in public ownership – revitalising urban centres, bringing valued heritage buildings back into use as community assets.

 

THRIVE empowers local authorities to reimagine and adapt heritage buildings, preserving their historical and cultural significance while creating vibrant and sustainable urban spaces.

 

With 100% grant aid available, local authorities are encouraged to act swiftly, as this competitive funding opportunity promises to generate significant interest nationwide.

 

Deadline: 30th May

The EENergy second call is now open

EENergy 2nd Call is open to apply for energy efficiency grants for SMEs up to €10,000!

 

In the second round, just over €2 million is still left across the European Single Market, which will be drawn proportionally among all the applications submitted.

 

To participate in the EENergy open call and become eligible to receive a grant, SMEs must work with specialised sustainability advisers from the Enterprise Europe Network, who will support interested SMEs in designing a customised energy efficiency action plan and submitting their application to the EENergy open call.

PwC Ireland Resilient Communities Fund

This €100,000 fund is designed to empower individuals and teams across Ireland to spearhead local community projects that promote inclusion, equitable access to opportunities, skills development, and sustainability.

 

How it works:

• Choose an idea from one of those featured on the link below, and apply to create your project page.
• Complete a 30 Day Challenge to unlock funding.
• Receive the first portion of funding and use it to make your project happen!
• Share the impact of your project to unlock the final portion of funding.

 

Deadline: Funding is allocated to those who successfully complete the challenge on a first-come, first-served basis.

The SVP Education and Training Bursary Fund

Society of St. Vincent de Paul recognises the importance of further education, however, for many people accessibility and affordability are real barriers to obtaining a third level education and training.

 

The SVP Education and Training Bursary Fund has been established to support students of all ages who may financially struggle to access or stay in third level education and training programmes.

 

The Bursary Programme will consider all recognised third level education and training programmes for funding.

Timetable and work programme for Ireland’s fourth-cycle Water Action Plan 2028 - 2033

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage invites submissions, observations and comments on the timetable and work programme for the development of Ireland’s fourth-cycle Water Action Plan 2028  – 2033.

 

The purpose of this consultation is to seek the public’s views on the timetable and work programme which sets out the main steps and milestones in the process of preparing Ireland’s fourth Water Action Plan, which will be published by December 2028.

 

Deadline: 25th July

Commercial Organic Growers Storm Damage Survey

Storm Eowyn has brought damage and devastation to so many growers around the country.  Organic Growers of Ireland are gathering information on how commercial organic growers have been affected, to bring to the Department of Agriculture later this week.

Please take their short survey as soon as possible to let them know how you have been affected, so that they can lobby on your behalf.

 

You can also email them at: info@organicgrowersireland.ie

This survey is for commercial growers.
Please respond before Wednesday 29th if possible and share with as many growers as you can.

Circle of Security Parenting Programme

'Secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened’ For Parents & Carers of children from 3 months to 6 years old The Circle of Security Parenting Programme will start on Wednesday 5th February from 10.00am-12.30pm at the Sligo Family Resource Centre for 6 weeks.  If interested, please phone Caroline: 086 1851654 or Lynette: 087 1847650

Email: hello@lifestartsp.ie *(babies up to the age of 6 months are welcome to attend with parent/carer) Lifestart Supporting Parents

Clinics: Effective Funding Submissions for Artists with Dr Marianne O’ Kane Boal

Due to popular demand, more one to one clinics are available for artists to register - getting advice and support from Marianne O’Kane Boal on submissions / ideas for future funding opportunities.

Teagasc Signpost Series

Teagasc Signpost series webinars take place on Friday's from 9.30am to 10.30am and have farming/environmental themes.

Trauma Informed Practice Training Sessions 

Adverse Childhood Experiences Training (ACEs) Level 1

This introductory course aims to raise awareness of the potential impact of ACEs on individuals and communities.

Dates: Tuesday 18th February 2025 10 am to 1pm Thursday 6th March 2025 1 pm to 4 pm

Community Support Webinar

AsIAm is delighted to collaborate with Mother Tongues and Dr Bérengère Digard on a webinar about plurilingualism in the Autistic community.

 

The languages we speak, whether it is one or many, have a significant impact on our identities, culture, social and cognitive development and inclusion.  Mother Tongues is a social enterprise working to promote multilingualism and intercultural dialogue in Ireland, sharing positive and encouraging messages about plurilingualism with parents and with people working with young children.

The Leitrim Gathering is a celebration of everything great about our County

Scheduled from 23rd to 25th May 2025, “The Leitrim Gathering” is a weekend for all the family, with a series of literary, cultural and heritage events arranged.

Volunteer Board Member - FND Ireland

FND Ireland - Functional Neurological Disorder are seeking a non executive director/trustee to join their board with corporate governance/legal experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the first Irish registered not for profit organisation dedicated to advocating for and supporting those living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that impacts an estimated 9,000 people in Ireland. 

Free Trees Ireland

A big storm might knock down some trees, but here’s an idea: why not plant more native provenance Irish trees to replace them?

 

These are locally grown right here in Ireland, and they’re ready to thrive!

 

When: Saturday, 01 February 2025 at 10am

 

Want to know how to apply and get all the details?

Creative Communities Open Call Public Information Sessions 2025

Are you part of a community group interested in developing an exciting creative project with a professional creative practitioner?  If so, this opportunity might be of interest to you!

 

Leitrim County Council Arts Office is hosting three informal information sessions for community groups to learn more about the Creative Communities Open Call programme.  These sessions will provide an overview of how the programme can benefit your group, especially for those who have had little or no previous involvement in creative projects.

 

Information Session Dates and Locations:

• Carrick-on-Shannon: Leitrim County Council, Aras an Chontae Building, Chamber Office

Tuesday, 28th January 2024, 7:00 - 8:00 PM

 

• W8 Centre, Manorhamilton

Wednesday, 29th January 2024, 7:00 - 8:00 PM

 

• Ballinamore Library

Thursday, 30th January 2024, 7:00 - 8:00 PM

 

Whether you're new to Creative Ireland or have previously participated in a Creative Ireland project, this session will provide valuable insights on how to get involved.

Calling all Visual Artists! 

Don't miss The Arts Council upcoming Visual Arts Bursary info clinic!

 

Hosted online by their VA team you'll have a chance to ask any questions and learn more about how to make your application the best it can be.

 

Info Clinic 30th Jan at 11AM

The Dock - 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀: 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲

𝟮𝟴 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 — 𝟱 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

The purpose of the Farm Walks project is to explore the common ground between artists and farmers, to highlight shared farming and environmental interests, to build capacity for cross-border cooperation, and to connect on common concerns including biodiversity, farming in harmony with nature, water quality, and climate action.

 

The creative showcase at The Dock opens up the Farm Walks project to the wider public and marks the start of the next phase of activities. In 2025, The Dock, in partnership with Leitrim Arts Office, Leitrim Sustainable Agricultural Group and Ulster Wildlife EFS Group, will launch a residency programme funded by the CreativeIrl Shared Island Programme.

 

The showcase will be open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.  Free admission.

Bord na Móna Secondary School's Competition

Calling all secondary schools.

Bord na Móna Recycling are inviting entries to our inaugural Secondary Schools Challenge!

 

What is involved?

 

Step 1: Pick a minimum of one U.N Sustainable Development Goal, known as the SDG’s.

 

Step 2: Upcycle discarded items or materials typically considered as waste to solve an element of the goal.

 

Step 3: Submit a video presentation and supply images of the solution. (Max 5mins for video)

 

Deadline: 28th Feb

Active Travel Funding Announced for Leitrim

The National Transport Authority has allocated funds to Local Authorities across Ireland for the ongoing delivery of active travel schemes in 2025.

 

The funding will support a range of walking and cycling schemes including improved pedestrian environments, new segregated cycling lanes, pedestrian and cycling bridges and pedestrian crossings.

Reconciliation Fund Outreach Workshops & Attendance at Funding Fairs 2025

The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund invites you to attend their series of Outreach Workshops, or visit their stand at a range of funding fairs, over the course of January and February 2025.

 

This year they will host sessions in Belfast, Derry, Enniskillen, Armagh & Monaghan which will outline the application process for the Reconciliation Fund step-by-step in advance of the Annual Funding Round opening in February 2025 and answer any questions that you may have.

 

The Reconciliation Fund will also be in attendance at a number of funding fairs, details as follows:

 

Fermanagh-Omagh District Council Funding Fair, St Macartin’s Cathedral Hall, Enniskillen, Thursday 6th February 2025, 4pm – 8pm

 

Reconciliation Fund Outreach Workshop - Thursday, 6 February 2025 – Afternoon 

Register below

Guidelines for Organising Outdoor Activity Events

National Grief Awareness Week 

This week is National Grief Awareness Week, 27 January – 2 February 2025.  During this period, Irish Hospice Foundation will be hosting online events and running a social media campaign to raise awareness of grief and the supports and services available for those who feel they would benefit from additional support.

 

Be Grief Aware.

 

Show You Care.

Upcoming CFI Member Events

From Support Groups to Skills development, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland have an array of events for their members to join. 

Discover the Smart-Skills Good Practice Guide: 30 Inspirational Case Studies in Sustainable Agriculture

Free World Cancer Day Webinar

‘Your cancer prevention questions answered’

 

The Irish Cancer Prevention Network will host a live webinar for World Cancer Day.

Tuesday 4 February

12pm to 1:15pm

 

The webinar will feature expert speakers presenting on healthy eating, skin protection: melanotan, alcohol, vaping and tobacco products and their relationship to cancer risk.

 

If you cannot attend the live webinar, a recording of the event will be sent to all those who register.

Save the Date!

Leitrim Arts Office are delighted to announce the new date for Leitrim Arts Awards which will now take place on February 21st at the Dock Arts Centre.

 

The event is hosted annually by Leitrim Arts Office and Creative Frame and is a celebration for our arts community.  Throughout the year there have been several exciting arts projects led by artists working in Leitrim that have come out of Leitrim County Council’s Individual Artists Bursary Programme, Artists in Schools Programme, Artists in the Community Programme and Creative Ireland Programme and some of these will be acknowledged on the evening with Leitrim Arts Awards.

 

Tickets will be available shortly.