Coast Road, Tullaghan - image taken by Bridie Flannery 

FINAL Reminder - Leitrim PPN Plenary this Thurs 9th May - PPN's Celebrating 10 years in existence

• All Welcome - 7 to 9 pm this Thursday 9th May in Canon Donohoe Hall, Mohill.

   

  We will be celebrating our 10th Anniversary of being the community & voluntary umbrella network in Co. Leitrim. We are inviting all of you to celebrate with us. 

   

  Leitrim PPN have significantly increased membership from 289 group registered in Feb 2022 to over 400 at present.

   

  Agenda for Plenary

  • Registration and an opportunity to network (Tea/Coffee/Finger food)
  • Welcome and Introduction by Secretariat (Patrick Mc Greevy Facilitator)
  • Ratification of Minutes of previous Plenary and updates on PPN work with ratification of 2024 Budget
  •  
  • Presentations:
  Sergeant Orla Mc Grath, Community Policing, Sligo/Leitrim Division on the Lifesaver Project
• 
  Louise Mc Geever, Road Safety Promotions Officer RSA
• 
  Bernie Mulligan Dolan, Health & Wellbeing Officer for Leitrim GAA Healthy Clubs
• 
  LCC funding – Elaine Mc Keon Community Development in Leitrim County Council
• 
  Brian Smyth on activism in the community & voluntary sector
• 
  The Leitrim Gathering presentation by Emer Connolly
• 
  Roaming mic Patrick Mc Greevy) – chat with community group who are showcasing
• 
  
  • Plenary Discussion & SWOT analysis for Strategic Plan 
  • Close
  •  
  • Register by emailing info@leitrimppn.ie

   

• Finger food at 7pm

See you all Thurs.

Useful Information for Your Community Group

Risk Management

 

The Wheel has prepared the following advisory guide to managing risk in your organisation:

Workers Retreat held in Trim, Co. Meath

All 31 PPN's were Welcomed to Meath by Martin Murray, Director of Service, Meath County Council  followed by Storyboarding/Wall Visioning Exercise with Storyteller Daniel Downey (who is from Cavan PPN)

 

We then heard from:-

• Michelle Maher - See Her Elected 
• 
  Conor McKinney - Wild Belfast, passionate advocates for conserving and enhancing Belfast's natural habitats.
•  
• Dan Bergin - PPNs At 10 Years Old 
•  
• How Other States Do It: Estonian Public Participation, Karl-Kendrik Pallo 
•  
• “Thriving at Work & Avoiding Burnout” Theresa Nanigian coaches individuals, teams and organisations at three levels of opportunity – leadership development, team effectiveness and organisational health and she is very inspiring.
•  
• Our 2024 PPN Story, by D. Downey

 

Well done to the organising committee and in particular Meath & Cavan PPN for a great retreat and networking with other PPN's nationally.  It was very motivating and engaging.

 

Info Circulated to Member Groups through Leitrim PPN  Forthnightly E bulletin

Just a few statistics from the Leitrim PPN e bulletin circulated to all member groups and e bulletin subscriptions since our last plenary in Nov.

 

From Nov '23 to April '24 this year Leitrim PPN circulated

• 132 Community news items
• 157 Funding opportunities
• 49 Training courses
• 259 community events of member groups
• 31 consultations (which members groups can feed into)
• 13 surveys (which member groups can contribute to)

If you have an event coming up and wish us to circulate it please sent it to info@leitrimppn.ie 

Letter to the PPN's from the Ombudsman

Leader Funding Opening

The LDCo LEADER Team are pleased to announce that the new 2023-2027 LEADER Programme is now opening in County Leitrim.

 

You are invited to attend one of the three community events on the new programme outlined, all commencing at 6:30pm.

2025 Programme for Support Organisations to Early Learning & Care/ School Age Childcare and Childminding Sector

The purpose of the Programme for Support Organisations to Early Learning & Care/ School Age Childcare and Childminding Sector is to enable organisations that support the early years sector to submit a proposal to apply for funding for work that they will undertake to directly facilitate and support, or to compliment, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) Early Years policy objectives in 2025.

 

The Programme is open to non-governmental organisations or not for profit organisations, is a registered charity, with special interests and expertise in the Early Learning and Care, School Aged Childcare (ELC/SAC) and/or Childminding sector.

 

Deadline: The application process is designed in two phases:

 

Phase 1 /Outline Proposal – deadline for applications was Friday 19 April 2024.

Organisations that pass the Phase 1 review will be invited to submit an application at Phase 2 /Full Proposal – deadline for applications Friday 31 May 2024 at 3pm.

Coca‑Cola Thank You Fund

The Coca‑Cola Thank You Fund is back with €200,000 / £171,000 (sterling figure based on conversion rates at the time) in grants now available!

 

Grants between €8,000 – €15,000 / £6,500 – £12,500 (sterling figure based on conversion rates at the time) will be available to support community-based projects that are focused on empowering young people through programmes of learning and sustainable development.

To date €1,565,000 has been awarded to 164 non-profit organisations across the island of Ireland.

 

Do you know of a non-profit youth-focused organisations focused on empowering young people aged 16-25 that could deliver an impactful project with the right funding?

 

Deadline: 24th May

Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Funding open for applications

Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Thomas Byrne T.D., Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, have announced funding of up to €120m under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), which opens for applications today (26 April 2024). 

 

Assessment of applications, for funding of between €600,000 and €30m, will take into account population size, sustainability, reducing administrative overheads and ensuring that similar access is provided to accommodate access by men and women to LSSIF-funded facilities.

 

Deadline: 1st July

Energy For Generations Fund

Charities working in the areas of suicide prevention, homelessness and education access and support can apply to the Fund for project specific funding.

 

Three times a year, ESB allocates an amount from the Fund for disbursement. The amount may vary because of the volume of applications received or seasonal considerations - wintertime and Christmas may require more funding than summer.

 

Applications submitted during each round are appraised with funding allocated accordingly.

 

Deadline: 19th August

Artist in the Community Scheme

Are you an artist working collaboratively with a community? Are you an artist or community group with an interest in working on a collaborative, socially engaged project?

 

The Arts Council’s Artist in the Community (AIC) Scheme, managed by Create, offers awards to enable artists and communities of place and/or interest to work together on projects. The AIC Scheme also offers an annual bursary, as well as residencies and a summer school. The AIC scheme is open to artists from any of the following artform disciplines: architecture, circus, street art and spectacle, dance, film, literature (Irish and English language), music, opera, theatre, visual arts and traditional arts.

 

Deadline: 30th September (Round Two)

Festivals Investment Scheme

The Arts Council offers financial support to small-to-mid-scale festivals to deliver high-quality arts experiences for audiences, and prioritises programmes engaged with, and relevant to, local communities or communities of interest.

 

Maximum funding €45,000

 

Deadline: 30th May

Creative Heartlands Adaptation Film Bursary

The second annual Creative Heartlands Adaptation Film Bursary is now open for applications.

 

It is awarded by Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo local authorities under the Creative Ireland Programme and is supported by the NTA for Film & Television Drama. 

 

Deadline: 13th May

Training Links 2024-2026

The Wheel is delighted to launch Training Links 2024 – 2026. Training Links funds community and voluntary organisations to form Training Networks — groups of organisations who come together to undertake training that they may not have the opportunity to do individually.

 

Training Networks must have a minimum of ten members, and over the course of the programme, members will work together to address a specific workforce training goal. Members of your Training Network can be from the same region, sub-sector or community of interest, for example.

 

Training Networks are invited to apply for grants ranging from €10,000.00 to €50,000.00. Applications are welcome from new, existing, previously funded networks who have completed their programme or previously unsuccessful networks.

 

Deadline: 17th May

 

Get in touch by emailing Lauren on traininglinks2024@wheel.ie. 

AIB Community 1 Million Fund

€8.7 million in funding announced for community and sports facilities nationwide under the 2024 CLÁR programme.

 

As part of the initiative, grants of up to €50,000 will be provided to support the renovation and upgrade of community centres, parish halls, GAA clubhouses, youth facilities and more.

 

- 2024 CLÁR Programme to deliver hundreds of projects nationwide (within the areas as per map below)

- Funding to renovate community centres, parish halls, GAA clubhouses, youth facilities and more

- Grants for outdoor projects such as playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks, skateparks and community allotments

- Renewed focus on upgrading spectator stands at local GAA and sports clubs

- Scheme extended to cover the purchase of vehicles for Meals on Wheels under Measure 2

- Continued support for our island communities

 

Deadline: 19th June

School of Excellence in Creativity 2025

The Department of Education invites expressions of interest from post-primary schools interested in partaking in a project to review, evaluate and develop creativity in their school.

 

Successful schools will receive the award ‘School of Excellence in Creativity 2025’.

€79.5 Million Support Package for Farmers

Additional €79.5 million support package for Farmers impacted by Ash Dieback Disease approved.

 

There are a number of elements to the financial support for farmers whose plantations are affected by ash dieback.

Small Summer Scheme Grant

*Attention: Community & Voluntary Groups*

 

Applications now open for the Leitrim CCC Small Summer Scheme Grant.

 

This grant is for community/voluntary groups providing summer projects in Leitrim.

 

Email nancy@leitrimchildcare.ie for more info and an application form.

 

Deadline: 4th June

The Sports and Wellness Fund 

The Sports and Wellness Fund aims to support social innovations that use sports and physical activity programmes to have a demonstrable impact on improving mental health outcomes and social inclusion for people and communities in Ireland.

 

Deadline: 12th July

Invite for applications for the Animal Welfare Grants Programme 2024

Invite for applications for funding under the Animal Welfare Grants Programme from registered animal welfare charities in Ireland.

Culture Ireland Grants

Culture Ireland offers support to Irish professional artists, arts organisations and international presenters to present work by Irish artists at significant international venues and festivals.

 

In supporting an event, Culture Ireland offers grant funding towards costs which relate directly to the international presentation of the event, i.e. travel and travel related costs such as transport, accommodation and subsistence.

Clár Scheme 2024

The Department of Rural and Community Development have announced CLÁR 2024 Funding. CLÁR provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas that have suffered significant population decline. 

 

Deadline: 17th May

Participation Nation Outdoor Fund

• Funding available for investment in barrier-free outdoor sport infrastructure

 

• Fund focused at increasing participation in local community settings

 

Deadline: 21st June

Healthy Ireland’s Outdoor Swimming Infrastructure Fund

The Healthy Ireland initiative recognises the growth in popularity of outdoor swimming in recent years, and the many health benefits associated with it.

 

Grants of up to €30,000 will be awarded for projects that enable broader participation in outdoor swimming, such as improving access, developing and enhancing changing facilities and procuring equipment to assist people with disabilities.

 

The funding will be administered by Sport Ireland on behalf of the Department of Health.

 

Deadline: 17th May

Consultation on removing the self-compliance option for battery producers and economic operators under the EU Batteries Regulation 2023

Deadline: 22nd May

The National Risk Assessment 2024 Public Consultation

First published in 2014, the National Risk Assessment provides an opportunity to identify and discuss significant risks that may arise for Ireland over the short, medium and long term. The most recent National Risk Assessment 2023 was published in August 2023.

 

The National Risk Assessment aims to provide a systematic overview of strategic risks facing the country to serve as the basis for political and public discussion and deliberation about their implications.

 

Deadline: 17th May

Arts & Crafts for children aged 6 to 12

Arts and crafts for children and young people aged 6 to 12 in Manorhamilton.

The idea is to promote the integration between local and Ukrainian children through Arts & Crafts.

 

LDCo are planning an hour-long lesson for two groups of children from 6 to 9 years old and from 10 to 12 years old.  Children will engage in various arts and crafts such as painting, sculpture and paper crafts using eco-friendly or reusable materials that promote environmental awareness.

 

Anna Pomaran, our dedicated arts & crafts facilitator, is responsible for the weekly delivery and rollout of the arts & crafts sessions at The Bee Park Community Centre. She is involved in the workshop and actively supports the children, ensuring a well-managed and engaging experience.

 

LDCo are planning to run it for 32 weeks up until Christmas 2024

Starting 11/05/2024, every Saturday going forward:

• Group one: 6 – 8-year-olds @ 11 am
• Group two: 9 – 12-year-olds @ 12.15 pm

Leitrim Development, SICAP, sponsors the Art & Craft integration classes.

Glass Fusion - Bridging Tradition & Innovation - 2 Day Workshop

Join Creative Heartlands - The Leitrim Design House for a hands-on 2-day workshop where you'll learn the art of working with glass and technology to create beautiful pieces!

CarePALS training in Sligo & Donegal 

Sligo on Thursday 20th June and Thursday 27th June 2024

(participants must attend on both dates).

 

Letterkenny, Co Donegal on Friday 27th of September and Friday 4th

of October 2024 (participants must attend on both dates).

 

Places are limited and attendance must be confirmed by contacting Máire Murphy at Age & Opportunity Active Ph: (01) 9133946 or email maire.murphy@ageandopportunity.ie 

Vision Ireland’s Services

Vision Ireland (VI), formerly the National Council for the Blind of Ireland, provides a wide range of services for people who are blind or visually impaired.

 

VI Labs is a dedicated team within Vision Ireland for the provision of Information Technology training and support on a broad range of IT-related topics, including assistive software and hardware.  Courses are offered at levels to suit the individual and participants may avail of training either on a 1-to-1 basis, centre-based group training or by remote connection; group discussions via Virtual Technology Clubs also take place.  The Vodafone Hi-Digital program, which includes an introduction to being online, using my smartphone, connecting with others, entertainment, shopping, hobbies and travel, is offered as well, subject to demand. 
For all enquiries re IT training, please email VI Labs training@vi.ie.

Opening reception of “Under A Vaulted Sky”

The Dock proudly presents a solo exhibition by Pauline Rowan.  Opening reception of “Under A Vaulted Sky” on Saturday 11 May, 2-4pm. Admission is free and all are welcome.

 

Pauline Rowan worked closely with a small community of people documenting their relationship to a deconsecrated Irish convent and its abandoned gardens, all of which were marked for demolition.  Her collaborators consisted of the convents’ transient residents, its previously evicted nuns, and her mother who was raised in a convent.  The exhibition looks at our relationship to home, primarily the garden, and the cultural repetition of our need to control land. "Under a Vaulted Sky" further reflects on the history of women in Ireland through a personal family narrative.

 

This long-term project also considers the struggle and acceptance of those people involved, all knowing that their home and sanctuary would be soon destroyed. As a consequence, a long-standing, ancient link of this site with nature, worship and propagation was severed. An extensive body of work, "Under a Vaulted Sky" consists of portraits, still lives, field documentary, and is intertwined with the artist’s own performative responses. This project has been created at an important time in Irish history, when the country is separating itself from catholic religion and redefining its relationship to spirituality. While this system falls apart, the remnants of a pagan past can be seen emerging.

A guide to voting and elections for the MS Community

With the Local and European elections just around the corner in June, MS Ireland has designed specifically for the MS community a tailored guide to voting and elections.

 

Together, let's create a more informed and empowered MS community!

#YourVoteMatterS2024

Attention all local communities! 

Almost €9 million in funding is now available under the 2024 CLÁR programme.

 

This funding aims to support community and sports facilities nationwide, especially in areas that have experienced significant population decline.

 

Our locally based team members are here to help if your application is successful, and you need to drawdown the grant funds.

Are you aged between 8-11 years

Would you like to be involved in the creation of a new song and video that explores Mohill’s history and culture?

Mohill library with Fionnuala Maxwell are running a series of free workshops in the build up to Criunniú na nÓg on Saturday June 15th. Over 3 workshops young people will explore different aspects of Mohill’s history and heritage through song and story.

They then will be guided through the creative process of performing and recording a song, creating visuals to illustrate it and exploring different ways to make sound effects.

The young people will then debut their song and film on Saturday 15th June to their family and friends.

Spaces are limited. Booking is essential please book by calling on 071 9631360 or emailing mohilllibrary@leitrimcoco.ie

Save the date, Dromahair Street Feast is back! 

Sunday 26th May 1-3pm in the Park.

 

A community gathering as part of the national weekend of Street Feasts. Bring some food to share, bring your friends, bring a neighbour.

 

A chance to chill out, chat, eat, drink cuppas together.

 

Plenty of space for the children to play.

Warning Sign

If you are driving and you come across animals on the road, please always slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching or overtaking them. If a person in charge of animals gives a signal to slow down or stop, you must obey it.

 

Avoid using your horn if animals are in front of you, as it might frighten them.

If you are travelling on a road where animals are common, you will see a warning sign like this one.

File a Report for Changing Ireland Not For Profit Magazine

If you believe in Community Development & enjoy writing why not file a report for Changing Ireland Not For Profit Magazine about your community project and what makes it unique.  300-400 words is plenty (and a photo if possible).
Certain criteria apply.  Your first point of contact is Editor Allen Meagher - editor@changingireland.ie.

National Awareness Campaign aimed at Dog Owners

Some 2.5 million lambs are born on farms all over Ireland in springtime. Sheep flocks are very vulnerable to dog attacks at this critical time, and especially during the night.  In addition, the presence of dogs even on a lead, can alarm sheep prior to lambing and have a detrimental effect on both the sheep and their lambs.

Make sure that your dog is not responsible for injury to sheep or for the stress and financial loss to sheep owners and their families. 

 

Dog owners must be mindful that with ownership comes responsibility.

 

Owning a dog means that you have to feed, house and care for your pet, but you must also remember that you have to keep them under control at all times.

 

Never let your dog out unsupervised, especially at night.

TFI Local Link door-to-door bus services

TFI Local Link door-to-door bus services work along fixed routes but can divert to collect you and drop you off at your home, where possible.

 

You must pre-book in advance through your Local Link , ideally at least the day before travelling.

 

For more information or to book your seat Call TFI Local link on 074 97 41644.

Adult Education Guidance Initiative

The Adult Education Guidance Initiative (AEGI) through local AEGS offices offer a guidance service to adults which includes impartial adult education information, one-to-one guidance and group guidance, which help people to make informed educational, career and life choices.

 

A free and confidential service available nationwide.

Calling all photographers! 

This years Biodiversity Photographer of the Year Competition is now open!

 

 

Explore Ireland's wildlife from May 1st - 31st to be in with a chance to win! The competition is open to all amateur photographers, whether you take photos as a hobby or it’s your first time out with a camera, all are welcome to enter.

 

 

Capture stunning landscapes, migration spectacles, and more for a chance to win prizes!

 

 

This year we are once again hosting an Ocean Category, sponsored by @FairSeas. Explore our underwater wildlife and shoreline!

Deadline: 31st May

Borrow Box

Great news!

From May 1st you’ll be able to read your favourite newspapers and magazines on BorrowBox!

That means eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines all in one place, 24/7!