Fowleys Falls image taken by Alison Keeley

Strategic Planning Training for PPN Member Groups (Free)

15th October - 10 to 12 - Online

 

• Introduce a format and template for a Strategic Plan
• Investigate as to why strategic planning is important
• Examine each step in the Strategic Planning process
• Consider milestones for completing the plan i.e.,
• Stakeholder Consultation Process
• SWOT Analysis
• Identification of Objectives
• Creating of an Operational Action Plan to achieve Objectives  
• Draft & final versions

Ireland’s Third SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Week happening now - 20th to 29th Sept

 

Congratulations to the Rural Social Scheme on their 20th Anniversary

 

Today, 23rd September,  Leitrim Development Company marked the 20th-anniversary of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) in Leitrim. 

 

This celebration also coincides with Local Development Week, further emphasising the collaborative efforts of both the Employment Programmes and SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme) to enhance rural life in Leitrim.

Well done to all from Leitrim PPN.

 

 

PPN Stand at National Ploughing Championships

 

Welcoming Nina Carberry to the PPN Stand at the National Ploughing Championships in Laois were  our PPN colleagues Majella Moore and Dan Bergin Laois PPN,  Nicky McDonnell Meath Public Participation Network and Paul Clabby Roscommon PPN - networking, collaboration, information sharing.

 

Next Secretariat Meeting

Wed 2nd Oct is the next Secretariat meeting at 4pm online.

 

Leitrim PPN Secretariat are:

Gerry Creamer, Brigid McGourty, Aedin McLoughlin, Bernie Mulligan Dolan, Brian Smyth, Joan Regan, Olivia Fitzgerald Murphy, Patrick McGreevy (Facilitator)

Mental Health Week

 

PPN member groups welcome to attend Mental Health Week events

 

As part of World Mental Health Week 2024 which will run from the 7th to the 11th of October, the highly popular Leitrim Wellbeing Fair will be in the Landmark Hotel on Wednesday 9th of October from 10am to 2pm

The event will include Information Stands showcasing supports & services that promote mental health & wellbeing. There will be a choice of 4 workshops free to the public to attend on a first come, first served basis. There will also be a Movement for Wellbeing session for everybody just before a light lunch.

 

All welomce to a Connect Cafe Coffee Morning on Tue 8th from 10.30 to 12 in the Island Theatre Ballinamore - Connect Cafés are organised events that bring people together
to connect and start conversations. Their goal is to open conversations, strengthening the connection with ourselves, with others and with our communities.

 

Don't miss Paul Gilligan Psychologist and CEO of St. Patrick's  Mental Health Services in Dublin on Tue 8th Oct at 6pm in the W8, Manorhamilton.

 

Other events on poster and LDCo and Leitrim PPN social media.

 

 

 

 

PPN's Nationally Seek more Funding in the Budget

All roads led to Leinster House on Wednesday where PPN's from all parts of the country got an opportunity to meet with Deputies and Senators regarding Budget 2025 and increased funding for all PPN's.

Thanks to all cross party and Independent Deputies and Senators who attended, all giving their full support for PPN funding.

A special thanks to Senator Micheál Carrigy for the opportunity and invitation and to his administrator, Michelle Gettings who coordinated the meeting for all.
It's fair to say judging by the engagement, comments, proposals, questions and answer session, it was a great success.

Well done to PPN presenters, Siobhan Cronogue , County Longford PPN and Bridie Costello, Offaly Public Participation Network, Regional Panel Members Muriel Tobin, Waterford PPN, Dan Bergin Laois Public Participation Network and Paul Clabby Roscommon Public Participation Network and all PPN Coordinators involved in Budget discussions.

This pre-budget meeting was on behalf of all PPN's, and the full membership of 22,000 community & voluntary, social inclusion and environmental groups around the country.

PPN's have gone from strength to strength since their establishment in 2014. PPNs are key partners in local decision-making and are increasingly becoming the ‘go to’ for community engagement.  However, PPNs have only seen a single increase in funding since 2014 and this has resulted in operating on very limited program budgets which constrains our ability to effectively support communities. 

Leitrim PPN is funded by Department of Rural and Community Development and Leitrim County Council. PPN's nationally need more funding going forward to sustain themselves and continue to support member groups.  Look forward to Budget 2025....

New SPC’s in Leitrim County Council

Local Authorities are required to establish Strategic Policy Committees to consider matters connected with the formulation, development, monitoring and review of policy which relate to the functions of the local authority and to advise the authority on those matters.

 

For the 2024 SPC elections,  a total of 10 PPN Rep seats are up for nominations in all four SPC's. Most SPC's have been renamed and re-organised in 2024 with different responsibilities than before.

 

SPC's will normally meet about four (4) times yearly.

 

Leitrim PPN are now seeking 10 SPC Reps:-

 

Economic and Enterprise Development

1 x Community & Voluntary Pillar Rep

 

Physical Environment

1 x Environment Pillar Rep

2 x Community & Voluntary Pillar Rep

 

Local Development

1 x Community & Voluntary Pillar Rep

1 x Social Inclusion Pillar Rep

 

Social Development

2 x Community & Voluntary Pillar Rep

2 x Social Inclusion Pillar Rep

 

We will be accepting nominations for the above PPN Representative positions until 12pm on Monday 30th Sept 2024.  Please share with anyone in your group who think would be interested and committed.

Festival Investment Scheme 2025 Round 2

For festivals taking place July-December 2025

 

Round 2 of the Festivals Investment Scheme will open for applications on the 22nd of October 2024.

 

The Arts Council will present a digital funding clinic on 7th November for applicants to the Festival Investment Scheme 2025 Round 2. The clinic will cover the objectives, purpose and priorities of the award and take applicants through the guidelines and application process. This will include a Q & A session where applicants will have the opportunity to ask questions.

 

Guidelines will be available from 8th October 2024 on the Arts Council's available funding page. The clinic will take place on Thursday 7th November 2024 11:30am - 1pm via zoom.

Deadline: 21st November 

The Earth Prize

The Earth Prize is an annual, global $100,000 environmental sustainability competition for students between the ages of 13 and 19, which rewards the teams whose projects have the most potential to address environmental issues.

 

The Earth Prize, the world's largest environmental competition for young people, has seen participation from teams in over 150 countries during its first three annual editions. It aims to inspire and empower the next generation of environmental leaders and innovators, creating a global platform for sharing and scaling their solutions.

 

Starting with the 2025 edition, there will be seven regional winners, each receiving $12,500 to implement their ideas. The regions are Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America, and Central & South America. Additionally, The Earth Prize will recognize three mentors and three educators of the year, awarding each $2,500.

 

Deadline: 30th November

The Leitrim Gathering Community Funding Call

The Leitrim Gathering will promote the rich cultural, historical, and musical tradition of the county by connecting Leitrim people worldwide. Engaging the Leitrim diaspora, increasing visitor numbers and welcoming all those who have made Leitrim their home, are key objectives of The Leitrim Gathering.

 

To mark this special occasion, Leitrim County Council have announced a funding scheme for community groups who wish to host an event in their local area during the weekend of the 23rd to the 25th of May 2025, to celebrate The Leitrim Gathering.

 

Deadline: 25th October

Meta Data Center Community Action Grants

Grant applications will be accepted by eligible organizations in communities where Meta has an operational data center.

 

These grants support projects that address critical community needs by:

Putting the power of technology to use for community benefit.

Giving people the power to build strong, sustainable communities.

Improving local science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education.

 

In Europe, registered not for profit organizations and government entities (including state-run schools and municipalities) are eligible for grants.

 

Schools may apply for multiple grants. All other organizations are limited to one application per cycle. Projects must have demonstrable metrics that can be publicly reported. Grant funds are intended to be used within one year of the grant award date.

 

Deadline: 18th October

Short Food Supply Chains Call for Proposals

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, has announced a public call by her department for innovative proposals to maximise the return to primary producers from short supply chains.

 

The maximum amount of grant aid available under the call is €150,000 per project. There are five different themes to the call, namely:

• developing premium markets closer to home;
• encouraging collaboration among stakeholders;
• supporting small food producers;
• encouraging farmers markets and
• the development of community gardens.

Deadline: 11th October 

Kid Kindness Grants

Kindness Grows Here believes every child is inherently kind and can make positive changes in their community. We know that kids and teens have amazing ideas for spreading kindness in their schools, neighbourhoods, and larger communities. We value the unique perspective children bring to identifying problems in their schools, neighbourhoods, and communities, and finding creative ways to solve these problems through kindness. For this reason, we dedicate the largest portion of our budget to our "Kid Kindness Grants" program.

 

Every year from September 1 to November 1 we accept applications directly from kids between the ages of 5-18 who have ideas for spreading kindness. To apply, kids need to complete a simple application that tells us what they want to do, why, whom their project will impact, how much money they need, and exactly how they will spend it.

All applicants must be students between the ages of 5-18. Applicants DO NOT need any experience in grant writing to apply!

 

Deadline: 1st November 

Go Fishing Fund 2024 Opens

Inland Fisheries Ireland Launches New National €250k Scheme for Accessible Angling

 

IFI’s Go Fishing Fund 2024 will provide angling support to people with a disability or restricted mobility, or people facing social, economic, or educational barriers.

 

Grants of between €2,000 and €5,000 will be allocated in the new initiative for fishing facilities, equipment, events, and biodiversity awareness outreach.

 

Eligible projects are being sought from not-for-profit organisations or registered charities delivering services to disadvantaged or disabled communities/persons.

 

Deadline: 7th November

L'oréal Fund for Women

The L’Oréal Fund for Women is a charitable fund launched in 2020 to support frontline organizations in their efforts to help women to get out of poverty, prevent domestic, sexual and gender-based violence against women. The Fund focuses on supporting women and girls’ empowerment, particularly through projects in favor of social or professional integration and education. A specific attention is paid to refugee women and women with disabilities.

The Fund is opened internationally and can support activities / projects based locally or in another country.

 

Deadline: 17th October 

Help Shape Kinlough's Future!

 

Your ideas, experiences, and suggestions will help to shape Kinlough.

Please assist us by completing the short survey at this link

 

Deadline: 30th September

 

 

Public consultation on the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act

The public consultation on the European Media Freedom Act is now one. 

 

Deadline: 2nd October

Connect Safely Programme Facilitator Training

Connect Safely is an online safety programme which promotes safer use of digital resources, equipping young people with the skills to safely benefit from being online. It also empowers young people to safely participate in their online communities as positive digital citizens.

The programme is suitable for 12-18 year olds. It covers topics such as cyberbullying, privacy settings, screen time and well-being, gaming and gambling, sexting and online relationships. More topics can be seen in the graphic below. The programme can be facilitated in person, online or through a blended approach and can be used in all youth work settings.

 

Morning sessions- Wednesday 16th & Thursday 17th of October 9.30am- 1pm both days.

Citizen Science in Ireland

To develop a consensus on the most suitable approach for citizen science in Ireland, LAWPRO supported by the EPA, have engaged with the practitioners, agencies, trainers and community groups interested in citizen science. 

 

A series of workshops and training days to develop a strategy was organised.  This led to the development of a brand new scheme – a Citizen Science Stream Index (CSSI) suitable for beginners.  If you would like to get involved please contact info@lawaters.ie

Understanding and Supporting an Anxious Child

*** Attention Parents **** Have you an Anxious Child?

Understanding and Supporting an Anxious Child FREE information talk for parents with Dr Sharyn Byrne.

Tips to Protect Against Home Heating Oil Theft 

Now that the evenings are getting shorter and colder, many of us are buying home heating oil.  There are a number of products available which can help protect your tank and make it more difficult to steal.  The difficulty with just putting a lock on the tank is that the thieves will simply drill a hole in the tank to steal the oil.

 

. Tips to Protect Against Home Heating Oil Theft

• Check oil levels frequently.

• Attach tank locks.

• Install lockable access gates.

• Install a tank alarm system, which warns if the oil level drops suddenly.

• Increase Security lighting around the home particularly to the rear and sides.

• Keep your tank hidden if possible and if this is not possible, have plants, shrubs or lockable fencing around your tank, including over the top.

• Be vigilant following a delivery, some thieves may return to steal replacement oil following the initial theft.

• Consider installing CCTV. Placing a highly visible camera on your property may act as a deterrent to thieves.

• Look out for your neighbours and report all suspicious activity to Gardaí.

Nature Hero Awards registrations now open!

As Ireland's largest outdoor learning award, we're fostering a love of nature in school children across the country.

Be in with a chance of winning a €10,000 garden makeover for your school.

 

Keshcarrigan Development Association

Keshcarrigan Development Association will hold Open Days on Sat 28th and Sun 29th Sept (2-4 pm )in the barracks so the Barracks building and future plans can be viewed by the public before the works commence.

 

This beautiful building dating from 1861 has been granted to the local community who plan to redevelop into a Community /Resource / Heritage Centre . The building has a long and storied history having served the local community since 1861, firstly as a RIC Barracks until 1923 when it became a Garda Barracks after the establishment of the Free State. In January 2024 Keshcarrigan Development Association Association was granted a long lease to redevelop the building. Plans include the provision of meeting rooms, working hubs, indoor/outdoor play areas , museum and cultural interpretative centre.

 

The old Garda Barracks is sited in the heart of the village and has been unoccupied since 2013. It has been a long held wish of the development association that the building should once again be of service to the local area as a badly needed Community Centre for a rapidly expanding population as well as a Heritage and Interpretative Centre that could house and preserve the history of this unique village and environs.

 

Keshcarrigan and surrounding areas are rich in history and archaeology and it is proposed to showcase the timelined history of the area in the museum and heritage centre.

 

All welcome next Sat & Sun to see the old building and hear of the exciting plans.

Keshcarrigan Development  Association is a PPN member group.

Diversity Matters Free Workshop

Drumshanbo Course is now full.

 

Still a few spaces left for Manorhamilton.

Woodlands of Ireland Conference 2024

Woodlands of Ireland are delighted to announce the Woodlands of Ireland Conference 2024, taking place from Tuesday, October 1st, to Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, based at the International Scouting Centre, Castle Saunderson, Co. Cavan. 

 

It will be dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of Ireland's native woodlands.

 

The main themes of the conference are:

• Ancient Woodland on the island of Ireland - distribution and condition
• Protective Tree Cover in catchments
• Community Involvement in Forest Management

Re-turn offer Community and Club Fundraising Opportunities

Re-turn wants to help empower and uplift local groups by helping them achieve them to make a positive impact in their communities.

 

Tidy Towns, Schools, Clubs, Charities, Companies, Hospitals, Local Events and Festivals. These initiatives are for charity fundraising purposes only and not for personal benefits.

 

The bin is free of charge and is 320ltr.

 

It is lockable and has a rosette opening on the lid designed to facilitate the insertion of bottles/cans and avoid heavy contamination. Bags are provided and are heavy duty and designed for re-use, these are intended for use as a liner inside the bin.

 

Keys and bags are provided at the point of delivery.

Leitrim Volunteer Awards 2024

Leitrim Volunteer Awards returns once again for 2024, hosted by Leitrim Volunteer Centre, to recognise, value and show gratitude to people who volunteer and have volunteered in County Leitrim in 2024.

 

This year’s event will take place in the Dock Arts Centre, Carrick-on-Shannon on the 22nd of November from 11am - 1pm. Our special guest will be Michael Harding writer, podcaster and commentator.

Entertainment will be provided by the BUGS (Ballinamore Ukelele Group Singers)

 

Deadline: 1st November

Kilty Revive to Thrive

You are invited to attend a public meeting in Kiltyclogher Community Centre on Thursday 3rd October at 7pm.

 

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss plans for the village going forward.

 

All local representatives are invited  to attend this meeting.

 

A presentatìon to Raymond Evans from the community will be made on this evening.

Light refreshments will be served.

Disability and Deprivation Report

Pobal launched new research report 'Disability and Deprivation' revealing that people living in areas of deprivation across Ireland are significantly more likely to report poor health or disability.

Respect Patient Privacy

A message from The National Ambulance Service:

 

It's natural to want to see what's going on in an emergency situation, but please put the camera away.

 

If you witness a medical emergency or accident, respect the privacy of both patients and staff and don't take any photos or recordings. 

How to activate iPhone and Android Emergency SOS function

This hidden feature can save your life in an emergency!

 

When you make a call with SOS, your iPhone or Android automatically calls the local emergency number and shares your location information with emergency services.

Make a Light-Up Request to OPW for your historic buildings

Where possible, the OPW will facilitate requests to Light-Up any OPW buildings/sites, National Monuments (NM) or National Historic Properties (NHP) in its care to support charitable causes or fundraising events around the country.

 

Examples of acceptable requests include:

• State events
• EU or international recognition days/events
• government approved awareness raising initiatives
• recognition of registered charitable causes
• certain local, community initiatives
• not-for-profit events

Applications for lighting-up should ideally be made 2 months in advance of the requested date.

 

All applications for Lighting-Up should be submitted through info@opw.ie

Margaret's Corner Community Centre - Carrigallen

Bookings for Margaret's Corner Community Centre can be emailed to: margaretscornercc@gmail.com or text / whatsapp to 089 271 2131

Basic First Aid

Still a few spaces available.

#OurEUStoryAwards

Access Europe Partner Database shared with us that their #OurEUStory Awards 2024 are now open for entries.  If you are an Irish organisation active in EU funding, don’t miss this valuable opportunity to share your EU story and win a cash prize!

 

The #OurEUStory Awards celebrate the transformational impact that EU-funded projects have on communities and organisations across Ireland.  This is Access Europe Partner Database's third year running the Awards.  Entering the #OurEUStory Awards is your chance to showcase the difference EU projects have made in your community and inspire your peers to start their own EU journey!

 

Deadline: 18th October.

 

The three best entries will win a prize: €1,000 for first place and €500 each for second and third places. The winners will be announced at the #OurEUStory Award Ceremony at the Access Europe Showcase in November.

 

Please contact us at europe@wheel.ie if you have any questions.

Free Educational Visits for Schools at Historical Sites

Under this scheme, all primary and second-level pupils can explore our fascinating sites, free of charge.

 

Give your students a chance to explore our historic sites at no cost! Book a visit at least 21 days in advance & confirm 24 hours before your trip.

Rté & Culture Ireland Art Competition

This is Art 2024 is open to young people aged 18 and under living anywhere on the island of Ireland.

 

This year's theme ...This is IMAGINATION!

 

Closing on November 3rd.

Autumn Gathering - Airfield in Dublin 14, Saturday 12th October 

Each year Community Gardens Ireland holds an Autumn Gathering to bring community growers together.  This year it will be held in Airfield Estate in Dundrum, Dublin 14 on Saturday 12th October 2024! 

 

The event runs from 10am to 3:30pm and will involve networking opportunities, General Election manifesto GROW2030, panel discussions on the theme of Healthy Soil, a tour of Airfield's community and organic food gardens, soil exhibition, lunch and more!