Old Derry Road, Kiltyclogher image taken by Mark Kelly

Community Garden Week

Well done to our colleagues in Leitrim Development Company on their successful Community Garden week.  Leitrim PPN attended a fascinated tour of Tommy Earley's farm on Mount Allen, with speakers Tommy Earley, John Brennan from Leitrim Organic Farmers, and Zara Evans - community horticultural advisor with some great information on their organic community garden project. 

Stakeholder Consultation on the development of a new strategy to support the Community and Voluntary Sector

Leitrim PPN is looking for YOUR input

This consultation will give organisations across the community and voluntary sector an opportunity to contribute to the new strategy.  Letters were circulated to a sample of groups last week, please fill out and return in envelopes supplied by 25th July so Leitrim PPN can collate as a collective and return to DRCDG by their deadline below.

 

The announcement to develop a new whole-of-government strategy acknowledges the important role played by the community and voluntary sector in Ireland.  It will reinforce the progress made under the current strategy: Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: A five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland 2019-2024, which was extended into 2025.

 

The new strategy will look to build upon the structures, achievements and objectives of Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities for the upcoming period 2026 – 2030.  The development process itself will be rooted in the agreed set of values and principles for collaboration and partnership working with the community and voluntary sector at national and local level.  These provide for foundation for all consultation, collaboration and partnership working between the community and voluntary sector and central and local government.

 

Deadline: 15th August

Public Participation Network - Local Democracy Taskforce Stakeholder Engagement

As part of the Programme for Government the Local Democracy Taskforce was established. The Taskforce is engaging in a targeted stakeholder consultation process and the Public Participation Network was identified as an important stakeholder.

 

Please see below a letter on the Local Democracy Taskforce Targeted Stakeholder Consultation Process and the List of Stakeholder Questions.

 

Please forward your input by email to localgovernmenttaskforce@housing.gov.ie

 

Deadline: 22nd August

Did you know that you can get directly involved with County Council decision making? 

Your community group can join your local Public Participation Network (PPN) and nominate your members to Council committees to have a direct influence on the work in your county.  The PPN's are an amazing way to build strong communities by meeting and learning from each other, sharing resources and experience, and giving input into local policy creation.

 

Leitrim PPN have numerous Reps sitting on various committees/boards/forums.

Leitrim PPN Member Spotlight
CALL Community Art for Lovely Leitrim

A group of creatives painting murals that enhance our local enviornment, bringing colour to local public spaces in the Leitrim area.

 

Contact - Cormac O'Leary for more information 087-690-5556 leitrimcall@gmail.com

 

This group would be delighted to accept paint donations for their beautiful murals in Leitrim - contact Cormac if you can help out.

Full Circle Awards

Rediscovery Centre are thrilled to announce the Full Circle Awards, recognising everyday heroes who are making extraordinary efforts across Ireland's circular economy.  With prizes of €2,000, these awards will help winners scale their circular initiatives and inspire community action nationwide.

 

Do you know someone breathing new life into household items?  A teacher sparking sustainability in the classroom?  Or a neighbour organising clothing swaps and sharing events?  Now’s your chance to celebrate their efforts and give them the recognition they truly deserve.

 

The categories are:

• Repair and Reuse Champion - For individuals who regularly repair, repurpose, or extend the life of items — including clothing, tools, furniture, or electronics.
• Community Circular Champion - Honouring people who lead or support community initiatives like sharing libraries, swap events, food waste solutions, or local repair cafés.
• Creative Circular Artist - For those who transform waste materials into art, furniture, décor, or other creative expressions through upcycling.
• Circular Living Advocate - For individuals who live by and promote zero-waste, low-impact lifestyles — including educators, content creators, and everyday role models.
• Best Community Campaign - Shining a light on the best campaigns that Circular Economy community groups are running in Ireland.
• Young Circular Star (Under 18) - Celebrating children or young people leading the way in sustainability and circular thinking — in school, at home, or in their community.

LAWPRO's Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme

Community groups are invited to host events to celebrate Water Heritage Day 2025. Whether it’s a river walk, lakeside talk, or a creative local history project, there are plenty of ways to get involved!

 

A total of €30,000 is available through the scheme.  Water Heritage Day takes place on Sunday August 24th as part of Heritage Week and in partnership with The Heritage Council.

 

You can also submit your event to be considered for a Water Heritage Award! 

 

Deadline: 25th July

UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty  

Applications are now open for funding for UN Day 2025 projects.

 

Each year the Department of Social Protection provides funding for small public awareness initiatives to promote awareness of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and support the work of the Irish 17 October Committee in networking with the groups responsible for the various commemorative initiatives and projects nationwide.  This funding is open to anti-poverty organisations and groups working with people experiencing poverty at national or local level.

 

Deadline: 25th July

2025 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Funding Call

Minister Foley has announced €1.4 million in funding to support LGBTIQ+ people through the opening of the 2025 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Funding Call.

 

€1.400,000 is being made available to applicant groups, operating at national, regional and local level, to support community services and promote visibility and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people

 

Funding aims to promote inclusion, protect rights and to improve quality of life and wellbeing for LGBTIQ+ people in Ireland.

 

Grant scheme is open to applications from existing LGBTIQ+ non-government organisations and community organisations working with LGBTIQ+ people.

 

Deadline: 30th July

2025 Integration Fund

The 2025 Integration Fund is now open to applications from non-government and community organisations.

€3.5 million is available to national, regional and local non-profit groups to support the integration and inclusion of people who have moved to Ireland as migrants.

Fund to support projects that benefit integration of all people from a migrant background, with dedicated support for projects supporting people applying for international protection.

 

Deadline: 31st July

Irish-Language Theatre Production and Touring Award

The Irish-Language Theatre Award supports the production and touring of large-scale Irish-language theatre.  It focuses on ensuring more people can enjoy high-quality theatre experiences in the Irish language throughout the country.

 

The maximum awarded is €400,000 to organisations and individuals working professionally in theatre who must be based on the island of Ireland.

 

Proposals must clearly show benefit to the arts in the Republic of Ireland and include performances in at least four major urban centres on the island of Ireland, with a minimum of two nights in each centre, at least one of which must be in Northern Ireland.

Deadline: 31st July

€3.2 million funding to expand domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services

This funding call to services forms part of the delivery of the €67 million provided to Cuan in Budget 2025, which included €7 million in additional funding for new refuge provision, expanded services, and sectoral research.

€3.2 million is being made available through this call to support service expansion and innovation.

 

Proposals that include the following focus areas will be particularly welcomed:

• expand adolescent counselling for sexual violence
• improve service access for marginalised or underserved groups
• strengthen helplines and frontline training
• develop prevention work, including perpetrator programmes.

Deadline: 4th August

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

€330,000 in funding to support Ireland’s Prevention and Early Intervention programmes for children and young people

€330,000 investment in new measures designed to strengthen prevention and early intervention services for children so every child and young person across Ireland experiencing disadvantage, adversity and trauma has access to timely support.

 

This funding represents a strategic investment in the futures of Ireland’s children.

 

Children and young people growing up with disadvantage, trauma, or exclusion face barriers that can affect their health, learning, and future potential.  But when support comes early and is built on strong evidence it can transform lives.

Grants of up to €30,000 will be made available to community and voluntary sector organisations working with children and young people through a prevention and early intervention approach.

This funding is made available through the What Works initiative, funded by the Dormant Accounts Fund.

 

Deadline: 2025 Enhancing Quality Fund - 22nd August 

#BeActive EU Sport Awards

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards build on the success of the past #BeActive Awards and #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards.

The objective is to recognise innovative projects that encourage sport and physical activity across Europe.  

They also acknowledge exceptional projects that inspire action and encourage community engagement across the continent.

 

Categories

The competition includes 5 new categories:

•    Physical activity
•    Inclusion
•    Volunteering
•    Across Generations
•    Peace

Budget and prizes

With a substantial budget of €125,000, the awards will be presented to 1 winner and 2 finalists in each category.

The winner will receive €15,000. Each finalist will receive €5,000. 

 

Deadline: 24th September

Heritage Keepers: Round 5

Heritage Keepers is a free national programme open to senior classes (5th and 6th) in primary schools and to community groups that enables you to discover your local built, cultural and natural heritage. Over five 2-hour workshops you will explore the heritage in your local place and then plan a funded action to enhance that place.

Have fun, learn something new, make a difference – become a Heritage Keeper!

 

Deadline: 30th September

European Energy Communities Facility Grant Programme

The European Energy Communities Facility has just launched its first call for proposals.  From now until 30 September, emerging energy communities can apply for a lump sum grant of €45,000 to develop a robust business plan for their project. Moreover, if your application is successful, you will have access to national peer-to-peer exchanges and a capacity-building programme to support you in developing and implementing the business plan. In this call, the Facility will distribute over €3 million among 73 initiatives in total, empowering citizens to drive a fair, democratic and sustainable energy transition.

 

The grant will cover all groundwork needed to prepare a business plan for your energy community: technical and financial assessments, legal and administrative procedures, and other pre-development tasks such as feasibility studies. Preparatory work necessary to structure a sound, viable, and bankable business plan can be covered.   While the main objective of the call is to help emerging energy communities secure the financing required to bring their project to life and professionalise their activities, already established energy communities aiming to explore new services can also apply.

 

Deadline: 30th September

Implementing the Disability Employment Package – Innovative Approaches to Improve Labour Market Outcomes for Persons With Disabilities

This call supports transnational projects under the ESF+ Social Innovation Plus Initiative that aim to transfer or scale up social innovations referenced in the Disability Employment Package.  The goal is to improve the labour market outcomes of persons with disabilities by providing guidance and good practices for employers, employers’ associations, and public authorities, as well as by raising awareness about persons with disabilities and by combating stereotypes.

 

Who can apply: Only consortia are eligible.  

The consortium shall comprise a minimum of three eligible entities established in at least two different eligible countries, of which at least one entity should be a public authority.

Duration: The expected duration of a project is 18-24 months.

Grant amount: The estimated size of a grant is between EUR 500,000 to 1,000,000 per project (but this does not preclude the submission/selection of applications requesting other amounts), constituting not more than 80% of the project’s total budget.  A co-financing of at least 20% must thus come from other resources than the EU budget.

 

Deadline: 30th October

PCAS Rehabilitation Plan Review Survey

As required under BnM’s Integrated Pollution Control Licences, regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), BnM are required to undertake a review of their rehabilitation plans and outcomes for rehabilitation commenced in 2022.  These rehabilitation plans were submitted to the EPA, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) in 2022.

 

Prior to this, the Rehabilitation Plans for these Bogs were circulated to stakeholders circa December 2021, and they were made available for viewing on the website below, where they can still be accessed.  The outcome of the consultations and observations received were included in the subsequent rehabilitation plans submitted and approved.

 

As part of these requirements, BnM wishes to invite further communication with you, as an interested stakeholder, to provide any comments and observations on a defined questionnaire, since the completion of the rehabilitation plans.  

 

Submissions or observations should include your name and email address and, where relevant, details of any organisation, community group, or company, etc., which you represent.

Written submissions or observations with respect to this consultation, which are made within the period stated, will be compiled and responses included in a synopsis in the review. 

 

Deadline: 31st July

5 Ways to Wellbeing for Artists

Wed 16 Jul 2025 10:30 - 13:00 The Glens Centre, New Line Manorhamilton

 

Wellbeing is feeling good about yourself, the world around you and functioning well in everyday life.  

 

In this morning meetup you will connect with your creative peers over coffee and explore the Five Ways to Wellbeing, simple actions to practice each day to maintain or improve our mental health and wellbeing as artists.  The session will also include a Sound Bath with Christina Baker Kenny.

Kristina Baker Kenny is a multidisciplinary musician and sound practitioner whose practice is informed by her background in classical and traditional Irish music, alongside travels throughout Asia and Latin America.  Her sound baths integrate diverse cultural influences and instruments to create immersive, relaxing experiences. 

Where Ableism Meets Ageism

Getting older in an ableist society isn’t easy — let’s talk about it.

 

Join ILMI for a new six-part online workshop series created by and for disabled people to explore ageing, joy, and justice.

 

These workshops are a space to share experiences, name the barriers, and help develop collective ideas for action.

 

Session One: Joy and Future Planning

 

Wednesday, August 6th

11am – 12 noon on Zoom

 

Open to all disabled people. Come along, speak your truth, and shape what comes next.

 

To register and get the Zoom link, email Pippa: pippablack@ilmi.ie

August Craft Month

As part of this year’s August Craft Month celebrations, The Leitrim Design House are thrilled to open the doors to creativity with a pair of fantastic, hands-on workshops for FREE!

 

Make Your Own Upcycled Tote Bag
Thursday 8 August
11am–3pm (4 hours)
All materials and equipment provided
Learn to sew, use templates and transform old textiles into a brilliant new tote bag. Perfect for beginners, this workshop is led by a CycleUp Textiles tutor who’ll guide you step by step. You'll leave with new skills and your own handmade bag.

Willow Bird Feeder Workshop (Ages 8+)
Wednesday 21 August
11am–12.30pm (1.5 hours)
Led by Helena Golden, Willow Woman
A lovely way for children to connect with nature and traditional craft. Using natural

willow, they’ll weave their very own bird feeder to take home, all with expert help in a friendly setting.

Animated Sounds at The Dock

The Homemade Cinema project introduces Animated Sounds, a two-week workshop from 12 — 22 August, encouraging teenagers to get involved in animating their very own film-festival worthy project.

 

This workshop invites young creators aged 12 — 16 to transform a variety of mysterious sounds into visual movement using cameras, cut-outs and fun.  The animated music videos will be screened as part of a mini film-festival in The Dock later this year.

 

All art materials are supplied, so only a packed lunch is required.  The course fee for all nine workshops is €45 total – tickets are limited.

What Works/Foundations Online Prevention and Early Intervention Webinars

This series of four ninety-minute online interactive webinars is designed for commissioners, practitioners and anyone interested in applying evidence-based research and will be delivered by Foundations - the what works centre for children and families (UK).

 

Foundations developed the What Works Ireland Evidence Hub.  The What Works Ireland Evidence Hub provides information about prevention and early intervention programmes that have been evaluated and shown to improve outcomes for children and young people.

 

These workshops will take place between July 2025 and October 2025.

Parkrun Dementia Manual Launched

The HSE and Parkrun Ireland have recently launched a Dementia Friendly Parkrun Manual that may be of interest to some of you.

 

Parkrun is a FREE weekly Run/Jog/Walk for all, taking place on Saturday mornings at 9.30am both Nationally and worldwide.

 

Local locations in Leitrim are:

• Glenfarne Wood Parkrun
• Ballinamore Greenway Parkrun

Can your Village or Town in Leitrim help?

Leitrim PPN member group - NorthWest STOP are looking for Villages & Towns in the areas they provide a service to hold a Sunrise or Sunset walk.

 

If you live in the North West and want to help host a sunrise or sunset walk in your town or village, please contact us by emailing northweststopsecretary@gmail.com for more details.

 

Need to talk?

 

Call NorthWest STOP on: 0818 444 000

 

Lines are open from 8am-8pm 7 days a week.

Have you got a plan to brighten up your Club, Community Centre or School?

Were you unable to attend the 'Turning Vacant Properties into Cosy Homes' event in the Landmark Hotel?

Tune in to experience the event!

Never drive under the influence

An Garda Síochána's drug detecting device can detect all types of drugs in your system.

 

A drug driving conviction could mean:

• Driving disqualification for at least one year
• €5,000 fine
• Up to six months in prison
• Criminal record

Planning a Heritage Week event?

Explore excellent free resources to help you promote your event both online and offline.

National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy II

2024-2028

Min. Norma Foley, has announced the publication of the National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy II (NLIS II) 2024-2028 and its first associated two-year Action Plan (2025-2026). 

Gardening for Bats - Sat 26 Jul 2025 19:30-22:30

Join Niamh Roche from Bat Conservation Ireland to learn more about what you can do to support bats in your garden or community!

Niamh is an ecologist with a family background in horticulture who has many years of experience working in her own wildlife-friendly garden in Meath.  This workshop will start with a presentation about Irish bats - explaining their lifecycles, ecology and what they need from the landscape.  She will then take a walk before sunset in the beautiful surroundings of The Organic Centre to discuss the wildlife and bat-friendly measures already in place on the site.  She will do some hands-on potting up of  native plant cuttings and sow some locally collected wildflower seeds, for you to take home.  She will end the evening with a short bat walk after dark on the grounds of the Organic Centre. 

Potting compost will be supplied.  Participants are asked to bring their own gardening secateurs, gardening gloves and two or three small, clean sterile pots. Plastic fruit or yoghurt containers also work well.  In the interests of bio-security please ensure that any reused pots from your garden are scrubbed very thoroughly before bringing them to the site. 

 

You will take a break for tea/coffee and treats during the evening, please let The Organic Centre know in advance if you have any special dietary needs. 

If you have a bat detector feel free to bring it along for the bat walk.  The bat walk element of the workshop will be subject to suitable weather conditions. 

Please wear sturdy footwear and bring warm/waterproof clothing.

 

The Organic Centre, Co. Leitrim, F91 H978

This event is supported by The Heritage Council.