Hags Leap image taken by Naoimi Lee

Linkage Group

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

 

LDCo 7.30pm Wed 10th Sept 

 

Al welcome with an interest in above topics.

Upcoming Training:-

Ideas Generation and Brainstorming for Groups

Thurs 18th September 

7-9pm

Leitrim Development Company, Drumshanbo

• A review of alternative sources of funding and match funding for non-profits and community organisations
• Facilitation around how groups deal with financial shortfalls
• Dealing with other challenges facing community groups

Conducting these workshops requires significant resources on the part of the PPN, so we are asking that you please ensure that you will be available to attend the training if you register.

 

Note: Training is open to members of community groups registered with Leitrim PPN. 

 

Register for the above training by emailing info@leitrimppn.ie

or clicking below.

Leitrim PPN Member Spotlight

The Dock

The Dock an arts centre in Leitrim is our fortnightly spotlight member!

Housed in a landmark, riverside venue in Carrick-on-Shannon.

They present an artistic programme that spans dance, music, theatre, visual arts and more. 

They also host an arts education and outreach programme that provides people of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to engage in a meaningful way with artists and communities.

Grants for Churches and Christian Charities

Grants to protect and enhance churches and Christian buildings for future generations in Ireland.

 

Examples: making essential repairs, enhancing accessibility, restoring historic features, and installation of solar panels or energy-efficient systems.

The SHORE Project

The SHORE project has launched its second open call (18 September – 20 November 2024) to fund school projects on ocean and water literacy with grants reaching up to 10,000€ per project.

CGN Community Benefit Fund

The CGN Community Benefit Fund is a beacon of support designed specifically for community, voluntary, and not-for-profit organisations in the vicinity of the windfarms.  Their mission is to endorse a culture of inclusion and to dismantle the barriers that lead to isolation.

 

The Fund aims to unify the community, stimulate active achievement, and foster an environment where every member can participate and thrive.  CGN’s initiatives not only promote community development and inclusivity but also environmental sustainability, climate action, and biodiversity preservation.

 

Grants of up to €2,000 are available to encourage local initiatives that focus on bolstering community development and inclusivity.

Keep in mind that your organisation must first be registered on their Portal before an application can be started, so please be sure to give yourself enough time to do both, as the registration process may take a few days.

 

Deadline: 5th September 

Mace Community Grants – Apply Now!

There are 50 grants of €1,000 up for grabs to support voluntary and community organisations across Ireland!

 

Don’t miss your chance to secure funding for your community project! 

 

Deadline: 10th September 

Visual Artists Workspace Scheme

The Visual Artists Workspace Scheme supports artists’ workspaces throughout Ireland to provide the best possible working environment for visual artists.

It focuses on developing workspaces that accommodate at least four professional visual artists working on site.

 

Deadline: 11th September 

Fund to support the integration and employment of people who have moved here as migrants

Up to €2.7 million available under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme.

 

Fund is open to non-government and community organisations providing projects to increase the employability of people who moved here as migrants.

 

Deadline: 11th September

Funding for digital and assistive technology projects for disabled people

Digital and assistive technology projects support people with sensory, cognitive, physical, and intellectual disabilities. This includes older people who experience difficulties carrying out everyday functions that were once routine, as well as people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, cancer, Parkinson’s disease or dementia.

 

Grants of €75,000–€200,000 are available for each digital and assistive technology project under the next phase of the HSE’s Cooperative Real Engagement for Assistive Technology Enhancement (CREATE) initiative.

 

Deadline: 22nd September

#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

Built Heritage Investment Scheme

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme provides support to assist with the repair and conservation of Protected Structures to include the Historic Thatched Buildings Grant scheme.

 

Deadline: 26th 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

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. 

 

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

Arts and Disability Connect Funding

The Arts and Disability Connect scheme is designed to support artists with disabilities to be ambitious, to develop their practice and to connect with arts organisations and arts professionals in the Republic of Ireland.

 

Deadline: 7th October

Farm Safety Grant Now Open

Grant aid covering 60% of the eligible cost of up to four Power Take Off (PTO) shaft covers.

Grant aid under the measure is at a rate of 60% subject to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per PTO shaft cover, for up to for four PTO shaft covers.

 

Deadline: 7th November

Leitrim Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030

Leitrim County Council is developing a new Diaspora Strategy for 2026-2030 and want to hear from YOU—whether you’re living in Leitrim, abroad, or are a part of our local community.  Please share with family, friends at home and abroad.

 

Deadline: 31st August

Women in Agriculture Working Group

Need Your Input

The Women in Agriculture Working Group will deliver a series of information webinars for women and girls active in the agriculture sector in October/November this year.  

To inform the timing of these webinars and the topics they will cover we are seeking your input so that we can ensure the series has the widest possible appeal and impact.

 

Deadline: 1st September

Consultation on the 2nd Electricity + Gas Networks Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan 

Minister Darragh O'Brien TD is encouraging people to have their say in a consultation on plans to protect Ireland’s energy systems from the effects of extreme weather and climate change.

 

Deadline: 5th September

Consultation on the Communication Networks Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan

Climate change is already affecting Ireland’s communications sector as extreme weather becomes more common, disrupting services and exposing vulnerabilities in infrastructure.

 

To prepare for the future, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has developed an updated Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan (SAP) for the Communication Networks sector.

 

Feedback is welcome from individuals, communities, businesses and organisations across Ireland to help shape the final version of the SAP. 

 

Deadline: 12th September

Climate Conversations 2025 Consultation

The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment wants to hear from people across the country, how they as a government, can engage, enable and empower people to take action and realise the potential of moving towards carbon neutrality.

 

Becoming a climate-resilient society will help us to cope with the impacts of a changing climate. We are committed to achieving this future through a just transition, meaning all voices will be heard in a fair and equal manner, and new opportunities will mean no one is left behind.

 

Deadline: 22nd September

Leitrim Volunteer Centre National Volunteering Strategy Consultations

You are invited to come along to Leitrim Volunteer Centre National Volunteering Strategy Consultations to share your views!

 

There will be three meetings across County Leitrim

• Canon Donohoe Hall, Mohill Wed 17th Sept 7 to 8pm
• Leitrim Volunteer Centre, Carrick-on-Shannon Tues 23rd Sept 11am to 12noon
• Beepark, Manorhamilton Tues 30th Sept 7 to 8pm

Public Consultation on the Future of Basic Income for the Arts

A nationwide public consultation on the future of Basic Income for the Arts is now open.

As the pilot comes to an end in February 2026, the public is invited to share their views on the future of the policy.

Upcoming Webinar for PPN Representatives & Groups: What is the Nature Restoration Law and how will it apply to Ireland?

This webinar will be an introduction to the Nature Restoration Law (NRL).  While the NRL is still at a national stage, knowing about it will be useful for local work in the future.

 

Date & Time - Aug 25, 2025, 7PM

Multi-Agency Discharge Events (MADE) in HSE West North West: Outcomes and Lessons Learnt

The Patient Flow Academy are hosting a webinar ‘Multi-Agency Discharge Events (MADE) in HSE West North West: Outcomes and Lessons Learnt’ on Thursday, 28 August at 1pm.

 

This webinar will explore the challenges, outcomes and lessons learnt from the recent Multi-Agency Discharge Events that took place at acute hospitals in the West North West Health Region.

 

Presenters from each hospital will provide an overview and insight into the initiative that they implemented.  These presentations will be followed by a panel discussion.

International Overdose Awareness Day
Free Live Webinar

To mark International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 2025, The HSE National Social Inclusion Office are hosting a free live webinar on Friday 29th August from 11am to 12.30pm.

As part of the world’s annual campaign to raise awareness of drug-related overdose, they invite you to join them to help end overdose, remember those who have died without stigma and acknowledge the grief experienced by family and friends left behind.

Funding announced under Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)

Minister Dara Calleary has announced €8.7 million in funding for 221 outdoor recreation projects nationwide under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).

 

The projects – in every county – will enhance walking and cycling trails, improve signage, increase access to water-based amenities, and support the marketing and promotion of outdoor facilities.

 

This investment aligns with the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy – Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, driving tourism, community wellbeing, and sustainable rural development.

 

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2024 - 2025

Funding Approvals Measure 1

A list of all projects approved in Leitrim under the

Project Development Measure of the

2024-2025 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)

Dormant Accounts Funding of €4.17m for

sports & community initiatives

Minister Patrick O'Donovan TD and Minister Charlie McConalogue have welcomed the news of over €4m in Dormant Accounts Funding is to be invested in community sports and physical activity initiatives.

 

Key areas of investment for 2025 will include Community Sports Hubs, Sports Inclusion Disability Projects, and Active Cities.  Leitrim Sports partnership allocation €110,000

Good Practice When Spreading Slurry

• Spread slurry when ground and weather conditions are good (check weather forecast and ground conditions before you spread).
• Leave buffer strips of at least 5 to 10 meters away from surface watercourses and at least 20 meters away from lake shorelines.
• Avoid steep ground near waterways and the heavy application of slurry.
• Be aware of any drinking water supply sources and the buffers to be maintained.
• Use of a sludge irrigator or rain gun mounted on a tanker is not permitted.
• Spreading from a public roadway or a laneway within your farm holding is not permitted.

Since 2023, everyone with a grassland stocking rate of 150kg N/ha or above must apply slurry using Low Emissions Slurry Spreading (LESS) Technology.

Low Emissions technology must also be used for spreading pig slurry

Good land spreading practice optimises the fertiliser value of slurry.

Poor land spreading practice can cause water pollution and can affect the Single Farm Payment.

Registration for the North Leitrim Glens Run 2025

• Half marathon start time 10am
• 10km start 10:15am
• 5km start time 10:30am

Register ASAP to avoid disappointment.

Exciting News for Visitors & Locals! 

Whether you're exploring Leitrim for the first time or rediscovering its hidden gems, stop by for local tips, maps, event info, and more — all in the heart of our vibrant arts and cultural hub at The Glen's Arts Centre in Manorhamilton.

 

Drop in, say hello, and plan your next adventure!

New Academic year TY students registration for Hi Digital programme is now open:

ALONE is thrilled to collaborate with schools across Ireland to empower students as Digital Champions through their Intergenerational Digital Skills Training Programme.  This unique initiative supports TY students in helping older people in their communities build confidence with technology — bridging generations through practical, meaningful impact.

 

They’re hosting 4 x 30-minute online information sessions end of August and September for schools’ staff to introduce the programme and outline how you can participate.

 

Email digitalskills@alone.ie if you have any questions.

Smart Towns & Villages Conference 2025: Reimagining Rural Ireland

• Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, Co. Leitrim, N41 WE16
• Monday, 13th October 2025
• 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Smart Places, Stronger Communities

Leitrim County Council are delighted to announce Minister Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, along with several policymakers, community representatives, and digital innovators as we explore how smart technologies and local action is reshaping rural Ireland.

 

Keynote Speakers Include:

• Dr. Emilija Stojmenova Duh, Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, and former Minister for Digital Transformation of Slovenia

• Mr. Justin Gleeson, Director, All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO), Maynooth University

• Dr. Karen Keaveney, Rural Development, School of Agriculture and Food Science, UCD

• Mr. David Minton, Director of Services, Leitrim County Council

Leitrim Climate Action Week in Oct

Leitrim County Council are running a Climate Action Week in alignment with An Taisce between 13 - 19 October 2025.  Leitrim County Council will organise events in association with partners, but are looking for community led climate action events as well, that can be packaged into a wider itinerary across the week. 

 

If a community group is running an event or considering running an event and would like to brainstorm ideas, please contact Leitrim County Council at climateaction@leitrimcoco.ie