Effrinagh

Successful PPN Outreach Clinic's

Thank you to everyone who came along to Leitrim PPN Outreach Clinic's in Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton recently and previously Ballinamore.

 

It's great for the PPN to get to meet members of community groups, hear their concerns and share resources.  A big topic was funding...

 

Here are some useful links for you:-

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

this Wed (tomorrow night)

Leitrim Development Company, Drumshanbo on Wed 9th April at 7.30pm

 

Presentations from:

• John Brennan from Talamh Beo
• Madeleine Kelly who sits on the Environment SPC

All member groups with an interest in these topics welcome to attend and also hear from the SPC PPN Rep.

Introduction to the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for PPN Representatives

Invitation to all LDCD PPN Reps in Leitrim:- April 14th, 7.30pm Online

 

Join from 7.30pm to hear from Kelley Bermingham, Dublin City PPN Representative on the Local Community Development Company.

 

Kelley is the Community Officer at St. Patrick's Cathedral, and has served on the LCDC since 2019.  She will share her knowledge and experience from her time on the committee.

 

There will be lots of time for questions and discussion at this event, so it is perfect for anyone who is thinking of taking a role on the Local Community Development Committee, or who is a newly appointed PPN Representative.  This is also a space for anyone who has been serving on the LCDC and would like to ask about any challenges they might be facing in their own county.  Together we can discuss and help each other in our roles as PPN Reps!

Leitrim LCDC PPN Reps are:-

• Aedín Mc Loughlin - Environment
• Ita Gray - Community and Voluntary
• Sean Gilligan - Social Inclusion
• Bridget Mc Gourty - Social Inclusion
• Seamus Regan - Community and Voluntary

Specialised Induction Training for all members of Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) within local authorities - Thursday 17th April 2025 from 10am to 12pm

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are pleased to announce the commencement of specialised induction training for all members of Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) within local authorities.  This training is being delivered in conjunction with the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) and the Institute of Public Administration (IPA).

The objective of this induction training is to equip SPC members with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to effectively contribute to policy development and strategic decision-making.

Course content that will be covered on the day will include:

• Overview of Local Government, Legislative Framework, Relevant laws, regulations, and governance principles
• Role of SPCs - Structure, configuration, role, purpose and nomination process including from PPNs
• SPC Members Roles and Responsibilities: Understanding the function of SPC members including link with LA Plenary Council and Decision Making
• Overview of SPC Review & SPC Guidelines and SPC Work Programme
• Policy Development Process: How policies are formulated, reviewed, and implemented
• Meeting Procedures and Protocols: Effective participation in SPC meetings
• Ethical Standards and Code of Conduct: Transparency, integrity, and accountability

This Induction Training will take place on Thursday 17th April 2025 from 10am to 12pm and will be held online.  Registration for the event is free, and participants may register for the webinar by clicking the below link:

 

For further information please contact localgovernment@housing.gov.ie or info@ailg.ie

 

All County Councillors and Council officials invited to attend.

Political Communications & Advocacy Skills Workshop

The North West PPN Network is delighted to host the session which will be delivered by The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL), with support from St. Stephen's Green Trust.

 

The session is aimed at all PPN members and would be of specific interest to existing or potential community representatives.

 

The workshop will be online on Tuesday May 6th, 6.30pm.

 

Topics covered include

• Understanding the political system
• Knowing when and how to effectively communicate with TD's and senators
• How to research and present information on your causes to enhance political impact
• Understanding your lobbying obligations

PPN National Workers Retreat

The staff from across the country who support community representation, networking and capacity building met in Galway at the end of March. 

 

PPN's are located in every county in Ireland but within their county bubbles few know the extent of work required to run a network of over 400 groups and 55 PPN Reps with two staff (in Leitrim)

 

The Staff Networking Retreat occurs each year and is funded by The Department of Rural and Community Development in support of the work PPN staff do on the ground at community level and find ways to enhance that work. 

 

The National PPN Conference is a wider gathering of PPN staff, secretariat, representatives, Councils, Department officials and politicians with an interest in the community voice of PPN's and how to better support and enhance this for the improvement of democracy across Ireland.  It will take place this year in Trim, County Meath 16th & 17th  October. Each PPN can invite 6 attendees. We look forward to engaging at this and future events supported by The Department and other stakeholders.

PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and Pobal are currently preparing to open two new PEACEPLUS grants schemes aimed at grassroots communities.

 

The Change Maker Funding Programme will distribute €40 Million over the next 3 years to support people to people projects on a cross community and/or cross-border basis.

 

Missing from photo but also in attendance from Secretariat:-  Brian Smyth and Gerry Creamer.

Launch of Letter Lingo BoardGame

Leitrim PPN staff Mary Mc Girl and secretariat member Bernie Mulligan Dolan attended the launch of a new and innovative board game "Letter Lingo" on Tuesday April 1st.

Also pictured Caillin Reynolds and Deborah Shirlow.

 

Letter Lingo is an innovative boardgame developed by Leitrim Development Company to help learners improve their English language skills in a fun and engaging way.   It is suitable for all ages and all levels of ability, from beginner to advanced, and challenging for native and non-native speakers alike.

 

It is ideal for any voluntary group, organisation, school or class that engages with new arrivals to our community, helping them improve their English in a fun, creative and social atmosphere.  It is also a brilliant way for native speakers to improve their vocabulary, concentration skills and social skills.

 

Any enquires can be made to caillin@ldco.ie.

Leitrim PPN Member Spotlight

 

FND Ireland

FND Ireland is the first Irish registered charity dedicated to advocating for and supporting those living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in Ireland. 
With an office in Manorhamilton, FND Ireland are a proud member of Leitrim PPN.

 

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition that can present with lots of different neurological symptoms and occurs due to a problem with how the brain and body send and receive signals, resulting inabnormal neurological function.

 

FND Ireland are an entirely voluntary organisation with a committed team that plans to grow into the future and extend their reach to the entire FND community in Ireland.  They are doing incredible work not only in Leitrim but across Ireland and Leitrim PPN are delighted to have them as a member!

Are you organising an event for

The Leitrim Gathering?

Are you organising an event for The Leitrim Gathering (May 23rd-25th, 2025) but haven’t shared your details yet?  Now’s the time!

 

To be included on The Leitrim Gathering website and in promotions, please complete the form at the link below with your event details by Friday April 11th.

Event details received after April 11th may not be included in promotional materials.

 

Help The Leitrim Gathering team showcase the full range of events taking place across Leitrim by sharing your event details today!

FREE Training Courses for Member Groups

Have you registered for one of Leitrim PPN’s FREE trainings for community groups?

 

Check out what is on offer.

This year Leitrim PPN have teamed up with Leitrim Volunteer Centre to provide eight courses FREE to PPN member groups.

• Tue 29th April
  Canva/Social Media  
  7 to 9pm  at Leitrim Volunteer Centre
  
• Thurs 8th May
  Governance/ AGM's Committee Meetings
  7 to 9pm  at Leitrim Volunteer Centre
  

You must register for these courses or you won't receive the link to go online, *Please only sign up for courses you know you will be able to attend, as spaces are limited.

Save the Date - Leitrim PPN Plenary

Keynote speaker is Heather Humphreys.

 

Special guest at our plenary is Ger Deering, who was appointed Ombudsman and Information Commissioner for Ireland by President Michael D. Higgins in January 2022.

 

The Ombudsman’s  job is to examine complaints from members of the public who believe they have been unfairly treated by certain public service providers.

The Ombudsman also examines complaints about failures by public bodies to provide accessible buildings, services and information, as required under Part 3 of the Disability Act 2005.

They provide a free public service that is open and accountable. They examine complaints in a fair, independent and impartial way.

 

The Plenary is an opportunity for PPN member groups to meet, network and have a say on the work of the PPN and hear of upcoming events/training courses etc.

 

There will be refreshments, information stands and a discussion on funding grants.

Bike Week 2025 Grants

Bike Week will take place from the 10th – 18th May 2025.  Sports Partnerships around the country are accepting applications for Bike Week events from community groups, schools, clubs and local businesses.

 

The exact type of event is up to each applicant, however, applications that focus on the following event criteria will be prioritised:

• The event MUST take place during 10th to 18th of May 2025.
• The event must be FREE to take part in.
• Fun Cycles (5k, 10k 30k etc.)
• Recreational/Leisure Cycling events focusing on including non-club members, the lapsed cyclist, families, beginners etc.
• Slow Bike Races, Cycling Obstacle Courses, Nature Cycles, Cycle to School Days, Lunch Time Cycles, Cycling Games and Activities, Cycle To Work.
• Focus on inclusion, non-competitive, community focus, family, local school participation

Deadline: Varies per region

Club Development Grant

One of the aims of Leitrim Sports Partnership is to increase participation in sport and physical activity among all persons in County Leitrim. 

 

Max Grant Available: €500

 

Deadline: 14th April

Volunteer Supports Grant

The volunteer supports initiative aims to successfully increase the number of people of all ages playing a leadership role in developing sports and physical activity in their communities.  This will be done through the delivery of training and education courses to support volunteers in their development as community leaders/coaches of sport and physical activity.

 

You are eligible to apply for funding once you meet either 1 or 2 of the main requirements:

• You must be a member of a sports club in Leitrim.
• You regularly volunteer your time with the sports club you are a member of.

Deadline: 14th April

Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2025

Leitrim County Council is now inviting Expressions of Interest for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2025.

 

The 2025 Scheme includes the following Measures:

• Main Scheme (Funding Level €50,000 - €300,000) The local authority can submit a maximum of 3 applications. 
• Main Scheme (Funding Level €300,000  - €500,000) The local authority can submit a maximum of 1 application. 
• Project Development Measure - The local authority can submit a maximum of 2 applications. 
• Building Land Acquisition Measure - The local authority can submit up to 3 applications. €500,000 total limit per local authority.

If you have any queries on the scheme, please email funding@leitrimcoco.ie  or you can contact 071 96 20005 Ext 496 or 661.  

 

Deadline: 16th April - Building Land Acquisition Measure.

                Main Scheme and Project Development Measure is 6th June 

Bat Conservation Ireland Small Grants Scheme

Bat Conservation Ireland is delighted to announce the re-opening of grant funding for bat-related research, conservation and events in Ireland for 2025.  They have a limited fund to support activities in 2025 that will promote and/or conserve bats in Ireland.

 

Deadline: 18th April

AWS Imagine Grant U.K. & Ireland

AWS Imagine Grant offers two distinct award categories for registered non-profit charities based in the U.K. and Ireland to receive support based on their organisational goals and the stage in their technology adoption journeys.

 

The Pathfinder — Generative AI award will provide support for a highly innovative, mission-critical project that leverages generative AI.  

 

Deadline: Round one applications accepted: April 14 - June 2, 2025

Impact Programme

The Impact Programme is a nine-month journey designed to help social entrepreneurs strengthen their foundations and identify where they can have their greatest impact. 

 

The programme focuses on four key areas: building a stronger organisation, developing resilient leadership, amplifying your voice, and creating long-lasting social change. 

 

Info webinar: 8th April - 1 pm

 

Deadline: 28th April

Ideas Academy

Supporting budding social entrepreneurs to move from idea to action.

 

This three-month programme provides you with the knowledge and tools you need to help you to deepen your understanding of the problem and kick-start your idea to get testing and piloting. 

 

Info webinar: 8th April - 1 pm

 

Deadline: 28th April

Global Community Tourism Fund

The Global Community Tourism Fund is an initiative of Planeterra that seeks to promote entrepreneurship and innovation for community tourism enterprises (CTEs) within the Global Community Tourism Network, creating the ability for enterprises to scale up and improve existing tourism experiences with high growth and impact potential.

 

Deadline: 30th April

Empower Tech Futures Fund

Rethink Ireland with the support of the JP Morgan Chase Foundation, the Department of Rural and Community Development and BNY has created a three-year Empower Tech Futures Fund.

 

The overarching goal of the Empower Tech Futures Fund is to tackle disparities in opportunity and access to employment for young adults at a disadvantage.  It will do so by supporting organisations working with young people to access employment to scale their reach and impact.

 

Deadline: May 2025

Artist Mentorship Programme

Mentorship programme is designed to support the development of Leitrim based emerging and established professional artists from any arts discipline who would benefit from the guidance of a leading professional to help the applicant take the next steps in their career development.

 

Deadline: 1st May

Arts & Disability Connect 2025: Round 1

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.

 

Application forms, guidelines and other resources can be found below.  If you have questions about the scheme, please email connect@adiarts.ie.

 

Deadline: 8th May

ServiceNow Community Improvement Fund Ireland

The ServiceNow Community Improvement Fund aims to accelerate global decarbonisation efforts by supporting impactful projects in Ireland.  The 2025 ServiceNow Community Improvement Fund will provide funding for non-profits and schools across Ireland to start or expand community projects focused on decarbonisation. 

 

Deadline: 8th May

Empower Citizen-led Renovation

Call for the selection of 5 enablers (as service providers) in the support service for Citizen-led renovation (Phase III).

Citizen-led renovation is an EU-funded support service to empower established and prospective energy communities to put citizens in the driver’s seat for energy renovations.  

 

The support service call targets energy agencies, energy communities and their federations, One-stop-shops, technical assistance facilities, and/or integrated home renovation service providers, local public authorities (regions, provinces, or medium to large municipalities), NGO's (consumer associations, environmental organisations, think tanks) that will provide comprehensive yet specific and tailor-made support to citizen-led renovation initiatives, including technical guidance, financial advice, project management, capacity-building and network activation.  

 

Deadline: 9th May

Adaptation Film Bursary

The Creative Heartlands Adaptation Film Bursary is an annual award by Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon local authorities under the Creative Ireland Programme with the support of the National Talent Academy. The award is open to both established and emerging filmmakers and production companies, living/working in the region, and designed to support collaboration among filmmaking teams in the development of an original Adaptation Film project. 

 

Deadline: 11th May

SuperValu TidyTowns 2025

In place since 1958, e competitioon, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and sponsored by SuperValu, continues to be one of the most recognised and sustainable, environmental and community  initivatives in the country.

 

Deadline: 12th May

Gibson Travelling Fellowship Award

Crawford Art Gallery announces the triennial Gibson Travelling Fellowship Award, a significant initiative aimed at expanding international mobility and opportunities for professional visual artists. 

This inaugural €25,000 award acknowledges the need of visual artists to replenish their practice in a self-directed process of exploration, research, and connection.

 

Deadline: 14th May

Night-Time Economy Support Scheme for Grassroots Music Venues

Funding of up to €15,000 will be made available for programming events that showcase the talent of emerging, grassroots artists performing live or electronic music that they have written or created themselves.  Under the scheme, venues are required to ensure that all artists and freelance crew are paid.  Venues may also apply for funding towards production and crew costs, PR, advertising, ticketing, the hire of equipment, the hiring of security staff and event insurance costs.

 

Deadline: 15th May or until the fund is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

EPA Research Call 2025

This year, €6.6 million is available for new research that will address environmental, climate and sustainability challenges in Ireland.

 

Proposals can be submitted under 29 research topics for projects ranging from 12 to 48 months in duration and with €165k to 660k in funding available per project. The EPA is delighted to be partnering with Met Éireann, OPW - Office of Public Works and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to co-fund projects in areas of mutual interest.

 

Deadline: 29th May

Re-turn Community Fundraising Initiatives

Through Community initiatives, Re-turn want to create meaningful change and foster a stronger sense of support in communities throughout Ireland.  Whether it’s through providing resources, such as digital assets, or assisting hands-on, Re-turn are here to help your community initiatives.

Re-turn wants to help empower community groups by helping them achieve a positive impact in communities, so get in touch today at communities@re-turn.ie and see how they can help!

Electoral Postering Consultation

An Coimisiún Toghcháin (An Coimisiún), Ireland’s independent electoral commission are now beginning research on the use of posters as a political communication tool. 

 

For many years, the use of posters during Irish election and referendum campaigns has been the topic of considerable discussion and debate among experts, stakeholders, the media and the wider public.

 

Deadline: 9th May

Review of Artform and Arts Practice Definitions in Ireland

The Arts Council is currently undertaking a review of artform and arts practice definitions in Ireland.

 

The responses to the survey will help them understand:

• How well the current Arts Council definitions align with the current artistic practice in Ireland: whether these definitions reflect the diverse cultural practices and emerging trends in Ireland.
• How the Arts Council’s artform categories might influence the creative process, presentation of work, and access to funding.

The findings from this survey will inform a report with recommendations to the Arts Council Ireland on how artforms and arts practices are defined and supported.

 

Deadline: May 2025

What’s Your Leitrim Heritage? 

Help Leitrim County Council - Heritage Department shape Leitrim’s Heritage Plan by sharing what aspects of Leitrim’s heritage matter most to you. 

 

Deadline: 14th May

AI Use and Needs in Nonprofits

UCD Students are working with Carmichael to understand how nonprofits are engaging with AI and what support they may need to integrate AI effectively.  Your responses will help develop resources and programs to assist nonprofits in leveraging AI responsibly and efficiently. 

Connect Safely Webinar for Parents'/ Guardians 29th April, 11 am-12 pm

Parents', guardians, external staff & volunteers can register below

 

Additionally, there is an opportunity to submit questions in advance by clicking on the below link by Friday 18th April.  Please note, Fóroige may not be able to address every question within the webinar due to time limitations.

SEAI Student Workshops

Take part in one of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) free student workshops and explore the topic of energy and sustainability in a fun and engaging way.  Primary and post-primary options available - online, face to face and outdoors. Maximum of 32 pupils per workshop.

 

Workshops available for:

• Junior & Senior Primary
• Junior Cycle & Transition Year (Post-Primary)
• Available in English & Irish

Deadline: Ongoing, but need to be booked in advance.

Attention Singers!

Millennium Choir (25 years old) is seeking current, past & potential singers 16+ years and over to join.

Their AGM will be held in Carrick-on-Shannon Community School on Tuesday, 8th April, at 8pm and all are welcomed to attend. 

If you are interested but cannot attend this date, please message 086 067 5283 with your details and they will follow up with you.  

 

Group Singing is a great social activity, good for the soul and fun!

Become a Community Champion

Join Dementia Understand Together at our next virtual Community Champion session on 9th April from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm.

 

Learn what Community Champions across the country are up to. Dementia Understand Together will be joined by champions in Bantry who will share how they got started building a dementia inclusive community, and will hear from Alone’s support coordinator about the organisation’s community supports and networks.

Key speaker will be Marguerite Keating, Vice Chair of the Irish Dementia Working Group who has young onset dementia.

 

The session is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

Email understandtogether@hse.ie to register.

Solas Art Gallery, Ballinamore - Exhibition

Solas Art Gallery, located at The Island Theatre in Ballinamore, is pleased to announce the opening of three solo shows on the 11th of April 2025.  These exhibitions will run concurrently until the 9th of May. 

 

Brigid Birney, “Wildflowers”
There is a gorgeous immediacy about Brigid’s work.  Her gestural marks feverishly describe memories of wildflowers.  Brigid is an amazing colourist, and along with abstraction, she manages to conjure up the magic of spring and summer.  Her love for the natural world and the wildness of life is evident and truly contagious.

BS7, “What are you looking at?”
“I believe that once an artwork leaves the studio, the artist relinquishes any ownership of its meaning.”  BS7's portraits, with the compositions zoomed in, give them a cinematic quality.  Built up with loose layers of muted tones, these stunning portraits are filled with haunting emotion.

Teresa Godfrey, “Between Abstraction and Reality: Where Form and Imagination Meet”
Teresa’s colourful works have a language all of their own. Her colourful abstraction bursts with a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues, swirling shapes, and dynamic textures that dance across the canvas, inviting viewers to lose themselves in a world of endless possibilities.

Solas Art Gallery are delighted to announce that Paula Richards Hynes, a finalist in this year’s Emerging Artists Awards from Art Team Magazine, will be opening these exhibitions at 7:30 pm on Friday the 11th of April.

Come along and meet the artists.  It’s going to be a great evening!

Information briefing on the various funding schemes from the Department of Rural and Community Development

Leitrim County Council would like to invite you to attend an information briefing on the various funding schemes from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

 

The presentations will consist of an overview on the 2025 funding schemes followed by a Q&A.

 

An overview of the following will be given:

• CLÁR – Now open
• Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
• Town and Village Renewal Scheme – Now Open
• Other community grants available.

Dates and Location:

Tuesday 15th April: The Bush Hotel, Carrick on Shannon, N41 H5P1

Wednesday 16th April: W8, Manorhamilton, F91W5FE

Thursday 24th April: Island Theatre, Ballinamore, N41 K0D6

 

Time: 7 pm – 8.30 pm

 

If you would like to book your place, please email funding@leitrimcoco.ie and indicate in the subject line which date and venue are most suitable for you.

 

For further information, you can contact us at 071 96 20005 Ext 661 or 496

Healthy Food Made Easy

A Community Cooking Programme

This is the third year that LDCo have received funding from the HSE to deliver ‘Healthy Food Made Easy’, which is a free 6 week (2.5hours per week) practical cookery course.  It can be delivered with any group, anywhere and is very adaptable to ability levels, cultural and dietary requirements.  They have run it with youth groups, disability groups, women and men’s groups, active age groups, parent and child groups.

 

If any of the PPN registered groups wish to avail of this contact Anna Mc Tiernan; annamctiernan@ldco.ie

SDG Masterclass for Tidy Towns Groups

The Tidy Towns competition is up and running and the application wants to hear how your group has worked towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Build your committee’s knowledge about the SDG's with a Masterclass from Global Action Plan.  Global Action Plan Ireland's engaging, interactive workshop will connect Global Goals to the great work you are already doing and help you plan your application. 

Street Feast

Ireland’s favourite national community celebration, Street Feast, is back for its 15th year, and this milestone event is set to be bigger and better than ever.  Taking place on the weekend of May 24th and 25th, you’re invited to host an informal gathering with new neighbours and old friends. 

Gather for a shared meal and a chat to kick off the summer.