Ballinamore image taken by Dessie Wisley

Next Linkage Group Meeting Wed 17th Sept

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

 

Meeting in Leitrim Development Company at 7.30pm on Wed 17th Sept.

Please note change of date to 17th. 

 

Leitrim County Council Climate Action team will come to talk about Phase 2 of the CCAP fund and Climate Action Week (13 - 19 October 2025).

 

All 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.

Sligo Rape Crisis Centre open new outreach

location in Carrick-on-Shannon

The Sligo Rape Crisis Centre opened some rooms in Carrick on Shannon on 8th Sept.  Their location is an open secret - they do that to increase the sense of comfort and security.  They are called DMC Rooms or the David Madden Rooms in memory of David Madden, the former CEO of SRCC who died suddenly in July.

David has done so much both as a counsellor and in the field as an administrator.  He was the first man to become CEO of a Rape Crisis Centre which would be an amazing feat.

 

Minister O'Callaghan opened the DMR rooms and he spoke of the increase of sexual assault reported, what he was going to do and how happy he was that these rooms were opened.

 

Secretariat members Bernie Mulligan Dolan and Olivia Fitzgerald Murphy attended on behalf of Leitrim PPN.

 

If you need support, Sligo Rape Crisis Centre are here for you.

Contact SRCC on 1800 750 780 or email info@srcc.ie

Social Inclusion Week in Leitrim is

20th–24th October

The focus is on engaging key target groups including people with disabilities, members of the traveller community, refugees, international protection applicants, individuals experiencing mental health challenges and family support centres, among others.

 

If your agency, organisation, or group would like to be part of Leitrim Social Inclusion Week and can organise an event/activity; please forward details with a

poster to caillin@ldco.ie 

 

Deadline for inclusion: 16th Sept

Leitrim PPN Member Spotlight

KiltyLive

KiltyLive was initially set up when Kiltyclogher's local primary school student numbers dropped below the threshold and was in danger of closing.   

 

The campaign is still active in publicising the merits of living in Kiltyclogher in a beautiful unspoilt location in Leitrim.  KiltyLive continue to support the families that have moved here in any way they can and deal with enquiries from people looking for information on moving here.  Members are now actively taking part in community events and regularly come up with new ideas to make use of the facilities in Kiltyclogher. 

 

Geoheritage Grant

Geological Survey Ireland invites applications for the Geoheritage Grant fund for 2025/26 up to a maximum of €10,000 per project.

 

This grant fund is available to support small community based geoheritage initiatives that will assist:

1. The delivery of public outreach, educational and geotourism activities to promote the geoheritage of an area; or

2. The delivery of required educational and geotourism activities to help aspiring projects to develop as de facto geoparks; or

3. The delivery of required educational and geotourism activities, for example helping UNESCO Global Geoparks maintain their UNESCO Global Network status.

 

Suitable projects could be the publication of a popular book, map or flyer; trail or signage installation; geoheritage related site preparation; product launch, innovative media concepts, online content, etc., that promotes the geology/geoheritage of the area.

 

Deadline: 24th September 

Grant for Men's Shed Running Costs

Applications are now open for the Grant to Support Men’s Sheds running costs.

 

Deadline: 26th 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

Youth Funding Opportunity – County Leitrim

Leitrim Development Company is now accepting Expressions of Interest for youth projects under the 2023–2027 LEADER Programme.

 

Who’s it for?
Community and voluntary youth groups, clubs, and organisations (e.g. Foróige, Macra, youth groups) focusing on teenagers & young adults (15–40 years).

 

What can be funded?

• Minor upgrades of youth facilities
• Equipment for youth groups/organisations
• IT equipment

 

Intergenerational projects and initiatives that benefit the wider community

 

Funding Details:

• Grant Rate: Up to 75%
• Total Budget: €50,000
• Maximum Grant: €25,000 (for exceptional projects)
• Minimum Grant: €5,000

 

Match Funding: At least 25% required

 

Deadline: 30th September

Energia Derrysallagh Community Fund 2025

The Energia Derrysallagh Community Fund supports non-profit, community, voluntary, and not-for-profit organisations within a 10km radius of the Derrysallagh Wind Farm, with priority given to those within a 5km radius.

Grants of up to €6,000 are available.

 

Deadline: 30th September

European Youth Foundation Grants

The European Youth Foundation (EYF) is a fund established in 1972 by the Council of Europe to provide financial and educational support for young people and European youth activities, that promote the organisation's fundamental values.

 

Annual work plan grant

An annual workplan is a project that includes a set of successive activities over a period of one year, interconnected and which contribute to the same broader aim. Within the strategic approach or global action plan of an organisation (what the organisation would like to achieve in the year(s) to come), you are asked to identify a coherent set of activities/elements to be submitted to the EYF.

 

International Activity Grant

International activities are international meetings of young people or youth leaders in Europe which contribute to the work of the youth sector of the Council of Europe in topic, methodology and with a clear European dimension.

 

Structural grants

The EYF offers structural grants  for general administrative costs incurred by youth NGOs. Structural grants are for 2 consecutive years and are available every 2 years

 

Deadline: 1st October

NDA Research Promotion Scheme 2025-26: Disability in Marginalised Groups and Communities

The National Disability Authority (NDA) has opened its Research Promotion Scheme (RPS) 2025–26 for applications.

 

This year’s theme is Disability in Marginalised Groups and Communities, with particular interest in research exploring disability issues within Traveller and/or Roma communities.

 

Applications are welcomed from researchers, academic institutions, advocacy organisations, Disabled Persons Organisations, service providers and other relevant bodies. Proposals must demonstrate the meaningful involvement of disabled people in the research process.

 

Up to three grants will be awarded

Individual grant amounts: €15,000 – €40,000

Total funding available: €80,000

 

Deadline: 6th October

Rethink Ireland Fund Announcement

Children's Active Play Fund

Rethink Ireland, in partnership with the Sunflower Charitable Foundation and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht via the Dormant Accounts Fund are delighted to share details with your organisation about the launch of the Children’s Active Play Fund. 

   

About the Children’s Active Play Fund:  

Applications from charitable organisations delivering innovative projects that encourage movement, activity and social connections, making it easier and more enjoyable for young people to lead active lives - are invited to apply.

The fund offers a package of cash grants and non-financial supports for up to eight projects to help them expand and increase their social impact. 

This includes:  

A multi-year cash grant worth up to between €130,000 - €210,000
(per successful project) 

The non-financial supports include: 

A place on Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme. 

Business and capacity-building supports designed in consultation with successful projects on topics such as strategic planning, impact management, communications, and fundraising. 

 

Applicants can join one of Rethink Ireland's application clinics on Wednesday 24 September 2025 and Wednesday 1 October 2025.  These one-hour webinars will provide information on fund eligibility and the application process and offer an opportunity to answer any questions you have. 

 

Deadline: 10th Oct

SoilTribes Open Call

SoilTribes invites applicants to submit their ideas for lump sum grants aimed at supporting innovative, multi-actor initiatives that foster soil literacy, raise public awareness, and engage diverse communities in the protection and restoration of soil.

These grants are designed to trigger behavioural change and galvanize innovation at the intersection of science, arts, and society.

 

The call is divided into two LOTS, depending on the maturity of your idea:

Lot 1: Development of New Ideas:

For early-stage, experimental or creative projects.

Lot 2: Improvement & Scale-Up:

For initiatives with proven experience looking to grow or replicate.

There are 3 grant sizes:

Small €25,000; Medium €50,000; Large €100,000

 

Deadline: 10th Oct

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

Circular Communication Grants

Are you part of a community group, voluntary organisation, or small business with circularity at its core?  If so, then Circular Communication Grants are here to help you share your message and grow your impact.

 

Whether you are running a local upcycling session, building awareness around a community reuse and repair initiative, or simply looking to reach more people with your circular mission, these grants are designed to support you.

 

Deadline: 7th November

STAND Festival:

Global Solidarity Week Mini-Grants

In a world facing climate breakdown, inequality, and conflict, small acts of solidarity can have a big impact.  STAND is offering Mini Grants of up to €400 to help student unions, student clubs/societies and staff run events that explore global justice, sustainability, and active citizenship on campus.

 

The mini grants are only open to societies, student unions and staff residing on the island of Ireland and studying/working in TU Dublin, UCD and IADT.  

 

Plan your event to coincide with STAND Global Solidarity Week:

TUD – 13–17 Oct  

UCD – 27 Oct–3 Nov (TBC)

IADT – 10–14 Nov (TBC)

 

Deadline: rolling call until funds are gone

€1.6 million funding for

St. Vincent de Paul & Protestant Aid

Funding to provide essential supports; food, education, hardship and household supports to some of the most vulnerable people in society.

 

Long standing funding support to both St. Vincent de Paul and Protestant Aid to ensure continuation of the valuable supports they provide.

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐰 – 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Drumshanbo Credit Union is delighted to announce that applications are now open for this year’s €𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝.

 

If you’re a full-time student and a member of Drumshanbo Credit Union, this is your chance to get valuable support towards your education.

 

✨ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰:

✔️ €1,000 scholarship on offer

✔️ One award available

✔️ Open to full-time students only

✔️ One-year duration

✔️ Membership required

✔️ Simple application process

 

📞 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 Drumshanbo Credit Union: 071 9641727

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 Draft 2025 Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Biodiversity

Last month, a public consultation process on the draft 2025 Sectoral Adaptation Plan (SAP) for Biodiversity was launched.  The Plan sets out the policy and context for biodiversity adaptation policy in Ireland and a series of actions and objectives to safeguard Ireland’s biodiversity and its resilience to the impact of climate change.

 

The draft plan includes a detailed review of the current understanding of the impacts of climate change on biodiversity in Ireland, in aquatic, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and includes case studies to highlight some examples of the impact of future climate change projections on the sectors and steps towards building resilience to address this.

 

Deadline: 17th September

Have your say on Ireland’s new National Obesity Strategy!

Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD has launched an online public consultation seeking views from the public and industry on how we can better prevent and treat overweight and obesity.

 

Deadline: 18th September

Public Consultation: Strengthening the Voice of Older People in Ireland

Age Action and the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP) are exploring how to build a stronger voice for older people in public policy, to ensure they are heard, and their perspectives are reflected in decisions that affect them.

 

They want to hear from older people, community organisations, advocates, and anyone with an interest in shaping policy and public life to create a better future for all of us as we age. 

 

You can also submit your response by telephone by contacting Mosaic Social Impact on 01 203 0737.

 

Deadline: 19th September

Pathways to Potential – Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals into Education and Work

Join the National Learning Network for a free webinar on Wednesday 10 September 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm to hear real stories and practical insights from expert speakers.  The session will be useful whether you’re a parent, an educator, a health professional, or a student looking ahead to the future.

Reframing Mental Illness:

Exploring Stigma in the Traveller Community

Join Shine.ie as they discuss how mental health stigma is experienced and perceived within the Traveller community.  This session will highlight its impact and promote recovery-oriented, rights-based, and inclusive mental health services and supports.

 

You’ll also hear directly from those with lived experience of stigma in the Traveller community.

 

17th Sept Wed: 12:30 - 1:30 PM

Empower your Community Group

Free Training for Community Groups

Free Training Series

Leitrim Development Company under the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme are running a series of practical workshops designed to equip you with the tools and skills to thrive in today’s digital world.

 

Training Workshops:

AI (Artificial Intelligence) for Community Groups (1 day training session) 
Learn how artificial intelligence can save time, enhance communication, and boost your group’s impact.

 

Creative IT for Community Groups (Beginners & Advanced)
(1 day training session for beginners & 1 day training session for advanced)
Discover easy-to-use tools for creating posters, managing social media, and promoting events.

 

Online Fundraising for Community Groups (3 hour workshop)
Explore effective strategies for raising funds through online platforms, digital campaigns, and grant tools.

 

Who Should Attend?

Volunteers, staff, and members of community groups, non-profits, clubs, and local initiatives who want to build digital skills and reach more people.

 

Location: Leitrim Development Company Office, Church Street, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim N41 RF2

 

Dates:

AI Training: Please select your preferred date: Monday 13th October, Tuesday 14th October or Wednesday 22nd October. All starting at 9:45am – 16:00pm

 

Creative IT Beginners & Advanced:  Please select your preferred dates: Monday 22nd September & Tuesday 23rd September OR Tuesday 28th October & Wednesday 29th October. All starting at 9:45am until 4:00pm.

 

Online Fundraising: Please select your preferred date & time: Thursday 2nd October at 9:45am until 1:00pm or Tuesday 7th October at 1:45pm until 5:00pm

 

Limited Places – Register Now!

To book your place, contact: Ashling Cartwright, ashling@ldco.ie

Introduction to Politics in Ireland

Tuesday, September 30th, 1 to 2pm

Have you ever wondered about exactly how politics is organised in Ireland? Who gets to vote in which elections? What power does the President have? What does Seanad Éireann do? How is governing the country split between national and local government? And how does the voting system work? And all that is before we even start to talk about our voting system!

 

Whether you have lived here all your life, have recently moved to Ireland, thinking about a career in politics, or just interested in learning how things work – this free, online Introduction to Politics course is for you.

Ballinamore Foróige Club Registration Night

Ballinamore Foróige Club is holding their Registration Evening on Monday 8th September ahead of their coming club year!

 

Ballinamore Foróige Club provides a safe, fun space for young people to meet and be a part of their community! 

The DEN, Ballinamore Monday 8th September @ 6.30-7.30pm

 

Come along to find out more!

Hedge Cutting Season

Hedge Cutting Season Is Upon Us (1st September 2025 – 28th February 2026)

Leitrim County Council is reminding all landowners (and occupiers) of their responsibility to keep roadside hedges, shrubs and trees carefully maintained to protect all road users.

 

Landowners & occupiers must:

• Cut or trim roadside hedgerows and remove all cuttings from roads/verges
• Cut back overhanging vegetation from footpaths and junctions
• Remove dead or unsafe roadside trees
• Landowners are responsible for removing fallen trees from public roads

Failure to comply may result in a Hedge Cutting Notice and possible prosecution under the Roads Act 1993.

If you see a hazard on a public road, please contact roads@leitrimcoco.ie

FIT FARMERS COMES TO LEITRIM

Farmers are invited to register for 'Fit Farmers' - a free, six week lifestyle programme commencing in Mohill FSC on Thursday 11th September at 7pm.

 

Health checks, weekly workshops and workouts.

 

Limited places available - to book call Laura Tully 086 3474662

Documentary Screening Event

How to defuse a Bomb:

The Project Children Story

Narrated by Liam Neeson and written/directed by Des Henderson, “How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story” is an inspiring documentary focusing on the Project Children charity, whose work aimed at enlightening children of “The Troubles” that a non-violent existence was feasible.

 

The documentary portrays husband, Denis Mulcahy who worked with the bomb disposal unit of the NYPD & his wife Miriam O’Rourke, originally from Aughnasheelin who along with others, founded the charity in 1975. The charity facilitated bringing children from N. Ireland to host families in the US over the summer holidays and the documentary follows the stories of several of the young people and host families before, during & after their trip.

Sustainable Development Goals Week

19–28 September 2025

Ireland’s fourth SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Week is taking place this year from 19-28 September. SDG Week forms part of the wider European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) which this year, will run from 18 September – 8 October.  Last year, ESDW saw over 4000 events taking place across 39 countries, with almost 200 events held across Ireland.

 

Queries can be sent to SDGs@dcee.gov.ie.

The Volunteer Ireland Awards are now open!

The Volunteer Ireland Awards are the major annual initiative to celebrate volunteers in Ireland.  The awards shine a light on the remarkable achievements of volunteers around the country by honouring them at a national level.

Every volunteer is eligible, no matter how long they've volunteered or the type of volunteering they do! 

 

Deadline: 10th October

Sunday 21st September

Grow your own trees from Seed!

Seed collecting and growing workshop with Trevor Seery & Our Native Glens.  Meeting at Manorhamilton Car Park 10am, returning 3.15. 

Free lunch included at The Organic Centre. 

Limited to 30 tickets.

Embrace FARM

Embrace FARM provides emotional and practical support to farm families in the
aftermath affected by serious injury where the person’s life was altered whether
physically or mentally/cognitively, and sudden death which includes death by suicide, sudden terminal illness, sudden medical events and farming accidents. 
 
Your journey is your own, and Embrace FARM are here to walk it with you on your own terms.

Flexibility in Volunteering

Volunteer Ireland have launched a new resource on Flexibility in Volunteering, designed for leaders of volunteers across Ireland.

As expectations around how, when, and where people give their time continue to evolve, this resource helps organisations adapt by rethinking volunteer roles and building flexibility into programmes without compromising goals or wellbeing.  It includes a downloadable guide, alongside five interactive e-learning modules.

The guide and modules provide tools, inspiration, and training to redesign roles, boost recruitment and engagement, and approach volunteer management with confidence. 

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

Manorhamilton & District

Credit Union Art Competition 2025

The theme for this year’s Credit Union Art Competition is ‘The Future Is’. This year’s theme gives participants the opportunity to present their own interpretation of what joy they see as the future.  

 

Categories & Form:

The Credit Union Art Competition comprises of two categories.

General Category and the Additional Needs Category.

• 7 years & under
• 8 – 10 years inclusive
• 11 – 13 years inclusive
• 14 – 17 years inclusive
• 18 years & over
• Group (Additional Needs Category only)

Deadline: 24th October