Glencar image taken by Cian Candon

Free PPN Training for members

17th September - 10 to 12 - Online

 

Applying for Funding/Completing Funding Applications etc

• Explore sustainable funding and its practical application
• Examine the steps to complete a strong funding application
• Highlight a range of tips for success when applying for funds 

Useful Information for Your Community Group

Leitrim PPN recommends that all community and voluntary groups/clubs consider a generic email address for their group Committee Member’s use. 

 

Many groups use a Committee member’s personal email address as the group
contact email address for receiving all digital correspondence and this address often changes from year to year. 

 

Having a generic email address also means that the group email address does not
have to be changed after every election and personal email addresses can be kept
private.

Communications are not missed when one Committee member takes a break.

SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Week

Ireland’s third SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Week is taking place from 20-29 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 5000 events taking place across 28 countries, with almost 200 events held across Ireland.  This year, we hope it will be an even bigger and better event.

 

If your organisation has organised an event during the week of 20th to 29th Sept and or 18th Sept to 8th Oct, please let us know so we can promote it on our social media platforms.

 

Anyone who wants to take a concrete action can participate and register events to support the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals SDGs.  

Let Leitrim PPN know so we can include in our e-bulletin.  E-mail events to info@leitrimppn.ie or tag Leitrim PPN on facebook.

 

Please find further details about the week below, setting out all relevant details for taking part, which we would be grateful if you would to circulate to all in your group.

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

Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity & Agriculture Linkage Group meeting in Leitrim Development  Company, Drumshanbo on Wed 4th Sept at 7.30pm

 

All PPN members welcome, there will be an update from the Climate Action team in Leitrim County Council and other Agenda items will be circulated near the time.

The Lush Spring Prize

People all over the world are developing ways to live in harmony with nature and each other.

They are generating renewable resources, restoring ecosystems, nurturing solidarity and building health, wholeness and resilience.

They are bringing life back to damaged land and oceans.

 

The Lush Spring Prize is here to support this regeneration movement through:

• A biennial £200,000+ prize fund.
• This is open to communities, organisations and businesses from the Intentional stage, through to Young and Established organisations, and Influencers.
• Events to bring people together to share their skills and experiences.
• Publicity to raise awareness of regeneration and its potential to heal damaged systems, create resilience to crises, and grow abundance.

 

Deadline: 27th September

Open Call | Arts and Disability Connect (Round 2) from Arts & Disability Ireland

Arts and Disability Connect includes Mentoring, Training, New Work, and Research and Reflection awards for individual artists with disabilities.

 

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.

 

One-on-one Applicant Support - Artists and people supporting them to apply for Arts and Disability Connect funding can book in applicant support.

 

Deadline: 8th October

Healthy Ireland Walking Tracks initiative - IRFU & FAI

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke has announced €1 million in funding for the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) under the Healthy Ireland Walking Tracks initiative.

The funds will be used to make community walking tracks located on sports clubs’ grounds more accessible to more people.

 

The announcement of €500,000 each for the IRFU and FAI follows €1.6 million in funding for the GAA in 2022 and 2023 which provided walking track grants to 106 clubs around the country.

 

The initiative supports the upgrade of existing walking track facilities to make them more accessible to people with mobility issues, such as older people and wheelchair users. Funding may also cover upgrading or the installation of lighting designed to prolong the hours of usage particularly during the dark winter evenings. Grants will be awarded to clubs in each organisation following a competitive application process.

 

Deadline: 11th September

CGN Community Benefit Fund 2024

The CGN Windfarm Fund is now open and is open until Friday, 13th September at 4pm. 

 

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.  Grants of up to €2,000 are available for community groups listed in the townlands which includes (Faughary, Manorhamilton). 

Community Loans: Western Development Commission

Here's some news that may be of interest to any group considering applying for LEADER funding. The Western Development Commission offers bridging loans for LEADER based grants, with 5% APR. The WDC works with Community, Voluntary, Social Enterprise, Charities and Co-operatives.  Loan amounts range from €50,000 to €200,000.

Contact the WDC’s Community Loans Manager Anne Graham on 087- 266 3711 for advice on Bridging Loans or Match Funding Loans. 

Youth Services Grant Scheme opens to new applicants

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is inviting applications from organisations who work with young people to apply for funding under Youth Services Grant Scheme (YSGS). A total of up to €1.25million is being made available in grants to first-time applicants to the YSGS, with the term of the grant running from October 2024 to December 2025.

 

Applications are invited from organisations which currently provide supports, clubs or activities to young people which support their social and personal development.

 

Deadline:  16th September

Ash Dieback Climate Action Performance Payment Scheme Opens

Landowners who have already received a payment for replanting their ash plantation may now apply for the first instalment of this additional payment through an online portal.

 

The Climate Action Performance Payment (CAPP) payment, totalling €5,000 per hectare, will be paid in three instalments, and will be made directly to the forest owner.

 

The Climate Action Performance Payments will be made as follows:

• €2,500 can be applied for after receipt of a 1st grant on an ash reconstitution scheme

• €1,250 can be applied for once the second grant on the reconstitution scheme is paid and premium payments on the affected plantation are complete.

• €1,250 can be applied for the following year

Energy Master Plan Funding

The grant programme is open all year round and you can apply for funding by completing a funding application form.

 

The grant offer is valid for 12 months to give you plenty of time to identify the community priorities, find an external expert and develop your energy masterplan in consultation with your community.

 

Your mentor will also be able to guide you step-by-step through the application process.

SEAI will provide a 100% grant to cover the costs of an external expert to help your community develop an Energy Master Plan.
The Energy Master Plan funding ranges in value depending on the level and scale of the Sustainable Energy Community.

The scale of the SEC is linked to the estimate of the energy spend in your community. 

Arts Council’s: Artist in the Community Scheme
Scéim An Ealaíontóra Sa Phobal

Are you an artist working collaboratively with a community?
Are you an artist or community group with an interest in working on a collaborative, socially engaged project?

The Arts Council’s Artist in the Community (AIC) Scheme, managed by Create, offers awards to enable artists and communities of place and/or interest to work together on projects.   

 

The AIC scheme is open to artists from any of the following artform disciplines: architecture, circus, street art and spectacle, dance, film, literature (Irish and English language), music, opera, theatre, visual arts and traditional arts.

 

The aim of the AIC scheme is to encourage meaningful collaboration between communities of place and/or interest and artists. 

Create defines community in the broadest sense of the word, however for the AIC Scheme the artist or artists must be collaborating with a community of non-arts professionals.

 

Create defines collaborative arts as artists and communities working closely together, often over extended periods of time, to make art.

LGBTI+ Youth Fund 2024 opens for applications

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is inviting applications from organisations who work with young people to apply for funding under the LGBTI+ Youth Fund 2024.

A total of up to €400,000 is being made available in grants to applicants to the fund, with the term of the grant running from October 2024 to December 2025.

 

The fund has been established to support initiatives that make a difference in ensuring LGBTI+ young people are visible, included, treated equally, healthy, and safe in their communities.

 

Deadline: 16th September

Certified Proud Fund

The Certified Proud Fund aims to support charities and projects that are already doing great things for the LGBTQ+ community.

 

You can apply if all of the following apply:

• Your organisation operates on the island of Ireland.
• You are a registered charity, organization, or affiliated with one.
• Your organisation benefits the LGBTQ+ community (e.g., health, mental health, sports, networking, arts, music, education, etc.).
• You commit to submitting a written report within 12 months of receiving funding.
• You are comfortable sharing your win on social media and with stakeholders.
• Preferably, a member of your organisation can attend the awards ceremony in Autumn 2024.

 

Deadline: 13th September

Customer Experience Survey

Have your say and let Leitrim County Council know your views on the services provided by them.

 

Deadline: 30th August.

Minister for Mental Health and Older People opens call for new Lived Experience Member of NIMC

The importance of lived experience in mental health policy cannot be overstated. Please share this initiative. It will deepen the input of lived experience in the implementation of 'Sharing the Vision', Ireland’s national mental health policy.

Draft Joint Carrick‐on‐Shannon Local Area Plan

Leitrim and Roscommon County Councils have published the Draft Joint Carrick‐on‐Shannon Local Area Plan (JLAP). This JLAP will be the first joint Plan for the town and will have a strong focus on the development of both the Carrick‐on‐Shannon and Cortober areas of the town.

 

Deadline: 4th October

 

Local input is considered vital to the ensure process and your views are welcomed.

Have your say in the next National Strategy for Women and Girls! 

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is developing the next National Strategy for Women and Girls.  This new strategy will expand on the progress made by the last strategy and help advance the rights of women and girls.  The new strategy will build on the previous strategy objectives in areas such as leadership, social and economic issues, visibility and active participation, healthcare, and gender mainstreaming.

 

To inform this process, the Department wants to gather the views of members of the public to make sure a broad range of opinions and experiences are included when considering what are the key issues, and how best to deal with the key challenges facing women and girls today.

 

Deadline: 30th September

Corporate Plan 2024-2029 Survey

Leitrim County Council seeks your views on the development of the county over the next 5 years.

 

The preparation of the corporate plan requires an inclusive approach through consultation.

 

Deadline: 30th August

Doras Building Inclusive Integrated Communities

A short survey to assist in the development of a longer term strategy to support communities and community groups working to promote inclusion and integration of migrant communities.

Men on the Move 2024 Carrick on Shannon

Join this 6 week fitness beginner programme designed for men aged 35+ years who wish to get more active and healthier but don't know where to begin and lack the motivation to start.

 

Get help to achieve your fitness and health goals.  The tutors and instructors have designed a 6 week programme comprising of 3 weekly mixed fitness sessions (2 Gym based sessions @DK fitness Gym, Drumsna, Co. Leitrim & 1 Outdoor Walk/Run programme from Carrick on Shannon Aura/Sports Complex car park meeting point).

 

Share your journey with a group of men with similar goals in a social and achievable programme designed for you!!

Make this programme the beginning of your journey to a healthier lifestyle.

The best move you will ever make!

eCollege

eCollege is a Government-funded online training facility.  It provides a range of free online courses with certificates, available any time.  If you want to learn at your own pace, eCollege is perfect for you.

 

eCollege courses are:

 

• free
• part-time
• certified
• always on-demand, so you can get started straightaway

The courses could help you, whether you:

 

• are already doing a course and want to add to your learning
• are unemployed, or had your hours reduced
• want to improve your skills or learn new one
  The courses are designed give you specific skills training, with certification, to help you get a job or improve your skills.

Webinar Series - How Natural Rocks and

Teaches Us Resilience

The Climate Ambassador Programme, in collaboration with The Heritage Council and The Biodiversity Officer Network, is excited to bring you a new series of webinars designed to help you reconnect with nature.

 

'Not Stopping Now' will feature four engaging webinars, each focusing on a different aspect of our amazing biodiversity

 

The sessions will showcase nature's incredible ability to adapt, highlight innovative conservation efforts, and explore how we can all play a part in supporting these initiatives.

 

Don't miss out — reserve your spot below and be part of the journey towards a more resilient and vibrant natural world!

Free Digital Literacy Resources

Build your confidence when using technology with this handy list of free Digital Literacy resources.

Planet Pulse storytelling workshop

Join Momentum for an online storytelling workshop this Thursday, 29th August at 11.00am - 12.00pm!

 

The workshop is for young people (18-35y) who wants to connect with others who cares deeply about our planet.

 

In the workshop you’ll learn more about the power of storytelling to express climate anxiety and other emotions, and to initiate collective climate action.

 

During the storytelling session, you are invited to share your story.
However, there is no pressure to share and you are more than welcome to just listen in.

The workshop is free and facilitated as a part of the Erasmus+ project Planet Pulse.

 

The illustration was made by Sofia Martina (@sofi_martina)

Community Fundraising For Advanced Practitioners takes place online on 2nd October, 10am - 1pm

For the first time we'll be taking experienced fundraisers who are used to organising big events, managing large numbers of volunteers and have responsibility for generating significant income via community fundraising and helping them elevate their programmes.

 

We will be addressing:

• Regional profiling - To help you understand your region and the potential to raise money in it
• Community Fundraising Channels - Produced / Non Produced / Hybrid / Third Party
• Relationship Building with volunteers and the consideration of their lifetime value
• Volunteer & Participant Experience - Are you making your supporters feel special
• Talent Spotting
• Budgeting and Managing Up - How to help your boss, board, organisation understand your role. 

Please note there is a fee of €100 to do this.

Connecting Leitrim’s Global Community 

Leitrim has a community that stretches across the globe with an estimated 476,000 people with Leitrim roots.  Leitrim County Council aims to strengthen the Leitrim Global Community socially and economically, provide a connection for members of our Diaspora and assist in addressing the needs of those who wish to return. 

 

Do you have Leitrim roots and want to stay connected to home? If yes, you can sign up to the dedicated Diaspora newsletter below.

The Leitrim Gathering 2025

From May 23rd-25th, 2025, Leitrim is calling all its global family and friends to come together for a weekend of celebration, culture, and connection. 

 

Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or discovering Leitrim for the first time, this event is the perfect opportunity to experience the best of Irish hospitality. 

 

With events for all ages, it’s a weekend not to be missed!

Ballinamore Public Art

Community Information Session

Date: Thursday 12 September, 7-9pm

 

About the Session:

Following the establishment of a panel to provide Public Art Management Services for Leitrim County Council, the council is now engaging a member of that panel to help devise and manage a Public Art Project in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim under the Per Cent for Art Scheme.

In preparation, and as we develop the Public Art Project, and specifically the Open Call to Artists, we would like to invite and engage all members of the local community in Ballinamore and various stakeholders, including (not limited to) Leitrim School of Art, Ballinamore Youth Action Project, and The Hub, to an information session.

We invite you to join us, to hear about the project and for you to share any social, historical and/or cultural insights of Ballinamore, that will inform the Artist Brief and Open Call to Artists.

Please join us on the evening of: Thursday 12 September, 7-9pm

Who: Local residents & community groups from Ballinamore area, Co. Leitrim

 

Venue : Staisiun Oige /at The Junction

Address: Railway Rd, Ceannaboe, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, N41 XR97

 

For any queries please contact: Joeleen Lynch, Public Art - Project Manager, Leitrim County Council                joeleenlynch@gmail.com                 (089)2548193

Hedgegrows Ireland

Hedgegrows Ireland recommend planting hedgerows with trees of Irish Provenance—from seeds collected and grown in Ireland.  Phenology (when they bud-burst, flower and seed) is better adapted to our environment and wildlife. Lower disease risk (e.g. Fireblight).

Volunteer Ireland working with young people to use volunteering to strengthen democracy, European values and identity

In the past, the traditional view of volunteering was one of charity.  Today, when young people volunteer it can be considered a form of activism.  Powered by V aims to support volunteer-involving organisations and young people to use volunteering as a driving force, not only for education, youth empowerment, and engagement; but also to strengthen democracy, European society, its values, and identity.

ReelLIFE SCIENCE: Free Training on Video Editing & Basic Animation for Teachers, Youth Workers & Community Groups

ReelLIFE SCIENCE is a national competition that challenges young people to engage with science, technology, engineering and maths while developing their communication and digital skills.  Schools and Youth Groups produce short 1–3 minute films or animations.

 

Deadline: 11th October

Doggy Day Out

PPN member group Leitrim Animal Welfare is excited to launch their "𝗗𝗼𝗴𝗴𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗢𝘂𝘁" program!  This initiative is designed to give shelter dogs a refreshing break from their routine kennel life while they await their forever homes.  For more details see please call or WhatsApp 085 864 5366 or email leitrimanimalwelfare@gmail.com.

Nominations for the Volunteer Ireland Awards are 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 honoring them at a national level.

 

There are no limits on how long someone has volunteered, type of volunteering, or age so nominate anyone you think is an asset to the community.

 

Nominations of individuals or duos are accepted in the following categories:

• Arts, Culture & Festivals
• Campaigning & Activism
• Children & Youth
• Environmental & Animal Care
• Health & Wellbeing
• Safety & Emergency Services
• Social Inclusion & Community Support
• Sports & Recreation
• There are also categories for groups of volunteers!

Congratulations to the incredible Leitrim Finalists for the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2024! 

We're thrilled to see Artessa (Georgia S Visnyei), Blakes Always Organic (John Brennan), Dromod Boxty (Áine Faughnan), Mc Niffe's Boxty (Aoife Mc Niffe) and Ireland West Distillery(Eamon McLoughlin) representing our county at Ireland's premier food awards in Dingle.

Best of luck to all! Let's bring home the gold!

Farmer to Farmer Mentorship

The 'Horse's Mouth' Mentorship Programme still has a few spaces left.

Our farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing and mentorship service is in full swing around the country with 45 farms being visited.  A farmer recently visited in Roscommon said: "To have a farmer out to give you advice, to come to your land and share what they know. This type of peer-to-peer help is invaluable and just brilliant to receive for such a low cost."

  

This programme is aimed at supporting farmers and landowners who are looking for on-the-ground practical advice from fellow farmers on how they might improve their land’s biodiversity and be productive farmers.  Though every farm is different, you can’t underestimate the value of some sound practical advice and encouragement from a fellow farmer.  Sound like something you would like to avail of - there still are 5 spaces available.  The cost is just €50 to you.

 

The Horse Mouth Programme is supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Building a Pond

Ponds are game-changers in terms of building biodiversity on the farm. That's probably why our guide to building a pond is one of the most popular pages on our website. 

 

Simply put, where there's water there are insects, where there are insects there are predators like birds that eat them which will draw larger creatures like mammals to eat them and so on.

 

While there may not be much eating for the top of the food chain - homo sapien, they do help provide a sanctuary away from the stresses of the world.

 

Where there's water, there's life!

Reduce Your Use – Supports

The Government is acutely aware of the impacts of high energy prices on families, individuals and businesses, and has made a range of supports available to help ease the burden for everyone.

Registration is now OPEN for the 2024/2025 Blue Star Programme

The Programme teaches primary school pupils about the EU through activities and projects which complement the national primary curriculum.

 

Deadline: 11th October

GEAI is Hiring

GEAI is looking for passionate individuals to fill two part-time roles:

Youth Officer and Project Officer.

 

If you’re dedicated to making a positive impact and want to join a dynamic team, this is your chance!

 

Deadline: 31st August