Spencer Harbour image taken by Mark Kelly

PPN Nominations CLOSING this Wednesday!

Leitrim PPN are seeking nominations from PPN member groups for 3 Representative Seats on the Secretariat of Leitrim PPN (Board)

• Environmental Seat
• Carrick on Shannon MD Area
• Community & Voluntary Seat

The PPN Secretariat act as the PPN's effective 'Board' and oversight committee.  The Secretariat implement the decisions voted on by the Plenary (all member groups). The Secretariat is made up of 9 members; 2 from Social Inclusion Pillar, 2 from Environmental Pillar, 2 from Community and Voluntary Pillar and 1 from each Municipal District area; Ballinamore, Manorhamilton and Carrick-on-Shannon. Meetings take place approx. every two months, online and will include 2 in- person meetings.

The Secretariat works in a “Flat Structure“.  One key feature of this is that all Secretariat Members should have an opportunity to serve as “Rotating Facilitator”.

You will receive training and support.

 

Leitrim PPN are seeking nominations from PPN member groups for an Environment Rep on the Social Inclusion, Equality and Community, (SEC) Monitoring Sub-Committee

The role of this sub-committee is to advise and assist the LCDC in the performance of its functions, including making recommendations on courses of actions or decisions to be taken by the LCDC.  The SEC comprised of members of the LCDC and external agencies as agreed by the LCDC to carry out work on its behalf and report to the LCDC under three main areas.

SICAP, Equality Promotion and Social Inclusion Role & LECP Implementation

Commitment – 3 online meetings per year.

 

Closing date for nominations: this Wed 13th Aug

World Photography Day

Calling all amateur photographers:- Share some landscape images with us for inclusion as our cover photo for Leitrim PPN fortnightly e-bulletin.  Photos of scenes in Lovely Leitrim. 

 

The Leitrim PPN e-bulletin is circulated every two weeks to member groups with valuable information on PPN news, funding streams, community news, training, consultations and surveys members can input into.  It is important you share it with all your groups.  We always include a photo of a scene from Leitrim.

 

E-mail photos to info@leitrimppn.ie or share on social media tagging Leitrim PPN.

We will credit you for the photo!

International Youth Day

Tomorrow Tue 12th Aug is International Youth Day – With the United Nations theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs' and Beyond,” this year is recognised how young people - especially young workers - are not waiting for change; they are already driving it.

 

From leading local climate actions to organising unions and resisting authoritarianism, young people are on the front lines of the fight for democracy, decent work, and human rights.  Their leadership is essential to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) and responding to the converging crises of our time. Leitrim PPN will having a workshop on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) on 27th Nov facilitated by Saolta in Manorhamilton. 

More details to follow nearer the time.

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

Meeting Wed 10th Sept in Leitrim Development Company Drumshanbo 7.30pm.  Please save the date.

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.

Public Participation Network - Local Democracy Taskforce Stakeholder Engagement

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

 

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

 

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

 

Deadline: 22nd August

Research on the Challenges Facing the Community Sector

For many years, PPN's have heard and witnessed the growing pressures on the community and voluntary sector.  The network has consistently advocated on behalf of the sector, but success has been limited - in part due to a lack of solid evidence with regard to the direct impact of these challenges on the operation of community organisations.  Under the Power to Change initiative, Sligo PPN have partnered with Atlantic Technological University to undertake a piece of research to form a solid evidence base on the key challenges facing the sector and what this means to grass roots community activity and volunteering.

 

This survey aims to collect the evidence needed to highlight and stress to Government the challenges faced by community groups. It also aims to demonstrate that additional and better coordinated supports are needed for groups to operate successfully and thrive. More and more is being asked of the community sector, including taking a leading role on climate action. What support does the community sector need to make this workable?

 

The survey was co-designed with community organisations as well as colleagues across the PPN network.

 

While led by Sligo PPN and ATU under the Power to Change initiative, this research is intended to be of benefit to the entire PPN network and the broader community sector. The survey will go out across the entire PPN national network as well as other key community based networks. The more feedback we receive, the stronger our case will be for advocating for positive change in the sector.

 

Every response we get is vital and we thank you in advance for taking the time to contribute to this important research. Please feel free to share far and wide.

Leitrim PPN Member Spotlight
The Organic Centre - Rossinver

The Organic Centre, nestled in the heart of Rossinver in County Leitrim, is a charity promoting organic growing and sustainable living.

 

The Organic Centre is housed in the iconic and award winning grass roofed building designed by Colin Bell.  The Centre facilitates many courses annually.  These include stone wall building, fermentation, renewable energy, pizza oven making, cheese making, alongside training in organic growing.  Check out the free seasonal family friendly events throughout the year, including Potato Day, Apple Harvest Day, Samhain, a Christmas market, along with events for Biodiversity Week and Heritage Week.

 

The Centre has demonstration organic gardens with seven polytunnels, where they teach and encourage guests to grow organically themselves.

 

The Organic Centre's Eco shop stocks organic seeds, tools, books, plants, seasonal vegetables and its own zero waste and craft sections.

 

The Organic Centre are an environmental pillar member group of Leitrim PPN.

 

The Centre in Rossinver opened in 1995 - Congratulations on your 30th Year Anniversary from Leitrim PPN.

Leitrim Integrated Development successful Tender for Social Farming Network

Leitrim PPN staff and secretariat wish to congratulate Leitrim Integrated Development Company CLG who have been awarded the national tender under the 2025 Social Farming Network programme.

 

This is the 10th successive year the LDCo has been awarded the tender having successfully negotiated a €500,000 increase in the investment in the programme.

The Social Farming Network enables individuals availing of various therapeutic or day support services, including mental health, disability, eldercare, and youth services, to voluntarily participate in farming and horticultural activities in a supportive environment.

The model promotes well-being, community connection, and rural inclusion.

 

Well done to all the team in Social Farming Irl and it's great to have the headquarters in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.

John McGahern Award Submission Closing Date Approaching

 

The recipient, who receives a prize of €2,500, will be announced on Saturday 4th October 2025 during the festival.

 

Deadline: 17th August

Creative Access Production Programme 2025

Disrupt Disability Arts Festival advocates for accessible arts engagement and breaks down barriers to cultivate a vibrant cultural life in Ireland.  

 

This festival highlighted the need for the Creative Access Production Programme.

 

They are looking for a group of diverse artists, arts workers or producers, with a lived experience of disability, who have a passion for Creative Accessible Production.

 

Deadline: 18th August

Rural Action Awards

The Rural Action Awards Scheme, is aimed at supporting rural communities celebrate their own achievements:    

 

Rural community-based organisations in Northern Ireland, or the border region of Ireland have the opportunity to apply for and be in with a chance of securing £1000 or €1000 towards their chosen community project.

 

The scheme is open to constituted rural community-based organisations including charities, not for profit community groups, sporting and cultural organisations, heritage groups, Parent Teacher Associations, youth groups/clubs and social enterprises.

 

Deadline: 20th August

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

Deadline: 2025 Enhancing Quality Fund - 22nd August 

Future For Nature Awards 2026

Are you a young person (between 18 to 35 years old) and dedicated nature conservationist committed to protecting wild species? 

Do you combine passion with action to create concrete results in nature conservation? 

Are you the future of nature?

 

Deadline: 25th August

Ireland Against Racism Fund

Ireland Against Racism Fund is now open to applications from non-government and community organisations.

 

This fund is a key part of the National Action Plan Against Racism.

 

There are two streams of funding:

• Scheme A will provide grants, ranging from €40,000 to €100,000, to organisations for national and regional projects.
• Scheme B will provide grants, ranging from €5,000 to €10,000, to organisations for local projects.

 

Deadline: 27th August

Arts Council Strategic Funding 2026

Strategic Funding supports key arts organisations, ensuring their sustainability and capacity to deliver high-quality arts experiences.

It focuses on the delivery of excellent artwork, services, events and activities that provide more people with the opportunity to enjoy high quality arts experiences.

 

Deadline: 4th 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

#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

Manorhamilton Town Centre First Plan:

Public Survey & Public Consultation

Leitrim County Council and the Manorhamilton Town Team are leading the development of a Town Centre First Plan for Manorhamilton, which aims to improve the town centre as a place to live, work and visit.  As part of the process they have engaged with a wide range of local people and organisations to find out what they like about the town now and what they would like to see in the future.  Based on these insights, the project team have developed a draft Town Centre First Plan, and would like your feedback on the proposed vision, themes and project ideas, before the plan is finalised.

 

Come and meet the project team, learn about the proposals and share your feedback any time between 4-8pm on Thursday 14th August at the Bee Park Community Centre.

 

Please let them know your thoughts using the short survey below. 

 

Deadline: 25th August

Public Consultation for Planning Permission Exemptions

Under these proposed changes, an applicant would no longer need to apply for and attain planning permission for certain types of developments.

 

Increasing the number of development types from requiring planning permission is aimed at a reduction in smaller applications that may no longer require the need for a full planning permission process.  This would free up local authority resources for larger-scale developments, particularly for housing, and additionally would allow homeowners to proceed with small-scale projects more quickly.

 

Deadline: 26th August

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

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

Minister Darragh O'Br 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

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

Energy Efficiency Training for SMEs

Energy Efficiency Training for SMEs: For any business looking to get started on their Energy Efficiency journey, the Energy Academy is available which provides free, on-demand training on energy management. 'Introduction to Energy Management Training' is a course run by SEAI on a monthly basis.

Upcoming courses at the Organic Centre:

Catch an upcoming course at the Organic Centre to round off your Summer or plan ahead to the Autumn.  The Organic Centre have a number of course coming up to escape to.  Autumn in the polytunnel with Klaus Laitenberger, Korean Natural farming with Ryan Harkin, Ayurveda with herbalist Margaret Palmer, and introducing Willow Woman herself Helena Golden back to the centre for a one day bread basket weaving course.  They offer other practical courses including Dry Stone Building, and the season also is upon us soon for Mushroom foraging. 

Top Farm Security Ideas to keep your Property Safe

Good farm security is crucial for protecting your property, livestock and equipment from theft, vandalism and other risks. 

Support Your Child’s Mental Health & Wellbeing

Free online sessions this August for parents of primary school children

 

Join National Parents Council and St Patrick's Mental Health Services for a supportive, practical training programme focused on:

• Understanding what influences your child’s mental health
• Building resilience for life’s ups and downs
• Everyday tips to support your child’s wellbeing
  
  Choose a time that suits you:
  • Thursday 14th August – 12pm or 7:30pm
  • Friday 15th August – 10am

Heritage Week 16th - 24th August

Posters of some events also included at end of this newsletter.

Leitrim Environmental Network presents:
Garden Audit Event

Take a wander with two experienced wildlife guides around a garden in progress, and learn more about habitats and biodiversity.

Saturday, August 16th 2025 · 11am - 2pm

Two experienced members of the Leitrim environmental Network will guide us through a garden where we will look at habitats, shelter and other things that pollinators and wildlife need to thrive.  And maybe you will meet some of the inhabitants.
This is an experience that will hopefully inspire you to enhance your own little place in the world for wildlife.

Spaces limited to 25 spaces with ticket registration below for this FREE event including lunch.

Our Native Glens - Upcoming Workshops

Saturday 16th August 11AM-1PM - Carpool from Parkes Castle at 10:50  
We will be running a river workshop at Milltown Woods near the bridge.  

Water is life!  Join Our Native Glens and find out how you can play a role in protecting our most precious resource.  This hands-on practical session will empower you with the ability to assess your local waterways. Find out how anyone can tell the health of their river by searching for what lies beneath the ripple.  By catching and identifying fascinating macro-invertebrates (a type of insects) that live in all of our rivers, we can find out if our rivers are healthy.  Learn about the biggest impacts on our rivers and what we can do to help!  This session is for anyone eager to learn about our most valuable resource - water!  With our changing climate, it is more important than ever to raise awareness and enable ourselves to protect our waterways.
There will be kick sampling equipment people can borrow after the workshop to assess their own local rivers! 

Wednesday 20th August 6-7:30PM
Our Native Glens will be running a wildflower seed saving and meadow management workshop at the meadow opposite from St. Clare's Catholic Church in Manorhamilton

Seed saving is an age-old tradition of resilience that is a great way to get engaged with nature and the community.  It's a simple concept that means exactly what it sounds like: saving seeds in order to grow them in the future.  This fun and empowering exercise is hugely important for protecting our disappearing wildflowers. |Our Native Glens will also be identifying wildflowers and discussing how to create your own wildflower meadows.  Take life into your own hands and allow both nature and people to reap the rewards of what you sow. 

There will be corncockle seeds given out that grew locally from a few years of seed saving.

Heritage Week at the Organic Centre

Enjoy Heritage week in Leitrim from August 16th to 24th.  The Organic Centre will host four free events on site, kicking off with a talk about the history and heritage of apples with Phil Wheal on Sunday 17th August.  Steffi Otto will be wood carving spoons and toys on Tuesday 19th of August, and Friday 22nd there will be hand spinning going from fleece to fabric with Eimear O'Neill.  Finally on Water Heritage Day, August 24th there will be a Water is life/water sampling adventure with ecologist Yosef Dvores.  

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

Childminding Ireland Art Competition

The Childminding Ireland Art Competition is now open. 

Email your entries to art@childminding.ie.

AGNAV new farm app

Farmers can use AGNAV to develop farm specific sustainability action plans.