Survey - Public Participation Networks - Consultation on Draft PPN Roadmap 

An independent Structural Review of the PPN's was carried out in 2021/2022.  It recommended a number of actions to make PPN structures work more effectively.

A Working Group was created to consider these recommendations, representing PPN staff and volunteers, as well as government officials and the community sector. This group has developed a draft Implementation Roadmap drawing on the recommendations as well as actions suggested by members of the PPN community. The actions listed are not final at this time.

The Department of Community and Rural Development (DRCD), in collaboration with the Working Group, has now commissioned Crowe to conduct a consultation on the draft Implementation Roadmap.

As a first step, you as a PPN Member/Rep are invited to read the Draft PPN Implementation Roadmap, please find below.

Crowe have developed the survey to give all those involved in or with PPN's an opportunity to have their say on the draft Roadmap. Feedback from this survey will be used to help finalise the Roadmap.

The survey is accessible below.The survey is open for response until Friday 1st September 2023, inclusive.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jack Conway (jack.conway@crowe.ie) or Vanya Sargent (vanya.sargent@crowe.ie) by email or phone (01 4482200).

World Photography Day will take place on Saturday, August 19th, 2023.

World Photography Day is celebrated on August 19th  each year. The aim of World Photography Day is to create awareness, share ideas and encourage people to take up photography.

 

Leitrim PPN would love if member groups could share some photos of their area with us for inclusion as our cover photo for our fortnightly e bulletin going forward.   Photos of scenes in lovely Leitrim.

 

Be sure to share your best photos on social media also and tag Leitrim PPN and use #WorldPhotographyDay or send them to info@leitrimppn.ie.

REMINDER - Free Training For PPN member Groups

Certified First Aid Training - REMINDER

1st Aid Training: 4th Sept Bee Park Community Centre Manorhamilton – in person 9-4

1st Aid Training: 5th Sept Leitrim Development Company Drumshanbo – in person – 9-4 

 

Strategic Planning

Strategic Planning: 17th Oct Leitrim Development Company Drumshanbo -in person –  10 to 1

Strategic Planning: 24th Oct Bee Park, Manorhamilton – in person – 10 to 1

Leitrim Climate Action Plan 

Submission from Leitrim PPN member groups

Leitrim PPN is a network of 375 community and voluntary, environmental and social inclusion groups from across Co. Leitrim. Leitrim PPN greatly welcomes the opportunity to make submissions in respect of the new Leitrim Climate Action Plan 2024 and we hope that our recommendations will be given due consideration.

The public call for submissions into this Leitrim Climate Action Plan 2024 was disseminated across all our member groups though Salesforce list email and social media, with an encouragement for them to make their own individual submissions and fill out a survey.  Leitrim PPN also set up a PPN Linkage Group for Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity and Agriculture this year, and it is composed of a wide variety of community and non-profit organisations. This Linkage Group met on three occasions (29th March, 24th May and 12th July) to discuss possible proposals to the Leitrim Climate Action Plan.  As part of this process a public meeting was called by GEAI on the 29th June 2023 when a range of proposals were raised and discussed by civic leaders, academics and experts interested in the area of Energy.  Leitrim PPN submissions have now being submitted to Leitrim County Council.

National PPN Conference 5th & 6th Oct Wicklow

Wicklow PPN in collaboration with Wicklow County Council and the DRCD look forward to welcoming you to Wicklow for the National PPN Conference 2023. The Conference will take place in the Arklow Bay Hotel on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th October.

The number of delegates per PPN is capped at 6. If any secretariat member or Rep wishes to go please let PPN staff know before Fri 11th Aug.

'Rational Use of Pesticides Policy' passes in Westmeath

After much work from community representatives in Westmeath Public Participation Network and local councillors, Westmeath County Council has adopted a new policy which is designed to limit its use of controversial chemical pesticides, such as glyphosate.

The Rational Use of Pesticides was formally adopted last week, and sets in place a hierarchical process of consideration for the council when it comes to removing weeds. This means that alternative methods of weed control will be considered first such as manual weed removal or creating wildflower patches.

This is a huge success for those who have been working on this policy in Westmeath, and can provide a guideline for herbicide use in other councils too.

These is a Whatsapp group for those who are intersted in working on Herbicide Use Policies in their county. Members of PPNs and those who are interested in the topic have already joined, and all are welcome. If you'd like to join you can text Catherine on 087 780 4505 to be added, or email catherine@ien.ie.

This policy would not have been possible without the work of those in Westmeath PPN.

Linkage Group Meetings - SAVE THE DATE

• Tue 5th Sept - Planning, Housing and Transport Linkage Group 7.30pm Leitrim Development Company, Drumshanbo

• Wed 6th Sept - Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity and Agriculture Linkage Group 7.30pm LDCo, Drumshanbo

• Thurs 7th Sept - Social Inclusion, Disability, Rural Development, Peace and Reconciliation Linkage Group 7.30pm LDCo, Drumshanbo

Free Mentoring for Linkage Group Volunteers

We are looking forward to the next round of Linkage Group sessions which take place on the 5th, 6th and 7th Sept for the Planning, Climate and Social Inclusion groups respectively. 

 

Many of you agreed to take on some actions and we would love to see how your proposals are coming to fruition in the September sessions. If you want to progress any of the actions, and are not sure where to start then feel free to contact Liam Scollan who will help with mentoring. He is available free of charge to members who agreed to take on actions in the previous Linkage Group sessions.

 

You can contact him on liamscollan@gmail.com or call on 087 8126580.

Healthy Eating Projects Funding

Safefood is inviting organisations who are not currently involved in the Community Food Initiatives (CFI) to apply for funding to deliver an online project, in their own local area, that meets the criteria of the CFI at Home Programme.

The purpose of the CFI at Home Programme is to support families in their own homes to develop their cooking skills and healthy eating habits.
As funding is limited, interested organisations are advised to apply as soon as possible.

Projects could include all or some of the following elements:

• Learning how to prepare & cook a recipe
• Attending an online cookery session
• Online support groups for sharing ideas and tips
• Online interactive talks delivered by a dietitian or registered nutritionist

Interested organisations can apply for funding up to a maximum of €2,000 or £1,720 to deliver a project in their local area.

 

Applicant organisation criteria

Organisations must:

1. Be community-led organisations with a legal status and appropriate governance structure
2. Be experienced in the management of public funds which support social inclusion initiatives
   
3. Currently employ and manage full time professionals with community development experience
4. Have experience of working with the target group identified
5. Be supporting other broader community initiatives through their work
6. Provide supports across communities irrespective of age, race or creed.

Deadline: 16th September

Civil Society Grant Programme 

In line with one of the strategic goals of St Stephen’s Green Trust
(SSGT) to contribute to strengthening democracy through civic engagement and participation, SSGT has launched a new funding
programme and now inviting applications. It aims to contribute to a ‘high energy democracy’.
It aims to contribute to a ‘high energy democracy’ by supporting civil society groups to:

• Engage in participative and deliberative democracy initiatives that harness the power
of civil society to transform democratic decision-making processes
• Develop progressive platforms for collective power and influence which use valuesbased approaches to identify elements of transformative change
• Create spaces for participation and voice, particularly among those who are most marginalised.

This is a one-off grant programme to fund groups on the island of Ireland for up to £12,500/ €15,000. 
If you have any queries about the programme or your group’s eligibility to apply, please contact Sara, SSGT’s Grants and Development Manager, at sara@ssgt.ie.

 

Deadline: 14th September

Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2023

Leitrim County Council is inviting Expressions for inclusion in the Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2023.

 

The 2023 Scheme will support the revitalisation of rural Ireland through prioritising town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration, including a focus on Town Centre or Village Centre Markets. The 2023 scheme will place emphasis on projects which bring economic and social vibrancy to town centres and which help bring derelict or vacant buildings and sites back into use as community or multi-purpose spaces.

 

Deadline: 20th September

Civil Society Prize

Calling all Irish social enterprises with initiatives supporting individuals with mental health conditions and/or fostering mental well-being - It has a total value of EUR 50,000 and can be shared among up to five winners.

 

Deadline:  September 30th 

Reminder - Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2023

Leitrim Co Co are accepting applications for Measure 2 & 3 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

 

Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development

Maximum grant aid available up to €200,000.

 

Measure 3: Strategic Large Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategic Trail/Amenity Development

Maximum grant aid available up to €500,000

 

Deadline: 8th September

Highlight your Work at the All Ireland Sustainability Awards

This year’s categories include:

• Green Exporter of the Year
• Housing / Buildings Initiative of the Year
• Food Waste Reduction Initiative of the Year
• Green Marketing / Stakeholder engagement initiative of the year
• Net-Zero initiative of the year
• Young Changemaker
• Waste, Resource Management & Circular Economy Initiative of the Year
• Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Initiative of the Year
• Energy Initiative / Project of the Year
• Biodiversity Initiative of the year
• Social Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year
• Consultant / Consultancy of the Year
• Sustainable Agri-Food Initiative of the Year
  With an additional ‘Overall Winner of the Year’ awarded on the evening at the judge’s discretion.

Entry is FREE, you can nominate yourself or someone else, and you can apply directly online.

Deadline: 15th August

Invitation to Apply for The Artists Care Exchange

Age & Opportunity is seeking applications from professional artists* with an interest and background in the arts and older people in a care context, to participate in the second iteration of Age & Opportunity’s professional development Arts initiative, the Artists Care Exchange (ACE). Professional artists from a wide range of art forms are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to visual arts, dance, theatre, creative writing, music, circus and multidisciplinary arts.

ACE will offer six – eight professional artists who work in care settings with older people an opportunity to exchange information, advice, and experiences in a group situation, whilst also learning from a range of experts in the social, medical, and arts fields.

*While there is no one definition of a professional artist, we would suggest that it relates to someone who is either making a living from or attempting to make a living from their work. Membership of a professional representative body such as: Visual Artists Ireland, Film Director’s Ireland, Association of Irish Composers etc. could also be used to demonstrate status as a professional artist.

Deadline: 8th September

What Works Building Evidence Fund 2023

The What Works Building Evidence Fund has been established under the Quality and Evidence strands of the What Works initiative. It aims to support the gathering and analysis of data and evidence within the community and voluntary sector.

The Fund is open to practitioners and service providers working in not-for-profit organisations who work with children, young people and their families. Not-for-profit organisations are invited to submit applications for funding of up to €50,000 for prevention and early intervention projects that will identify gaps in service provision and develop skills for effective monitoring, evaluation and analysis of prevention and early intervention services. All applications must have a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention. The total value of the fund is €600,000.

The Fund further aims to help those working with children, young people and families to access training on collecting, research and analysis that improves outcomes for children and young people.

 

Deadline: 22th September

 

SEAI: Non-Domestic Microgeneration Scheme

The recently announced improved Non-Domestic Microgen Grant provides grant funding for Solar PV systems up to a maximum 1000kWp to help businesses, farms, schools, community centres, or other non-profit organisations to  generate electricity on site.

Leader Food Initiative

Ministers Humphreys, McConalogue and Hackett announce an additional call for applications to the LEADER Food Initiative

• Over €883,000 in funding is available under the LEADER Food Initiative
• Call aimed at Artisan, Micro, Small food producers or on-farm diversification enterprises
• This grant aid is also for investment in local processing facilities, which allow farmers to sell their products into the local and wider domestic markets
• Timeframes for approval and completion of all LEADER funded projects also extended

Leitrim Sports Partnership announces a total of €75,000 in funding.

Covid 19 Club/Community Small Grant Scheme Round 4 2023 - €45,000

This scheme is designed to support indoor sports, community facilities and sports clubs, who do not have the finances to implement the continue return to sport.

 

Volunteer Supports Programme 2023 - €20,000

This fund enables coaches, leaders, referees, committee members to expend their physical activity leadership skills and knowledge. 

 

Sports Club Development Grants 2023 - €10,000

Grants vary from €200-€500 maximum per club. We encourage all clubs to take a proactive approach to increasing participation levels and maximising their full potential.

 

Deadline: 25th August

New Scheme for Suckler Farmers

National Beef Welfare Scheme 2023 Suckler farmers to receive further €50 / cow calf pair.

The scheme will support farmers in meal feeding suckler calves in advance of and after weaning, and in testing for the presence of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) in their herds. Both actions are mandatory for farmers who wish to participate in the scheme.

Farmers who take part in the NBWS as well as the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP), will earn €200/cow calf pair.

Applications must be lodged online through agfood.ie.

 

Deadline: 12th September 

Further €16m in Funding for Upgrade Works on Rural Roads and Laneways

The funding, under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), will support the continued improvement of non-public roads and lanes that are not normally maintained by local authorities.

Such roads represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents - providing access to homes, farms and businesses, as well as outdoor amenities such as our lakes, rivers or beaches.

 

Leitrim set to receive a further €831,183 which adds to the already allocated €304,736 giving a total allocation for 2023 for the county of €1,135,939.

New bursary to help community workers gain qualifications

The Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) has provided the funding for the bursary to the All Ireland Endorsement Body (AIEB) for Community Work Education.

The fund was established to meet a commitment under the government’s five-year strategy for the Community and Voluntary sector: Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities.

An AIEB assessment of education and training needs had previously called for affordable and accessible professional community work education for people with degrees already employed in community work jobs.

The bursary will be available to managers of community organisations, community workers and those who undertake community work duties in associated roles who have graduate degrees but no professional community work qualifications.

It will fund places on the Masters in Community and Youth Work Programme at Maynooth University, which will be offered on a part-time basis.

AIEB is also currently developing a pre-professional training initiative for people with no qualifications.
Information about the bursaries is available from bursary@aieb.ie. For information about the programme, contact the Department of Applied Social Studies in Maynooth University.

Northern Western Regional Assembly, All Island Rail Review

The Northern Western Regional Assembly welcomes the consultation on the All-Island Rail Review, giving an opportunity to address our region’s infrastructure deficits.
They are calling for its full implementation in our Budget 2024 submission, while also advocating the consideration of a direct line connecting Letterkenny, Sligo and Galway City.

 

Deadline: 29th September

Arts Council - Digital Equipment Survey

The Arts Council of Ireland is committed to understanding and supporting the development of digital artistic activity in Ireland. As part of their ongoing efforts, they are conducting research to identify the equipment needs of arts organisations in the digital space. Your responses will help gain a better understanding of the sector's requirements and inform the  initiatives for equipment provision. 

 

Deadline: 15th September

Seanad Public Consultation Committee issues call for submissions on Future of Local Democracy

The Seanad Public Consultation Committee, are seeking the public’s views on the Future of Local Democracy ahead of the Local Elections in June.

 

Deadline: 29th September

Get Ireland Cycling

Cycling Ireland is preparing a Get Ireland Cycling Strategy. They want to hear from as many people as possible to help picture cycling at the moment and how to get more people onto bikes. Please help Cycling Ireland by completing this short Community Survey. There’s even a prize draw for those who complete the survey! Thanks.

Volunteer Induction, Support & Supervision

Do you know what to include in a volunteer induction? Or why Support & Supervision is essential for your volunteers and your organisation?

 

This NEW session looks at good practice, how to ensure we are being proactive & not reactive to our volunteers and new ways of carrying out volunteer induction & support & supervision

• 17 August 2023
• 10.00am-1.00pm
• Online

Sports Capital Webinar

Sports Capital Programme Webinar Information and advice for clubs and groups on applying for a Sports Capital & Equipment Programme grant.

And Clann Credo is here to help communities develop their facilities so everyone can get involved

Join them on Aug 10th at 8pm for our online event about the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme!

 

Get tips about how to apply and find out how Clann Credo loan finance can get your project on track for success.

Heritage Week Workshop for Kids

August 19th, 2.30pm - 4pm, Dublin

Celebrate National Heritage Week at the Rediscovery Centre with a fun-filled craft workshop for kids!

Exploring the richness of Ireland’s natural heritage and creating wildlife-inspired art and crafts. Suitable for children aged 6 to 12 years.

Camp for Autistic Young Adults

RainChild overnight camp for autistic young adults 18-25 years 16/08/2023 @ 10 am.

Kayaking , raft building, wind surfing, paddle boarding, power boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, survival skills, setting up camp, cooking. Get in touch with nature. Qualified instructors will supervise all activities.

*A level of self-care will be required*

Bring: TOWELS, swimsuit, shoes to be worn in water like crocs or old trainers

& 2 packed lunches/snacks with drinks, sleeping bag with yoga mat, waterproof jacket/trousers, shoes/boots suitable for outdoor activities, warm clothes inc hat, torch, Plate/Bowl, knife, Fork, Spoon. Dinner & breakfast is provided- special diet requirement please get in touch in advance.

All buoyancy aids & wet suits & tents will be provided.

This event is sponsored by Leitrim Development Company, Leitrim Sports Partnership, Drumshanbo Sports Hub & other fund raising activities.

Each participant only pays €50 on the day.

Heritage Week 2023 launches with host of unique events celebrating our Living Heritage

National Heritage Week 2023 takes place nationwide from Saturday 12th to Sunday 20th August with a range of events and projects celebrating all aspects of our heritage taking place across Leitrim as communities, families, holiday makers and people of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to get out and explore their heritage. This week of activities is a great opportunity for us to explore our traditions, skills and culture, to tell stories, and pass traditions from generation to generation as well as showcasing our natural heritage.

 

The theme for National Heritage Week this year is ‘Living Heritage’ which is defined as the practices, knowledge and skills that have been passed from one generation to the next, and are still in use today.

 

Anybody interested in hosting an event or a digital project can register it up to the beginning of National Heritage Week on August 12th and even during the week itself right up until the final day on Sunday August 20th. They can do so via the Organisers’ Portal on www.heritageweek.ie.

Support Your Local Link

WAYS TO PAY ON TFI LOCAL LINK

Cash or App.

Did you know that you can buy tickets for eligible TFI Local Link services directly from your phone using the TFI Go app?

No need for printing! Just activate before each journey and show your driver while boarding.
Don't forget to download the app.

Leitrim International Community Group are seeking a Volunteer Chairperson 

Leitrim International Community Group are seeking a Volunteer Chairperson to to provide leadership and ensure the group runs effectively, provide support and supervision to the committee, chair meetings, represent the group as a figurehead in communication with other organisations, sign off on all funding applications and attend relevant meetings.

HER Outdoors Week

To mark HER Outdoors week Monday 14th August- Sunday 20th August. Leitrim Sports Partnership are hosting a series of activities for Women.

ALL ACTIVITIES ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
Day 1 Monday 14th August Activator walking session on Aura Leisure Centre Astroturf Carrick on Shannon from 11am-12 noon

 

Day 2 Tuesday 15th August, activities for younger girls on the Mayflower Astro Turf,

11am-12pm 4-7 year old Dance and Multisport games.

12-1pm 8-12 year old' Dance and Multisport games.

 

Day 4 Thursday 17th August is Tennis day at Acres lake Tennis court Drumshanbo,

6-7pm Tennis for 8-12 year old girls

7-8pm Tennis for Ladies 

 

Day 5 Friday 18th August is Mother and daughter day with a Yoga and Mindfullness session at Carrigallen GAA grounds one ticket covers 1 mother and daughter, daughters must be over 12 years to participate. 

Trio-Bike Programme

The Trio–Bike programme gives Volunteers in Manorhamilton a unique opportunity to engage with adults in community hospitals/Day Care Centres/nursing homes and educational settings and give them perfect opportunity to go outdoors and to see the beautiful surroundings of their local town or village and bring them on a wonderful cycling experience!

Need to check-in with work during your staycation?

Don't cut your trip short, with more than 300 co-working hubs around the country, a fully equipped desk or meeting room is never far away!

2023 Creative Climate Action Fund II: Agents of Change awardees

The 2023 Creative Climate Action Fund II: Agents of Change awardees have been announced, including a number of circular economy projects, from reinvented Christmas trees and construction waste sculptures to a project in Ballymun unlocking local creativity to develop new ideas for climate action with Global Action Plan, Axis Theatre, Innovate Communities and the Rediscovery Centre.  

International Youth Day

International Youth Day takes place on 12 August every year, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.

12 August was first designated International Youth Day by the UN General Assembly in 1999, and serves as an annual celebration of the role of young women and men as essential partners in change, and an opportunity to raise awareness of challenges and problems facing the world’s youth.

Thematic discussions and information campaigns take place across the world, to engage both Member States and the general public to understand the needs of young people, to implement policies to help them overcome the challenges they face, and to encourage young people into the decision-making process.

New project to retrofit homes in rural counties passed over by private sector providers

Clean Coasts annual ‘Love Your Coast’ photography competition

Planning to head to the coast this summer? Bring your camera with you and submit your best shots for a chance to win from a prize fund of €6,000.

The competition’s categories this year are:

• Wildlife and Coast
• Coastal Landscape
• People and the Coast
• Coastal Heritage
• Underwater
• Protectors of the coast

Photographers have until 9 am on 28th August 2023 to submit their best images.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Implementation Plan 2023–2028

This month, The Arts Council launched the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Implementation Plan 2023–2028, as a commitment to our ongoing journey to help create a more inclusive arts community.

The Implementation Plan consists of six key actions that address areas requiring development.

These are:

 

• that Arts Council definitions of the artforms and practices supported can be more inclusive;
• that our funding model can be more accessible;
• that EDI integration of our working practices and of our support for and engagement with the arts sector can be improved;
• that knowledge on barriers to participation and inconsistent approaches to communications and outreach can be developed;
• that The Arts Council will continuously monitor and evaluate EDI initiatives. 

The development of this plan marks the Arts Council’s continued commitment to eradicating barriers that prevent full access and participation in the arts in Ireland.