Facilitation Training Completed

Facilitators for Linkage groups received their Certificates in Facilitation Skills on Sat 10th June from Meitheal.

Pictured are:

Patrick Mc Greevy, Assumpta Kelly & Silvia Apostol from the Social Inclusion, Disability, Rural Development, Peace and Reconciliation Linkage Group.

Aífe Kearns, Mella O Brolchain & Bláithín Gallagher from the Climate Action, Environment, Heritage and Biodiversity & Agriculture Linkage Group.

Brigid Stenson & Joan Regan from the Planning, Transport and Housing Linkage Group.

Mary Mc Girl, Support Worker with Leitrim PPN.
Missing from photo: Gerry Creamer & Helen Rutter.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has released Census 2022 Summary Results

Here it is for Leitrim:-

Census 2022 shows that the population of Leitrim grew by 10% to 35,199.

Of Leitrim’s population, 17,646 were female and 17,553 were male.  The average age of Leitrim’s population in April 2022 was 40.7 years, compared with 39.8 years in April 2016. The number of people aged 65 and over continues to grow.  This age group increased by 22% to 6,573 in Leitrim.

In Leitrim, the number of dual Irish citizens increased from 603 to 1,146 while non-Irish citizens accounted for 10% of the county’s population.    The proportion of separated and divorced people in Leitrim remained steady at 6% of the population.

 In 2022, 83% of people in Leitrim stated that their health was good or very good compared with 86% in 2016.           

The number of people (aged three and over) who stated that they could speak Irish in Leitrim was 13,153 compared with 12,300 in 2016.  Within this figure 309 said they spoke Irish daily while 788 spoke Irish weekly.

There were 14,816 people (aged 15 and over) at work in Leitrim, an increase of 2,088 people (+16%) between 2016 and 2022.  In Leitrim, 4,079 people (aged 15 and over) worked from home at least one day a week in 2022.  This represented 28% of the workforce. The national figure was 32%. 

There were 7,161 children aged 15 and under in Leitrim in April 2022. Of these, 2,648 (37%) were in childcare, compared with 33% nationally. 

In 2022, in Leitrim 71% of households owned their own home, with a further 22% renting. This compared with 66% of households owning their home nationally and 28% renting. 

In Leitrim, 20% of households wrote a message in the Time Capsule. Nationally, this figure was 19%.

Re-Energising Communities Event

Re – Energising Communities Event – Well done to Leitrim Development Company for organising this event.
Leitrim PPN were happy to be part of this in informing the community groups in what we do.  

Upcoming Meetings

20th June              Regional Workers Meeting (staff)

29th June              National Workers Meeting (Staff & DRCD)

12th July               Climate Action, Environment, Heritage and                                Biodiversity & Agriculture Linkage Group                                    Meeting 7.30pm LDCo Drumshanbo

18th July               Secretariat Meeting (Board)

Linkage Group Meetings

The 3 linkage group meetings in May went very well with some great discussion around relevant topics. Thank you to all who attended and for your valuable contribution.

Climate/Heritage/Biodiversity/Agriculture Linkage Group meeting - Marie Mulligan from Leitrim County Council(LCC) gave a presentation on the Climate Action Plan 2024 for Leitrim and the process ahead for preparing the Plan in consultation with communities.

This Linkage Group will meet on 12th July 7.30pm in Leitrim Development Company to discuss the feedback that will have come in from PPN members and the resulting submission to go to LCC for this Climate Action Plan. It is important facilitators of this Linkage Group come to this meeting.

Social Inclusion, Disability, Rural Development, Peace and Reconciliation Linkage Group meeting - The group discussed a variety of themes they would like to address over the next three years and then chose four themes that they could focus on now. Next meeting Thurs 7th Sept 7.30pm.

Planning, Housing and Transport Linkage Group meeting - Address the planning issues in housing facing new generations in Leitrim – next meeting Tue 5th Sept 7.30pm.

Thanks to Liam Scollan for facilitating all meetings and working to get Linkage Groups developed in Leitrim. Facilitators and Reps on different committees should attend the above meetings.

Leitrim's Climate Action Plan 2024

Marie Mulligan from Leitrim County Council kindly gave a presentation on 24th May to Leitrim PPN Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity and Agriculture Linkage Group on the process ahead for preparing the Leitrim’s Climate Action Plan 2024 in consultation with communities.

Leitrim PPN will now collect submissions from PPN members. The deadline for feedback from PPN members on the Leitrim Climate Action Plan 2024  will be Friday 23rd June.

This Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity and Agriculture Linkage Group will meet on Wed 12th July 7.30pm in Leitrim Development Company to discuss the feedback that will have come in from PPN members and the resulting submission to go to Leitrim County Council.

Please send your submissions to info@leitrimppn.ie  with 'Submissions for Climate Action Plan' in the subject line so we can collate all from the PPN before 23rd June. Please write submissions that are short and to the point, focused on one or more of the key themes of interest to you or your group. It does not have to be on all issues and please include your name & group.
(The presentation was emailed to all PPN members.)

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme Opens

The scheme supports outdoor recreation activities such as walking, trekking, cycling, kayaking and hiking. It helps to make use of the resources of the countryside that contribute to healthy active lifestyles.

Measure for small scale projects requiring funding of up to €30,000

Closing Date for Applications 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, 5th September

Measure for medium scale projects with funding of up to €200,000

Closing Date for Applications 5:15 p.m. on Friday, 27th October

Measure for large scale projects seeking funding of up to €500,000

Closing Date for Applications 5:15 p.m. on Friday, 27th October

Project Development Measure

funding of up to €50,000 for development costs for strategic large scale projects.

Closing Date for Applications 5:15 p.m. on Friday, 28th July

For further queries please contact ORIS@drcd.gov.ie.

Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme Opens

The scheme is part of the new Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) which is provides funding for capital investments on farms and will be in place for five years.

Grant aid will only be paid on approved, completed, and eligible expenditure and shall be paid at the rate of 60% up to the applicable maximum investment ceiling of €90,000 per holding. Multiple applications per tranche are permissible. However, the minimum amount of investment which is eligible for approval under this Scheme is €2,000 per application.

Young farmer in TAMS 3 means a person who is under 41 years of age at the time of submitting the application.

2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector open for applications

The 2023 Scheme has a budget of €10 million.

The scheme, which covers all horticultural areas including field vegetables, mushrooms, protected food crops, amenity crops, soft fruit, and apples, to beekeeping, aims to facilitate environmentally friendly practices, promote the diversification of on-farm activities, improve the quality of products and improve working conditions.

This scheme not only aids existing producers but also new entrants to horticulture, with qualifying young farmers receiving up to 50% grant aid.

Deadline:  30th June 2023.

€5 million pilot programme of counselling and mental health supports for Primary Schools

For the first time ever, clusters of primary schools will be able to avail of significant counselling services through an innovative pilot project.

The first strand announced today will see primary schools in counties Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan, and Tipperary having the opportunity to avail of this exciting new pilot.

Schools will have access to up to eight counselling sessions for each individual child.

Parents and relevant school staff will be part of the intervention with the child and will be guided and encouraged to support the child at home and at school.

All primary schools in strand one will receive further information during the next week, including information for parents about the pilot programme.

Repair & Lease Scheme Increased to €60K

If you own a vacant home and want to bring it back into use then the Repair and Lease Scheme may be of interest

The property must be vacant for at least 12 months.

There must be a demand for social housing in the area.

The property must be assessed as being suitable.

Dance Bursary Award

The purpose of the award is to support professional artists at any stage of their career to develop their art practice. It provides artists with the time and resources to think, research, reflect and critically engage with their art

Deadline: 22nd June 2023
Maximum awarded €20,000

Funding applications for the 2023 International Charity Bazaar Dublin (ICB) are now open

Funding Criteria for 2023:

Only Irish registered charities may apply

Maximum funding of EUR 10,000 per project

No funding for salaries or bursaries

Projects should be Ireland-based

Selected charities will be notified by 31 August 2023

Funds will be distributed in December 2023.

For further information please contact us at info@icbdublin.com

Deadline:  July 7, 2023. 

Bursary and Agility Awards are now open

Are you looking for some time to develop your arts practice? These awards could be for you!

Maximum award €5,000

Community Foundation Ireland is now inviting applications from groups interested in developing local Circular Economy Action Plans

Local groups will be supported through Online Training, resource packs and access to experts to develop Community Circular Economy Action Plans which will be supported by grants of up to €2,500.

Deadline: Friday 28th July.

Funding for your project ideas for the Clean Energy Transition

The LIFE Call for Proposals 2023 is inviting stakeholders actively working on accelerating the clean energy transition and decarbonising Europe to submit their project ideas.

The LIFE Clean Energy Transition Call 2023 has 13 open calls covering important aspects of driving forward the clean energy transition in Europe such as: involving and empowering citizens in the clean energy transition, supporting the decarbonisation of buildings, and many more.

Community groups invited to host a Water Heritage Day event

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is encouraging community groups to apply under the Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme 2023 to help celebrate Water Heritage Day on 20th August 2023.
You are invited to organise a community water-related event for Heritage Week. The application deadline is 10th July and you are asked to consult with your local Community Water Officer in advance of making an application.

The theme of Heritage Week 2023 is “Living Heritage”.

Water Heritage Day on Sunday, 20th August will focus on discovering traditional knowledge, skills and practices associated with our natural waters and is an opportunity to explore our intangible cultural heritage and links with the past through customs, practices and traditions.

As an island nation we have a tradition of storytelling and many of our legends and folklore offer insights into the wisdom and customs of previous generations, and their associations with water.

RAIS€ Survey

Who are RAIS€?

In 2020/2021 Covid-19 highlighted the fact that there were a large number of organisations and charities in the wider Leitrim area doing great work and providing important services and supports to people. 

Unfortunately, many of them don’t have the ability to fundraise for themselves or have a lack of people fundraising on their behalf. As a result of this realisation a group of individuals from the wider Drumshanbo area in Co. Leitrim came together and formed RAIS€.

Chairperson – Hugh James Gallagher.

Secretary – Paula Connaire.

Treasurer – Alan Wynne.

 

What RAIS€ do?

RAIS€ was formed with the express intent of providing a platform from which to fundraise for the smaller, less well funded organisations and charities in the wider Leitrim area.

 

It is envisaged that RAIS€ will fundraise on behalf of two /three organisations per year in Oct over 3 days.  

 

RAIS€ hope to organise and run events (In Drumshanbo)that will provide entertainment for the local community while also providing the much-needed funds for the charities/organisations involved.

In 2022 RAIS€ provided much needed supplementary funding to the following charitable organisations -

Leitrim Calling.

South Leitrim Special Olympics.

Childhood Days, Drumshanbo.

In order to continue to do this, RAIS€ need your help.

 

RAIS€ are doing a poll to see what not for profit organisations/charities/causes in Co. Leitrim you wish to be considered for support this year by RAIS€ fundraising.

(Please note RAIS€ fundraise for the smaller, less well funded organisations and charities in the wider Leitrim area)

Spotted an otter in Leitrim lately? The National Parks and Wildlife Service wants to know

If you have seen an otter recently, or signs of their presence, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) want to know about it. 

The NPWS is launching a new National Otter Survey and has teamed up with researchers in Queen’s University Belfast and the National Biodiversity Data Centre to collect and collate otter records from right across the country.

Community Centre Needed in Carrick

We are sharing this survey on behalf of the recently established Carrick Community Centre Committee (CCCC) it is in the process of trying to assess the needs of community groups in and around Carrick on Shannon so that they can go forward with plans to find or develop a community centre.

 EU Restore Nature Bill

A law to #RestoreNature is coming up for debate in the EU Parliament. This law will legally oblige EU countries to meet a range of targets designed to stem biodiversity loss, setting restoration targets across a broad range of ecosystems on land and sea to protect important habitats and species for the long term recovery of nature. If they fail, they can be held accountable, and taken to court.

Right now, governments across the EU are discussing this new law with an ask that decision-makers adopt a strong and urgent implementation of the law that can curb the nature and climate crises.

If you would like to make a submission, the Environment Pillar has made this easy to do so.

Leitrim Library Stakeholder Survey

This survey (Different to previous one circulated) is being undertaken to provide representatives of stakeholder organisations with the opportunity to inform the development of a 5-year plan for Leitrim Library Service. Information gathered will assist in prioritising areas for the Library Service up to 2027.

(Please respond to the survey on behalf of your organisation/ membership, as opposed to yourself personally.) Previous survey circulated was for individuals, this one is on behalf of your organisation.

Leitrim PPN member groups are asked to attend either of two Public Consultations in relation to the new Library Development Plan.  The first of these will take place on Saturday June 17th between 10am and 11.30am in Carrick-on-Shannon Library and the second one will take place on Tuesday June 20th between 5.30pm and 7pm in Manorhamilton Library.

Supporting Young Carers: Workshop for Professionals

As part of National Carers week, Support Managers will be delivering an information session/workshop for professionals working with children and families, to help raise awareness about Young Carers. This will take place on Wednesday 14th June at 11 am. As part of this one hour online session, you will learn how to identify young carers who may be accessing your service, and the challenges facing young carers. They will also outline the range of supports available to young carers and how you can make referrals to the Young Carer Wellbeing Service and other supports.

Please register via the Eventbrite link below and please share with any colleagues who may also be interested in attending.

Gardening for Butterflies

Gardens are dotted around the country and have the potential to transform Ireland into a haven for butterflies.

Learn why native plants are crucial for caterpillars, how to provide shelter for butterflies, how to create your own wildflower meadow without planting a single seed and much much more!

Leitrim DPO drama & advocacy workshops at the Glens Arts Centre

Leitrim Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) are continuing to hold FREE drama & advocacy training workshops for disabled adult (18+) every Tuesday morning from 10am to 12pm at the Glens Arts Centre. Manorhamilton. Contact Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) Peter Kearns for further information at - EMAIL: peterkearns@ilmi.ie - PHONE: 0873497674.

Explore what supports Disabled People might access to take on local and national board roles

Explore what supports disabled people might access to take on local and national board roles and to build inclusion into structures. This discussion will take place on Zoom from 11am to 1pm on Tuesday 13th June. To register email info@ilmi.ie

As a national Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO), ILMI is consistently lobbying for greater inclusion of disabled people in those conversations locally and nationally. We also recognise that due to systemic exclusion many disabled people have not had the chance to explore how they could bring their skills to organisations.

National Adult Literacy Agency

Do you struggle with filling in forms or understanding information?  NALA offers a phone tutoring service which can help you brush up on your reading and writing skills.
Freephone 1 800 20 20 65 to sign up for free or visit the below website for more information.  

Dyslexia Sligo Leitrim Donegal

Dyslexia Sligo Leitrim Donegal offers the following services to students, parents and teachers.

English Grinds available for Primary and Post Primary Students who have dyslexia.

Dyslexia Programme for Students 7 years and up in relation to reading, spelling , working memory and writing. This programme also supports parents as it teaches the parent how to teach their own child successfully.

One to One Consultations for Parents in relation to Dyslexia.

Dyslexia Screening Testing for all age groups - Students and adults.

Study Skills Programme for all second level and third level students. This programme is suitable for all dyslexic and non dyslexic students.

CPD courses for Primary and Post Primary Teachers on Dyslexia.

Cross Border Project

A cross-border project that is bringing people together to deliver a capacity building programme that will make border communities more sustainable.

NetWORKS23 is funded by the International Fund for Ireland’s (IFI) Communities in Partnership Programme (CiPP). It has a strong focus on developing and embedding sustainable relationships on a cross-border basis through supporting cooperation and innovation between groups and organisations North and South.

The project is being led by Community Finance Ireland in partnership with Rural Community Network. Both organisations bring a wealth of experience in social enterprise, finance, peace building and reconciliation.

Through a shared learning approach, NetWORKS 23 will facilitate cross-community and cross-border engagement with people who have had limited opportunities for collaborative working. The Project targets community and voluntary organisations in Derry, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Fermanagh, Donegal and Tyrone.   

Progressing the Play Agenda

The first in a series of PlayBoard NI engagements within the Republic of Ireland focusing on enhancing play opportunities.

Date: Thursday 22 June 2023
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Location: Online

Play is the main occupation of childhood (from birth through to the older years), providing children with opportunities to develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially as well as developing lifelong skills such as creativity, imagination, self-confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Every child, regardless of their background or community in which they live, has a right to play.

This Information Session begins a series of engagements planned throughout 2023 within the Republic of Ireland which aim to explore how we can collectively enhance play opportunities - through play advocacy, policy and strategy development, strategic connections, networking, training, and play delivery across a variety of environments and arenas.

Focusing on PlayBoard’s strategic work in the Republic of Ireland, this first session will showcase a number of approaches aimed at supporting the development of quality play opportunities for children and young people.

Who should attend?
This session will be of interest to a range of key stakeholders including government departments, councils, CYPSC, County Childcare Committees, community groups, school age childcare practitioners, sports bodies, schools, youth and play providers, and library and museum staff.

Do you think you have what it takes to be the 25th FBD Young Farmer of the Year?!

Applications are now open.

World Refill Day

Friday, 16 June 2023 is World Refill Day returns for its third year! World Refill Day is a global day of action to prevent plastic pollution and help people live with less waste.

This World Refill Day, choose to reuse and join millions of people around the world taking action to reduce single-use plastic. 

Just Transition in Agriculture and Land Use

Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD will address the conference and formally launch NESC Report No.162.

Integration Quiz Nights

Leitrim Development Company is rolling out Integration Quiz Nights in various locations throughout Leitrim over the summer months.

The quiz nights aim to bring communities together for competitive learning.

Locations are as follows:

Gracie’s Bar, Carrick - 15th June, 13th July, 10th Aug

The Poor Scholar Ballinamore -22nd June, 20th July, 17th Aug

Gurn's Manorhamilton -29th June, 27th July, 2th Aug

Berry's Tavern Drumshanbo -6th July, 3rd Aug

The Idea of this is to promote the integration between local and Ukrainian community through publicity.

It is  hoped a range of nationalities in community will participate.

If you have a team, please register by contacting 083 0809545 or come a long on the night and join a team.

Launch OF Rossinver Youth Drug & Alcohol Support  services in South Leitrim

On Monday May 29th Deputy Frank Feighan TD launched the expansion of the support services into South Leitrim. The launch was held in the Island Theatre in Ballinamore and MC on the day was Mary McKiernan Vice Chairperson of the North West Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force (NWRDATF)

Speakers on the day were Mary McKiernan Vice Chairperson of NWRDATF; Cathaoirleach Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn; Frank Feighan TD; Philip Rooney Chairperson Rossinver Youth and Community Project - RYCP and Cllr Rosaleen O Grady Chairperson NWRDATF

Introduction of Rossinver Youth Drug & Alcohol Support  services were presented by Assertive Outreach Worker Damien Daly with a guest speaker Jimmy Smith HSE; and Drug and Alcohol Family Support Worker Colin Walshe.

Services now cover County Leitrim and South Donegal.

If you wish to speak to someone please contact us: Damien 087 7010520 or Colin 087 7148004.

NESC Report sets out the potential to promote Social Enterprise on the Island of Ireland

As part of its 50th year work programme, the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) has published a new report.

This report describes the contribution of social enterprises to economic, social and environmental wellbeing on the island of Ireland.  There are 4,335 social enterprises in Ireland, employing 84,000 people, or 3.7% of the workforce.

Social enterprises are businesses and organisations whose aim is to achieve a social or environmental impact rather than maximising profit for their owners or stakeholders.  

Be Summer Ready

The 'Be Summer Ready' campaign provides information to the general public on issues which may affect them during the summer months in Ireland, encouraging people to be informed and aware of the risks which may occur, in order to be prepared, to stay safe, and know where to find help if needed in an emergency.

🌞  Weather conditions

🌞 Be firewise and military ranges

🌞 Health preparedness

🌞Road safety

🌞Water safety

🌞 You and your farm

🌞Schools and the workplace

🌞People with disabilities

🌞Travelling abroad

Culture Night

Please make sure you put We Act in the title of your event so it can be highlighted on the Culture Night website, and We Act can promote is as part of We Act @ Culture Night. 

The programme is managed at a county level through Local Arts Office, so you’ll be liaising with them on the event itself. However, if you’re signing up, email madeline@wheel.ie to let them know and We Act will  make sure to showcase your event and send out posters and badges. 

Have you got a child starting school in September?

To celebrate this, and to help them navigate this new experience, the Minister for Children has asked the library service to put together a gift bag of books just for them!

The stories in the books are about starting school, being happy in yourself, and making friends, and they’re waiting for  them in a very special place: your local library.

A library card and a special Little Library card wallet is also included with every bag, and hopefully your little one will make use of it.

To collect yours, call into your local branch.

Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year competition

This is the seventh year of the competition which recognises farmers who are achieving high levels of grass utilisation in a sustainable manner.
The Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year competition is an initiative that is part of the Teagasc Grass10 Campaign, which is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc, AIB, FBD, Grassland Agro and the Irish Farmers Journal.
Along with the overall Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year award, there are different award categories, including awards for best dairy enterprise, best drystock enterprise, nutrient management use and efficiency, young farmer (<30 years) and organic farming. The competition is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with an overall prize fund of €30,000. Each category winner will receive €5,000. The overall winner will be selected from the category winners and will receive an additional €5,000.