Update

The Next Secretariat meeting is Thurs 20th  April at 7pm in Leitrim Development Company for all secretariat members.

The next Plenary meeting is scheduled for Thurs 18th May in Ballinamore. This is a meeting of all member groups – more details to follow.

Leitrim PPN staff will attend a regional workers meeting in Cavan on 25th April.

Leitrim's Love Where You Live 2023 competition is open!

If you haven’t entered previously now is your chance!

It recognises the huge effort made in our communities in making Leitrim a great place to live, work and visit. Closing date for entries is Monday 24th April. Leitrim Co Council sponsors the Cleaner & Greener/Tidy Towns, Housing Estates, Heritage and Primary Schools awards, while Leitrim PPN sponsors the Social Inclusion and Community Resilience awards.

Linkage Group Facilitators

Many thanks to all those who expressed an interest in becoming a Linkage Group Facilitator for the following 3 groups:

1. Social Inclusion, Disability, Rural Development, Peace and Reconciliation Linkage Group
2. Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity & Agriculture
3. Planning, Transport and Housing

Leitrim PPN can now offer those who signed up, FREE training which is certified provided by Meitheal.  The trainer will come to The Hive, Carrick on Shannon to deliver this in person training on the following 4 Saturdays:

Sat 22nd April, Sat 13th May, Sat 20th May and Sat 10th June from 12 to 5.

Linkage Groups bring together organisations with a common interest to discuss their views and interests in a specific policy area linked to a Committee or Board with PPN Representation.

The 2023 Sustainable Business Impact Awards

The 2023 Sustainable Business Impact Awards are now open for applications. The deadline for submissions is 12 noon, 28th April 2023. The awards are free to enter.

The Sustainable Business Impact Awards showcase best practice in sustainable development and social responsibility undertaken by companies of all sizes across Ireland. The UN Sustainable Development Goals are at the heart of these Awards, celebrating sustainable business practices and championing Chambers Ireland’s alignment with the Goals. You maybe able to share this with someone in your community group who has a business.

Movement for Good 2023 is here!

 

The Movement for Good Awards is our annual programme of giving. This year they will be  giving over £1million to charities and good causes – with your help.

You can nominate as many charities as you like for a £1,000 award – it’s one nomination per charity, per person. You can nominate a registered charity, not-for-profit organisation or community interest company in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.

The more nominations a charity gets, the greater their chances of winning, so spread the word!

Community Centre Investment Fund

The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) New Builds Measure is now open for applications.
For the first time, funding of at least €1 million will be invested in ‘shovel ready’ projects which are located in areas that currently lack community facilities.
The deadline for the receipt of applications is 12 noon on 3 July 2023.

€9 million in capital funding for “greener, warmer” early learning and childcare services

Green energy and retrofit upgrade grants of €35,000 to €75,000 announced under the Building Blocks – Improvement Grant

Grants range from €35,000 to €75,000 across two separate strands: Green Energy and Retrofit.

Under the Green Energy Strand, grants are being provided for improvements to increase energy efficiency, utilising renewables where feasible, such as the installation of solar panels and heat pumps, insulation and water conservation measures.

The Retrofit Strand will support existing services in need of upgrading. Eligible works include kitchen works and refurbishment, upgrading of sanitary facilities for children and adults, roof repairs/replacement, and upgrading of flooring

€2.4 million funding boost will see 70 new walking trails add to the walk scheme

Under the Walks Scheme , funding is provided to farmers and other landowners to maintain the trails that travel through their holdings.

Over 2,200 farmers or landowners are already participating in the scheme.

A fresh call for expressions of interest was opened in February 2023 for new trails and substantial extensions to existing trails.

Potential applicants (e.g. trail management committees, community groups, local authorities, and other similar entities) are advised that expressions of interest must be made through Local Development Companies.

The closing date for expressions of interest is 23 June 2023.

Circular 05-2023 - Initiatives to assist SMEs in Public Procurement

On the 28/3 positive news was announced by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to increase in public procurement thresholds to ease the burden of tendering for SMEs.

2023 Community Monuments Fund

Minister Malcolm Noonan T.D. has announced that the 2023 Community Monuments Fund will provide €8m in funding to 140 projects throughout the country to preserve and promote local monuments and historical sites. Leitrim Projects have successfully secured €125,470.75.

St. Mogue's Abbey awarded €95,470.75 and Curraghs South Church awarded €30,000.

Arts and Disability Connect Scheme 2023

Arts and Disability Connect Scheme 2023 dates have been announced for applicants.

Historic Structures Fund 2023

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan T.D. has recently announced the funding allocations for projects under the Historic Structures Fund 2023. Leitrim County Council has been successful in securing funding for two projects in the County: Lurganboy Chapel of Ease in Manorhamilton and, Tullaghan House, Duncarbery, Tullaghan. This funding will support owners and custodians of historic and protected structures to safeguard and maintain their properties, and it will also provide a boost to local construction and heritage trades.

SPAR 60th Community Fund offers Leitrim clubs and groups the chance to win €60,000 in funding

Through the SPAR 60th Community Fund, six local community clubs, groups or programmes will be rewarded with €10,000 each, along with the chance to meet Olympic Champion Kellie Harrington and take her on in a fun series of challenges this summer.

SPAR and Kellie are inviting all community groups to apply for a chance to win. Applications will open on 27th March and will close on 30th April.

€700,000 in funding targeted at children with visual and hearing impairments

The new programmes follow the securing of funding of over €700,000 will be rolled out by:

ChildVision, the National Education Centre for Blind Children.

Chime, the National Charity for Deafness and Hearing Loss.

ChildVision is Ireland’s only dedicated centre for children with sight loss, some of whom also have profound sensory impairments and additional disabilities.

2023 Community Safety Innovation Fund: Funding call

The open call for Community Safety Innovation Funding will run from Monday 27 March 2023 until 5pm on the Friday 19 May 2023 . €3 million has been made available to support the development of community safety through innovative, local community based initiatives.

Applications will be invited from community safety initiatives as well as groups co-funded with local authorities, NGOs and community organisations working on issues relevant to community safety and youth justice. Applications may be submitted by individual organisations, or by a consortium involving two or more organisations where the lead partner is a community organisation, not-for-profit, social enterprise or similar with a remit relevant to community safety and/or youth justice. Applications with innovative approaches will be afforded particular consideration.

The Ireland Funds Heart of the Community Fund 2023

Now open and will provide Organisational Investment Grants between €5,000-€25,000.

Closing 9 May, 2023.

2023 CLÁR programme – Measure 1

Are you looking for funding for a local project?

 

Grants from €5,000 to €50,000 are available for facilities including sports spectator stands, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks and more.

Leitrim County Council is inviting applications under Measure 1.  Applications under Measure 1 should be submitted to clarfunding@leitrimcoco.ie  by 4pm Friday 28th April 2023.

2023 CLÁR programme – Measure 2

Are you part of a voluntary group that provides transport for people receiving treatment?

Grants up to €100,000 are available under the 2023 CLÁR programme – Measure 2.

Community First Response Support and Search and Rescue organisations can also apply.

2023 CLÁR programme – Measure 3

Are you part of a voluntary group that provides transport for people receiving treatment?

Grants up to €100,000 are available under the 2023 CLÁR programme – Measure 2.

Community First Response Support and Search and Rescue organisations can also apply.

€29 million in minor works funding for primary and special schools

Schools will have the autonomy to use this funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds.

Minor works funding may also be used for the improvement or replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase of standard furniture and physical education equipment, the purchase of floor coverings and window blinds and the purchase of IT related equipment.

Information Briefings - Funding Schemes 2023

Leitrim County Council would like to invite you to attend an information briefing on the various funding schemes from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The presentations will consist of approximately 30 minutes overview on the 2023 funding schemes followed by Q&A.

An overview of the following will be given:

Building Acquisition Measure 2023.

CLÁR 2023.

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

Town and Village.

Other community grants available (sports, community, arts and the walks scheme).

Dates and Location:

Wednesday 19th of April: The Landmark Hotel, Dublin Road, Carrick on Shannon, N41 N9W4

Thursday 20th of April: Ballinamore Enterprise Centre, Willowfield Road, Ballinamore, Ireland, N41 HH87

Thursday 27th of April: Beepark Community Centre, Manorhamilton, F91 KC90

Time: 7pm – 8.30pm.

If you would like to book your place, please email funding@leitrimcoco.ie and indicate in the subject line which date and venue are most suitable for you.

For further information, you can contact Sarah Duffy at 071 96 20005 ext. 525.

Household Benefits Package

Did you know, if you are aged 70 or over, you can get the Household Benefits Package?

This can help with the cost of your:

• TV licence
• Electricity or gas bill

The rate of payment for your electricity or gas bill is €1.15 per day, paid monthly.

Do you have an idea for Culture Night?

Culture Night is an annual all-island public event that celebrates culture, creativity and the arts. This year, it will take place on Friday 22th September 2023. On Culture Night, arts and cultural organisations and venues of all shapes and sizes extend their opening hours and organise special and unique events and workshops which are available to the public free of charge.

Last year, over one thousand people attended events in fifteen venues across Leitrim. This year, Leitrim County Council Arts Office welcomes applications from previous Culture Night venues and encourages new participants who might like to become involved for the first time.

Culture Night is particularly suited to venues seeking to encourage new audiences and organisations such as choirs, theatre companies or book clubs who could host an evening of novel or exciting activities designed to engage new members.

The event must take place between 4pm and 11pm on Friday 22nd September and be free of charge to the public. Leitrim County Council Arts Office can provide financial support towards your events up to a maximum of €1,000 and will include it in our Culture Night publicity materials. The value of grants provided will depend on the number and quality of applications received. It may not be possible to fund all applicants and available funding will be allocated to those applications which best meet the objectives of the programme.

Completed applications must be submitted before Sunday, 18th June, 2023.

We’re here to help.

If you are interested in organising or hosting a Culture Night event, email Leonora on culturenightleitrim@gmail.com for further information and advice.

Sligo Leitrim Roscommon Film Development Project

The Creative Heartlands Film Bursary is a new award by Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo local authorities under the Creative Ireland Programme in 2023. Open to both established and emerging filmmakers and production companies in all genres, from or living in the region to support the progression of an original Poetry into Film project in the region.   
The bursary will be managed by the Creative Heartlands Film Development Officer as part of a wider project designed to support the professional development and sustainability of those working in the film sector and the design sector. This partnership project is led by the Arts Offices and LEOs in Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo, with funding from the Enterprise Ireland Regional Enterprise Development Fund.  A wide range of partners and stakeholders are engaged across the film, design and broader creative sector in the three counties.

Freedom To Advocate Survey

ICCL is reaching out today to share our “Freedom to Advocate” survey which will examine the restrictions placed on the voices of community, voluntary and non-governmental organisations.  

ICCL has been active in monitoring and defending the rights to freedom of expression and association of community, voluntary and non-governmental organisations since our establishment. In recent years however, we have heard disturbing reports of restrictions on advocacy and freedom of expression of organisations in receipt of state funding.  

Community Law and Mediation Training - Public Bodies’ Statutory Duty to Eliminate Discrimination, Promote Equality, and Protect Human Rights of Staff and Service Users

Community Law and Mediation will deliver training on:

 

An Overview of Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty

 

1. Who the duty applies to

2. Equality and Human Rights Sources:

    (a) Equality Legislation

    (b) Constitutional Rights

    (c) European Convention on Human Rights

3. Other International Treaties and Conventions

4. Implementing the duty in a public body

5. The role of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in promoting and monitoring the implementation of the duty

6. Accountability of public bodies in implementing the duty

7. Pilot Case Studies.

Date: Thurs 18 May 2023

Time: 10am - 1pm by zoom

Cost: Free (only 2 people per organisation)

Maximum of 30 on training to facilitate discussion.

To book your place please send an email to  education@communitylawandmediation.ie   

This course is funded by the Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission.

Ten Graduates to be appointed for 2023-24 Internship Scheme in European Institutions

Ten Irish language graduates to be appointed for 2023-24 Internship Scheme in European Union Institutions.

The internships are aimed at providing work placement opportunities for graduates in the specialised areas of translation and proofreading in the Irish language.

Up to ten graduates are to be appointed this year, commencing their work placement positions from October for a period of ten months. Eight of the graduates will assist in the translation of European Union legislation – primarily the acquis communautaire – during their work placement. The remaining two graduates will be involved in the proofreading of Irish language documents under the supervision of the Publications Office or the European Parliament. An allowance of €2,000 per month will paid to the internees for the entirety of the ten month training period.

Applications via email will be accepted from Wednesday, 12 April 2023, until 12 midday on Monday, 8 May 2023.

Free Pilar Programme for Families

Do you know someone with an Eating Disorder?

This course might help you to support them. Upcoming PiLaR programme for family members and friends

Starts: Tuesday evening, May 9th

7pm - 9pm

For bookings:
Fill out the form below or contact pilar@bodywhys.ie

Book-Keeping & Taxation For Beginners

FREE training course that Leitrim LEO will be running and maybe of interest to some. You can simply click on the links below for further information and to register:

15/05/23 - Book-Keeping & Taxation For Beginners - Commencing 15th May 2023 - (Mondays & Thursdays over 2 weeks from 6:30p.m. – 9:30p.m.)

Register: Fáilte Ireland Local Experts Workshop

Over the coming months, Fáilte Ireland is running Local Expert workshops for those working on the frontline in local tourism and hospitality businesses. The workshops are to support and encourage the sharing of useful information with visitors. These 2-hour interactive workshops will cover all that there is to see and do in the local area. For more information on these free workshops and to register please email localexperts@failteireland.ie 

Love Your Coast Photography Competition

The annual Clean Coast photography competition is now in its 14th edition, and this year it's back with some new features.

Ireland has some of the most spectacular coastlines in the world and Clean Coasts want to encourage people to get out with their cameras this summer as they explore the Irish coast, capture its beauty and submit their best shots by 28th August 2023.

This year, the Clean Coasts programme is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and the Love Your Coast competition will be a chance to celebrate this achievement. To mark the occasion, a new category has been added to the competition, “Protectors of the Coast” which will showcase what volunteering on the coast and community spirit is all about.

Moreover, one of our most popular categories is coming back: Underwater!

So, in 2023, we will have an increased prize fund of €6,000 across SIX categories:

1. Wildlife and Coast
2. Coastal Landscape
3. People and the Coast
4. Coastal Heritage
5. Underwater
6. Protectors of the Coast

Launch of the 2023 EU LIFE Programme and Information Days

2023’s LIFE Call for proposals for Nature and Biodiversity , Circular Economy and Quality of Life, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation which are to be published on the Funding & tender opportunities portal in Mid-April with the call for the Clean Energy Transition programme expected to be launched in Mid-May.

To coincide with the launch’s CINEA will host virtual EU LIFE Information Days to guide potential applicants through the 2023 calls for applications the first sessions taking on 25-26 April with the second event taking place on 1 June focusing on the specificities of the calls for the Clean Energy Transition.

Don't forget to apply for your EHIC card if you're travelling abroad.

It covers you for healthcare if you are on holiday, or on a short-term stay.

Becoming more Literacy Friendly

Join National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) for a one hour webinar on becoming more literacy friendly - Mental Health Ireland's journey at 10am on Wednesday 26 April.

Mental Health Ireland are updating their training materials so they are more literacy friendly. Nicole Lonican and Daniela Monza will share the organisation’s experience becoming more aware of literacy needs and making changes to be more literacy friendly.

As community and voluntary groups and organisations you are a trusted source of information, advice and support in communities.

They will look at:

* What is the literacy friendly approach

* NALA’s 10 literacy friendly standards

* Mental Health Ireland’s journey on becoming more literacy friendly
There is no fee for attending this webinar. 

Can’t make this webinar? Get in touch to book training for your group or organisation in 2023. Email Derv at dryan@nala.ie

Community Climate Challenge and info sessions.

The free two week Community Climate Challenge funded by Irish Aid, engages groups to reduce their Co2 emissions in a positive and fun way, using the app Ducky.

National Biodiversity Week

Save the Date: May 19th - 28th

Free biodiversity events all around Ireland, both in person and online. 
Get your camera ready and go explore the outdoors this May. The Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition opens for submissions on May 1st! 

All Ireland Pollinator Plan

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is about all of us, from farmers to local authorities, to schools, gardeners and businesses, coming together to try to create an Ireland where pollinators can survive and thrive. The National Biodiversity Centre have created a number of useful resources where you will find everything you need to take action for pollinators, including resources for local communities, sports clubs, residential gardens etc.

Celebrating & Promoting Biodiversity

Throughout the month of May National Botanic Gardens of Ireland will be running a series of events celebrating and promoting biodiversity in Ireland. An exciting series of talks, walks, workshops, and more are being planned.

Leitrim County Development Plan 2023-2029

The new plan came into effect on 21st March.

A copy of the Leitrim County Development Plan 2023 -2029 and the SEA Statement will be available for public inspection from Tuesday the 21st of March 2023 at the Planning Department, Leitrim County Council, Áras an Chontae, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 PF67 during normal public opening hours.

Copies of the Leitrim County Development Plan 2023-2029 will also be made available for purchase in due course through the Planning Department at the above address.

Working Against Poverty in Ireland Briefing

The EAPN Ireland Briefing on the 2022 CSO Income and Poverty Data is now available. The briefing breaks down the key data on income, poverty and inequality in Ireland, and the groups most impacted. It also outlines what the Government should do to effectively tackle the root causes of poverty.

Poverty and inequality levels significantly increased between 2021 and 2022, with many people facing even greater challenges making ends meet.
People who were unemployed, those unable to work due to long-standing health problems, lone parent households, and households with one adult under 65 years all continue to experience higher levels of poverty.
The latest data shows that people aged 65 years and over are increasingly experiencing high levels of poverty.
These latest figures demand urgent and meaningful Government action, both to tackle the immediate drivers of the cost of living, as well as to address the systemic root causes of poverty.

Invite: One Town One Voice info session - April 20th

One Town One Voice is a national solidarity-through-song movement which focuses on bringing people together in communities across Ireland, including those who have moved from other countries.

As you may know, 12-15% of Ireland’s population is made up of people who were born outside of the country. This diversity of nationalities already exists in towns across Ireland–but is rarely reflected in existing community groups.

This however goes against the desire of many Irish towns, where people of Irish and other backgrounds would like to know each other and develop meaningful friendships – but lack opportunities to do so in their busy day-to-day lives.

One Town One Voice is looking to change this, by starting community singing groups that put diversity and community integration at their heart.  Group singing is a wonderful activity for bringing people together, celebrating cultures, and forming meaningful connections. 

They are hosting an online information session on Thurs April 20th at 10:30am, and would love to invite PPN members and community groups to attend.

Revitalising the Roadmap: Progress and Priorities
Social Inclusion Forum 2023
CWI & EAPN Ireland Preparatory Workshops

Registration is now open for the Preparatory Workshops for the Social Inclusion Forum (SIF) 2023, hosted by Community Work Ireland (CWI) and the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland.  
The theme of SIF 2023 is Revitalising the Roadmap: Progress and Priorities, and it will focus on four key areas: Children, Older People, Employment and Core Essentials (income adequacy, energy & food poverty).

Find your nearest free recycling point

All household electrical and lighting items are free to recycle at your local authority recycling centre or participating electrical retailer.

Colour to Communities paint giveaway 2023 is now open for entries!

Colour to Communities is a national campaign that seeks to increase awareness around high quality, low cost paint products that are distributed and sold by Paint Reuse Network member organisations.

Win 100 litres of reused paint for your painting project. All you have to do is use the form below to submit a description of your proposed painting project in 300 words or less, and/or an image of your proposed design.

This competition is open to individuals, groups, and organisations with members aged 18 and over and located in the Republic of Ireland.

Winners should be able to collect paint prizes from the Rediscovery Centre, Ballymun, Dublin 9.