Sunrise over Garadice, image taken by Declan Flanagan

Governing documents required for registered PPN groups

To qualify for membership of the Leitrim PPN, groups must fulfil the following criteria:

Groups must be able to establish their bona fides as a community or voluntary organisation and provide documentation eg.

• Have a written constitution, operating rules and/or memorandum & articles of association (governing document)
• Have a formal structure e.g. Chairperson, Secretary or Equivalent in other words be overseen by a committee
• Hold an AGM and have regular meetings

When registering for Leitrim PPN these documents are required but some groups fail to forward same, can we ask that all groups registered with Leitrim PPN forward their constitution or other governing document for our files.

These are required if you are applying for grants.

Please email to supportworker@leitrimppn.ie by 1st March.

Great opportunity for our Leitrim PPN members!

Last chance to register

Adrian Langan

Workshop: Making Great Pitches and Presentations Thurs 22nd Feb 2024 in Leitrim Development Company

Time: Half day 9.30am-1pm

Numbers: Up to 20

 

Great opportunity for our Leitrim PPN members!

Do you find it hard to describe what your organisation does? Are you fearful of presentations and dread the prospect of talking in front of a group? Well, fear no more! PR Consultant Adrian Langan will teach you how to pitch and present perfectly to any audience. We are running a FREE training session with Adrian where you will learn how to communicate your ideas effectively. You will come away from the session with a series of tips and techniques to improve and enhance your performance, leaving your audience in no doubt of what you wanted them to hear. Book now by e mail info@leitrimppn.ie

Upcoming Linkage Group Meeting

Our next Linkage Group meeting is:

 

Planning, Transport & Housing 7pm,

Leitrim Development Company, Drumshanbo. (Everyone Welcome)

 

Shane Mulvey, Vacant Homes officer in Leitrim County Council will attend this linkage group meeting and everyone is welcome.

 

He will talk about his role and the following schemes:

There are a number of schemes and incentives that may be of interest to owners of long-term vacant properties, including below schemes.

 

Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme

The main criteria currently for the Croí Cónaithe Vacant property refurbishment is that the property must have been vacant for > 24 months, built before 31st December 2007 and the applicant must either be a going to live in the property as their Principle Private Residence (PPR) or make the property available for rent

There are two funding schemes (select one)

€50,000 (if property has been vacant for > 24 months)

€70,000 (if property has been vacant for >24 months and is deemed structurally unsound & dangerous)

 

Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS)

Repair & Lease Scheme (RLS) in brief a social housing demand needs to be confirmed in the location, when confirmed there is a possible loan amount of €80,000/ unit towards renovation costs which will be deducted from rental income and the minimum term of loan is 5 years. The applicant must provide evidence that they cannot fund the repairs themselves.

HSE National Lottery Grant Scheme

National Lottery grants to health and social care projects.

 

Community groups and voluntary organisations can apply.

You must provide health or social care services to the community. For example, you might help people with a disability, older people, carers or disadvantaged groups.

Public bodies, including the HSE, cannot apply for this funding.

 

Deadline: 16th Feb 2024

Solar Electricity Grant

Up to €2,100 available for homeowners

This grant will help you install solar panels in your home to generate renewable electricity

Heat Pump System Grant

Up to €6,500 available

 

Heat pumps offer lower energy costs and reduced carbon emissions.

Wheelchair Accessible Grant Scheme 2024

National Transport Authority are pleased to confirm that the Wheelchair Accessible Grant Scheme 2024 is now open for applications.

As in previous years, applications can be made online.  

 

Applicants to the WAV23 Grant Scheme who were unsuccessful in receiving an offer are reminded that they will need to make a new application for the grant in 2024 as the 2023 Scheme is closed and applications do not carry over.

The 2024 ESB Wind Farm Community Funds are now open

The fund is available to community and voluntary groups, non-profit groups or organisations with a charitable status.  The Wind Farm Community Funds will prioritise projects and initiatives that support and benefit the areas surrounding ESB wholly owned and co-owned wind farms, in the following categories:

• Education and skills.
• Health, safety and wellbeing.
• Environment and habitat conservation.
• Energy efficiency and sustainability.
• Culture and heritage.
• Recreation, sport and social inclusion

Getting started on your project ideas early will greatly assist with your application, as a well-developed project is key to a successful outcome.

It is essential to note that applications from groups that do not submit required documentation with the application form e.g. planning permission, planning exemption, confirmation that you have liaised with your local authority or owner permission, may not proceed to evaluation.

If you are registered a previous call, you can use the same user name and password to apply to the 2024 fund.

 

Deadline: 8th March 2024

Charlemagne Youth Prize

The European Charlemagne Youth Prize is an award that is given to youth-run projects that support democracy in Europe and promote cooperation and understanding both in Europe and internationally.

 

In order to participate in the Charlemagne Youth Prize, you will need to:

 

• Have a European project with which you wish to apply;

 

• Be between 16 and 30 years old;

 

• Be a resident of one of the EU Member States - You can submit a project either as an individual applicant or on behalf of an organisation or a group of young people.

 

All submitted projects will be first evaluated by the national jury of the project’s Member State, which will select a single nomination. From these 27 national winners, the three top European laureates will be selected by the European Jury and awarded up to €7500 in prize money for their projects.

 

Deadline: 12th Feb 2024

Local Enhancement Programme 2024

Applications are now invited for funding for community & voluntary groups (including women’s groups) through the Local Enhancement Programme 2024.

This programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development to provide capital funding to support community groups. No match funding is required under this programme.

€119,730 capital funding for the Local Enhancement Programme to use towards carrying our necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficient type projects, purchase of equipment etc. €19,955 of this amount is ring fenced to support women’s groups.

 

Contact community@leitrimcoco.ie for further information. 071 9620005 Ext. 855 / 157.

Deadline: 18th Feb 2024

Dance Artist Residency Scheme

The objective of the Dance Artist Residency Scheme is to stabilise and support a network of dance artists in residence across the country. The scheme is specifically aimed at dance artists working in collaboration with an arts centre or an organisation or a festival and/or a local authority.

Deadline: 22nd Feb 2024

Young Writer Delegates 2024 - Closing Soon

The Irish Writers Centre invites ambitious young writers aged 18-26 to apply for this extraordinary opportunity to attend and contribute to Cúirt International Festival of Literature 2024 as Irish Writers Centre/Cúirt Young Writer Delegates.

 

Deadline: 31st January 2024

Literature Bursary Award - English Language

The objective of the English Language Literature Bursary Award is to enable professional writers and picture book artists (working mainly through the English language) to spend more time on their creative work. 

The award seeks to provide writers and picture book artists with the time and resources to think, research, reflect, create and write. It enables writers and picture book artists to concentrate on their creative work for a period of time, usually by releasing them from their financial commitments. 

 

At both shortlisting and panel stage, emphasis is placed on the track record of the applicant, as demonstrated in the application form and CV. Promise and potential, as demonstrated in the application form and writing sample, are also considered.

 

The Literature Team will host an information session about the 2024 Literature Bursary Award on the 1 February at 12.30pm, outlining the purpose and priorities of the award, how to make an application, and how applications are assessed. There will be time for questions and answers. A recording of this event will be available afterwards.

Deadline: 15th Feb

Dámhachtain Sparánachta Litríochta don Ghaeilge

The objective of the Irish Language Literature Bursary Award is to enable professional writers and picture book artists (working mainly through the Irish language) to spend more time on their creative work. 

The award seeks to provide writers and picture book artists with the time and resources to think, research, reflect, create and write. It enables writers and picture book artists to concentrate on their creative work for a period of time, usually by releasing them from their financial commitments. 

At both shortlisting and panel stage, emphasis is placed on the track record of the applicant, as demonstrated in the application form and CV. Promise and potential, as demonstrated in the application form and writing sample, are also considered.

 

Deadline: 15th Feb

SEAI Community Grant

Projects supported, Successful Community projects must demonstrate some or all of the following characteristics.

 

• Community benefits
• Multiple elements, not a single focus
• Mix of sustainable solutions
• Innovation and project ambition
• Justified energy savings
• An ability to deliver the project

All projects should be community oriented with a cross-sectoral approach, and Project Co-ordinators must show that they can sustainably finance the proposed project.

A Project Co-ordinator manages the entire process from project submission, grant application and delivery of contractor works.

 

Partnership is essential for a successful community energy project.

Project Coordinators must include a diverse selection of organisations as part of their application.

Examples include:

 

• GAA clubs and other sports facilities
• local authorities
• retail outlets
• factories
• community centres
• not-for-profit organisations and charities
• hotels
• public sector facilities and schools

ATU Sports Scholarship applications are now open

ATU sports scholarship programme provides support to talented student athletes to recognise their need to balance both sporting and academic commitments.  They provide sports scholarships across a huge variety of sports, with recipients receiving both financial and non-financial support.

Ireland's Public Consultation on the future of the European Union's Cohesion Policy

The Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, launched Ireland’s public consultation on the future of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy. 

 

This forms part of a wider process which is being facilitated by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in advance of negotiations on the post 2027 Cohesion Policy Legislative Package expected to be presented in mid-2025. This public consultation will be followed by a National Forum meeting later in the year. The combined results will contribute directly to Ireland’s position on this key EU policy post 2027.

 

Cohesion Policy constitutes the main investment policy of the EU, and is due to account for around a third of its budget, or EUR 392 billion over the period of 2021-2027. Cohesion Policy is designed to contribute to strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion in the European Union. It aims to correct imbalances between countries and regions. It delivers on the Union's political priorities, especially the green and digital transition.

 

The closing date for submissions is 17.00 on Sunday 18th of February 2024.

Should you have any queries in relation to the consultation please contact: cohesionpolicydialogue@per.gov.ie

Waterways Ireland Phase 2 public consultations

Following the initial consultation period, Waterways Ireland reviewed all the submissions, and has published a Phase 1 consultation document. The bye-law changes proposed have been reviewed and a further set of amended draft Bye-laws has been issued.

 

The Maritime Safety Act and the EU Recreational Craft Regulations will apply in the revised draft bye-laws.

 

Phase 2 public consultations are now open until February 26th.

Call for submissions to the consultation informing the development of a new three-year Strategic Plan for the NDA

Development of NDA’s Strategic Plan 2025 – 2027

NDA's are conducting a consultation designed to inform the development of a new three-year Strategic Plan for the organisation.

 

They intend this consultation process to gather views on issues relevant to the strategic focus of the organisation and provide important information to inform the NDA’s activities for 2025–2027.

National Payments Strategy Consultation

The Department of Finance has launched a public consultation process on a future National Payments Strategy (NPS) for Ireland.

 

Deadline: Wednesday, 14 February

Opinions sought on 14 new sporting events considered for broadcast on free-to-air TV

A public consultation is now open as part of the statutory review of the major sporting events designated as free-to-air TV broadcasts.

 

Deadline: 20th February 2024

Community Funding Information Sessions & The Local Enhancement Programme

Leitrim County Council is hosting information sessions on funding opportunities available for community groups.  The purpose of the information sessions is to help community groups identify the funding suitable for their project.  Information will be shared about:-

• The Local Enhancement Programme
• Community Climate Action Fund
• Economic Development 
• Creative Ireland Funding Opportunities

 

The online webinar is scheduled for Tuesday 30th January at 7pm. 

An in-person event will take place on 1st February at 7pm in Taste Leitrim Room, The Food Hub, Drumshanbo, N41 NX23. 

One to One Support

One-to-one support for the online form is offered at

• Carrick on Shannon Library on Wednesday, 31st Jan (2-5pm)
• Manorhamilton Library on Wednesday, 7th Feb (2-5 pm
• Ballinamore Library on Thursday, 8th Feb (2-5pm)

 

To secure your spot for one-to-one support, call 071-9620005 ext. 855 or 157.

Carmichael: Free Webinar - Improving Your Nonprofit’s Annual Report

Carmichael is delighted to provide free training webinars on relevant themes for nonprofits.

In this webinar nonprofits of all sizes will gain tips and advice from an expert panel on how to improve the content and narrative of their Annual Report.

In this free webinar for nonprofit organisations, what will be discussed:

• How can a nonprofit, with limited time and resources, produce the best possible annual report?
• Who reads an annual report and why?
• What are the key elements to a strong annual report?
• Where can you find more support with producing your annual report?
• When should you start preparing your annual report?

There will be a Q&A at the end.

February 27th 2024 from 10.05-10.55

World Cancer Day : Webinar

The Irish Cancer Prevention Network is hosting a free public webinar for World Cancer Day 2024. World Cancer Day is an international health awareness day held each year.

 

The lunchtime webinar will feature experts presenting on how we can reduce our  risk of bowel and lung cancer the early signs of these cancers encouraging people to seek medical help promptly if they have worrying signs or symptoms.

 

Reducing your risk of lung and bowel cancers webinar - 1st Feb, 1pm

Volunteer Ireland: Pathways to Solidarity

A Presentation and discussion on volunteering as a driving force to strengthen democracy, European society, its values, and identity.

Join Volunteer Ireland for 'Pathways to Solidarity’ to hear more about one of their European Projects - Powered by V.

 

When: Tuesday 13th February 1-2pm

Where: Online via Zoom

Disabled People and Employment Opportunities: Developing a DPO Analysis of How Systems Need to Change!

ILMI is hosting a series of online discussions exclusively for disabled people, focusing on "Disabled People and Employment Opportunities: Developing a DPO Analysis of How Systems Need to Change!"

 

How to Register:

To join specific thematic discussions, email info@ilmi.ie  indicating the discussion of interest. While the discussions are exclusively for disabled people, ILMI appreciates your support.  Feel free to share this information with disabled people who might be interested in shaping the future of disability employment.

Community Wetlands Forum webinar

You can register below for Community Wetlands Forum webinar on 1 February at 7:30pm with award winning nature photographer Tina Claffey Photography

 

This kicks off the webinar series "Creativity for the wetlands: Arts connecting people and wetlands"

Minding Creative Minds 

Minding creative Minds have a number of interesting course coming up for the creative sector.  It is an excellent resource to have.

Foróige: GoSafely Programme Facilitator Training

Go Safely

Go Safely is an online safety programme which promotes safer use of digital resources, equipping young people with the skills to safely benefit from being online. It also empowers young people to safely participate in their online communities as positive digital citizens.

The programme is suitable for 12-18 year olds. It covers topics such as cyberbullying, privacy settings, screen time and well-being, gaming and gambling, sexting and online relationships. More topics can be seen in the graphic attached below. The programme can be facilitated in person, online or through a blended approach and can be used in all youth work settings.

Community Impact Network Training

Safe to Create

Safe to Create are committed to making the arts a safer, more inclusive space for all.  Join them in their mission by taking part in a Safe to Create training course this year.

Completing Funding Applications

Completing funding applications can be arduous and stressful. Take these tips into consideration.

Focus Group for Volunteer Mentors

Volunteer Ireland is collaborating on a new Erasmus plus project and is looking for your input!

 

TEAM IV aims to contribute to the social inclusion of people with disabilities by training 250 mentors specialised in supporting people with disabilities who are volunteers or wish to be volunteers. The project intends to create a platform that can be used for training and for matching mentors and mentees, with training materials in different languages.

To lay the foundation of this work we are looking for individuals who are intersted in participating in a focus group to discuss volunteering and mentoring, helping us ensure we create the best products possible.

 

If you are an individual who has worked or volunteered as a mentor with young people, people with disabilities or have great passion and experience with this subject - we would love to get your input!

 

When: Wednesday 14th February 11-12.30pm

Where: Online via Zoom

All-Island Civil Society Forum on the Environment

This forum is open to all those working (in any role) in a paid or voluntary capacity in an environmental civil society group/ENGO.

The Forum is a series of five online thematic dialogues and an in-person networking day to be held in September. Participants can take part in as many or as few of the sessions as they wish.

 

The main purpose of this project is to promote and deepen cooperation, dialogue and ideas knowledge sharing and between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland environmental civil society groups so that the sector is equipped to fully engage with, and respond to, the new environmental regulatory and governance context post-Brexit.

 

Each of the 5 dialogues, will be held online to maximise access. The initial dialogue will introduce the post-Brexit environment and the following four will explore a specific environmental challenge. The theme of the environmental challenge will be chosen by the participants.

In the thematic dialogues the participants will discuss possible solutions and policy responses that they believe are appropriate for introducing/implementing/exploring on an all-island basis or on both sides of the border. These solutions/policy responses will be recorded by the organisers and presented at the final networking forum.

 

The first dialogue will take place online using Zoom on Wednesday 14 February from 1030am until 1pm and you can register for that below. The Zoom link will be issued to registered participants in advance of the session. 

 

This first session will set the context for the rest of the series – Dr Lisa Whitten (QUB) will give an expert overview of the environmental regulatory context post-Brexit. We will follow this with a discussion on why deeper dialogue and cooperation between environmental organisations in Ireland and Northern Ireland is necessary and discussing with participants what you think is important and what thematic areas might be prioritised.

To help with the planning IEN & NIEL would be grateful if you could respond to the short survey available through the link below. It will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

 

(IEN and NIEL have received funding from the Shared Island Civic Society Fund to develop and deliver the All-Island Forum on the Environment.)

Leitrim Fire Service Retained Fire Fighter Recruitment Campaign 2024

Leitrim County Council is currently recruiting retained firefighters in Carrick on Shannon, Mohill, Drumshanbo, Ballinamore and Manorhamilton fire brigades.

 

The closing date for applications is 4.00 pm on Thursday 8th February 2024

 

Apply now!

Free drop-in Energy Clinic

Save the Date! DECC and SEAI, in collaboration with LGMA and Libraries Ireland, are proud to launch Library Energy Clinics.

 

Hands-on sessions covering energy efficiency, home upgrades, and conservation tips.

Let's create a sustainable future together! #ReduceYourUse #EnergyClinics

 

Date: Tuesday 13th February

Time: 17.30 - 19.30

Location: Manorhamilton Library

Concern Worldwide: Climate Justice Programme

Concern Worldwide 1Planet4ALL ClimACT climate justice programme designed for youth groups. It explores the impact of #climatechange and tangible ways for your group to take action. 

 

This programme is designed for Youth Organisations. The aim of the programme is to creatively engage learners with the topic of climate justice, and empower them to take climate action. This programme has been tailored to equip the learners with the skills and tools to tackle climate issues, and the inspiration to empower them to take action.

 

The programme has been developed with all learning styles in mind. Fun and creativity is woven through the programme, solutions play centre stage, and ‘you’re never too young to lead, and you’re never too old to learn’ is at the core. 

Safe Internet Day

Safer Internet Day will take place on Tuesday, 6th February 2024 and aims to raise awareness about online safety, encouraging individuals especially children and teenagers to use the internet responsibly.

Local Energy Agencies for Peripheral Regions(Leap) project launch

On Thursday 15th February from 9am - 2pm in the Carrick-on-Shannon Business Campus.

The launch event will feature presentations from experts in the field of retrofitting and energy efficiency followed by a panel discussion.  Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the LEAP project and how to get involved as well as network with other professionals in the retrofitting field. 

 

The LEAP project is a collaboration between ATU (Project Lead), the County Councils of Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and Aran Island Energy Co-op.  The project will support the development of an Area Based Home Retrofitting market in the region through three newly established Local Energy Agencies in Donegal, Sligo/Leitrim and Galway. 

 

The second half of the day from 2pm to 4pm will be a more informal public event from 2pm to 4pm where members of the public and other stakeholders will be invited to meet with the staff

National Heritage Week 2024 Theme

National Heritage Week 2024 will take place this year from 17th-25th August and will celebrate the theme of Connections, Routes and Networks. 

During National Heritage Week 2024, The National Heritage Council are encouraging you to explore the physical, cultural and natural connections in your community and beyond.

 

How do we connect to each other, through roads, rivers, rail or waterways? What are the cultural connections like sports or past-times that bring us together? How does our environment and natural landscape create connections?

Explore this year’s theme and how you can participate in National Heritage Week 2024.

Léargas: Award Excellence for language teachers

Léargas is excited to announce the European Language Label Award 2023-24. This is an excellent opportunity to have your language initiatives and techniques recognised at a European level.All languages are eligible, and no project is too big or small!

The Irish 2023-2024 Call for the ELL has 4 thematic priorities:

Supporting newly arrived migrants and displaced children and young people in their language learning needs.

 

Professional development of teachers to address inclusion and intercultural dialogue, in particular the increased linguistic diversity in the classroom.

Support to projects addressing minorities and regional languages as a means to promote equity, social cohesion and active citizenship.

 

Language learning which supports the personal growth of adult learners.

If you are interested to share your language initiative, we would love to hear your story.

Texaco Children's Art Competition 

The search to find the young artists who will excel in this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition has begun.

 

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, 28th February.

Judging will take place in March with winners to be announced in April.

Irish Young Lions Competition 2024

This competition gives emerging Irish creative talent the chance to showcase their skills on an international stage.

 

The Irish Young Lions Competition 2024 encompasses seven categories this year

• Print
• Film
• Design
• Media
• Digital
• PR
• Young Marketers

For detailed information on the 2024 Cannes Young Lions competition, including entry guidelines, registration, and deadlines:

Householders in Leitrim urged to tackle hoarding of electrical waste by making 2024 a year for recycling

Householders in Leitrim urged to tackle hoarding of electrical waste by making 2024 a year for recycling.

 

Pictured from L-R Sienna Lavery (Age 10), Minister Ossian Smyth and Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland at the launch of Recycle Your Electrical Waste for Free! Campaign.

 

Householders in Leitrim are urged to make ‘recycling of household electrical waste’ a new year resolution for 2024.  

 

With 84% of Irish households containing an average of 15 to 20 broken or unused electrical items in their home, there has never been a better time to declutter while positively impacting the environment and supporting a more circular economy.

 

To encourage people to recycle their electrical waste, a national awareness campaign is being launched today by Minister of State Ossian Smyth. The “Recycle your Electrical Waste for Free!” awareness campaign will inform and educate people on what items can be recycled and advise them of the multiple civic amenity sites and participating electrical retailers across Ireland.