Old Phone Box at Glenade - image by magnumlady.com

Wiser and Greener Sustainable Community Event Thurs 11th April

"Wiser and Greener" Sustainability event at the Landmark Hotel this Thursday 11th April.

 

Meet the Leitrim Older People’s Council and have your say on the Age Friendly Strategy in Leitrim.

 

Learn about energy saving, sustainable homes, growing veg and upcycling. Official opening by An Cathaoirleach Cllr Justin Warnock. Special welcome by Age Friendly Ambassador Seamus O’Rourke.

 

ALL WELCOME

Age Friendly Walkability study of Manorhamilton

Leitrim PPN along with LCC staff and volunteers took part in an Age Friendly Walkability study of Manorhamilton on Wed 27th March.

Leitrim Diaspora Steering Group

The Leitrim Diaspora Steering Group will oversee the implementation of the Leitrim Diaspora Strategy to bring together a number of actions and objectives from the community and civic society, enterprise, education, cultural, and sporting fields. It will apply a Diaspora related dimension to all aspects of development. 

 

Membership will have a balance of experience and expertise across various sectors and professions with an overall strong interest in the promotion and development of County Leitrim to the Diaspora. Mary Mc Keon from Leitrim PPN sits on this steering group.

Wed 10th April Reminder Linkage Group Meeting

Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity & Agriculture Linkage Group meeting at 7.30pm in Leitrim Development Company, Drumshanbo.

 

Rebeccah Cogan, Biodiversity Officer with Leitrim County Council and Ashling Cartwright Rural Development Project Officer with Leitrim Development Company will attend to talk about the New Biodiversity plan, their roles and how Leitrim PPN member groups can contribute. 

 

All Welcome to attend this Wed evening.

Sat 13th April Inter-County Secretariat Meet Up

Cavan PPN are inviting 3 Leitrim PPN secretariat members to a gathering for idea sharing at the Organic Centre, Rossinver on Sat 13th April from 11am to 3.30pm.

 

11.00 Arrival at Rossinver for tour and Q & A of the centre and grounds
12.00 3 Course Lunch
13.00 Meet & Greet Leitrim PPN Secretariat
14.00 Your Secretariat Meeting
15.30 Hometime

Mon 15th April, The Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon

North Connacht & Ulster Citizens Information Service – Leitrim hosts Making a Will- Free Information Event

Topics include: * How to make a Will * What happens if you don’t (Intestacy) * Inheritance rights of Spouses, Civil Partners and Cohabitants * Providing for Children and Vulnerable Relatives * How to reduce Tax * Taking out Probate.

* Appointing Executors, Guardians and Trustees.

 

This jargon-free Presentation will be delivered by Justice Media award-winning journalist and legal trainer Anne O’Carroll BCL. MA, of Cascade Training Consultancy

 

There will be a Question & Answer session.  FREE to all.

Leitrim PPN Plenary

(Gathering of Community Groups)
Thurs 9th May - SAVE THE DATE

7 to 9 pm in Canon Donohoe Hall, Mohill.

 

If your community wish to take a stand to showcase the great work you do please get in touch to reserve a table – email info@leitrimppn.ie

Useful Information for Your Community Group

*Attention Early Years Providers*

Closing date fast approaching.

 

Leitrim CCC are now taking expressions of interest from preschools wishing to take part in the Balance Bike Programme with Leitrim Sports Partnership.

 

Email nancy@leitrimchildcare.ie for an expression on interest form

 

Deadline: 15th April

2024 Super Valu Tidy Towns Competition

More than 30,000 TidyTowns volunteers are creating more vibrant and sustainable towns.

Call-to-action for more Young Tidy Towns volunteers this year.

 

Deadline: 8th May

The Community Recognition Fund is now open

Leitrim County Council is now accepting Applications under The Community Recognition Fund.

 

This fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.

Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects in support cities, towns and villages nationwide.

Based on the continued impacts on communities throughout the country and the need to support these communities in welcoming new arrivals, a further €50 million is being provided under the Community Recognition Fund 2024. 

Of this fund, €2,212,974 is allocated to County Leitrim.

 

Funding is targeted at and specifically invested in those communities, villages and towns where the highest level of new arrivals are located and where there is a clear need for investment identified. Projects situated in areas that do not have high levels of new arrivals will not be deemed eligible.

Projects to be funded will be capital in nature, deliver medium-long term benefits for the communities in which they are located, and be capable of being delivered over the course of 2025 and 2026. Eligible projects will receive funding for capital costs, but not for any ongoing operational or running costs. Projects will be eligible for 100% of funding costs.

 

The minimum level of funding for an individual project is €50,000 with a maximum of €500,000.

Leitrim County Council are accepting applications in three tranches.

It is highly recommended that groups apply for this funding as soon as is practicable. 

              Tranche 1 closing date: 10th May 2024

              (Application window now open)
              Tranche 2 closing date: 17th July 2024
              Tranche 3 closing date: 30th November 2024

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland

Do you have an idea to solve a social or environmental problem in Ireland?

 

Deadline: 24th April

Global Citizenship Education Grant Fund

Irish Aid issues a call for global citizenship education project proposals annually.

The Global Citizenship Education Grant Scheme is open to Irish-based organisations only.

In 2024, applications can be submitted for projects with a duration of one, two or three years.

The Priorities Fund of The Church of Ireland

Each year, applications are invited from parishes and organisations from all over Ireland.

 

Deadline: 31st October

Pilot Activity - European Youth Foundation

Pilot activity grants refer to projects that address young people’s needs or challenges at a local level.

 

Pilot activities are flexible in their format and may utilise a range of approaches, such as youth meetings, capacity building sessions, awareness raising actions, meetings with experts, local workshops, local actions, visits, campaigns, workshops in schools, festivals etc.  

 

The maximum duration of a pilot activity project can be up to one year.  The project must start at least 3 months after the deadline. 

 

Deadline: 15th May

Tidy Towns Pollinator Award

Calling all Tidy Towns groups - applications for the 2024 Local Authority Pollinator Awards are now open!

 

This award recognises communities who are taking action to help pollinators.

 

Plenty of chances to win with 10 prizes of €1,000 each.

Funding Opportunity for Arts Education in Sligo & Leitrim!

MSLETB Sligo-Leitrim Arts Education Grant Scheme is now open for applications!

 

This grant supports educational initiatives promoting arts appreciation, understanding, and practice among adults.  If you have a workshop, event, project, exhibition, or production that benefits arts education - get in touch!

 

For application forms, guidelines, and queries, email annamariekinsella@msletb.ie.

 

Deadline: 19th April

2024 Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme is Open

Farmers will receive a BISS info pack by post containing their maps and land details & a useful help sheet.

 

Deadline: 15th May

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

€4.1 million announced to develop and upgrade over 150 outdoor recreation projects.

 

Projects to receive up to €30,000 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme!

 

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is key to enhancing our mountain trails, forest walks, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches. Today's announcement of €4.1 million will see projects receive up to €30,000.

Creative Access Award

The prestigious Business to Arts Awards returns to recognise outstanding partnerships that have transformed the cultural landscape of Ireland in the past year.

 

From businesses to philanthropic organisations and individuals, these awards highlight those private sector entities who have fostered exceptional partnerships with artists and arts organisations.

 

This category recognises partnerships that help marginalised groups participate in the arts. 

 

Deadline: 30th April

Conservation Grants Open Call

Galway Atlantaquaria announces open call for small scale grant funding for Community Projects.

 

Galway Atlantaquaria is Ireland’s largest Native Species Aquarium, which celebrates Education, Awareness and Conservation of our Ocean and Life under Water.

 

The Aquarium is delighted to announce that it will fund up to 5 small scale conservation projects nationwide again this year, which can focus on education and engagement; native species and habitats; or involve a local community or community group, with a special focus on marine or freshwater.

 

The primary aim of these grants is to support and encourage the next generation, or individuals already involved in this area of work, but struggling to fund the work they are doing.

The Aquarium would also welcome novel projects based on Art or Music, which use creative methods to engage audiences.

 

Deadline: 19th April

Léargas Microgrant Scheme

As part of European Youth Week 2024, Léargas is launching a Microgrant Scheme to welcome newcomers to European funding and increase awareness about the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programmes. The scheme will offer €5,000 grants to non-profit organisations working with young people (ages 13–30) such as youth organisations, secondary schools, community centres, community development, clubs, etc.

 

The Microgrant Scheme is a fantastic way for organisations to gain experience applying for European funding and to engage in small short-term projects.

 

Applications will open on 12th April and close 19th April.

 

The grant will fund projects taking place between June – September 2024.

United By Sport - Adidas Foundation

United By Sport strives to leverage the transformational power of sport to promote equality and fight hate and discrimination which can come in all its forms, spanning various grounds such as religion or belief, racial or ethnic origin, gender, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation and more. The United by Sport program has been created to provide support to organisations that fight such hate and discrimination through sport or in the sport sector.

 

General operational support of up to €50,000 per year for a maximum of three years.

 

PROJECT SPECIFIC FUNDING - Proposals for funding ranging from a minimum amount of €150,000 to a maximum amount of €700,000.

 

Deadline: 31st May

ProVeg Grants

The ProVeg Grants program is accelerating the transformation of our food system by providing support for organisations involved in this vital work.  Since 2019, ProVeg International has provided more than 500 grants to organisations and individuals in over 70 countries. They provide both financial support and assistance with capacity-building.

 

Deadline: Quarterly - 1st June, 1st September, 1st December

Movement for Good Awards

The Movement for Good Awards opens its doors for nominations, providing an opportunity for charities to receive a €1,000 boost.

This initiative, having already donated over €5m since its inception in 2019, is committed to making a positive impact by supporting a diverse range of causes.

 

Nominations are now officially open and can be submitted quickly and easily on the website.  Randomly selected winners will be announced, and the more nominations a charity receives, the greater its chances of being chosen.

 

In addition to the €1,000 grants, special draws will allocate €5,000 to charities within specific sectors:

• Health: 22-26 April 2024
• Youth: 17-21 June 2024
• Environment: 12-16 August 2024
• Arts & Culture: 21-25 October 2024

€1 million for the development of Local Authority led CCTV schemes

Grants of over €950,000 have been approved to date for 35 local CCTV schemes.

 

Funding is now available to cover not only new CCTV systems but to allow funding applications to extend or upgrade existing CCTV schemes which are incomplete or obsolete.

 

The Department is now open to applications from Local Authorities for funding.

Application open for Co-Create project for craft, art and design business in Leitrim

Applications are open for the Leitrim Design House collaboration bursary project, Co-Create II, which aims to build a strong future for applied art, craft, and design businesses in Leitrim. 

 

This bursary aims to bring together creative minds to create a special piece by encouraging the exploration of new methodologies and processes and the development of new work. 

 

Two collaborative pairs will be selected for phase I of the project, while one collaborative pair will then go through phase II to develop a piece of work that will bring practitioners down a new path, helping them to focus further on expanding their own body of work while possibly adding to the collection at The Leitrim Design House both in-store and online. 

In phase 1, the maximum amount awarded to any partnership will be €2,000, and the total number of awards will not be more than two. In phase II, the maximum award to any partnership will be €2,500, and the total number of awards will not be more than one.

 

The Co-Create II project is funded by Creative Ireland under the Creative Communities programme and the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI) Network Support Scheme. 

Collaborative partnerships can be formed from a wide selection of creative disciplines, e.g. craft makers, designers, visual artists, writers, musicians, dancers, composers, film-makers, architects, and choreographers - priority will be given to those with one-half of the partnership representing the craft sector and to future production realisation.

All applicants must be established or emerging professional practitioners in their chosen field based in Leitrim.

 

Complete the expression of interest form to register your interest in participation by Friday, April 19. The expression of interest form may be submitted by individuals or by partnerships. Applicants must complete the application form and submit it along with the required supplementary information online via Jotform on The Leitrim Design House website before the closing date of Tuesday, May 7. 

The phase I of the collaboration project will run May to September 2024, and phase II to run from October 24 to January 2025. 

 

Deadline: 7th May

New Release of the EU Funding & Tenders Portal

Explore the new EU Funding & Tenders Portal: Better, simpler, made for you!

The Portal is your one-stop-shop for EU funding and tender opportunities. This is why the European Commission are now making it even easier and more effortless to use. The Portal is now available in its new shape and brings a range of novelties made for you.

Lidl Voucher Donation Fund

Lidl are committed to offering support to those in the local communities who espouse the values they hold dear. LIDL are proud to support local charities and community groups who promote social inclusion, health and wellbeing and environmental programmes. Where a local community group is hosting a community event or fundraiser which mirrors their values and pillars, they are happy to provide Lidl vouchers to support.

 

These vouchers have been used by hundreds of community groups and charities across the country for raffles, bake-sales, school healthy eating weeks, science projects and sports programmes.

Study on Multilingualism in Young Children

Mother Tongues has launched its first-ever national survey designed to discover how families in Ireland and Northern Ireland are raising bilingual/plurilingual babies and toddlers.

Geared towards families with children aged 0 to 3, the goal is to reach thousands of families across the island to understand how Mother Tongues can best support them.

The survey is available in English and Irish.  The findings will be published in a report, which will be accessible on the website and disseminated nationwide.

Public Consultation on New Tourism Policy Framework

Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, has launched an online survey seeking the views of the public to help finalise a new Tourism Policy Framework for the period to 2030.

 

While the tourism sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, it has played a key part in Ireland’s economic recovery. 

 

This survey is a key part of the consultation process, providing an opportunity for you to inform policy development.  While the aim of the Policy will be to have a thriving tourism sector, it should be one that is consistent with our broader sustainability targets and ensure Ireland is a brand leader in sustainable tourism practices.  The new Policy Framework will seek to support sustainable tourism development in communities throughout the country, protect our natural resources while also achieving a reduction in overall tourism sector carbon emissions.

 

Deadline: 26th April

Survey on breastfeeding in County Leitrim

We're Breastfeeding Friendly Leitrim Initiative

Consultation on the Draft Cyber Industrial Strategy

The National Cyber Security Centre, Ireland (NCSC-IE) is seeking views from interested parties on what measures should be taken to boost Ireland’s cyber security sector as part of a Cyber Security Industrial Strategy.

The National Cyber Security Strategy 2019-2024 Mid-Term Review set out a number of new measures to continue the development of relevant cyber skills to fill skills gaps and support the potential growth of the cybersecurity industry in Ireland. 

Deadline: 26th April 

Awareness Course with Leave No Trace - Ireland

This course will take place in Lough Key Forest Park County Roscommon, on the 12th of April.

The Certified Awareness Course runs for one day. It is designed for individuals and groups who are interested in learning more about Leave No Trace, in a hands-on stimulating outdoor learning environment.

Teach Me AsIAm Workshop Series

Teach Me AsIAm is a workshop series for Early Years Professionals to understand, educate and care for autistic children in early years settings.

 

The workshops present best practices in working with autistic children in early years childhood settings in Ireland. 

 

Each workshop can be followed by a Community of Practice session that will highlight the practical implementation of the research. 

The core components of this series are the inclusion of the autistic voice, and all that support inclusive practices in early years.

Department to hold nationwide series of in-person Farmer Clinics

Leitrim BISS Farmer Clinics takes place on April 30 at DAFM Offices in Drumshanbo.

 

The BISS Farmer Clinics will take place from 10am-4.30pm and staff from the Department will provide one-to-one support to assist farmers to submit their scheme applications well in advance of the closing date of 15th May 2024.

In total, 17 Farmer Clinics are scheduled and offer an opportunity for farmers to be supported by Department staff in making a range of applications related to area-based support schemes, such as BISS.

 

These clinics are particularly useful for farmers who do not have an FAS approved advisor to assist them with their application.

Community Phone Box Project

The Rural Social Team (RSS) in South-East Leitrim built a replica phone box for Fenagh Village. 

 

To develop this project further, they will be contacting communities throughout Leitrim to gauge interest in having a “Community Phone Box” in their area.  The final step will be to install a phone system for vital community service helplines such as The Samaritans, Childline and 999.  Also, they will work with communities to see if it is possible for defibrillators can be housed there.  Further information will issue to communities on this throughout 2024.

 

Well done Gerry Keegan and the RSS team in Fenagh & Leitrim Development Company. Great initiative.

An Ordinary Man at Killenumery Hall, Dromahair

Killenumery Hall, Dromahair (Ballinagar Hall) F91AY28 is delighted to welcome the renowned Beezneez Theatre on Sunday April 21st at 8pm featuring Gerry Farrell in the extraordinary John McDwyer play: "An Ordinary Man".  

Funny and heartbreaking in equal measure "An Ordinary Man" takes us on the life journey of a simple sawyer through births, deaths and marriages with a bit of football and ballroom dancing thrown in just for the craic until, ultimately, we realise that while there may be an ordinary man, there is no such thing as an ordinary life.

 

Be prepared to laugh, be prepared to cry, and be prepared for an unforgettable evening of pure theatre.  

Gerry Farrell stunning interpretation of John McDwyer's wonderful script has brought audiences to their feet all over Ireland and the UK so early booking is essential. Tickets are available from: Mary (0868039065) or Hubert (0851060753).

Cost €15.00 (inc. light refreshments)  

Did you know Dublin Zoo is a not-for-profit organisation?

Your tickets help to continuously improve the Dublin Zoo habitats, fund breeding programmes for endangered species and support worldwide conservation projects – not bad for fun-filled family day out!

 

For visitors requiring additional needs/ carer tickets, there is no need to purchase these tickets in advance as they are available at the entry gate on arrival to Dublin Zoo. Please ensure you have your Carer ID and relevant documentation to hand. This can be an IAA Autism ID card, or an associated membership card, GP letter or hospital consultant letter which confirms the visitor is unable to visit Dublin Zoo independently, without a carer or mobility aid.

 

Bring The Zoo to you - Virtually!

Can’t make it to The Zoo? Don’t worry, with our virtual education programmes, we can bring the Zoo to your group or organisation!

 

* Please bear in mind that no live animals will be onscreen however photos or pre-recorded videos of animals will be used.

April #SDGChallenge

The April spotlight is on Sustainable Development Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities. Below is a link to the revised information pack, providing a comprehensive overview of SDG 11.

 

Within the pack, you'll discover insights from various organizations/entities, including Social Justice Ireland, Focus Ireland, Urban Thinkers Campus and Cycling Ireland

 

Ready to make a difference? Consider participating in this month's challenge: #15MinuteTown

Charity Retail Week 2024 will run from Monday 22nd to Sunday 28th April with events happening nationwide throughout the week

Twin themes for Charity Retail Week 2024 are the Power of People and Preparing for the Future. 

 

Vincents SVP store in Carrick on Shannon are members of Leitrim PPN

The European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland

The European Parliament Elections in June are fast approaching.  This is a crucial moment to put the eradication of poverty at the top of the European policy agenda.

 

On Wednesday 10 April, the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland will host an online event looking at the European Parliament’s role in creating an equal Europe free from poverty.

 

Date & Time: Wednesday 10th April, 11:00am - 12:45pm

Location: Online

Social Inclusion Forum 2024 - Preparatory Workshops

Registration is now open for the Preparatory Workshops for the Social Inclusion Forum (SIF) 2024, hosted by Community Work Ireland (CWI) and the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland.

Department of Rural and Community Development are now on WhatsApp

Are you interested in hearing about available funding schemes and other Department initiatives?

 

The Department of Rural and Community Development are now on WhatsApp, so you can get important updates directly to your phone. 

Attention Leitrim Tidy Town's Groups

If any Tidy Towns groups in County Leitrim would like support with litter picks or environmental projects, please get in contact with The Leitrim Environmental Network on social media or e-mail - leitrimen@gmail.com.

How to Write Winning Grant Applications

Grant applications play a crucial role in securing funding for various projects and initiatives and are essential for the success of not for profit organisations.

However, writing a winning grant application requires careful planning, attention to detail, and persuasive writing skills.

In the below article, Grants and Funding explore the essential steps and strategies to help you create a compelling grant application that stands out from the competition.

The Leitrim Design House is promoting a journey of Mindfulness and Creativity

The Leitrim Design House is delighted to host a journey of Mindfulness and creativity on April 23 as part of its special event, Mindfulness for the Creative Sector—Creative Minds. 

 

This transformative workshop is designed especially for creative souls - whether you're an artist, writer, designer, or simply someone who loves to express themselves creatively, this three-hour interactive training and networking session designed to inspire, empower, and support you on your creative journey.

 

Here's what you can expect:

• Informative Support: Gain valuable information and guidance from industry experts in a non-judgmental setting.
• Interactive Networking: Connect with fellow creatives, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships in a supportive environment.
• Mindful Toolkit: Leave with practical mindfulness techniques and strategies to navigate challenges and cultivate resilience in your creative endeavours.

This event, facilitated by Fran Best, will feature engaging discussions, goal-setting exercises, and an empowering session on valuing one's worth. 

Urgent Resources Needed To Tackle Increased Deprivation

More than 900,000 are living in enforced deprivation, according to the latest figures released by the Central Statistics Office. This represents a worrying rise of over 200,000 people going without basic necessities since 2021, according to The Wheel, the National Association of Charities.

 

Lone parents with children younger than 25, and people unable to work due to long-standing health problems are most likely to be living in enforced deprivation (45.6% and 44.7% respectively), 

“This is extremely worrying in a country that consistently ranks among the wealthiest in the world”, said Ivan Cooper, CEO of The Wheel. 

 

“The community and voluntary sector is at the coalface of supporting people on the lowest incomes. One in twelve charities has the specific charitable purpose of the relief of poverty or economic hardship, while charities and community organisations in the health, housing and homelessness, child and family services, and community development sectors are under continued pressure to provide supports to those who are most at risk,” said Mr. Cooper. 

 

Persistent underfunding of the community and voluntary sector has led to frontline services being asked to do more with less. Many are experiencing a recruitment and retention crisis as salaries fail to keep pace with public sector operators.  

Irish Wheelchair Association Driving School

Irish Wheelchair Association provides driving lessons from 10 centres nationwide.

 

The experienced driving instructors provide over 5,000 lessons annually and have a very high driving test pass rate.

 

Each vehicle in the training school fleet is automatic and fitted with a variety of adaptations to facilitate a broad spectrum of conditions and disabilities.

 

To find our more call National Mobility Centre on 045 893 0945, email maats@iwa.ie

Nearest driving school is:- IWA Sligo, Abbeyville Centre, St Anne’s, Sligo, F91 KH5X, T: 071 915 5522 E: sligo@iwa.ie

Non-Essential Farm Inspections Have Been Paused

In light of the exceptional adverse weather conditions, all non-essential inspections have been paused and Teagasc has been tasked with coordinating support to farmers under fodder pressure.