Plenary

It was lovely to see so many fantastic groups well represented at our Plenary in Ballinamore on Thursday the 18th May.  

Many thanks to all the speakers, secretariat, Karen & Ann (LDCo) for helping with registration, Sheila (The Keepers Arms) for the lovely food and the Community Hall @ The Island Theatre, a beautiful venue.

The next Plenary is Thurs 9th November in The Bee Park, Manorhamilton from 7 to 9pm (Save the Date)

Facilitation Training

Day 3 of facilitation training took place on Sat 13th May provided by Meitheal for facilitators for 3 new Linkage groups.

Date for next training is the 10th June, when all facilitators will be presented with their certificates from Meitheal.

Linkage Group Meetings Update

Social Inclusion, Disability, Rural Development, Peace and Reconciliation Linkage Group

This Linkage Group will focus on bringing together PPN members to advocate on these issues through proposing policy solutions to the relevant bodies.

Members of this linkage group will include:

PPN members with an interest in the topical areas.
All PPN Reps who sit on the LCDC (5).
All PPN Reps who sit on PEACE PLUS (5).

This Linkage Group will also elect representatives to the Leitrim Development Company Board.

This Linkage Group focus on anti-poverty, community development, equality or social justice issues. This translates into a social inclusion approach to community building. Also discuss issues that arise to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.

 

Planning, Transport and Housing Linkage Group -

Housing SPC, Planning SPC and other relevant representatives (if any) should sit on this Linkage Group.

It is linked to the SPC in the Council: Housing, Community and Culture and nominates 2 PPN Representatives onto this SPC.

It is also linked to the SPC: Planning, Economic Development and Infrastructure nominates 2 PPN Representatives onto this SPC.

In addition to National agencies like Irish Rail & Transport Infrastructure Ireland

 

Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity & Agriculture Linkage Group -

Environment SPC, Heritage Forum and Biodiversity Forum representatives (if any) should sit on this Linkage Group.

This group also engages with organizations such as the Environment Protection Agency (the EPA).

This Linkage Group discusses the themes of Environment, Climate Change, Heritage, Biodiversity & Agriculture.

It is linked to the SPC: Environment, Climate Action & Agriculture in LCC and nominates 1 PPN Representative onto this SPC.

Thanks to Marie Mulligan, Senior Executive Engineer, Environment & Rural Water with Leitrim Cunty Council for coming along to give a presentation on the Climate Action Plan for Leitrim. Please keep an eye on Leitrim PPN social media and e bulletin/emails for details of the next meeting in relation to the Climate Action Plan.

Successsful Leader Consultations

Leitrim Development Company are still hoping to get more people / groups etc to complete the online survey and also to submit Expression of Interest forms over the next few days. Please continue to inform people and groups of this and circulate the EOI here and the link to the survey below.
Leitrim PPN assisted at some of the consultations.

Re-Energising Communities Event

Don’t miss Re-Energising Communities Event which will take place on Wednesday 31st May from 7pm to 9pm in St. Josephs Community Centre,  Leitrim Village organised by Leitrim Development Company

Liam Scollan will be presenting a very helpful Toolkit which is a practical guide for community groups on attracting new volunteers and accessing resources.  information and case studies on how to make the most of opportunities and supports available to community groups in Leitrim. 

Leitrim PPN invite any groups not registered with the PPN to come and join on the night and see what are the benefits of joining the PPN.

Please feel free to share this information with other groups who may be interested. Refreshments will be provided on the night.

It will be chance to network with other community groups and to share experiences and ideas also.

Please let Bernie know if you are attending in advance as they will need numbers for catering on the night Tel: 071 9641770 Ext. 600 Mobile: 083 0752339 Email: bernie@ldco.ie.

Promote Physical Activity Among Older People Grant - Age & Opportunity/ Sport Ireland

Age & Opportunity is marking the distribution of its active national grant that provides significant funding for sport and physical aactivity amongst older people.
The grant scheme is a combined initiative from Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland.  This year it is providing €317,430 to support sport and physical activities run by 909 organisations.  These range from active retirement groups to sports clubs and nursing and day care centres.

Tillage Capital Investment Scheme Opens

This scheme will assist tillage farmers seeking to invest in reducing inputs such as pesticides and fertilisers, maintaining soil quality through minimum cultivation techniques while supporting the maintenance of tillage as a land use in Ireland.

The main investment areas for the Tillage scheme are:

Grain Storage; Rainwater Harvesting; GPS Machinery Control; Sprayers (GPS controlled only); Fertiliser Spreaders (GPS controlled only); Minimum disturbance tillage (PTO driven equipment not permitted); Pesticide reduction; Grain treatment Equipment; Potato Harvesting equipment; Potato Haulm Toppers; Combine Attachments; Crop Handling equipment; Potato Planting equipment; Potato handling equipment; Potato Storage

Queries of a technical nature relating to the specifications should be submitted by email to the following email address tams@agriculture.gov.ie

The AIB €1 Million Community Fund opens.

People can nominate their local charity for financial support from the fund.

For those volunteers who may also have a business

Visa’s She’s Next Grant Programme, in partnership with IFundWomen, is back for a third consecutive year to bring funding, resources, coaching and inspiration to Ireland’s women-owned businesses.

Visa is empowering women across the Republic of Ireland to grow their businesses by offering five €10,000 grants as well as professional coaching for a year from established business leaders through IFundWomen.

Deadline 21st July

ATTENTION - Dates For Your Diaries

The Department of Rural and Community Development have released their schedule of funding programmes for 2023.  Official announcements of all grants will be released on the website and all social media channels.

Keep an eye on the Leitrim PPN e-bulletin for all updates.

LIFE Calls for proposals 2023

LIFE has published its calls for proposals 2023. LIFE offers funding for environmental, nature conservation and climate action projects and promotes long-term economic viability through sustainable development. So, these calls are interesting for farmers and the agricultural and forestry sectors. 

Hybrid Social Finance Loan 2023 – 2024

The Hybrid Social Finance Loan is a partnership between Rethink Ireland, Community Finance Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund. It aims to build the capacity of start-up social enterprises that are first-time borrowers.
Deadline 21st June.

Funding for Leitrim Communities under Community Recognition fund

It has been announced by the Department of Rural and Community Development that thirteen community groups across Leitrim are to receive almost €2.2 million in funding towards recreational and community infrastructure under the Community Recognition fund.

Fund to build new Community Centre's

The 2023 Community Centres Investment Fund, will see €20 million invested in new and ambitious community projects in our towns and villages.
For the first time, funding of at least €1 million will be invested in projects that are shovel ready and which are in areas that currently lack community facilities.
This builds on the highly successful 2022 initiative, which delivered an investment of over €45 million to renovate and upgrade over 850 projects the length and breadth of the country.
The Community Centres Investment Fund - New Build Measure will invest in new build multi-functional community centres with a minimum grant of €1,000,000 up to a maximum of €6,000,000. The projects must be ‘shovel-ready’ with all the necessary permissions and consents in place (e.g. planning consent) and be located on a green/ brown field site. The lead party to an application must be a State-funded body (e.g. a
localauthority).
The fund will provide 90% of the total project value to a maximum of €6,000,000, with at least 10% to be provided in matching contributions. A minimum of 5% of the matching contributions element must be in cash.
An application form can be requested from ccif@drcd.gov.ie.
Deadline: 3/7/2023

€5.25m funding for Meals on Wheels and Day Centre's for Older People

Every day, older people with support needs are helped to live independently in their own homes through our community services, which include Day Centres, Meals on Wheels and home support services.  Over many years, the Meals on Wheels service has proved to be an important component of the community services offered to older people, particularly in rural communities.  This announcement will see an additional €1.75 million provided to Meals on Wheels organisations who provided an estimated 2.4 million meals to over 54,000 people last year. This enhanced investment will now allow for an expansion of the support service to more people this year.  The Meals on Wheels service, located across the country, provide a significant connection and support to many older people in our communities by helping to maintain their health and independence through the provision of healthy meals.  Day Centres are also a crucial part of the social care provision in our communities, providing invaluable support for people who may, for any number of reasons, be experiencing isolation and loneliness.  Many older people also benefit from the increased physical activity, cognitive stimulation, enhanced nutrition, healthcare monitoring, and social work support on offer at Day Centres, which also provide an important resource for carers.

Over 340 Meals on Wheels organisations will benefit from €1.75 million additional funding.

€3.5 million has also been allocated to the Community Healthcare Organisations (CHOs) to support Day Centre services, benefitting up to 330 centres throughout the country.

Transboundary Environmental Public Consultation

Deadline: 21/06/2023.

Community and Voluntary Organisations Public Liability Insurance Survey

The Department of Rural & Community Development is currently carrying out research to assess the impact of rising insurance premiums on the community and voluntary sector. This ongoing issue has been highlighted on numerous occasions by our members here in Roscommon and we strongly encourage groups to contribute to this survey. It should be noted that all information will be treated in the strictest of confidence and will only be presented in aggregated format. Individual respondents will not be identified or referenced in the report or findings of the research. 

Leitrim Library Survey 2023 

Leitrim Library Service is undertaking a survey as part of a public consultation effort to provide individuals and communities with the opportunity to inform the development of a 5-year plan for your library service. Information gathered will assist in prioritising areas for the library service up to 2027.

We are encouraging both users and non-users of the service to take time to complete the survey which should take less than 7 minutes.

Paper copies are also available in all branch libraries. Your responses are very important to us and greatly appreciated.

Sligo Leitrim CYPSC Survey

This is a short ANONYMOUS survey for young people aged between 18 - 24 years living in Counties Sligo and Leitrim.

Consultation on Ireland’s current Long-term Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions 

Deadline: 30/06/2023

Public Consultation on Ireland’s First National Philanthropy Policy

This National Philanthropy Policy developed by Government in collaboration with key stakeholders is intended to deepen understanding and knowledge, create an enabling environment and accelerate engagement with philanthropy in Ireland for social good.

The Department is now giving you the opportunity to have your say on the draft policy, including the vision, mission, values and overarching strategic objectives. The aim is to gather feedback from a broad range of stakeholders and individuals interested in philanthropy before the policy is finalised. The consultation is open to everyone in Ireland and internationally.
Deadline: 30/06/2023

Can you study in the EU & What is the Cost?

Did you know that as an EU citizen, you have the right to study at university in another EU country without paying higher course fees?

You're also entitled to the same grants to cover fees as nationals of your host country.

Take advantage of these opportunities and expand your horizons with higher education across the EU!

Do you want to Stand Up For Human Rights?

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) needs you!

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights is looking for trainees to start in October.

Apply by 19th June.

Place of employment Vienna, AUSTRIA

Contract duration 6 monMonthly basic salary 1.458,43 EUR

Applications from under-represented groups are particularly welcome.

Community Led Peatland Restoration – Exploring Finance and Governance Models

The increasing interest in peatland restoration by private finance presents new challenges and opportunities.  The Community Wetlands Forum have been exploring what this means for communities and community led projects. Join them as they continue to explore finance and governance models for community led peatland restoration and how communities can be leaders in this space.

On the day there will be presentations from academics, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Peatland Finance Ireland, social finance providers, community led restoration projects, the Irish Environmental Network, Wild Atlantic Nature and more...

At lunchtime, have a walk on Abbeyleix Bog and see first-hand the success of a community led peatland restoration project, which has had significant social, climate, biodiversity and wellbeing benefits for the community of Abbeyleix and further afield.

There will be ample time for questions and discussion after presentations, in what will be a two way discussion and exploration of the important topics of finance and governance.
8th June in Abbeyleix Manor Hotel 

Hi Digital Training / Digital Champions

Hi Digital is a five-year nationwide digital skills training programme for people over the age of 65, - developed by Vodafone Ireland Foundation in partnership with ALONE and other charity partners. It has the:

1. Hi Digital Website - www.hidigital.ie is a free online course designed for anyone who needs a bit of help developing their digital skills, particularly those who have rarely or never been online (often 65+ years old. You can access it for free and start learning today!

2. Digital Champions training programme – run by ALONE - creates ‘Digital Champions' by giving them the information and resources to support older people use their device and develop their digital skills.

 

The Digital Champions training programme consists of two offerings:

• Online Training

• In-person Training

Woodlands, Food Webs and EcoSystems: Create your own Woodland Creature

Cruinniú na nÓg at
The Leitrim Design House

 

As part of Cruinniú na nÓg, a national day of free creativity for children and young people, The Leitrim Design House is holding a free workshop!
Woods are such intriguing and magical places with a lot going on that we don’t always see on first glimpse. Learn a little about Irish woodlands, food webs and ecosystems from Fiona O'Driscoll, a Leitrim based Ecologist and Craft person. While learning more about these subjects, stitch up and stuff knitted hedgehogs, badgers and felt toadstools with real, natural sheep fleece.
These animals don’t like staying in art center's too long, they’ll want to be taken home and brought on adventures around your own locality. But be warned they can get up to mischief and all can become unraveled. 1 knitted animal and one toadstool will accompany each child home after class.
SATURDAY 10th June 11am – 12.30pm
Held in The Dock Art Centre.
For children aged 8 years of age and older.
Booking is essential as there are only places for up to 10 children in this 90 min workshop.

Governance for Change: what supports are available for disabled people to take up lead roles in organisations

ILMI’s vision is an Ireland where disabled persons have freedom, choice and control over all aspects of their lives and can fully participate in an inclusive society as equals. Building an inclusive society will ensure that disabled people have the power to inform how systems and services are designed and delivered. Inclusion will be achieved by disabled people being empowered to sit on boards and committees that make decisions about how public resources and systems are designed and delivered.

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

ILMI is committed to building the collective expertise of disabled people who are interested in taking on Governance roles. Training and support will be provided to explore governance, the roles of boards, charity regulation and how to apply for governance roles. There will be no cost for this training, but places will be limited, and anyone interested in participating will be asked to commit to the full programme of supports.

Interested in finding out more? Join ILMI for a Zoom discussion on governance and to begin to 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.

Installing a Smart Meter

A smart meter allows you to take more control of your electricity consumption and enables you to access your usage data through your ESB Networks Online.

Smart meters are currently being installed by ESB Networks across Ireland, at no extra cost to replace the traditional meters.

Smart meters are optional.

By the end of 2024, every home, farm and business in Ireland will have the option to have a smart meter installed. ESB Networks will notify you when they are rolling out smart meters in your area.

There is no change to your electricity price plan following the installation of a smart meter unless you initiate a change with your supplier.

A smart meter reduces the need for estimated bills, as your electricity usage is automatically read.

Register for a prioritised smart meter by email at esbnetworks@esb.ie.

Sat 3rd June is World Trails Day

Garda Divisional Youth Awards

The awards aim to celebrate the outstanding young people between the ages of 13 and 21 years in our communities.   

Sligo/Leitrim Gardaí recognise the work and achievements by so many young people throughout Counties Sligo and Leitrim who make their communities better places.

Any member of the public may nominate  a young person  whom they feel deserves an award and nominations may also be submitted by family members or relatives.

Awards are given in the following categories:

Individual Award - Making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.

Group Award - Group of two or more, making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.

Special Achievement Award - Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.

Community Safety Award - Through a crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their community a safer place to live. 

We have also included this year an award for the Under 13 age group. Awards are given in the following categories .

Individual Award

Making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live

Group Award

Groups of 2 or more, making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place

to be

Special Achievement Award

Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserve recognition

Nomination forms are available at all Garda Stations throughout Sligo/Leitrim and also from Leitrim.community@garda.ie and Sligo.community@garda.ie.
Deadline: 30th June.