Lá Fhéile Pádraig

Leitrim PPN continue to share funding and training opportunities with all its members.

With St. Patrick's Day fast approaching please send us on your events and we are very happy to promote for you.

Training for PPN Members in March 

 

• Wednesday 8th March Completing Funding Applications
  W8 Building Manorhamilton 10am-1pm
• Wednesday 15th March First Aid Training Drumshanbo
  Leitrim Development Company 9am-4pm
• Wednesday 22nd March Effective Volunteer Committee Meetings (Online) 10am–1pm

Secretariat Meeting

 

Our next Secretariat meeting is Thursday 9th March at 7pm on zoom.

Membership of Leitrim PPN

Who Can Become a Member of Leitrim PPN?

PPN Handbook

The Handbook gives guidance, support and, where necessary, clarity, for everyone involved with, or interested in, the PPNs. It also sets out the best practice now in place across PPNs in all 31 Local Authority areas.

As the PPNs continue to grow and change with the needs of their Member Groups and communities, the Handbook will also change with those needs. And so, the Handbook will be reviewed and updated regularly.

Community Information Day

“Save the Date” Thurs 23th March – Bee Park, Manorhamilton.

All welcome.

Public Participation Networks Annual Report 2021

National Awareness Campaign

A national awareness campaign was launched on 21st February for all PPN’s nationally.

Minister Joe O’Brien urges community groups to join Public Participation Networks as national awareness campaign launched.

Recreation Strategy for Co. Leitrim 2023-2032 Launch

Leitrim PPN attended the launch on Saturday of A Recreation Strategy  for Co. Leitrim 2023 -2032. Minister Heather Humphreys launched the strategy at The Shed Distillery.

The aim is to deliver enhanced access to highest quality outdoor recreational amenities for its citizens that will also position Leitrim as a recreational destination of choice for visitors.

Well done to all involved Leitrim Development Company, Leitrim County Council, Leitrim Recreation Forum, SLR Consulting Ireland & Alan Hill Tourism Development Ltd.

Leitrim PPN were involved in circulating an online survey as part of the consultation process.

 

Patagonia International Environmental Grants

 

Patagonia supports environmental organizations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change.

They support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities.

Reconciliation Fund

The 2023 round of the Reconciliation Fund from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs opened Monday 27 February and will close Tuesday 14 March at 12pm.  As of this year the fund will be moving to one annual funding application round only.  The Fund awards grants to organisations working to build better relations within and between traditions in Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between Ireland and Britain.

Enclude

Help to enable non-profit organisations to give better service to more people through the systematic and innovative use of technology.

Enclude is an independent non-profit IT consultancy service to the Irish non-profit Sector.

Foras na Gaeilge

This scheme supports small and medium-sized commercial enterprises promote Irish in their businesses through signage, packaging, websites and printed marketing material.  Eligible businesses will be entitled to seek up to 50% of the total cost through this scheme.

Expansion of the Walks Scheme

Minister Heather Humphreys TD and the Department of Rural and Community Development has announced an Expansion of the Walks Scheme. This means that 70 more approved walking trails will join the Walks scheme where the farmers /landowners assist in the maintainance of the trail over a five year period and their time and costs for this work are covered.

Groups in Leitrim who manage walking trails can contact LDCo to make an expression of interest to join this scheme. Rural Recreation Officer (RRO) Bryan at 086 0660771 for more information.

Communities Integration Fund 2023

Minister of State O’Brien invites applications to the Communities Integration Fund 2023 €500,000 will be made available to local community-based projects nationwide to support the integration of migrants.

The maximum grant amount that can be applied for is €5,000 and the minimum grant is €1,000.

Applicants can access a detailed guidance document and complete an online application form.

Deadline: 12pm on Wednesday 15th March 2023.

Territorial Just Transition Fund

The EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) is a newly established

fund under the framework of EU cohesion policy and is being

rolled out in all EU Member states.

Create & Fire Station Artists’ Studios Residency Award 2023

Create and Fire Station Artists’ Studios invite expressions of interest from collaborative socially engaged artists who are from a minority ethnic background, have first-hand experience of displacement and/or are shaped by histories of intergenerational migration.  For this residency, candidates may self-identify as Traveller, Roma, refugee, migrant or otherwise through lived experience and/or second generational memories. The Residency will run during the month of June, offering opportunities for development of practice, discussion, networking, and learning.

The residency is funded through the Arts Council of Ireland’s Artist in the Community Scheme managed by Create, and the Fire Station Artists’ Studios funded through the Visual Arts Department of the Arts Council of Ireland.  Deadline for Expressions of Interest is the 17th April, 5pm.

Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) under TAMS

Applications for Solar panels on farms opens.

In order to encourage the purchase of solar investments reducing dependence on fossil energy by farmers, the solar scheme will be ring fenced with its own investment ceiling of €90,000 and will be grant aided at the enhanced rate of 60%.

This means every eligible farmer will be able to apply for the maximum ceiling of €90,000 for SCIS along with a ceiling of €40,000 for the Low Emission Slurry Scheme (LESS) and an increased ceiling of €90,000 for all other TAMS 3 Schemes.

Farmers may also include the energy demand of one dwelling house per holding in the sizing of the solar panel array, which will greatly benefit farm families during the current energy crisis.

€3million Disability Participation and Awareness Fund

The goal of the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund is to support innovative projects or organisations across Ireland to:

build skills and remove barriers to help people with disabilities take part in their communities,

provide valuable employment experience to people with disabilities, and

support the overall participation of people with disabilities in local activities, in line with the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in communities.

Applications for the 2023 Disability Participation and Awareness Fund will be open until 31 March.

Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant

Claim up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of an electric vehicle home charger unit.

➡️The applicant must be the owner of an eligible new or second-hand electric vehicle (EV).

➡️The EV must be parked on an off-street parking location associated with the home and the charger must be connected back to the fuse board of the home of the applicant.

➡️EVs include Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

➡️The Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), which you can find on your electricity bill, will be used to confirm the location of your home.

St Stephens Green Trust

Supporting Vulnerable Women and Families in the International Protection Process

The programme includes two funding strands and supports work in Ireland and in Northern Ireland. In Strand 1, one-year grants of between €5,000 (£4,500) and €8,000 (£7,500) will be offered to local groups working to improve the living conditions and pathways to support for the target beneficiaries. Strand 2 will welcome applications for up to €20,000 (£17,500) per annum for up to three years from groups working strategically to improve the situation of vulnerable women and families in the long-term.

Deadline: 16th March.

Reminder: Hedge Cutting Deadline!

Cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of vegetation growing in any hedge or ditch is prohibited from March 1st to August 31st.

Hedgerows are exceptionally important for biodiversity, providing food and shelter for animals.

Grants for attendance at Gaeltacht courses

Leitrim Co Board GAA in conjunction with Comhairle Contae Liatroma is offering grants for attendance at Gaeltacht courses to Leitrim boys and girls as part of their promotion of an Ghaeilge. A number of grants for €300 and €200 will be awarded. These grants are open to boys and girls living in County Leitrim.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 16 March 2023. 

Active Citizenship and Equality-based EU Funding Opportunities

The EU’s Citizenship, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme has published calls for proposals for collaborative projects focused on promoting and protecting fundamental rights, rule of law and democracy inside the EU. 

Any nonprofit organisation actively working to promote equality and rights can apply for funding to deliver projects that address the CERV programme’s objectives and priorities. The open calls for proposals include:

•             Network of Towns – deadline: 20/4/2023. This call aims to provide towns and municipalities the opportunity to develop sustainable networks and to outline their long-term vision for the future of European integration.

•             Calls for proposals for capacity-building and awareness raising on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights – deadline: 25/5/2023. This call aims to fund projects that build the capacity of civil society organisations and implement awareness raising activities that increase the knowledge and the use of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, including its gender dimension. 

•             Calls for proposals to protect EU values and rights by combating hate speech and hate crime – deadline: 25/5/2023. This call aims to enable civil society organisations to establish mechanisms of cooperation with public authorities to support the reporting of episodes of hate crime and hate speech and to ensure support to victims of hate speech and hate crime. 

•             Calls for proposals to protect EU values and rights by combating hate speech and hate crime – deadline: 25/5/2023. This call aims to enable civil society organisations to establish mechanisms of cooperation with public authorities to support the reporting of episodes of hate crime and hate speech and to ensure support to victims of hate speech and hate crime. 

•             Call for proposals to promote equality and to fight against racism, xenophobia and discrimination – deadline: 20/6/2023. This call aims to support actions to prevent and combat all forms of intolerance and discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity offline and online, with an emphasis on intersectional approach. 

Community Strand: Decade of Centenaries

Leitrim County Council, together with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is pleased to announce funding under the Community Strand of their Decade of Centenaries programme for 2023.

Applications are being invited from individuals and community groups registered with Leitrim County Council’s Public Participation Network (PPN) as well as local cultural, heritage, historical and sporting institutions throughout County Leitrim. The aim of this commemorative funding is to ensure that proposed events for County Leitrim are commemorated in a respectful, measured and inclusive manner.  The terms of the scheme are based on guidelines issued by the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations.

Further information including guidance notes and application form is available by emailing leitrimlibrary@leitrimcoco.ie or by contacting Leitrim County Library by telephone on 071 9645582.

Closing date for applications is 4pm March 22nd 2023.

Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland launches €63 million for innovators and research.

NPWS Grants for Small Recording Projects 2023

The primary aim of these grants is to support and encourage the current network of naturalists recording in Ireland and to develop the next generation of specialist recorders. Grants are aimed at volunteer, unpaid recorders, or groups, societies and associations of recorders who have limited/no access to financial supports for their work.

Applications are being sought from the recording community for Irish natural history-related projects.  Applications must be submitted to biodiversitypolicy@housing.gov.ie, with NPWS Grants for small recording projects 2023 in the subject field, by 5pm on 31st March 2023. 

Permanent TSB Community Fund

The Community Fund operates all across Ireland and aims to provide €200,000 in fudning to 6 local charities - chosen by you!

Traveller Wellbeing through Creativity 2023

€19 million in Funding Opportunities Unveiled for Innovators and Researchers in Northern and Western Region

Social Welfare Ireland

Groups who qualify for €200 lump sum payment in April.

Community Festival Investment Programme

Leitrim County Council launches their 2023 Festival Investment Programme. This year support will be provided for community festivals and applications are now invited from community & voluntary groups for the development of festivals that encourage a strong sense of community spirit by making significant efforts to be inclusive in the organising of the festival and engagement of the wider community for the events held. 

National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2023

2023 ESB Wind Farm Community Funds

2023 ESB Wind Farm Community Funds are now open for applications until April 26th 2023.

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.
• Covid-19 related supports 

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 have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact SECAD, Elaine Barrett ebarrett@secad.ie or Eilish Walsh ewalsh@secad.ie.

Leitrim County Council 2023 Decade of Centenaries Grant Scheme

Leitrim County Council, together with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media are pleased to announce funding under the Community Strand of their Decade of Centenaries programme for 2023.
Applications are invited for the role of ‘Artist in Residence’ to support Leitrim County Council’s Decade of Centenaries Programme for 2023.
This is a Contract for Service and there is a grant of €15,000 available, inclusive of all travel, materials and other costs associated with the residency.  The successful applicant will be required to work 20 hours per week over a six-month period, commencing in May 2023.  The focus will be on highlighting the importance of Leitrim Library’s local studies collection and bringing the rich store of material held in the collection to life for new audiences.
For further information on how to apply, please email leitrimlibrary@leitrimcoco.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday March 22nd 2023.

The Second Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP II) – Public Consultation

CCBS Research Platform - Call for Contributions 

Fáilte Ireland Consultation

Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with a range of local stakeholders, is developing a Destination & Experience Development Plan (DEDP) for the Upper Shannon, Shannon Erne and Border area.  This will be a five-year tourism destination plan for Cavan, Leitrim and North Roscommon as part of the development of the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region and will complement initiatives emanating from development plans within neighbouring destinations.

A series of workshops / consultations will take place in the coming weeks to give interested individuals, community groups, businesses and local organisations an opportunity to understand and shape the development of tourism in the area. Six events will be hosted at a number of venues and will include an overview of the DEDP process and a discussion on the opportunities to consider in the development of tourism within your community.
Next Consultation:

Tuesday March 14th Mohill Library, Mohill, Co. Leitrim 7pm.

Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Sustainable Tourism

Resident Survey

Please contribute to the Resident Survey to help shape our sustainability actions and plans for you, our future generations and our visitors. The survey will take 5 -7 minutes.

Failte Ireland Support Programmes

Great training is at the heart of a thriving business. Failte Ireland Support Programmes Schedule is already helping to improve the workforce of hundreds of organisations, helping them make better decisions while building for the future.

Do you know what a Health Passport is?

HSE Health Passport Intellectual Disabilities for People with Intellectual Disabilities accessing Healthcare Settings.

A Health Passport lets healthcare staff know all about your abilities and needs.

This will help them give you better care when you are in a healthcare setting.

Climate Action

Is your business making positive steps to support climate action? Learn how to tell your story with Failte Ireland Climate Action Story guide. 

Leitrim Water Safety

 

For those already qualified:

If you’re interested please email leitrim@watersafety.ie.

It is a first come first serve basis.

 

Seachtain na Gaeilge

Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia 1st - 17th Márta (March)

An fhéile Ghaeilge is mó in Éirinn agus ar fud an domhain!

The biggest Irish language festival in Ireland and the world.

Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia is a community festival, with community-organized events. From oícheanta ceoil in the local pub to historical tours trí Ghaeilge through the castles of Ireland, there’s an event for everyone.

AsIAm Autism Information Line

A new telephone information line for the autistic community has been announced.

This initiative is being operated by AsIAm and is part-funded by the HSE.

With HSE support, AsIAm proposes to operate the Information Line for 4 hours per day, 5 days per week.

The aim of the service over a 3-year period is to develop the range of information resources, seminars and programmatic activity of AsIAm so that callers will receive the information and the community-based support they need, in so far as possible, without the need for external referral.

The number 0818 234 234

If you would prefer to email support@asiam.ie.

Creative Communities Open Call Public Information Session

On 7th March from 7-9pm the Leitrim Arts office are hosting a Creative Communities Open Call Public Information Session held in The Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon. This is an opportunity for Community Groups in particular to come along and find out more about the programme.

Perhaps you’ve never heard of Creative Ireland and want to learn more about it, or maybe you’ve already taken part in a Creative Ireland project and would love to develop another one. Whatever the reason, if you plan on coming along, please register on the link here - Creative Communities Info Registration 2023.

St. Patrick's Day Parades in Leitrim

Dromahair        4pm The theme is "We are One."
Mohill                4pm
Ballinamore      4pm
Keshcarrigan    2pm
Manorhamilton 5pm
Tullaghan          2pm Sunday 12th March
Aughavas          12.30pm

Visitation Befriending Volunteers

ALONE are currently looking for visitation befriending volunteers across all areas of Leitrim.  The volunteering role is hugely rewarding as you will be visiting an older person within your own community for 1 hour per week, helping to prevent loneliness and social isolation.

Men's Group starting monthly

Men’s Group starting monthly in the Irish Wheelchair Association, Carrick-on-Shannon from Wednesday 5th April 2023.

Join us for the following programmes:

• Wood turning class
• Vegetables allotments
• Trips out
• Farming trips
• Museum
• Basics of Computers

Most importantly a cuppa and a chat

12-2pm

First Wednesday of every month.

Wednesday 5th April Wood Turning with PJ Wymbs

Contact Jeanette for more details: 0879864818 or email Jeanette.Dolan@iwa.ie

 

2023 Sustainable Development Goals Junior Art Competition

The winning piece of art will be used for the cover of the Voluntary National Review and a selection of the art will be used throughout the report and on social media.

 

All under 18’s are invited to take part and submit their art work based on:

What the Sustainable Development Goals mean to you

or

What Leaving No One Behind means to you

 

Please find attached to this email a note on the art competition – we would really appreciate if you could share this note with your groups, communities and schools…or young people at home who might be interested!

Age Action’s Care and Repair ‘Can we Help’? Initiative

Age Action’s Care and Repair does small DIY jobs, free of charge, for older people to help them maintain their homes and their independence.

If you are a professional working with older people who would benefit from this service, you can download a referral form from www.ageaction.ie

For all queries about this service please contact:

Age Action national line: 0818 911 109

Email: careandrepair@ageaction.ie.

Independent Living Movement Ireland International Women’s Day Event

This is your invitation to Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) International Women’s Day Event 2023: The 7th of March at 7pm, via Zoom.

Join us as we ask ourselves the question “Do we need Equality before Equity?”

The ILMI IWD Celebration event will have some incredible guest speakers and performers which spans the length and breadth of disability culture, fashion, science, business, music and written word.

Please share this invitation within your networks and join us for a Tuesday Night “in” you will never forget.

Dress code is “Night Club” and feel free to have a favourite beverage. Please reply by  email info@ilmi.ie to be on the VIP list!