Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from Leitrim PPN Staff & Secretariat              

North West Regional Workers Meeting

Roscommon PPN hosted the final North West Regional Workers Meeting of 2023, this is a peer support network to raise the profile of the PPN at a regional level.  

The purpose of the network is to provide a forum for the  functioning of local PPN's at a regional level to address common issues or concerns with a view to identifying possible solutions by consultation and problem solving.

Pictured are members of our regional workers from our surrounding counties.

 

Good Relations & Collaboration with Local & National Bodies

The work of the Leitrim Public Participation Network has been enhanced by the good relations and collaboration with other agencies and organisations, Leitrim Development Company, Leitrim County Council, Department of Rural and Community Development, Leitrim Volunteer Centre and all of the above is ongoing.

Leitrim PPN Staff & Secretariat wish you all a very Happy Christmas and look forward to 2024

• It was a very busy year for Leitrim PPN:

   

  In summary:-

  • Leitrim PPN increased its membership by 14.5%
  • Re- Registered all member groups
  • Leitrim PPN re-developed a new website
  • Set up 3 Linkage groups
  • Held 11 Linkage Group Meetings
  • 11 facilitators trained for Linkage Groups
  • 131 Member groups availed of free training
  • Held 2 Plenary meetings (gathering of all member groups)
  • Circulated 24 e bulletins
  • Circulated 47 consultations
  • Circulated 37 surveys
  • Circulated 210 funding opportunities
  • Increased social media presence
  • 15 items in local paper (Leitrim Observer)
  • Attended 16 Outreach events
  • Attended 11 National & Regional Workers meetings
  • 6 Secretariat meetings held
  • 11 PPN vacancies filled for various board and committees
  • 39 Reps sat on 13 boards & committees
  • Sponsorship of 2 sections in Love Where You Live Awards
  • Judged 20 member groups for Love Where You Live Awards
  • Networking & collaboration locally, regionally & nationally with relevant stakeholders
  • Continue to highlight our work and the work of member groups at every appropriate opportunity.

Submissions & Consultations

• In 2023 Leitrim PPN were involved in the following:-

   

  • Leitrim Recreation Strategy
  • Failte Ireland - Destination & Experience Development Plan (DEDP) for the Upper Shannon, Shannon Erne and Border area – PPN attended consultations
  • Leader Consultations
  • PeacePlus Consultations
  • DRCD Research Focus Group - Training needs of small community groups
  • Leitrim County Council Climate Action Plan Consultations & Funding Workshops

Series of Linkage Group Meetings

Our final series of Linkage Group meetings for 2023 took place.  2023 was a successful year for establishing Linkage Groups.

Leitrim PPN staff & secretariat would like to thank all the facilitators who availed of the free training and commit to volunteering this role for three years.  Huge thank you to Liam Scollan for his assistance in setting up the Linkage Groups and facilitating the meetings in 2023.

 

We look forward to 2024.

E-bulletin Information

If you would like an item included in our fortnightly e-bulletin going forward, you can submit it through our website – get in touch – Upload your event poster and we will circulate to almost 400 groups in Leitrim.

You can view and download all our newsletters from Leitrim PPN website here:

Just scroll to latest News and download any e-bulletin – packed full of useful information!

Useful info for your Community Group 

If you wish to establish or operate a charity in Ireland there are a number of steps to take and matters to consider.

Are you passionate about communication & farming, farmers and rural areas?

Then make sure you apply for the Information Measures for the Common Agricultural Policy (IMCAP) grants.

 

Deadline: 9th January 2024

Community Climate Action Fund

Expression of Interest Applications are now open for the Community Climate Action Fund.

Enquiries to communityclimateaction@leitrimcoco.ie.

 

Deadline: Wednesday 28th February 2024

 

Leitrim Sports Star Awards 2023

The 12th annual ‘Leitrim Sports Star Awards’ will take place on Saturday 10th February 2024 in the Lough Rynn Castle Hotel. The purpose of the awards is to acknowledge Individuals, Sports Clubs, Teams, Schools and Community Volunteers for their outstanding contributions to and achievements in sport and recreation in Leitrim. The awards night is organised by Leitrim Sports Partnership with a four-course meal, followed by the awards and other entertainment and prizes throughout the night.

Local Enhancement Programme 2024

€6 million in capital funding has been announced under the Local Enhancement Programme 2024.

 

This funding will provide capital supports essential for many small community groups, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas.

 

LCDC Area DRCD €99,775.36        LEP Allocation Women’s Groups €19,955.07  Total Allocation Leitrim €119,730.43

 

Introduction of a new pilot Nurturing Skills Learner Fund

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, has today announced the introduction of a new Nurturing Skills Learner Fund on a pilot basis, co-funded by the European Union through the EIST programme 2021 to 2027.

The new Nurturing Skills Learner Fund will support early years educators to undertake approved degree-level qualifications while continuing to work in the early learning and care (ELC) sector. It aims to help achieve the Government objective of achieving a graduate-led workforce in ELC services by 2028.

Increase your impact: Become a Partner of the European Climate Pact

The Climate Pact Partnerships Team on behalf of the European Climate Pact Secretariat are pleased to announce that the call for the European Climate Pact Partners is now open.

If your organisation is eager to address the climate crisis and contribute to a sustainable future, it could be an ideal candidate to become a European Climate Pact Partner.   

 

The European Climate Pact promotes collaboration among people and organisations, establishing a platform to exchange innovative ideas, resources, and best practices in the joint effort to tackle climate change.   

 

By becoming a Partner of the Climate Pact, your organisation can gain recognition for its climate action, showcase its achievements, engage with the Climate Pact community by participating in networking and peer-to-peer learning events, and access resources on the Climate Pact Knowledge Hub. It is a chance to lead by example and inspire others to act. 

 

How to apply

Deadline: 5 January 2024

 

If you are interested, find out more about the criteria and submit your application below.

 

For any questions, contact partnerships@euclimatepact.eu.   

Community Monuments Fund 2024

Funding is prioritized for local authorities, private owners and custodians and community groups for the care, conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments.

Total funding available nationally for projects under Community Monuments Fund 2024 will be €7,000,000 .

The Community Monuments Fund invests in archaeological heritage and helps owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public.

How to Apply

For private applicants or community groups who are owners/custodians of archaeological monuments, Application Form CMF/A must be completed and submitted to the Local Authority on a date specified by the LA, which should be no later than 1 February 2024.

Application Form CMF/A must be completed fully and returned by the Local Authority (or State-funded organisation) to cmf@housing.gov.ie by close of business on Tuesday 14 February 2024.

INTERREG IVB - Northern PERIPHERY and ARTIC Programme

Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme has provided a framework for regions to work together with a focus on promoting sustainable development in remote and sparsely populated communities.

Regions of MAYO, LIMERICK,SLIGO, LEITRIM, KERRY GALWAY CLARE, CORK, DONEGAL can apply for this grant.

 

The funding available for projects has been distributed as follows:

Priority 1 Innovation capacity: 45%

Priority 2 Climate change and resource sufficiency: 45%

Priority 3 Cooperation opportunities: 10%

At least 3 programme partner countries, at least one of which is from an EU Member State.

 

Funding available: €200.000 to €1.500.000

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.

€2m contract for habitats and biodiversity programme

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is seeking to establish a monitoring and evaluation programme for habitats and biodiversity

 

DAFM is also currently inviting tenders for a contract to undertake an evaluation of the impact of schemes in the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, air quality and soil carbon levels.

 

The contract, which is expected to begin in Q1 2024, is worth an estimated €100,000, excluding VAT.

Horizon Europe - Cluster 5

The role of social economy in addressing social exclusion, providing quality jobs and greater sustainability.

Deadline: 7 February 2024

The Festival of the New European Bauhaus

The European Commission invites you to be part of the second New European Bauhaus Festival. The event will take place in Brussels in April 2024, accompanied by independent Satellite Events across European Union and beyond.

You can participate or contribute to The Festival in more than one ways:

• By showcasing your project or prototype,
• Taking part in festival’s art and culture program,
• Organising an independent satellite event, or
• Becoming a media partner

Colmcille Small Grants Scheme 2023

Colmcille Small Grants Scheme

For promoting a project or partnership with Scotland.

 

Deadline: 31st December

€45m Capital Grant for the Early Learning and Childcare Sector

• €45m announced under the Building Blocks - Capacity Grant
• Grants in early 2024 for Early Learning and Childcare Services to expand their capacity by means of internal renovations
• Grants from mid-2024 for Early Learning and Childcare Services to deliver larger scale extensions to their premises by the end of 2025
• Targeted Grant will deliver thousands of Early Learning and Childcare places in areas of undersupply

ACRES Tranche 2

***Closing Soon***

 

ACRES Tranche 2 closing Wednesday 13th December 2023 - €7000 per annum available (€10500 for farmers in Co-operation zones) - only 4000 places available so get in touch immediately to secure a place.

Organic Farming Scheme closing Friday 15th December 2023 - €2000 per year available for the first 2 years of being in Scheme (€1400 per year after that) - Large payments per Hectare available.

 

Contact Ciarán on 086 074 6413 or info@cmfagri.ie for more information

Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2024 

Minister Joe O’Brien publishes the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2024
€47.6 million in funding to help address disadvantage

Minister of State for Community Development, Integration and Charities Joe O’Brien TD has announced funding of €47.6 million from the Dormant Accounts Fund to address disadvantage right across the country.
The Minister made the announcement while launching the 2024 Dormant Accounts Action Plan at the “BoxUp” project in Rush, Co Dublin.
BoxUp, supported by Sport Ireland through the Dormant Accounts Fund, is a free equipment sharing solution that aims to tackle inequality in sport by providing free access to sporting equipment.

The Dormant Accounts Fund can be used to fund measures that address economic, social, or educational disadvantage and to support people with a disability. The 2024 Action Plan allocates funding of €47.6 million to 52 measures to be
delivered across 11 Government Departments.

Cash grants for Leitrim companies and community groups available in December

The RISE Community Fund is giving €1000 cash grants to empower the digital strategies of businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises across County Leitrim

 

December 1, 2023: The RISE Community Fund has announced that applications for its grants to small businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises are open throughout December in County Leitrim.

 

Established by Granahan McCourt and National Broadband Ireland (NBI), RISE is providing monthly grants across the country for rural community organisations seeking to boost their digital ecosystems. The fund is further supported by corporate sponsors including KN Circet, KPMG, Test Triangle, DreamDev Technologies, and TLI Group.

Awarding up to five grants of €1000 in December to successful applicants across the county, the RISE Community Fund is hoping to empower people’s plans to use technology.

 

David McCourt, Chairman of NBI and founder of RISE, commented: “The RISE Community Fund is calling on small businesses, farms, schools, social enterprises, community groups and Broadband Connection Points in Leitrim to submit their plans to use technology in creative and entrepreneurial ways to deliver maximum impact. We know there are some amazing people doing extraordinary things to bring value to their local communities, and we’re hoping to accelerate and scale their ambitions with the support of these grants.”

Peter Hendrick, CEO of NBI, added: “At NBI, we’re on a mission to connect over 1.1 million people in rural Ireland who don’t have access to high-speed broadband to a world-class, superfast network. Whilst connectivity is a vital utility and a critical first step, it alone can’t solve all of the challenges for businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises trying to expand the positive impact they’re able to have - both to the local community, and to the wider economy. That’s why we’re incredibly excited to engage local communities with the RISE Community Fund and celebrate innovative uses of technology across Leitrim.”

 

Applications for the cash grants open on 1st December 2023 and close on 31st December 2023. “The application process has been made incredibly quick and easy, and successful applicants will be notified by early January, with money following in quick succession. We can’t wait to see the entrepreneurial ideas from Leitrim,” said Orla O’Malley, Programme Director at RISE.

Glenfarne Wood Project 2023-C-006

Public Notice - Part 8: Leitrim County Council in partnership with Coilte propose to develop the recreational offering of Glenfarne Wood to include a floating boardwalk from the shoreline to Bilberry Island and back, a treelined panoramic platform, over 3km of new greenway, enhanced car parking facilities, a trail head building and event space, a playground and sensory garden, a native tree arboretum trail, forest bathing locations and an open water swimming changing place.

 

Submissions can be made until 4.00pm on Monday 29th January 2024.

‘A Public consultation on proposed amendments to the Access to Information on the Environment (AIE) Regulations 2007-2018’

Sharing a consultation on behalf of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications that could be of interest to you.

Drumshanbo Town Centre Regeneration Project 2023-C-005

Public Notice - Part 8: Leitrim County Council proposes to undertake development works in Drumshanbo.

 

Submissions can be made until 4.00pm on Friday 26th January 2024.

National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, T.D. has launched a public consultation to further inform the development of Ireland’s new National Social Enterprise Policy .

 

A process of consultation has already been completed which gathered the views of social enterprises, their representative bodies, funders, as well as other public bodies and stakeholders.

 

Now The Department of Rural and Community Development wish to hear from you, the public, as well as any other interested parties, to ensure all views are heard . We’d also welcome your suggestions on a name for the policy that captures its vision and ambition for social enterprise.

Part 8 Public Notice Housing Development at Keshcarrigan

Part 8 - Public Notice Leitrim County Council propose to construct a new two storey building at Keshcarrigan Td, Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim. The new development will consist of 4 no. 1 bed units, connect to existing public services and all ancillary and associated works.

 

Submissions can be made until 4.00 p.m. on Friday 02nd February 2024.

Online Funding Workshop for Musicians Aged 50+

First Music Contact worked in collaboration with Age & Opportunity to survey professional musicians aged 50 & over, working in Ireland, to assess their needs and to hear about their experiences as they move forward in their careers.

 

One of the main areas of professional development that emerged from this survey was the need for more information on the funding and supports available for arts practices. In response, Age & Opportunity and First Music Contact are delighted to announce an online workshop on the topic of funding and bursaries with speakers from Kilkenny Arts Office, The Arts Council and Culture Ireland taking place online this December.

 

The online workshop will take place on Wednesday 13th December at 3pm.

 

Learn more about different funding streams and opportunities available, and have any questions you have about when and how to apply answered.

Please note that while this workshop is of course open to everyone regardless of age, the content will be tailored somewhat to the experiences of those in the 50+ age bracket.

 

Age & Opportunity is the national organisation that provides a range of opportunities for older people who want to get more involved in arts and culture, sport and physical activity, civic engagement and personal development. Their arts programme aims to create greater access to, and representation in, the arts for older people by supporting artists, arts participants and organisations.

Online Farm Safety Training for all

Farm Family CPD aims to deliver online farm safety training to all generations of the family living and working on the farm throughout Ireland.

 

 

People can sign up for free until the 13th of December.

4 Steps in Saving a Life During a Cardiac Arrest 

Irish Heart Foundation wants to spread awareness of 4 vital steps to take during a cardiac arrest:

 

Check: is the person responding or breathing normally?

 

Call: 112 or 999 and listen carefully to the instructions the ambulance call taker provides. 

 

Compress: start pressing on the centre of the patient’s chest at a speed of 100-120 compressions per minute and at a depth of two inches or 5cms. 

 

Shock: If someone is with you send them to get the nearest AED and get it onto the chest as quickly as possible.

Send Love to someone in a care home anywhere in Ireland! 

This Christmas An Post are offering FREE post to care homes in which you can send up to 1kg for free.

 

Don't have anyone to send to?

Carrick Tidy Towns Ash Trees Conservation Project

The Carrick Tidy Towns Ash Trees Conservation Project was set up to recognise healthy Ash trees, preserving them, their saplings and their seeds.

The Goal Mile

The GOAL Mile is a wonderful event, suitable for all ages and abilities! GOAL are hoping to increase the number of people organising and participating in a Mile this year. While most GOAL Miles take place on Christmas Day, a Mile can be organised any time in December. 

This year has been particularly challenging with climate disasters and conflict leaving over 100 million people displaced. All funds raised through the GOAL Mile will be used to support GOAL's work around the world (from East Africa to Palestine).

 

Please use the hash tags #GOALMile and #ThatsWhatGOALiesDo

Save Our Holly

Buying Christmas Holly?

Do you know where it came from?

Please do not buy it unless you can be sure it has been ethically and sustainably sourced.

Holly is an important native tree.

Holly trees are either male or female.  Only female holly trees have berries.

In Spring, the flowers provide nectar for our wild bee species.

In Winter, the berries are food for birds.

Sadly as Christmas time many entire female Holly trees are stolen to supply the trade.

Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day

The North Leitrim Men's Group will be hosting Christmas Dinner in BeePark Community Centre for anyone who is isolated, alone or just wants some company on Christmas Day. It is open to men and women. Please contact 071 98 55347 if you would like to attend. The more the merrier!

 

 

Food will be provided by John and all the team at Our Lady's Hospital, Manorhamilton.

Ask The Farmer Q&A With Leitrim Farmer, James Gilmartin

James Gilmartin is a 7th generation farmer, who farms alongside his father in North County Leitrim. James runs a mixed organic farm. He keeps a suckler herd and a small herd of Dexters, as well as a small flock of sheep. He keeps a bees and chickens too, producing honey and eggs for local customers. As a farmer, James doesn’t want to push the land beyond its natural capability, thus low stocking density, low external inputs and extensive management of the land are crucial elements of his farming system. Through the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme, James is just one of a few farmers currently trialling NoFence cattle collars to deliver targeted grazing in an upland setting. He has installed PV panels on the shed roof. There is a small pond on the farm and James enjoys planting trees and hedges on the farm every year.

You can join James on Zoom on Tuesday 12th December - 8pm, just register below.

Sustainable Funding Must Follow 8% Wage Agreement, Say Public Service Voluntary
Bodies 

The Coalition* of community and voluntary organisations delivering essential health and public services on behalf of the state has welcomed acceptance of an 8% pay increase for staff, negotiated in talks between trade unions and the government in October. It says it is a first step in government recognition of a two-tier model of funding for essential public services.
*The Coalition of community and voluntary organisations delivering essential health and public services on behalf of the state includes:
• Coalition of Túsla Funded Organisations
• Disability Federation of Ireland
• Dublin Homeless Network
• Family Resource Centres National Forum
• Mental Health Reform
• National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers
• National Voluntary Drug and Alcohol Sector
• Simon Communities of Ireland
• The Wheel

Support Social This Christmas

Are you looking to give meaningful gifts this Christmas? You can make a difference with the Rethink Ireland gift guide featuring products from social enterprises.
Social enterprises offer unique gifts, experiences, and services with much more than
monetary value. Choosing to support a social enterprise creates a ripple effect, transforming the lives of individuals and communities across Ireland. 

6 Tips On Managing Stress and Anxiety During the Festive Season

The festive season can offer many moments of joy and happiness; however, it can also be fraught with tension, stress, and anxiety. Here are five practical and manageable tips to help you have a happier festive season.  

New Podcast with Mental Health Ireland CEO, Stress Control Online & Upcoming
Webinars 

HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, Episode 31 – Mental Health Ireland
In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox talks to Martin Rogan, the CEO of Mental Health Ireland. They discuss the organisation's work in promoting mental health and wellbeing, the importance of collaboration and 19 understanding in mental health promotion, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. Martin emphasises the need for a holistic approach to mental health and highlights the fundamental role of parenting. He tells us about the coproduction model utilised by Mental Health Ireland and the priority of engaging with people with lived experience of mental health, to inform all their developments.
He also shares his insights into successful mental health promotion research and models implemented in other countries. Martin is also working with the Department of Health on their Mental Health Promotion Plan and shares his insights into that work. It all makes for an uplifting and engaging conversation about mental wellbeing.

Listen and follow wherever you get your Podcasts or on the HSE Health and Wellbeing YouTube channel. 

14 Tips To Respond To Hate In Your Community

Like many, our thoughts are with the injured children, their carer, the emergency services, the gardai and everyone affected by the unprecedented violence in Dublin this week.
We cannot allow those whose only motivation is to spread discord and division to prevail.
Hope and Courage has developed a quick resource to support you with 10 steps you can take if hate and extremism enters your community.