Cavan Community ENews 12.12.25
- Daniel Downey
- 1 day ago
- 18 min read
Welcome to your weekly ENews. Our news is compiled weekly from our over 500 member groups, partner agencies and funders. The deadline for submitting to cavanppn@gmail.com is noon Wednesdays and we can only take community focused news. Please note that views/items contained within our ENews may not reflect the values/policies of CavanPPN.
Many Thanks, The CavanPPN Team (Aisling, Finian & Daniel). info@cavanppn.ie, CavanPPN, CCLD, Corlurgan, Cavan. H12 X9Y1
CONTENTS
FUNDING
1. FUNDING: Local Enhancement Programme 164,165 For Cavan
2. FUNDING: Arts Council Co-Funding Award
3. FUNDING: Community Climate Action Programme
4. FUNDING: Invasive Species Fund 5. FUNDING: Cavan County Council Arts Awards
6. FUNDING: Heritage Orgs Support Fund 7. FUNDING: EOPD.ie Community Grant
8. FUNDING: Impact Fund
9. FUNDING: Waterways, Heritage & Biodiversity Fund
10. FUNDING: Young Eco Hero Awards
TRAINING
11. TRAINING: Homesteadying Schools Come To Cavan
12. TRAINING: FREE Community Training Courses for PPN Groups
SURVEYS/CONSULTS 13. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Community Energy Interests
14.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Cavan Garden Burd Survey 15. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Ireland's Presidency Priorities 16. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: National Woodlands 17. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Universal Health Cover Consult 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Our Rural Future Survey
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
19. Top Tips On Winter Bird Care From Cavan Birdwatch
20. BorderTalk Storytelling Ends Its Yarns In County Cavan
21. Cavan Christmas Market
22. Mental Health & Wellbeing Upcoming Events
23 Parenting When Seperated Online Event
24. Alzheimer's Society Christmas Jumper Day
25. Christmas Jazz & Jive
26. A Message From Erne Row Boat Club
FUNDING
Local Enhancement Programme 164,165 for Cavan
Ministers Calleary and Buttimer announce new €7 million Local Enhancement Programme 2026
€7 million fund to assist thousands of community groups across the country
Local Enhancement Programme to focus on disadvantaged areas
Supporting community groups a key focus of ‘Our Rural Future’
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, have today (Friday, 5 December) announced €7 million in funding under the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026.
This funding will provide capital supports that are essential for many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas.
There will be a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used for, but is not limited to; improving access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.
The scheme is designed to ensure local priorities are identified and met, to improve and enhance community facilities for all. Funding will be available to a diverse range of community groups including, but not limited to, community centres, parish halls and local voluntary groups.
Applications for funding can be made to the relevant LCDC. Contact details for LCDCs are available at this address.
2. Arts Council Co-Funding Award The Co-funding Award is designed to support Irish arts organisations towards their artistic activities under the European Cooperation Projects and European Platforms strands of the Creative Europe Programme 2021– 27.
Full details can be found at: Co-funding Award 2026 - The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon
Closing date
Thursday 11 December 2025
3. Community Climate Action Programme
Phase 2 of funding under the Community Climate Action Programme is now open for applications. Applications will close at 12 noon on Tuesday 23rd December 2025. Community groups can apply online via the Submit portal: https://submit.link/4da. Groups interested in delivering a climate action project and applying under the fund are asked to contact Tara Smith, Community Climate Action Officer: tarasmith@cavancoco.ie
4. Invasive Species Fund
EU Invasive Alien Species Rapid-Response Fund - Feb 2027
This project will establish the European Invasive Alien Species Rapid-Response Fund, a three year initiative which aims to prevent the establishment and therefore future impacts of biological invasions in the EU.
The specific objectives are to:
• facilitate rapid and cost-effective responses to introductions of alien species that could severely and negatively impact biodiversity and the related ecosystem services, as well as human wellbeing in the EU.
• build capacity with actions to increase the capacity of stakeholders on rapid eradication.
The project must directly address an early-stage invasion of an alien species (i.e. non-native, either breeding or non-breeding) that has a high risk of spread in the near future resulting in negative impacts to biodiversity and related ecosystem services (i.e. become an invasive alien species).
Min. grant: €10,000 Max. grant: €50,000
In order to be eligible for a grant, the Lead Partner must be either a research institution, a Civil Society Organization (CSO1), a Non governmental Organisation (NGO) or government or government-affiliated entity active on the management of IAS in the EU. Partnerships involving governments or government affiliated entities will be strongly encouraged
Deadline: Rolling call to 10th Feb 2027
More info: https://speciesgrants.iucn.org/
5. Cavan County Council Arts Awards
Applications for the Cavan County Council Arts Awards are open!
The Arts Awards are Cavan County Council’s annual funding scheme to support the ongoing development of artists and audiences in County Cavan. See more at The Cavan County Council Arts Awards Are Opening - Cavan County Council
Forms will be available on www.cavanarts.ie and the closing date for completed applications is 8pm on Wednesday, 21st January 2026.
6. Heritage Orgs Support Fund
Heritage Organisations Support Fund - 26th Jan
This fund provides Core funding to non-profit organisations working in Ireland’s heritage sector. If your work has national or regional significance, this fund is here to help you grow stronger and make a lasting impact.
Through this fund, the Heritage Council aims to support organisations to:
Build long-term strength and stability
Plan for the future and grow strategically
Adopt environmentally friendly practices and contribute to climate action
This fund supports core operational work, not standalone projects. It helps heritage organisations to remain stable, plan for the future, invest in staff and governance, and contribute to climate action and public benefit. All funded work should align with the goals of The Heritage Council's Strategic Plan 2023-2028.
Please note Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2026- will open in February
A separate Community Heritage Grant Scheme will open for applications in February 2026 for community/voluntary and not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding for heritage projects. Further details will be available until February 2026. Such projects should NOT be applied for under the Heritage Organisations Support Fund.
Deadline: 5pm 26th January 2026
7. EOPD.ie Community Grant
EOPD.ie Community Grant 2025 - 13th Dec
EOPD.ie is proud to offer Community Grants designed to support initiatives that enhance the health and well-being of people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) across the Republic of Ireland. For 2025, a total fund of €6,000 is available, with individual grants of up to €1,200 per applicant.
Being active can have a profound and positive impact on living well with Parkinson’s—regardless of symptoms or time since diagnosis. The Community Grants programme aims to fund community-based education and outreach projects that address unmet needs within the Parkinson’s community. EOPD.ie’s funding model supports programs that are impactful, scalable, sustainable, and measurable.
Deadline: Saturday 13th December 2025
8- ACORN Fund For Communities
Impact Fund 2025
The Impact Fund 2025 is a two-year fund aimed at supporting innovative, community-led responses to some of the most significant and interrelated challenges affecting communities in Munster and Wexford. These challenges include persistent social exclusion, limited access to employment and wellbeing supports, and increasing vulnerability to environmental risks.
Deadline: 16 January
Find out more here
9- Waterways Heritage & Biodiversity Fund
Community Heritage and Biodiversity Grant Scheme 2026 - Waterways Ireland - 31st Jan
A fund of €20,000 has been allocated to assist community-based projects which complement or fulfil the delivery of the Waterways Ireland Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2030 along the Barrow Navigation, Erne System, Grand Canal, Lower Bann, Royal Canal, Shannon Navigation, Shannon-Erne Waterway, and the Ulster Canal (Upper Lough Erne to Clones).
Applications will be considered from communities seeking assistance for projects that help support the Objectives of the Heritage & Biodiversity Plan 2030:
Objective 1: Develop a solid foundation of high quality and openly accessible waterways heritage and biodiversity knowledge.
Objective 2: Ensure that Waterways Ireland’s management of heritage and biodiversity is integrated across the organisation’s activities and external partnerships, and aligned with the UN SDGs.
Objective 3: Strengthen and support inspiring heritage and biodiversity experiences across our shared waterways.
Deadline: 31st January 2026
10- Young Eco-Hero Awards
2026 International Young Eco-Hero Awards - 28th Feb
Action For Nature are excited to announce that applications for the 2026 International Young Eco-Hero Awards are now open to environmental activists between the ages of 8 and 16.
Action For Nature (AFN), a non-profit organization, created the International Young Eco-Hero Awards to recognize and reward the successful individual environmental initiatives of young people ages 8 to 16. AFN encourages young people around the world to carry out individual environmental action projects. AFN believes that young people can have a positive impact on the environment and are vital in changing the way we live on our planet.
Deadline: 28th February 2026
TRAINING
11- Homesteading School Comes To Cavan
Our Homesteading School is new to the Christmas Cottage Market.
Talented Cavan-based homesteaders are generously sharing their skills and knowledge, and we invite YOU to join, learn, and be inspired. It’s a wonderful way to take part in the Christmas activities whether you're preparing for the Christmas Day feast or creating homemade gifts.
Demonstrations include festive vegan starters, zero-waste Christmas cooking, natural skin rituals, alcohol-free cocktails, homemade bread, and beautiful natural wreaths. Packed with ideas to make your Christmas more creative, sustainable, and fun.
Pre-book your spot.
12- Free Community Training For CavanPPN members Cavan PPN currently has a number of training courses available to our member groups.
They are available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups.
All the courses are online and places are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Examples include:
The Role of the Chair
How to take meeting minutes
… and more!
(Please note: you must be part of a member group of Cavan PPN to avail of these training courses).
For more information, and to register, please click on the link below: Events | Cavan PPN | Public Participation Network
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
13- Energy Survey
"It's a survey CCLD/Fermanagh Trust are carrying out to see where people's interest in energy's lies and based on the survey findings we will be running an workshop on the most popular area" - Mark Stewart
14 - Cavan Garden Bird Survey
Garden Bird Survey (written by branch members)
Encourages people to record the birds that they see in their gardens. Only interested in birds that are actually feeding in the garden so birds that fly over are excluded – flock of starlings flying over. It’s a great way to become more familiar with the birds in your garden and appreciate changes that can occur from week to week and particularly during spells of really cold weather when more birds are likely to visit to avail of food.
You are required to record the highest number of a species at any one time – its not cumulative so it’s the peak count for a species at one time. If on Monday you see two great tits then it’s a count of two, but if on Thursday you see three then the count changes to three. You don’t have to participate every week, but the more you observe from looking out the window the more likely you are to participate and look for more information about bird behaviours or species you are having difficulty identifying. Feel free to contact the Cavan branch of BirdWatch Ireland with queries – cavanbirdwatching@gmail.com
15- Ireland's Presidency Priorities
I would like to draw your attention to the public consultation that was launched earlier this month, which seeks your views and suggestions on the development of Ireland’s Presidency priorities and policy programme.
Information is available at the following link:
I would encourage you to participate, and to share your thoughts before the deadline of Friday 12 December 2025. I would also appreciate if you could share details about this public consultation across your network, so that as many voices as possible are captured.
16- Native Woodland Strategy 2026-2030
Native Woodland Strategy 2026-2030 Public Consultation
Woodlands of Ireland is a partnership-based environmental charity founded in 1998, dedicated to native woodland conservation and expansion. Previously, Woodlands of Ireland, in conjunction with a range of public and private sector stakeholders, had developed a 5-year native woodland strategy for the period 2016 to 2020, which is now overdue for updating. You can view this document here: A Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-2020.
Since that time, grant-aided native woodland establishment has grown to form c.40% of afforestation activity, while the native woodland conservation scheme has struggled to gain significant ground. Here are several factors which need to be considered in an updated strategy for 2026-2030:
Native Woodland Conservation, Climate Resilient Reforestation, Native Forest Establishment, Emergent Woodland, Woodland Improvement Thinning, Continuous Cover Forestry and Neighbourwood grants are some existing funding mechanisms in the RoI Forestry Programme 2023-2027, which support the better management and expansion of woodlands largely composed of native species.
The challenging EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) legally bound woodland targets in the 2026-2030 period (10,000ha of recreated Oak woodland and c.4000 ha of alluvial (wet) woodland by 2030) require planning, implementation and workforce training and development for long-term maintenance in both the public and private sectors.
Opportunities for timber production from native woodland and close to nature silviculture systems applied to them require consideration in a range of sites.
A comprehensive tree cover education and training strategy is needed to achieve the DAFM Forestry Programme, EU Water Framework Directive and EU NRL targets.
Irish Environmental Network (IEN)/ Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) and Public Participation Network (PPN) member groups' input is welcome and essential.
Many new organisations have emerged to populate the fertile ground of native tree cover expansion in recent years and need to be included in this consultation.
To seek input from a diverse range of stakeholders in the creation of this new strategy for native woodlands, Woodlands of Ireland are conducting an online public consultation from now until Friday, 16th January 2026, followed by webinars in February and a March gathering.
To contribute, you can choose one or all of the following options:
(1) Make your views known to Woodlands of Ireland through info@woodlandsofireland.com
(2) Complete the questionnaire at this link by 16th January: https://www.woodlandsofireland.com/nws-consultation-form/
(3) Contribute to webinars in February 2026, dates to be confirmed.
(4) Attend an in-person discussion group in March 2026 focused on the bullet points above and additional points raised from the consultation, location and date to be confirmed.
Links to the Consultation:
17- Universal Health Coverage Consult
Dear Public Participation Networks,
The Future Eligibility Policy Unit (FEPU) of The Department of Health wishes to recruit participants for a series of online focus groups for the Department on the theme of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
FEPU is responsible for setting out a vision for UHC in Ireland and developing proposals, in line with Sláintecare. To inform these considerations they want to hear what people understand about how UHC works and their views on how it could be implemented in Ireland.
In the focus groups, the department would like to hear the views of adults who are low users of health care services. Participants may have a Medical Card, a GP Visit Card, private health insurance, or none of these. To be eligible you must be:
Aged 18+ living in Ireland
A low user of GP and primary care health services
The online focus groups will involve small group discussions of around 5-8 people. IPH researchers will facilitate the focus groups (lasting 60-90 minutes) and they will make sure everyone gets a chance to express their views. The IPH will write a report detailing the anonymised views expressed at the focus groups to give to the Department of Health. The report will not contain names or any details that could identify participants.
As well as the chance to give views to the Department of Health about UHC, participants who take part in the focus groups will receive a €30 One4All gift voucher.
To take part, please see our register of interest form. The form can be accessed via our webpage (www.publichealth.ie/uhc). On this page, you can find an overview of the focus groups and a link to an information leaflet - it is important that people read and understand details about the focus groups before proceeding to the register of interest form (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VXL693P).
If you have any questions, please email michael.adams@publichealth.ie. I would be more than happy to answer any questions or provide further information, should you require.
Thank you for your consideration.
18- Our Rural Future Survey
‘Have Your Say’: Minister Calleary launches final phase of consultation on Our Rural Future
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, TD today launched the final phase of consultation to inform development of the next iteration of Ireland’s rural development policy, Our Rural Future
The new policy will build on the progress already made and will set out a renewed vision and new actions to respond to the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities
Informed by the extensive engagement already undertaken, a consultation document setting out the proposed key themes and priorities for the new policy has been published and written submissions are invited by 12 December 2025
Since its launch in 2021, Our Rural Future has delivered vital investment and supports, strengthened local economies, and improved quality of life across rural Ireland.
The next iteration of Our Rural Future is now being developed to respond to the evolving needs of rural economies and communities. Over recent months, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has engaged extensively with stakeholders and communities across the country to gather views on what matters most for rural Ireland and its people.
The consultation document published on gov.ie/consultations today reflects that engagement. It outlines the proposed key themes and priorities for the new policy and includes a series of suggested consultation questions designed to guide and support interested parties in preparing their submissions.
Launching the Consultation, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, said:
“The launch of this final phase of consultation marks an important milestone in developing the next Our Rural Future policy; a key Programme for Government commitment.
“I want to hear your views on how Government can continue to support rural areas and how we can ensure that national policy responds to the emerging opportunities and challenges faced by rural communities”.
Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, added:
“Rural communities are the heart and soul of our country. The people who live in them understand best what is required to sustain and strengthen the vitality of their towns and villages.
“I have seen first-hand the passion and commitment of people during our consultation events, and we now have another valuable opportunity to ensure that voices from every community are heard. I encourage everyone with an interest in their local community to take part and help shape the next Our Rural Future policy.”
Further detail on how to make a written submission is provided in the document.
The consultation will remain open until 12 December 2025.
Minister Calleary concluded:
“We are committed to building on the success of Our Rural Future and ensuring we make rural Ireland an even better place to live, work, study, and raise a family in the years ahead.”
The Our Rural Future 2026-2031 Consultation Paper is accessible here: Public Consultation: Our Rural Future
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
19- Top Tips For Your Winter Garden Birds From Cavan Birdwatch
Top Garden Feeding Tips:
(this is taken from Don't give your Garden Birds a frosty reception this week! - BirdWatch Ireland, and this link also includes information on types of food that can be left out for birds and its well worth a look)
1. Keep your feeders within a metre or so of trees and hedges where possible – this will help birds find them in the first place, and they’ll feel safer when feeding too because they know shelter is just a short hop away if a hunting Sparrowhawk makes an appearance!
2. As well as food, it’s good to provide water for your garden birds, particularly on cold mornings when natural sources of water are frozen over!
3. Variety is key! If you want a variety of birds, then put out a variety of food-types in a variety of locations. Try a few different things until you find what works best for your garden!
4. Don’t put out any food with mould on it as it will make the birds sick, and can prove fatal! It’s better to put out small amounts of food every few days, rather than filling your feeders to the brim and for some of the food to go mouldy.
5. Clean your feeders regularly to prevent the spread of illness among your garden birds. A dilute bleach solution (5%) is perfect, and dry everything before putting them out again. It can be a good idea to just half-fill your feeders so that you can take them in for a cleaning on a weekly basis. Give your bird bath a regular clean too! The spread of trichomonosis has devastated Greenfinch numbers in Ireland and Britain, and good feeder hygiene is the best way to prevent it.
6. Beware of cats! You’d be shocked at the amount of birds that are lost to cats, and your local cat is probably taking a lot more birds than you realise. Don’t have any bird food on the ground near hedging or flower pots that a cat can be hiding behind, and make sure your feeders are 5-6 feet off the ground as cats can be amazingly agile jumpers when they want to be! The reason you’re feeding your garden birds is to help them get through the winter, so don’t undo your good work by making it easy for cats to catch them!
7. If you have problems with Rooks and Jackdaws, hang your feeders on a length of elastic – the larger birds will be too heavy to land on it without bouncing up and down, and will leave the feeder alone! Also, some of the Squirrel-proof feeders can also be crow-proof!
Gardening for nature (written by branch members)
As winter is a time when people often plan their garden for the following year you could plan with wildlife in mind so that the birds aren't relying solely on the food being provided at feeders. Simple measures that can be taken include: use of climbers, use of native plants, native hedges with fruit like haws & rose-hips, reduce use of pesticides, leave seed heads on flowers, and allow ivy to grow on trees. A garden rich in insects spiders will have grubs and hibernating insects over winter for birds to feed on and can cater to a wider variety of birds than the feeders.
Garden Bird Survey (written by branch members)
Encourages people to record the birds that they see in their gardens. Only interested in birds that are actually feeding in the garden so birds that fly over are excluded – flock of starlings flying over. It’s a great way to become more familiar with the birds in your garden and appreciate changes that can occur from week to week and particularly during spells of really cold weather when more birds are likely to visit to avail of food.
You are required to record the highest number of a species at any one time – its not cumulative so it’s the peak count for a species at one time. If on Monday you see two great tits then it’s a count of two, but if on Thursday you see three then the count changes to three. You don’t have to participate every week, but the more you observe from looking out the window the more likely you are to participate and look for more information about bird behaviours or species you are having difficulty identifying. Feel free to contact the Cavan branch of BirdWatch Ireland with queries – cavanbirdwatching@gmail.com
And I'd attach garden bird survey form.
All the best,
Tom
"protecting birds and biodiversity"
20- BorderTalk Storytelling Ends Its Yarns In County Cavan
Big news!
The Border Talk Project Finale is happening on Saturday, 10th January 2026 at Cavan County Museum, Ballyjamesduff from 1pm – 4:30pm
Expect an afternoon of celebration with:
Live performances from our Border Talk participants
Headline act: the incredible singer & storyteller Colum Sands
Hot food + refreshments And yes… tickets are FREE!
Don’t wait — grab yours now at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1968054821951
We can’t wait to see you there!
21- Cavan Christmas Markey IS COMING
22- Mental Health & Wellbeing Upcoming Events
New Parent Information Leaflet on Alcohol, Drugs and their impact on young people’s mental health – leaflet attached and more details here
This resource has been developed by HSE Connecting for Life and statutory partners in order to help parents and caregivers navigate conversations around alcohol, drug use and mental wellbeing in young people. The resource brings together clear, accessible information on why young people may use substances, how these substances affect the developing brain, and the important role parents play in shaping behaviours. A pdf of the leaflet is attached and a digital version can be accessed here: https://cavanmonaghanconnects.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Alcohol-Drugs-their-impact-on-Young-Peoples-Mental-Health-A5-Leaflet-Nov-2025-Low-Res.pdf
Cavan Monaghan Connects Website and social media platforms. Cavan Monaghan Connects is a regional partnership led by HSE Connecting for Life Cavan Monaghan with Mental Health Ireland, Cavan County Council, Monaghan County Council and local community & statutory partners. The platform provides a trusted hub for mental health and wellbeing information, services, training and local events across Cavan and Monaghan.
· Learn more at https://cavanmonaghanconnects.ie
· For more information or to submit details for sharing, please mail info@cavanmonaghanconnects.ie
· For general enquiries, please contact Odhran O’Brien – odhran@mentalhealthireland.ie
23- Parenting When Seperated Online Programme
24- Alzheimer Society Christmas Jumper Day
Last year’s Alzheimer Society of Ireland Christmas Jumper Day was a fantastic success, helping us raise vital funds for local services here in Cavan.
This year, we’d love for you to join the fun and make it even bigger!
It’s easy:
Simply register online for your free pack!
Pick a date in December and let all your colleagues know.
Put on your festive knit and make a Christmas donation to The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Make it even more fun with some Carol singing, a raffle, and a competition for the best Christmas Jumper – the choice is yours! It’s the perfect way to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
If you have a Christmas Jumper Day, please let me know that you have registered.
I would also love some photos of the fun!!
25- Jazz & Jive This Christmas
26- A Message From Erne Rowing Club
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