Cavan Community ENews 13.6.25
- Daniel Downey
- Jun 11
- 24 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: Heritage Week Small Grants
2. FUNDING: 2 Council Grants ***DEADLINE THIS WEEK***
3. FUNDING: Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
4. FUNDING: AIB Community Fund 5. FUNDING: Shared Island Civic Society Fund
6. FUNDING: Culture Night Open Call 7. FUNDING: Heritage Keepers Program For Schools
8. FUNDING: SE Systems Community Fund
9. FUNDING: Community Colours Campaign
10. FUNDING: Community Recognition Fund News
TRAINING
11. TRAINING: FREE TRAINING FOR CAVANPPN MEMBERS
12. TRAINING: NALA Plain English Training
13. TRAINING: Wildlife Rehabilitation Training
14. TRAINING: Free Chair Yoga Class
15. TRAINING: Upskill Your Birdskills with Birdwatch Ireland's New App
SURVEYS/CONSULTS 16. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: IOLN Regional Activism/Action Survey 17. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Romanian Community of Ireland Survey 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Call To Identify Bathing Waters In Cavan 19. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Dance Connects Survey 20. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Show Your Support In This LEADER Petition/Survey 21. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: National Recycling Bin Survey
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
22. Cavan Monaghan Connects Launch
23. Men's Health Week
24. Retrofit June Newsleter
25. Art of Life Workshops
26. Thanks from The Summer Cottage Market (leave a review)
27- Birdwatch Cavan National Reserve Visit This Weekend
28- Cavan Older Person's Info Roadshow
29- Parenting Plus in Mullagh Hall
30- Host a Cuppa For Climate
31- Do You Provide Supports For Adults with Disabilities in Cavan?
32- Houses, Not Hazards Photo Exhibit
33- Good Governance 2025 Awards
34- Cavan Community Seminar NEXT WEEK
35- Community Meitheal in Cootehill
36- Tackling Health Inequality
37- Storytelling Circle in Cavan Town Hall From Next Month On
38- Irish Environmental Network Newsletter
39- Lifelong Learning Carnival School
FUNDING
Heritage Week Small Grants
This year Heritage Week’s theme ‘Exploring Our Foundations’ invites us to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us and takes place from 16th – 24th August 2025.
A small grant scheme will be in place to assist towards the cost of your Heritage Week events.
Applications to be returned by Friday 27th June, 2025
Before submitting application, please register your event on National Heritage Week event details:- Organise an Event or Project | National Heritage Week 16th – 24th August 2025
2. Two Council Grants OPEN Now-1 Week To APPLY!!!
PLEASE NOTE: THERE HAS BEEN AN EXTENSION PLACED ON THESE UNTIL JUNE 13th CLOSING DATE TODAY!!!!!!!
(i) The Festival and Events Grant Scheme provides financial assistance to groups and organisations engaged in festivals or events at a local level.
The emphasis of the scheme is on providing funding for a diverse range of projects thus ensuring that the limited financial resources available are used to the maximum benefit of the community at large. The maximum grant will not exceed €1,000.
How to apply: Eligible groups can apply online through the Council’s website at www.cavancoco.ie/community-grants.
Please note that this scheme is retrospective. The festival or event must be between the period of 1 st
May 2025 –1 st November 2025.
Any queries please contact Kimberly Tweedie on 049 437 8588 or by email ktweedie@cavancoco.ie.
Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 13th June 2025 at 5pm.
Late applications will not be accepted.
(ii) Community and Voluntary Grant Scheme 2025
The members of Cavan County Council have created a funding scheme in each of the three
Municipal District areas for the purpose of supporting community groups in delivering and
promoting projects in their areas such as small-scale amenity projects, purchase of equipment for
community halls/groups, materials, etc.
This scheme is aimed at groups who have limited fund raising opportunities and the majority of
grants awarded are in the region of €500. The maximum grant awarded will be €2,000.
How to apply
Eligible groups can apply online through the Council’s website at www.cavancoco.ie/community-grants.
Any queries please contact Kimberly Tweedie on 049 437 8588 or by email ktweedie@cavancoco.ie.
Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 13th June 2025 at 5pm.
Late applications will not be accepted.
3. Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
The Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme offers financial supports – provided by Sport Ireland – to local clubs, groups and organisations, nationwide who promote increased participation in recreational sport or physical activity for older people.
Some of the Sport Initiatives supported are:
Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
Offers financial supports to local clubs, groups and organisations, nationwide.
FitLine
A telephone mentoring service which encourages callers to start getting more active- we’re only a phone call away!
Physical Activity Leaders
An education and peer leadership initiative which trains older people how to lead sport and activity sessions in their local groups and communities.
CarePALS
Trains those working in care settings to lead suitable physical activities.
People with intellectual disability Physical Activity Leaders
Enabling people with intellectual disability (ID) to become physical activity leaders.
Walking Football initiative
An Age & Opportunity initiative for older men that is great craic and good for general health and wellbeing.
European Week of Sport
Promoting sport and physical activity across Europe.
Go For Life Games
Teams from all over Ireland coming together to take part in a national day of sport in June every year.
4. AIB Community Fund
AIB Community €1 Million Fund
The AIB Community €1 Million Fund enables customers, the public and our employees to support the local charities that matter most to them, within their region. The Fund supports charities across six regions in Ireland, Northern Ireland & Great Britain.
AIB will once again allocate €700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the community, while €300,000 will be donated to charities chosen by employees.
The 2025 AIB Community €1 Million Fund will open for nominations from 14 May for six weeks, closing on 25 June. Community Fund
5. Shared Island Civic Society Fund Open
Shared Island Civic Society Fund
The Shared Island Civic Society Fund is an initiative to promote practical North-South cooperation and engagement through increased cross-border civic society connections.
Deadline: 27 June Shared Island Civic Society Fund
6. Culture Night Applications Welcome
Cavan County Council are pleased to confirm that Culture Night will take place on Friday September 19th, 2025, from 4pm till late and are looking for expressions of interest to participate. Culture Night is an annual all-island public event that celebrates culture, creativity, and the arts. On that evening, venues and events are available to the public Free of Charge.
Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council; it is a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day. It is delivered nationwide in cities, towns, villages, and rural locations as well as online and through our media partners.
Priority will be given to projects that fulfil at least one of these criteria:
that consider culture and creativity in a wide sense to include underrepresented cultural expression and new voices.
that are of high artistic ambition, with cognisance for inclusivity, sustainability and accessibility, in line with the Arts Council Equality, Human Rights and Diversity Policy.
that encourage more people to visit cultural venues, learn about local heritage and experience culture in their locality.
We will be funding several key events to the amount of €500 - €1700 across the County, that engage directly with the priorities of Culture Night as outlined above. It may not be possible to offer funding to all applicants and it may also not be possible to offer the full amount requested to any individual applicant. Please ensure that all relevant information is included in your application, including the proposed budget for the event.
Closing Sunday 15th June 11pm
If you have queries about the application process, please contact:
Marina Harten: mharten@cavancoco.ie Tel: +353 49 437 8559
Emma O’Brien: eobrien@cavancoco.ie Tel: +353 49 437 8551
7. Heritage Keepers Program For Schools
Heritage Keepers is a free national programme open to senior classes (5th and 6th) in primary schools and to community groups that enables you to discover your local built, cultural and natural heritage. Over five 2-hour workshops you will explore the heritage in your local place and then plan a funded action to enhance that place.
Have fun, learn something new, make a difference – become a Heritage Keeper!
Deadline: Tuesday 30th September 2025
More info: https://heritagekeepers.ie/
8- SE Systems Community Fund
We are pleased to share that the SE Systems Community Fund is now open to all.
This initiative offers €500,000 in funding to support not-for-profit organisations across Ireland in delivering sustainable energy improvements to their community buildings.
The fund is designed to help reduce operational costs, cut energy bills, lower carbon emissions, and improve energy resilience for local services that are often under financial pressure.
We’re reaching out to ask for your support in sharing this opportunity with organisations in your network who may benefit from it.
Applications open on 27th of May until 18th July 2025, and eligible upgrades include insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, lighting improvements and more.
9- Community Colours Campaign To mark 75 years of colour, creativity, and community, Fleetwood are thrilled to relaunch it's Community Colours campaign – with an even bigger splash!
From now until the end of June, 75 community groups and clubs will each receive up to €1,000 worth of Fleetwood paint – whether it’s to brighten a town hall, refresh a sports clubhouse, spruce up a Scout den, or add new life to a Women’s or Men’s Shed.
Deadline: 31 June
How to Enter
Buy any Fleetwood product no minimum spend required. Paint, brushes, accessories – it all counts!
Scan the QR code on in-store posters, via links on Fleetwood's social media or click here
Upload your proof of purchase receipt and nominate your chosen club, group or community.
10- Community Recognition Fund News
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, along with his colleague the Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Thursday 5th June 2025) announced over €17 million to deliver 212 community projects across the country through the Community Recognition Fund.
A copy of the press release can be viewed here. Approved projects list attached.
We will be issuing Letters of Offer, Funding Agreements, and associated material in the coming days.
As of Tuesday 3rd June, the Department name has been updated to “The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht”. As such our email addresses have been updated with “g” after “drcd". For example crf@drcdg.gov.ie Please update any email address you may use for DRCD to DRCDG.
I would once again like to thank all Local Authority officials for their ongoing support with the administration of the Community Recognition Fund.
TRAINING
11- FREE TRAINING FOR CAVANPPN MEMBERS
Cavan PPN is delighted to present a number of training courses to our member groups. These are provided by The Carmichael Centre and are available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups.
(Please note: you must be part of a member group of Cavan PPN to avail of these training courses).
All the courses are online and self-paced (with a period of access to each course).
We have a limited number of places on the following courses.
The Role of the Chairperson
How to Take Meeting Minutes
The Role of the Treasurer
Financial Management for Non-Profits
Risk Management
For more information, and to register, please click here.
12-NALA Plain English Training
Plain English training
Do you want to make sure you are communicating as clearly and effectively as possible?
Are you sometimes frustrated answering the same questions because the information to staff or service users is not clear enough?
Do you find it difficult to develop clear reports, policies, promotional, training or web materials?
Do you want to get quality training in how best to communicate, provided by leaders in plain English editing and training?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then our online Plain English training, events and resources are for you.
NALA's online open training is 4-hours long and covers the basic principles of Plain English. You will review case studies, do exercises and get lots of practical tips. It costs €130 person or €110 per person for NALA members or community and voluntary organisations.
13- Wildlife Rehabilitation Training Two fantastic courses for the wildlife rehabilitation community coming this autumn as part of Wildlife Rehabilitation Irelands 2025 educational programme.
October & November
Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation Course - Oct 11th & 12th - Meath - More info
Advanced Wildlife Veterinary Treatment Course - Nov 22nd & 23rd - Tipperary - More info
14- Free Chair Yoga Class
15- Upskill Yourself with Birdwatch Ireland's New APP
BirdWatch Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of its first ever app! Birds of Ireland Field Guide is available both on the Apple App Store for iOS and on the Google Play Store for Android.
Produced by renowned developer Sunbird Images, we are very proud of this new app, which is a truly comprehensive guide to all of the 492 bird species ever recorded in Ireland. All regularly occurring Irish bird species are included in the free version, while over 260 additional rare vagrant species can be unlocked with an annual subscription.
The free version of the app includes:
- High-quality identification plates for all regularly occurring Irish bird species
- In-depth species profiles (habitat, behaviour, status & more)
- Bird names in 20 languages (including Irish)
- Manual ID tool
- ‘Similar species’ tool
- Side-by-side comparison of up to 8 species (up to 16 on tablets)
- European range maps
- The ability to create and export lists of personal sightings
You can also choose to unlock the app’s full potential with optional premium paid features:
- Use cutting-edge AI to identify birds by sound or photo – automatically and instantly
- Access over 1,140 bird calls and songs, plus video clips showcasing typical behaviour
- Explore lifelike 3D bird models and view species life-sized in your environment using Augmented Reality
The Bird Bundle Ireland add-on also includes egg images for all native breeding birds and custom-made Irish distribution maps
Apple App Store link for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/birds-of-ireland-field-guide/id6743699372
Google Play Store link for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sunbirdimages.birds_ie_gold&hl=en
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
16- IOLN Regional Action/Activism Survey
Survey on Regional Action/Activism
The Irish Ocean Literacy Network (IOLN) Regional Action and Activism Working Group is inviting environmental groups to participate in a short survey aimed at understanding the types of ocean activism/activities across the island of Ireland, and identifying the common themes and motivations among groups. How do you get involved in working for our oceans, and what drives you to do this? And also - how can the IOLN support and build capacity for your group?
Our goal is to use this information to support coastal communities in strengthening their knowledge, awareness and engagement with the ocean.
If you could spare a few minutes (10 at the most!) to fill in this survey, or to pass it on to others, we'd be very grateful.
The survey closes on the 23rd of June.
17- Romanian Community of Ireland Survey
We, the Romanian Community of Ireland, are getting in touch to kindly ask that you help promote the survey below to the PPN member groups from the local community in Cavan.
Since its establishment in 1998, the Romanian Community of Ireland (RCI) has organised many events to promote Romanian culture, enhance integration initiatives for all ages, provide information and signpost the community towards helpful resources and opportunities to participate. In October 2023, in recognition of the organisation’s long standing achievements, RCI was awarded the Medal of Cultural Merit by the Romanian President, Klaus Johannis.
However, we are acutely aware that the demographic profile and needs of the Romanian diaspora in Ireland are rapidly changing. According to the latest Census 2022 figures, there are more than 42,460 Romanians living in Ireland, which represents an increase of more than 67%% since the 2016 census.
The Romanian Community of Ireland wishes to explore and capture this change and would need your support to promote a survey for the Romanian speaking community in Ireland, which includes and is not limited to Romanian and Moldovan nationals, members of the Roma community and anyone living in Ireland who speaks Romanian.
The survey is anonymous. It takes 7-10 minutes to complete and is in Romanian (a summary in English is attached). The closing date for the survey is the 22nd of June 2025.
Survey link:
18- Call To Identify Areas for Bathing Waters In County Cavan
Public Notice: Public participation in the identification of ‘bathing waters’ under the Bathing Waters Directive 2006/7 EC of 15th February 2006 and the Bathing Water Quality Regulations SI 79 of 2008
All 31 city and county councils are inviting public participation in the identification of Bathing Waters under the Bathing Waters Directive and the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 (SI No 79 of 2008).
The Directive requires that water quality at all identified bathing waters meets stringent microbiological standards in order to protect the health of people who choose to bathe there. City and county councils are required under the 2008 Regulations to identify bathing waters on an annual basis.
This consultation process provides the public with an opportunity to:
Comment on existing identified bathing waters with a view to continuation of classification
Comment on other bathing waters not currently identified but which may be considered for classification.
Comments are invited from interested parties.
This should be done through your local county council in whose area the bathing water is located. Visit www.cavancoco.ie/bathing-waters.
Closing date for submissions to Cavan County Council is 26/9/2025.
19- Dance Connects Survey
Call to promote local dance facilitators and local venues
We’re looking to include local dance facilitators, artists, and local venues in two public
databases: one of venues available or hireable for dance activity, and one of dance
facilitators and artists working and/or based in the Cavan, Monaghan and Fermanagh-
Omagh district council / local authority areas.
Complete the 5mins survey to be included in the Dance Facilitators and Artists
Database. Dance Connects Faciliators Database
Complete the 5mins survey to include your venue in the Venues for Dance Activity
Database. Dance Connects Venue Database
What if I think my practice/genre isn't suitable for the database?
Please complete the survey anyway. The database is inclusive of various dance genres.
Plus, by completing the survey you will help us build understanding about the local
dance scene, community, and industry.
What if I think my venue isn't suitable for dance?
Please complete the survey anyway. All kinds of dance activities can happen in different
types of venues. Plus, by completing the survey you will help us understand what your
venue is like so we can help build understanding about our local venues.
The database is part of the Dance Connects project. Funded by Creative Ireland, Dance
Connects seeks to support a network of dance activity in the rural border area of Cavan,
Monaghan, and Fermanagh-Omagh.
Please complete the survey by the 25 th of June.
If you have any questions, you may contact Victoria Durrer, University College Dublin, at
Victoria.durrer@ucd.ie or 01 716 8649.
More information on the research team involved in the project is available at the survey
link.
20- Show YOUR Support For LEADER & Community Led Local Development Show your support for LEADER and community-led local development.
For over 30 years, LEADER and community-led local development (CLLD) have demonstrated that bottom-up, participatory approaches can successfully address rural challenges. Through Local Action Groups (LAGs), these tools mobilise local knowledge, build social capital, and implement innovative solutions tailored to each community’s specific needs. A petition has been set up to ensure the LEADER and CLLD remain the the core of EU policies. Show your support by signing the petition here
21- National Recycling Bin Survey
National Recycling Bin Survey is back!
In 2023, VOICE Ireland led the first National Recycling Bin Survey (NRBS), a citizen-led piece of research involving 130 participants across 12 counties. With this survey we took a deep dive into what’s really ending up in our recycling bins, but also attributing this waste to specific retail sectors. Together, these households catalogued over 10,000 individual items – and what we found was eye-opening.
Plastic made up 50% of the average Irish recycling bin, and supermarkets were responsible for two-thirds of all packaging waste. That means the problem isn’t just individual behaviour – it’s what’s being put on our shelves in the first place.
This year, we're back for Edition Two – and we're calling on households across the country to take part.
The goals of the Survey
The National Recycling Bin Survey is a citizen-led research project unlike anything else in Ireland. It asks simple but powerful questions: What’s in your recycling bin – and where did it come from?
By collecting this information, we’re doing two things:
Shifting the blame: For too long, the focus of waste reduction has been on consumer behaviour. But what if we looked further upstream? This survey flips the script and looks at the source of packaging waste – retailers and producers – so we can push for changes that actually reduce waste at the design and distribution stages.
Informing evolutions for better policies: Since the first NRBS, new policies like the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) have launched in Ireland, and the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is bringing in new rules across Europe. These changes are a step in the right direction – but without independent, citizen-led data, it’s hard to measure their real impact or make the case for going further.
By joining the National Recycling Bin Survey, you will contribute to an important environmental database in the country. You’ll:
Count and record the packaging in your household’s recycling bin
Note where items came from (supermarkets, takeaways, etc.)
Reflect on your own consumption – and maybe even be surprised by it!
It’s a small commitment but can have a big impact.
Here is the link for people to sign up:
Don’t worry, we’ll provide you with all the instruction you need to take part easily – no science degree required.
Bonus: Anyone who signs-in will automatically enter our Recycling Bin Survey competition to win one of five 100€ One4All gift voucher.
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
22- Cavan Monaghan Connects Launch
Invitation to members of HSE Connecting for Life Cavan Monaghan Implementation Group and Community Partners
On behalf of the HSE Connecting for Life Cavan Monaghan Connects Working Group, I am writing to invite you to the official launch of Cavan Monaghan Connects, a new collaborative initiative developed through HSE Connecting for Life Cavan Monaghan, with support from HSE Cavan Monaghan Mental Health Service, Mental Health Ireland, Cavan County Council, Sláintecare Healthy Communities Cavan, Monaghan County Council, Healthy Monaghan and a broad range of local community and statutory partners.
This initiative centres around a new online platform that connects people to services, supports, training, and events to promote mental health and wellbeing at local level.
Launch Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, 18th June 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Venue: The Peace Link, Clones, Co. Monaghan
Light refreshments will be served from 10:30 AM.
The launch will feature contributions from community leaders, service users, and project partners, with media-friendly opportunities to view the platform and speak with those involved in its creation.
We would be delighted if you could attend the event and join us in marking the launch of this important community resource. Please feel free to share the invite with colleagues or contacts who might be interested in attending.
You can RSVP via the Eventbrite link below, and I’ve attached a flyer with full details:
Many thanks for your support and collaboration and please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries.
Best regards,
Emer
Éimear Ní Mhaolagáin
Emer Mulligan
Oifigeach Acmhainní um Féinmharú a Chosc, an Chabhán agus Muineachán
Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, Cavan Monaghan
23- Men's Health Week Event
24- RetroFit Ready June Newsletter
25- Art of Life Workshops
26- Thank You From The Summer Cottage Market
Thank you for all being a part of our Summer Cottage Market . We appreciate all your efforts and hope you will have a well-earned rest.
Will you review us on Google or TripAdvisor? It's reviews that attract the visitors to Cavan and our events and gives us the leverage we need with Cavan County Council/Townhall etc to make events like these happen.
Review on Google, click here.
Review on tripadvisor, click here.
Kind Regards
Imelda Mullen
Founder | Operations Manager
website | instagram | facebook | newsletter
087 7453651
Upcoming Events:
Summer Market – 7th & 8th June, 12:00 - 6:00 PM, Con Smith Park H12 E426Christmas Market – 13th & 14th December, 1:00 - 7:00 PM, Townhall Street H12WV82
Thank you for supporting our Social Enterprise and Local Futures .
The Cottage Market Cavan is a community-led, social enterprise based in Cavan which provides a supportive route to market for small-scale growers, food producers, crafters and artists. Our mission is to improve the lives of people living in County Cavan by building a local marketplace that reflects the skills and talents in our community and helps create local futures.
The Cottage market is not purposely funded by any government agency.
27- Birdwatch Cavan Nature Reserve Visit This Weekend
Hi all,
We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the farm and nature reserve of Farming for Nature ambassador and ecologist Donna Mullen:
Donna spoke to the branch about her book on how to establish a nature reserve last year: https://obrien.ie/blog/tag/donna-mullen/
Donna and her husband Brian have kindly agreed to host the branch on Saturday 14th of June from 11-1 on their farm in Tierworker. There will be light refreshments after as well and we are very grateful to Brian and Donna.
The plan is to meet in the carpark of St. Anne's Church in Bailieborough at 10.40 and carpool before we travel out to the farm which is about 15 minutes outside the town. This carpark is accessible from the Virginia Road into Bailieborough on the R178. Eircode for Church is A82 VY38. Its advisable to bring boots or wellies. We would return to the carpark at 2pm at the latest.
Could you please respond by Wednesday evening if you would like to visit the farm.
Kind regards,
Tom Broe
Secretary, Cavan Branch of BirdWatch Ireland
--
"protecting birds and biodiversity"
28- Older Person's Info Roadshow
29- Parenting Plus in Mullagh Hall
30- Host a Cuppa For Climate This June
Following the fantastic response to our first Cuppa for Climate taster—where people got a feel for how simple and powerful it is to bring others together over a Cuppa—we’re holding it again!
We’d love for you to join us:
Morn Session: Cuppa for Climate Taster June 2025 - Lunch 12pm_ Final
Evening Session: Cuppa for Climate Taster June evening 2025
If you don’t know what Cuppa for Climate is - it is a coffee morning with a difference. A way to bring your family, friends, neighbours or colleagues together to support and raise funds for our planet.
March and April were a whirlwind—in the best way. Earth Month gave us the perfect excuse to gather, chat, and reflect, and it’s been amazing to see so many people open their doors to climate conversations. I had the privilege of joining a few of the Cuppa’s and it’s been great to see so many people of all ages coming together to talk about our earth. There were Cuppas all over the country - from Letterfrack to Dublin, Tipperary to across the pond in Vancouver, Canada! Supporters like you have brought their communities together in the last few months—celebrating Earth Day and sparking action, one cuppa at a time.
"We talked about everything from environment, to class, to the decline of trade and crafts. Cuppa for Climate provided this platform, to create activist spaces that are local and in-person. It was a fantastic opportunity to do something for climate change that didn’t involve being online or campaigning, rather a cosy curious gathering.”
- Hannah, Cuppa for Climate host.
With everything happening around us, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or disconnected. But coming together—especially in small, meaningful ways—has never been more powerful. Hosting a coffee morning isn’t just about the tea and treats. It’s a chance to connect, reflect, and energise each other. These simple gatherings are a way of standing up to the systems harming our planet. They remind us that we are stronger together, that community is a source of power, and that real change begins with honest conversations.
"It gave a lot of inspiration and encouragement... people started to talk about what we could actually do in our own community. Some residents are starting to plant flowers more consciously…and they are cleaning up more. Personally, it gave me a lot of motivation. Now we are hoping to intensify the collaboration with FOE for getting deeper into the issues of Climate change. There is a feeling, we want and need to know much more.” - Karin, Cuppa for Climate host.
Feeling inspired?Come along to our next Cuppa Taster and see how it all works. Until then, have a look at our latest blog about our recent Cuppas.
31- Do You Provide Services For Adults with Disabilities In Cavan?
Cavan Disability Network, in conjunction with Cavan County Local Development, intends to produce a resource booklet of statutory and non-statutory services in County Cavan for Adults with Disabilities .If you would like to be included in this booklet please email Cavan Disability Network cavandisabilitynetwork@gmail.com no later than Monday 30th June 2025, and include the following information:
The name of your service/organisation/community group
A brief (150 words max) description of your service/organisation/community group
A contact phone number, and email/website if you have one
Your operating days/hours if applicable
If providing details of a contact person please just state their role e.g. Service Manager/Chairperson/Volunteer as opposed to a person’s name as roles change and people move on, and we are aiming to keep the booklet as current as possible
32- Houses Not Hazards Photo Exhibition
Dear PPN Comunity Groups,
“I’m really feeling the cold, you know… and the rest of the complex needs attention, big attention big time. The children's playground has gone completely mouldy. That needs to be done again. And there is moss growing all over it as well. We need to talk to this council. They need to be pushed, you know? They need to be pushed because they don't listen to the people.”
This is a testimony shared by a tenant of Emmett Buildings, Dublin 8, who spoke at our recent workshop. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident—it points at the systemic issue of unhealthy and substandard housing conditions faced by scores of tenants in Dublin City Council estates. In general, such lower quality housing with lower energy efficiency standards rely more on fossil fuel heating, which not only puts people at health risk in their own homes, but also fuels the climate crisis. Such energy inefficient homes also mean extortionate energy bills.
It only follows that it’s indispensable to centre and amplify the voices of those living in such poor quality and woefully insulated housing, especially that of tenants who remain locked out of most retrofitting schemes. It’s with this in mind that we’re co-launching a photo exhibition Homes not Hazards: ‘There's something about these flats’ in Tailors Hall, Dublin 8 on June 28th. The exhibition, which we’re collaboratively hosting with Community Action Tenants Union (CATU) and the Just Housing research project in Maynooth University, brings to light the housing conditions and lived experiences of tenants in local authority homes in Cromcastle Court in Coolock and Emmet Buildings in Dublin 8.
What: Homes not Hazards: ‘There's something about these flats’ photo exhibitionWhen: The exhibition is open from 11am, with a brief discussion to launch the exhibition taking place from 1-1:30pm, followed by a collaborative workshop at 2:30pm.Where: Tailors Hall, Dublin 8
33- Good Governance Awards 2025 Now Open
Good Governance Awards 2025 Now Open for Entries!
Transparency and accountability are vital for any nonprofit to build and maintain public trust. That’s according to Carmichael, who last week launched their Good Governance Awards 2025.
Now in its tenth year, the Good Governance Awards recognise and encourage adherence to responsible governance and transparent reporting by nonprofits in Ireland.
Details on the entry criteria and categories; the judging panel; how to enter; and other resources such as annual report templates are available at: www.goodgovernanceawards.ie
The deadline for entries is: 11 September, 2025.
34- Cavan Community Summer Seminar
Register at: Events | Cavan PPN | Public Participation Network
35- Cootehill Meitheal A Success
CavanPPN hosted it's Bailieborough/Cootehill Municipal District Meitheal in the amazing community facility at The Muinchille Hub Centre in Cootehill last week. The members heard from Bridget Boyle, Disability Advocate with Cavan Disability Network, as well as training opportunities from the PPNs Finian McNamara and other supports from the PPN's Sridevi Balan. We ended with a Meitheal Workshop which folks really enjoyed and found very interesting. This concludes our Meitheals but if you re in a local community eager to have us host one in your area in 2026, then let us know on info@cavanppn.ie .
36- Tackling Health Inequality
“Tackling Health Inequality – What needs to change?”
Thurs 26th June 11.45am to 1.00pm
Health inequality leads to worse health outcomes for some groups and communities, with income levels and other social determinants playing a major role in the different quality of physical and mental health people can expect. Those in affluent areas can on average expect to live at least four and a half years longer than someone in a disadvantaged area, and being a Traveller means having an average life expectancy of eight years shorter than the general population. The EAPN Ireland report “Giving Health Inequality a Voice” outlines the reality of health inequality with proposals for a wide range of policy change.
This workshop will look at the structural issues in our health system that reinforce health inequality and need to be addressed if we are to tackle it. It will look cover issues such as the how the design of our system that reinforces inequality, the impact of private health insurance and private delivery, the underinvestment in mental health and the implementation of Sláintecare reforms.
Confirmed Speakers:
Dr. Austin O'Carroll: A Dublin-based GP and the Medical Director and founder of Safetynet, an umbrella organization that provides primary care services to homeless individuals, the Romany community, and migrants. He is also the founder of the North Dublin City GP Training program (NDCGP), the first such program in Ireland and internationally to specifically train GPs to work with marginalized groups.
Róisín Shortall: Former TD between 1992 and 2024, founding joint leader of the Social Democrats from 2015 to 2023, Minister of State for Primary Care from 2011 to 2012 and Chair of the all-party Dáil Committee on the Future of Healthcare which published the Sláintecare Report in 2017 containing a long-term vision for health care and health policy, including the creation of a single tier public healthcare system.
To register email: enquiries@eapn.ie
37- Cavan Storytelling Circle Comes To Town
38- Irish Environmental Network Newsletter
Below is our June newsletter. Of particular interest to PPN groups would be the Strategic Policy Committee webinar recording now available to view. It was a really interesting session with Dermot O'Brien which I found very useful. I would recommend it to any PPN Reps who are sitting on an SPC, especially those who are new to it.
Also for any groups who are interested in Offshore Renewable Energy, the recording of the webinar 'Responding to consultations and making submissions in the ORE process' is available to view.
If you have any questions or additions for the next newsletter you can reach me at catherine@ien.ie. If you are organising any events or meetings for your Environmental groups or Representatives that you would like promoted, you can send them on to me for the newsletter or our social media channels.
As always this newsletter is free to share in full or in part. If you want to share the full newsletter here is the link: https://conta.cc/4dDR51N
39- Lifelong Learning Carnival School
Cavan Arts Festival are inviting community groups and professional artists to take part in the Lifelong Learning Carnival School, supported by Cavan County Council PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Carnival School is a bold, 30-month creative pilot project led by Cavan Arts Festival. Over the coming months, we will work with artists and adult community groups across the region through a series of collaborative workshops, culminating in live performances at CAF 2026 and CAF 2027.
We’re looking for:
* Professional artists (samba, movement, making, brass, circus)
* Community groups based along the Cavan/Fermanagh border region
How to Get Involved:
Interested artists and community groups, please email us at cavanartsfestival.producer@gmail.com with a short introduction including:
* Who you are
* Where you’re based
* What you’re interested in (artform, learning or teaching)
* Any supports you may need to participate
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