Cavan Community ENews 16.10.26
With over 40 pieces of news this week (including several new funds and new community training) welcome to your weekly ENews. Our news is compiled weekly from our over 500 member groups (573 as of this week!), partner agencies and funders. The deadline for submitting to cavanppn@gmail.com is noon Wednesdays with the title 'ENEWS ITEM' and we can only take community focused news. Please try to ensure that items fit to one A4 page for ease of reading by recipients. Please note that views/items contained within our ENews may not reflect the values/policies of CavanPPN.
Many Thanks, The CavanPPN Team (Aisling & Daniel). info@cavanppn.ie, CavanPPN, CCLD, Corlurgan, Cavan. H12 X9Y1
CONTENTS (Shaded are new items this week, but all are still relevant/in date)
FUNDING
1-FUNDING: Parent Peer Support Fund 2-FUNDING: Town & Village Renewal Scheme
3-FUNDING: Asylum, Migration & Integration Fund
4-FUNDING: LEAF Environmental Fund
5-FUNDING: Heritage Grant Scheme 2027 Opening 6-FUNDING: Adult Sports & Physical Activities Fund 7-FUNDING: Community Sports Facility Fund TRAINING 8-TRAINING: Free TrustBuild Residency Training Course For Cavan Community Leaders 9-TRAINING: Safeguarding Adults from Harm in a Community Setting (FREE for PPN Members) 10-TRAINING: SAOR Training 11-TRAINING: Equality and Human Rights Training 12-TRAINING: SafeTalk Training 13-TRAINING: Community Leaders Workshop 14-TRAINING: Parenting Cavan 15-TRAINING: Governance for a Resilient Future
SURVEYS/CONSULTS 16.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Shape the Future of Irish Inclusive Tourism 17.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Dept of Transport Survey 18.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Future of Home Care Survey 19. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Cavan Community Consultation Panel Sought EVENTS & OTHER NEWS 20- Eco Feile Festival Comes to Cavan 21-Climate Adaptation Event 22- Healthy Cavan Committees Sought for County 23- Infrastructure Information Event for Cavan 24- Cavan Credit Union Seeks Community Board member 25- River Cleanup & ReLaunch of Erne Rivers Trust 26-Biodiversity Walk 27- Lullabies, Laments & Labyrinth Walks 28- Casting Call for Traitors Season 3 for Cavan Communities 29- Woodland Restoration/Nature Reserve Opportunity for Cavan 30- National Drugs Strategy Announced 31- PPNs Supported from 2026 to 2030 in New Government Strategy 32- Peace Plus Partnership Seeks Cavan Voices!
33- Impacts of Budget on mental Health Sector
34- Cavan GeoPark25 Events Coming Soon!
FUNDING 1 Parent Peer Support Fund
Parent Peer Support Fund - 2nd Nov
Parent peer support is when parents support each other by sharing knowledge, reducing feelings of isolation, and providing encouragement to navigate challenges and achieve well-being.
Grants of up to €5,000 can be provided to organisations working with parents and/or carers to support them to develop parent peer support initiatives. This includes peer support for parents who share similar life experiences, such as raising a child with an illness or a mental health condition.
Deadline: Monday 2nd November 2026
More info: https://grantsandfunding.ie/largest-ever-parent-peer-support-fund-is-now-open-for-applications/
2 Town & Village Renewal Scheme
The Town & Village Renewal Scheme is open. It will focus on town centre regeneration and enhancing economic and social vibrancy in line with Town Centre First Policy.
Types of projects sought:
-Drive town centre regeneration.
-Support town/village centre plaza development.
-Develop green spaces/recreational amenities in town/village centres.
-Include an emphasis on climate action elements.
-Enhance streetscapes.
-Support the provision of infrastructure (e.g. public realm works, service provisions, canopies etc.) to facilitate town or village centre markets (e.g. farmers markets, open-air markets, local trader markets, artisan markets or similar);
-Upgrade/refurbish community centres.
-Bring vacant and derelict buildings and sites back into use as multi-purpose community spaces.
Closing date for receipt of online applications is Monday, 19th October 2026 at 12 noon
Grant funding for Main Scheme projects will range from €50,000 to €500,000.
Full details available at: https://www.cavancoco.ie/services/community/town-village-renewal-and-revitalisation/town-and-village-renewal-scheme-2026/
3 Asylum, Migration & Integration Fund
The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) is an EU fund that aims to boost national capacities and improve procedures for migration management, as well as to enhance solidarity and responsibility sharing between Member States.
Deadline: 30 Oct
4 LEAF Local Env Action Fund, Opening Soon
Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) 2026
Communities Working Together for Climate
The Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) supports community groups to deliver projects that enhance the environment, promote biodiversity, and take meaningful climate action.
Funded in partnership with IPB Insurance and Cavan County Council, LEAF provides grants to Tidy Towns and voluntary groups working together with local partners to improve their communities.
Purpose & Funding
Established to mark IPB Insurance’s 100th anniversary.
Marks the first anniversary of the Tidy Towns Insurance Scheme partnership, which has removed insurance barriers for eligible groups.
Providing €50,000 per local authority, funded by IPB.
Supports Tidy Towns and similar voluntary community groups delivering environmental and climate-focused projects.
Objectives
The fund aims to:
• Support sustainable, climate-focused projects
• Strengthen community collaboration
• Enhance local biodiversity and green infrastructure
• Increase public awareness of environmental issues
What’s Available
Grants from €1,000 to €25,000
Funding for environmental and climate action projects
Support for collaborative, community-led initiatives
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to community-based voluntary groups involved in environmental improvement and sustainability initiatives, including:
Tidy Towns groups
Residents’ Associations
Other voluntary community groups undertaking similar environmental or community enhancement activities.
• Be registered with their local Public Participation Network (PPN)
• Demonstrate collaboration with at least one other community stakeholder (e.g. schools, sports clubs, youth groups, Men’s Sheds, etc.), or clearly explain why this is not possible
Projects must focus on climate action, biodiversity and/or environmental enhancement. Examples include but not limited to:
Biodiversity conservation (e.g., creating pollinator-friendly spaces).
Tree planting and urban greening initiatives.
Waste reduction and recycling initiatives.
Water conservation projects.
Public education campaigns on sustainability.
Climate Awareness Campaigns.
Application Requirements
Applications are administered by Cavan County Council. To apply, groups must submit a completed application form to include:
• Project proposal (500–1500 words)
• Budget breakdown
• Proof of PPN registration
• Environmental impact statement
Applications should clearly outline:
• Project objectives and delivery plan
• Community involvement
• Expected environmental outcomes
Monitoring & Reporting
Grant recipients should provide the following:
1. Final Impact Report: Provide a brief summary of activities, outcomes, and expenditure report (including receipts).
2. Before and After Photos where relevant: To visually demonstrate the impact of the project.
3. Community Feedback: Consideration of request to include feedback from community group members involved or affected by the project.
5 Heritage Grant Scheme 2027 Open The Heritage Council is pleased to announce that Expressions of Interest for the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2027 are now open.
The scheme supports community and voluntary groups and non-governmental organisations undertaking projects that protect, conserve, celebrate, understand and share Ireland's heritage.
New for 2027, the scheme introduces a two-stage application process designed to make it easier for groups to apply. At Stage 1, applicants submit a short Expression of Interest outlining their project idea. Shortlisted projects will then be invited to submit a full application.
The Expression of Interest stage allows applicants to submit an outline of their project idea without the need to prepare detailed budgets, quotations or supporting documentation at the outset. This helps groups explore project ideas and receive feedback before investing time in a full application.
Funding is available for projects under five themes:
Heritage at Risk
Biodiversity & Nature Restoration
Traditional Skills & Conservation
Digital Heritage, Access & Storytelling
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Funding available:
Minimum grant: €800
Maximum grant: €25,000
Key Dates
Expression of Interest Deadline: 16 October 2026 at 5.00pm
Stage 1 Results: Early November 2026
Full Application Deadline (shortlisted applicants only): 15 January 2027 at 5.00pm
An online information webinar will take place on 28 September 2026 at 12 noon.
For full details, guidance documents and application information, visit the Community Heritage Grant Scheme webpage.
For further information, contact grants@heritagecouncil.ie.
6 Adult Sports & Physical Activities Fund
Funding for adult sports and physical activity groups. Grants of €2,000 open on 1 October through Cash4Clubs, the small grants scheme funded by Flutter UKI and delivered by the charity Sported, with five major awards of €10,000 also available for the first time. The money is unrestricted, so the group decides what it goes on, from venue hire to equipment to coaching. Open to not-for-profit clubs, groups and charities whose members are all aged 18 and over, with priority for groups in areas of high deprivation and those involving under-represented adults. Applications close 1 January 2027 at cash-4-clubs.com.
7 Community Sports Facility Fund
Minister of State for Sport Charlie McConalogue TD has announced the dates for the new round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund, formerly the Sports Capital Programme. Applications open on Monday 19th October 2026 and close on Friday 26th February 2027.Would you be able to circulate the details below to your member groups and sports clubs across Cavan? There are a few significant changes this round, including increased maximum grants, a new Regional Tier 2 for larger multi-sport facilities, a reduced minimum lease term, and easier arrangements for clubs partnering with local schools. Clubs also need to be registered on the new SPRAOI system before they can apply.
Sports clubs across Cavan-Monaghan, it's time to start planning!
My Fianna Fáil colleague, Minister of State for Sport Charlie McConalogue TD, has announced the dates for the new round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund, formerly the Sports Capital Programme
Applications open on Monday 19th October 2026 and close on Friday 26th February 2027
What's new this time:
Local projects: maximum grant increased from €200,000 to €250,000
Regional Tier 1: maximum grant increased from €500,000 to €550,000
New Regional Tier 2: up to €750,000 for larger multi-sport facilities, for Local Authorities and National Governing Bodies
Minimum lease term cut from 15 to 10 years, and a registered lease is no longer required
Easier for clubs to team up with local schools
Before you can apply, your club needs to be registered on the new SPRAOI system. If your club was registered on the old OSCAR system, your details have been transferred, but it's worth logging in to check everything is correct
Now is the perfect time to get your plans, quotes and paperwork in order so you're ready to go
Full details at gov.ie/SportsCapital
Queries to csff2026queries@ccs.gov.ie
TRAINING
8 FREE TrustBuilding Residential & Course For Cavan's Community Leaders
A project supported by PEACEPLUS; a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)
BUILDING TRUST in COMMUNITIES
A Courage & Renewal® programme to support a sense of belonging and engagement in community.
BUILDING TRUST in COMMUNITIES is funded by Cavan Co. Council PEACEPLUS programme 2024 - 2027, and available at no cost to participants.
Date: Residential Gathering/Retreat from November 13th to 15th 2026
Venue: An Tobar Retreat Centre, Navan, Co Meath. C15 XD6H
THEMES A range of themes will be explored that underpin personal and community connections and resilience. These include:
· Individual and community courage, hope, and resilience.
· Exploring the gap between the way things are and the way we would like them to be.
· Appreciating the value of the ‘stranger’ or the ‘other.’
· Building trust in communities.
This programme offers participants the opportunity to explore their individual and collective wisdom and strength. It will also help us to gain insights into new ways of being in relationship with others and in community. The Programme is a resource that will support participants’ sense of belonging and engagement in community as well as their leadership and inclusion capacity.
Registration To register for a place on this programme, please email Noreen Sudbury at nsudbury@cavancoco.ie
For more information on the content of the residential please contact
Rita McNulty at ritamcnulty0@gmail.com Tel. 087 6295453 or
Mary Manning at suaimhneasmary@gmail.com Tel. 087 2421330
Meet your Facilitators:
Rita McNulty. Rita’s career spanned education, youth work, the Peace 1 Programme, the public and civil service. Her varied roles at grassroots and senior management levels all had a community focus. Since retiring in 2013 she completed a four-year Programme The Sacred art of Living and Dying as well as three years training to be a Courage and Renewal facilitator. She currently offers Circle of TrustⓇ programmes and retreats. Her commitments include human rights and diversity. She loves the sea, the hills and a moving meditation practice called the 5 Rhythms.
Mary Manning. Mary has had a rich and varied career as a teacher in Special Education, a businesswoman, a complementary medicine practitioner, and more recently as a facilitator with the Center for Courage & Renewal. She has completed a four-year programme in both the Sacred Art of Living and Dying and the Anamcara Apprenticeship. Facilitator preparation took place over a three-year course. Mary is passionate about how we care for our earth, and all things ecological.
The Center for Courage & Renewal is a not-for-profit organisation based in the U.S. It exists to nurture deep integrity and trust between people, building the foundation for a more loving, equitable, and healthy world. Its programmes are delivered by trained facilitators in different countries around the world. In Ireland there are currently four trained Courage & Renewal facilitators, two of whom are facilitating this programme. Further information on the Centre and its work can be accessed on the website https://couragerenewal.org/
9 Safeguarding Training for Adults at Risk in Your Community
CavanPPN will be supporting training for its member groups in the following opportunity
The workshop will cover:
Your safeguarding responsibilities — understand your obligations and role in protecting adults at risk
The six principles of safeguarding — learn the principles that underpin effective safeguarding practice
Recognising risk — identify adults in your organisation or community who may be at risk
Recognising abuse — understand the signs and indicators of different forms of abuse
Responding to concerns — learn how to report safeguarding concerns and respond appropriately to allegations
Assisted Decision-Making — get an introduction to the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
Building a safeguarding culture — explore practical ways to make safeguarding part of your organisation’s everyday practice
Email info@cavanppn.ie to secure your place now. Places are limited and FREE for members of CavanPPN registered groups.
10 SAOR Training
SAOR Screening and Brief Intervention Problem Alcohol and Substance Use
Training day – October 29th(10am – 3:30, on Zoom)
SAOR Screening and Brief Intervention for Problem Alcohol and Substance Use (2017) 1
is a step-by-step guide for practice developed in response to problem alcohol and
other drug use. The model can be used in a wide variety of settings, including
community, statutory, voluntary, justice and education services. By following this
model, many professionals and volunteers have been given the confidence and
competence to screen for problem alcohol and drug use and either engage in a brief
intervention or refer to specialist services if necessary.
SAOR training is delivered in a 90-minute eLearning module followed by a 1-day
skills-based workshop delivered on Zoom. SAOR training is FREE.
YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND.
To express your interest in the one-day, skills-based training, delivered online, please
email your name, role, organisation, email address & possible dates to the address
below. You will receive information on how to access the SAOR II eLearning element.
Upon completion of the eLearning, please email your certificate to
Once we receive your certificate, you will be registered for the 1-day practical skills
training day.
On completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:
• Apply the theory from the SAOR online module to their practice
• Identify opportunities to conduct a brief intervention
• Demonstrate appropriate brief intervention skills using the SAOR model
• Identify appropriate alcohol and other drugs care pathways
For more details please email stephaniekane@nedrugtaskforce.ie
11 Equality & Human Rights Training
I want to introduce Equal by Design, a practical two-part Equality and Human Rights training programme that may be of interest to the P.P.N, community groups, voluntary organisations, public bodies, and others engaged in social inclusion and community development work.
The programme has been developed and is delivered by Robert Carey, an equality and social inclusion practitioner with extensive experience in community development and inclusion initiatives, including leadership roles within the community sector such as SICAP management.
The workshops provide a foundation in equality and human rights principles, Irish equality legislation, the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, and practical approaches to applying these concepts in day-to-day organisational practice. Participants gain useful tools to support inclusive service delivery, policy development, and community engagement.
The programme is suitable for NGOs, community organisations, public sector staff, and anyone seeking to strengthen their understanding and application of equality and human rights principles.
Please find attached an information flyer. I would be grateful if you could circulate these through your networks and share them with any organisations that may benefit.
If you would like further information or would like to discuss delivering the training in your area, please feel free to contact me.
Kind regards,
Robert Carey Carey Inclusion [0872887824] [careyinclusion@gmail.com ]
12 SafeTalk Training
13 Community Leaders Workshop
This workshop supports leaders to reset how they lead, building steady confidence, sustainable energy, and clear direction. It uses evidence-based practices that help regulate the nervous system, prevent burnout, and strengthen communication.
Led by Gillian O’Gorman, a former CEO with 17 years’ experience in senior leadership, the workshop draws on real-world experience of leading in complex, under-resourced settings. Gillian will explore the pressures of governance and funding, as well as the personal and emotional demands of leadership.
Participants will leave with practical resources, including reflection tools, simple regulation techniques to reduce overwhelm, and a carefully selected resource guide to support ongoing resilience. There will also be an exclusive option to take part in follow-up coaching or group leadership development sessions.
Workshop highlights
Self-mastery in leadership – practical tools to support emotional regulation and focus
Boundaries that build resilience – boundary-mapping and clear communication exercises
Leadership clarity and alignment – values-based frameworks for resilient leadership
Integration and reflection – personal action planning and guided reflection tools.
Who should attend
The Aligned Leader is designed for leaders and managers in the community and voluntary sector who are under increasing pressure to balance people, purpose, and performance.
How to register: If you are a member of a PPN group you can register for free with us by emailing cavanppnsw@gmail.com with the title 'training request'. For our members we will cover the cost of training and travel.
14 Parenting Cavan Training
15 Governance for Resilient Future Training
The CORE Project has some free training coming up, aimed at environmental groups and NGOs. Governance for a Resilient Environment, on Wednesday 4th November in Belfast, will equip groups to build the structures and systems that help organisations grow sustainably, whether they are volunteer-led, staffed, or a mix of both.
More information is below. Please forward to any environmental groups or NGOs who may be interested.
Wednesday November 4th, 10-3.30, Belfast (venue TBC)
Governance for a Resilient Environment
This free training day is the first in a series, aimed at environmental NGOs across the island of Ireland.
We will look practically at:
Building and recruiting an effective board
Developing the policies that keep an organisation accountable
Building the structures and systems that help organisations grow sustainably, whether they are volunteer-led, staffed, or a mix of both
Takeaways will include:
A board skills audit and recruitment plan that you can use straight away
Knowledge sharing with environmental groups, North and South
Discuss challenges and solutions with a network of peers
Organic opportunities to forge relationships with other organisations
This training is being offered by the CORE Project, which is funded by PEACEPLUS.
Many thanks,
Sarah
Sarah Bradley-Adam
Network Communications and Monitoring Officer, CORE project
07383 801288
CORE Project: Cross-border Opportunities for a Resilient Environment
PEACEPLUS funded
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
16 Shape the Future of Irish Inclusive Tourism
Help shape the future of accessible and inclusive tourism in Ireland.
Fáilte Ireland's Your Voice, Your Journey Visitor Consultation aims to understand visitors' experiences and expectations of accessible and inclusive tourism when travelling in Ireland.
People across Ireland are invited to share their experiences of accessible and inclusive tourism and help inform the future development of tourism across the country.
The consultation will gather insights across areas including trip planning, transport, accommodation, attractions and visitor experiences. It will help identify barriers, opportunities and priorities for the future development of tourism, providing an important evidence base to support future planning.
The Your Voice, Your Journey Visitor Consultation has been co-designed with national advocacy organisations representing disability, sensory impairment, age friendly and access and inclusion interests.
The survey is open from 4th of September and will remain open for eight weeks until 29th of October.
Further information and guidance on how to participate is available on the Your Voice, Your Journey webpage Fáilte Ireland Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Survey
Please help spread the word by sharing the survey with colleagues, members, friends and family and encouraging as many people as possible to take part. Attached is a suggested social media post and you can find more social media assets for download. You can also repost Fáilte Ireland's LinkedIn survey launch post. Please consider posting on your website, newsletter or social media channels to help raise awareness of the consultation.
Thank you for your participation and support in sharing the survey.
Erin Bottomley
Officer, Inclusive Tourism
Beech Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry
17 Dept of Transport Survey
The Department of Transport and Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) wish to advise of a public consultation that may be of relevance to your work or of interest to your organisation.
You may be familiar with Ireland’s National Maritime Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan (NCP), which was first published in 2020. As part of a process to review this Plan, announced last week by Ministers O’Brien and Canney, a public consultation process has now been launched.
Open from 30 September to 4 November, IRCG have designed an online survey to help capture public and stakeholder views, particularly those with an interest in pollution prevention, preparedness and response management – having regard to the potential impacts that a major maritime pollution incident could have on wildlife, local industries, and the environment. In addition, in an effort to further assist respondents, IRCG have also prepared an Issues Paper for context - this can be accessed on the relevant Gov.ie webpage here.
To help build awareness around this process, we would be very grateful if you could share this email with any relevant colleagues/stakeholders. We are keen to cast the net for views as wide as possible, ensuring a valuable diversity of perspectives is captured.
IRCG expects to undertake further, more targeted engagement following this consultation so if you want to be kept informed of developments as the review progresses, or be part of further engagement sessions, please indicate as much in the survey.
If you have any questions related to the above, you are welcome to contact us at OilHNSPlan.MSG@transport.gov.ie
18 Future of Home Care Survey
Dear Cavan PPN Members,
I’m contacting you through Volunteer Ireland to ask for your help in sharing an important survey about home support for older people in Ireland.
The ATTUNE project, led by researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and funded by the Department of Health and the Health Research Board, is exploring how home support services can better meet the needs of people aged 65 and over. Its findings will help inform future home support policy and services across Ireland.
The future of home care matters to all of us. Getting support right can make an enormous difference to an older person’s independence, dignity and ability to remain in their own home. It is essential that decisions about these services are informed by the people who use them and understand, through everyday experience, what works and what needs to change.
Your PPN could help bring those voices into this research. Would you please circulate the survey through your newsletter and member networks, particularly to older-person groups and organisations supporting people who receive home support? We would also appreciate you encouraging members to share it directly with people who may not see an online newsletter.
The survey is voluntary and anonymous. It is for people over 65 who have experience of receiving home support in Ireland. A family carer or someone they trust can complete it on their behalf.
Survey link: Attune Home Support Survey
The research team is also inviting participants to take part in a 30-minute interview about their experiences. Anyone interested can contact elizabethmorrow@rcsi.ie. Interview participants will receive a shopping voucher as a thank you.
Further information can be found on the project website: https://attune-project.eu/
Thank you for helping ensure that older people’s experiences are heard in research that will inform the future of home support in Ireland.
19 Cavan Community Consultation Panel Sought
CavanPPN is seeking to develop a COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PANEL that can help input into the various consultations which are advertised both locally and nationally. The Panel will consist of voices from a wide array of our member groups and help to ensure that each consultation submission includes as wide a demographic voice as possible from the PPN.
Key members will be asked to meet 4-6 times per year to input into a variety of strategically important consultations to the community sector for a period of no more than 2 hours arranged to suit their times at a central location in the county (refreshments served). Some consultations between meetings may require them to email their feed-back but we aim to make this as inclusive as possible without being too onerous to you.
If you are interested in being a voice for your community in influencing decisions through consultation then email us at cavanppn@gmail.com with the title CONSULT and we will be in touch. Numbers are limited and capped at 20 to ensure the panel can hear ALL voices at the table. No more than one voice per demographic can be included so more voices can add to the consultations.
Examples of demographics include: Disabilities, New Communities, Youth, Women's Interests, Older Persons, the 3 Areas of Cavan (Municipal Districts), LGBT+, Sports, Arts and so on.
Deadline for expressing interest is Friday October 30th at midday.
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
20 Eco Féile Festival Comes To Cavan
See: https://ecofeile.ie for further details! full agenda here:
The art competition is also still open. Details here:
21 Climate Adaptation event
I just wanted to reach out regarding the third event in the TalX2 Transboundary Climate Adaptation Forum Workshop Series, focusing on Emergency Planning & Community Preparedness. The TalX2 project is delivered by Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) and University College Cork.
I believe this event will be particularly relevant for organisations engaging directly with communities and would appreciate it if you could pass along the contact details for any organisations within the Cavan Public Participation Network who you feel could contribute to this workshop. Further details of the workshop are outlined below, however, this event is currently invite, only and requires registration through eventbrite.
Workshop details:
Date: Tuesday 3 November 2026
Location: The Palace Demesne, Armagh BT60 4EL
Time: 09:30–15:30
This workshop builds on our two previous sessions: 'Shared Ground: A Transboundary Climate Adaptation Forum' and 'Critical Infrastructure: Climate Resilience and Interdependencies'. It will bring together experts, policymakers, and practitioners from the emergency planning and community preparedness sectors across the island of Ireland to explore how we can strengthen resilience through transboundary collaboration.
The workshop will include:
Presentations from, and a multi-sector panel of transboundary emergency planners, emergency management practitioners, local authority representatives, and community resilience leaders.
An introduction to the PEACEPLUS Resilient Neighbours Project - cross border collaboration for Emergency Management and Community Strength.
Interactive activities exploring practical ways to prioritise transboundary climate adaptation actions.
For queries, please contact me or Siobhan Keough: siobhan@climatenorthernireland.org.uk
22 Healthy Community Committees Sought For Cavan
23 Infrastructure Information Event for Cavan
Building Better Sustainable Connections: County Cavan
Infrastructure Information Event
DISCOVER THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL IN COUNTY CAVAN
Public Information Event: Active Travel Projects & Virginia Bypass
As part of the Eco Féile, Cavan County Council invites members of the public to
attend a Public Information Event showcasing Active Travel projects across County
Cavan and providing information on the Virginia Bypass project.
Come along to learn about these important projects that are helping to improve
safety, accessibility, connectivity and sustainable travel throughout the county, while
supporting healthier communities and enhancing local transport infrastructure.
Date: Tuesday, 20th October 2026
Time: 1pm – 2pm
Venue: Events Space, Cavan Library
The event is open to all members of the public. Whether you live, work, travel or do
business in County Cavan, we encourage you to attend and learn more about these
important projects and how they contribute to sustainable travel.
24 Cavan Credit Union Seeks Community Board Member
Cavan Credit Union are currently seeking individuals who may be interested in contributing their skills, experience, and community commitment by serving on our Board of Directors. As a member-owned financial co-operative, the credit union relies on dedicated volunteers to help guide its strategic direction and ensure it continues to serve the needs of our members and community.
We are particularly interested in speaking with members who have experience in areas such as:
Community development and stakeholder engagement
Information technology and digital transformation
Finance, accounting or risk management
Legal or regulatory affairs
Business leadership and management
Directors are volunteers and do not receive remuneration, although reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the role are reimbursed by the credit union.
The role involves:
Attending monthly Board meetings, typically held on the third Wednesday of each month.
Reviewing Board papers in advance of meetings.
Participating in committee work as required.
To help prospective candidates better understand the role, members of our Nominations Committee will hold a meeting where the responsibilities, expected time commitment, and election process will be discussed, and candidates will have an opportunity to ask questions.
If you are interested in learning more, or if you know someone in your network who may be suitable, please contact cavanppn@gmail.com
25 River Clean Up Day & Relaunch of Erne River Trust Folks, the Erne Rivers Trust is finally up and running again, this time on a whole catchment basis (i.e. recognising the cross-border nature of the catchment). There will be an official relaunch in the Canal Stores Clones on November 7th (afternoon). In advance of that, it is hoped that as many of you as possible can attend the clean-up at Summerhill and Horseshoe loughs this Saturday at 2.00pm. These loughs straddle the Monaghan/Fermanagh border and are part of a cluster of biodiversity-rich loughs known as the Kilrooskey cluster. So please, please join us on Saturday if at all possible! Ná h-abair é, déan é.!
26 A Taste of Lavey
Hope to see you there and please share the poster with anyone who might be interested!
Kind regards,
Tom Broe
Secretary, Cavan Branch of BirdWatch Ireland
27 Lullabies, Laments & Labyrinth Walk for Palestine
28 Casting Call to Cavan for The Traitors
Casting Callout for Season 3 of The Traitors Ireland
The Traitors Ireland is coming back to our screens and looking for the next batch of
players for Season 3 of the hit RTÉ series.
Season 2 aired this Autumn on RTÉ One and fans of the show were hooked week
after week as players were murdered and banished, deceived by the Traitors.
Hosted by Siobhan McSweeney, Series 2 was a major Irish television success and
now the producers are opening up casting for Series 3.
The nail-biting psychological reality competition sees a group of strangers arrive at
the iconic Slane Castle to play the ultimate game of deception, betrayal and trust, all
in the hope of winning up to €50,000. But, hidden amongst them are the Traitors,
who will attempt to secretly murder a player every night, without getting caught. It’s
up to the others, the Faithfuls, to try to detect who the Traitors are, and banish them
from the game, before they become their next victim.
Each day, the group embark on Missions as they work together to add more money
to the prize pot. For the lucky ones who survive to the end, they have the chance of
winning that life-changing cash, but if a Traitor remains undetected, they’ll steal all
the money.
The first two seasons have had such standout characters and now we’re on the hunt
for people who think they can bring something different to the game.
Do you think you have what it takes to lie and deceive your fellow players? Do you
think you’d make a good Traitor hunter?
Application details are below:
- You are, or will be at least 18 years old at the time of applying for The Traitors
Ireland.
- You have the right to legally reside in Ireland.
- You must be available to take part in the programme for up to 3 weeks
currently anticipated to be in March/April 2027. Please note that this may
change at our discretion without notice.
Link to Application Form:
priority booking.
29 Woodland/Nature Reserve Opportunity for Cavan
Friends of Little Woods community association is looking to get in touch with community / privately managed nature reserve / woodlands in Cavan. Our group may, subject to funding, be able to offer a free site survey and mapping using a multi spectral drone currently operated by the group. Such surveys can be used to identify tree health / stress in woodland and invasive species in peatlands. If your group would like to explore cooperation in this area then please get in touch with Chris Hillcox at the following email address chris@friendsoflittlewoods.com
30 National Drugs Strategy Published
The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, and the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, have today published the National Drugs Strategy 2026–2030 and its first action plan, following Government approval. Together, they set out Ireland’s response to the harms of drug and alcohol use over the next five years.
The strategy:
Builds on Ireland’s health-led response, with a stronger focus on prevention and early intervention.
Provides equitable access to high-quality treatment, harm reduction and recovery supports.
Prioritises health supports and alternatives to criminal sanctions for people who come into contact with the criminal justice system because of drug use.
Strengthens Ireland’s preparedness for emerging threats in an increasingly volatile global drugs market.
The strategy incorporates the Government’s response to the 36 recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use and, where appropriate, recommendations from the Joint Committee on Drug Use. The strategy and its first two-year action plan include measures on prevention; family and community supports; services for women and minority groups; supports for people with disabilities and neurodivergent people; stigma reduction; the Health Referral Scheme; and responses to nitrous oxide and other emerging substances.
31 News That PPNs To Be Supported Another 5 Years
PPNs Supported For Another Half Decade
Cavan Public Participation Network (CavanPPN) warmly welcomes Ár Scáth a Chéile, the Government’s new five-year strategy to support and strengthen Ireland’s community and voluntary sector.
We particularly welcome Action 4.4, which commits to continuing support for Public Participation Networks (PPNs) over the next 5 years, implementing the PPN Roadmap and broadening membership. This recognises the essential role PPNs play in connecting communities with decision-makers and ensuring local voices help shape public policy.
As Minister Calleary noted, the strategy aims to deliver “a strengthened relationship between government and the community and voluntary sector”.
Minister Buttimer similarly reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening participatory structures such as PPNs with “This strategy reinforces our commitment to giving a voice to communities and ensuring that they have the capacity and opportunities to influence the decisions that affect them, through strengthening participatory structures such as the Public Participation Networks at local and stakeholder for a national level.”
CavanPPN emphasises that meaningful engagement with communities should involve their own mandated representative structures. Under the Local Government Act 2014, PPNs provide an established channel for community representation and participation.
We look forward to working with Government and local partners to turn this strategy into meaningful outcomes for communities across County Cavan and Ireland.
32 A Community Voice Needed for Peace Plus
A seat on the PEACEPLUS partnership requires a social partner representing “New Communities” and nominations are now welcomed for a social partner through the PPN. We are seeking nominations from community representatives, including volunteers, from PPN Member Organisations within our council area and who could represent PEACEPLUS Target groups.
Full details are contained in the attached documents here:
33 Mental Health Budget
Mental Health Budget 2027 – Summary
The Mental Health budget will increase by €108 million in 2027, a year-on-year increase of 7%.
The total allocation for Mental Health Services in 2027 will be €1.657 billion, a record funding level and an increase for the seventh year in a row. Mental health funding has increased by over 60% since 2020 when Minister Butler was appointed to the brief.
This budget will provide additional investment to advance key priorities aligned to the national mental health policy Sharing the Vision, and Ireland’s strategy to reduce suicide and self-harm Connecting for Life.
These include:
expansion of crisis support services in hospital and community settings
establishment of new Solace (Crisis) Cafés
a package of suicide prevention initiatives with people in the Traveller community
significant expansion of free counselling and talk therapies initiatives
new Jigsaw services to increase their coverage of early intervention child and youth mental health support
establishment of the new ADHD pathway within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
further roll out of National Clinical Programmes for specialist mental health services (for example, for Eating Disorders, Dual Diagnosis, Early Intervention in Psychosis, Mental Health Intellectual Disability)
opening of further Intensive Care Rehabilitation Unit (ICRU) beds
further recruitment into core community team staffing
expansion of Mental Health Engagement and Recovery services
34 GeoPark 25 Events Coming
SAVE THE DATE TO CELEBRATE GEOPARK25
For 25 years, Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark has been uncovering the remarkable stories hidden within our landscape.
From the rocks beneath our feet, which tell tales of ancient oceans, dramatic geological events and millions of years of natural change, to the stories of our communities, traditions, heritage and people, there are countless stories waiting to be explored.
24 October – 14 November
Join us for a special programme of walks, talks, family events, conservation activities, heritage experiences and community celebrations as we celebrate what makes our Geopark so unique.
EXPLORE the landscapes that surround us.
DISCOVER the stories held within them.
CONNECT with the people, heritage and communities that bring them to life.
Together, we'll celebrate our past, discover our present and inspire future generations to cherish this extraordinary landscape.
Save the date — full programme coming soon!
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