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Cavan Community ENews 20.2.26

  • 24 hours ago
  • 23 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 (Shaded are new items this week, but all are still relevant/in date)


FUNDING

1. FUNDING: Cavan County Council Community MD Grant

2. FUNDING: The Local Enhancement Progamme 2026

3. FUNDING: Creative Climate Action Fund III

4. FUNDING: World Habitat Awards 5. FUNDING: Children's Promise Grant

6. FUNDING: New Solutions Pilot Grant 7. FUNDING: Community Heritage Grant Scheme

8. FUNDING: EU Fund For Education & Training

9. FUNDING: Age & Opportunity Grant Open 10. FUNDING: ESB Wind Farm Funds

TRAINING 11. TRAINING: Environmental Program For Young People 12. TRAINING: New Community Training Courses for PPN Groups 13. TRAINING: Workshop on Funding Active Citizenship & Rights 14. TRAINING: Funding Workshops for Reconciliation Fund 15. TRAINING: SafeTalk Training

SURVEYS/CONSULTS 16. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Community Safety Survey

17.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Kingspan Breffni Park Survey 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Disability Public Consultation



EVENTS & OTHER NEWS

19. Electoral Register Updates For Communties 20. Cavan Drama Festival 21. Ballyjamesduff St. Patrick's Day Parade 22. Birdwatch Cavan AGM 23. RSA Check If It Fits Comes To Cavan 24. Creative Brain Week Upcoming 25. Books & Coffee in Shercock 26- Introduction to Beekeeping

27-  OECD Publish Rural Policy Review of Ireland 2026 28- UCA International Women's Day Event in Cavan 29- How 13 Minutes Can Change/Save Your Life 30- Fermanagh Yarnspinners Features Cavan Storyteller 31- Hedge Cutting ENDS March 1st 32- Togertherall Peer to Peer Support for 16-30 Year Olds 33- Community Health Development Worker Sought For Cavan 34- The Community Needs To Have Conversation 35- Hedgehogs NEED You Now More Than Ever





Sunset Over Bruce Mt and Erne River, Feb 2026
Sunset Over Bruce Mt and Erne River, Feb 2026




FUNDING

  1. Cavan County Council Municipal Districts Grant


The Municipal Districts Discretionary Allocation Scheme was established by the Members of Cavan County Council to support community groups in delivering and promoting projects in their local areas.

The allocation of funds is at the discretion of the Elected Members and as such will be a “reserved function” of each specific Municipal District area. Members also reserve discretion over the specific proportion of the project costs to be funded. The minimum aid payable will be €3,000.

How to apply

Eligible groups can apply online at https://submit.link/4v1.

Please use the links provided to access the application form and any queries should be directed to Kimberly Tweedie on 049 437 8588 or by email ktweedie@cavancoco.ie

Cavan County Council is using the Submit.com system to administer this grant and all guidelines for this scheme can be viewed at the link below:

 The closing date for receipt of applications is 23 February 2026 at 4:00pm.


2. The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) invites applications from community groups and community facilities under the Local Enhancement Programme 2026.

Click here to see the press release announcing the Local Enhancement Programme 2026 at national level, by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD.

This funding is Capital in nature and can be used towards carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficiency type projects, purchase of equipment etc.

The fund also aims to support local strategic priorities through linkages with Local Economic Community Plans (LECPs).

How to apply: Eligible groups can apply online at https://submit.link/4uZ

At least one quote must accompany the application or the application will be deemed ineligible.

Please use the links provided to access the application form and any queries should be directed to Trevor Harte at tharte@cavancoco.ie or 049-4378591. Cavan LCDC is using the Submit.com system to administer this grant and all guidelines for this scheme can be viewed at the link below: Local Enhancement Programme 2026 - Cavan County Council


The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 27th February 2026 at 4pm.

 


3.  Creative Climate Action Fund III

The Creative Ireland Programme is delighted to announce a new €6.5 million Creative Climate Action Fund III (2026–2029), to support large-scale creative projects to engage communities in climate action.

Separately, the Programme is also pleased to highlight that three additional funding calls, totalling €4.6 million and supporting creativity, connection and wellbeing across the island of Ireland, remain open.



4.      World Habitat Awards

World Habitat Awards

The World Habitat Awards competition has been run by World Habitat in partnership with UN-Habitat since 1985. In that time some of the world’s most remarkable and innovative housing projects have received international recognition for their work. This year we will be presenting Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards (and prize money) to the most outstanding projects and programmes.

Deadline: 4 Mar

 


5.   Childrens Promise Grant

The Grants Programme is a funding programme within Katharine Howard Foundation (KHF). KHF focuses on prevention and early intervention initiatives, to support the best life outcomes for young children. 

Application for the 2026 Grants Programme opens online today, Wednesday 18 February and close on 19 March at 1pm. 



6.         New Solutions Pilot Grant

Apply for a New Solutions Pilot Grants Today!

The New Solutions Pilot Grants funding call is now open for applications. This funding aims to support organisations testing innovative ideas that address key social challenges in Ireland.

Whether you’re part of a charity, social enterprise, community group, or nonprofit, this is a great chance to bring your innovative idea to life and create positive change in communities across Ireland. Online application clinics will take place today, Wednesday 18 February, and next Wednesday 25 February.. Applicants are encouraged to attend these online application clinics for guidance on eligibility and the application process.

Deadline: 13 March 2026 at 6pm




7.      Community Heritage Grant Scheme


Our Community Heritage Grant Scheme is now open for applications. The scheme supports community/voluntary groups nationwide with heritage projects - built, natural, and cultural.

The maximum amount available per organisation is €25,000. The closing date for applications is 20th March 2026 at 8pm.

 

For further info click here. 



8- EU Funding For Education & Training


With the new year comes a variety of exciting new education-based funding opportunities! Erasmus+, the EU’s funding programme for education, training, youth and sport, has published calls for proposals for collaborative projects focused on promoting and supporting lifelong learning, digital education, and micro-credentials.   

Any nonprofit organisation actively working in the fields of education and training can apply for funding to deliver projects that address the Erasmus+ programme’s objectives and priorities.

The open calls for proposals include: 

  • Adult Education: Motivation in Motion: Empowering Adults to Upskill and Reskill - Deadline: 8/4/2026. This call aims to support innovative approaches to stimulate adults to engage in learning activities in their usual and trusted environments.  Call details and application link here.  

  • Digital Education: AI-powered Personalised Learning Pathways for Basic Skills – Deadline: 8/4/2026. This call aims to foster the application of ethical and transparent AI-based personal learning pathways at school education and initial VET level. Call details and application link here. 

  • Digital Education Content: Success factors in decision making and use by teachers, trainers and school/institution leaders – Deadline: 8/4/2026. This call aims to promote and establish collaboration and agreement between teachers/educators, creators/providers of digital education content. Call details and application link here. 

  • Micro-credentials: Focus on eco-systems – Deadline: 8/4/2026. This call aims to support developing micro-credentials’ eco-systems in STEM. Call details and application link here. 

  • Vocational Education and Training: Developing basic skills in Vocational Education and Training - Deadline: 8/4/2026. This call aims to fund projects to test and pilot promising and innovative practices to improve basic skills in VET. Call details and application link here.  

The Access Europe team is here to provide you with support and advice around these and other EU funding project applications. Contact us today at europe@wheel.ie to begin your EU funding journey and sign up to our Access Europe Newsletter to stay informed on upcoming Erasmus+ calls and other EU funding opportunities. 





9- Age & Opportunity Grant Open

Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme Now Open!

The Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme is funded by Sport Ireland and offers financial supports to local clubs, groups and organisations, nationwide who promote increased participation in recreational sport or physical activity for older people.

When can I apply for the grant?

The Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme will open for applications on Tuesday, the 3rd of February 2026 and will close at 12 noon on Friday, the 27th of February 2026.

Applications can be submitted online or via a downloadable form which will be available from the 3rd of February 2026, along with further information and guidance.

The Active National Grant Scheme Terms & Conditions are available to view now:  Active National Grant Scheme T&Cs 2026.

Contact

For information speak to the Active Programme team.

Call 01 913 3943 or via email active@ageandopportunity.ie




10- ESB Wind Farm Funds

The 2026 ESB Wind Farm Community Funds are now open for applications until March 6th, 2026.  For a full list of Wind Farm Community Funds included in this call, please click here. 

The fund is available to community and voluntary groups, non-profit groups or organisations with a charitable status.  The Wind Farm Community Funds will prioritise projects and initiatives that support and benefit the areas surrounding ESB wholly owned and co-owned wind farms, in the following categories:

 

  • Education and skills

  • Health, safety and wellbeing

  • Environment and habitat conservation

  • Energy efficiency and sustainability

  • Culture and heritage

  • Recreation, sport and social inclusion

  • Tourism (Raheenleagh & Castlepook only)

 

Getting started on your project ideas early will greatly assist with your application, as a well-developed project is key to a successful outcome.

 

It is essential to note that applications from groups that do not submit required documentation with the application form e.g. planning permission, planning exemption, confirmation that you have liaised with your local authority or owner permission, may not proceed to evaluation.

 

Applications may made online at www.communitybenefitfunds.ie, please ensure you take some time to read the Fund Guidelines, prior to submitting you application and visit the help section of our website for additional helpful documents.  If you are registered a previous call, you can use the same user name and password to apply to the 2026 fund.  If you have lost or forgotten your password, please go to the “Forgot Password” tab, or contact SECAD.

 

If you do not have a current constitution for your group please click here to download a template constitution, to edit and adapt to suit your group. National schools can use this template.

 

If you register as a new user and do not receive the confirmation message within a few minutes of signing up, please check your spam or junk mail folders, just in case the confirmation email was delivered there instead of your inbox. If so, select the confirmation message and click Not Spam, which will allow future messages to get through.



TRAINING


11- Environmental Program For Young People

Do you have young people in your life aged 15–16 who would love a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on environmental conservation skills?

We’re delighted to offer a fully certified programme that includes the John Muir Award and Leave No Trace Certificate, facilitated by home-grown talent Tony Smith of Oakwood Bushcraft. The programme offers equal measures of fun, skill-building, and meaningful connection with nature and peers.

Across 8 sessions, participants will explore a range of idyllic locations across Fermanagh and Cavan, taking part in team-building activities, making lasting friendships, and developing practical conservation skills. Highlights include:

  • Learning about and observing local wildlife, including bats  in their natural habitat at Crom Estate

  • Exploring native woodlands

  • Conducting habitat surveys and practical water testing on our shared waterway system at Castle Saunderson

  • Taking local conservation action in Cladagh Glen

The programme will culminate in a celebratory finale at Cavan Adventure Centre, where participants will showcase their efforts and achievements, and make a splash while doing so!  It is also worth noting, transportation to each venue is included in the programme.

If you know a young person who would thrive in this kind of outdoor, skills-based, and confidence-building experience, we’d love to hear from you.

Kind regards

Annette




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.

Upcoming Training:

A-Z of Data Protection – Becoming & Remaining Compliant with GDPR

… 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



13- Workshop on Funding Active Citizenship, Rights and Equality

Join us online on Wednesday, 25 February at 10:30am for a sharp, practical look at EU funding that drives real social change. Funding Active Citizenship, Rights and Equality: CERV Opportunities for Civil Society explores how civil society organisations can tap CERV funding to advance equality, human rights, inclusion and civic participation.

This session will introduce the EU’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme. It will show how CERV can help civil society organisations promote equality, democracy, and fundamental rights.

The CERV Programme aims to build open, rights-based, and inclusive societies underpinned by the rule of law. It funds projects in areas such as Union Values, the Rule of Law, equality (including gender equality), citizen engagement, and violence prevention.

This session will cover current CERV funding opportunities, how to apply, and insights from an Irish organisation with successful CERV-funded projects.

What to expect:

  • An overview of the CERV Programme, its goals, and priority areas

  • Explanation of current open calls

  • Available support from the CERV Citizens’ Forum

  • An Irish case study

  • A Q&A session.


Contact info@cavanppn.ie and to register


14 Funding Workshops For Reconciliation Fund


Reconciliation Fund Outreach Workshops & Attendance at Funding Fairs 2026

 

You are receiving this email as you are on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Reconciliation Fund mailing list, having previously submitted an application for funding, or have subscribed to the Reconciliation Fund mailing list.  

 

In advance of the opening of the Reconciliation Fund Annual & Strategic Partnership Grant rounds and the launch of the new Reconciliation Fund Strategy 2026-2029 in March 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Reconciliation Fund invites you to attend our series of Outreach Workshops over the course of March 2026.    If you intend to submit an application in this year’s round, we strongly recommend you attend one of these outreach workshops.  

 

Please Note: this year’s Annual Round will open in March and not February as in previous years. The exact opening date will be communicated in due course, however we expect it to be around St Patrick’s Day. Strategic Partnership Applications will be by invitation only to eligible groups, with further details being made available at the workshops.  

 

This year we will host sessions in Belfast, Derry, Armagh and Monaghan. Further sessions and locations may be added over the course of the next few weeks, so please keep an eye on our website for details of further outreach.  These sessions will outline the application process for each of the Reconciliation Fund rounds (Annual & Strategic Partnership) step-by-step, and answer any questions that you may have.   The sessions will also brief attendees on our new Reconciliation Fund Strategy 2026-2029.  

 

You are most welcome to attend the location and time that suits you best.   

 

The Reconciliation Fund will also be in attendance at the upcoming NICVA Funding Fair in Belfast.  Details are as follows:  

 

·       NICVA Funding Fayre, Belfast – Friday 27th February 2026 – 10.00 am to 1.00 pm.   Registration to attend this Funding Fayre is available on the NICVA website.

 

If you would like to attend one of the Reconciliation Fund outreach sessions, please register your attendance using the Eventbrite links below. Please note that registration is limited to a maximum of two persons per organisation. You only need to attend one of the sessions. 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions regarding these outreach workshops, please contact the Reconciliation Fund team at reconciliation@dfa.ie.   Should you have any queries in relation to the NICVA Funding Fayre, please contact NICVA directly at jocelyn.horton@nicva.org.

 

Kind regards,

The Reconciliation Fund Team

 

 

 

 

Peadar Ó Lamhna

Comhstiúrthóir/ Joint Director

An Ciste Athmhuintearais/ The Reconciliation Fund

Rannóg na hÉireann, na Ríochta Aontaithe agus Chríocha Mheiriceá

Ireland, United Kingdom & Americas Division

An Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála / Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade

Teach Uíbh Eachach / Iveagh House

80 Faiche Stiabhna /  80  St Stephen’s Green 

Baile Átha Cliath 2 / Dublin 2 

D02 VY53 

G/T:  (01) 408 2849 




15 Free Training in Suicide Prevention Awareness

 

safeTALK Training

 

What is safeTALK? safeTALK is a half-day alertness training that prepares attendees,

regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper.

These specific skills are called suicide alertness and are taught with the

expectation that the persons learning them will use them to help reduce

suicide risk in their community. Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t

truly want to die but are struggling with the pain in their lives.

What will I learn? As a safeTALK trained suicide alert helper, you will be better able to:

 Move beyond the common tendencies to miss, dismiss or avoid suicide;

 Identify people who have thoughts of suicide;

 Apply the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen & Keepsafe) to connect a person

with suicidal thoughts to people and agencies that can help.

Who is it for? safeTALK is appropriate for most members of a community (over 18 years

old) including front line workers, volunteers, parents, teachers, clergy,

concerned citizens etc. However, safeTALK is not suitable for persons or

communities that have recently been bereaved or seriously affected by

suicide, nor can it be used to teach the complete set of suicide intervention

skills.

 

This training can be provided free of charge to staff and volunteers in your

community (minimum of 20 people required to proceed).

 

For more information including details on how to schedule this training and

further requirements to facilitate it, please contact: admin@breakingthrough.org

 





SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS


16- Community Safety Survey The National Office for Community Safety is leading on the development of the first National Strategy for Improving Community Safety, on behalf of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. For more information on this Office click here.

 

They are inviting the public to contribute to the development of this new National Strategy by taking part in our National Community Safety Survey which is open until 27 February 2026.

 

Click here for more information and to take part in the survey.

 

People have different experiences of community safety. The National Office want to hear from people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences living in the Republic of Ireland today. It takes just 10 to 15 minutes and is your opportunity to share your experience and to help public service agencies and communities to work together to make communities safer.

 

The National Office have tried to make this survey accessible as possible. If you experience any difficulties and require accessibility assistance, please contact accessofficer@justice.ie or call 01 602 8632.

 

If you have any queries in relation to this process, contact the National Office for Community Safety at strategy@communitysafety.ie.

 

We ask that you share with your member groups accordingly.




17- Kingspan Breffni Park Survey


Age Friendly Cavan are working with Cavan GAA and Age Friendly Ireland in an endeavour to have Kingspan Breffni recognised as an Age Friendly and Accessible stadium.

 

We have organised a walkability audit of the stadium however we want to capture as much feedback as possible from those who visit the stadium regarding the facilities available there, so a short online survey has been designed to allow you to give your input. 

 

The survey link is below – it will remain open until Friday 27th February.

Your assistance with this is appreciated.




18-  Disability Public Consultation

Closing date

The closing date for receipt of submissions is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.

Consultation description

The purpose of this consultation is to assist the Committee in its examination of the proposed legislative reforms to Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which relate to the Assessment of Need process.

The Committee invites written submissions from interested groups or individuals on this topic. Submissions in other formats (video, for example) can be facilitated, subject to communication with and further guidance from the Committee Clerk. Cuirtear fáilte roimh chomhfhreagras i nGaeilge freisin.






EVENTS & OTHER NEWS


19- Electoral Register Updates


Cavan County Council is currently issuing letters to households across the county as part of a nationwide initiative to verify and update the Electoral Register. This process is compulsory and is essential to ensuring that each person’s details are accurate and that no duplicate records exist.

 

I’m getting in touch to ask for your support in sharing this important information with the many community groups you work with and in your newsletter/social media posts.

Residents can check, update, or confirm their details by visiting:

 

It only takes 2 minutes to update your details, and ensuring information is accurate is vital for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

 

We know that some people prefer not to complete forms online, so if any of the groups you work with would like to have printed physical forms, we’re happy to provide them and arrange delivery. These can be left in community centres, meeting rooms, or anywhere they may be useful.

Additionally, our Register of Electors team is more than happy to visit groups in person to deliver a short, informative talk about the registration process. If you feel any of the groups you’re involved with would benefit from a visit or Q&A session, we’d be delighted to arrange it.

Your help in circulating this information across the various groups would be greatly appreciated.

 

If you need printed forms, posters, or would like to organise a visit, please feel free to let me know.

 

Kind regards,

Danielle McDermott, Register of Electors

Cavan County Council, Farnham Centre,

Farnham Street, Cavan H12C9K1

T:  049 437 8300| E: register@cavancoco.ie | Web: http://www.cavancoco.ie



20- Cavan Drama Festival


Hi folks.

The Cavan Drama festival will take place in the Town Hall Theatre Cavan from Saturday March 7th to Saturday March 14th 2026.





21- Ballyjamesduff Saint Patrick's Day

The annual St Patrick's Day Parade takes place at 4pm in Ballyjamesduff on Tuesday 17th March.

Prizes for Floats, Children's Entertainment and fun for all the family. All Welcome




22-  Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trust AGM


The AGM of the Cavan Branch of BirdWatch Ireland will take place on Wednesday 4th March 7-9pm. It will be held in the boardroom, which is on the top floor, of the Bridge Street Centre, in Cavan Town. Eirocde (H12 WC52). New and existing members welcome and there is a lift on the ground floor.

If there is any issue you would like discussed on the night, please feel free to email me. Also, if you would like to get more involved it would be great to hear from you.

We have had a wide range of speakers over the past few months and hopefully we can follow up the talks with visits to see the conservation work discussed. The most likely place we will visit this summer is the Little Tern Colony on Portrane beach and closer to the time I’ll provide more details about how to visit if you’d like to go on your own and not with the group: BWI Fingal Branch

 

Kind regards,

Tom Broe

Secretary, Cavan Branch of BirdWatch Ireland cavanbirdwatching@gmail.com




23-  RSA Check If It Fits In Cavan

This February the RSA’s Check it Fits service will be visiting County Cavan. Did you know it’s the law that all children under 150cms or 36kgs must use a child car seat appropriate to their weight and height. In Ireland as many as 54% of child car seats are incorrectly fitted which can lead to serious injury or even death in a collision. Since the start of the service, the RSA’s ‘Check it Fits’ Service has checked over 70,000 child car seats and restraints in Ireland.

 

The Check it Fits service is quick, it’s easy, it’s free. On the day our experts will advise on how to fix any problem, demonstrate how to fit the restraint correctly and answer any queries participants might have. Our experts aim to put parent’s, grandparent’s and guardian’s minds at ease that their child’s car seat is safely and securely fitted in their car.

 

We will be visiting the following locations in Cavan:

ALDI Carpark Cavan Tuesday Feb 24th 10am to 5.30pm


We would be delighted if you could help us to raise awareness of child safety in cars by letting colleagues, friends, family members and any other relevant contacts know about our upcoming visit to County Cavan. We have included a copy of our poster which may be useful for promoting the ‘Check it Fits’ Service in your workplace and local community also.

If you have any questions or require any additional information, please let us know for more information on the service visit www.checkitfits.ie.





24-  Creative Brain Week


CREATIVE BRAIN WEEK 2026 DATES


March 2-6 2026



This year's theme is THINKING. BETTER. TOGETHER.

The problems of the world are many and varied. All we have is creativity and imagination, our brains and each other. How do we connect, collaborate and continue. What is the value of our senses? 

In 2026, Creative Brain Week expands across Dublin in collaboration with renowned cultural spaces as we celebrate 10 years of the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) and 5 years of Creative Brain Week—elevating discussion, discovery, and developments where brain science and creativity converge.

Be part of Creative Brain Week 2026—online and in person at the Naughton Institute and Samuel Beckett Theatre in Trinity College Dublin, The Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). 

Alongside global and local innovators, Creative Brain Week 2026 draws on the maturing programs and initiatives it has catalysed to show how inspired intelligence is creating positive transformations for brain health, individuals, communities and you.

Booking will open at the end of January 2026, and you will receive an email in advance of booking being open to the general public.



25-  Books & Coffee in Shercock


 



26-  Love Your Community Space Valentines Competition




27-  OECD Published Rural Policy Review of Ireland 2026


OCED publishes Rural Policy Review of Ireland 2026 

  • OECD review of rural policy to inform development of the new Our Rural Future Policy 

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has now published its first Rural Policy Review of Ireland.


The review highlights PPNs as a vehicle for delivery of Community Wellbeing Statements going forward as a key collaborator at a grass roots level, to harvest lived experience as to what the wellbeing of rural person's lives looks like and should look like going forward in development and strategy.

 

The review highlights the unique whole-of-government approach taken under Ireland’s Our Rural Future policy, which has provided increased visibility on the impacts of rural areas of policies and programmes across all government departments, as well as the significant status given to rural policy through the establishment of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in 2017.

 

The OECD analysis also showed that, while Ireland’s rural areas have significant potential in areas such as the green economy, tourism and food sectors, there remains a range of challenges facing rural areas.

 

In providing a series of recommendations, the OECD review points to the benefits of improved use of rural intelligence, broadening of support for rural enterprises and enabling delivery of essential services in rural areas.

 

Minister Calleary stated:

 

“I am extremely grateful to the OECD for sharing its vast expertise and experience examining rural development policies and practices across its members.

 

“This review has provided a highly valuable independent evaluation of Irish rural policy, which will now help to inform the development of our new Rural Development Policy – Our Rural Future.

 

“I am pleased to note that the report recognises the benefits of our whole of government approach to addressing our ambitions for rural Ireland. Of course, challenges remain in ensuring we fully achieve this ambition and the detailed analysis provided by the OECD will help us to do this.”



28-  UCA International Women's Day Event in Cavan


I hope you are well. On behalf of the United Congolese Association (UCA), I am writing to inform you that we will be celebrating International Women’s Day on March 6th at Cavan Rugby Club from 5-7pm.

This event will bring together women and families from our community to celebrate, empower, and recognise the contributions of women in Cavan and beyond. It will be a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange, networking, and community engagement.



29-  How 13 Minutes Can Change Your Life


Have you 13 minutes to spare?

 

This 13 minute video could change your life

 

'How physical activity reduces cancer risk – what the evidence shows'


Click to watch

Prof Niall Moyna

Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology in the School of Health and Human Performance

DCU 

 


30-  Fermanagh Yarnspinners Feature Cavan Storyteller




31- Hedge Cutting ENDS March 1st

Hedge cutting ends on 1 March.

Ireland has one of the densest hedgerow networks in Europe, but cutting most hedgerows is prohibited in spring and summer months.

The cutting stops in order to protect wildlife and the animals, insects and pollinators that rely on hedgerows for habitat and shelter.

You can learn more about why hedgerows are so important – and the work that local authorities do to promote wildlife and biodiversity – on LocalGov.ie here: Why hedge trimming stops on 1 March | Local Government Ireland



32-  Togetherall Peer to Peer Support for 16-30 Year Olds

 Signpost to Togetherall

It's a safe online peer-to-peer support community dedicated to helping people

aged 16 to 30 in Ireland with their mental health. The service is moderated

24/7, 365 days a year by licensed and accredited mental health professionals,

who manage risk within the community.

 

Who can benefit from Togetherall?

• People coping with everyday challenges such as stress, loneliness, isolation or worry, through to

individuals diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

• Those on a waiting list for treatment.

• Individuals looking for immediate support whilst engaged in treatment services.

• Those post-discharge from treatment.

• As part of relapse prevention plans.

• Those who are often reluctant to seek help or face barriers to accessing community services

or treatment.

 

How do I encourage Self-Referral?

Commissioned by The Health Service Executive (HSE), everyone

aged 16-30 in Ireland with access to the internet can use Togetherall

and self-register for access.

1. Share the following web address: www.togetherall.com/ireland

2. Advise individuals to select ‘Join for free’ and ask them to

input their home Eircode to begin registration.

 

 




33-  Community Health Development Worker Sought For Cavan

The Community Health Development Worker for Traveller Men's Health will work with Cavan Traveller Movement to engage directly with Traveller Men through the Cavan Traveller Men’s Shed and some targeted area of the County. He/she will also engage with relevant service providers to address and highlight the health needs and issues in the community.

For more information, please click here. 

Closing Date for receipt of applications is 5 pm, Monday 2nd of March 2026.


34-  Community Needs To Have Conversation

Communities Need To Have The Conversation!



In a time when we're all just too busy with life, sometimes it means we have less time for a decent conversation. CavanPPN brings you a series of facilitated conversations with guests in a 'Tommy Tiernan style' format where you can engage with them afterwards as a audience member.



These conversations are Talking Shops (the good kind) where we can discuss and get to the heart of real matters affecting our communities in Cavan. They're also a chance to learn about the PPN and the supports it can bring and to have your say about issues and solutions to those issues through our Meitheal Workshop.



So, come along and share in the conversation. Refreshments served and attendance is free!



Link to our first Community Conversation with Grainne Conaty on 'Arts in Our Communities and in Our Hearts':







35-  How Hedgehogs Need YOU Now More Than Ever


RESEARCHERS, CONSERVATIONS AND hedgehog enthusiasts have joined forces to launch a new initiative to protect the “gorgeous” and much-loved animals.

Hedgehog Conservation Ireland aims to develop a nationwide conservation strategy to stop population declines and ensure hedgehogs can thrive across Ireland.

Elaine O’Riordan, of the University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences, told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that right across Europe, the numbers of hedgehogs have “declined quite dramatically”.

She said that in Britain, numbers have declined up to half over the last 20 years, and in some rural areas this jumps up to 75%.

O’Riordan said the most likely cause for this is habitat loss.

“They like hedges and scrubby areas,” said O’Roirdan, “and the way we use our land is changing.”


Hedgehog Conservation Ireland will be launched tomorrow and O’Riordan said it will bring together “enthusiasts and researchers who are trying to get people active in protecting hedgehogs and to develop a hedgehog conservation strategy for Ireland”.

A stakeholder workshop will also be held by the group at the Clontarf Golf Club in Dublin from 10am to 4pm to discuss the new hedgehog conservation strategy. 

The group has also launched the website https://www.hedgehogsireland.com/ and O’Riordan said visiting the website and signing up is among the best ways people can initially begin to help the hedgehog.



She said this allows the group to send out information about projects and how people can get involved in surveys.

It will also include information on activities people can do in their homes and communities to “make the neighbourhood more hedgehog friendly”.

O’Riordan meanwhile noted that hedgehogs are doing better in more suburban areas than they are in the countryside.

She said this is because there is a good mixture of habitats and plenty of places for them to nest and to feed.

She said some simple steps people can take now to help hedgehogs is to “try to leave little parts of your garden a little bit wild, with log piles or piles of leaves in the corner”.

O’Riordan also remarked that hedgehogs “need a big space” as they won’t live in one small garden.

“They need to be able to get around the neighbourhood,” said O’Riordan, “so leave little gaps in the fences and leave the gate open so that they can get around and get in and out people’s gardens, that’s really important.”

She also urged people to “put away the chemicals” and added that “the old slug pellets and stuff are bad news for hedgehogs”.

And when asked what it was that has attracted her to devoting so much time researching and protecting hedgehogs, O’Riordan replied: “How could you not love them? They’re gorgeous.

“People love hedgehogs and we get a lot of reports of people having hedgehogs coming into their garden.

“People see them as the gardener’s friends, because they eat the slugs and snails and bugs in the garden and they don’t cause any harm.

“We’ve done very little work or research on hedgehogs in Ireland, so there’s a lot to learn about the species here.”



 
 
 

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