Cavan Community ENews 20.3.26
- 9 hours ago
- 21 min read
Welcome to your weekly ENews. Our news is compiled weekly from our over 500 member groups (557 as of this week!), 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: Media Literacy & Disinformation
2. FUNDING: Social Entrepreneurs
3. FUNDING: Native Tree Scheme
4. FUNDING: Communicating Europe Initiative 5. FUNDING: Festival & Events Grant Scheme
6. FUNDING: Peace & Changemaker Fund 7. FUNDING: Cruinniu na nOg 2026
8. FUNDING: EU Fund For Education & Training
9. FUNDING: Kingspan Kickstarter Sports Grant
10. FUNDING: Creative Climate Action Fund
TRAINING
11. TRAINING: Free Cavan Parenting Training
12. TRAINING: New Community Training Courses for PPN Groups
13. TRAINING: Irish Scholarship & Workshops
14. TRAINING: Dementia Training For Cavan
15. TRAINING: Climate Justice Fundamentals
SURVEYS/CONSULTS 16.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Clean Energy on the Annaleee River Meeting
17.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: National Drugs Strategy 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: The Cost of Disability in Ireland 19.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Diversifying Sports Volunteering 20.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Geopark, Your Community, Your Say 21.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Healthy Ireland Framework
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
22. National Voter Register Day 23. Latvian Society Ireland Event Portal 24. Ireland's Heartlands Call for Artists 25. International Volunteer Year 2026 26. 35 Years of LEADER 27. Women's Sheds Network Launched 28. Discuss Rural Isolation in Swanlinbar 29- Report for Taoiseach Finds Fruitful Inputs From Cavan Communities 30- Gaelscoil Clothing Collection
31- Future of Planning in Ireland and What It Means To You 32 Community Conversation 33 Older Person's Drop in Info Sessions
FUNDING
Media Literacy & Disinformation
Media Literacy and Countering Disinformation projects in 2026 - 13th Apr
Coimisiún na Meán has issued a call for submissions for funding to support Media Literacy and Countering Disinformation projects in 2026.
Media literacy describes a critical set of skills and knowledge that people need to navigate a complex
information environment. At the heart of media literacy is the ability to understand and critically evaluate media content - whatever the source - in order to make an informed decision about the use of media. These critical thinking skills are also at the heart of maintaining information integrity and media literacy is increasingly being recognised as a tool for helping to counter disinformation.
Deadline: 13th April 2026
More info: https://www.cnam.ie/media-literacy-countering-disinformation-call-for-submissions/
2. Social Entrepreneurs
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland - The Ideas Academy
Do you have a strong insight into a social or environmental problem? Do you have an idea or a solution for that problem? Are you ambitious, entrepreneurial, and passionate about social change? This three-month programme provides you with the knowledge and tools you need to help you to deepen your understanding of the problem and kick-start your idea to get testing and piloting.
Opening: 23 Mar
3. Native Tree Scheme
Have you heard about the Native Tree Area Scheme? It's a simple way to plant native trees and earn annual payments.
The NTAS makes it easy for farmers and landowners to establish small native woodlands on suitable land. Suitable projects can be approved quickly and planted during the current planting season.
Annual premiums of €2,206 – €2,284 per hectare for 10 years
Plant up to 1 hectare, or up to 2 hectares along watercourses
Straightforward approval process (no licence required)
Improve biodiversity, protect water quality and enhance farm sustainability
Contact your local Registered Forester or Teagasc Forestry Adviser to get started.
4. Communicating Europe Initiative
Applications Open for the Communicating Europe Initiative 2026
The Communicating Europe Initiative seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues, at local, regional or national level. The focus of projects this year is on Ireland's 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union as well as the related County Pairings programme.
Increased funding has been allocated to the initiative for 2026, with a total of €775,000 available for eligible projects.
The deadline for receipt of applications is 24 March.
5. Festival & events Grant Scheme
Festival and Events Grant Scheme 2026
13 Mar 2026
The Festival and Events Grant Scheme provides financial assistances 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 at https://submit.link/4MD.
Please note that this scheme is retrospective. The festival or event must be between the period of 1st April 2026 –31st December 2026.
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
6. Peace Plus Changemaker Funding
Applications are open for grants of between €10,000 and €100,000 through the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme. See details at: PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding
7. Cruinniú na nÓG 2026
Cruinniú na nÓg 2026
Local Authorities (LAs) around the country are inviting artists, creators, schools, youth groups, and community organisations to apply for funding to create amazing projects and events for Cruinniú na nÓg 2026—Ireland’s national day of free creative activity for children and young people happening on Saturday, 6th June 2026.
Deadline: Varies according to Local Authority. We have included in our newsletter over the past while and removed any where the deadline has passed. However in case we missed any check with your LA if in doubt.
More info: https://cruinniu.gov.ie/ Contact your LA for funding details in your area.
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- Kingspan Kickstarter Sports Grant
Amateur athletes and sports clubs across Ireland are encouraged to apply for the Kingspan Kickstart Sports Fund, designed to support aspiring athletes in achieving their goals. With a proud history of fostering sports development through partnerships like RC Toulon, Uruguay Rugby and Cavan GAA, Kingspan is committed to providing a platform for grassroots athletes, local sports clubs, and community facilities. The fund runs quarterly, with selections taking place at the end of Q1 and Q2, offering financial assistance for essential needs such as equipment, training, and other resources.
Deadline: Applications are accepted and reviewed between January and June 2026.
10- Create Climate Action Fund
A new €6.5 million Creative Climate Action Fund, which will support imaginative, large-scale creative, cultural and artistic initiatives that help communities engage with climate change and empower citizens to make meaningful behavioural change has been announced by the Government.
The Creative Climate Action Fund III is an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment.
The Creative Climate Action Fund III (2026-2029) will support ambitious, durational projects that bring together expertise from the arts and culture sector, climate science, and community engagement, and is delivered through a cross-Government partnership.
For ideas and inspiration see previously funded projects linked to on link below
Deadline: 15th April 2026
TRAINING
11- Free Cavan Parenting Courses
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.
Your Move: A Women's Leadership Framework for Today
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- Irish Scholarship & Workshops This year we are running a secondary student scholarship programme which will enable 4 students to attend the summer school Coláiste Sheosaimh in Connemara.
We all know how tight things are currently for families and the fees involved in attending Irish summer schools are substantial. The scholarships will allow 4 students to attend for only €500 each instead of the usual €1,250.
Each year we host Irish Oral workshops in Johnston Central Library, Bailieborough, Virginia, Cootehill, Belturbet and Arva Libraries. The workshops are free and we have at least 12 - 20 spaces in each location so can offer places to around 100 students. The course is facilitated by an exam instructor, so the students get excellent notes and advice on the exam.
Full details available on: News - Cavan County Libraries
14 Dementia Training For Cavan
15 Ripple Effects Toolkit
How can we ensure that justice is at the heart of our fight against climate change? How do we ensure that our campaigning is proactively anti-racist? And that it doesn't inadvertently perpetuate injustice and modern-day colonialism?
If we are to tackle the climate crisis effectively we need to be thinking about what's really driving it. To identify and study its most fundamental root causes - and then confront them.
Friends of the Earth Ireland are hosting a weekend training retreat on Climate Justice Fundamentals: An Intro to Colonialism and Extractivism, to take place in beautiful Ballaghnatrillick Co. Sligo from April 24 - 26th
This training course will be full of creative and participatory activities to build your understanding of how colonialism and extractivism are at the root of climate injustice. This residential workshop will be based on our Climate Justice Fundamentals: An Introduction to Colonialism and Extractivism handbook, and we’ll have printed copies for all participants.
This course is intended for people who already have some knowledge about climate change and climate justice, and experiences of climate and environmental activism and organising, and who are interested to continue their learning experience by facilitating workshops on these themes within the communities or activist groups they are part of. We intend to create a community of practice where participants will receive support from each other to do this work.
How to apply for a place on the course
Important Dates
12th March – applications opened!
27th March – deadline for applications
3rd April – we will contact selected participants
24-26th April - training retreat! (Arrival after 6pm on Friday, April 24th; departure after lunch on Saturday, April 26th)
Deadline for applications is 27th March at 12pm. For any queries please contact emmajayne@foe.ie
Details: Climate Justice Fundamentals: An Intro to Colonialism and Extractivism | Friends of the Earth
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
16- Clean Energy on the Annaleee River Meeting
Our company, GKinetic Energy (www.gkinetic.com), has commenced a feasibility study on behalf of Murph’s Gastro Pub, Derragarra Inn, Derrygarra Upper, Butlers Bridge, Co. Cavan. The purpose of this study is to assess the potential for generating clean electricity from the natural flow of the River Annalee alongside Murph’s premises through the installation of a small array of floating hydrokinetic turbines.
The specific turbines have been developed in-house by GKinetic and are compact, floating and slow-rotating units designed to allow the free passage of fish, debris, and small craft. Extensive testing in locations including Strangford Lough and the River Shannon in Limerick has shown no negative impacts on fish or wildlife to date. Further environmental assessment will form a key part of this feasibility study.
This study phase is examining the technical, environmental, and community feasibility of the project. Should the findings indicate strong potential, the next step would be to install a single initial pilot station requiring minimal civil works which would be fully monitored and updates and progress on the project would be shared with all those interested.
As the River Annalee is central to the life, identity, and economy of the area, we are committed to ensuring full transparency and meaningful community engagement throughout this study phase. With that in mind, we are hosting a Community Information & Feedback Meeting, and we would be very pleased if you could attend
Tuesday, 24th March 2026 7:00pm / 19:00
Venue: Analee Room, Main House, Ballyhaise College, H12 E392
(Note there are steps up to the front door. If accessibility is an issue please let us know in advance)
The event will include:
• An overview of what the study is looking at
• How the technology works, the opportunity and benefits
• What it might mean for local homes, businesses, and the community
• Time for questions, concerns, ideas or suggestions from anyone interested
We are especially keen to meet with: • Local residents and families • Landowners, businesses and employers along the river • Anglers, boaters, paddlers and outdoor/recreational users of the river • Environmental and community organisations • Public representatives and anyone involved in local decision-making • Anyone who simply wants to learn more
This meeting is not a decision-making event. It is simply an opportunity to share information and invite those connected to the river and the community to have input early in the process.
We would very much appreciate your response letting us know if you can attend or not so we can plan for numbers. Please drop us an email to info@gkinetic.com or call the office on 069 24459.
If you are unable to attend but would like further details, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Kind regards,
Roisin McCormackCOO, GKinetic Energy Ltd
069 24459
17- Public Consultation on National Drugs Strategy
Minister Murnane O’Connor launches public consultation on the draft national drugs strategy
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD has launched a public consultation on the draft national drugs strategy.
The consultation aims to capture a wide range of views, including from those with lived and living experience of drug use and those involved in the provision of services, recognising that Ireland’s response to drug use requires a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach. The consultation will be open for six weeks until 10 April 2026.
Upon completion of the public consultation, a report will be produced for consideration of the Steering Group tasked with drafting the strategy. This report will subsequently be published.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“I am committed to delivering a strong, future-proof national drugs strategy that supports us to respond to the ever-changing challenges posed by drug use and harmful alcohol consumption.
“It is essential that this strategy is informed by the unique insights of people who use drugs, their families, communities, and those who plan and deliver essential services. Their perspectives are critical in helping us to shape how we respond to emerging drug trends, how we prioritise prevention and how we can ensure faster, fairer access to quality integrated healthcare for anyone dealing with drug-related harm.
“I recently published a draft of the strategy, and I’m now encouraging members of the public to have their say. By sharing your opinions and perspectives via the public consultation, you can help to ensure that the final strategy can effectively respond to drug use through a comprehensive health-led approach.”
The draft strategy sets out a vision for a society where individuals, families and communities are protected from harms associated with drug use and harmful alcohol consumption. It priorities prevention, addressing health and social needs, and promotes equitable access to quality, person-centred, integrated healthcare and recovery services.
The public consultation is the final phase in a series of extensive stakeholder engagements aimed at securing a wide range of perspectives on the approach to reducing drug-related harms.
18- The Cost of Disability Public Consultation
We are looking for your views on two things:
The agenda and format for a Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit. This will be held on the 13 May 2026. This will be a one-day event where key people and groups meet to discuss the cost of disability and help shape future strategy. The summit will include Disabled Persons’ Organisations, Senior Government Officials, employers, civil society representatives and stakeholders with subject expertise. The Minister for Social Protection will chair the Summit
A cost of disability payment. The government has promised to bring in an annual cost of disability payment. We would welcome your views on how the payment should be designed
19- Diversifying Sports Volunteering
As you know the consultation for the Diversify the Volunteer Base in Sport Insights Report is now underway. S3 Solutions are delighted to have been appointed by Sport Ireland to undertake this important research study, which aims to broaden the volunteer base.
The input of individuals (both volunteering and non-volunteering) from across the country is vital to inform the development of this research, which will directly influence practice within the sports sector at a local, regional and national level. We would deeply appreciate your assistance in raising awareness of the digital survey across your network of volunteers and any stakeholder organisations within your network who serve the needs of underrepresented groups, such as Women, People with Disabilities, Ethnic Minorities, LGBTQI+, Traveller/Roma Communities, Youth, and Older People.We are really keen to see the views of those currently volunteering and those who face barriers to volunteering reflected in the report recommendations.
This survey will provide us with insights into the experience of volunteers and non-volunteers as well as underrepresented groups which improve our understanding of the barriers to participation and the value gained from participation in volunteering also. It will take approximately 8 minutes to complete. The survey can be accessed via the following link and will close on Monday 13th April 2026 at 5pm.
Information in relation to how this data is used is included in the introduction to the survey, please read this and if you have any questions about the survey or the process please do not hesitate to ask.
S3 Solutions and Sport Ireland would like to express their thanks in advance to everyone who completes the survey, sharing insights and recommendations which will help to increase diversity within the volunteer base.
20- Your Community Your Say on YOUR Geopark
Calling All Community Voices of the Geopark
Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark spans the stunning landscapes of Fermanagh & Cavan, from ancient caves and towering cliffs to peaceful woodlands and lakelands shaped over 895 million years. With over 10,000 years of cultural heritage, this place is alive with stories.
We’re creating a brand new Community Plan, and we want your voice at its heart.
Share what matters to you, heritage, environment, tourism, signage, future projects, community wellbeing & more.
Join our community drop in sessions. Have your say. Help shape the future of our Geopark.
21- Healthy Ireland Framework
The Department of Health is currently undertaking a public consultation on the new Healthy Ireland Framework. They are inviting organisations and their networks to share their views and help shape the future direction of health and wellbeing policy in Ireland. The consultation is open until 22nd of April and submissions can be made online via the following link:
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
22- National Voter Registration Day
We are writing to let you know that National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) will take place again on Thursday, 30 April 2026.
National Voter Registration Day is a grassroot, community-led initiative that has been running for several years, bringing together local organisations, CSO’s, volunteers, Local Authorities, PPN’s and public representatives to encourage and support voter registration across Ireland.
Endorsed by the Electoral Commission, each year Local Authorities, CSO’s and local groups host registration drives, events or share information online, to highlight the importance of being registered to vote for positive civic engagement and participation. The campaign continues to grow annually, with increasing participation nationwide.
This year's theme is “Have Your Say: Engaging with Irish Public Representatives” to expand conversations on how and why to engage with public representatives and encourage civic engagement. Registration Drives could host a coffee morning/afternoon not only to register or update people’s details but also to speak about this theme, where possible. We believe NVRD could complement the Local Authorities efforts to update inaccuracies in the electoral registers, in line with the recommendations by the Electoral Commission on the Oversight Report on the Electoral Registers.
We will host an online information session on Monday 16th March from 4-5pm to clarify any questions about this campaign, your role on the day and how we can continue increasing voter registration, especially among minority groups.
Below is the link for the information session for next Monday 16th March from 4-5pm.Topic: National Voter Reg Day briefingTime: Mar 16, 2026 04:00 PM DublinJoin Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/81396433239Meeting ID: 813 9643 3239We hope to see many of you online next Monday. Since some of you mentioned you will be on leave that day, we will try to record the session and share the slides afterward.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get back to us.
Kind regards,
Liliana on behalf of
The National Voter Registration Day Team
23- Latvian Society Ireland Event Platform
Dear PPN Team,The Latvian Society in Ireland would like to share a new platform with PPN member groups across Ireland.Eventslbi.ie is a free, non-profit platform designed to help community and voluntary organisations promote their events and reach a wider audience.The platform has recently been featured in the Dublin City PPN Bulletin, highlighting its potential to support smaller community groups and increase visibility for local events.You can view the publication here:https://dublincityppn.ie/ppn-bulletin-183/Every day many wonderful community events take place, but often they remain visible only within small circles. This platform aims to provide a simple and dedicated space where organisations can share their events and where people can easily discover what is happening in their communities.Community organisations and local initiatives are warmly invited to register and publish their events.If possible, we would be very grateful if you could share this information with your member groups, include it in your bulletin, or publish it on your website or social media channels.Together we can strengthen our communities and help more people discover and participate in local events across Ireland.Website & Registration: www.eventslbi.ieSupport: info@eventslbi.ieIf any organisation needs help with registration or publishing events, please feel free to contact me.Phone: +353 89 422 2491Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eventslbiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eventslbiThank you for supporting community initiatives.Kind regards,Aleksejs PavgonensEventsLBI Project Lead
24- Heartlands Artist Call
Following the success of our pilot HeARTlands Art Exhibition in May of last year, and our Winter exhibition in November and December 2025, we are delighted to share that we will be hosting our 2026 Summer Exhibition again this May bank holiday weekend.
Our theme is 'Landscapes, Legends and Love Stories'.
Our call for submissions is currently open and will remain so until Sunday 12th April at 12pm.
We welcome submissions from established, emerging and otherwise passionate visual artists and photographers living and working in Irelands Hidden Heartlands Region.
We are particularly keen to include artists who incorporate eco conscious awareness and sustainable art practices into their work.
We would be very grateful if you could circulate the attached poster and Facebook post to your network and help direct interested artists in your Heartlands county to our social media platforms at :
If you require any further information you can reach us at this email address or connect with me via mobile at 087 7807118.
25- International Voluteer Year 2026
I’m getting in touch about International Volunteer Year 2026 (IVY 2026) – a global year designated by the UN to celebrate and advocate for volunteering. Volunteer Ireland has been named the national lead on IVY 2026 by the Government of Ireland and will deliver a programme of activities together with other partners in the sector.
They wanted to share some information about IVY 2026 and some ideas for how you can get involved.
Call to action: 26 for ‘26
The main call to action for IVY 2026 - 26 for ’26 - was launched in January. Volunteer Ireland are calling on people to volunteer 26 hours during 2026. They can take the pledge on Volunteer Ireland's website and they’ll get a digital pledge badge. They’ll also be gathering their stories and sharing them throughout the year. It’s a lovely way to recognise your existing volunteers and could even form part of a volunteer recruitment campaign.
Video series: A day in the life of a volunteer
Volunteer Ireland are asking volunteers across the country to share a day in their life as a volunteer. They want to showcase volunteering in all its forms. Volunteering is often undervalued and misunderstood and they want to change that. They want to show people what it's really like to volunteer and they need your help!
They're looking for volunteers to take part in a series of A Day in the Life of a Volunteer videos. All people need to take part is to be a volunteer and have a smartphone. Volunteers don't need any special skills and Volunteer Ireland will be there to offer support and guidance. Do you know a volunteer that could fit the bill? It would be a great showcase for some of your organisations and the volunteer roles they have on offer. Volunteers can complete the form below to indicate their interest in taking part. Or you can email amy@volunteer.ie for more information.
Quick hits: Easy ways to mark IVY 2026
One of the easiest ways to get involved is to talk about the importance of volunteering and help amplify the IVY 2026 message. For example, you could:
· Add the IVY 2026 logo to your email, website and events
· Let your volunteers know that it’s IVY 2026 and thank them for their contribution
· Mention IVY 2026 and the importance of volunteering in event speeches, policy meetings and presentations
· Ask volunteers to take the 26 for ’26 pledge
· Ask a volunteer to get involved in the day in the life video project
You can find more logos, blurbs and social assets on the IVY 2026 Trello board.
If there’s anything else Volunteer Ireland can do to support your engagement with IVY 2026 or if you’d like any more information, please get in touch - amy@volunteer.ie.
26- 35 Years of LEADER
35 years of LEADER – Minister Calleary congratulates groups on reaching significant milestone
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today (Sunday, 15 March 2026) congratulated LEADER groups all across Ireland for the vital work that has been delivered over the lifetime of the Programme.
The LEADER Programme was launched by the European Commission on this day, 15 March 1991, by Irish Commissioner Ray MacSharry, and once established in Ireland, it has been ever present in rural communities across the country.
LEADER was designed to provide communities with the resources to drive their own local development through a "bottom-up" approach that empowers local partners and communities, with Local Action Groups helping to identify specific needs and directing the development of their areas through Local Development Strategies.
Minister Calleary said:
“The LEADER programme has been a cornerstone of rural development policy in Ireland for 35 years. I want to thank all the stakeholders who have been involved over the years, you should all be very proud of what you have achieved to date. I want to acknowledge former Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Ray MacSharry for his foresight and leadership during his tenure which seen major reforms of the CAP.
“LEADER funding has provided rural communities with the necessary resources to bring about real change in their own local communities, through a community-led local development “bottom-up” approach.”
LEADER has evolved through several programming periods and continues today as part of the 2023–2027 LEADER Programme, which is gathering significant momentum now with projects being approved across the country.
To date under the 2023–2027 programme, over 1,000 projects have been approved for LEADER funding of over €50 million, supporting a broad range of enterprises and community groups across rural Ireland.
Minister Calleary added:
“The milestone of over 1,000 projects being approved for LEADER funding under the 2023–2027 programme is an achievement that shows the considerable support from my department and the European Union to rural communities nationwide.
“Grant aid awarded under the LEADER programme has played a critical role in empowering communities across rural Ireland by providing community groups, businesses, and individuals with the required resources to actively direct local development in their areas.
“This has enabled our rural communities to address the specific needs and challenges in their local areas and to become more resilient, while supporting job creation, and improving social and economic wellbeing.”
LEADER into the future
The LEADER programme is funded as an intervention under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and, therefore, the development of the EU regulations relating to the post 2027 CAP, is a matter of significant importance to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Ireland has and will continue to advocate for a well-funded CAP that supports farm viability and resilience, environmental ambition, and rural development measures such as LEADER.
Minister Calleary concluded:
“The development of the CAP post-2027 is a matter of significant importance for my Department. As these EU negotiations progress I will continue to advocate for the LEADER programme to remain a core element of the new CAP framework and for the continued prioritisation of a well funded LEADER programme in the coming years”
Further information about the LEADER Programme is available online via the Department’s LEADER homepage: www.gov.ie/LEADER
27- Women's Sheds Network Launched
I am delighted to share that the Women's Sheds of Ireland has been officially launched. The WSOI are the national umbrella group for women's sheds across the country.
We have a comprehensive toolkit that has everything you need to know to start up a women's shed in your area.
Women's sheds are making a huge difference to the social and mental wellbeing of women in communities across Ireland.
I am reaching out to county councils across the country to ask can you share in your networks the following poster.
28- Discuss Rural Isolation in Swanlinbar
29- Report for Taoiseach Finds Fruitful Inputs From Cavan Communities
CavanPPN were engaged in an in-depth workshop on Social Cohesion conducted by the National Economic and Social Council last week. Alongside other key collaborators and voices of County Cavan, we undertook to vision what societal cohesion, cooperation and pro-activity means for us all. It was informative, entertaining and thought provoking. It was also a key platform to engage with one another and with the NESC in their work of advising the Taoiseach and National Government.
30- Gaelscoil Bhréifne Clothing Collection
31- The Future of Planning in Ireland & How It Affects YOU
Planning and Development Act 2024
What You Need to Know About the Future of Planning in Ireland and How it Affects You
When: Wednesday March 25th, 7pm
Where: Online
You are invited to attend our upcoming webinar with Luke McCann, Senior Associate at FP Logue LLP.
We are very grateful to Luke and excited to hear from his expertise on the Planning and Development Act 2024.
This session will address:
A brief run through the 2024 Act
What changes should you be aware of and know about?
The key impacts on environmental groups and NGOs, including stricter rules for challenging planning decisions, new eligibility criteria for standing, and a requirement to exhaust all administrative appeals first.
Will legal challenges become more difficult and costly?
Has access to judicial review been curtailed and how?
Will organisations that take a judicial review now be liable for the full costs?
What should organisations do if they are unhappy with a planning decision in their area or which impacts their work? What are the courses of action open to them?
About Luke McCann:
Luke is Senior Associate with FP Logue
Before joining FP Logue LLP, Luke worked as an associate in the planning and environment team of a leading Irish law firm. In that role Luke specialised in both bringing and defending legal challenges in the Planning and Environment Court of the High Court, involving complex issues of European and Irish law. Luke also delivered professional training courses on the Habitats Directive.
Prior to qualification as a solicitor, Luke worked as a judicial assistant in the Supreme Court, assigned to the Chief Justice.
Please register through the link above to attend
32- Community Conversation
33- Older Persons Drop In Info Sessions
Comments