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Cavan Community ENews 23.1.26

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: Sport Event Grant

4. FUNDING: Invasive Species Fund 5. FUNDING: HSE National Lottery Grant

6. FUNDING: Heritage Orgs Support Fund 7. FUNDING: Community Monuments Fund

8. FUNDING: REACH Fund 2026

9. FUNDING: Waterways, Heritage & Biodiversity Fund 10. FUNDING: ESB Wind Farm Funds 11. FUNDING: CIF Funds

TRAINING 12. TRAINING: New Community Training Courses for PPN Groups 13. TRAINING: Training in Practical Marketing for FREE

SURVEYS/CONSULTS 14. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Child & Family Homelessness Action Plan Consult

15.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: ResiRiver Survey 16. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Cuilcagh-Anieran Uplands Survey 17. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Mullagh Public Survey ... CLOSING SOON



EVENTS & OTHER NEWS

18. Three Years of Cavan Commuity Voices In One Report 19. Cavan Twinned With Latvia For Irish EU Presidency 20. ALONE Newsletter 21. Biodiversity Plans Increase From 5 to 16 22. Access Europe Launch Website 23. Creative Brain Week Upcoming 24-  National Storytelling Project Wraps Up In County Cavan 25-  The Water Holds No Boundaries Community Art Exhibit 26-  Test Audience Community Group Sought For Storytelling Hour 27-  Calling ALL Southwest Cavan Communities For Gowna Hall Event


Below: Some beautiful local images from this weeks Aurora Borealis

Above: Edwina Guckian took this photo over The Iron Mountain Below: Michelle Clarke Brady (Zudane Photography) took this photo over Killeshandra Lake




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:

 


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

 


3.  Sport Event Grant

Not-for-profit European Sport Events - 22nd Jan  5th Mar


This Action aims to support the organisation of sport events with a European dimension in the following fields:

  • volunteering in sport

  • social inclusion through sport, in particular fostering the inclusion of people with disabilities

  • Fight against discrimination in sport, including gender equality


Encouraging healthy lifestyles for all: projects under this priority will mainly focus on:

  • the implementation of the three pillars of the HealthyLifestyle4All initiative

  • the implementation of the Council Recommendation on health-enhancing physical activity and the EU Physical Activity Guidelines

  • the support to the implementation of the European Week of Sport

  • the promotion of sport and physical activity as a tool for health

  • the promotion of all activities encouraging the practice of sport and physical activity

  • promotion of traditional sport and games


Deadlines: European Local events and European-wide events: 5th March

Large-Scale European events: 22nd January



4.      Invasive Species Fund

EU Invasive Alien Species Rapid-Response Fund - Feb 2027


This project will establish the European Invasive Alien Species Rapid-Response Fund, a three year initiative which aims to prevent the establishment and therefore future impacts of biological invasions in the EU.

The specific objectives are to:

• facilitate rapid and cost-effective responses to introductions of alien species that could severely and negatively impact biodiversity and the related ecosystem services, as well as human wellbeing in the EU.  

• build capacity with actions to increase the capacity of stakeholders on rapid eradication.  


The project must directly address an early-stage invasion of an alien species (i.e. non-native, either breeding or non-breeding) that has a high risk of spread in the near future resulting in negative impacts to biodiversity and related ecosystem services (i.e. become an invasive alien species).

Min. grant: €10,000 Max. grant: €50,000


In order to be eligible for a grant, the Lead Partner must be either a research institution, a Civil Society Organization (CSO1), a Non governmental Organisation (NGO) or government or government-affiliated entity active on the management of IAS in the EU. Partnerships involving governments or government affiliated entities will be strongly encouraged


Deadline: Rolling call to 10th Feb 2027

 


5.   HSE National Lottery Grant

HSE National Lottery Grant Scheme

The scheme offers National Lottery grants to health and social care projects. Community groups and voluntary organisations can apply. Applicants must provide health or social care services to the community. For example, you might help people with a disability, older people, carers or disadvantaged groups.

Deadline: 13 Feb



6.         Heritage Orgs Support Fund


Heritage Organisations Support Fund - 26th Jan


This fund provides Core funding to non-profit organisations working in Ireland’s heritage sector. If your work has national or regional significance, this fund is here to help you grow stronger and make a lasting impact.


Through this fund, the Heritage Council aims to support organisations to:

  • Build long-term strength and stability

  • Plan for the future and grow strategically

  • Adopt environmentally friendly practices and contribute to climate action


This fund supports core operational work, not standalone projects. It helps heritage organisations to remain stable, plan for the future, invest in staff and governance, and contribute to climate action and public benefit. All funded work should align with the goals of The Heritage Council's Strategic Plan 2023-2028.


Please note Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2026- will open in February

A separate Community Heritage Grant Scheme will open for applications in February 2026 for community/voluntary and not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding for heritage projects. Further details will be available until February 2026. Such projects should NOT be applied for under the Heritage Organisations Support Fund.


Deadline: 5pm 26th January 2026



7.      Community Monuments Fund


Community Monuments Fund 2026 - 13th Feb


The 2026 Community Monuments Fund will invest €7.5 million to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future. It is estimated that the funding for 2026 will support approximately 120 projects nationwide.

The core aims of the Community Monuments Fund are to conserve, maintain, protect and promote local monuments and historic sites.


The scheme has three streams to support these aims:

Stream 1 will offer grants up to €100,000 aimed at essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments

Stream 2 will offer grants of up to €30,000 for development of Conservation Management Plans/Reports that are aimed at identifying measures for conservation of archaeological monuments and improving public access.

Stream 3 will offer grants of up to €30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation (including virtual/online) at archaeological monuments.


This scheme is administered by the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Local Authorities. Interested parties should contact the relevant Local Authority to enquire about applications.


Deadline: 13th February 2026



8- The Reach Fund 2026


For More Information or Queries:

 Community Education (Cavan Monaghan)

Deirdre Byrne – deirdrebyrne@cmetb.ie | 047 71914

 Cavan and Monaghan Youth Services:

Maureen McIntyre – maureenmcintyre@cmetb.ie | 047 30 888

Online applications are now open and interested parties can apply online via





9- Waterways Heritage & Biodiversity Fund

Community Heritage and Biodiversity Grant Scheme 2026 - Waterways Ireland - 31st Jan


A fund of €20,000 has been allocated to assist community-based projects which complement or fulfil the delivery of the Waterways Ireland Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2030 along the Barrow Navigation, Erne System, Grand Canal, Lower Bann, Royal Canal, Shannon Navigation, Shannon-Erne Waterway, and the Ulster Canal (Upper Lough Erne to Clones).


Applications will be considered from communities seeking assistance for projects that help support the Objectives of the Heritage & Biodiversity Plan 2030:

  • Objective 1: Develop a solid foundation of high quality and openly accessible waterways heritage and biodiversity knowledge.

  • Objective 2: Ensure that Waterways Ireland’s management of heritage and biodiversity is integrated across the organisation’s activities and external partnerships, and aligned with the UN SDGs.

  • Objective 3: Strengthen and support inspiring heritage and biodiversity experiences across our shared waterways.


Deadline: 31st January 2026




10- 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.




11- CIF Funds

The Collaboration and Innovation Fund (CIF) is managed by the Adult Literacy for Life Office in SOLAS.  The fund is for projects that:

  • address unmet adult literacy, numeracy, digital, family or financial literacy needs

    and/or

  • support organisations to create a more literacy friendly society.

The closing date for applications is 12pm on Thursday 22 January 2026.  The project must be a partnership between two or more organisations. Local projects can apply for up to €15,000. National projects can apply for up to €50,000.   Many of the projects featured in our Literacy opens doors webinars over the past three years were funded through the CIF. 

Have questions?Look at the Adult Literacy for Life website and contact your Regional Literacy Coordinator for more information.



TRAINING



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- Free Training In Practical Marketing

FREE TRAINING -


Practical Marketing Foundations for Small Business Success

Cavan County Council is a Partner of the DS3 Project which is supported by the

PEACEPLUS Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. The

aim of this project is to improve Digital/ICT awareness and skills in rural communities

through training, mentoring and engagement with ICT solutions. The project is aimed

in particular at business communities (SME’s and Micro’s) and civic society

(community and voluntary organisations).

Under the DS3 project a free 2-part online workshop series to support small and

micro businesses with practical marketing and online sales has been developed and

is open for registration:

Practical Marketing Foundations for Small Business Success

�� 28th January | 12.00 – 1.00pm

�� 5th March | 12.00 – 1.00pm

�� Online (Microsoft Teams)






SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS


14- Consult on Child & Family Homelessness Action PLan

Government’s new housing plan ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities’ is an integrated housing and homelessness plan. The new plan is based on two key pillars: activating the supply of 300,000 more homes; and supporting people to have a home of their own.

Increased supply is key to addressing homelessness. Government is focused on making sure that everyone has access to good quality, affordable and secure homes that suit their needs. Over €9 billion in capital funding will be made available for housing in 2026.

The new Plan recognises that homelessness is the single most pressing social issue that we face and introduces a number of key measures to address homelessness.

One such measure relates to the development of a dedicated cross-Departmental and agency led Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan. Given the importance of this issue for child poverty and child well-being, the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are working together on this Plan, supported by relevant Government departments and State bodies.

It is intended that the Plan will place a particular emphasis on prevention measures and measures to accelerate exits and reduce the time spent by children and their families in homeless emergency accommodation.

It is also intended that the Plan will address issues currently experienced by children in emergency accommodation and put in place additional supports in areas such as education, nutrition and mental health. The Plan will also put in place additional supports for parents and expectant mothers who are experiencing homelessness in order to support the whole family.

Full details at:


15- ResiRiver Survey


My name is Mahak Sharma and I am a Ph.D. researcher in the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES) here in DkIT Dundalk.  As part of the ResiRiver project (Home | ResiRiver), I am currently conducting a research project titled "Analysing the role of stakeholder engagement within various water management institutions/organisations", under the supervision of Dr. Suzanne Linnane, Dr. Caroline Gilleran Stephens, Dr. Hammond Antwi Sarpong and Dr. David Getty. The aim of my research is to explore how different stakeholder groups engage and collaborate to build more effective and sustainable water management systems.

As part of this study, I am reaching out to officials of various organisations to invite them to participate in a short survey that will help gather valuable data and insights.

It will be a great help if you complete the survey that will take approximately 5 minutes and can be accessed through the following link: https://forms.gle/CaCZmjfjKjpbV8DF7

Also, I am aware that some of the organisations have restricted the use of external form links (google form) due to security protocols. As a result, some recipients have been unable to open or complete the online survey. In that case, to ensure that you are able to participate without difficulty, I have also attached a Word version of the survey to this email. It will be a great help if you complete the attached document at your convenience and return the completed file to me via email.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like further information about the study.

I truly appreciate your time and support.

Kind Regards

Mahak



16-  Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands Survey


My name is Erin Bell, and I am a student at University College Dublin. I am conducting a survey to better understand areas of cultural and social importance within the Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands SAC, from the perspective of those who live nearby. The survey is open to adult residents of the Republic of Ireland who live within 50 km of Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands. Your insights will help highlight the places and traditions that matter most to local communities.



Participation is voluntary and responses will be anonymous.


You can access the survey directly at https://www.partimap.eu/en/p/CuilcaghAnierin/0, or by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.





17-  Mullagh Public Survey

Link to the survey

Please find below the link to the survey on MS – Forms.  It should be accessible for anyone with the link without the need to log in.

 







EVENTS & OTHER NEWS


18- Three Years of Cavan Community Voices In One Report


The CavanPPN has published an in-depth report that is the culmination of 3 years of work across 9 towns and villages of County Cavan. The Community Roadshows Report outlines the feedback from consultations on issues and solutions in the areas of: Templeport, Dowra, Ballyconnell in The Cavan/Belturbet MD. Arva, Mountnugent Mullagh in the Ballyjamesduff MD. Kingscourt, Shercock Cootehill in the Bailieborough/Cootehill MD.


We hope that this report can help inform and support community representation for our members and the Cavan public going forward. All these are the views of community members present at each of the events. Many thanks to the amazing speakers who also supported these events whose logos are above represented. Access the report here: 7addda_cf131e2ceaa94784a75272540cc1f750.pdf



19- Cavan Matched With Latvia For Ireland EU Presidency

During Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, each county in the State will be “paired” with an EU Member State.

In each county, Ambassadors of EU Member States, accompanied by the relevant Irish Ambassador, will participate in a range of public events, including talks at local libraries and visits to schools, as well as engaging with local authorities and local communities through sporting, community, youth and civil society groups.

These visits will help to strengthen links between counties across Ireland and other EU Member States, further building Ireland’s relationship with its EU partners.

Communicating the benefits of our EU membership, and explaining what our EU Presidency means in practice, is and will remain a continued focus of my work.

CAVAN WILL BE PAIRED WITH LATVIA

Carlow with Luxembourg

Cavan with Latvia

Clare with Croatia

Cork with France

Donegal with Poland

Dublin with Greece

Galway with Estonia

Kerry with Czechia

Kildare with Austria

Kilkenny with Romania

Laois with Malta

Leitrim with Cyprus

Limerick with Germany

Longford with Hungary

Louth with Portugal

Mayo with Netherlands

Meath with Italy

Monaghan with Finland

Offaly with Belgium

Roscommon with Slovenia

Sligo with Lithuania

Tipperary with Bulgaria

Waterford with Denmark

Westmeath with Sweden

Wexford with Slovakia

Wicklow with Spain




20- ALONE Newsletter

We’re delighted to share the latest edition of ALONE Network News, bringing you updates from across our partnership network.

 

 

You are receiving this newsletter as we value our relationship with you as part of a service collective that works hard to help older people age at home.

 

This communication serves to build a stronger community where sharing of resources, ideas and learnings can make the process of ageing at home in Ireland improve every day.

 

 

Also with a stronger community of partner organisations we can create greater change in the areas that we all work in and for the older people that we work with.

 

We very much want to engage in a two way conversation with all partners and interested parties, that will offer us all endless opportunities for learning, innovating, growth and campaigning together.




21-  Cavan Biodiversity Plans Swarm from 5 to 16


Congratulations to the eleven community groups in Cavan that have developed their own local Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs). Cavan has now raised the total number of local BAPs to sixteen on the National Biodiversity Data Centre website, an accomplishment that everyone involved takes pride in. Full details here:Cavan has increased Biodiversity Action Plans at National level from 5 to 16!




22-  Access Europe Website

Access Europe Launches Website to Support Irish Organisations Access EU Funding

Access Europe has officially launched its new website, designed to make it easier than ever for Irish organisations to explore and access EU funding opportunities. 

The new platform features a modern, user-friendly design and a range of practical tools aimed at supporting organisations at every stage of their EU funding journey. The site is your one-stop shop for EU funding, where users can find relevant funding calls, learning resources, and opportunities to connect with potential partners across Europe. 

A key highlight of the new site is the eLearning Hub, which offers self-guided learning modules covering a wide range of EU funding topics.




23-  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.



24-  National Storytelling Project Wraps Up In County Cavan


Message of Thanks to Cavan From Storytellers Ireland

"What a perfect way to close our Border Talk 2 journey!

We wrapped up the project with a truly special finale at Cavan County Museum, Ballyjamesduff, on Saturday 10th January.

We were treated to incredible stories from five wonderful tellers — Thomas Ruddy, Anne Marie O'Hara, Laura Sherry, Fionnuala Cassidy and Daniel Downey — each a joy to listen to. The afternoon was beautifully capped off with a memorable performance from singer and storyteller Colum Sands.

Heartfelt thanks to our cross-border partners, the Armstrong Storytelling Trust, and especially to their Storyteller in Residence, Liz Weir, for her dedication and support throughout the project. Sincere thanks also to our and to our former Chair Aoife Demel for her commitment and dedication in seeing both Border Talk 1 and Border Talk 2 come about. Finally to our funder, The International Fund for Ireland, for their financial support, without which, these projects could not happen.


Over the course of Border Talk 2, we brought people together from counties Donegal, Derry, Armagh, Fermanagh, Cavan and Tyrone, celebrating our shared oral traditions. We provided accredited training to a further 12 storytellers; hosted more than 30 storytelling sessions which had a collective attendance of 850 people, countless places explored, friendships formed, connections strengthened and stories told.


As our Chair Francis McCarron so perfectly said:

“Borders separate places, but stories bring people together.”

Long may those connections continue"


 



25-  The Water Holds No Boundaries Community Art Exhibit



26-  Test Audience Community Group Sought For Storytelling Hour

Local storyteller Daniel Downey is seeking a community audience to 'test-run' his new trilogy of stories based around ancient Cavan folklore. The group should be open to being entertained for an hour by an experienced and trained storyteller with Storytellers of Ireland and be open to giving critical feedback afterwards.

This is an original work of never-been-seen material sourced from ancient Irish documents and folklore. To apply to have his telling come to your group you should have a venue and audience available (no sound equipment etc needed). There is no charge for this telling and it will be a first-come-first-serve basis. Adults Only Please. Email daniel.a.downey@gmail.com if you are interested to apply.



27- GOWNA Community Roadshow/Meitheal



Our meitheal includes a guest speaker and there will be an opportunity for community groups to give feedback to the PPN on how things are going for their group and their area.


Date: Thursday, January 29th


Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm


Location: Gowna Community Hall (St. Bridget's). Eircode: H12 R266



In 2026 we will be visiting each of the county’s three municipal districts (MD’s).  Keep on eye on PPN news for updates.



If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please contact us at info@cavanppn.ie.

 
 
 

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