Cavan Community ENews 24.4.26
- 21 hours ago
- 29 min read
Welcome to your weekly ENews. Our news is compiled weekly from our over 500 member groups (569 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 try to ensure that items fit to one A4 page for ease of reading by recipients. Please note that views/items contained within our ENews may not reflect the values/policies of CavanPPN.
Many Thanks, The CavanPPN Team (Aisling, 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: Lidl Green Fund
2. FUNDING: The Community Safety Fund
3. FUNDING: Commemorations Grant
4. FUNDING: Science Week Funding 5. FUNDING: Working with Nature Awards
6. FUNDING: LEADER Pro gramme Open 7. FUNDING: Forest Funding Announced
8. FUNDING: LGBTIQ+ Fund
9. FUNDING: Animal Welfare Fund
10. FUNDING: Sustainable Social Enterprise Scheme 2026/27
TRAINING
11. TRAINING: Active Citizenship
12. TRAINING: New Community Training Courses for PPN Groups
13. TRAINING: Early Years Training for Parents & Babies
14. TRAINING: Invasive Species Training
SURVEYS/CONSULTS 15.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Community Barriers to Opening Bank Accounts
16.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: New Government Digital Wallet Consultation
17.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Cavan Local Community Safety Survey
18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Community Skills & Training Needs
19.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Hedgehog Hibernation Survey
20.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: 7 Minutes to Change Social Innovation in Ireland
21.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Hearing Care Services
22.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Seeking Irish Input Into Marine protected Areas
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS 23. DFI Newsletter 24. Autism Awareness Coffee Morning 25. Belleeek Community Drop-In 26. StreetFeast 2026 27. National Voter Registration Day 28. Discuss Rural Isolation in Swanlinbar 29- SunSmart 2026 Campaign 30- The Irish Family History Society
31- Orange Fire Risk Issued 32 33 Women in Nature Nominations Open 34- Virginia Wins Nationally At AVIVA Stadium 35- An evening with The Cottage Market Cavan
36- Hands Off Nature Campaign 37- Save the Date: Cavan Community Summer Conference June 27th 38- Cavan's Best Kept Estate... Who Will It Be?
39 Cavan's Old Cures Event 40 Free Electric Recycling Day 41 Save the Date for Belturbet Spring Festival!
FUNDING
The Lidl Green Fund
The Lidl Green Fund Now Inviting Applications
Lidl's Ireland is giving away €100,000 in funding to community sustainability projects - APPLY NOW!
The Lidl Green Fund is designed to promote, support, and empower local sustainability community projects across Ireland to help communities actively champion sustainable living and protect the planet.
Charities, primary and secondary schools, and community groups from every county can now apply with top award of €25,000 up for grabs and a further €75,000 allocated to a number of smaller projects.
The application deadline is 18 May 2026.
2. The Community Safety Fund
Applications Now Open for 2026 Community Safety Fund
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, has opened this year’s nationwide funding call for applications to the 2026 Community Safety Fund (CSF).
First opened in 2022, this annual fund allows for the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Síochána, to be redirected into local projects that support and enhance community safety. This year’s fund, totalling €4.75 million, is a significant increase since the initial allocation of €2 million in 2022.
Applications will be open until 5pm on 18 May 2026.
3. Commemorations Grant Scheme
Commemorations Grants Scheme - 29th Apr
The Commemorations Grants scheme which aims to encourage new local research and local history studies (local, national and regional) as a means of recognising the significant contribution of local historians in furthering fields of study relating to the Commemoration of events associated with the early years of the state as well as other significant historical anniversaries, events and themes has opened for the third year.
This scheme which is funded by the Commemorations unit of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport provides between €1,500 and €10,000 per project for the direct research costs associated with undertaking such work.
Deadline: 29th April 2026
4. Science Week Funding
Research Ireland Science Week Funding Programme - 11th May
This Programme is for innovative public engagement projects that connect wider society with research, innovation, and science during Science Week.
Research Ireland delivers Ireland’s national Science Week by providing a focused annual platform that stimulates, supports, and promotes STEM activities created to engage with the public. They provide funding for Science Week Festivals and Events, contributing to the national Science Week effort at a local and regional level. Science Week 2026 will take place from the 8th – 15th November.
The purpose of the Science Week Funding Programme is to provide support to Festivals and Events nationwide that carry out inclusive engagement with STEM during Science Week, in ways that are relevant, accessible and creative.
The 2026 Science Week Funding Programme particularly welcomes applicants:
who are creating a new offering for a community or region not yet served by Science Week, or who are continuing to develop and deepen their engagement with a broad range of communities through existing Festivals and Events.
Science Week welcomes contributions from across the sciences, arts, media, education, youth and/or community work sectors.
Deadline: 11th May 2026 for Festivals & 18th May 2026 for Events
5. Working with Nature Awards
The Working with Nature Awards recognise individuals, community groups and organisations across Ireland who are actively protecting, restoring and reconnecting people with nature.
Now in its second year, the Awards celebrate impactful work across three categories:1. Biodiversity & Rewilding, 2.Nature Media, and 3.Nature Education & Wellbeing.
Open to projects of all sizes, the Awards aim to highlight real, on-the-ground action while providing a platform to share stories that inspire wider change.
Nominations are now open until 25 May, with the Awards Ceremony taking place on 2 July at Powerscourt Estate.
More information and entry details:
6. LEADER Programme OPEN
Cavan LEADER Programme 2023 - 2027 is OPEN and
accepting ‘Expressions of Interest’.
Unlock Funding Opportunities for Your
Community, Youth or Environmental
Project Today!
Cavan LEADER funding is available locally for community and other
voluntary groups to apply for support for a range of possible projects to a
maximum of €200,000 on an ongoing basis until the budget is exhausted.
In order to decipher if your project is eligible to progress to application
stage, FULLY complete an ‘expression of interest’ form and send to CCLD.
Submit your ‘expression of interest’ form now for funding to support your
community initiatives and make a difference. Full details on Cavan LEADER
23-27 and ‘expression of interest’ form is available from this link
https://www.ccld.ie/apply-for-leader-funding or the QR code below.
7. Funding Announced For Local Forests
Minister Calleary announces over €3 million investment in Coillte recreational sites for 2026
€3.13m for new trail infrastructure and ongoing maintenance at 224 sites
Final year of 5 year strategic partnership that has seen over €16 million invested in Coillte recreation sites
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today (20th April 2026) announced details of €3.13m funding that the department will provide in 2026 as part of its’ strategic partnership with Coillte.
Examples of some of the new recreation amenities being funded today include:
Woodpark, Co Clare: Car park improvement works and the upgrade of 1.4 km of trail. €90,000.
Curragh Chase Forest Park, Co Limerick: Renewal of Forest Park entrance road. €280,000.
Belleek Woods, Co Mayo: First installation of play features as part of a new woodland play trail. €105,000.
Sopwell, Co Tipperary: Renewal of bog bridge. €60,000.
Monivea Forest, Co Galway: Car park improvement works and trail upgrade. €76,000.
Dún an Rí Forest Park, Co Cavan: Modernisation of toilet facilities. €82,000.
The full list of sites being maintained and the locations of new works is available here
Embracing Ireland’s Outdoor - National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2027
Today’s announcement is a key contributor to the implementation of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023 - 2027 which is supporting the sustainable development of outdoor recreation in Ireland.
The Department of Rural & Community Development & the Gaeltacht has a strategic partnership in place with Coillte via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU agrees to provide €15 million for the period 2022-2026 to Coillte to enhance recreational facilities on Coillte land and to support increased tourism and economic activity in rural areas.
This builds on the previous 5-year agreement which provided funding of €11 million over the period 2017-2021.
Coillte
Coillte, Ireland’s semi-state forestry company, is responsible for managing 440,000 hectares of primarily forested land making it Ireland’s largest forest manager. Coillte aims to balance and deliver the multiple benefits of its forests for climate, nature, wood and people. Coillte is the largest provider of outdoor recreation in Ireland with 260 forest recreational areas, twelve forest parks and six mountain bike centres nationwide.
Details of previous funding are provided in the annual reports produced by Coillte, including the 2025 report, are available on the Department’s website at: https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/fd0c9f-outdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme/.
The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
The expanded Department is now known as the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD leads the Department and is supported by the Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD.
8- LGBTIQ+ Fund
2026 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Funding Call
There are two streams of funding under the LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund:
Scheme A is open to applications from existing LGBTIQ+ NGOs and community organisations working with the LGBTIQ+ community to support new initiatives and to maintain and enhance existing services and initiatives.
Scheme B will provide small grants to organisations for projects that promote visibility and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ persons.
Deadline: 30 Apr
9- Animal Welfare Fund
The amounts given to charities ranged from €4,000 to €2,606,825, with the average payment being €67,735. This funding recognises the importance of the role such charities play in caring for vulnerable animals, in education and awareness-raising to improve animal welfare, which is particularly relevant, for example, in encouraging responsible pet ownership.
10- Sustainable Social Enterprise Scheme 2026/27
Trading for Impact: Minister Buttimer Announces
€4m ‘Sustaining Social Enterprise Scheme 2026/27’
Innovative scheme designed to support social enterprise development and growth by funding the recruitment of key staff members.
Social Enterprises will deliver projects that will increase their traded income and their financial sustainability over a 23-month funding period.
Minister for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, TD, today (17 April 2026) announced the launch of the €4m Dormant Accounts Funded ‘Sustaining Social Enterprise Scheme’.
Many social enterprises that are trading on an ongoing basis often face constraints in increasing their traded income due to limited staffing capacity and competing operational priorities. This Fund is designed to address those constraints by enabling organisations to invest strategically in the people and structures required to embed income generation as a core and sustainable part of their business model.
Growing, strengthening and increasing the impact of social enterprises within communities is a key goal of the Government’s Social Enterprise Policy – ‘Trading for Impact’.
Making the announcement today, Minister Buttimer said:
“The ‘Dormant Accounts Funded Sustaining Social Enterprises Scheme’ will provide much-needed support to social enterprises nationwide and enable them to grow their traded income in a sustainable way and strengthen their impact on the communities they serve.
“Projects may include the employment of a staff member to increase traded income or by employing a person in a role, for example in Admin or HR, that will free-up time for an existing member of staff to focus on increasing their traded income generation. The scheme is open to individual social enterprises or across several social enterprises as part of a shared services model.”
The Minister added:
“It is envisaged that up to 35 projects will benefit from this funding, which will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the social enterprises themselves, the communities they operate in, and on their customers and service users.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the work that so many social enterprises are performing in communities across Ireland. Social enterprises play a key role in creating jobs, providing goods and services, and delivering real benefits in communities.”
The Scheme will be administered on behalf of the department by Pobal.
Speaking about the announcement, Anna Shakespeare, CEO of Pobal said:
“Pobal are pleased to support the DAF Sustaining Social Enterprise Scheme, which will help organisations strengthen their income streams and build long-term sustainability. By investing in capacity and shared services, this initiative will enable social enterprises to focus on growth and continue delivering meaningful impact in communities across Ireland.”
Applicants must first, through an open call, satisfy that they are eligible to avail of the scheme, before being invited to submit a full application.
Details of the scheme, and how to apply, can be found on Pobal’s website:
Contact:
The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Press Office
01-773 6843 / 086 461 8285
Social Enterprises:
Social enterprises are businesses that work primarily to improve the lives of people. Their core objective is to achieve a social, societal, or environmental impact. Like other businesses, social enterprises pursue their objectives by trading in goods and services on an ongoing basis.
However, surpluses generated by social enterprises are re-invested into achieving their core social objectives, rather than maximising profit for their owners. They frequently work to support disadvantaged groups such as the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, the Traveller community, etc., or to address issues such as food poverty, social housing, or environmental matters.
National Social Enterprise Policy
Trading for Impact National Social Enterprise Policy 2024 – 2027 was launched by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in July 2024. The policy is designed to help cultivate and sustain strong, impactful social enterprises in Ireland, that enrich the social, environmental and economic well-being of people living in our communities.
The Policy is focused on five main objectives:
1. Building Awareness of Social Enterprise
2. Growing and Sustaining Social Enterprise
3. Achieving Better Policy Alignment
4. National and International Engagement
5. Impact Measurement
Dormant Accounts Fund
The Dormant Accounts Acts 2001-2012, together with the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Act 2003, provide a framework for the administration of unclaimed accounts in credit institutions (i.e. banks, building societies and An Post) and unclaimed life assurance policies in insurance undertakings.
The main purpose of the legislation is to reunite account or policy holders with their funds in credit institutions or insurance undertakings and in this regard, these bodies are required to take steps to identify and contact the owners of dormant accounts and unclaimed life assurance policies.
However, in order to utilise the un-used funds in dormant accounts and unclaimed policies to best effect, the legislation also introduced a scheme for the disbursement of funds that are unlikely to be reclaimed from dormant accounts and unclaimed policies for the purposes of measures to assist:
the personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged;
the educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or
persons with a disability.
Social Enterprises work in many ways to assist people in these categories.
TRAINING
11- Active Citizenship
This free, online, lunch time session on April 21, from 1pm to 2pm is aimed at demystifying local politics.
Led by SHE Programme Manager Michelle Maher, it will be delivered in an informative and relaxed way.
The Introduction to Politics 1 is for anyone who wants to start to build up a bit of knowledge about what their council does.
We begin by having a look at the idea of active citizenship. It’s a phrase you hear all the time when people talk about ‘getting involved’. But what does it actually mean, and how can you do it in real life? Join us, and become an active citizen.
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
Cavan PPN provides access to a number of other training opportunities, all focused on community & voluntary groups/organisations. For more information, please click here.
(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- Fund Application Training
Please find attached a poster for a free Early Years Event for soon to be parents, breastfeeding mothers and parents/ guardians, with babies, toddlers in the age range 0-36 months.
The event is taking place on the 30th of April in the Market House Ballyconnell- from 10am – 12pm.
Can you please share the poster with your network, parents, guardians that may engage with your service.
Booking is essential, book via my email address @ parentingcavan@ccld.ie.
Please get in contact if this event is relevant to your service and you like to attend with an information stand and/or would like to give a brief talk on your organisation/service to parents, set up from 9.30am.
14 Invasive Species Training
Cavan communities training for the prevention and management of invasive species.
Cavan County Local Development is in the process of creating plans to offer community training on invasive species. This initiative aims to equip community groups, environmental organisations, landowners, and businesses in Cavan with essential skills and knowledge to:
• confidently identify invasive species, record & report species on invasives.ie (National Biodiversity Data Centre – NBDC) website.
• acquire eradication and disposal techniques for most common invasive species in County Cavan.
• establish/adopt a biosecurity policy for their community group & ensure biosecurity measures are followed.
• implement prevention and biosecurity measures to ensure that natural environment or water bodies are free of alien species, with measures in place to minimise risk or prevent unintentional introductions (public awareness campaigns).
• participate in a Training Meitheal. Hands on training at 3 different locations in Cavan to remove, eradiate & disposal of a commonly found local invasive species.
Three separate training programs will be held in County Cavan, featuring classroom sessions (May 26), hands-on workshops at demonstration sites, and a follow-up biosecurity care workshop. Each community group will receive materials to support their efforts, aiming to create a lasting legacy for ongoing biosecurity advocacy.
Further details regarding this free training opportunity will be updated to www.ccld.ie as soon as information is available about dates, times and venues.
If you live in County Cavan and want to receive more information about this training, please add your email address to our INVASIVES mailing list here. We will contact you as soon as details of the course are ready to share with you.
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
15- Communities Barriers To Opening Bank Accounts
Social Justice Ireland, in partner key partner of PPNs, has been made aware of the barriers that small community groups face when trying to open bank accounts so that they could apply for and receive small grants and funds. As Social Justice Ireland works closely with the PPNs and the Central Bank, they are well placed to ask groups directly for their experiences to see if this is something they can bring to the Bank's attention. They do need the data though.
The survey is here - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FVCFB9S
It's short and not too onerous.
16- New Government Digital Wallet Consult
We want to build a Government Digital Wallet that people trust and value. To support the development of the Government Digital Wallet programme, including drafting legislation and its rollout, we want to hear from you. To do that, we need to understand what you expect, what worries you may have, and how we can communicate about it in a way that is easy to understand. See full details at: Welcome to the Government Digital Wallet
17- Cavan Local Community Safety Survey
Cavan Local Community Safety Partnership has launched a county wide
Community Safety Survey and is encouraging everyone age 12 years and over
to take part.
The survey will help shape the new County Cavan Community Safety Plan
2026–2028, ensuring that local priorities and actions reflect the real concerns
of those who live, work, and visit the county.
Community safety — both being safe and feeling safe — is a fundamental part
of quality of life. That’s why we want to hear from people across all our
communities. Your feedback will play a vital role in identifying key challenges,
needs, and opportunities and will directly inform the new three year plan.
Online: Visit https://consult.cavancoco.ie/en/content/cavan-community-
safety-plan-2026-2028-survey
Closing date: Midnight 31 May, 2026
Paper copies: Available in all libraries and public buildings throughout County Cavan
18- Community, Enterprise & Volunteering Survey
The Wheel is carrying out research into skills and training needs in the community and voluntary sector workforce. The survey aims to get a clear and up-to-date picture of the experience and impact of accessing skills and training, throughout the sector. This will support the development of relevant trainings and advocacy on behalf of the 281,000 strong workforce delivering for Ireland’s communities every day.
The survey asks you to take 10 minutes to answer 25 short questions.
If you're a decision maker (i.e. CEO, General Manager, Learning and Development or Human Resources), it will take a little more time, around 25 minutes.
As a token of appreciation, The Wheel will be giving away three free places on half-day workshops. To be in with a chance of winning one of these places, please complete the survey and submit your email address by 5pm on Tuesday, 05 May 2026.
19- Hedgehog Hibernation Survey
With April in full swing and all hedgehogs now likely out of hibernation, it's time to roll up our sleeves and gather some important information needed for ourHedgehog Research & Monitoring Programme. We'd love your help to gather data for Ireland - please fill in our questionnaire!
20- 7 Minutes To Change Social Innovation in Ireland
If you’ve seen a problem, a need, or an opportunity to make a change for the better in your community, at any level, we want to make sure you get the support you need.
Whether you’re an established social innovator, supporting others within the ecosystem, or just starting down your path, your insights will help shape:
The supports we offer
How we deliver them
Who we reach
The impact we can make.
Your answers will shape and inform the tools we build and the priorities we adopt.
At the link above you'll find our brief survey which should take you roughly 7 minutes to complete and can be taken in English or as Gaeilge.
All responses are confidential and all responses are welcome!
Thank you for helping the New Solutions team in our mission to support and develop the Social Innovation Ecosystem in Ireland and beyond.
Rob
Rob Brown, Social Innovation Manager, New Solutions Social Innovation Hub
21- Hearing Care Services
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has launched a public consultation on hearing care services in Ireland. This consultation is a crucial element of the work of the National Hearing Care Plan Working Group, which is tasked with developing a holistic model of hearing care in Ireland. The consultation is examining:
The existing level of hearing care provision in Ireland.
Workforce planning.
The current education structures in place to ensure an adequate number of audiology graduates are available to enter the workforce.
The appropriate level of regulation of the audiology profession.
Improving referral pathways and the integration between acute and community care.
The effective linkage between public and private care to improve patient outcomes, including reductions in waiting times.
This public consultation will provide an opportunity for the public to contribute their views on their awareness of, access to, and experience of hearing care services in Ireland.
The consultation also gives service providers an opportunity to express their views on key areas of focus for the Working Group.
The views and opinions collected will be considered and used to inform the development of the National Hearing Care Plan.
The consultation will be open for four weeks – the closing date is Friday 15 May 2026.
You can access the public consultation here.
The World Health Organisation’s Report on Hearing published in March 2021 recommended that governments develop a comprehensive people-centred hearing care plan within their national health care plan. The report further recommends that Ministries of Health:
Include people-centred ear and hearing care in universal health coverage.
Strengthen health services to deliver integrated people-centred approach to ear and hearing care at all levels of care.
Undertake awareness campaigns that address attitudes towards, and stigma related to, ear diseases and hearing loss.
Determine targets, monitor national trends, and evaluate progress.
Promote high-quality public health research on ear and hearing care.
The National Hearing Care Plan Working Group was established in August 2024. It is jointly chaired by the HSE and the Department of Health. Membership of the Working Group is drawn from relevant stakeholders, including HSE clinicians and management, the Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists, the Irish Academy of Audiology, and the Department of Social Protection.
The Hearing Care Plan Working Group has been tasked with developing a National Hearing Care Plan and is examining:
The existing level of hearing care provision in Ireland.
Capacity constraints and opportunities within the HSE.
Workforce planning, including improved recruitment and retention in the public system.
The current education structures in place to ensure an adequate number of audiology graduates are available to enter the workforce.
The appropriate level of regulation of the audiology profession.
Improving referral pathways and the integration between acute and community care.
The effective linkage between public and private care to improve patient outcomes, including reductions in waiting times.
22- Seeking irish Input into Marine Protected Areas
We are writing to you to invite your further participation and input in an important aspect of the work to develop Ireland’s network of marine protected areas (MPAs) into the future.
As you know, work on the marine protected area legislation is ongoing at the moment. A draft General Scheme for this legislation is expected to be published in the coming months. It's intended that the legislation will provide for a list of things in the sea -"Features" - that could be protected through MPAs. For more on the MPA process so far and relevant reports, resources, etc, please click on the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/marine-protected-areas/
In the meantime, while the development of legislation is ongoing, a new ecological sensitivity analysis of Irish Atlantic waters has been under way in order to identify suitable areas in which potential MPAs may be possible in the future. You may have seen emails about this and even attended a Webinar on this project in early March of this year.
You were also invited to one of two recently held workshops to help co-create a list of Features for the Atlantic study area. As a follow up to these workshops, we'd like to give you another opportunity to be involved in co-creating the Feature list for the current study.
More details on the study are provided in the video below:
Attached you will find a draft list of Features that has been considered by the Marine Protected Area Advisory Group that is leading the Atlantic study. Please note: this is the same list that was presented at the recent workshops in Limerick and Sligo. If you would like to comment on any of the Features in the draft list, or on Features not in the draft list, please use the Google form link below. The form also includes an explanation of the criteria that are being used to select Features.
The link to complete the Google form is here: https://forms.gle/zCEB1u2TzqF6cGsg6
We would really welcome your additional input, whether you have already commented on this aspect of the work, and regardless of whether or not you attended one of the workshops.
We ask for responses please by Tuesday 5th May.
With best wishes,
Prof Louise Allcock & Prof Tasman Crowe
on behalf of the MPA Advisory Group and project team
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
23- Disability Federation Ireland Newsletter
Click here to view this newsletter
24- Fairgreen Autism Awareness Day
You’re Invited: Coffee, Scones & Community
Cavan Tidy Towns is hosting a special morning to support and celebrate our local autism community.
We’re gathering at the Fairgreen Community Garden. Whether you want to share your own experiences.
It’s also a great chance to chat directly with local council staff, Cllrs, and TDs. If you've been looking for info on available grants or community support, they’ll be right there to help.
Cavan Autism Parents Support (C.A.P.S.), an incredible group doing vital work for families in our county.
Bring the kids, bring a friend, and let’s make Cavan a little more inclusive together. See you there!
25- Belleek Community Drop In
We’re pleased to share that our Belleek Community Drop-In, which was previously postponed, has now been rescheduled. Thank you for your understanding and kindness during this time.
We’re creating a Community Plan for the Geopark and want your voice at its heart. Share your thoughts on heritage, environment, tourism, future projects, community wellbeing and more.
Belleek Hub, Belleek Tuesday 12th May 2026 11am – 1pm
This informal drop-in is a great opportunity to meet the Geopark team, share ideas, ask questions, and hear more about what’s happening locally. Everyone is very welcome to attend.
26- Street Feast 2026
We have so much to tell you about Street Feast 2026 on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May! We'd love you to join us and over 1,200 Street Feast hosts for Ireland friendliest neighbourly gathering.
First up: We've been working with our partners at Tesco to upgrade our Street Feast packs with a few surprises, including vouchers (you know - every little helps ;)).
AND... we're planning some great competitions with prizes to add a little magic to your Feast. We'll be announcing them on our socials and in our newsletters, so keep your eyes peeled.
It is truly going to be the best year yet and we'd love you to be part of it!
Now the days are getting longer and brighter, its time to seize the moment and celebrate the people who live around us.
Ready to host?
Register for your free party pack with all the essentials - bunting, invitations, posters and more - just go to www.streetfeast.ie
Hosting a Street Feast is easy, all you need to do is:
Pick a place – your street, local carpark, garden or community hall - anywhere will do!
Get inviting – use our party pack essentials to help get the word out!
Bring some food – ask people to rustle up their favourite dish and best baked goods to make a great picnic - or stick on the BBQ!
Enjoy the magic – connect with your neighbours, new and old!
27- National Voter Registration Day
National Voter Registration Day is around the corner on 30th April and we wanted to share some materials with you in case you’re planning to mark the day.
Attached are materials to support your preparation, including a concept note that explains the purpose of this campaign. Please feel free to use these as convenient and add your organisation's logo if necessary (if you are here in your own capacity, that's all great). We have attached:
A Toolkit with information that may guide you (in case you’re planning to host a registration drive)
A couple of flyers for social media. If you are planning to organise a registration drive, the flyer with the white box may be useful for inserting details such as the location and time of your activity (please use font verdana)
Backslides in green and orange in case you want to create your own content related to this year’s theme, “Have Your Say: Engaging with Public Representatives.” (use font verdana)
NVRD Logo
SAVE THE DAY: Online Launch NVRD
We are organising an online launch of NVRD on 29th April from 1–2pm, where members of the Electoral Commission will give a few inputs about the initiative, and a number of public representatives will discuss Why and How our communities can engage with them. We are co-hosting this launch with SeeHerElected. Please save the day, eventbrite link to follow.
If you’re hosting a Reg Drive, we will need from you:
Time and location of your registration drive
Contact details of the person coordinating NVRD at your centre (name, email, and phone number)
Your organisation’s logo (high-resolution PNG with transparent background or EPS format)
We will send you a printable poster for your table – this will need to be printed in A3
(Optional for everyone) A short video from you as a community leader or on behalf of your organisation speaking about the importance of registering (and voting) and engaging with public representatives— see the Concept notes for ideas on the four phases campaign. Please send this in vertical format and no longer than 1 minute or upload and tag us on our social media!
Disseminate info about online session on 29th April from 1-2pm to our target groups (ISL will be available)
Encourage as many people as possible to register or update their details on the day or before (especially recently naturalised citizens!)
We look forward to engaging with you on this occasion and in the future. Supporting and educating our communities is an ongoing commitment.
28- Discuss Rural Isolation in Swanlinbar
29- SunSmart Campaign
The annual SunSmart campaign is run by the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), in collaboration with Healthy Ireland and cross-sectoral partners. We are working together to support people to reduce their risk of skin cancer by protecting their skin from the sun.
The aim of the campaign is to reduce your risk of skin cancer by increasing awareness and engagement with the steps you, your family, friends and colleagues can take to protect your skin from the sun
This partner pack contains information, video links and image links for your use and to share with your own networks to support the 2026 SunSmart campaign.
30- The Irish Family History Society Calls You
I'm writing to you on behalf of The Irish Family History Society. We are a not for profit organisation promoting Irish family history and genealogy worldwide. While the majority of our activities are on Zoom, we do hold occasional In-Person activities. Our Annual one day Conference is both In-Person and on Zoom. While we don't do actual research we aim to teach and help our members how to do their own research. I'd like to inform you of some upcoming events we are running , which may be of interest or benefit to any of your members trying to trace their Irish ancestry and heritage.
Last autumn we ran a course over 5 weeks showing how to navigate online, mostly free, records and also the benefits of some paid sites and how to get the best for your investment. These courses were recorded and remain on our website (www.ifhs.ie) for members only free access. We have many other resources available free to members via our website.
In April we are running a 3 week course, which will follow on from the autumn series. We are focusing on the 'what next' and taking case studies to show where you go when you have exhausted the obvious and the free sites. The keynote study will be given by the inimitable John Grenham, Mr Irish Genealogy, an unmissable opportunity to get to ask questions of the expert! His book "Tracing Your Irish Ancestors" is the standard guide to Irish family history.
We will be running a further short course in September focussing on the content and context of the different timeframes in which we are searching for records. The whys and wherefores of finding records in Ireland and additional knowledge that will aid you in your searches. Courses are free to members.
We also run monthly talks, free to members on Zoom, on the 3rd Tuesday of the month @ 7.30 pm local Irish time on subjects of interest to those searching for Irish Ancestors. When the presenters are agreeable we record & make these talks available for a period of time for members only.
Our Annual Conference is a 1 day event in Dublin each year held both In-Person and on Zoom We have great speakers, spot prizes and lunch. The Theme this year is The Irish Diaspora ; Emigration & Immigration and Early-Bird booking is now open. All details www.ifhs.ie
Membership of The Irish Family History Society is €25 per year and runs from January to December. We also run members-only informal Zoom 'Meet-Ups' several times a year where you can get help with questions, conundrums and brick walls.
31- Orange Fire Risk Issued
Condition Orange – High Fire Risk
Warning Effective From 1200hrs 20/04/2026
Effective Period Expires 1200hrs 27/04/2026
A high fire risk exists in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.
BE PREPARED. BE VIGILANT. STAMP OUT FOREST FIRES.
32- Outcomers Louth, Meath, Cavan & Monaghan
Outcomers provides supports across Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan for LGBT+ People and their families, and would love to ensure that while this meeting takes place in our community centre in Dundalk that services from Cavan have the equal opportunity to attend.
On Tuesday, April 14th, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Outcomers and LGBT Ireland are hosting an Information and Networking Event focused on supporting and caring for older LGBTQIA+ people in our community.
The evening will include:
- An introduction to the LGBT Champions Programme and what inclusive practice looks like in real settings
- A panel discussion featuring health professionals, community advocates, and an older LGBTQIA+ community member sharing lived experience
- Opportunities to learn about local supports, referral pathways, and capacity‑building resources
- Time to connect with others committed to inclusive, affirming care
This event is open to health and social care professionals, LGBTQIA+ community members, and anyone interested in strengthening inclusive practice for older people. You can find full details and register through Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/outcomers-caring-for-older-lgbtqia-people-in-the-community-tickets-1984043671029?aff=oddtdtcreator
33- Women In Nature Nominations Open
Across the country, women are playing a vital role in nature restoration. They are rewetting peatlands, regenerating farms, protecting rivers, building local initiatives, shaping policy, educating communities, and reimagining what stewardship can look like in a changing Ireland.
Many do this work without public recognition. They are quietly fighting for their environment and community, leading the way to a brighter, wilder future.
34- Viginia Wins Nationally At Aviva
Virginia College Student crowned National Winner of Intro to Ag at the Aviva
Stadium
Agri Aware and Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) are delighted to announce that Sean Duffy from Virginia College has been crowned the national winner of the Intro to Ag Transition Year programme.
Farmer and entrepreneur Kaleb Cooper was one of the special guests at the Intro to Ag Fair
yesterday, Monday, 13 April at the Aviva Stadium.
Sean Duffy’s project on vacuum silage making was one of 14 projects presented across six schools and was chosen as the National Winner of the programme by judges who were impressed by the project’s innovation, the model developed to demonstrate the idea, and the strong delivery of the overall presentation.
The Intro to Ag Transition Year (TY) programme is designed to encourage students to take
Agricultural Science for Senior Cycle, while also introducing them to Further Education and Training (FET) pathways, and career opportunities within the agri sector.
This unique event showcased the learnings from the programme, while also demonstrating to
stakeholders in the agri-food sector the work Agri Aware and LOETB are actively implementing in this area of second level education.
As part of his guest appearance, Kaleb sat down and spoke about his journey to date from becoming a farmer and contractor in the Cotswolds, to appearing on the hit Prime Video series ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ and to travelling to the other side of the world sharing his story from humble beginnings to worldwide fame which has helped to shine a light on the agricultural sector in the UK and further afield. Kaleb was joined by beef and tillage farmer and YouTube sensation Philip Stewart, otherwise known as ‘Farmer Phil’, while Katie Gleeson also known as ‘Katie in the Country’ chaired the insightful panel.
Speaking after the conclusion of the Intro to Ag Fair, Agri Aware Chair Shay Galvin said:
“Congratulations to Sean Duffy from Virginia College on being crowned National Winner of the Intro to Ag programme. The winning project showed significant thought and effort in addressing an issue that many farmers face. It clearly reflected the core aim of the Intro to Ag programme which is to encourage students to explore and develop an interest in agriculture”
Also commenting at the Intro to Ag Fair event was LOETB’s FET Director Tony Dalton who said, ‘The standard of projects presented on the day was exceptional, with some really innovative ideas in the room. Huge congratulations to Sean from Virginia College. What’s particularly encouraging is that a large proportion of participants came from non-farming backgrounds. The sector needs this level of innovation and diversity of people. The aim is for this programme to serve as a catalyst in increasing interest in Agricultural Science at senior cycle, and ultimately encourage progression into further and higher-level agricultural education programmes- helping to build a strong and sustainable pipeline of talent in agriculture”
Above: Sean Duffy from Virginia College was crowned national winner at the Intro to Ag Fair, held at the Aviva Stadium
35- An Evening with The Cottage Market Cavan
Theatre | Community | Food
Join The Cottage Market Cavan for a unique evening of theatre, conversation and local food.
The night begins with What Are We Eatin’ Anyways? A 40-minute comedy-drama following Jimmy and Bernie as they navigate modern food choices and discover a local food initiative right on their doorstep. Funny, heartfelt and relatable, the performance explores the realities of our food system and the power of choosing local.
Following the performance, audiences are invited to continue the conversation in a relaxed, informal setting, alongside a dining experience featuring the Local Green Bowl – a simple, seasonal dish made with Green Box ingredients and prepared by Shercock-based chef Elizabeth Harpur Quinones.
Food pre-booking will be available shortly after ticket purchase.
SAVE THE DATE:
Ramor Arts Theatre, Virginia: Saturday 2nd May | 8pm
Cavan Arts Centre, Cavan Town: Saturday 23rd May | 8pm
TICKETS: Available now via the Ramor and Cavan Arts Centre websites.
(Note: Food pre-booking will be available to ticket holders shortly after purchase - watch your inbox!)
36- Hands Off Nature Campaign
Tell your decision makers to keep their #HandsOffNature!
The Irish Wildlife Trust stands with our fellow members of the Irish Environmental Network and environmental NGOs across the EU to say Hands Off Nature. Now is the time to raise our voices louder, stand together, and tell polluters and lawmakers: our health, our nature, our future are not up for grabs. 100 trees are lost every minute due to EU consumption. The EU can still turn it around.If policymakers finally enforce the EU Deforestation Regulation, we could save up to 50 million trees annually and keep our air clean by preventing millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions.Right now, destructive industries are pushing hard to dismantle the law. We can’t let them win. Sign the EU-wide petition to protect forests now.
37- Save the Date: Cavan Community Summer Conference June 27th
38- Cavan Best Kept Estate
Calling all Cavan estates, we have seen and heard about great work being done in estate by their residents and have been decided to look for Cavan Best Kept Estate.
Send us photos, summary or any information you have on work that has been done in your estate since last summer by May 1st
We will be naming the winning estate and providing them with an award.
39- Cavan's Cures Event
Join us as Sarah McKenna Dunne launches her powerful new book exploring the people of Cavan and surrounding counties who hold “the cure” — an ancient tradition still alive in modern Ireland.
For two years, Sarah travelled the region meeting healers, collecting stories, and asking:
Who are the people with cures?
How did they get them?
Why do they continue the practice?
Can these traditions be passed on?
Featuring artwork by Margaret McKenna and photography by Lorraine Teevan, this book offers a rare insight into a disappearing tradition.
Cavan County Museum
8 May 2026
7:30pm
Suitable for all ages — especially those who love storytelling, heritage, and local history.
Booking advised - contact Cavan County Museum
049 854 4070
This project is funded by CreativeIrl and Cavan County Council through Creative Cavan Open Call Grants.
40- Free Electrical Recycling Drop Offs in Cavan
ERP Free Electrical Recycling Drop Off Events 2026
Ballyjamesduff – The Mart
Thursday, 9 May 2026
10am to 4pm
Virginia – Lidl Car Park
Saturday, 20 June 2026
10am to 4pm
You can drop off any household item with a plug, cable or battery — big or small — including TVs, washing machines, IT equipment, power tools, mobile phones, battery‑operated toys, wireless earbuds and even used vapes!
41 Save the Date for Belturbet Spring Festival!
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