Cavan Community ENews 27.3.26
- Mar 26
- 23 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: Community & Voluntary Grant Scheme 5. FUNDING: Festival & Events Grant Scheme
6. FUNDING: CLAR 2026 Grant 7. FUNDING: Cruinniu na nOg 2026
8. FUNDING: LGBTIQ+ Fund
9. FUNDING: Community Centre Investment Fund
TRAINING
10. TRAINING: Quit Smoking Course
11. TRAINING: Healthy Food Made Easy
12. TRAINING: New Community Training Courses for PPN Groups
13. TRAINING: Free Data Analytics Training
14. TRAINING: Cycle Against Suicide Training
15. TRAINING: Cavan Arts Festival Carnical School 2026
SURVEYS/CONSULTS 16.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Cavan Monaghan Mental Health Survey
17.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: LGBTIQ+ Voices Needed 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Community, Enterprise & Volunteering Survey 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. Cavan Outdoor Recreation Forum Next Meeting 24. Ireland's Heartlands Call for Artists 25. International Volunteer Year 2026 26. Birdwatch Event in Ballyconnell 27. Refresh & Refocus Wellbeing Event 28. Discuss Rural Isolation in Swanlinbar 29- FASD Conference 2026 30- Cavan Craft Collective Accepting New Members
31- Farm Support Clinic by Department Comes to Cavan 32 Measure Your Home's Radon 33 CavanPPN Presents Our Pilot to Cavan Older Persons 34- Invasive Species Inititiative for Cavan Communities 35- Cavan EcoPeace Makes Killykeen Flourish with Time Travelling
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. Community & Voluntatry Grant Scheme 2026 Open
Community & Voluntary Grant Scheme 2026
The members of Cavan County Council have created a funding scheme in each of the three Municipal District areas for the purpose of supporting community groups in delivering and promoting projects in their areas such as small-scale amenity projects, purchase of equipment for community halls/groups, and materials, etc.
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. CLAR 2026 Open
CLÁR 2026 – Now Open for Applications!
Funding is now available to support rural communities across County Cavan through the CLÁR 2026 programme. Schools, community and voluntary groups and Local Development Companies in eligible CLÁR areas can apply for funding to enhance local facilities to support a vibrant community.
Closing date for receipt of applications by Cavan County Council is 5pm Monday 25th May 2026.
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- 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- Community Centre Investment Fund
Minister Dara Calleary announces details of €25 million Community Centre Investment Fund
· Fund will focus on upgrade and enhancement works to existing community centres nationwide
· Funding of up to €100,000 available for refurbishment works
Range of supports in place to assist community groups in developing high quality applications
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today, 26th March 2026, announced a fourth round of funding under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF).
The focus of the Community Centres Investment Fund 2026 – Refurbishment, is to support upgrade and enhancement works to existing community centres nationwide. This fund builds on the success of the CCIF 2022 & 2024 which provided funding of over €80m for almost 1,650 community centre refurbishment projects. Funding of over €30 million has also been provided to build 12 new centres.
The Community Centre Investment Fund 2026 – Refurbishment will provide grants for projects from €10,000 up to a maximum of €100,000 towards capital costs. This is broken down into two categories of funding:
Category 1:
Small scale projects/improvements to facilities: €10,000 - €25,000 (95% funding)
Category 2:
Larger scale projects: €25,001 to €100,000 (90% funding)
All applicants must register as 'users' on the online portal here in advance of the application process which will open in late May. Groups that applied for this fund previously will not need to register again but should check that their details are still correct.
Groups are advised to get their application and paperwork ready in advance of the online application process opening at the end of May. The closing date for applications will be 13th July.
The Department will be running a series of information sessions in advance of the application opening date to assist in the preparation of applications.
All materials to support applicants including template application form, guidelines, FAQ document and details on information sessions can be found at the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht website here.
Community facilities can be defined as a building that is managed by a community-based organisation which is open to and used by a broad range of individuals and groups within the local community for group activities such as social events, information/supports and recreation.
The Community Centre Investment Fund 2026- Refurbishment will provide grants as follows:
Category 1: Small scale projects/improvements to facilities €10,000 - €25,000.
A minimum of 5% of the total project budget is required by the applicant as match funding.
Category 2: Larger scale projects €25,001 to €100,000.
A minimum of 10% of the total project budget is required by the applicant as match funding.
Funding is available for capital works such as:
Costs associated with building/renovation works (e.g. materials for extension, refurbishment, modernisation, flooring electrical and plumbing)
Costs associated with acquisition, installation or replacement of equipment which form an integral part of a building e.g., kitchen units, worktops, sinks, bathroom fittings etc.
Costs associated with improving the energy efficiency of the building.
Rental costs of equipment required for the project e.g., diggers, cement mixers, etc.
Professional fees such as architects, quantity surveyors etc., up to a maximum of 12.5% of the total project costs for both grant categories.
Labour costs for registered tradespeople such as builders, plasterers, decorators, plumbers, electricians etc., as necessary for the completion of the project.
Purchase costs of equipment necessary for the ongoing success of the project following completion e.g. kitchen appliances for a kitchen renovation project, improved lighting, sound systems, stage, curtains, installation of a lift to improve assess for disabled people, tables, chairs, catering equipment, sensory equipment, sensory rooms and pool tables/tennis tables for youth areas.
Improvements to facilities which are necessary to meet fire safety and building regulations e.g. lining of walls and floors, escape routes, wiring, sockets, electrical switches and distribution boards, gas tanks, gas burning flues, heating systems and appliances.
Fire safety equipment e.g. fire doors, fire alarm system, protected escape stairways, smoke alarms and CO2 alarms.
Upgrade works on electrical, gas and heating appliances to ensure they meet regulations and standards.
Direct costs associated with improving accessibility for disabled users or those with mobility issues.
Outdoor lighting to improve the safety of the immediate environs of buildings and/or parking area but not floodlights for walkways or pitches.
External storage e.g. for storage of tables, chairs, equipment etc
Internal/external painting which includes the exterior of the building, storage sheds and boundary walls.
Outdoor signage (Signed fixed to the building and/or standalone signage and must include Irish translation)
Toilets and showers within the community centre
Applicants are asked to register their organisation in advance of the application process opening on 29th May:
Groups can access the portal immediately and register their group. Groups that applied for this fund previously will not need to register again but are advised to check that their details are still correct.
The application process will open at the end of May.
The closing date for applications will be July 13th, 2026.
Online information sessions, clinics and support events will be held in April, May, June and July 2026. Check with DRCDG Website here for further details and links for registering for the upcoming information events and application clinics.
TRAINING
10- Quit Smoking Course
11- Healthy Food Made Easy
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- Free Training for Small Businesses FREE TRAINING -
Introduction to Data Analytics for Small Businesses
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 online workshop is available to support small and
micro businesses with an Introduction to Data Analytics has been developed and is
open for registration:
Introduction to Data Analytics for Small Business Success
�� 26th March | 12.00 – 1.00pm
�� Online (Microsoft Teams)
Register now: DS3 Workshop - Introduction to Data Analytics for Small Business -
Registration – Fill in form
14 Cycle Against Suicide Training
Cycle Against Suicide is offering free training in Mental Health Peer Support on:
April 2026: Wed 22nd & Thurs 23rd
May 2026: Tues 12th & Wed 13th
June 2026: Tues 9th & Wed 10th
Time: 9.30am-5pm on both days
Delivery: LIVE online via Zoom
Cost: currently delivered free of charge
CPD: 13.5 points
For more information and to register, please visit https://www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/workplace-wellbeing-peer-support-programme/
15 Cavan Arts Festival Carnival School 2026
Cavan Arts Festival Carnival School 2026
Drum it, dance it, make it, move it, step into the Carnival spirit this spring with Cavan Arts Festival’s free Carnival School workshops!
Running throughout April and May, Carnival School is a unique opportunity to get involved in a series of creative, hands-on workshops led by experienced artists. Choose from samba drumming, live music, movement, circus skills and creative making, and try something new in a fun and welcoming environment. These workshops are all about creativity, connection and enjoying the process.
Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in the Cavan Arts Festival celebrations this May, bringing colour, rhythm and energy to the town.
Workshops are free of charge, designed for adult participation, and places are limited.
Register your interest: admin@cavanartsfestival.ie
Stay tuned via our Website
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
16- Cavan/Monaghan Mental Health Survey
On behalf of the CM Enhancing Engagement Group, we are pleased to share the Cavan/Monaghan Mental Health Wellbeing Events Survey, along with a poster attached to help promote it.
The purpose of this survey is to gather feedback from service users, family members, carers, colleagues, and the wider community to better understand what types of mental health and wellbeing events people would find most helpful.
Through the survey, we hope to learn what topics, locations, times, and formats (in-person or online) would make it easier for people to attend future events. The feedback will help ensure that any future events are meaningful, accessible, and responsive to the needs of our communities.
The survey can be completed in two ways:
· By clicking on the survey link here: https://surveys.hse.ie/s/CMWellnessevents/ or
· By scanning the QR code on the attached poster using a smartphone camera.
The survey is open to anyone to complete and should take approximately 3–5 minutes.
We would be very grateful if you could:
· Share the survey widely with service users and family members & post it in waiting areas
· Share it with colleagues across your teams
· Circulate it within your local communities and networks where appropriate
The survey will remain open for three weeks and will close on 3rd of April ‘26 and your support in sharing it will really help us gather a broad range of views.
Thank you very much for your support with this work.
All Best Wishes,
CM Enhancing Engagement Group
17- LGBTIQ+ Voices Needed
The EQUICARES project is a major European research initiative funded through the EU Horizon programme. It aims to better understand the real-life barriers people face when trying to access mental health and care services, and to identify ways to build more inclusive, effective, and equitable systems across Europe.
As part of the Irish strand of the research, LGBT Ireland and University College Dublin are focusing specifically on the experiences of LGBTQI+ people when accessing or attempting to access mental health supports in Ireland. The findings will help highlight gaps, inequalities, and opportunities for improvement within existing services.
The project also aligns with Recommendation 61 of Sharing the Vision, Ireland’s national mental health policy, which emphasises the importance of delivering diverse and culturally competent mental health supports across all services.
Participation involves completing an anonymous online survey about personal experiences of mental health services in Ireland. All responses will be treated confidentially, and no identifying information will be published. The collected data will inform a European report due to be published in 2026, with findings shared back with communities and stakeholders.
Participants must:
Be aged 18 or over
Live in Ireland
Have tried to access mental health services at some point in their life
Those who wish to participate can complete the survey online at:https://erasmusuniversity.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5btF3mpYE4MehGm
EQUICARES Project video on Youtube – click here.
More information about the project is available at:https://lgbt.ie/equicares/and https://equicares-project.eu
The EQUICARES project – Community-driven Healthcare Access and Mental Health Promotion for Inclusive, Equitable, and Resilient European Societies – brings together research, co-creation, and policy development across seven countries. The project uses innovative methods to map inequalities, design practical solutions with communities, and support long-term improvements in mental health access across Europe.
This research is being carried out by LGBT Ireland and University College Dublin as part of the EQUICARES European consortium.
Project contact:Dr Mira Fey, LGBT Ireland / University College DublinEmail: mira@lgbt.ie
18- Community, Enterprise & Volunteering Survey
Dear PPN Leaders,
Given your roles in communities across Ireland, I would like to ask a favour of you please if I may … 5 minutes of your time to contribute to research which is highly relevant for the community and social economy sector in Ireland.
Community Enterprise Association Ireland (CEAI) is leading IMPACT – Integrating reMote Professionals for Action in Community Transformation, a new Erasmus+ project that aims to connect remote professionals, as volunteers, with social enterprises and voluntary groups across Ireland, helping to strengthen local efforts and impact for community-based activities and projects.
We are asking leaders and decision-makers of social enterprise and community organisations across Ireland to complete a short survey (link below) to help us shape tools and supports that will drive these connections for long-term and sustainable benefit to community-based activities.
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IMPACT_Ireland_SE
Please also share this link with the community groups you engage with; we are encouraging as many relevant organisations and groups as we can reach to respond so that we can capture a strong response from the sector.
Le dea-ghuí,
With my best wishes,
Siobhán Finn
CEO
Community Enterprise Association Ireland
Tel: + 353 86 2872286
Email: siobhan@ceai.ie
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- Cavan Outdoor Recreation Forum Next Meeting
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- Birdwatch Event in Ballyconnell
Next Sunday the 29th of March meet in Supervalu carpark in Ballyconnell at 10.30 a.m. No dogs please. Great opportunity to become more familiar with bird song and woodland flowers
Please remember that the clocks go forward next Sunday so don’t arrive an hour early!
This is a link to the route we will walk: Ballyconnell Canal Loop/Woodford River Walk | Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark
Summer migrants have been returning and within the last week branch members have reported chiffchaffs and sand martins. This blog from the British Trust for Ornithology provides commentary on migration patterns and is very interesting:
We are visiting Annagh Woods in Ballyconnell a couple of weeks earlier than we usually do so there may not be as many flowers in bloom along the route, but we might have more chance of hearing a great spotted woodpecker drumming! I have seen wood anemone and lesser celandine in flower in woodland like Annagh so we can be guaranteed some colour!
Feel free to bring a friend or forward this email to anyone who you might think would be interested.
Kind regards,
Tom Broe
Secretary, Cavan Branch of BirdWatch Ireland
27- Refresh & Refocus Wellbeing Event
We’re really looking forward to our upcoming Refresh & Refocus wellbeing event – a free evening designed to support parents and the wider community.
It’s happening on Tuesday 14th April 2026 in Cavan Library from 5:30pm–8:00pm, and it will be a relaxed, welcoming space to take a step back and focus on your wellbeing.
We’ll have guest speakers joining us to chat about:
Resilience building
Mental strength
Mindfulness and self-care
This event is open to everyone – parents, professionals, and anyone from the general public who feels they could benefit from a bit of time to recharge.
There’ll be refreshments served, and it promises to be an enjoyable, easy-going evening.
Spaces are limited, so if you’re interested, be sure to book your place. You can scan the QR code on the poster to get your tickets on Eventbrite.
We’d love to see you there
Kind regards,
Edel Smyth
Support Officer Co-Ordinator,
Cavan/Leitrim
Mobile: 087 220 2088
Email: edel.smyth@respond.ie
28- Discuss Rural Isolation in Swanlinbar
29- FASD Conference 2026
We’re delighted to share that registration is now open for the FASD Ireland Conference 2026, taking place on 14–15 May at Hotel Woodstock in Ennis, County Clare.
This year’s theme, "FASD & Justice”, explores the concept of justice in its broadest and most meaningful sense—from fair access to services and the role of law enforcement, to family advocacy, the new National Guardian ad Litem Service, and the lived experiences of people with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder within social care and justice systems.
Across two days, you can expect insightful speakers, practical learning opportunities, and thoughtful discussions designed to challenge assumptions and inspire more informed, compassionate responses.
We’re also thrilled to welcome back our young people’s panel, always a highlight of the event.
Confirmed speakers include:
Professor Julian Davies, University of Washington, Seattle
Dr David Junior Gilbert, University of Salford
Dr Cathal McAullife, Three Steps
Tara Gallagher, Maynooth University
Dr Etain Quigley, Maynooth University
Ger Brophy, Chief Social Worker, TUSLA
Early Bird places are now available, and we encourage you to secure your spot soon.
You can register at: www.fasdireland.ie/conference
We look forward to welcoming you in May for what promises to be an engaging and impactful event.
If you need any further information please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Warm regards,
FASD Ireland
Cillian Flynn
Business Development Manager | Bainisteoir Forbartha Gnó
Mobile: +353 85 7430822
30- Cavan Craft Collective Accepting New Members
Cavan Craft Collective Now Accepting Membership Applications.
The Cavan Craft Collective has announced that it is now accepting new membership applications from skilled makers and artisan crafters living and working in County Cavan. Applications will remain open until Friday, 10 April 2026, offering local craftspeople an opportunity to join a growing creative network grounded in the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) principles of quality, authenticity and craftsmanship.
As a collaborative craft community supported by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Cavan, the Collective brings together makers across disciplines—from textiles and jewellery to woodwork, ceramics, floral design and more. The initiative aims to strengthen the craft sector in the county by encouraging cooperation, promoting high-quality handmade work and supporting sustainable creative enterprise.
Application Link: Cavan Craft Network - Local Enterprise Office - Cavan
Website - Cavan Craft Collective
Kind Regards,
Dermot
Dermot Gallagher
Food Strategy Co-Ordinator
Local Enterprise Office
Cavan Innovation & Technology Centre, Dublin Road, Cavan, H12 R6D6
086 031 8929 | food@cavancoco.ie| www.createdincavan.ie
31- Farm Supports Clinic In Kilmore this April
The Dept of Agriculture have announced a series of in-person farmer clinics to assist farmers in making their applications online for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and other area-based schemes.These clinics are particularly useful for farmers who do not have a Farm Advisory System approved advisor to assist them with their application. Department to hold nationwide series of in-person farmer clinics for BISS 2026 and other area related schemes
32- Digital Radon Monitor Available From Cavan Libraries
Ever wondered about radon levels in your home? Cavan Libraries now offer a Digital Radon Monitor you can borrow to check your home’s radon levels. Drop into any of our libraries and our staff will be happy to help.
33- CavanPPN Present's To Our Older Persons
The staff of CavanPPN had the pleasure of presenting findings from our Storm Support Community Resilience Pilot Scheme to Cavan Older Person's Council this week. The pilot scheme will soon enable community groups to download adaptable funding submissions to submit their own funding applications to have emerdency support boxes to support their local communities and housholds in times of need. Many thanks to Seamus Clarke and the members of the Council for inviting us on the day.
34- Invasive Species Inititiative for Cavan Communities
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.
35- Cavan EcoPeace Makes Killykeen Flourish with Time Travelling
Sunshine, music, deep ecology and community. On their first Ancient Earth Experience of 2026 EcoPeace were blessed with a warm sunny morning and a forest full of birdsong.
They explored ideas of collaboration and symbiosis in evolution, meditated, recited poetry, banged drums and sang songs together.
Supported by Cavan Arts, CavanPPN and Cavan Yarnspinners, the experience was a beautiful and wonderful appreciation of nature, our fellow earth carers and a local amenity and nature spot.
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