Cavan Community ENews 27.6.25
- Daniel Downey
- Jun 25
- 23 min read
Updated: Jul 1
PLEASE NOTE: THE PPN WEBSITE MAY BE UNDER MAINTAINENCE FOR THE WEEK OF 30TH JUNE TO 6TH JULY. WE WILL THEREFORE NOT HAVE AN ENEWS NEXT WEEK (JULY 4TH)
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
FUNDING
1. FUNDING: Heritage Week Small Grants DEADLINE TODAY
2. FUNDING: Research Ireland Infrastructure Program
3. FUNDING: Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
4. FUNDING: Town & Village Renewal Scheme ***SCHEME CLOSED*** 5. FUNDING: Water Heritage Day Grant Scheme
6. FUNDING: The LIFE Environmental Fund 7. FUNDING: Heritage Keepers Program For Schools
8. FUNDING: SE Systems Community Fund
9. FUNDING: Community Colours Campaign
10. FUNDING: Community Recognition Fund News
TRAINING
11. TRAINING: FREE TRAINING FOR CAVANPPN MEMBERS
12. TRAINING: Green Shoots Training
13. TRAINING: Byte & Brew Tech Training
14. TRAINING: Basic Biodiversity for Schools
15. TRAINING: Writing Your Funding Application for PPN Members
16. TRAINING: Rainbow Refugee Awareness Workshop
SURVEYS/CONSULTS 17. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Swift Survey in West Cavan 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Call To Identify Bathing Waters In Cavan 19. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Dance Connects Survey 20. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Show Your Support In This LEADER Petition/Survey 21. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Climate Conversation Survey Results Published
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
22. Skydive for Holy Family School
23. Bailieborough Memory Cafe
24. Your Council Day
25. Gathering of the Clans, A Celebration of Cavan Town's Past
26. ALONE Network News
27- Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletter
28- Become an SDG Champion NOW!
29- Local Democracy Taskforce Launched
30- National Sexual Health Strategy 2025-35
31- Do You Provide Supports For Adults with Disabilities in Cavan?
32- Houses, Not Hazards Photo Exhibit
33- Good Governance 2025 Awards
34- Monthly Storytelling Sessions in Cavan Town Hall
FUNDING
Heritage Week Small Grants DEADLINE TODAY
This year Heritage Week’s theme ‘Exploring Our Foundations’ invites us to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us and takes place from 16th – 24th August 2025.
A small grant scheme will be in place to assist towards the cost of your Heritage Week events.
Applications to be returned by Friday 27th June, 2025
Before submitting application, please register your event on National Heritage Week event details:- Organise an Event or Project | National Heritage Week 16th – 24th August 2025
2. The Research Ireland Infrastructure Programme The Research Ireland Infrastructure Programme supports the research community in building and sustaining essential resources to conduct high-quality, innovative research across all disciplines. This programme recognises that robust research infrastructure is fundamental to advancing knowledge that contributes to Ireland’s cultural, social, environmental and economic development.
Research Ireland encourages the efficient use, renewal and development of existing infrastructure while also advocating for continued investment in state-of-the-art facilities and resources across diverse research areas of importance. The Infrastructure Programme aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and ensure all researchers have access to the resources necessary for excellence in their respective fields.
Applications to the 2025 Programme Call will support significant infrastructure investments across all disciplines within Research Ireland’s remit. The programme welcomes proposals for substantial resources that enhance research capabilities in diverse fields, recognising the different infrastructure requirements of various research traditions.
3. Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
The Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme offers financial supports – provided by Sport Ireland – to local clubs, groups and organisations, nationwide who promote increased participation in recreational sport or physical activity for older people.
Some of the Sport Initiatives supported are:
Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
Offers financial supports to local clubs, groups and organisations, nationwide.
FitLine
A telephone mentoring service which encourages callers to start getting more active- we’re only a phone call away!
Physical Activity Leaders
An education and peer leadership initiative which trains older people how to lead sport and activity sessions in their local groups and communities.
CarePALS
Trains those working in care settings to lead suitable physical activities.
People with intellectual disability Physical Activity Leaders
Enabling people with intellectual disability (ID) to become physical activity leaders.
Walking Football initiative
An Age & Opportunity initiative for older men that is great craic and good for general health and wellbeing.
European Week of Sport
Promoting sport and physical activity across Europe.
Go For Life Games
Teams from all over Ireland coming together to take part in a national day of sport in June every year.
4. Town & Village Renewal Scheme ***SCHEME CLOSED***
2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme
The deadline for submissions for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme has now passed.
5. Water Heritage Day Grant Scheme
Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) encourages community groups to apply under the ‘Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme 2025’ to celebrate Water Heritage Day on Sunday the 24th of August.
To make an application see: https://submit.link/3T3
Speaking about the €30,000 grants scheme Anthony Coleman, Director of Services at LAWPRO said: “The theme of Heritage Week 2025 is "Exploring Our Foundations” and our waterways are an important part of the history of our island.
Water Heritage Day gives communities a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our heritage through water whether it be hosting a river safari, a talk at the riverside or launching a booklet on a local waterway, there are ample ways to get involved.”
You are asked to contact your local Community Water Officer in advance of making an application. Their contact details are on our website here: Communities Team - Local Authority Water Programme (lawaters.ie). The deadline for making an application is Friday, 25th of July at 4pm.
LAWPRO works in partnership with the Heritage Council, and to run a Heritage Week event you have to register your event on their website here: www.heritageweek.ie/get-involved/organise-an-event
6. The Life Environmental Fund
LIFE is the EU’s funding programme dedicated to the environment and climate action.
Aims & Objectives
The LIFE programme’s main goals are to:
help communities transition towards a more sustainable, circular, energy-efficient, renewable energy-based, climate-neutral and -resilient economy
protect, restore and enhance the environment
halt and reverse biodiversity loss
stop the degradation of ecosystems by managing and enhancing the Natura 2000 network for rare and threatened species.
What does it support?
LIFE funds projects that address issues within its four sub-programmes:
Nature and biodiversity
Circular economy and quality of life
Climate change mitigation and adaptation
Clean energy transition.
Who can apply?
Entities with an environmental and/or climate mission (including nature/biodiversity and clean energy transition) such as:
nonprofit organisations
public authorites
citizens groups
academia and higher education institutions
research centres
large and small companies
Why the EU funds environment and climate action
Read more about EU policy on the EU Green Deal.
Budget
€5.4 billion over seven years.
Project Examples
Improving Corncrake Conservation Status In Ireland. The project is taking place in the West and North-West of Ireland focussing on nine SPAs (eight project sites spanning over 4 300 hectares) and will target the Annex I species Corncrake (Crex Crex).
Check out the public LIFE projects dashboard providing data on all LIFE projects since 2014.
National Contact Point in Ireland
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Research and Advisory Unit.
Email: LIFE@decc.gov.ie
Open Calls
Find open calls for LIFE.
Want to find out more?
More about the Life programme in Ireland
7. Heritage Keepers Program For Schools
Heritage Keepers is a free national programme open to senior classes (5th and 6th) in primary schools and to community groups that enables you to discover your local built, cultural and natural heritage. Over five 2-hour workshops you will explore the heritage in your local place and then plan a funded action to enhance that place.
Have fun, learn something new, make a difference – become a Heritage Keeper!
Deadline: Tuesday 30th September 2025
More info: https://heritagekeepers.ie/
8- SE Systems Community Fund
We are pleased to share that the SE Systems Community Fund is now open to all.
This initiative offers €500,000 in funding to support not-for-profit organisations across Ireland in delivering sustainable energy improvements to their community buildings.
The fund is designed to help reduce operational costs, cut energy bills, lower carbon emissions, and improve energy resilience for local services that are often under financial pressure.
We’re reaching out to ask for your support in sharing this opportunity with organisations in your network who may benefit from it.
Applications open on 27th of May until 18th July 2025, and eligible upgrades include insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, lighting improvements and more.
9- Community Colours Campaign To mark 75 years of colour, creativity, and community, Fleetwood are thrilled to relaunch it's Community Colours campaign – with an even bigger splash!
From now until the end of June, 75 community groups and clubs will each receive up to €1,000 worth of Fleetwood paint – whether it’s to brighten a town hall, refresh a sports clubhouse, spruce up a Scout den, or add new life to a Women’s or Men’s Shed.
Deadline: 31 June
How to Enter
Buy any Fleetwood product no minimum spend required. Paint, brushes, accessories – it all counts!
Scan the QR code on in-store posters, via links on Fleetwood's social media or click here
Upload your proof of purchase receipt and nominate your chosen club, group or community.
10- Community Recognition Fund News
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, along with his colleague the Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Thursday 5th June 2025) announced over €17 million to deliver 212 community projects across the country through the Community Recognition Fund.
A copy of the press release can be viewed here. Approved projects list attached.
We will be issuing Letters of Offer, Funding Agreements, and associated material in the coming days.
As of Tuesday 3rd June, the Department name has been updated to “The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht”. As such our email addresses have been updated with “g” after “drcd". For example crf@drcdg.gov.ie Please update any email address you may use for DRCD to DRCDG.
I would once again like to thank all Local Authority officials for their ongoing support with the administration of the Community Recognition Fund.
TRAINING
11- FREE TRAINING FOR CAVANPPN MEMBERS
Cavan PPN is delighted to present a number of training courses to our member groups. These are provided by The Carmichael Centre and are available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups.
(Please note: you must be part of a member group of Cavan PPN to avail of these training courses).
All the courses are online and self-paced (with a period of access to each course).
We have a limited number of places on the following courses.
The Role of the Chairperson
How to Take Meeting Minutes
The Role of the Treasurer
Financial Management for Non-Profits
Risk Management
For more information, and to register, please click here.
We also have a funding webinar coming up on July 1st. This online webinar is provided by The Wheel and is available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups.
Writing your EU Funding Application
"Are you planning to apply for EU funding but need some help getting started? Whether it’s your first time applying or you’re looking to sharpen your skills, this session will help you better understand what makes a strong, successful application."
For more information, and to register, please click here.
12-Green Shoots Training
Want to help shape the future of green education and make a real impact in your community?
GREEN SHOOTS is an exciting new initiative aimed at empowering trainers, educators, and community leaders with the skills and tools needed to champion green practices and sustainability in their teaching and work. We are having an online Zoom session on Thursday 26th June, from 10.45am to 11.45am, to gather some feedback on our draft resources and course content, and we would love to invite you, as a local citizen or community group interested in green practices and sustainability!
Join us and be part of the GREEN SHOOTS movement and help us grow a greener tomorrow!
Spots are limited so please register here ASAP: https://forms.gle/ReMQeUwfSzFXzkJD7
Contact me at: sorcha@ruralhub.ie
Learn more: https://greenshootsprojects.com/
13- Byte and Brew Training In conjunction with local libraries, county councils and local development companies, CMETB are delighted to launch Byte and Brew.
This is a new course which supports people to learn smartphone and digital skills in a friendly setting. People will need to register, and will need to provide their own smartphone.
You can use this text and the attached graphic to promote the course:
Do you want to learn to use your smartphone and make new friends?
Byte and Brew is a new project which helps people learn to use technology in a friendly setting. Classes will run for 4 weeks, with each class lasting 3 hours. Refreshments are provided. You are encouraged to help one another as well as learning from the tutor.
Classes will take place in the libraries, and are supported by CCLD, MIDL and the county councils.
You can book through the libraries, or by contacting Ceinwen on 087 0687841 or ceinwenfergus@cmetb.ie
Please note: you will need to bring your own smartphone.
Cavan Library | Tuesday 24 June - 15 July | 5-8pm |
Bailieborough | TBC | |
Virginia Library | Friday 27 June - 18 July | 10am-1pm |
Carrick Library | Thursday 26 June - 17 July | 10am-1pm |
Castleblayney Library | Friday 27 June - 18 July | 10am-1pm |
Monaghan Library | Monday 30 June - 21 July | 10am-1pm |
Clones Library | Monday 30 June - 21 July | 2-5pm |
This project is supported by Adult Literacy for Life funding.
Kind regards
Ceinwen
Ceinwen Fergus
Eagraí Litearthachta d'Aosaigh | Regional Literacy Coordinator
Bord Oideachais agus Oiliúna an Chabháin agus Mhuineacháin
Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board
Dun Mhuire, Mullaghmonaghan, Muineachán, Co. Muineachán, H18 T383
Dun Mhuire, Mullaghmonaghan, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan, H18 T383
W: www.cmetb.ie | T: 087 0687841o
14- Basic Biodiversity for Schools
Basic Biodiversity Online Training Programme for Schools
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan free online training course ‘Managing School Grounds for Biodiversity’ can be accessed at https://learn.biodiversityireland.ie/courses/schools
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a framework bringing together different sectors across the island of Ireland to create a landscape where pollinators can survive and thrive. Its implementation is coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
Find out more: https://pollinators.ie/schools/
15- Writing Your EU Funding Applications Training for PPN Members
Cavan PPN is delighted to present this training course to our member groups. This course is provided by The Wheel and is available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups. (Please note: you must be part of a member group of Cavan PPN to avail of these training courses). See more at: Free Training - Writing Your EU Funding Application | Cavan PPN
16 - Rainbow Refugee Awareness Workshop LGBT Ireland would like to invite you to our first in-person Rainbow Refugee Awareness Workshop, taking place in Dundalk on Friday, 11 July, as part of Dundalk Pride 2025.
Rainbow Refugee Awareness Workshop | Hosted by LGBT Ireland
Friday, 11 July 2025 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Venue: Outcomers, 8 Roden Place, Dundalk, Co. Louth
This free, in-person session is designed for county-level agencies and service providers who work with refugees and international protection applicants (IPAs). This workshop will highlight the often overlooked needs and challenges of LGBT+ refugees and IPAs – and offer practical guidance on how to create more inclusive and supportive environments.
Registration with tea/coffee from 9:30am
Workshop runs from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Followed by a light lunch and informal networking
Why This Matters
While many agencies work hard to support refugee populations, the specific experiences and challenges faced by LGBT+ refugees and IPAs frequently remain invisible. This invisibility can lead to gaps in care, unintentional exclusion, and missed opportunities for meaningful support.
What You'll Learn
The unique barriers and risks LGBT+ refugees and international protection applicants face during displacement and resettlement – from risks in their countries of origin to isolation, discrimination and lack of safety in accommodation systems here in Ireland.
Why their needs are often invisible – and why visibility matters
Hear from experts by lived experience of the issues
Concrete steps your agency can take to become more inclusive
Ways to collaborate with organisations working directly with LGBT+ refugees and IPAs
We’d be grateful if you could forward this invitation to colleagues or others in your network who may benefit from attending.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions. We are looking forward to connecting with you and learning together.
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
17- Swift Survey in West Cavan
Surveys underway in Fingal, South Galway and West Cavan to locate nest sites of the endangered Swift.
BirdWatch Ireland is undertaking breeding Swift surveys across Fingal, south Galway and west Cavan this summer and needs your help to locate nesting Swifts.
Swifts are remarkable, spending most of their lives in the air, only coming to land to nest. They sleep, eat, mate, and drink on the wing. Even the material used to line their nests is gathered on the wing. As the time approaches for the chicks to leave the nest (about 6 weeks) they begin doing push ups on their wings, preparing for their first flight. Once they launch themselves from the nest, they likely won’t touch land again for another 3-5 years when they are ready to breed.
Unfortunately, the Swift is undergoing massive declines in Ireland and across much of Europe. In the Republic of Ireland, 69% of our breeding population was lost between 1998 and 2023 according to the Countryside Bird Survey, operated by BirdWatch Ireland on behalf of National Parks and Wildlife Services.
As such, the Swift is now on Ireland’s endangered or Birds of Conservation Concern Red List, alongside other notable species such as the Curlew, Corncrake and Kestrel.
‘The reasons for their decline are multi-faceted,’ says Tara Adcock, Urban Birds Project Officer with BirdWatch Ireland, ‘but one of the main driving forces behind their decline appears to be a lack of nesting space. Essentially, Swifts, like us, are experiencing a housing crisis.’
Swifts are an urban species, nesting in buildings, in our towns, villages and cities. Renovations to buildings can result in these nest sites being lost. They are a highly site faithful species, meaning they return to the same nest year after year to breed. If the nest site is lost due to renovations, they can find it difficult to find alternative nesting space.
To make matters more difficult for the Swift, in the last few decades new builds coming on to the market have been built to a higher standard meaning there are no gaps for cavity nesting species such as Swifts to nest in in new buildings.
Swifts are thus losing their existing nest sites due to renovations and demolition, and very little alternative nesting space is coming on to the market. An uncanny echo of our own housing crisis.
To protect Swifts, conservationists need to know where they are nesting. The BirdWatch Ireland Swift Surveyors and experienced volunteers are currently working hard to catalogue these nest sites. They will continue to do so into August, after which the Swifts will depart for their wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa. The surveys carried out this year brings the tally of Swift surveys carried out by BirdWatch Ireland to 25 since 2017.
There is hope for the Swift. Using nest boxes and nest bricks, Swifts can be built into our urban landscapes. Nest boxes are fixed externally, while nest bricks are built into the fabric of the wall and are suitable for new builds or renovations.
Swifts are a clean and quiet species. They do not leave a mess, and they will not wake you up in the morning. As such they are the perfect species for which to install nest boxes/ bricks on your own home or a public building.
If you would like more information on how to provide nesting space for Swifts, please either contact swifts@birdwatchireland.ie and/or download our user-friendly ‘Saving Swifts’ guide for free from our website.
If you are aware of Swifts nesting in Cavan, Galway, or Fingal please email the details (location, number of Swifts, number of nest sites if known) to swifts@birdwatchireland.ie.
The Fingal Swift Survey is a collaboration between Fingal County Council and BirdWatch Ireland and is funded by Fingal County Council. The south Galway and west Cavan Swift Surveys are supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) under the National Biodiversity Action Plan, and are a collaboration with Galway County Council, and Cavan County Council.
18- Call To Identify Areas for Bathing Waters In County Cavan
Public Notice: Public participation in the identification of ‘bathing waters’ under the Bathing Waters Directive 2006/7 EC of 15th February 2006 and the Bathing Water Quality Regulations SI 79 of 2008
All 31 city and county councils are inviting public participation in the identification of Bathing Waters under the Bathing Waters Directive and the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 (SI No 79 of 2008).
The Directive requires that water quality at all identified bathing waters meets stringent microbiological standards in order to protect the health of people who choose to bathe there. City and county councils are required under the 2008 Regulations to identify bathing waters on an annual basis.
This consultation process provides the public with an opportunity to:
Comment on existing identified bathing waters with a view to continuation of classification
Comment on other bathing waters not currently identified but which may be considered for classification.
Comments are invited from interested parties.
This should be done through your local county council in whose area the bathing water is located. Visit www.cavancoco.ie/bathing-waters.
Closing date for submissions to Cavan County Council is 26/9/2025.
19- Dance Connects Survey
Call to promote local dance facilitators and local venues
We’re looking to include local dance facilitators, artists, and local venues in two public
databases: one of venues available or hireable for dance activity, and one of dance
facilitators and artists working and/or based in the Cavan, Monaghan and Fermanagh-
Omagh district council / local authority areas.
Complete the 5mins survey to be included in the Dance Facilitators and Artists
Database. Dance Connects Faciliators Database
Complete the 5mins survey to include your venue in the Venues for Dance Activity
Database. Dance Connects Venue Database
What if I think my practice/genre isn't suitable for the database?
Please complete the survey anyway. The database is inclusive of various dance genres.
Plus, by completing the survey you will help us build understanding about the local
dance scene, community, and industry.
What if I think my venue isn't suitable for dance?
Please complete the survey anyway. All kinds of dance activities can happen in different
types of venues. Plus, by completing the survey you will help us understand what your
venue is like so we can help build understanding about our local venues.
The database is part of the Dance Connects project. Funded by Creative Ireland, Dance
Connects seeks to support a network of dance activity in the rural border area of Cavan,
Monaghan, and Fermanagh-Omagh.
Please complete the survey by the 25 th of June.
If you have any questions, you may contact Victoria Durrer, University College Dublin, at
Victoria.durrer@ucd.ie or 01 716 8649.
More information on the research team involved in the project is available at the survey
link.
20- Show YOUR Support For LEADER & Community Led Local Development Show your support for LEADER and community-led local development.
For over 30 years, LEADER and community-led local development (CLLD) have demonstrated that bottom-up, participatory approaches can successfully address rural challenges. Through Local Action Groups (LAGs), these tools mobilise local knowledge, build social capital, and implement innovative solutions tailored to each community’s specific needs. A petition has been set up to ensure the LEADER and CLLD remain the the core of EU policies. Show your support by signing the petition here
21- Climate Conversation Survey Results Released
THE LATEST ‘CLIMATE Conversations’ survey by the government has found that the public believe that the government is seriously underperforming in its climate action.
This survey is the fourth report of its kind. It gathered its responses through an online public consultation between May and September 2024. It claims to “provide critical insights into Irish citizens’ attitudes, understanding, and involvement in climate action”.
One section of the report, titled ‘Perceptions of the Government’s Performance [on climate]‘, summarised its respondents’ attitudes to Government’s climate performance as so:
“Their performance was generally negatively perceived across all areas, especially in terms of ‘having a clear plan in place for getting Government, businesses and people to work together’, and in ‘Giving citizens a say in climate policy’. ‘Supporting individuals and communities to take climate action’ was also one of the more poorly rated areas.”
It said that frustration is the dominant emotion felt by the Irish public regarding climate change, followed by worry and powerlessness.
Frustration was recorded by 67% of the 1,9,49 respondents (about 1,306 people), worry by 54% (about 1,052 people), and powerlessness by 51% (994 people).
More details at: More people worried about climate change - survey
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
22- Shane's Sponsored Skydive
23- Bailieborough Memory Cafe
24- Your Council Day
This Friday, 27 June, marks Your Council Day 2025 – the national campaign promoting and celebrating the vital work of local government across Ireland.
We invite all local authority partners and collaborators to join in promoting their work with local government. In the lead-up to and throughout the day, local authorities and supporters will share stories and content online using the hashtags #YourCouncilDay and #DoLáSaChomhairle.
The Your Council Day promo video 2025, encompassing the Building Stronger Communities theme, is available to download via our YouTube channel in English version here and Irish version here. We are encouraging local authority partners and collaborators to utilise the video to share it across your online platforms to help raise awareness.
Led by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) and supported by all 31 local authorities, the day highlights the essential services delivered by county and city councils and their positive impact on communities, individuals, and businesses.
25- The Gathering of the Clans, Celebrate Cavan's Ancient Past
26- ALONE Network News
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.
Please enjoy the latest edition of our Partnership Newsletters.
27- The Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletter
Click here to view this email in your browser.
28- Become an SDG Champion NOW
Dear All,
We are delighted to announce that the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, is now seeking Expressions of Interest for participants in the 2025-2026 SDG Champions Programme.
Established in 2019, the SDG Champions Programme is a non-funded programme, developed to raise public awareness of the SDGs and to demonstrate, through best practice examples provided by the SDG Champions, that everyone in society can make a contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Under the Programme, the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, will appoint several organisations as SDG Champions for a period of 18 months, from September 2025. The organisations will be selected from a wide range of sectors of Irish society, representing the commitment to sustainable development across the public, private, community, voluntary, youth and NGO sectors.
Applications are sought from all organisations and groups, big and small, who would like to act as an advocate for the SDGs and a good practice example of how to promote and progress the SDGs. Applications will be accepted from organisations/groups based in the Republic of Ireland. This can include cross-border, multi-national organisations with Irish operations. We encourage all eligible organisations and groups to apply.
Applications must be submitted in written or video format (no more than 600 words or no longer than a 4-minute video).
For further details and guidance on how to apply, please see: gov.ie.
Applications should be sent to SDGs@dcee.gov.ie. Please include your preferred contact details.
All Expressions of Interest must be received by 5pm, Wednesday 30th July, 2025.
29- Local Democracy Taskforce Established
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne and Minister of State with responsibility for planning local government John Cummins have confirmed the establishment of the Local Democracy Taskforce to finalise a programme of reform and strengthen local government in Ireland
The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce, agreed by Government this week, set out an ambitious and detailed work programme, which is expected to give rise to a series of reforms in the local government sector.
The Taskforce’s work will be organised into four key pillars: Structure, Finance, Functions and Governance/ Accountability. Councillors’ powers will be considered under each pillar.
The Taskforce will consider the principle of subsidiarity and examine:
the possibility of devolving more decision-making powers to Councillors
how to strengthen the framework and powers of Municipal Districts and Area Committees
consider granting councillors greater input and control over the development and implementation of the local authority budget and mechanisms to enhance fiscal autonomy
It will also examine:
the rebalancing of power between elected councillors and the executive, to ensure that elected officials have a right to be consulted on a greater range of decisions
mechanisms to increase the accountability of the Chief Executive and Directors of Services to councillors for executive decisions, and
the proportion of local authority members to population and examine how to deliver greater diversity of representation
It will have strong input from the Local Government sector and will be comprised of Local Authority elected member representative bodies, Local Authority executive representatives, the National Oversight and Audit Commission, the Local Government Management Agency, the Local Government Audit Service, the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, as well as a number of independent experts.
To facilitate effective engagement, the size of the Taskforce is expected to be 14 and Membership will include:
Local Authority Elected member representative bodies (5);
Local Authority executive representatives (2);
The Chair of NOAC;
The Chief Executive of the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA);
The Director of the Local Government Audit Service;
Assistant Secretary Local Government Division, Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage; and
Independent experts
A copy of the agreed Terms of Reference for the Taskforce are available on the Taskforce webpage.
Further information on the background to the Taskforce, the substantial existing body of work informing the Terms of Reference is available on the Taskforce webpage.
30- New National Sexual Health Strategy 2025-35
Ministers for Health publish the National Sexual Health Strategy, 2025-2035.
The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D. and Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, T.D. have today published the National Sexual Health Strategy, 2025-2035, following Government approval.
The strategy contains a number of commitments designed to support positive sexual health for everyone in Ireland, across all stages of life.
Priorities include:
Expanding capacity and further developing testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including the home STI testing service.
Increasing access to contraception by expanding the Free Contraception Service and the Free National Condom Distribution Service.
Building capacity to meet demand for HIV prevention and treatment including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and additional supports for people living with HIV.
Developing a Model of Care for sexual health services, focusing on prevention; diagnosis, treatment, information and surveillance for STIs and HIV, and on improving geographic equity.
Improving access to vaccines that support sexual health, such as the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, Hepatitis A and B vaccines.
Supporting the work of the Justice sector and Cuan in domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) prevention.
The first of three action plans to enable delivery of the strategy has also been published today. Two further action plans will be published in 2028 and 2031.
The full National Sexual Health Strategy 2025–2030 is now available at https://gov.ie/en/healthy-ireland/policy-information/national-sexual-health-strategy-2025-2035/
31- Do You Provide Services For Adults with Disabilities In Cavan?
Cavan Disability Network, in conjunction with Cavan County Local Development, intends to produce a resource booklet of statutory and non-statutory services in County Cavan for Adults with Disabilities .If you would like to be included in this booklet please email Cavan Disability Network cavandisabilitynetwork@gmail.com no later than Monday 30th June 2025, and include the following information:
The name of your service/organisation/community group
A brief (150 words max) description of your service/organisation/community group
A contact phone number, and email/website if you have one
Your operating days/hours if applicable
If providing details of a contact person please just state their role e.g. Service Manager/Chairperson/Volunteer as opposed to a person’s name as roles change and people move on, and we are aiming to keep the booklet as current as possible
32- Houses Not Hazards Photo Exhibition
Dear PPN Comunity Groups,
“I’m really feeling the cold, you know… and the rest of the complex needs attention, big attention big time. The children's playground has gone completely mouldy. That needs to be done again. And there is moss growing all over it as well. We need to talk to this council. They need to be pushed, you know? They need to be pushed because they don't listen to the people.”
This is a testimony shared by a tenant of Emmett Buildings, Dublin 8, who spoke at our recent workshop. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident—it points at the systemic issue of unhealthy and substandard housing conditions faced by scores of tenants in Dublin City Council estates. In general, such lower quality housing with lower energy efficiency standards rely more on fossil fuel heating, which not only puts people at health risk in their own homes, but also fuels the climate crisis. Such energy inefficient homes also mean extortionate energy bills.
It only follows that it’s indispensable to centre and amplify the voices of those living in such poor quality and woefully insulated housing, especially that of tenants who remain locked out of most retrofitting schemes. It’s with this in mind that we’re co-launching a photo exhibition Homes not Hazards: ‘There's something about these flats’ in Tailors Hall, Dublin 8 on June 28th. The exhibition, which we’re collaboratively hosting with Community Action Tenants Union (CATU) and the Just Housing research project in Maynooth University, brings to light the housing conditions and lived experiences of tenants in local authority homes in Cromcastle Court in Coolock and Emmet Buildings in Dublin 8.
What: Homes not Hazards: ‘There's something about these flats’ photo exhibitionWhen: The exhibition is open from 11am, with a brief discussion to launch the exhibition taking place from 1-1:30pm, followed by a collaborative workshop at 2:30pm.Where: Tailors Hall, Dublin 8
33- Good Governance Awards 2025 Now Open
Good Governance Awards 2025 Now Open for Entries!
Transparency and accountability are vital for any nonprofit to build and maintain public trust. That’s according to Carmichael, who last week launched their Good Governance Awards 2025.
Now in its tenth year, the Good Governance Awards recognise and encourage adherence to responsible governance and transparent reporting by nonprofits in Ireland.
Details on the entry criteria and categories; the judging panel; how to enter; and other resources such as annual report templates are available at: www.goodgovernanceawards.ie
The deadline for entries is: 11 September, 2025.
34- Monthly Storytelling at Cavan Town Hall
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