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Cavan Community ENews 29.5.26

  • May 26
  • 27 min read

Updated: May 27

With over 40 pieces of news this week (including several new funds and new community training) 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 with the title 'ENEWS ITEM' 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: Simone Veil Prize

2. FUNDING: Wetlands Restoration Fund

3. FUNDING: National Heritage Week Applications Open

4. FUNDING: Arts & Health Award 5. FUNDING: AIB Community Fund

6. FUNDING: Power to Participate Disability Fund 7. FUNDING:  Skills for Tomorrow Fund

8. FUNDING: Culture Night Open Call

9. FUNDING: Community Men's Health Research Fund 10. FUNDING: Team Ireland Community Fund 11. FUNDING: Maximizing Community Space Calls for EoIs


TRAINING 12. TRAINING: Parenting Workshops 13. TRAINING: New Community Training Courses for PPN Groups 14. TRAINING: Supporting Safer Online Intertactions 15- TRAINING: Community Development Courses


SURVEYS/CONSULTS

16.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Wind Farm Between Killeshandra & Belturbet

17.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Cavan Local Community Safety Survey 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Child Pay & Working Age 19.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Tourism Accomodation Strategy 20.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Community Barriers to Opening Bank Accounts 21.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Hearing Care Services 22.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Social Enterprise Census



EVENTS & OTHER NEWS 23. Cavan Pride March Is Happening!!! 24. Whispers of the Countryside 25. Connect for Life 2026-2035 26. Hospice Sunflower Day Call for Volunteers 27. Killeshandra Focus Family Resource Centre Seeks Board Members 28. Alternatives to Violence Podcast 29-  Cavan County Museum Upcoming Events 30- Age Friendly Nominations Open

31- Congo Summer Community Event 32 -Urban Rural Divide in Ireland 33 - Cavan Fleadh This Weekend! 34- Save the Date: Cavan Community Summer Conference June 27th 35 Afro-Ceili Event 36- Campa Samhraidh 2026





Damselflies Dance Around Cavan Waterways
Damselflies Dance Around Cavan Waterways



FUNDING

  1. Simone Veil Prize

The first edition of the Simone Veil Prize is now open for applications!

This new European cultural prize is named after Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor, first President of the European Parliament, and tireless advocate for human rights.

Co-funded by the Creative Europe programme, the Prize recognises initiatives leveraging heritage and places of memory to promote civic engagement, education, and democratic values. Europe’s shared history is shaped by the contributions of many cultures, including Jewish cultural heritage, and this action reflects that.

Important to know:

5 different categories, including heritage for dialogue and youth engagement

 Prizes given to up to 25 finalists

 5 Grand Prix winners will receive €10,000 each

 31 July 2026 (23:59 CET) deadline to apply

Award ceremony at the end of the year.

Find info about the requirements and apply now:

 



2.    Wetlands Restoration Fund

Open call for wetland restoration plans and projects - 3rd June


Costed proposals are being sought for wetland plans and projects that will be funded by Tóchar. The proposed plans and projects should:

  • Assist with the understanding and knowledge base for any aspect of a specific wetland sites’ ecology, hydrology or Greenhouse Gas emissions.

  • Map wetland attributes such as vegetation, habitats, species, drains, watercourses.

  • Produce restoration plans to improve and enhance the wetland’s conservation status, in order to increase the wetland’s functional resilience and biodiversity value.

  • Deliver restoration works onsite, in line with appropriate consents and permissions appropriate with the designation status, and in line with best practice methodology for the characteristics of the wetland.

  • Produce management or feasibility studies for improving access/reducing impacts of recreation on wetland sites which already are in use for amenity purposes.


Wetlands must be located within the Just Transition region, or directly adjacent to the Just Transition boundary. If a wetland site is outside the boundary but it can be demonstrated that the site is part of a wetland complex that extends into the territory, thereby benefitting the territory, proposals can be accepted.


Deadline: 3rd June 2026




3.  National Heritage Week Applications Open

Cavan County Heritage Office, in association with The Heritage Council, invites community groups and organisations to get involved in National Heritage Week 2026! There were over 62 events in Cavan in 2025 and this year promises to be even better!

This year’s theme, “Heritage at Risk", encourages us to explore the aspects of our heritage that are vulnerable or under threat - from historic buildings and archaeological sites to traditions, skills, and natural habitats.

Do you have an idea for an event, talk, walk, workshop, or activity? This is your chance to share your local heritage and be part of this important national celebration. 

Applications are now open.





4.     Arts & Health Awards

Are you an artist with an established arts and health practice? Would you like an opportunity to reflect on your work in health and social care contexts?

The artsandhealth.ie Artist Reflective Bursary is open to individual artists working in any artform in the Republic of Ireland.

This bursary is designed to provide artists with the time and headspace to reflect on and interrogate their participatory practice with health and social care communities.

One bursary award of €2000 will be offered to the successful applicant.



5.   Working with Nature Awards

AIB Community €1 Million Fund 2026 - 19th June


The AIB Community €1 Million Fund enables customers, the public and our employees to support the local charities that matter most to them, within their region. The Fund supports charities across six regions in Ireland, Northern Ireland & Great Britain.


AIB will once again allocate €700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the community, while €300,000 will be donated to charities chosen by employees. Anyone, including AIB customers, employees, and the general public, can nominate a registered charity


As they celebrate 60 years of AIB in 2026, they’re marking this milestone by strengthening that commitment and adding an extra once-off €60,000 to the AIB Community €1 Million Fund. This will provide an additional €10,000 per region, enabling them to support even more local projects and initiatives in our communities.


The 2026 AIB Community €1 Million Fund is now open.


Deadline: 5pm 19th June 2026



6.        Power to Participate Disability Fund

Power to Participate Fund for Disabled Persons’ Organisations - 26th June


Power to Participate: Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement Fund 2026 will make individual grants available to organisations that are led by and include disabled people so they can work with Government Departments on policies and initiatives to deliver on the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030.


This commitment is in line with obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to ensure that disabled people and their representative organisations are included in the development and delivery of policy and legislation that affects their lives.


Grants will help provide Assistive Technology, support training, help the organisation register as a charity, establish their board, support them to grow and more.


Deadline: 26th June 2026



7.      Skills for Tomorrow Fund


Skills for Tomorrow Fund - 29th June


The Skills for Tomorrow Fund aims to support innovative, evidence-based projects that build the capacity of individuals and communities experiencing marginalisation to thrive in the future world of work.  


It will fund initiatives that provide practical, accessible and relevant pathways to employment while addressing the root causes of disadvantage and promoting inclusive economic participation.  


There are two strands to the fund: one strand supporting youth-focused projects and another strand supporting adult-focused projects. 


The Skills for Tomorrow Fund is a €1.5 million, 2.5 year fund supported by Deloitte Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) via the Dormant Accounts fund.  


Deadline: 1pm Monday 29th June 2026



8- Culture Night Open Call


 Call for Applications – Culture Night Cavan 2026!

Cavan Arts and Cavan County Council are delighted to announce Culture Night 2026 will take place on Friday 18 September, from 4pm until late!

Tá lúcháir ar Ealaíon an Chabháin agus ar Chomhairle Contae an Chabháin a fhógairt go mbeidh Oíche Chultúir 2026 ar siúl Dé hAoine, an 18 Meán Fómhair, ó 4in go déanach san oíche!

We’re inviting artists, creatives, community groups and organisations across County Cavan to get involved in this vibrant, all-island celebration of culture, creativity and the arts.

 Funding available: €250 – €1,200

 Deadline: Sunday 28 June at 8:00pm

Culture Night brings people together to experience culture in all its forms – from arts and heritage to music, performance, Irish language, community initiatives and more. Please ensure where possible projects that inclusive, accessible, and engaging for diverse audiences.

 To apply, you will need to upload:

• A budget (Word or Excel)

• An image you have permission to use promoting the event

To apply scan the QR code or Click: https://forms.office.com/e/N8Bu5yrmLy

 Please ensure all sections of the application form are completed and submitted.

Let’s make it a night to remember!




9- Community Men's Health Research Fund

Movember is launching a new global funding opportunity across Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States (California only). This program embeds Community Fellows (early career researchers <5 years post-PhD) directly within community organizations already improving the lives of boys and young men.

The focus is simple: generate high-quality, real-world evidence on what works. Community Fellows will work alongside practitioners to understand, strengthen, and evidence approaches that improve emotional and relational health for boys and young men aged 12–35.


Grounded in community-based participatory research, the program centers equity, shared power, and lived experience. It focuses on three core areas of men’s health:

Coping and consumption – Social connection – Early fatherhood

aww

Community Fellows are funded for three years with global mentorship and a world-class learning network – giving them everything they need to embed within community organizations and generate evidence that drives real change. Funding is administered through host universities. Community organizations receive an annual contribution to support their capacity to host the Community Fellow, participate in shared learning and evaluation, and connect with a wider community of practice alongside Movember and other funded partners.


Deadline: 19th June 2026




10- Team Ireland Community Fund

SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund 2026 - 8th July


SPAR and EUROSPAR, proud partners of Team Ireland, are delighted to launch the Team Ireland Community Fund – a €60,000 fund designed to support local sports clubs across Ireland.  We’re looking for clubs that are Hungry for Success – groups that are making a real difference in their communities and could benefit from funding to help them go further.


A total fund of €60,000 is available, with 30 clubs set to receive €2,000 each.


If you’re involved with a local sports club, now is your chance to apply for funding to support your future plans – whether that’s new equipment, facility upgrades, or initiatives to help your club grow.


Deadline: 8th July 2026





11- Maximizing Community Space


Good Afternoon, We are delighted to share with you our newest FB advert for  MCS (Maximising Community Space)  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C3oXUebQi/ Maximising Community Space Programme Irish Rural Link alongside Rural Action and Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network with support from PEACEPLUS being a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body are delighted to invite you to our upcoming Maximising Community Space (MCS) information webinars.  MCS is a new cross‑community programme with the aim of supporting rural groups make their spaces more inclusive, welcoming and better connected.Over the next 15 months, MCS will support organisations from GAA clubs to church halls, Young Farmers groups to Community hubs, Women’s groups etc to offer:Leadership supportInclusive activity planningNetworking & shared learningSpecific focus on strengthening women’s leadership within rural community organisations, ensuring women are supported, visible and empowered in decision making roles. 


Webinar Dates:       Tuesday 26th May 7.15pm       Tuesday 2 June at 7.15pm       Tuesday 9 June at 7.15pm      

The programme has opened for Expressions of Interest on 1 May 2026, offering significant funding and tailored support for successful participants through Irish Rural Link, and  Rural Action  Applications for MCS close: 19th June 2026 Expression of Interest Form  Maximising Community SpacePlease share with anyone who might benefit — the more voices involved, the stronger our communities become.For more information:  MCS@irishrurallink.ie  00353 9064 82744For further information email MCS@irishrurallink.ie





TRAINING



12- Parenting Workshops



Tuesday 2nd June 2026 at 10:00am - Stop, Think, Act! - Helping Children Manage Impulsivity

Learn why kids act before they think—and discover strategies to support self-control, focus, and calmer family life.

This free workshop helps parents and caregivers understand what impulsive behaviours are, how they affect children’s daily lives, and what can be done to support them.




13- 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.


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



14- Supporting Safer Online Interactions

This webinar offers stakeholders working in suicide prevention, mental health and community services a practical introduction to resources that help people stay safer and become more confident online. The session focuses on everyday supports, with contributions from Webwise and spunout.


To view the recorded webinar, please click here.

Details are included below on the key resources referenced during the presentations from Webwise and spunout. The slide decks used during the session are attached, and

Webwise Resources

Better Internet for Kids – Resource Directoryhttps://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en/resource-directory

Teacher and Educator Resourceshttps://www.webwise.ie/teachers/resources/

HTML Heroes (1st and 2nd Class Programme)https://heroes.webwise.ie


spunout Resources

spunout academy



15 Community Development Courses

Good Morning

 

As we have delivered programmes in partnership with Forum Connemara, Galway City Partnership, Galway Rural Development, Roscommon LEADER and a number of PPN’s including Kilkenny and Tipperary and many other community organisations around the country, I wanted to let you know about our upcoming accredited courses in case they may be of interest to you, your staff, or members of your community.

 

Social Enterprise and Community Development

 

  • Accredited by TUS

  • SUSI Funding available

  • Part time

  • All workshops online (two in person exams required for years 2-4)

 

Courses Commencing September 2026

• Year 1 – Certificate in Enterprise & Community Development (Level 6 ATU accredited) – Start date TBC • Year 2 – Higher Certificate in Social Enterprise & Community Development (Level 6) • Year 3 – BA in Social Enterprise & Community Development (Level 7) • Year 4 – BA (Hons) in Social Enterprise & Community Development (Level 8)

 

For full course details please visit Our Courses

 

Information on upcoming Zoom Information Sessions can be found at the end of this email

 

If you would like to receive occasional updates about future courses and events, you can join our mailing list here - Mailing List

 

We would greatly appreciate if you could share this information with anyone who may be interested.

 

Kind regards

Eoin

 

Eoin Dillon

 

8, Liosban Business Park, Tuam Road, Galway

 

 

Zoom Information Sessions

If you would like to find out more about the courses and ask any questions, you are very welcome to join one of our online Zoom information sessions (See link below).

• Tuesday June 2nd – 6:00pm • Tuesday June 9th – 6:00pm • Saturday June 20th – 10:30am

Join Zoom Meeting – Details here

Meeting chat link

Meeting ID: 878 9755 4123

Passcode: 281229





SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS



16-  Wind Farm Between Killeshandra & Belturbet EIA

ABO Energy Ireland Ltd. are seeking to develop a Wind Farm within the townlands of Killyfern, Listiernan, Kilnaglare, Macknan and Bulligs, County Cavan.

 

Accordingly, we have commenced the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process to support a forthcoming planning application that will be submitted to Cavan County Council.  The proposed wind farm site is located circa 5.4 km to the north of Killashandra, circa 3.1 km to the west of the village of Milltown and circa 6.4 km to the southwest of Belturbet town, County Cavan.

 

Further details of the proposed project can be found by request in a Scoping Report, Preliminary Site Location, Site Layout and Grid Connection Route Drawings are attached for your information.

 

We are consulting with you on this proposal as it may be of interest to your organisation. While you will be presented with the opportunity to make a submission on the proposed development as part of the statutory planning process, we wanted to engage with you early in the process to make you aware of the emerging proposals and to provide you the opportunity to comment as necessary. If there are any key issues which you consider should be addressed during the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) we would welcome your input at this stage.

 

Should this consultation request be directed to another contact within your organisation we would be grateful if you could forward this information to them, or alternatively respond to this email and provide us with the appropriate contact.  

 

If you have any queries or require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

 

 

Kind Regards,

 

Tiernan Keane

Project Planner

 

ABO Energy Ireland Limited

Unit 3, Aspen CourtCornelscourtDublin 18D18 TD56

 

Phone: +353 (01) 207 0452

Mobile: +353 (0) 87 973 4479




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.



Please note the survey is available in English and Irish.

Irish:

English:


Closing date: Midnight 31 May, 2026


Paper copies: Available in all libraries and public buildings throughout County Cavan




18-  Consult on Child Payment & Working Age

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has today launched a discussion document and consultation process on a potential new targeted child payment, as well as a potential new working age payment in Ireland.

This consultation is in keeping with Programme for Government commitments.

The proposed new payments aim to reduce child poverty through establishing a standalone weekly payment for low-income families with children, and to remove ‘cliff-edges’ in payments which discourage people from taking up additional work.

The draft proposals for the introduction of the two proposed payments are contained in a ‘Discussion Document’ published today by Minister Calleary.

The proposals in the Discussion Document are ideas as to how any new payments could be implemented, and aim to gather views from the public.

No decisions have yet been made as to what changes, if any, will be made to the social welfare system. Ultimately, informed by this consultation the Government may decide to:

  • Keep things as they are,

  • Keep the existing system, but change some of the rules of the existing payments, or

  • Introduce a more fundamental reform based on discussions and feedback



19-  Tourism Accomodation Strategy

The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (hereafter referred to as ‘the Department’) is inviting views to support the development of a new Tourist Accommodation Strategy for Ireland.

This initiative forms part of the commitments outlined in A New Era for Irish Tourism, ensuring that Ireland continues to offer a competitive, high-quality tourism experience.

Tourist accommodation plays a vital role in supporting local economies, community wellbeing, and Ireland’s wider visitor experience. The strategy will guide the future development of both traditional and emerging accommodation models across the country. The strategy will be aimed at supporting regional balance, growth in emerging destinations, encouraging innovation, and ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Background

The Tourist Accommodation Strategy is being developed to ensure Ireland has a diverse, and future focused mix of accommodation that supports the long-term development of the tourism sector. Key policy aims include:

  • Ensuring an adequate and appropriate supply of accommodation to meet evolving visitor needs and support long term growth, particularly in emerging destinations with untapped tourism potential. 

  • Strengthening regional balance by encouraging investment in emerging destinations and improving the spread of economic benefits. 

  • Supporting innovation and diversification in accommodation models, including environmentally sustainable options and new formats aligned with changing consumer expectations. 

  • Aligning development with environmental, social and economic sustainability, ensuring tourist accommodation supports climate commitments, protects natural and cultural assets, and contributes meaningful economic benefits and long‑term wellbeing for local communities. 

  • Improving sector resilience, informed by recent challenges and the need for adaptable, future proof infrastructure. 

  • Aligning with EU and international best practice on sustainable tourism development and responsible destination management. 

  • Developing a tourist accommodation dataset that will assist in the evaluation of policy outcomes flowing from A New Era for Irish Tourism and the Tourist Accommodation Strategy. 

Your input will help shape a framework that meets the needs of visitors, businesses, and communities while safeguarding long term sustainability in the sector. 

Current and future demand

Ireland’s tourist accommodation offering includes a broad mix of hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, self‑catering properties, hostels and outdoor accommodation such as pods and glamping. Capacity and availability vary widely across regions, with some destinations facing seasonal or peak‑time pressures while others have significant potential for growth.

The Tourist Accommodation Strategy will consider how supply can best evolve to meet future needs in a sustainable and balanced way – supporting year‑round demand, enabling growth in emerging destinations, ensuring adequate capacity where pressures exist, and aligning with Ireland’s environmental and climate commitments. 

Regulatory context

Ireland’s tourist accommodation sector operates within an established regulatory framework led by Fáilte Ireland under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2016, which sets out statutory registration requirements and quality standards for specific accommodation types. This framework is supported by the National Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF), through which both statutory and non‑statutory providers are assessed and quality-assured. The Tourist Accommodation Strategy will complement this existing framework and align with wider national policies supporting sustainable tourism. 

About this consultation

The Department is seeking the views of the public, industry stakeholders, and all interested parties as your input to the consultation will help inform the direction, priorities, and actions of the final Tourist Accommodation Strategy.

This survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. You may respond to as many or as few questions as you wish and you are encouraged to comment only on the topics most relevant to you. The final question provides an opportunity to share any additional observations you believe should be considered. 

How to participate

Views from stakeholders and interested parties are requested no later than 5pm on Friday, 29 May 2026 via the following link:

Responses received by the specified deadline will be analysed and will contribute to the development of the final strategy. A summary of submissions will be published as part of the consultation process.

If you experience any difficulty accessing or completing the survey, please contact: TourismAccommodation@enterprise.gov.ie 




20-  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. 

 

 

It's short and not too onerous.




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-Social enterprise Census

 2026 Census of Social Enterprise

Is now open!

 

  • Minister Buttimer calls on every social enterprise to complete the survey


  • Don’t miss out on this opportunity for your social enterprise to be included and heard


  • Important opportunity for social enterprises to influence future policy decisions,

funding priorities, and support programme development

 

The Census is open until 28th June and can be accessed: HERE

 

Action 51 of Trading for Impact the National Social Enterprise policy includes a commitment to periodically hold a Census of Social Enterprise.

 Growing, strengthening, and realising the impact of social enterprises within communities are key goals of the Government’s Social Enterprise Policy,

and the information collected during the Census is key to the continued targeted delivery of this policy, and how the sector will be supported into the future.

 

Minister for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD said:

“This Census will help us understand where social enterprises are growing and where they need additional support to ensure decisions

made about the sector are informed by the voices and experiences of those delivering real impact on the ground.

“For the first time, we will be able to conduct a comparative analysis between the data from 2023 and 2026, which will provide

a strong evidence base to Government, along with those stakeholders we work in partnership with, to target our work to support the sector.”

 

Following a competitive tendering process, that included a social clause, the Consortium of Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland and Amárach Research

were awarded the contract to deliver this project on behalf of the Department of rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

 

The Census can be accessed: HERE

 

Please provide only one response from each social enterprise



EVENTS & OTHER NEWS


23- Cavan Pride March Is Happening!

Cavan's first pride march is happening this summer!

In the face of rising far-right sentiment across the globe, it’s more important than ever to stand together for human rights and queer liberation and they hope as many community groups and clubs as possible will join them in celebrating pride.

They would like to invite groups to march as a block- bring banners or flags to represent your group and be as showy and noisy as you like! LGBTQ+ people and allies alike are welcome to march and send a message of love, justice and solidarity to the people of Cavan. If you would to join the march as a group please contact them via email or on social media. Anyone who wants to join as an individual can just show up!

They are also seeking a few speakers for the end of the march. If you have a relevant person from your group interested in speaking about queer issues, please get in touch with some information to apply, as spots are limited. 

The march will start just after 1pm on Saturday June 13th at Cavan Courthouse and will take about 40 minutes to complete. Please assemble at the courthouse from 12.30.





24- Whispers of the Countryside Cavan Exhibit




25- Connecting for Life 2026 to 2035

The Government today published Connecting for Life 2026–2035, Ireland’s new ten-year, whole-of-government strategy to further reduce suicide and self-harm.

The strategy sets out a clear vision of an Ireland where fewer lives are lost to suicide and where people have access to the supports they need. It includes an ambitious target to reduce the rate of suicide to 7 per 100,000 or below by 2035.

The strategy builds on meaningful progress made over the past two decades, during which the suicide rate has fallen by a third (32%) between 2000 and 2023.

Each death by suicide represents a profound loss felt by families, friends, and communities. The complex range of factors that influence suicide and self-harm underline the importance of continuing to work together in a sustained and determined way across society to reduce suicide and support those affected.

The strategy prioritises compassionate, person-centred care, with a focus on:

  • Strengthened crisis supports in hospitals and communities

  • Expanded community-based services

  • Trauma-informed approaches

  • Improved access to supports for those experiencing self-harm


It also promotes open conversation and stigma reduction to encourage help-seeking.

Lived experience has been central to the strategy’s development, informed by nearly 1,900 public submissions.

As a result, there is a stronger focus in the new strategy on supporting people bereaved by suicide, including enhanced bereavement services, a new national postvention framework, and improved inquest supports. 

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD said:

“Every death by suicide is a tragedy that leaves a deep and lasting impact on families, communities and our society as a whole. While we have made important progress, even one death is one too many. This new strategy represents our collective commitment to build on that progress and to address the root causes of suicide and self-harm. It will require a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response, and I am confident that, working together, we can create a future where more people feel supported, valued and hopeful.”

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD said:

“This strategy reflects our ambition to deliver high-quality, accessible and compassionate care for everyone who needs it. By strengthening services in our hospitals and communities, and by embedding mental health across broader health reform, we are ensuring that individuals receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. This is about delivering real and meaningful change for people, families and communities across Ireland.”

Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD said:

“Over the past six years as Minister for Mental Health, I have sat with many mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, grandparents and friends who have been bereaved by suicide and listened to their stories. I have felt the devastation of their loss, and it’s what drives me every day to continue our progress in reducing suicide.

“I am grateful to each of the 1,900 people who shared their lived experience to inform this strategy, and I am determined to deliver the change people have called for, including increasing investment in suicide bereavement services and placing a greater focus on postvention.

“We will continue to invest in innovative, community-based supports such as Crisis Resolution Teams, Crisis ‘Solace’ Cafés and Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurses. Our focus remains on expanding access to alternatives to presenting to hospitals, while also strengthening the capacity of emergency departments to respond with timely and compassionate care when needed.

“Importantly, this strategy will also prioritise groups most at risk of suicide, including the Traveller and LGBT communities. We have a responsibility to ensure we provide targeted and culturally sensitive supports where vulnerable communities experience greater discrimination and distress.” 

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Minister Boxer Moran said:

“The success of this strategy depends on collaboration across Government, communities and services. By working together and addressing the social and economic factors that impact wellbeing, we can reduce suicide and self-harm and support people to live healthy, fulfilling lives. This strategy reinforces our shared responsibility to act and to support one another. If you or someone you know is in distress, support is available. Reaching out can make a difference. Together, we can build a more compassionate and resilient Ireland.”

Anne O’Connor, CEO of the HSE, said:

“I am proud to welcome Ireland’s new Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm, Connecting for Life 2026–2035, which is an ambitious and important step forward in how we support and protect people across our communities. I as CEO, am fully committed to supporting all our staff to deliver a safer, more compassionate health service for all, where mental health is prioritised, and suicide and self-harm are reduced. Together with the Department of Health, the HSE – supported by strong governance and implementation structures nationally, and in each of our Health Regions – is fully committed to turning this strategy into real, meaningful action.”

Implementation will be supported by strong governance and cross-government collaboration, with the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE), and partners working together to deliver measurable progress.

Ireland’s Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm: Connecting for Life 2026–2035 reflects a renewed national commitment to reducing suicide and self-harm through compassion, evidence, and partnership.




26-  Hospice Sunflower Day Call for Volunteers

 I am a volunteer  on the fund raising committee of the St Christoper’s hospice Cavan Monaghan. They are building a 16 bedroom  hospice for the people of Cavan/ Monaghan and should be open in 2027 for patients .   Sunflower day is a National collection for the Hospice country wide on the 12th   and 13th of June 2026. As the new St Christopher’s Hospice  covers Cavan and Monaghan I would like to involve the people of  Monaghan in this Sunflower day . This is advertised nationally by Miriam O Callaghan and launched by her last week and is on the national news papers . We will advertise this locally as well . I have approval to collect from Monaghan shopping centre, and have obtained garda permit for Monaghan town , Castleblaney , Clones and Carrickmacross for the 12th of June.  I would really appreciate volunteers for  Clones / Monaghan to complete the sunflower day . I have obtained the sunflower badges ready to go on the day also. I would really appreciate if you could Hugh enlist volunteers that could cover the Sunflower day in Clones. Please call me any time or if you need any thing further.  Many thanks   Regards Seamus Kennedy Hospice volunteer.  0858785252



27-  Killeshandra Family Resource Centre Seek Board Members

NOTE: DEADLINE FOR THE BELOW HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JUNE 5TH AT MIDDAY.





28-Alternatives to Violence... a Podcast

 Social Justice Matters Podcast - Alternatives to Violence Project Ireland with Lisa Oelschlegel and Robert Cullen

 


Lisa Oelschlegel, Coordinator of the Alternatives to Violence Project in Ireland, and Robert Cullen, a past participant of the AVP Project, chat with Susanne Rogers, our Research and Policy Analyst, about the work of AVP and the transformative impact it has on individuals and communities. They discuss the systemic and individual responses to how masculinity is to be expressed, how patriarchy and violence interact and how alternatives can be found. 






29-  Cavan Museum Upcoming Events


A Chairde,

 

Continuing our year of 30th Anniversary Celebrations, we are having a FREE ENTRY Saturday each month this Summer, starting this Saturday with scheduled tours of the Trenches. See below for dates for your diary!

 

FREE ENTRY SATURDAY

Saturday, 30th May 2026 Free Trench Tours in commemoration of General Nugent’s centenary, Nugent 100 - Free Trench Tours - Cavan Museum

 

Saturday, 20th June 2026 30th Anniversary Family Fun Day with   The Big Dig, Vikings, Medieval Living history, Working Steam Engine and more

 

Saturday, 25th July 2026 30th Anniversary Summer Garden Party                                     

 

Saturday, 22nd August 2026 Lough Sheelin, The history and mystery of this beautiful lake, told through art music and film

            

 

And there is more …..

 

Cruinniú na nÓg is on Saturday, June 6th. A fun day awaits.

 

The Nugent 100 Conference is on Saturday, July 4th  - with MC Dr. Brendan Scott of Maynooth University and Speakers Dr. Nick Perry who will speak on Major General Oliver Nugent, the Ulster Division and the Battle of the Somme, Ronan McGreevy who will speak on Field Marshall Sir Henry Wilson in WW1, his local links and relationship with Oliver Nugent, and Dr. Fionnuala Walsh who will speak on Irish Women in WW1.

 

Heritage Week runs from August 15th to 22nd, starting with a lunchtime lecture with Artist Kevin Sweeney on The evolution of house dwellings in Ireland at 12pm on August 15th; Breithann Smith, our Education ＆ Tour Guide Assistant,  will be launching his new tour that afternoon; Trench Tours all week; The Erne Quilters Exhibition will be on display in the Eden Gallery;  Heritage Week ends on the 22nd, with the opening of the exhibition of Lough Sheelin, the history and mystery of this beautiful lake, told through art music and film, a collaboration of  local artists, Kim Gaffney, Colette Kearney, Musician Barry O'Reilly and Videographer Dimitry from Jago Studios and funded by Creative Cavan.

 

Hope to meet you at one (or all ) of the events!

 

Is mise le meas,

 

Ann Gerety Smyth

Museum Curator

Cavan County Museum

Virginia Road, Ballyjamesduff, Cavan

(049)4378647



30-  Age Friendly Nominations Open

Age Friendly Ireland is delighted to confirm that the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards 2026 are now live for submissions—and we’d love you to put your project forward.

Closing date: Thursday, 29 May 2026

Each year a local authority hosts the awards event, and we’re thrilled to share that Limerick City and County Council will host this year’s ceremony in The Limerick Strand Hotel on Thursday, 8 October 2026.

This year there are ten award categories, aligned to the 8 World Health Organisation (WHO) Age Friendly Themes.

These awards celebrate the people, partnerships and programmes making Ireland more Age Friendly. If your initiative is improving everyday life for older people—big or small, local or national—we strongly encourage you to apply.

 

Who can apply? Organisations, individuals/members of the public, agencies and communities – Everyone!

What we’re looking for:

  • Innovative projects with a real, positive impact on the lives of older people

  • Initiatives that can be showcased and replicated by others

  • Entries from local and national level

Judging visits:   Shortlisted projects will be visited by the judging panel over a three-week period, from 20 July to 7 August (inclusive). Please only submit if you (or your project lead) will be available to facilitate a visit during this time.

Submission tips:   Please submit your project under one category only. Where possible, include a short video clip that helps bring your initiative to life.

If you’re considering applying but aren’t sure which category fits best, please get in touch—we’re happy to help.

We can’t wait to see the fantastic work happening across the country—please do submit your project and help us celebrate what’s possible when communities and services are designed to support us all to age well.

 

For more information please visit our website:



31- Congo Summer Community Event

email:  congoleseincavan@gmail.com or phone 0874590763



32- The Urban Rural Divide In Ireland

The Urban-Rural Divide: What CSO Data Reveals About Life in Ireland

Ireland's population is increasingly urban, yet a significant share of residents remain rooted in rural communities. The CSO's Urban and Rural Life in Ireland 2025 report offers a detailed snapshot of how these two Irelands differ—and where they converge.



33-  Cavan Fleadh Kicks Off This June

 The Co. Cavan Fleadh Cheoil lands in Cavan Town this Bank Holiday Weekend.

Three days of trad music, song and dance, competitions, dancing, céilí, concert, and pub sessions all over the town.

 Friday 29 May: U10 Tin Whistle, Ceol na nÓg Recital & Seisiún at St Clare's. Céilí, Set and Sean-Nós dancing competitions at the Town Hall.

 Saturday 30 May: Competitions from 11am at St Clare's. Sets Céilí 9pm at the Town Hall with the Copperplate Céilí Band, €12.

 Sunday 31 May: Competitions continue. Busking Competition on Market Square at 5.30pm. Closing Concert at the Townhall, 8pm (doors 7.30pm).

 Pub Sessions Trail all weekend: Blessings, McGinnitys, Slieve Rossa, Blackhorse, Top of the Town, Abbey Bar. Street and impromptu sessions encouraged.

Tickets for the Céilí and Closing Concert at townhallartscentre.com.

Bígí linn!






34- Save the Date: Cavan Community Summer Conference June 27th





35- Afro-Ceili

You're Invited to Afro-Ceili Connect!


Join us for a vibrant celebration of African culture, music, dance, and community at Afro-Ceili Connect! Whether you're a dancer, music lover, or simply looking to experience the richness of African traditions, this event is for you.


Date: [5th & 6th June]

Time: [11-2PM]

Location:

Come ready to move, connect, and celebrate with us! 

For more details and to RSVP, visit: https://afro-ceili-connect.base44.app



36- Campa Samhraidh 2026


 
 
 

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