Cavan Community ENews 3.7.26
- 3 days ago
- 29 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
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: Full Circle Sustainability Awards
2. FUNDING: LAWPRO Small Grant Event Scheme
3. FUNDING: Irish Grants & Supports Website Goes Live
4. FUNDING: Wildlife Acoustics Grant 5. FUNDING: Participation Arts Award
6. FUNDING: Culture Ireland Grant 7. FUNDING: ORIS Scheme
8. FUNDING: 27.8million for Community Voluntary Sector
9. FUNDING: Community Centre Investment Fund
10. FUNDING: Team Ireland Community Fund
TRAINING 11. Parent & Child Cookery Class 12. TRAINING: How To ETender Training 13. TRAINING: New Community Training Courses for PPN Groups 14. TRAINING: Tackle Disinformation Cap Building For 18-30 Year Olds
SURVEYS/CONSULTS
15 SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Rising Community Insurance Survey 16.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Active Learning Focus Group
17.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Rail Services Near County Cavan 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Social Enterprise Consult 19.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Public Consultation on Pre-Budget 2027 Submissions 20.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Shape Europe's Digital Future 21.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Traveller Mental Health Consultation 22.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: 1st Consult on Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan 23.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Identify Cavan Bathing Sites Near You NOW! 24.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: The Disability Act Consultation
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS 25. Launch of Pollinator Guide for Community Gardens 26. Ballinagh Folly Fest 27. Wiki Loves Earth Ireland 28. Cavan Community Connectors 29- Nugent 100, A Historic Event in Cavan County Museum 30- National PlayDay in Berlturbet
31- Malin to Corlough Fundraising Cycle 32 -Bailieborough Art Exhibit 33 - Three Provinces Festival in Arva 34- Pathways to Wellbeing 35- RSA Check If It Fits Comes to Cavan 36- Summer Cottage Market 37- Cavan Connects News 38- This Month's Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletter 39- Ambient Festival in Killykeen Forest!!! 40 Protecting Minority Communities Against Online Disinformation 41- CavanSPCA Dog Show 42- Cavan Disability Protest 43- "Ticketing for GAA Games" Info-Session From Age Friendly Cavan
FUNDING
Full Circle Sustainability Awards
Hi there,
I hope you are well. I am delighted to announce the launch of the Full Circle Awards 2026, Circular.ie's celebration of Circular Champions! These awards recognise outstanding individuals and groups who are making reuse, repair, repurposing, sharing and upcycling part of everyday life across the country.
The winners will receive:
€2,000 prize to support their circular work
Unique handcrafted trophy made from upcycled materials
Media exposure through Circular.ie and associated press
Award categories include:
Repair and Reuse Champion
Community Circular Champion
Creative Circular Design
Circular Living Advocate
Best Community Campaign
Circular Sports Champion
We're looking for people who are genuinely making a difference through their circular practices and inspiring others to follow suit.
We would be grateful if you could help us reach more potential nominees by sharing this announcement with your networks and colleagues who might be connected to circular economy initiatives. Here is a Google Drive folder that includes a press release with details of the awards, a social media carousel, launch photos and A4 poster PDF's.
Photo caption for launch images: "Eibhlin Fitzpatrick, Community Manager, Circular.ie, launching the Full Circle Awards 2026 at The Rediscovery Centre, Ballymun, Dublin" Photo Credit: Mark Stedman
Nominate your Circular Champion here: Full Circle Awards 2026
The nomination deadline is July 24th, so we encourage submissions to be made as soon as possible.
Thank you for helping us celebrate and support Ireland's Circular Champions!
2. LAWPRO Small Grants Events Scheme
LAWPRO Small Grants & Events Scheme - 31st Oct*
This grants scheme is for community groups to apply for small scale initiatives and events outside of LAWPRO's targeted open calls. It covers events such as World Wetland Day, Biodiversity Week, Science Week, etc. It may also be used for small awareness raising initiatives such as surveys and plans, citizen science, hosting a meeting, workshops, litter pick, publications, biodiversity signage, or other such small scale initiatives. Applications must have a water quality or water awareness focus.
Deadline: *None stated, but all expenditure must be incurred before 31st October and grants must be drawn down before 6th November 2026
More info: https://consult.watersandcommunities.ie/en/content/lawpro-small-grants-and-events-scheme-2026
3. Irish Grants & Supports Website Live
I hope you're keeping well. My name is Dan O'Hara. I'm from Sligo, and I've built a free tool called Irish Grants & Supports. The aim is simple, to bring all the grants, payments and supports together in one place and make them easier for people to find.
Website: irishgrantsandsupports.ieInstagram: instagram.com/irishgrantsandsupport
It does one thing. You describe your situation in plain words and it shows you the grants, payments and supports you might qualify for, with a link straight to the official page. It's free to use with no sign-up. I built it on my own after watching my dad struggle to find a derelict house grant back home.
It went live earlier this month and it's already had over 800 questions from 15 countries, with hundreds clicking straight through to start a claim. People in Ireland and right across the diaspora are using it daily.
4. Wildlife Acoustics Grants
Wildlife Acoustics Grant - 15th Aug
Wildlife Acoustics is proud to offer a quarterly grant program that supports the advancement of wildlife research, habitat monitoring, and environmental conservation. Scientists may apply for a product grant to advance the study of bats, birds, amphibians, and other terrestrial wildlife—or a travel grant to help them attend a conference with their peers.
Deadline: 15th August 2026
5. Participatory Arts Award
Participatory Arts Project Award 2027 - 23rd July
The Participatory Arts Project Award is an Arts Council award that supports proposals from professional artists or arts organisations with a track record in Participatory Arts to collaborate artistically with non-arts professionals (people that do not work professionally in the arts) in the development, creation and/or presentation of artistic work.
Individuals and groups (communities of place or interest) are an integral part of the artistic process, contributing to and influencing artistic content, outcomes and outputs.
Deadline: 5.30pm Thursday 23rd July 2026
More info: https://artscouncil.ie/funding-opportunities/project-award/participatory-arts-project-award/
6. Culture Ireland Grant
Culture Ireland Grants
Culture Ireland offers support to Irish professional artists, arts organisations and international presenters to present work by Irish artists at significant international venues and festivals.
In supporting an event, Culture Ireland traditionally offers grant funding towards costs which relate directly to the international presentation of the event, i.e. travel and travel related costs such as transport, freight, accommodation and subsistence.
Deadline: 5 August
7. Ireland Against Racism Fund
Cavan County Council and Cavan County Local Development are inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for project proposals under Measure 1, Measure 2, and Project Development Measure of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
The scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the Gaeltacht, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.
Full details at: Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2026 - Cavan County Council
8- 27.8 Million For Community Voluntary Sector
Ministers Buttimer and Calleary announce funding of €27.8 million for the community and voluntary sector
The Scheme to Support National Organisations 2026-2029 provides multi-annual core funding
92 national community and voluntary organisations will be funded under the Scheme
€27.8 million will be awarded over three and a half years
Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities Jerry Buttimer, and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, today announced funding of €27.8 million over the coming 3 and a half years to 92 national community and voluntary organisations.
The funding is under a new round of the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) and will run until the end of 2029.
At almost €8 million per year, the funding has increased by almost €1 million annually compared to the previous SSNO iteration.
This new round also sees an increase in organisations funded with, 92 organisations announced today, in comparison to 82 organisations awarded under the 2022-2026 Scheme.
Announcing the funding, Minister Buttimer said:
“I am delighted to announce the successful 92 national Community and Voluntary Organisations who will be receiving nearly €28 million in funding. This funding is over a 3 and a half year period to allow organisations to plan for a more sustainable timeframe."
Applications were invited from community and voluntary organisations that operate at a national level. The Ministers noted the very high quality of applications for the scheme.
Minister Buttimer added:
“This was a highly competitive process with over 200 applications received from organisations who provide services nationally. This funding will benefit organisations who operate across a wide variety of areas in the community and voluntary sector, including health, disability, homelessness, children and young persons, older persons, equality and social inclusion sectors, amongst others.”
Minister Calleary said:
“I am glad to announce today this substantial funding to 92 national Community & Voluntary Organisations. This Government recognises the value of the work carried out by these national voluntary organisations. The work of these national organisations is vital to communities throughout the country.
“The Government will invest almost €28 million over the next three and a half years under this initiative, and I am confident that the communities who benefit from the work carried out by these groups will see the benefit of this investment”.
ENDS
Contact:
The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Press Office
01-773 6843 / 086 4618285
Notes to editor:
2026-2029 SSNO Funded Organisations
Organisation | Funding Awarded |
Active Retirement Network Ireland | €315,000.00 |
Age Action Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee | €314,742.34 |
Aiseiri Cahir Company Limited By Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
Akina Dada Wa Africa CLG | €299,250.00 |
Anam Cara Parental And Sibling Bereavement Support Company Limited By Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
Arthritis Ireland | €299,250.00 |
Aware | €314,860.00 |
Barnardos - Republic of Ireland CLG | €314,413.00 |
Belong to Youth Services | €314,990.00 |
Brainwave – The Irish Epilepsy Association | €314,831.50 |
Breaking Through Company Limited By Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
Cancer Fund For Children Ireland | €271,582.63 |
Care After Prison | €313,700.00 |
Care Alliance Ireland | €315,000.00 |
Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups | €315,000.00 |
Centre For Independent Living Company Limited By Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
Cherish Company Limited By Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
Childhood Cancer Foundation | €283,857.84 |
Children In Hospital Ireland | €315,000.00 |
Children's Rights Alliance - Republic of Ireland | €314,422.13 |
Chronic Pain Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee | €232,295.78 |
Community Workers Company Limited By Guarantee | €314,982.12 |
Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency Company Limited By Guarantee | €270,000.00 |
Disability Federation of Ireland | €302,387.13 |
Down Syndrome Ireland | €315,000.00 |
Dyslexia Ireland | €313,848.02 |
Embrace FARM Company Limited By Guarantee | €307,216.15 |
EPIC Empowering People In Care | €299,895.89 |
European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
European Network Against Racism (Enar) Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
Family Carers Ireland | €312,853.00 |
Focus Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee | €313,464.00 |
Foodcloud | €315,000.00 |
Foróige The National Youth Development Organisation | €308,693.72 |
Free Legal Advice Centres | €314,856.50 |
Grow in Ireland | €314,499.35 |
Health Research Charities Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee | €299,250.00 |
HIV Ireland | €238,356.90 |
I.W.A. Company Limited By Guarantee | €313,145.00 |
Immigrant Council of Ireland | €315,000.00 |
Inclusion Ireland - National Association For People With An Intellectual Disability | €314,643.20 |
Irish Association for Palliative Care | €314,527.06 |
Irish Council for Social Housing | €142,196.89 |
Irish Deaf Society The National Association of the Deaf Company Limited By Guarantee | €314,786.00 |
Irish Foster Care Association | €314,999.35 |
Irish Men's Sheds Association Company Limited By Guarantee | €297,766.10 |
Irish National Organisation Of The Unemployed Company Limited By Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
Irish Penal Reform Trust | €314,983.08 |
Irish Red Cross Society | €313,722.20 |
Irish Refugee Council Company Limited By Guarantee | €314,754.00 |
Irish Rural Link Co-Operative Society Limited | €314,793.97 |
Irish Senior Citizens National Parliament Company Limited By Guarantee | €298,955.50 |
Irish Stammering Association | €314,993.55 |
Irish Sudden Infant Death Association | €314,969.35 |
LGBT Support and Advocacy Network Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
Local Development Companies Network Company Limited by Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
M.O.V.E. Ireland | €315,000.00 |
Mental Health Reform | €315,000.00 |
Mercy Law Resource Centre Company Limited By Guarantee | €314,896.00 |
Migrant Information Centre Company Limited By Guarantee | €313,648.36 |
Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre | €314,861.19 |
National Association For Spina Bifida And Hydrocephalus Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee | €288,314.61 |
National Women's Council of Ireland | €314,995.06 |
National Youth Council of Ireland | €314,973.00 |
Neurological Alliance of Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
New Communities Partnership (Ncp) Company Limited By Guarantee | €314,994.03 |
Parents Plus Company Limited By Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
Polio Survivors Ireland | €294,951.10 |
Rape Crisis Network Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee | €314,988.23 |
ROTHA | €315,000.00 |
SAFE Ireland National Social Change Agency Company Limited by Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
Sensational Kids Company Limited By Guarantee | €299,249.99 |
Simon Communities of Ireland | €314,895.87 |
Social Analysis And Action For Justice Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
Special Olympics Ireland | €314,999.68 |
Specialisterne Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee | €311,920.65 |
Spinal Injuries Ireland | €314,998.00 |
Spiritan Asylum Services Initiative Company Limited By Guarantee | €293,076.17 |
Spunout Company Limited by Guarantee | €314,718.00 |
Suicide Or Survive | €306,622.98 |
TASC Europe Studies Company Limited by Guarantee | €313,212.98 |
The Irish Environmental Conservation Organisation For Youth -Unesco Clubs -CLG | €299,250.00 |
The Irish Hospice Foundation | €314,997.20 |
The Irish Youth Foundation | €178,031.24 |
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland | €314,819.82 |
The Neurofibromatosis Association of Ireland CLG | €186,494.50 |
The Shanty Educational Project CLG | €268,457.14 |
Threshold | €315,000.00 |
Treoir The National Federation of Services for Unmarried Parents and Their Children | €229,720.00 |
Volunteering Ireland | €269,059.00 |
Women’s Aid Company Limited By Guarantee | €315,000.00 |
Young Social Innovators | €315,000.00 |
You are receiving this press release/media notification as you are curre
9- Community Centre Investment Fund
The Community Centres Investment Fund is the largest ever capital investment in Community Centres. It provides funding for investments in Community Centres in order that these vital services remain useable, accessible, and safe and continue to meet the needs of the community into the future.
This capital fund of €25 million is providing funding for the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres in both urban and rural areas.
Deadline: 13 July
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
More info: https://www.spar.ie/communityfund/
TRAINING
11- Parent & Child Cookery Course Looking for a fun activity this summer?
Join our free Family Learning – Parent and Child Cookery course, designed for parents and primary school children aged 8+ to learn and cook together.
St Augustine’s Hall, Cavan
Week 1: 29, 30 June and 1 July
Week 2: 6, 7 and 8 July
Choose from 10.00am - 1.00pm or 2.00pm - 5.00pm
Parent or caregiver must attend - all three days required
Places are limited, so early booking is advised.
Book at https://www.fetchcourses.ie using code 529281
049 4361881
12- How to E-Tender Course
The Supply Chain, Logistics and Procurement Centre of Excellence (SCLPCE) is hosting two online training sessions this July focused on a general introduction to eTendering.
These sessions are aimed at community and voluntary groups who receive funding and need to use the
eTender Portal to manage procurement.
What you’ll learn:
• How to log in to the eTender Portal
• Submitting Expressions of Interest
• Searching for relevant opportunities
• Understanding required documentation
This is a great opportunity to build confidence and capability in navigating the E-Tendering process.
Contact us for further information and how to secure your place.
Email sclp@cmetb.ie or call 087 7017302.
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.
Most of the courses are online and places are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Latest training opportunities:
Breaking Free from the Golden Handcuffs of Small Grants
AI Awareness
Cavan PPN provides access to a number of other training opportunities, all focused on community & voluntary groups/organisations. For more information, and to register, please click on the link below: Events | Cavan PPN | Public Participation Network
(Please note: you must be part of a member group of Cavan PPN to avail of these training courses).
14- Tackle Disinformation Cap Building for 18-30 Year Olds ChangingTIDE is an EU-funded project that aims to counter disinformation by building capacity for grassroots action. As part of the project, DCU FuJo is seeking young adults (18–30 years) to join a Media Literacy Incubator on 30 July at the DCU St Pat’s Campus. Participation is free of charge. Those interested can use this online form to apply.
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
15- Rising Insurance Premiums for Communities Survey
Rising insurance premiums are a major challenge for many charities and community groups. The Alliance for Insurance Reform needs your help by completing its annual insurance survey.
It takes less than one minute, and the information gathered is shared with government ministers, national media and others to highlight the ongoing challenges that insurance costs pose to community and voluntary groups across the country.
The questions are straightforward and general, with no specific financial information required.
The Alliance has secured major reforms of the insurance and personal injury claims landscape in Ireland, with reductions in the volume of claims and the size of awards. Unfortunately, this has yet to translate into meaningful reductions in premiums for many organisations. This survey helps show what is happening on the ground and supports the case for further action.
Survey link:
16- Active Learning Focus Group
We are hosting an in-person Focus Group for people who are interested in upskilling and learning and development in the community and voluntary sector. If you are an active learner who works in the sector, we want to hear from you!
When: 9.30-12.00 on Thursday 23 July
Where: Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor’s Lane, D08 YPP9
Your input is really important to us as it helps us to plan our work for the coming years based on what the sector tells us it needs.
In exchange for your knowledge, we will provide tea and pastries and a lovely opportunity to network with colleagues from across the sector in a central Dublin location, the Guinness Enterprise Centre.
Just to be clear, you do not have to be responsible for training in your organisation, we really want the lived experience of staff who want to upskill (not just the manager) involved, so we would really love your input.
Where do I sign up?
If you wish to attend, please register your interest here by 19 June, 2026: Online registration form for Sector Training and Skills Focus Groups 2026
We look forward to welcoming many of you on the day.
If you have any questions about the event, please feel free to reach out to Ciara: ciarapower@wheel.ie
17- Rail Services Nearing County Cavan
Although this survey is in regard to the new proposed Dublin to Navan service, due to the relative proximity to County Cavan we have included it in this week's consultations for communities of Cavan. Click here to access the survey: NSPC1
18- Consult on Social Enterprise
The National Social Enterprise Census is currently underway and we would highly encourage all social enterprises to take part.The Census is an important opportunity to ensure that the contribution, impact and needs of social enterprises are accurately captured and reflected in future policy, funding and support initiatives.Completing the survey should take approximately 23 minutes and your response will help build a stronger evidence base for the sector.You can access the survey here:https://panel.amarachsurveys.ie/S2/159/SEL37/
We encourage you to complete the survey as soon as possible and to ensure that your organisation's voice is included in this important national exercise.
19- Public Consultation on Pre-Budget 2027 Submissions
Public Consultation on the Pre-budget 2027 Submissions
The Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development annually invites public submissions as part of its pre-Budget scrutiny of the Department of Social Protection, and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
This consultation allows stakeholders, such as community groups, NGOs, academics and members of the public, to outline priorities, highlight gaps in existing supports and propose policy change. The process strengthens parliamentary oversight and ensures that lived experience and sectoral expertise feed into the budgetary process, particularly on issues such as income supports, poverty reduction, and rural development. The Committee is also interested in hearing how such proposals may be funded or provided for in the context of a defined budgetary package.
The Committee will consider suitable written submissions received and may decide to invite a selection of contributors to public hearings, should it be considered necessary. The Committee intends to publish a ‘Pre-Budget Submission’ Report based on its own knowledge, the information received through these submissions, and its engagement with stakeholders throughout the year. A copy of this Report will be forwarded to the relevant Ministers for their consideration in advance of Budget 2027.
What to include in your submission
Your submission should comprise the submission document and a separate covering letter. This allows the Committee to publish your submission without your contact details. Submissions in other formats (video, for example) can be facilitated subject to communication with and further guidance from the Committee Clerk.
In the covering letter, please include:
your name, email address and contact telephone number
if the submission is on behalf of an organisation, your position in the organisation
a brief outline of why you are making the submission
an indication of whether you would be willing to appear in public session at a committee meeting
In the submission document, please include:
a brief introduction, for example, explaining your area of expertise
any factual information that you have to offer from which the committee might be able to draw conclusions, or which could be put to other parties for their reactions
links to any publications you refer to; there is no need to send such publications as attachments
any recommendations to the committee; be as specific as possible and summarise your recommendations at the end of the document
if your document is more than ten pages long, an executive summary of the main points made in the submission
please remember to number your pages.
How to send your submission:
Please email an electronic document (searchable PDF or equivalent) to the clerk of the Committee, Eoin Hartnett Eoin.Hartnett@oireachtas.ie
Submissions in other formats (video, for example) can be facilitated subject to communication with and further guidance from the Committee Clerk.
Please do not send hard copies of your submission, as this may cause confusion and duplication.
Please do not send your submission to individual committee members. The Clerk will ensure all members receive copies of all submissions.
20- Shape Europe's Digital Future
Have your say in shaping the digital future of Europe's social economy!
As part of this study, Eurofound is conducting an online survey addressed to social economy organisations throughout the European Union.
By taking part, your organisation helps increase the visibility of the social economy within Europe’s digital transformation and ensures that its specific characteristics and needs are adequately reflected in EU-level analysis and policymaking.
21- Traveller Mental Health Consult
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler announces a new consultation process to inform the development of the Traveller Mental Health Action Plan
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler TD today announced a series of consultation sessions with the Traveller community which will be hosted by Traveller organisations, including Exchange House Ireland, Pavee Point, the Traveller Counselling Service and the National Traveller Mental Health Network, to inform the development of a new Traveller Mental Health Action Plan.
In addition, an online survey has been opened for anyone who is interested in contributing to the consultation. The consultation process – including consultation sessions and online survey – will be open between now and the end of July 2026.
The Traveller Mental Health Action Plan is co-developed by the Traveller Mental Health Specialist Group, which was formed by the Department of Health under the structures of the National Implementation and Monitoring Committee (NIMC) for Sharing the Vision, Ireland’s national mental health policy, at the request of Minister Butler, in January 2026. The Specialist Group aims to deliver the Action Plan by the end of the year.
The Specialist Group is chaired by Dr Fiona Keogh and membership is drawn from the NIMC, Government Departments, the Health Service Executive (HSE), Traveller organisations, and members of the Traveller community with lived and living experience of mental health difficulties. The Specialist Group is also supported by a Lived Experience Reference Group which is facilitated by Exchange House Ireland and the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF).
The consultation process will ensure that the lived and living experience of Travellers continues to play a central role in delivering a new Traveller Mental Health Action Plan.
Minister Butler said:
“Publishing the Traveller Mental Health Action Plan is a priority for me. I have listened to and engaged with Travellers from across the country and the message I heard was clear. We need a cross-government and culturally appropriate plan to address the disproportionate rate of suicide in the Traveller Community. The voices of Travellers must inform the plan to ensure it delivers meaningful change. I want to encourage members of the Traveller Community to take part in the consultation and have your voices heard.”
If you are a member of the Traveller community and would like to participate in a consultation session to help develop the Traveller Mental Health Action Plan, you can register your interest at the following link: Traveller Mental Health Action Plan Consultation Sessions – Fill in form.
If you would like to take part in an online survey, which is open to anyone, and to inform the development of the Traveller Mental Health Action Plan, you can do so at the following link: Traveller Mental Health Action Plan Online Survey.
In recent Budgets, Minister Butler has prioritised Traveller mental health and funded a number of dedicated initiatives, with combined additional funding of €780,000 over the past two years. The additional funding has been used to expand counselling service capacity and develop more culturally appropriate mental health supports with the Traveller community. As a result, the number of clients supported by the Traveller Counselling Service increased by 50% towards the end of 2025 compared with the previous year.
22- 1st Consult on Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan
The Department recognises the importance of consultation and wishes to make the process of preparing Ireland’s draft NRP as open and transparent as possible by allowing members of the public and interested stakeholders to make submissions that will inform and shape the development of Ireland’s draft NRP, specifically to:
engage stakeholders early in the process of the draft NRP
gather input to help shape and strengthen the draft NRP
identify gaps, priorities and opportunities for delivery of the draft NRP Go to the following link for fulld details: First public consultation on Ireland’s draft National Nature Restoration Plan
23.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Identify Cavan Bathing Sites Near You NOW!
Local authorities must identify official bathing areas in their area every year so that they can be monitored for safety, water quality and their level of use. To help with this process, Cavan County Council is asking people who swim at beaches, lakes and rivers to tell them if they think they should maintain existing designated bathing waters designations or give a new official bathing area designation to areas that are commonly used for swimming, but not identified at the moment.
24- Disability Act Consult
The purpose of this consultation process is to inform the review of the Disability Act in its entirety.
Recent reforms have focused on Part 2 of the Disability Act because of the urgent need to make the Assessment of Need (AON) process more effective and efficient for children and families. Further information on these targeted reforms can be found here. The review of the Disability Act in its entirety will involve a detailed consideration of Part 2 and other reforms that may be needed to advance the implementation of the UNCRPD.
The review will also include examination of the Programme for Government commitment to place an autism strategy on a legislative footing.
Full details at:
Public Consultation to inform the Review of the Disability Act 2005
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
25- Launch of Pollinator Guide for Community Gardens
Launch of Pollinator Guide for Community Gardens
On Saturday 20th June, Community Gardens Ireland launched our pollinator guide for community gardens with the National Biodiversity Data Centre in Greystones & Kilcoole Community Garden in Wicklow.
This is a project that started 3 years ago at a Community Gardens Ireland gathering, when a discussion was held about pesticide use at community gardens and allotments. Following this, contact was made with the excellent team at National Biodiversity Data Centre who quickly came on board.
Over the last 3 years, the two groups then worked together to produce this guide with inputs from members of the Community Gardens Ireland committee.
This guide highlights best practice for community gardens in order to make them pollinator friendly, along with advice for providing space for wildlife, including ponds, bird and bat boxes, and eliminating pesticide use.
Our hope is that this will inspire more pollinator-friendly community gardens throughout the island of Ireland.
Find the booklet here: https://pollinators.ie/communitygardens/
Read more about the launch here: https://cgireland.org/launch-of-pollinator-guide-for-community-garde
26- Ballinagh Folly Fest
BALLINAGH FOLLY FEST IS BACK! For one day only! Full details still to be announced, so make sure you keep an eye on our socials Instagram: @ballinaghcommunityenterprise
27- Wiki Loves Earth
Wiki Loves Earth Ireland 2026 - 31st July
This is not a funding stream, but is an opportunity to showcase Irish natural heritage, which in turn can help play a part in ensuring its protection.
Wiki Loves Earth Ireland 2026 is the 7th edition of Wiki Loves Earth in Ireland.
Participants will take pictures of local natural protected areas, and upload them to Wikimedia Commons. The aim of the contest is to highlight the Irish natural heritage across the island of Ireland to encourage people to capture pictures and to put them under a free licence which can be re-used not only in Wikipedia but everywhere by everyone.
Deadline; 31st July 2026
28- Cavan Community Connectors Program with the HSE
Cavan Monaghan Community Connectors
“Building Community Connections and Support Networks”
HSE Connecting for Life Cavan Monaghan in partnership with Cavan Monaghan Connects,
Mental Health Ireland, Monaghan CYPSC and Cavan Monaghan ETB, is seeking to identify
volunteers who live or work in the area and want to make a positive difference to the health
and wellbeing of people in their community.
This initiative seeks to develop a Network of ‘Community Connectors’ – representatives of local
community/voluntary groups who are passionate about supporting mental health and
wellbeing in the community. Volunteers will be trusted, active members of their community.
Volunteers will be expected to already be connected to a local well-established community/
voluntary group with good governance procedures in place.
Role of a Community Connector – what will you be asked to do:
To act as a channel for information flow between statutory services and your local
community, sharing reliable health and wellbeing information with friends, family, and
your wider community networks.
In doing so, Community Connectors would empower people to make their own
informed decisions about health and wellbeing, promote help-seeking behaviour and
improve access to services.
Volunteers selected to undertake training to fulfil the role of Community Connector will be
connected to an existing local community/voluntary group. As a result, the Community
Connector volunteer will be guided by and adhere to the policies and procedures in place
through their local community/voluntary group.
Your background/qualities – what are we looking for in a Community Connector:
While no previous experience of working in the mental health and wellbeing sector is
required, it will be important that the volunteers have a particular interest in this area,
have good listening skills and can support and signpost with empathy and compassion.
It is important to highlight that the role of Community Connector is purely an
information sharing, supportive role being undertaken on a voluntary basis within the
respective community.
The role does not entail any form of crisis support or counselling. Details on where to
signpost someone who may be in crisis will be included as part of the training sessions.
Please note that more than one volunteer is welcomed from the voluntary/community group so
that the role is shared and for peer support.
What will we provide to support you in this voluntary role:
Information on local, national and online wellbeing supports in order to help signpost
people to relevant support and health services.
Information and training on key wellbeing initiatives available locally and online aimed
at supporting people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Opportunity to become part of a trusted network. Meetings for the Network will be
facilitated for Community Connectors to meet and share experiences and receive on-
going support. Information on local and national health and wellbeing news will be
shared with members of the Community Connectors Network.
A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to all volunteers who complete the training
sessions for Community Connectors.
Please note this is an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) process with no commitment expected
at this stage. Further details will be provided at an information evening to explore the role and
clarify any queries. More details on the type of training and the timeframe involved will also be
discussed at the information evening. All EOI’s will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Please complete the EOI form attached and return by the deadline noted – Friday 10 th July 2026.
29- Nugent 100, A Historic Event
30- National Play Day in Belturbet
Celebrate National Play Day 2026: "Every Little Hand Can Change the World!"
Co Cavan Local Development, in partnership with a wonderful coalition of local organizations and community members, is thrilled to invite families across Cavan to a special, free event celebrating National Play Day 2026.
Driven by a dedicated team of Ukrainian volunteers from Belturbet, this event is a shining example of community collaboration. The organizers have teamed up with the National Childhood Network, Cavan Sports Partnership, Cavan County Council, Tulsa, and CYPSC to deliver an unforgettable afternoon of fun, connection, and inclusivity.
Event Details
Date: July 10, 2026
Time: 14:00 – 18:00
Location: The Goods Store, Belturbet, H14DP03
Cost: Completely FREE!
What to Expect on the Day
Designed under the inspiring theme "Every Little Hand Can Change the World!", the afternoon is packed with activities for all ages and abilities.
Highlights include:
Creative & Active Play: Face painting, arts & crafts, and a variety of fun games.
Fully Inclusive Environment: A dedicated Sensory Room will be available to ensure children with additional needs have a comfortable and supportive space to enjoy the festivities.
Community Connection: A photo zone, tea/coffee/snacks station, and opportunities to make new friends and connect with local family support services.
Take-Home Goodies: Every family will receive a free "Play Pack" filled with creative ideas to keep children engaged throughout the summer, plus other gifts and prizes on the day!
How to Register
While entry is entirely free, registration is required to help the organizers prepare.
To secure your family's spot, please contact Olga Dowd at odowd@ccld.ie or scan the QR code on the official event posters circulating in your area.
Come along to play, make friends, grow, and do good—together!
31- Malin to Corlough Fundraising Cycle
Malin to Corlough Fundraising Cycle – In Aid of Corlough First Responders
On 18th July, a dedicated group of local cyclists will take on the incredible challenge of cycling from Malin Head to Corlough to raise much-needed funds for Corlough First Responders.
Corlough First Responders is a voluntary group of trained local people who provide vital emergency care in our community while an ambulance is on its way. Working in conjunction with the National Ambulance Service, they respond to emergencies including:
Heart Attacks
Cardiac Arrests
Strokes
Choking Incidents
The group provides an essential service across Corlough, Templeport and Swanlinbar, helping to deliver potentially life-saving care in those critical first minutes before professional medical assistance arrives.
None of us ever know when we or a loved one might need this service. Having trained responders living within our communities can make a real difference when every second counts.
This fundraising cycle aims to help ensure that Corlough First Responders can continue their vital work and maintain the equipment and training needed to serve our area.
We are asking everyone to get behind the cyclists and support this fantastic cause. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference and help keep this invaluable community service available for the people who need it most.
Please support the fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/.../malin-head-to-corlough-cycle...
Thank you to everyone who donates, shares the fundraiser, and supports the cyclists taking on this challenge for our community.
32- Bailieborough Art Exhibition
33- Arva 3 Province Festival
34- Pathways to Wellbeing Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD and Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, today published the Pathways to Wellbeing Implementation Plan, marking an important milestone in Ireland’s public health and mental health journey.
Launched at the Sharing the Vision Learning Event, 2026, in Dublin, the Pathways to Wellbeing Implementation Plan sets out a shared national approach to improving mental health and wellbeing at a population level over the coming two years. It supports the delivery of key national health and mental health strategies including, Healthy Ireland, Sharing the Vision and Sláintecare, each of which is underpinned by a commitment to prevention, equity and population wellbeing.
Pathways to Wellbeing recognises that mental health is shaped by the environments in which people live, learn, work and connect - these environments are influenced by policies and programmes across Government. The plan provides a framework for coordinated action across Government departments, statutory bodies and the community and voluntary sector to strengthen the protective factors for good mental health and wellbeing. The Implementation Plan sets out a programme of evidence-informed actions to be progressed over the coming two years, with a focus on embedding mental health promotion in policy and practice across key settings and stages of life.
The Plan prioritises the provision of supports and intervention across key areas including:
Strengthening the foundations for positive mental health in the early years
Enhancing children and young people’s social and emotional development
Strengthening community belonging and connectedness
Ensuring mental health promotion is integrated in the workplace
Addressing the social and structural determinants of mental health and reducing mental health inequalities
Delivery of the Plan will be led by Healthy Ireland within the Department of Health.
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD said:
“I am delighted to welcome the publication of the Pathways to Wellbeing Implementation Plan. This plan focuses on practical actions across multiple settings from early years and schools to communities and workplaces. This Plan will play an important role in improving mental health and wellbeing at both individual and community level, while ensuring that mental health promotion is a central pillar of a healthier, fairer and more resilient Ireland for the future.”
Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD said:
“Pathways to Wellbeing is about helping people stay mentally well and getting support early if challenges arise. It makes it clear that mental health isn’t just the job of specialist services, it’s something we all share responsibility for, including Government, workplaces, communities, and all of us as individuals.”
“The plan focuses especially on people who may be more at risk of mental health challenges, while also supporting everyone in the wider population. By combining supports for all with extra help where it’s needed most, and by involving communities in shaping solutions, Pathways to Wellbeing aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for mental wellbeing.”
“It also recognises that there are things we can all do to look after our mental health such as staying connected with friends, looking after our physical health through good sleep and daily movement, taking time to mindfully relax, and supporting others by checking in on people around us. There is no health without mental health.”
Brian Higgins, Assistant National Director, Adult Mental Health Services of the Health Service Executive (HSE), said:
“The HSE welcomes the publication of the Pathways to Wellbeing Implementation Plan and looks forward to supporting its delivery in partnership with the Department of Health. Promoting positive mental health and wellbeing at population level will improve outcomes across the general population and reduce the need for more intensive interventions over time.
This Plan provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration, align existing initiatives and ensure that mental health promotion is integrated across key services and settings.”
Pathways to Wellbeing is Ireland’s first cross-Government mental health promotion plan.
The Implementation Plan sets out a programme of evidence-informed actions for the next two years.
Key actions in the plan include:
Expand parenting supports within local communities – increase access to practical, evidence-based parenting support in community settings making it easier for families to get help early, build resilience and support children’s mental health from the start.
Scale Social Prescribing services across the Health Regions – increase access to Social Prescribing so more people can be connected to local activities, supports and services, helping reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing.
Deliver targeted supports for priority groups – introduce tailored mental health and wellbeing initiatives for individuals who experience greater health inequalities including the Traveller Community, men, carers and older people, ensuring supports are culturally appropriate, accessible and designed with communities.
Developing a place-based model within Slaintecare Healthy Communities that strengthens mental health outcomes – bringing together services, community assets and local leadership to deliver coordinated preventative supports where they are needed most.
The Implementation Plan supports the delivery of Healthy Ireland, Sharing the Vision and Sláintecare.
It is grounded in the understanding that mental health is shaped by the social, economic, environmental and structural conditions in which people live.
It prioritises action across early years, childhood and adolescence, communities, workplaces, and the wider determinants of mental health.
A key focus of the Plan is reducing mental health inequalities and supporting those most at risk of poorer outcomes.
Delivery of the Plan will be led by Healthy Ireland within the Department of Health.
35- RSA Check If It Fits Comes to Cavan
RSA’s Check it Fits service will be visiting County Cavan. Did you know it’s the law that all children under 150cms or 36kgs must use a child car seat appropriate to their weight and height. In Ireland as many as 54% of child car seats are incorrectly fitted which can lead to serious injury or even death in a collision. Since the start of the service, the RSA’s ‘Check it Fits’ Service has checked over 70,000 child car seats and restraints in Ireland.
The Check it Fits service is quick, it’s easy, it’s free. On the day our experts will advise on how to fix any problem, demonstrate how to fit the restraint correctly and answer any queries participants might have. Our experts aim to put parent’s, grandparent’s and guardian’s minds at ease that their child’s car seat is safely and securely fitted in their car.
We will be visiting the following locations in Cavan
Znoogle Baby & Toys (Toymaster Cavan)
Unit 3, Lakeland Retail Park, Dublin Rd, Pollamore Near, Cavan, H12 K265Thurs 9th July
We would be delighted if you could help us to raise awareness of child safety in cars by letting colleagues, friends, family members and any other relevant contacts know about our upcoming visit to County Cavan. We have included a copy of our poster which may be useful for promoting the ‘Check it Fits’ Service in your workplace and local community also.
If you have any questions or require any additional information, please let us know for more information on the service visit www.checkitfits.ie.
36- Summer Cottage Market
The Summer Cottage Market returns to Con Smith Park on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th July 2026.
We bring the best of Cavan's food, craft, culture and community into the park for one summer weekend.
We'll be sharing lots more over the coming weeks, so save the dates and subscribe to our event bulletin for the latest updates. Link in bio.
Con Smith Park, Cavan
18–19 July 2026
12pm–6pm
37- Cavan Connects News
We are excited to bring you the latest updates from Cavan Connects. Here's what's new:
Blog Updates: Stay informed with our latest blog posts! We cover a wide range of topics relevant to our community. Check out the latest articles here: https://cavanconnects.ie/cavan-connects-blog
Calendar Updates: Don't miss out on any upcoming events and activities in Cavan. Our calendar is regularly updated to keep you in the loop. View the latest agenda here: https://cavanconnects.ie/cavan-connects-agenda
Broadband Updates: Stay connected with our daily updates on the locations where we’re actively working to bring you the limitless potential of high-speed fibre broadband. Stay informed here: https://cavanconnects.ie/daily-broadband-updates
Thank you for being a part of our community. We look forward to keeping you updated with all the latest news and events.
38- This Month's Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletter
Click here to view the DFI Newsletter
39- Ambient Festival in Killykeen Forest!!!
You’re invited to Ambient Music Festival in Killykeen Forest!!! Join us for a full day of homegrown original music on Bank Holiday Monday, 03/08/26. Tickets are limited for this first-time event, so be sure to grab yours early. Click the link below, and see you there!
40 Protect Minority Communities Against Online Disinformation
MinDiShield supports minority communities against online disinformation
Across Europe, misleading narratives, hate speech, conspiracy theories and extremist messaging increasingly target ethnic and religious minority communities, shaping perceptions, deepening divisions and undermining trust. In response to this urgent challenge, the new EU-funded project MinDiShield – Combating Online Minority-Related Disinformation has been launched to strengthen resilience, promote media literacy and support communities in navigating the digital information landscape safely and confidently.More
41- CavanSPCA Dog Show
Starts at 2pm
42- Cavan Disability Protest
43- "Ticketing for GAA Games" Info-Session From Age Friendly Cavan
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