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Cavan Community ENews 30.1.26

Welcome to your weekly ENews. Our news is compiled weekly from our over 500 member groups, partner agencies and funders. The deadline for submitting to cavanppn@gmail.com is noon Wednesdays and we can only take community focused news. Please note that views/items contained within our ENews may not reflect the values/policies of CavanPPN.

Many Thanks, The CavanPPN Team (Aisling, Finian & Daniel). info@cavanppn.ie, CavanPPN, CCLD, Corlurgan, Cavan. H12 X9Y1 


CONTENTS (Shaded are new items this week, but all are still relevant/in date)


FUNDING

1. FUNDING: Cavan County Council Community MD Grant

2. FUNDING: The Local Enhancement Progamme 2026

3. FUNDING: Culture and Health 2026 Grants

4. FUNDING: Invasive Species Fund 5. FUNDING: HSE National Lottery Grant

6. FUNDING: Creative Places Award 7. FUNDING: Community Monuments Fund

8. FUNDING: REACH Fund 2026

9. FUNDING: Waterways, Heritage & Biodiversity Fund 10. FUNDING: ESB Wind Farm Funds 11. FUNDING: Amazon Literacy Grant

TRAINING 12. TRAINING: New Community Training Courses for PPN Groups 13. TRAINING: Free Social Media Workshops 14. TRAINING: SHE (See Her Elected) Training Academy

SURVEYS/CONSULTS 15. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Child & Family Homelessness Action Plan Consult

16.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: ResiRiver Survey 17. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Cuilcagh-Anieran Uplands Survey 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: State of Caring 2026 Survey



EVENTS & OTHER NEWS

19. New Beginnings Program Launch Coffee Morning 20. Make Way Day Moves From Sept to May 21. Tern Bird Talk In Mullagh 22. Celebrate Imbolg in Cavan Town 23. Killeshandra TradFest 24. Creative Brain Week Upcoming 25. Drummany Event This Weekend 26-  The Water Holds No Boundaries Community Art Exhibit


27-  CavanPPN Launches Community Emergency Support Pilot Scheme Launched In Corlough [note: replicable project for community groups to apply for funding to support local people]



The First Snowdrops Arrive, Crossdoney, Co. Cavan
The First Snowdrops Arrive, Crossdoney, Co. Cavan




FUNDING

  1. Cavan County Council Municipal Districts Grant


The Municipal Districts Discretionary Allocation Scheme was established by the Members of Cavan County Council to support community groups in delivering and promoting projects in their local areas.

The allocation of funds is at the discretion of the Elected Members and as such will be a “reserved function” of each specific Municipal District area. Members also reserve discretion over the specific proportion of the project costs to be funded. The minimum aid payable will be €3,000.

How to apply

Eligible groups can apply online at https://submit.link/4v1.

Please use the links provided to access the application form and any queries should be directed to Kimberly Tweedie on 049 437 8588 or by email ktweedie@cavancoco.ie

Cavan County Council is using the Submit.com system to administer this grant and all guidelines for this scheme can be viewed at the link below:

 


2. The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) invites applications from community groups and community facilities under the Local Enhancement Programme 2026.

Click here to see the press release announcing the Local Enhancement Programme 2026 at national level, by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD.

This funding is Capital in nature and can be used towards carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficiency type projects, purchase of equipment etc.

The fund also aims to support local strategic priorities through linkages with Local Economic Community Plans (LECPs).

How to apply: Eligible groups can apply online at https://submit.link/4uZ

At least one quote must accompany the application or the application will be deemed ineligible.

Please use the links provided to access the application form and any queries should be directed to Trevor Harte at tharte@cavancoco.ie or 049-4378591. Cavan LCDC is using the Submit.com system to administer this grant and all guidelines for this scheme can be viewed at the link below: Local Enhancement Programme 2026 - Cavan County Council


The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 27th February 2026 at 4pm.

 


3.  Culture & Health 2026 Grant

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 & 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 Are you an emerging artist passionate about creating positive change through art? This European initiative connects art with health, care, education and social well-being, supporting artist-led projects that make a real community impact. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝: • Funding for 3 artist-led projects • €8,000 grant per project • One project based in Cavan Town, others anywhere in Ireland • Projects run March - October 2026


𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: Call Opens: 15 Jan 2026 Call Closes: 12 Feb 2026

Decisions: Applicants will be notified before month end. We welcome participatory, socially engaged, and innovative arts & health projects - including residencies, collaborations with healthcare, social or education settings, and practice-based research. Applicants must have a letter of collaboration from a partner organisation (e.g. school, hospital, care home).

 

Please visit http://www.cavanarts.ie/ for more information and watch our recent information session.

Further Questions: Please contact emccaffrey@cavancoco.ie or doherty.kim@gmail.com



4.      Invasive Species Fund

EU Invasive Alien Species Rapid-Response Fund - Feb 2027


This project will establish the European Invasive Alien Species Rapid-Response Fund, a three year initiative which aims to prevent the establishment and therefore future impacts of biological invasions in the EU.

The specific objectives are to:

• facilitate rapid and cost-effective responses to introductions of alien species that could severely and negatively impact biodiversity and the related ecosystem services, as well as human wellbeing in the EU.  

• build capacity with actions to increase the capacity of stakeholders on rapid eradication.  


The project must directly address an early-stage invasion of an alien species (i.e. non-native, either breeding or non-breeding) that has a high risk of spread in the near future resulting in negative impacts to biodiversity and related ecosystem services (i.e. become an invasive alien species).

Min. grant: €10,000 Max. grant: €50,000


In order to be eligible for a grant, the Lead Partner must be either a research institution, a Civil Society Organization (CSO1), a Non governmental Organisation (NGO) or government or government-affiliated entity active on the management of IAS in the EU. Partnerships involving governments or government affiliated entities will be strongly encouraged


Deadline: Rolling call to 10th Feb 2027

 


5.   HSE National Lottery Grant

HSE National Lottery Grant Scheme

The scheme offers National Lottery grants to health and social care projects. Community groups and voluntary organisations can apply. Applicants must provide health or social care services to the community. For example, you might help people with a disability, older people, carers or disadvantaged groups.

Deadline: 13 Feb



6.         Creative Places Award


Creative Places Award - 12th Feb


The Arts Council’s objective for its Creative Places programme is to invest in places (e.g. towns, villages, suburbs, rural places) that have had fewer opportunities to take part in the arts. Creative Places should be inclusive and diverse, and their programmes rooted in socially engaged arts practice and community-development principles. Successful applicants will build on existing cultural strengths and be led by community participation and ideas. In particular, they will look to involve people who are often excluded. Applications open on 9th December. Max amount is €30,000.


The award has three strands

• Strand 1: Creative Places Seed Award

• Strand 2: Creative Places Roots Award Phase 2

• Strand 3: Creative Places Growth Award Phase 2


Deadline: 5.30pm 12th February 2026



7.      Community Monuments Fund


Community Monuments Fund 2026 - 13th Feb


The 2026 Community Monuments Fund will invest €7.5 million to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future. It is estimated that the funding for 2026 will support approximately 120 projects nationwide.

The core aims of the Community Monuments Fund are to conserve, maintain, protect and promote local monuments and historic sites.


The scheme has three streams to support these aims:

Stream 1 will offer grants up to €100,000 aimed at essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments

Stream 2 will offer grants of up to €30,000 for development of Conservation Management Plans/Reports that are aimed at identifying measures for conservation of archaeological monuments and improving public access.

Stream 3 will offer grants of up to €30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation (including virtual/online) at archaeological monuments.


This scheme is administered by the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Local Authorities. Interested parties should contact the relevant Local Authority to enquire about applications.


Deadline: 13th February 2026



8- The Reach Fund 2026


For More Information or Queries:

 Community Education (Cavan Monaghan)

Deirdre Byrne – deirdrebyrne@cmetb.ie | 047 71914

 Cavan and Monaghan Youth Services:

Maureen McIntyre – maureenmcintyre@cmetb.ie | 047 30 888

Online applications are now open and interested parties can apply online via





9- Waterways Heritage & Biodiversity Fund

Community Heritage and Biodiversity Grant Scheme 2026 - Waterways Ireland - 31st Jan


A fund of €20,000 has been allocated to assist community-based projects which complement or fulfil the delivery of the Waterways Ireland Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2030 along the Barrow Navigation, Erne System, Grand Canal, Lower Bann, Royal Canal, Shannon Navigation, Shannon-Erne Waterway, and the Ulster Canal (Upper Lough Erne to Clones).


Applications will be considered from communities seeking assistance for projects that help support the Objectives of the Heritage & Biodiversity Plan 2030:

  • Objective 1: Develop a solid foundation of high quality and openly accessible waterways heritage and biodiversity knowledge.

  • Objective 2: Ensure that Waterways Ireland’s management of heritage and biodiversity is integrated across the organisation’s activities and external partnerships, and aligned with the UN SDGs.

  • Objective 3: Strengthen and support inspiring heritage and biodiversity experiences across our shared waterways.


Deadline: 31st January 2026




10- ESB Wind Farm Funds

The 2026 ESB Wind Farm Community Funds are now open for applications until March 6th, 2026.  For a full list of Wind Farm Community Funds included in this call, please click here. 

The fund is available to community and voluntary groups, non-profit groups or organisations with a charitable status.  The Wind Farm Community Funds will prioritise projects and initiatives that support and benefit the areas surrounding ESB wholly owned and co-owned wind farms, in the following categories:

 

  • Education and skills

  • Health, safety and wellbeing

  • Environment and habitat conservation

  • Energy efficiency and sustainability

  • Culture and heritage

  • Recreation, sport and social inclusion

  • Tourism (Raheenleagh & Castlepook only)

 

Getting started on your project ideas early will greatly assist with your application, as a well-developed project is key to a successful outcome.

 

It is essential to note that applications from groups that do not submit required documentation with the application form e.g. planning permission, planning exemption, confirmation that you have liaised with your local authority or owner permission, may not proceed to evaluation.

 

Applications may made online at www.communitybenefitfunds.ie, please ensure you take some time to read the Fund Guidelines, prior to submitting you application and visit the help section of our website for additional helpful documents.  If you are registered a previous call, you can use the same user name and password to apply to the 2026 fund.  If you have lost or forgotten your password, please go to the “Forgot Password” tab, or contact SECAD.

 

If you do not have a current constitution for your group please click here to download a template constitution, to edit and adapt to suit your group. National schools can use this template.

 

If you register as a new user and do not receive the confirmation message within a few minutes of signing up, please check your spam or junk mail folders, just in case the confirmation email was delivered there instead of your inbox. If so, select the confirmation message and click Not Spam, which will allow future messages to get through.




11- Amazon Literacy Grant

Amazon Literary Partnership Grant Applications 2026 - 30th Jan


With the goal of helping those from all communities in the UK and the Republic of Ireland tell their stories through writing and find an audience, the Amazon Literary Partnership supports non-profit literary organisations that empower writers to create, publish, learn, teach, experiment, and thrive. They provide grant funding to innovative groups that amplify diverse voices and strive not only for a lasting impact on writers' lives, the literary and publishing communities but also our broader community.


Deadline: 30th Jan 2026



TRAINING



12- Free Community Training For CavanPPN members Cavan PPN currently has a number of training courses available to our member groups.

They are available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups.

All the courses are online and places are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Upcoming Training:

A-Z of Data Protection – Becoming & Remaining Compliant with GDPR

… and more!

(Please note: you must be part of a member group of Cavan PPN to avail of these training courses).

For more information, and to register, please click on the link below: Events | Cavan PPN | Public Participation Network



13- Free Social Media Workshop


FREE Social Media Workshop for Small Businesses: Create, Connect & Grow!

Following the success and positive feedback from our last free social media workshop, we’re excited to announce that we’ll be hosting another FREE session to help you effectively advertise your product or service online.

Date: Tuesday, February 10th Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (lunch provided)  Location: The Rural Hub, Unit 2, Virginia Shopping Centre, Virginia, Co. Cavan, A82 NW53What we’ll cover:

  • A recap of our last workshop – including how to create TikToks and Reels, basic editing, and posting tips (making it inclusive for anyone who couldn’t attend the first session)

  • Creating content with purpose – understanding what to build on once you have engagement

  • Collaborations online – how to take part in or organise collaborations, and why they’re important for your business

  • Developing a signature style and brand online – tailored to your product or service

  • Practical support time – with guidance to help you create several social media posts during the session

 As the final part of the workshop focuses on practical, hands-on content creation, attendees are welcome to finish earlier if needed (for example, to fit around school runs).

This workshop is suitable for both those who attended the previous session and anyone who missed it.

Lunch will be provided, so please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when registering.

To attend, please click the link below to confirm your place.



14 See Her Elected Training Academy

SHE supports women across rural Ireland to become county councillors and to be part of their campaign teams.

They provide FREE online political education, a free comprehensive practical guidebook, and a continuous series of FREE interactive workshops covering all the different areas any woman running for election or part of her campaign team needs to think about and have a plan for.

See more about SHE at:



SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS


15- Consult on Child & Family Homelessness Action PLan

Government’s new housing plan ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities’ is an integrated housing and homelessness plan. The new plan is based on two key pillars: activating the supply of 300,000 more homes; and supporting people to have a home of their own.

Increased supply is key to addressing homelessness. Government is focused on making sure that everyone has access to good quality, affordable and secure homes that suit their needs. Over €9 billion in capital funding will be made available for housing in 2026.

The new Plan recognises that homelessness is the single most pressing social issue that we face and introduces a number of key measures to address homelessness.

One such measure relates to the development of a dedicated cross-Departmental and agency led Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan. Given the importance of this issue for child poverty and child well-being, the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are working together on this Plan, supported by relevant Government departments and State bodies.

It is intended that the Plan will place a particular emphasis on prevention measures and measures to accelerate exits and reduce the time spent by children and their families in homeless emergency accommodation.

It is also intended that the Plan will address issues currently experienced by children in emergency accommodation and put in place additional supports in areas such as education, nutrition and mental health. The Plan will also put in place additional supports for parents and expectant mothers who are experiencing homelessness in order to support the whole family.

Full details at:


16- ResiRiver Survey


My name is Mahak Sharma and I am a Ph.D. researcher in the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES) here in DkIT Dundalk.  As part of the ResiRiver project (Home | ResiRiver), I am currently conducting a research project titled "Analysing the role of stakeholder engagement within various water management institutions/organisations", under the supervision of Dr. Suzanne Linnane, Dr. Caroline Gilleran Stephens, Dr. Hammond Antwi Sarpong and Dr. David Getty. The aim of my research is to explore how different stakeholder groups engage and collaborate to build more effective and sustainable water management systems.

As part of this study, I am reaching out to officials of various organisations to invite them to participate in a short survey that will help gather valuable data and insights.

It will be a great help if you complete the survey that will take approximately 5 minutes and can be accessed through the following link: https://forms.gle/CaCZmjfjKjpbV8DF7

Also, I am aware that some of the organisations have restricted the use of external form links (google form) due to security protocols. As a result, some recipients have been unable to open or complete the online survey. In that case, to ensure that you are able to participate without difficulty, I have also attached a Word version of the survey to this email. It will be a great help if you complete the attached document at your convenience and return the completed file to me via email.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like further information about the study.

I truly appreciate your time and support.

Kind Regards

Mahak



17-  Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands Survey


My name is Erin Bell, and I am a student at University College Dublin. I am conducting a survey to better understand areas of cultural and social importance within the Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands SAC, from the perspective of those who live nearby. The survey is open to adult residents of the Republic of Ireland who live within 50 km of Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands. Your insights will help highlight the places and traditions that matter most to local communities.



Participation is voluntary and responses will be anonymous.


You can access the survey directly at https://www.partimap.eu/en/p/CuilcaghAnierin/0, or by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.





18-  State of Caring 2026 Survey

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Joanne Murphy and I am the Research Officer with Family Carers Ireland. This is an email being shared with Public Participation Networks (PPNs) nationwide to request your support in sharing our State of Caring 2026 survey with your member organisations and networks.

 

The State of Caring survey is a biennial national study and is Ireland’s most comprehensive research into the lives and experiences of family carers (people who provide unpaid care to a family member, friend or neighbour due to disability, long-term illness, mental health difficulties or ageing).

 

Family carers are active across all pillars of PPNs  community and voluntary, social inclusion and environmental yet many caring roles remain hidden. Through PPN networks, this survey can reach carers involved in local groups, advocacy, community development and participation who might otherwise be missed.

 

Evidence from previous State of Caring surveys has been widely used to:

  • Inform national and local policy discussions

  • Support evidence-based submissions to Government

  • Strengthen advocacy on issues affecting carers and communities

  • Amplify lived experience through media and public debate

 

The State of Caring 2026 survey is now open and will remain available for six weeks, closing on 4 March 2026. The survey takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and is primarily online.

 

To ensure accessibility, we also provide:

  • Paper copies of the survey

  • Telephone support for carers who may need assistance completing it

 

Carers who would like a paper copy or support can contact me directly:

 

 

We would be very grateful if you could share the survey through your PPN channels in any way that suits your structures, for example:

  • Circulating the survey to PPN member organisations

  • Including it in PPN newsletters or email updates

  • Sharing via PPN social media platforms (Links to our official posts can be found here)

  • Highlighting the survey through linkage group communications

 

In our 2024 survey, over 2,100 family carers took part, supported by strong engagement from community and voluntary networks nationwide. Your support would help ensure carers’ voices are reflected in local and national decision-making.






EVENTS & OTHER NEWS


19- New Beginnings Programme Launch in Cavan Town with Coffee


We are launching the New Beginnings Programme in Cavan Town, and we would love to extend an open invitation to you, PPN member organisations, and any individuals who may benefit, to attend an Introductory Coffee Morning:

 

 New Beginnings Coffee Morning Cavan Date: Tuesday, 3rd February 2026 Time: 11.00am Location: Bridge Street Centre, Cavan Town

 

The coffee morning is an informal opportunity for people to:

  • Hear more about the New Beginnings Programme in detail

  • Learn about the supports we offer, including employability and personal development

  • Ask questions in a relaxed, welcoming environment

  • Hear real stories from people who have completed the programme

  • Decide whether the programme may be a good fit for them

 

The New Beginnings Programme is a 16-week, recovery-oriented, person-centred programme that supports adults who may be experiencing barriers such as long-term unemployment, addiction recovery, mental health challenges, isolation, or a loss of direction.

 

The programme includes:

  • Employment readiness and career development

  • Accredited training (including Manual Handling, First Aid, Fire Warden Safety)

  • Money management and practical life skills

  • Personal development, exploring identity, purpose, belonging and resilience

 

While we are a faith-based organisation, the programme is non-denominational, inclusive, and grounded in choice. Participation is never dependent on belief, and individuals are free to engage at the level that feels right for them. Our focus is on dignity, recovery, progression and long-term stability.

 

Since 2017, 352 participants have completed the programme across Navan and Dublin, with outcomes including:

  • 41% progressing into employment

  • 21% progressing into further education

  • 28% reducing or ending reliance on state supports

 

In Cavan, the programme will begin the following week and will run as follows:

 Programme Schedule for Cavan Start date: Monday, 9th February 2026 Days: Mondays & Tuesdays Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm Duration: 16 weeks

 

As requested, I’ve included below the short testimony shared by a former graduate who is now one of our leaders in Joshua, which gives a personal insight into the impact of the programme:

 

Graduate Testimonial: 

“Before coming to the Joshua Project I was in one of the lowest, darkest places of my life. I struggled deeply with my mental and physical health. I was living with BPD, chronic pain, anxiety and an eating disorder I had carried since my teens. I felt lost, empty and without a future. I depended on medications like Lyrica and tramadol, CBD products and even smoking marijuana daily just to cope with pain and to escape. But nothing was actually helping me heal. I was isolated, unstable and completely overwhelmed.

Even though I was under my GP and engaging with different mental health teams, I still found myself getting worse. Everyone tried their best to support me, but I couldn’t seem to break out of the cycle I was in.

In 2021, I came to the Joshua Project. It was the first time in years that I felt safe, understood and supported in a way that helped me believe change was possible. I met people who were also searching for hope and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel alone. Since then, everything has changed. I am now over four years clean, stable and living a completely different life. I’ve learned how to cope in healthy ways, how to manage my mental health and how to move forward without relying on the things that once kept me trapped. I have hope and purpose again, and a future I’m excited to walk into. The Joshua Project gave me the support, encouragement and community I needed to truly recover. I’m grateful every day for the new beginning it helped me find.”

 

Please feel free to share this within your networks, and to invite any organisations or individuals who may benefit to attend the coffee morning, simply to hear more and see if the programme is right for them.



20- Make Way Day Moves From September to May


Dear friends and colleagues,

 

Since its inception, Make Way Day has grown into a vital national movement. To build on this success and ensure the campaign continues to grow, we have been reviewing how to maximise its impact.

 

Following this review, we are proposing a strategic change to the calendar, moving Make Way Day 2026 from late September to Friday 29 May. 

 

We believe this shift is necessary to solve some challenges that have limited the campaign's potential in recent years.

 

Giving the campaign the spotlight it deserves  

 

Historically, Make Way Day has fallen on the last Friday of September, placing it directly in the week preceding the National Budget.

 

In this environment, the media and political focus is almost exclusively dominated by economic discourse, making it difficult for our message to break through. By moving the date to May, we step away from the pre-Budget noise and our members and partners juggling budget priorities and the campaign.

  

This ensures that the issues highlighted by our participants, blocked footpaths and poor accessibility, receive the undivided attention of the media, public representatives, and the wider community. 

 

Enhancing the participant experience  

 

Make Way Day is fundamentally an outdoor campaign. It relies on people getting out onto the streets to document obstacles. Late September weather can be unpredictable, often bringing rain that makes participation difficult.

 

By moving to 29 May, we position the campaign at the gateway to summer. Lighter evenings and milder weather (hopefully!) will make the experience safer, more enjoyable, and more accessible for everyone involved. It also allows us to capitalise on a brighter, more energetic "summer" atmosphere for our public awareness efforts. 

 

Next Steps and resources 

 

We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for you. We will be in touch well in advance of the new date to outline the schedule for the weeks ahead. Rest assured, we will ensure you are fully equipped with all the necessary resources, digital assets, and campaign packs in good time for 29 May. 

 

We are not just changing a date. We are clearing the path for a stronger movement. This move allows us to approach the day with renewed energy and focus. We are committed to making Make Way Day 2026 our most visible and most impactful campaign to date. 

 

We look forward to your continued partnership in making this happen. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions regarding this change. 

 

Kind regards,

 

Pierce Richardson  

DFI Diversity and Education Officer

 


Also, to access DFIs most recent newsletter Click here





21- TERN Bird Talk In Mullagh

We are very fortunate to have Paul Lynch from the Fingal Branch of BirdWatch Ireland to deliver a talk on the Little Tern colony at Portrane, County Dublin.

 

The talk starts at 7.30pm this Thursday 29th of January at St. Killian's Heritage Centre, Mullagh, Co. Cavan A82 HW77

 

For more information on the little tern colony please see: BWI Fingal Branch

 

Hopefully branch members might get the opportunity to either visit or volunteer at the site of the little tern colony in Portrane this summer and they will see many more birds along with the little terns.

 

Please share the promotional flyer for the event attached to this email.


Any queries then contact Tom on 087 7585 023 

Kind Regards,

 

Tom Broe

Secretary, Cavan Branch of BirdWatch Ireland




22-  Celebrate Imbolg In Cavan







23-  Killeshandra Tradfest






24-  Creative Brain Week


CREATIVE BRAIN WEEK 2026 DATES


March 2-6 2026



This year's theme is THINKING. BETTER. TOGETHER.

The problems of the world are many and varied. All we have is creativity and imagination, our brains and each other. How do we connect, collaborate and continue. What is the value of our senses? 

In 2026, Creative Brain Week expands across Dublin in collaboration with renowned cultural spaces as we celebrate 10 years of the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) and 5 years of Creative Brain Week—elevating discussion, discovery, and developments where brain science and creativity converge.

Be part of Creative Brain Week 2026—online and in person at the Naughton Institute and Samuel Beckett Theatre in Trinity College Dublin, The Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). 

Alongside global and local innovators, Creative Brain Week 2026 draws on the maturing programs and initiatives it has catalysed to show how inspired intelligence is creating positive transformations for brain health, individuals, communities and you.

Booking will open at the end of January 2026, and you will receive an email in advance of booking being open to the general public.



25-  Drumanny Spirit Event


 



26-  The Water Holds No Boundaries Community Art Exhibit



27-  CavanPPN Launches Pilot Project In Support of Corlough Communities


CavanPPN was among other PPNs to be tasked at national level to deliver a project to demonstrate how communities can become more resilient in the face of emergencies, after the impacts of Storm Eowyn in 2025.

One year later, the staff and secretariat of CavanPPN delivered their proposal. They chose the community which was the longest cut off from mainstream electricity supply in Ireland (Corlough in West Cavan) and we asked them what they needed. Listening to the communities the staff sourced project funding to compile emergency boxes for local families in case of a similar emergency. These boxes included:

-handcrank/solar powered radio/lights/phone chargers -hot water bottles -board games -head torches -wall lamps -Battery chargers with batteries -cards -Large thermos flasks -Gas-powered cooking stoves -power banks

Staff also produced promotional material for the Corlough volunteers to spread around the community and a large sign for the front door of the local hall so those volunteers could put updated information up on the board for updated times and supports in times of need.

The entire project cost less than 3000 euros and the sourcing of these materials are all available from CavanPPN should similar community groups wish to apply for funding under, for example, the Municipal District Grant (Item 1 of this ENews). In this way, the resilience and support of community groups countywide can be built as hubs to support houses who may experience vulnerability. To avail of the list of items, prices and sources please email info@cavanppn.ie and we will send you a handy list for your own grant application.


The pilot does not stop here. CavanPPN will return to Corlough after they have had need to use these boxes and interview those who used them to assess their effectiveness and see if there is anything more needed. Though there are only 15 boxes, we hope that these can be rotated every few days so that many homes can be avail of these hard and soft supports in times of need.


Many thanks to The Department of Rural and Community Development and Gaeltacht for hosting our brainstorming session on this earlier in the year. The Secretariat of CavanPPN for having reallocated the funding in collaboration with Cavan County Council for the project. And to the staff of CavanPPN for delivering the project. A special thanks to our student placement participant, Sophie Leahy, who worked hard on this in her two weeks with us and helped to deliver the project over the line.


But most of all... thanks to the wonderful volunteers in Corlough who looked after one another and their communities throughout emergencies, storms and power cuts. It's volunteers like these who remind us of the richness of community spirit alive within our country.


 
 
 

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