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Cavan Community ENews 9.1.26

Updated: Jan 7

HAPPY NEW YEAR & 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's Creative Ireland Grant

2. FUNDING: The Local Enhancement Progamme 2026

3. FUNDING: Sport Event Grant

4. FUNDING: Invasive Species Fund 5. FUNDING: Cavan County Council Arts Awards

6. FUNDING: Heritage Orgs Support Fund 7. FUNDING: Community Monuments Fund

8. FUNDING: L'Oreal Fund For Women

9. FUNDING: Waterways, Heritage & Biodiversity Fund 10. FUNDING: Young Eco Hero Awards 11. FUNDING: Circle K Cash For Clubs Scheme

TRAINING 12. TRAINING: FREE Community Training Courses for PPN Groups

SURVEYS/CONSULTS 13. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: The Sustainable Development Goals Irish Implementation Plan

14.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Native Woodlands Strategy 15. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Cuilcagh-Anieran Uplands Survey 16. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Mullagh Public Survey and Let's Talk About Mullagh & Bailieborough Events



EVENTS & OTHER NEWS

17. BorderTalk Storytelling Ends Its Yarns In County Cavan 18. Access & Creativity in Climate Policy 19. PPN 2024 Annual Report Launched 20. NESC Report 21. Winter Wellness Programme 22. Passing of Social Justice Ireland Co-Founder 23. Some Environmental Wins for the World in 2025



Dog on Rock on banks of The Erne River in Cavan. For you to have your photo featured as our cover photo email it to info@cavanppn.ie with a one line description
Dog on Rock on banks of The Erne River in Cavan. For you to have your photo featured as our cover photo email it to info@cavanppn.ie with a one line description



FUNDING

  1. Cavan Creative Ireland Grant


Cavan County Council’s Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023-2027 seeks to provide opportunities for access, participation, and engagement in culture and creativity for all citizens. Cavan County Council will award a limited number of grants to creative projects in the county under the Creative Ireland Programme.

The Creative Ireland grant scheme is suited towards local and community groups and individuals, artistic and creative practitioners, event organisers, and those involved in creative, cultural, and heritage activities and projects.  Projects must include a creative and  community element and evidence a community need.  

This grant scheme is supported by the national Creative Ireland Programme. Successful applications must demonstrate compatibility with the Cavan Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023-2027. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate the potential to creatively promote:

  • Health, Wellbeing, Heritage, Biodiversity, or Creative Climate Action.

There are 2 funding streams

Open Call Grants 

Cruinniú na nÓg  - must include an element of delivery on Saturday 6 June 2026.

For more information including guidance notes, drop in clinics and the online portal link visit :

 


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

 


3.  Sport Event Grant

Not-for-profit European Sport Events - 22nd Jan  5th Mar


This Action aims to support the organisation of sport events with a European dimension in the following fields:

  • volunteering in sport

  • social inclusion through sport, in particular fostering the inclusion of people with disabilities

  • Fight against discrimination in sport, including gender equality


Encouraging healthy lifestyles for all: projects under this priority will mainly focus on:

  • the implementation of the three pillars of the HealthyLifestyle4All initiative

  • the implementation of the Council Recommendation on health-enhancing physical activity and the EU Physical Activity Guidelines

  • the support to the implementation of the European Week of Sport

  • the promotion of sport and physical activity as a tool for health

  • the promotion of all activities encouraging the practice of sport and physical activity

  • promotion of traditional sport and games


Deadlines: European Local events and European-wide events: 5th March

Large-Scale European events: 22nd January



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.   Cavan County Council Arts Awards

Applications for the Cavan County Council Arts Awards are open!

The Arts Awards are Cavan County Council’s annual funding scheme to support the ongoing development of artists and audiences in County Cavan. See more at The Cavan County Council Arts Awards Are Opening - Cavan County Council


Forms will be available on www.cavanarts.ie and the closing date for completed applications is 8pm on Wednesday, 21st January 2026.



6.         Heritage Orgs Support Fund


Heritage Organisations Support Fund - 26th Jan


This fund provides Core funding to non-profit organisations working in Ireland’s heritage sector. If your work has national or regional significance, this fund is here to help you grow stronger and make a lasting impact.


Through this fund, the Heritage Council aims to support organisations to:

  • Build long-term strength and stability

  • Plan for the future and grow strategically

  • Adopt environmentally friendly practices and contribute to climate action


This fund supports core operational work, not standalone projects. It helps heritage organisations to remain stable, plan for the future, invest in staff and governance, and contribute to climate action and public benefit. All funded work should align with the goals of The Heritage Council's Strategic Plan 2023-2028.


Please note Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2026- will open in February

A separate Community Heritage Grant Scheme will open for applications in February 2026 for community/voluntary and not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding for heritage projects. Further details will be available until February 2026. Such projects should NOT be applied for under the Heritage Organisations Support Fund.


Deadline: 5pm 26th January 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- L'Oreal Fund For Women


L'Oréal Fund for Women - 19th Jan


Created in 2020, the L'Oréal Fund for Women is an endowment fund dedicated to supporting grassroots organizations and associations that assist highly vulnerable women and girls, combat gender-based and sexual violence, and prevent domestic violence. By supporting projects that provide access to education, social and professional integration, and the protection of women's rights, the L'Oréal Fund for Women actively seeks to contribute to the resilience of women and girls in highly precarious situations, particularly those due to disability, refugee status, or other factors.


Deadline: 19th January 2026


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- Young Eco-Hero Awards

2026 International Young Eco-Hero Awards - 28th Feb


Action For Nature are excited to announce that applications for the 2026 International Young Eco-Hero Awards are now open to environmental activists between the ages of 8 and 16.

Action For Nature (AFN), a non-profit organization,  created the International Young Eco-Hero Awards to recognize and reward the successful individual environmental initiatives of young people ages 8 to 16. AFN encourages young people around the world to carry out individual environmental action projects. AFN believes that young people can have a positive impact on the environment and are vital in changing the way we live on our planet.


Deadline: 28th February 2026


11- CircleK Cash for Clubs

Circle K Cash for Clubs - 29th Mar 2026


As title sponsor of the FAI Club Mark—an award based on best practice in the governance, management, and administration of football clubs—Circle K is giving all Circle K Extra members a chance to win prizes of cash and kits for their local clubs between October 1st, 2025, and March 29th, 2026.

The campaign will culminate with the Grand Finale in March where all clubs will be considered for the top prizes. The prizes for the finale include:

One club will win a grand prize of €10,000.

Four additional clubs will win a €5,000 prize.

One club will win a VIP Training Experience with the Men’s national team.

5 clubs will win 3x sets of kit each for their teams clubs


Deadline: 29th March 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.

Examples include:

  • The Role of the Chair

  • How to take meeting minutes

… 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





SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS

13- Consult on SDG Implementation

The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has launched the Public Consultation on the development of Ireland's third Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) National Implementation Plan.

 

The aim of this consultation is to gather stakeholder feedback on the preparation of Ireland's Third SDGs National Implementation Plan, which sets out the overarching national governance, coordination and monitoring framework for the SDGs in Ireland.

The detailed policy approaches to progress individual SDGs and targets are addressed in relevant national policies set out in the SDG Policy Map.

 

Please see consultation on gov.ie at:


14- Native Woodland Strategy 2026-2030

Native Woodland Strategy 2026-2030 Public Consultation

 

Woodlands of Ireland is a partnership-based environmental charity founded in 1998, dedicated to native woodland conservation and expansion. Previously, Woodlands of Ireland, in conjunction with a range of public and private sector stakeholders, had developed a 5-year native woodland strategy for the period 2016 to 2020, which is now overdue for updating. You can view this document here: A Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-2020.

 

Since that time, grant-aided native woodland establishment has grown to form c.40% of afforestation activity, while the native woodland conservation scheme has struggled to gain significant ground. Here are several factors which need to be considered in an updated strategy for 2026-2030:

  • Native Woodland Conservation, Climate Resilient Reforestation, Native Forest Establishment, Emergent Woodland, Woodland Improvement Thinning, Continuous Cover Forestry and Neighbourwood grants are some existing funding mechanisms in the RoI Forestry Programme 2023-2027, which support the better management and expansion of woodlands largely composed of native species.

  • The challenging EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) legally bound woodland targets in the 2026-2030 period (10,000ha of recreated Oak woodland and c.4000 ha of alluvial (wet) woodland by 2030) require planning, implementation and workforce training and development for long-term maintenance in both the public and private sectors.

  • Opportunities for timber production from native woodland and close to nature silviculture systems applied to them require consideration in a range of sites.

  • A comprehensive tree cover education and training strategy is needed to achieve the DAFM Forestry Programme, EU Water Framework Directive and EU NRL targets.

  • Irish Environmental Network (IEN)/ Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) and Public Participation Network (PPN) member groups' input is welcome and essential.

  • Many new organisations have emerged to populate the fertile ground of native tree cover expansion in recent years and need to be included in this consultation.

 

To seek input from a diverse range of stakeholders in the creation of this new strategy for native woodlands, Woodlands of Ireland are conducting an online public consultation from now until Friday, 16th January 2026, followed by webinars in February and a March gathering.

 

To contribute, you can choose one or all of the following options:

 

(1) Make your views known to Woodlands of Ireland through info@woodlandsofireland.com

(2) Complete the questionnaire at this link by 16th January: https://www.woodlandsofireland.com/nws-consultation-form/

(3) Contribute to webinars in February 2026, dates to be confirmed.

(4) Attend an in-person discussion group in March 2026 focused on the bullet points above and additional points raised from the consultation, location and date to be confirmed. 


Links to the Consultation:



15-  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.





16-  Mullagh Public Survey

Link to the survey

Please find below the link to the survey on MS – Forms.  It should be accessible for anyone with the link without the need to log in.

 





EVENTS & OTHER NEWS

17- BorderTalk Storytelling Ends Its Yarns In County Cavan

Big news!

The Border Talk Project Finale is happening on Saturday, 10th January 2026 at Cavan County Museum, Ballyjamesduff from 1pm – 4:30pm

Expect an afternoon of celebration with:

Live performances from our Border Talk participants

Headline act: the incredible singer & storyteller Colum Sands

Hot food + refreshments And yes… tickets are FREE!


Don’t wait — grab yours now at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1968054821951


We can’t wait to see you there!




18- Accessibility & Creativity in Climate Policy


We’re very pleased to share the report from the 'Accessibility and Creativity in Climate Policy', a full-day workshop hosted by Divergently Together on 1st October 2025 at Dublin City University.



The workshop centred disabled people as experts in navigating barriers and highlighted the importance of designing for the edges first so systems work for everyone. It focused on access as a process, building it in from the start, and shared practical approaches including Plain English, alt text that adds depth, co-design, sensory access and different ways of participating.



Link to report document:  




We hope this report provides useful insights and practical ideas. By sharing it, we want to support learning, reflection, and conversation about accessibility and creativity in climate policy.

Divergently Together is a shared-island community engagement project that uses STEM technologies and creative methods to facilitate the participation of disabled and neurodivergent communities in climate action. Led by artist AlanJames Burns with Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics at Dublin City University. 

Divergently Together is funded by:

  • The Creative Climate Action Fund (2024–2025), an initiative from the Creative Ireland Programme with Shared Island funding by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport in collaboration with the Department of the Taoiseach 

  • The Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland Discover Programme (2025–2026)

And supported by Cavan County Council, Fermanagh Omagh District Council, Dublin City County Council and Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. 



19- PPN Annual Report 2024 Launched


We wish to advise that the PPN Annual Report 2024 is live on our website and can be found here.

20- National Economic and Social Council Report

NESC report shows substantial demographic changes are inevitable, but they can be shaped 

  • The number of children is falling due to declining birth rate.

  • In the next decade we might see a fall in the number of workers.

  • To maintain a healthy balanced demographic cycle Ireland needs to welcome migrants.

Monday, 29th December 2025, Dublin, Ireland: A new research report published by the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) examines the impact of demographic changes on Ireland. Ireland is undergoing a series of demographic shifts and has already passed two notable turning points: ‘peak baby’ in 2010 and ‘peak child’ in 2024, both reflecting a sharp and sustained fall in births. Because of this Ireland will reach peak population in approximately three decades.This will mean an ageing population, and each year Ireland is getting older. There are also substantial regional variations to these demographic changes. Ireland risks a downward vicious cycle where we have insufficient workers, therefore insufficient tax revenues to support our ageing population and insufficient investment in our infrastructure.The NESC report highlights that rather than this vicious cycle Ireland could shift to a virtuous cycle where birth rates are supported, participation in the labour force is increased, our health services are reconfigured to support early intervention and community-based interventions. At the same time, we spread the benefits of demographic dynamism, and we can prepare fiscally for future changes in population.The full report & accompanying press release can be found on our website: nesc.ie.If you wish to receive updates on the Council’s work, you can subscribe to our mailing list here.




21-  Winter Wellness Programmne


Updated link for our Cavan Monaghan Winter Wellness Programme - Winter Wellness Cavan Monaghan January 2026

 

I would appreciate if you could send this updated link to your network contacts; this will be a great opportunity for people to link in with a variety of FREE Creative Arts programmes as well as link into Mental Health supports via the Cavan Monaghan Connects website.


22-  Passing of SJI Co-Founder

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Sr Brigid Reynolds, co-founder and former joint CEO of Social Justice Ireland.

Sr Brigid’s life and work serve as an example of dedicated commitment to human dignity, social justice and the common good. Brigid’s steadfast advocacy combined academic expertise and moral conviction. 




23-  Some Climate Wins In 2025

These quiet breakthroughs can sometimes go unheard amidst the noise of the news cycle. So, from dramatic growth in renewable power to the return of endangered turtles and tigers, the BBC revisits seven milestones reached in 2025. 




 

 
 
 

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