Main Street, Drumshanbo - Happy St. Patrick's Day from Leitrim PPN

The Leitrim Gathering

May 23rd-25th 2025

 

Celebrating place, connection, and heritage with Leitrim people at home and around the world.

 

The Leitrim Gathering is a celebration of our county and promises something for all the family with numerous events organised.

 

Leitrim PPN are calling on all organisers of St. Patricks Day parades to promote the Gathering at  your parade over the St Patrick’s Day weekend by maybe putting a float together to promote the weekend of 23rd to 25th May, all publicity for this upcoming event is very welcome.

Secretariat Meeting

Wed 12th March – 4pm: Online

 

Secretariat members

• Aedín McLoughlin            Environment
• Brigid McGourty              Social Inclusion
• Patrick Mc Greevy           Ballinamore MD
• Vacant                           Community and Voluntary
• Gerry Creamer               Manorhamilton MD
• Bernie Mulligan Dolan     Community and Voluntary
• Olivia Fitzgerald Murphy  Social Inclusion
• Brian Smyth                   Environment
• Vacant                           Carrick on Shannon MD Area

Leitrim St. Patrick's Day Parades

For ease of finding where all the parades are on in Leitrim, Leitrim PPN collated the details and see all times and dates on the poster, well done to all the organising committees for all your hard work - please support your local parade.

Planning, Transport & Housing Linkage Group

Wednesday 12th March 7.30pm - Online

 

Please note if you wish to join this online information session you MUST let us know so we can forward you a link.

 

E-mail info@leitrimppn.ie if you wish to join this informative Zoom session.

 

Grants discussed on the night are on poster.

Leitrim PPN Member Spotlight

Family Resource Centre's

 

There are 109 communities supported through the Child and Family Agency's Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme providing services and supports to local communities.  Through its established network of 121 Centres nationwide, and two outreach Centres, the FRC programme is Ireland’s largest family support programme delivering universal services to families in disadvantaged areas across the country based on a life-cycle approach.  In Leitrim Breffni Family Resource Centre in Carrick on Shannon and Mohill Family Support Centre.

 

The aim of the FRC programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit.  Each FRC operates autonomously working inclusively with individuals, families, communities, and both statutory and non statutory agencies.  A central feature of the FRC programme is the involvement of local people in identifying needs and developing needs-led responses.  FRCs involve people from marginalised groups and areas of disadvantage on their voluntary management committees.  This approach ensures that each FRC is rooted in the community and this, in turn, makes it a vehicle for delivering other programmes in the community.  FRCs are participative and empowering organisations that support families while building the capacity and leadership of local communities.

Introduction to the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for PPN Representatives

April 14th, 7.30pm Online

 

Join from 7.30pm to hear from Kelley Bermingham, Dublin City PPN Representative on the Local Community Development Company.

 

Kelley is the Community Officer at St. Patrick's Cathedral, and has served on the LCDC since 2019.  She will share her knowledge and experience from her time on the committee.

 

There will be lots of time for questions and discussion at this event, so it is perfect for anyone who is thinking of taking a role on the Local Community Development Committee, or who is a newly appointed PPN Representative.  This is also a space for anyone who has been serving on the LCDC and would like to ask about any challenges they might be facing in their own county.  Together we can discuss and help each other in our roles as PPN Reps!

Leitrim LCDC PPN Reps are:-

• Aedín Mc Loughlin - Environment
• Ita Gray - Community and Voluntary
• Sean Gilligan - Social Inclusion
• Bridget Mc Gourty - Social Inclusion
• Seamus Regan - Community and Voluntary

Outreach Clinic Carrick on Shannon
(Capacity building with member groups)

Come along to learn more about the PPN, how to get involved and have your voice heard, support with funding and upcoming grants and training courses.

 

Breffni Family Resource Centre, Carrick-On-Shannon - Thursday 25th March 10.30am - 1.30pm.

FREE Training Courses for Member Groups

1. This year Leitrim PPN have teamed up with Leitrim Volunteer Centre to provide eight courses FREE to PPN member groups.

    

   The first three are in April:-

   • Wed 2nd April
     Risk Assessment and Management
     7-9 pm  at Leitrim Volunteer Centre
   • Thurs 3rd April  
     Fundraising and Grant Writing Training for Member Groups
     7 to 9pm online

   This Course will include:-

   Building team and energy around grant writing
   Top 20 questions and how to answer them
   Q & A throughout which can include current funding calls and questions in relation to these
   Session is interactive
   Follow up consists of slides and manual
   

    

   • Tue 29th April
     Canva/Social Media  
     7 to 9pm  at Leitrim Volunteer Centre

Leitrim Defibrilators

Some years ago, the need for a database of all defibrillators in the county was identified following consultation and discussion with community groups in Leitrim.

Following alot of media attention around defibrillators at the moment, Leitrim PPN have teamed up with Leitrim Development Company to update this database and we will be contacting you all for updated information in the coming weeks. 

Save the Date - Leitrim PPN Plenary

Special guest at our plenary is Ger Deering, who was appointed Ombudsman and Information Commissioner for Ireland by President Michael D. Higgins in January 2022.

 

The Ombudsman’s  job is to examine complaints from members of the public who believe they have been unfairly treated by certain public service providers.

The Ombudsman also examines complaints about failures by public bodies to provide accessible buildings, services and information, as required under Part 3 of the Disability Act 2005.

They provide a free public service that is open and accountable. They examine complaints in a fair, independent and impartial way.

 

The Plenary is an opportunity for PPN member groups to meet, network and have a say on the work of the PPN and hear of upcoming events/training courses etc.

 

There will be information stands and a discussion on funding grants as well as refreshments.

March 13th is World Kidney Day

Theme:

Are Your Kidneys OK? 

Detect early, protect kidney health.  It is estimated that 850 million people worldwide have chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to various causes. That means approximately one in ten adults has CKD.

The Giving Circle of Ireland

The Giving Circle, provides minimum grants of €5,000, which are distributed in partnership with The Community Foundation Ireland. 

 

The Giving Circle has two funding cycles per year, one focused on supporting past grantees and the second is focused on selecting new grantees. Decisions are made in May and November each year, with approximately 4 grants made per year.

Hospital Saturday Fund

For individuals, they can provide help with the purchase of specialised equipment or forms of treatment.

 

Organisations registered with Leitrim PPN with medical/mental health/disability remit can also apply.

Protestant Aid

Each case is considered on an individual basis.

Applications may only be submitted to Protestant Aid through an applicant’s Clergy or Social Worker.

The aim of the General Grant scheme is to give financial assistance to individuals or families at a time of particular need. 

Share with someone you may know who needs assistance.

Sports Capital and Equipment Grant

Sports Clubs across the country need access to funds immediately to get their projects executed and ensure their grant is paid out.

 

Community Finance Ireland will help ensure your Sports Capital funded project moves quickly (from approval to execution) by providing a loan that helps the club to get started and keep progressing.

Money Smarts Challenge for Secondary Schools

Teachers and students in secondary schools across the country are invited to take part in Bank of Ireland’s All Ireland Money Smarts Challenge, a series of virtual financial literacy quizzes, taking place in March.  The quizzes are part of Bank of Ireland’s free ‘Money Smarts’ financial literacy programme for Second Level students, with workshops and events designed to provide students with both financial literacy and key life skills.

 

Deadline: 14th March

Community Food Initiatives Funding

Community-led organisation

 

Deadline: 21st March

 

Parent and Toddler Group Grant Opens

The funding can be used for a variety of purposes including children’s toys, equipment and books as well as children’s refreshments and snacks.  It can also be used for children’s activities such as arts and crafts and music.  Parents can also be supported with parenting courses and courses in first aid for children.

The funding will be allocated to Parent and Toddler Groups nationwide through local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs).

 

Three streams of funding available:

1. €800 for existing groups

2. €1,000 for the establishment of new groups.

3. Additional funding of up to €300 is available to establish and operate Buggy Walking Groups.  These Buggy Walking Groups are organised social walks for parents/guardians and young children.

The grant can fund costs such as refreshments, information leaflets and insurances.

 

It is open to any existing or new organisations or groups who wish to offer a minimum of six organised walks within their community.

 

Deadline: 21st March

Boost - Draw 2

Double the winners, double the impact!  The Benefact Group have boosted the number of winners from 50 to 100 in their next £1,000 draw.  Make sure your chosen charities are in the draw by midnight on Sunday 23rd March.

 

Deadline: 23rd March

Lidl Green Fund 

The Green Fund aims to support, promote and empower environmentally conscious and healthy local community projects.  Lidl have created the €100,000 fund to support communities take an active role in championing sustainable living.

 

Community groups, schools and charities can apply.

Projects can support more than one focus area.

1. Climate
Initiatives that support communities to develop climate action plans that minimise the impacts of climate change e.g. installation of solar panels, LED lighting.
Organisations registered with Leitrim PPN such as community centres & development associations can apply.

 

2. Biodiversity
Initiatives that will develop environmental projects to support all ecosystems within our local communities e.g. community garden, nature trails, native and pollinator friendly planting, pocket forest, marine environment and conservation projects.
Organisations registered with Leitrim PPN such as tidy towns groups & community gardens can apply.

3. Reducing Waste
Identifying solutions to reduce waste and support a circular economy e.g. recycling
projects, waste programmes, repair cafés, upcycling, workshops and seminars.

4. Health and Wellbeing
Educating local communities to promote healthy diets and make healthier food choices e.g. community cooking programme, nutrition workshops.
Organisations registered with Leitrim PPN such as resource centres can apply.

 

Deadline: 24th March

Coca-Cola Thank You Fund

Every year, the Thank You Fund gives back to local Irish non-profit organisations, helping them fund projects that matter to their communities.

 

In 2025, the Fund will focus on one overall theme: Supporting and empowering youth interventions across the island of Ireland under the pillars of Inclusion and Inspiration.

 

Deadline: 26th March

NYC - Artist in Youth Work Scheme Opens

The Artist and Youth Work Residency Grant Scheme is designed to promote innovative partnerships between youth groups, artists and (where relevant) arts organisations, and support young people’s access to quality youth arts experiences in youth work settings.  A residency may take the form of an artist in residence in a youth work setting and/or a youth group in residence in an arts setting.

 

There are two strands to the artist and youth work residency scheme: the Youth Arts Explorer Grant and the Artist and Youth Work Full Residency Grant.

 

• YOUTH ARTS EXPLORER GRANT €1,500
•  
• ARTIST AND YOUTH WORK FULL RESIDENCY GRANT €5,000

 

Deadline: 28th March

Funding for Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools

The Small-Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Schemes is designed to assist local cultural events which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events such as those supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies.

 

Funding will be allocated following a competitive applications process, with a maximum grant of €5,000 available.

 

Deadline: 4th April

Creative Clusters

Creative Clusters is an initiative of the Department of Education and Youth, led by and in partnership with the Education Support Centres Ireland (ESCI) and part of Creative Youth 2023-2027 launched on 28 March 2023 and is one of five pillars of the Creative Ireland Programme.

 

A Creative Cluster will typically consist of between 3 and 5 schools collaborating on the design, implementation, evaluation and dissemination of an innovative creative learning project which supports them to address a common issue or challenge. 

 

Deadline: 10th April

Connected Communities Fund

The new three-year fund aims to foster inclusive, resilient communities and strengthen social cohesion nationwide.

 

This €1.5 million fund will support up to five organisations committed to scaling innovations that bring people together, promote belonging, and empower marginalised communities to shape solutions that work for them.

 

Awardee organisations will receive:

Cash grants of up to €204,000 per project across three years

Access to Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme

Tailored business and capacity-building supports to maximise your impact

 

Join an application clinic at 1pm on Thursday, 6 March or Thursday, 20 March to find out more about the Connected Communities Fund and to ask any questions that you may have.

 

Deadline: 11th April

2025 Jacobs Teen Innovation Challenge

The Jacob Teen Innovation Challenge is a global virtual competition that empowers students aged 13-18 to become changemakers by using design thinking to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.  Aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this challenge encourages teens to tackle pressing social, economic, and environmental issues in their communities and beyond.

 

Who can join?

The challenge is open to:

🔹 Educators & Schools – Teachers who want to bring real-world problem-solving into their classrooms.

🔹 Youth Program Leaders – Organizations and mentors guiding teens  in leadership and innovation.

🔹 Teen Participants (Ages 13-18) – Students ready to explore challenges, think creatively, and create impact-driven solutions.

 

Deadline: 30th April

Smart Towns and Villages Investment Area

The SEUPB are now accepting applications to the PEACEPLUS Programme, Investment Area 2.4 – Smart Towns and Villages (Second Call).

 

The Smart Towns and Villages Programme will provide greater access to and awareness of telecommunications. An area-based approach will be adopted to the creation of Smart Towns and Villages.

 

Deadline: 7th May

Creative Schools Initiative

The Arts Council Creative Schools Initiative is now open.  Participating schools/centres will be provided with a package of supports that includes working with a Creative Associate, training and networking to support them to create their Creative School Plan, as well as seed funding to begin to implement their Plan.

Successful schools will receive €4,000 to implement their plans over the school years 2025–26 and 2026–27.

 

Deadline: 8th May

Produced Peer to Peer Challenge Events

Academy Street Workshop is undertaking a number of projects focused on Community Fundraising. As part of this they're trying to create some rough benchmarking and best practices for all areas of community fundraising:

 

This survey is about peer to peer events that your organisation organises 'in house' - These are Walks, Runs, Cycles, Climbs etc that your nonprofit organises and manages. 

They are normally mass participation events where people get sponsorship and/or pay a registration fee.

Have Your Say in the 2025 NGO Community Pro Bono Needs Survey

As part of its mission to enhance access to justice and legal assistance, PILA is conducting a survey to better understand the pro bono legal needs of civil society organisations in Ireland.

 

The survey will take approximately 2 minutes to complete and will be used to inform PILA's Legal Education Sessions and Pro Bono services this year.

Diaspora Survey

Leitrim’s story is shaped by its people, past and present - wherever in the world they may be. If you have Leitrim heritage, we want to hear from you!

 

Throughout history, Leitrim has suffered a considerable population decline, from 160,000 in 1847 to approximately 35,000 today. Emigration during this period has led to people with Leitrim heritage being relocated worldwide.

 

Leitrim County Council is conducting a Diaspora Survey to discover where Leitrim’s global family now calls home.  By taking part, you’ll help strengthen connections between Leitrim and its people worldwide.

 

If you have family or friends with Leitrim roots, please share and encourage them to complete the survey and be part of this important initiative!

Football Review Committee National

Football League Public Survey

Share your feedback on the new FRC rule enhancements and help shape the future of the game.

Minister for Mental Health launches public consultation on new suicide reduction policy

As part of the development of Ireland’s next suicide reduction policy, the Department of Health invites members of the public, groups and organisations to share their feedback/experience/evidence about suicide reduction in Ireland and what they would like to see in a new policy.

 

Deadline: 18th April

Ability Focus: Disability Awareness and Equality Training (90% Grant Funding)

Thanks to the Work and Access Grant, recently launched by the Department of Social Protection, all organisations operating within the not-for-profit, community and voluntary sectors can now access significant grant funding for Disability Awareness & Equality Training to be delivered to your team by an external trainer.

Deadline: 26th April

Manual Handling Training

Thanks to LEADER funding, Ballinamore Area Community Council are offering free training courses to community members.

The next course is Manual Handling Training

A 2 hour training programme based in the Den in Ballinamore

Wednesday 30th April 2025 from 10am-12noon

Supporting Women's Well-being in Your Workplace

Join CIN for an Inspiring International Women’s Day Event!

 

Date: 12th March 2025

Where: Online (via Teams)

Time: 11 AM - 12 PM

Webinar Topic: Supporting Women's Well-being in Your Workplace

Join Alone as they explore the key to fostering health, happiness, and fulfilment at work.

Guest Speaker: Eimear Carney, Koi Business Coaching & Consulting Ltd.

 

Don’t miss this empowering session!

Register now or reach out for more info: community@alone.ie

March 19th is Social Prescribing Day

What is Social Prescribing?

 

Connecting people to activities, groups and support that improve health and wellbeing.

Many things that affect our health can’t be treated by doctors or medicine alone. 

Like loneliness, debt, or stress due to financial pressures or poor housing. 

 

Social prescribing connects people to non-medical support to address these issues and other unmet needs.

 

The contact in Leitrim is Sarah O'Connell 071 962 2566 / 086 066 3789 sarah.breffnifrc@gmail.com 

Our Native Glens - Leitrim's newest community led environmental group features in the March newsletter of IEN

Leitrim Tourism Forum Presents:

Tourism 2025: Workshop and Briefing on the Future Vision

Are you involved in the Tourism or Hospitality industry?  Or are you simply passionate about the future of Tourism in Leitrim?

Join The Leitrim Tourism Forum for an important Workshop and briefing on the Vision of Tourism for 2025, hosted by the Tourism Forum of County Leitrim in conjunction with Leitrim County Council.

 

Date: Tuesday, 25th March

Time: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Location: Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon.

 

This workshop will focus on prioritising actions based on the Tourism in Leitrim Review and Framework 2023-2027 and is an opportunity for you to have your say in shaping the future of Tourism in our county!

 

Who should attend?

• Tourism & Hospitality businesses
• Anyone with an interest in Tourism development

Book your place today!

To reserve your spot, contact Darren Casserly at tourism@leitrimcoco.ie

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Tourism revolution in Leitrim.

RIAI CPD - Conserving Sceilg Mhichíl: Addressing Climate Change Challenges

Discover how the Office of Public Works is safeguarding Sceilg Mhichíl, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from climate change.  Join OPW and the Heritage Contractors Register for this live online CPD event, led by Fergus McCormick FRIAI, RIAI Conservation Architect Grade 1 and Senior Architect at the OPW.

 

📆 Tuesday, 25 March

 ⏰ 12.00pm - 1.30pm

📍 Live Session via Zoom

✔ 1.5 Structured CPD Points

Leitrim County Council are now recruiting for the following temporary positions:

• PEACEPLUS Senior Executive Project Engineer
• PEACEPLUS 1.4 Project Officer
• PEACEPLUS 1.1 Monitoring & Development Officer
• PEACEPLUS 1.1 Development Officer

 

Closing date for receipt of applications for these positions is 4:00 pm Thursday 20th March 2025.

 

All applications must be submitted, by email only, to jobs@leitrimcoco.ie.

Minister Carroll MacNeill launches

the new HSE Health App

Women’s Aid launches Too Into You podcast to help young people recognise healthy love and red flags

Women’s Aid has launched the Too Into You podcast, aimed at empowering young people to identify healthy relationships, and spot the red flags of abuse. With 1 in 5 young women in Ireland experiencing abuse from a current or former partner, there is an urgent need for clear, supportive conversations about what constitutes healthy love and what crosses the line into control and abuse.

23.2% of people were signposted to their GP following a Mobile Health Unit heart health check

Almost a quarter of people who used the Irish Heart Foundation’s Mobile Health Unit to have a heart health check were advised to see their GP for further assessment, a new report reveals.

Information to support your grant applications/  policy submissions

Did you know that you can access a  𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 dating back to the dawn of the Western Development Commission on their website?

 

Public representatives, policy makers and grant writers find these data points very useful to 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 and so on. They’re all available in pdf format for easy download. Their Policy Analysis team is available to address queries of stakeholders in the region and to present research and findings of reports as required.