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Cavan Community ENews 4.4.25

Updated: Apr 9

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 info@cavanppn.ie, CavanPPN, CCLD, Corlurgan, Cavan. H12 X9Y1

 

CONTENTS 1. FUNDING Bike Week 2025 Grants 2. FUNDING An Post Primary School Writing Competition 3. FUNDING Tourism Festival Investment Scheme 4. FUNDING Connected Communities Fund 5. FUNDING Communicating Europe Initiative 6. FUNDING Resilient Communities Fund 7. FUNDING Community Based CCTV Grant Aid Scheme 8. One Million Voices For Rural Europe 9. Civic Space Survey: Irish Inputs Needed 10. Free Plain English Webinar Series 11. Cavan Golf Club 12. Political Communications & Advocacy Skills Workshop (CavanPPN Members only) 13. Ballyconnel Community Event Launch 14. Older Person's Info Sessions 15. StreetFeast 2025 16. FREE Training for CavanPPN Members 17. Consult on the Aarhus Convention 18. Survey on Rural Priorities & Interests in Cavan/Fermanagh 19. SunSmart Campaign Starts Now. 20. Consultation on Reducing Irish Suicide Rates 21. Consult on the Irish Water Action Plan 22. Cavan Connects News 23. Our Generation Project 24. Deep Time Walk in Virginia 25. Cavan Environmental Network Meets 26. National PPN Worker's Meet In Galway 27. Cavan Arts Festival Launch 28. Cavan Birdwatch Event 29. Ballyconnel Music Taster Workshop This Sunday 30. Invitation to Empowering Communities for Climate Change 31. Cavan Community Pocket Forest Initiative 32. Attend the Cavan Arts Festival Launch



 


  1. Bike Week 2025 Grants


Bike Week will take place from the 10th – 18th May 2025. Sports Partnerships around the country are accepting applications for Bike Week events from community groups, schools, clubs and local businesses.

The exact type of event is up to each applicant, however, applications that focus on the following event criteria will be prioritised:

  • The event MUST take place during 10th to 18th of May 2025.

  • The event must be FREE to take part in.

  • Fun Cycles (5k, 10k 30k etc.)

  • Recreational/Leisure Cycling events focusing on including non-club members, the lapsed cyclist, families, beginners etc.

  • Slow Bike Races, Cycling Obstacle Courses, Nature Cycles, Cycle to School Days, Lunch Time Cycles, Cycling Games and Activities, Cycle To Work.

  • Focus on inclusion, non-competitive, community focus, family, local school participation


Deadline: Varies per region, generally late March to early April for those currently accepting applications.

More info: Contact your Local Sports Partnership, you can find yours at https://www.sportireland.ie/participation/lsp-contact-finder



 


  1. An Post Primary School Writing Competition 2025


An Post are proud to promote literacy through fun reading and writing competitions. This year, their competition focuses on a subject important to us all –  Caring for our Community.


An Post are asking pupils to write a letter telling how they will contribute to the growth, wellbeing, and sustainability of our beloved Ireland and sow the seeds for a future we can actively shape and be proud of!


Whether it’s fostering inclusivity for the elderly and vulnerable within our community, championing the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle, setting up community gardens and libraries or starting clubs for sports or hobbies, they want to hear your ideas.


Deadline: 28th March 2025


 


  1. Fáilte Ireland Multiannual Strategic Tourism Festival Investment Scheme: 2026 to 2028


Fáilte Ireland has a long history of supporting tourism-led festivals. Their funding schemes have always aimed to highlight the unique aspects of each destination, showcasing what is distinctively Irish and motivate visitors to travel to the destination for the benefit of the local tourism economy. 


Their objective with this new scheme is to support, develop, and deliver a diverse and compelling portfolio of uniquely Irish tourism-led festivals and events to maximise the benefits of tourism festivals for the tourism economy and local destination. 


The Expression of Interest application process will open at 12 noon on the 24th of March 2025 and will remain open for 14 days, closing at 12 noon on the 7th of April 2025. Applications will not be accepted for the scheme after the Expression of Interest closes.


Deadline: 12 noon 7th April 2025



 

  1. Connected Communities Fund - Rethink Ireland


The Connected Communities Fund is a three-year fund that aims to build inclusive and resilient communities and strengthen social cohesion across Ireland.


The new fund is open to organisations dedicated to scaling innovations that strengthen civil society, build community cohesion and empower communities to develop solutions that work for all.


The fund aims to promote equity and inclusion, encourage media literacy and community awareness initiatives, and empower communities to develop meaningful connections across diverse groups.


The fund will offer a package of cash grants and non-financial supports to a maximum value of €220,800 each for up to five projects, to help them expand and increase their social impact.


Deadline: 1pm 11th April 2025



 

  1. Communicating Europe Initiative 2025


The Communicating Europe Initiative provides Government funding to voluntary organisations, educational bodies and civil society groups and bodies, for projects intended to deepen public awareness of the role that the European Union plays in our daily lives.

The Communicating Europe Initiative seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues, at local, regional or national level.


Deadline: 12 pm Thursday 17th April 2025


 

  1. PwC Ireland Resilient Communities Fund


    This €100,000 fund is designed to empower individuals and teams across Ireland to spearhead local community projects that promote inclusion, equitable access to opportunities, skills development, and sustainability.


    How it works:

    • Choose an idea from one of those featured on the link below, and apply to create your project page.

    • Complete a 30 Day Challenge to unlock funding.

    • Receive the first portion of funding and use it to make your project happen!

    • Share the impact of your project to unlock the final portion of funding.


    Deadline: Funding is allocated to those who successfully complete the challenge on a first-come, first-served basis.

    More info: https://www.changex.org/ie/funds/pwc-ireland


 


  1. Community-based CCTV Grant Aid Scheme

    The community-based CCTV grant aid scheme supports communities and local authorities who wish to install and maintain CCTV security systems in their area to increase public safety and to deter illegal or anti-social behaviour.

    The maximum grant available for each CCTV system is €45,000.

    Applicants to the scheme can include not-for-profit organisations within the community, as well as relevant statutory or voluntary organisations. For example, applicants may include:

    • area partnerships

    • community development projects

    • family resource centres

    • local authorities

    • community enterprises

    Applications are also welcome from groups such as a not-for-profit consortium of private and community interests which has come together to formulate an application.


    Deadline: Ongoing

    More info: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/3a6b2-community-based-cctv-grant-aid-scheme/


 

  1. ONE MILLION VOICES FOR RURAL EUROPE

    Dear Communities,

    Today, ELARD (the European LEADER Association for Rural Development) is launching a major European-wide campaign to strengthen rural development in the EU: My Rural Future. As members of ELARD, we know how crucial LEADER/CLLD is for empowering local communities, strengthening our rural economies, and ensuring territorial cohesion.

    However, despite its success, the future of LEADER/CLLD is at risk. As the EU prepares its next multiannual financial framework (MFF), we must act now to secure funding, simplify access to resources, and reinforce the role of LAGs as key territorial governance actors.

    This is why ELARD has launched a petition calling on the European Commission to prioritise participatory rural development in the next MFF. Our goal is ambitious: one million signatures to show the strength of our movement!

    We ask for your help in mobilising the entire LAG network in [your country]:

    • Sign the petition here: https://elard.eu/petition_en/

    • Share the petition with your staff and board members.

    • Share it with all beneficiaries and relevant stakeholders in your network–  we have prepared a template for you which you will find attached.

    • Share via social/local media – you will find draft social media text and a press release template attached, and you can find background information and key messages on ELARD's campaign advocacy webpage

     

    Please also find here visual materials that you can use to promote the campaign. The white spaces on certain visuals are for you to add your logo in. 

    This is a unique moment to make our voices heard. Let's make sure that LEADER/CLLD remains a pillar of EU rural development.

    If you have any questions or need additional resources, do not hesitate to reach out.


 


  1. Civic Space Survey: Irish Input Needed I hope you’re all well. Our colleagues in the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights have asked us to circulate this short survey to Irish civil society organisations.The purpose of the survey is to better understand the challenges that civil society organisations face in member states as they carry out their day-to-day work. It would be great to have a strong Irish perspective on this.The survey should take less than 15 mins to complete and the deadline is April 7th, there are some more details below.Thanks in advance and speak soon

     

    Ronan

     

    Ronan Kennedy (He/Him)

    Senior Policy Officer (Oireachtas Liaison and Democratic Freedoms)Irish Council for Civil Liberties

    First Floor,Castleriver House,14/15 Parliament Street,DublinD02 FW60

     

    Phone: 00 353 (86) 340 7683

     

    Find us online: iccl.ie


 


  1. FREE PLAIN ENGLISH WEBINAR SERIES Hello everyone

    Nala are offering their FREE Plain English Webinar Series again this year, and you can use that link to book your places. 

    Around 600 people attended across the four sessions last year. (Which are still on YouTube: NALA Plain English Webinar Series 2024

    In 2025, they'll cover three topics across three sessions and participants can send in content to be covered in the workshop.


Friday morning  10am-11am 

Top Plain English Tips for 

 

25 April 

Writing for the web 

20 June 

Writing leaflets and publications 

21 November 

Writing effective letters and emails to colleagues and customers 

In addition, they will run a session in September which will only be open to coalition member. More details on this are to follow.

Please share the link FREE Plain English Webinar Series with anyone else who may be interested.

Kind regards

Ceinwen


Ceinwen Fergus

Eagraí Litearthachta d'Aosaigh | Regional Literacy Coordinator

 

Bord Oideachais agus Oiliúna an Chabháin agus Mhuineacháin

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board

 

Dun Mhuire, Mullaghmonaghan, Muineachán, Co. Muineachán, H18 T383

Dun Mhuire, Mullaghmonaghan, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan, H18 T383

 

W: www.cmetb.ie  |  T: 087 0687841


 


  1. Cavan Golf Club



 


  1. POLITICAL COMMUNICATIONS & ADVOCACY SKILLS WORKSHOP

    Dear PPN Members

     

    We are writing to let you know about an upcoming free workshop : Political Communications & Advocacy Skills Workshop

     

    The North West PPN Network is delighted to host the session which will be delivered by The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL), with support from St. Stephen's Green Trust.

     

    The session is aimed at all PPN members and would be of specific interest to existing or potential community representatives.

     

    The workshop will be online on Tuesday May 6th, 6.30pm.

     

    Topics covered include

    •         Understanding the political system

    •         Knowing when and how to effectively communicate with TDs and senators

    •         How to research and present information on your causes to enhance political impact

    •         Understanding your lobbying obligations

     

    Please register at:

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/political-communications-advocacy-training-for-ppn-representatives-tickets-1301893541629?aff=oddtdtcreator

     

    Meeting link will be sent to all registered closer to the event.

     

    Kind Regards




 

13. Ballyconnel Community Event Launch



 

  1. Older Person's Drop In Info Sessions




 

15 StreetFeast Hi Cavan PPN 


Have you heard about Street Feast? Brought to you by the team at Neighbourhood Network, it’s Ireland's annual, not-for-profit, all-for-fun event that brings together people in neighbourhoods all over Ireland for a lovely lunch with the people in their community. 


We’re celebrating 15 years of Street Feast, bringing over 750,000 neighbours together to date. We are holding this year's event on Saturday May 24th and Sunday May 25th for another year of food, fun, and fantastic neighbours — and we would love to have Cavan PPN members join us!


Residents Associations, Community and Sports hubs would benefit from Street Feast 2025, and with your reach, we would love some help to spread the word. 


Please share this blurb in an upcoming newsletter:


“Ireland’s favourite community celebration, Street Feast, is back for its 15th year, and this milestone event is set to be bigger and better than ever. Taking place on Saturday, May 24th, and Sunday, May 25th, 2025, Street Feast invites neighbours across the country to come together for a shared meal, a chat, and a chance to turn strangers into friends. Register to receive your free event pack and follow along on Instagram, Facebook and X.”


You can find our 2025 press release here for any further information. 


Thank you in advance for any support. 

All the best,


Pauline & the Street Feast team


 

16. FREE TRAINING FOR CAVANPPN MEMBERS Training courses available to Cavan PPN members

 

Cavan PPN is delighted to present a number of training courses to our member groups.  These are provided by The Carmichael Centre and are available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups

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

All the courses are online and self-paced (with a period of access to each course).

We have a limited number of places on the following courses. Should you receive notice that you are on a waiting list, we will try to facilitate you as best we can.

  1. ·       The Role of the Chairperson

    ·       How to Take Meeting Minutes

    ·       The Role of the Treasurer

    ·       Financial Management for Non-Profits

    ·       Risk Management


For more information, and to register, please click here.


 

We also have a number of courses provided by The Wheel.  These are also available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups.

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

All the courses are online and there is no limit on the number of attendees.

Please click on the links below for more information:

·       Grant Writing Tips and Tricks (Friday, 21st March)

·       Top Tips for Data Protection Compliance (Friday, 28th March)

·       The Future of Work (Friday, 11th April) 

For more information, and to register, please click here.

Kind regards,

The Cavan PPN Team.


 

  1. CONSULT ON THE AARHUS CONVENTION

The Department of Climate, Environment, Energy have just launched the public consultation on Ireland’s implementation of the Aarhus Convention and the Pollutant Release Transfer Register (PRTR) Protocol available here.

DECC encourages your organisation to participate in this public consultation. This process will inform Ireland’s National Implementation Reports on the Aarhus Convention and PRTR Protocol 2025. The Department has prepared draft National Implementation Reports to outline the implementation of the Aarhus Convention and PRTR Protocols in Ireland. To inform the final documents, comments are invited from stakeholders, members of the public and other interested parties. DECC invites you to further disseminate information about the public consultation process and requests that you promote these public consultations through your organisation’s website and social media forums, where possible.

Aarhus Convention

The Aarhus Convention lays down a set of basic rules to promote citizen’s involvement in environmental matters and improve enforcement of environmental law.

Its provisions are broken down into three Pillars: Access to Information on the Environment, Public Participation in Environmental Decision-making and Access to Justice.

Ireland ratified the Aarhus Convention on 20th June 2012.

PRTR Protocol

The PRTR Protocol seeks to reduce the burden of pollution and waste by establishing publicly accessible national pollutant registers. The Protocol requires each of its Parties to establish and maintain a publicly accessible national PRTR that meets certain requirements which are set out

in the Protocol. The Irish PRTR, which was launched in 2007, is maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency and is available at  https://www.epa.ie/our-services/compliance--enforcement/whats-happening/pollutant-release-and-transfer-register/

Comments on the draft document should be submitted by email or received by post no later than the 7th April 2025.

Email: Aarhus-decc@decc.gov.ie or Post:

The Aarhus Unit,

Department of Climate, Environment and Energy,

Tom Johnston House,

Haddington Road,

Dublin,

D04 K7X4

For more information on the Aarhus Convention, please go to:


 

  1. Survey on Priorities & Interests of Rural Cavan/Fermanagh The Fermanagh Trust and Cavan Community Local Development are conducting a survey to understand the interests and priorities of rural community organisations, like yours, regarding the environment, climate change & sustainability.  The insights gathered will assist us in designing programs and initiatives that align with your unique needs.

    By participating in this survey, you contribute to a collective effort towards enhancing our community’s sustainability practices. The survey will take approximately 2 minutes to complete and your responses will remain confidential.  

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZnvOSjWim-K6cMUMjPS4HFqqvPaE_cQyKmq9BjuZns0AAIA/viewform?usp=sharing


 

  1. SunSmart Campaign Starts Now he HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland launch annual SunSmart campaign today 1st of April.

     

    The aim of the campaign is to reduce your risk of skin cancer by increasing awareness and engagement with the steps you, your family, friends and colleagues can take to protect your skin from the sun.

     

    The partner pack attached contains information, video links and image links for your use and to share with your own networks to support the 2025 SunSmart campaign.

     

    For more information, please visit the SunSmart hub at www.hse.ie/SunSmart and check out #SunSmart on social media.

     

    We welcome your ongoing support and partnership.



 

  1. Consultation On Reducing Irish Suicide Rates

    The closing date is: Friday 18th April 2025 at 5:00pm 


A public consultation to inform the next suicide reduction policy in Ireland. Information about the public consultation can be found here: gov.ie - Public consultation on Ireland’s next suicide reduction policy



 

  1. Consult on Irish Water Action Plan The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage invites submissions, observations and comments on the timetable and work programme for the development of Ireland’s fourth-cycle Water Action Plan 2028 – 2033. For more information please visit: 


    https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/ca50c-public-consultation-on-the-timetable-and-work-programme-for-irelands-fourth-cycle-water-action-plan-2027-2032/


 

  1. CONNECT CAVAN NEWS We hope this email finds you well. 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-updatesThank you for being a part of our community. We look forward to keeping you updated with all the latest news and events. Best regards, Daniel Peeters The Cavan Connects Network info@cavanconnects.ie

    0879201623


 

  1. OUR Generation Project OUR Generation is a PEACEPLUS funded project led by Action Mental Health and a cross-border partnership of 9 organisations including Co-operation Ireland, Youth Action NI, Boys & Girls Clubs NI, Donegal Youth Service, PlayBoard NI, Youth Work Ireland, Include Youth, and Ulster University. The project aims to increase mental health literacy, enhance emotional resilience, build leadership skills of CYP and lead research in mental health and the impact of trauma on our communities. OUR Generation will contribute to peace and reconciliation through cross-border and cross-community initiatives. We will work with young people aged 9-25 and key youth workers including any adults working with young people in a professional or volunteer capacity.  Home - Our Generation

We would like to invite you to an informal engagement event in Cavan town  on Friday 25th April from 12-2pm at Bridge Street Centre. Lunch will be provided! This will be a great chance to find out more about opportunities to get involved, network and have your voice heard on youth mental health issues in your local area. Please register on Eventbrite to attend:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1061935992139?aff=oddtdtcreator

Best wishes,

 

  1. DEEP TIME WALK IN VIRGINIA



 

25. Cavan Environmental Network Meets

The environmental member groups of County Cavan sent representatives to help reform the Cavan Environmental Network. This network exists in many other counties with support from both Public Participation Networks and The Irish Environmental Network. Members came together to discuss mutually beneficial projects, collective engagement and empowering environment at a countywide level to ensure a grass roots say in green development for the county. Chaired by CavanPPN Environment Secretariat member Damian McCarney, this initial meeting of the various groups helped bring them together and work on future projects and supports among the environment community of County Cavan. The meeting also invited John Toland from LEADER to discuss the new Cavan Community Forest Initiative they are launching. To get involved in a local environmental group check out our list of registered environmental members at: List of Groups | Cavan PPN | Public Participation Network If you are keenly interested in getting involved in any environmental aspects of the county's development or in taking a lead in one you're passionate about then contact us on info@cavanppn.ie




  1. PPN Workers Meet In Galway

    The staff from across the country who support community representation, networking and capacity building met in Galway at the end of March. The event was MCd by Cavan's Daniel Downey and it included workshops on developing PPNs, shared examples of work undertaken and a wellbeing retreat for members to understand stress management and mitigation. Another aim of this event was to help members learn from one another in a peer-sharing way. PPNs are located in every count in Ireland but within their county bubbles few know the extent of work required to run a network of hundreds of groups with a little under two staff each. Matching, for example, Wexford staff who started some weeks ago with Cavan veterans of 11 years helps to guide the new staff member and re-learn/refresh the older member. The Staff Networking Retreat occurs each year and is funded by The Department of Rural and Community Development in support of the work PPN staff do on the ground at community level an find ways to enhance that work. The National PPN Conference is a wider gathering of PPN staff, secretariat, representatives, Councils, Department officials and politicians with an interest in the community voice of PPNs and how to better support and enhance this for the improvement of democracy across Ireland. It will take place this year in Trim, County Meath in October. Each PPN is asked to submit 6 attendees. We look forward to engaging at this and future events supported by The Department and key PPNs and Councils.



 

  1. Cavan Arts Festival Launch



 

  1. Cavan Birdwatch Event Celebrate birdsong and the wildlife of Town Lake, Bailieborough by joining us for a leisurely nature walk around the lake on this Sunday 6th April.

Learn about the migratory songbirds that come here each year to breed and hopefully hear them in song on the day. Meet at the Chapel Road car park, Bailieborough at 8.30am. All welcome to this event.

Kind regards,

Tom Broe

Secretary, Cavan Branch of BirdWatch Ireland

--


"protecting birds and  biodiversity"


 

  1. SAMPLE YOUR MUSICAL TALEN IN BALLYCONNEL THIS SUNDAY



 

  1. Invitation to Empowering Communities for Climate Change




 

  1. Pocket Forest Initiative

    Please see here more information on the new Pocket Forest initiative open to communities in County Cavan:



 

  1. Attend the Cavan Arts Festival Launch



 
 
 

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