Volume 11 - Issue 6 - Carlow Public Participation Network Members E-Bulletin, June 2025
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Influencing the Decisions That Shape Your Community!
Community & Voluntary ~ Social Inclusion ~ Environment
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We hope you enjoy reading our June eBulletin.
Please share it with members of your group -
it is important that group members are kept up to date and well informed!
Please avail of the opportunity to promote your groups activities here!
Contact Fiona - fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie or carlowppn@carlowcoco.ie
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Call for Expressions of Interest to join the Secretariat!
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Carlow Public Participation Network (PPN) is currently seeking expressions of interest from members to join the PPN Secretariat - the committee that helps guide and support the ongoing development of the PPN in County Carlow.
The Secretariat plays a key role in ensuring that the voices of communities across the county are heard and represented effectively. It works to promote the values of participation, inclusion, and transparency, and supports the smooth running of PPN operations, events, and representation.
Full details can be found here
Closing date: Friday 20th June, 2025
A look back at our 10th PPN Anniversary last year
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Re-registration 2024/2025
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Dear PPN Members,
A final reminder for re-registration has been sent via email, as a small number of community groups have yet to complete the process.
Thank you for your attention and prompt action.
Contact Fiona at fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie for queries.
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Join Carlow PPN and SE Systems to find out how to upgrade your community buildings with sustainable, energy-efficient solutions.
The SE Systems Community Fund helps non-profits, charities, and voluntary organisations secure funding for projects that improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/jeQHi0_WTUKEuTQrbkJZrg
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You're Invited! SE Systems Community Fund
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Date: Wednesday June 4th 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Grant amounts will range from €3,000 to €30,000. Eligible applicants include charities, not-for-profit groups, housing associations, and sporting organisations. Projects may include a wide range of energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.
We invite you to join our Zoom Information Session to learn more about the fund, eligibility criteria, and how to submit a strong application.
During the session, we’ll cover:
- Fund Overview and Objectives
- Eligibility & Application Process
- Evaluation Criteria
- Q&A Session
We look forward to your participation!
Register here
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Carlow Traveller Pride 2025
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We were delighted to join the Carlow Traveller Pride 2025, which took place May 22nd at St. Catherine's Community Services Centre. Hosted by Carlow Traveller Forum, celebrating the culture and contributions of the Traveller community across Ireland.
Traveller Pride Week 2025 included events nationwide, such as cultural exhibitions, workshops, and family activities, all aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of Traveller heritage and achievements. All of the performances were captivating - the singing was delightful, and the poetry was both beautiful and thought-provoking! Thank you St. Catherine's Community Services Centre for a lovely afternoon, warm hospitality, and all the incredible work you are doing in our community!
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Launch of the Community Gardens & Allotments Policy
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Carlow PPN were delighted to join the launch of Ireland’s first Community Garden and Allotment Policy on May 4, 2025, at the Biodiversity Garden in Hacketstown. Led by Cathaoirleach Fergal Browne, the event celebrated a major step towards sustainable, inclusive, and community-led green spaces.
The Hacketstown Biodiversity Garden, supported by Carlow County Council, showcases community collaboration and environmental stewardship. With strong involvement from local schools, it has become a hub for learning, biodiversity, and social connection.
Carlow PPN congratulates Jackie Stafford and her team on this inspiring achievement and their lasting impact on the community.
Visit Biodiversity Garden in Hacketstown Facebook page here
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Strategic Policy Committees in Local Government
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Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) are integral to local government in Ireland, facilitating policy development across various sectors by incorporating input from elected councillors, local sectoral interests, and the broader community agencies. Their primary function is to advise and assist the Council in formulating, developing, and reviewing policies.
They operate under the framework established by the Local Government Act 2001 and subsequent amendments, which outline their composition, functions, and procedures.
For the most current and detailed information on SPCs, including meeting schedules, agendas, and policy developments, we recommend visiting the official website of your local authority or contacting them directly - Carlow County Council Website
Local authorities regularly update their websites with information pertinent to SPC activities and public participation opportunities.
Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) are established in line with legislation to consider matters connected with the formulation, development, monitoring and review of policy which relate to the functions of the local authority and to advise the Council on those matters.
Carlow PPN have been allocated 9 seats on these SPCs:
3 Environment seats
4 Community & Voluntary seats
2 Social Inclusion seats
Making an impact in local policy creation: Introduction to Strategic Policy Committees Video
Carlow PPN made a submission to the Public Consultation on the
Carlow Local Authority Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) Scheme.
You can access Carlow PPNs Submission here
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Follow us on our socials - for current, relevant local & national news @carlowppn
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Please avail of the opportunity to advertise in our monthly eBulletin.
Email/call Fiona on 087 276 0139/059 9136288
fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie
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Funding Opportunity for Climate Action Week
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Are you part of a community group with ideas for a Climate Action Week event? Funding is now available to support local engagement initiatives that inspire climate awareness and action across Carlow
Deadline to apply: Monday, 9th June 2025
Let’s work together for a greener future!
Apply here or here
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Information Workshop on Grants and Supports - Domestic/Non-Domestic Energy Upgrades
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The South East Energy Agency invites Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Auctioneers, and Registered Energy Auditors to a focused presentation on the latest grants and supports available for domestic and non-domestic energy upgrades. CPD credits will apply.
📅 Thursday, June 26th
🕙 10:00am – 12:30pm
📍 The Hoban Hotel, Ring Road, Springhill, Kilkenny, Ireland, R95 XV2D
Stay informed and gain practical insights to support your clients in navigating available energy upgrade opportunities.
Register here
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Low-cost Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme
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A low-cost Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme will enable homeowners can borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 at significantly lower interest rates.
The €500 million scheme is the first of its kind for both Ireland and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group and will play a crucial role in helping homeowners to invest in energy efficiency, making their homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run.
Full details here
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ActNow for Our Common Future
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The National Centre for the Circular Economy
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The Rediscovery Centre is the National Centre for the Circular Economy. Since 2004, the centre has been leading Ireland’s transition to a circular economy and low-carbon, sustainable future.
Based in Europe’s first circular economy demonstration centre, the Rediscovery Centre acts as an innovation hub, delivering education, providing research and enabling policy, citizen engagement and collaboration to support community action.
View their website here
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How to Develop a Community Biodiversity Action Plan
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The National Biodiversity Data Centre is delighted to release a new guideline document for community groups who wish to produce a Community Biodiversity Action Plan for their local area. Community groups around the country are producing Community Biodiversity Action Plans to guide their biodiversity actions over 3-5 years. Almost 300 action plans have now been published on the dedicated portal, actionforbiodiversity.ie.
Guide for Communities
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Feeding Ourselves Newsletter
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'Feeding Ourselves' is a growing community working to transform local food systems across Ireland and beyond. In their latest Newsletter, they share reflections from the recent gathering in Cloughjordan, highlight upcoming events, and spotlight the working groups. There’s a lot happening - and you are a vital part of it.
Read the 'Feeding Ourselves' May Newsletter here
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Update
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Bagenalstown in Bloom 2025
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Bagenalstown in Bloom is back and brighter than ever for its fourth annual celebration of community, creativity, and nature. Organised by the Bagenalstown Area Community Development Group, this year’s festivities are supported by a wide range of local groups and organisations from across Bagenalstown and Carlow. The event launches on Thursday, 5th June at Doyles Parlour at The Royal Oak, with a lively performance by Jitterbug Jackson to kick off the weekend.
(Doors Open @5.30pm, Show@6.30pm).
Full details and Workshops sign-up
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Creative Places Bagenalstown
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Spring has sparked a wave of creativity in Bagenalstown. In recent months, the town has come alive with performances, exhibitions, and workshops that inspire and connect. At the centre of it all, Creative Places Bagenalstown has supported vibrant, inclusive projects rooted in the local community.
Creative Places Bagenalstown Spring Newsletter 2025
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Heritage Week 2025 (16-24 August 2025)
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The Carlow Heritage Officer will host a public online information session on Tuesday 17th June 2025 between 7pm - 8pm, to assist/guide people around the county who are interested in organising a Heritage Week 2025 event in County Carlow.
This year’s theme ‘Exploring our Foundations’ - 2025 Events | National Heritage Week 16th – 24th August 2025
People are requested to email esullivan@carlowcoco.ie or text (087) 1843907 to receive the link to the meeting before noon on Monday 16 June 2025.
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Sharing Our Spaces Artists Residency
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Creative Ireland Carlow, Carlow County Councils Arts Service and Forward Steps Family Resource Centre, Tullow have a strong commitment to supporting artists to engage creatively with communities. They are also committed to quality, access and inclusivity. They are now collaborating to invite applications from artists interested in being considered for a new artist residency programme Sharing Our Spaces Artists Residency, working with Forward Steps Family Resource Centre, Tullow.
Applications can be made here
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National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards 2025 | EXTENDED CLOSING DATE
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Age Friendly Ireland have announced that applications are open for the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards 2025.
The deadline for applications has been extended to Thursday, June 6th, 2025.
This year’s event will be jointly hosted by Galway City Council and Galway County Council at The Galmont Hotel, Galway, on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025.
The awards seek innovative projects across a range of areas that positively impact the lives of older people and have the potential to be showcased and replicated.
Submissions are welcome from both local and national initiatives.
Shortlisted projects will be visited by the judging panel throughout September and invited to attend Ireland’s Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards ceremony in Galway this October.
To apply, please click the link below:
Application Form
For more information, please visit the official website:
National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards
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Young Voices Summertime - Connecting EU with YOUth!
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The National Youth Council of Ireland has launched Young Voices Summertime - an event for young change-makers, creative voices and decision-makers from across Ireland for a day of powerful conversations, creativity, and action as they explore European Youth. The event will consist of youth-led discussions, workshops, creative activities. Participants will have a chance to be a part of the Irish Delegation attending the EU Youth Conference in Denmark.
Register here
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Carlow Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) - Host First One-Stop Shop Event
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In April, Carlow LAIT, in collaboration with Carlow Integration Forum (CIF), hosted their first One-Stop Shop event - an inclusive gathering offering direct access to local services and supports for new arrivals.
Carlow PPN were happy to attend and support this vibrant event, which highlighted the work of CIF members and fostered community connections.
Highlights included performances by AHA Storytellers and the Midlands Ukrainian Association, celebrating cultural diversity. The event was warmly received, with positive feedback on its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community.
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See Her Elected (SHE) Launches New Initiative to Support Women Ahead of Local Elections 2029
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With around 50 months until the 2029 local elections, See Her Elected is encouraging women to prepare early through their new initiative: ‘Top 50 Things You Can Do Between Now and the Local Elections 2029’.
They’re offering free sessions led by political strategist and former journalist Kathleen O’Meara, covering 50 practical steps to build a public profile and gain key political skills.
Carlow PPN urges local women to join and explore pathways into local government.
Learn more at the SHE Academy.
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Socioeconomic Conditions across Communities in Ireland
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A new ESRI study, commissioned by Pobal, examines socioeconomic conditions across communities in Ireland. Using Census data, the study examines how potential barriers to social inclusion have changed over time and if disadvantaged communities are particularly adversely affected. Findings from the new research report, published today, were collated using the Pobal HP Deprivation Index and two waves of Census data (2016 and 2022).
Read the full report here
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Involvement Centres are peer led recovery focused spaces which offer a warm welcoming place in which mental health and addiction challenges are understood to be part of life and are accepted in a non-judgemental way.
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The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) are bringing together a powerful group of people dedicated to making Carlow a dementia-inclusive county. They hope to raise awareness to challenge the stigma, myths and misconceptions around dementia by opening the channels of communication and removing the barriers to change.
The Dementia Inclusive Community are based in Bethany House, Carlow.
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TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow is a transport company and operate two different types of services RRS and Door to Door.
To make a booking or register as a passenger for our Door to Door services call 0818 42 41 41.
The TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow provide bus services in Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wicklow, and to schools in Kilkenny.
On many of these services, passengers are booked on demand.
Local Link Website
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Below is the schedule of suicide prevention, intervention, and bereavement training, available through the HSE Regional Suicide Resource Office.
Also, see the timeline for upcoming campaigns supported by the Connecting for Life Regional Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention Working Group, with details on how to get involved.
> Suicide Prevention Training Feb - July 2025
> Timeline of Events 2025
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2025 Community Heritage Grant Scheme
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Five community projects in Carlow have received a combined €46,284 under the Heritage Council’s 2025 Community Heritage Grant Scheme, part of a €1.9 million national fund supporting 132 heritage initiatives across Ireland.
The grants aim to help local groups conserve and celebrate Ireland’s built, cultural, and natural heritage.
The successful Carlow recipients are:
- Ballyellen Development Association – €22,694
- Bagenalstown Parish Council – €9,080
- Delany Archive Trust – €11,21
- Cranavane Holy Well Committee – €3,300
- Druimcree Historical Group (Carlow/Wexford) – €7,425
Congratulations from the PPN team!
Read the full report here
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AIB Community €1 Million Fund
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The AIB Community €1 Million Fund enables customers, the public and our employees to support the local charities that matter most to them, within their region. The Fund supports charities across six regions in Ireland, Northern Ireland & Great Britain.
AIB will once again allocate €700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the community, while €300,000 will be donated to charities chosen by employees.
The 2025 AIB Community €1 Million Fund clossing date is 25th June 2025.
Full details
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Irish Hospice Foundation: Scholarships in End-of-Life & Bereavement Care
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Irish Youth Foundation: VHI Health & Wellbeing Fund 2025
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VHI aims to support their customers to live longer, stronger, and healthier lives. In partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF), Vhi is launching a fund of €85,000 to support young people’s health and wellbeing.
The fund will support projects that seek to strengthen resilience in young people and help them manage anxiety, with the emphasis on early intervention and prevention. Projects may work directly with young people or with the adults that surround them.
More information
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Consultations, Surveys & Submissions
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Carlow County Council’s Draft Development Contribution Scheme 2025–2029
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Carlow PPN invite community groups, individuals, and interested stakeholders to take part in an important public consultation on Carlow County Council’s Draft Development Contribution Scheme 2025 - 2029.
This Draft Scheme outlines how financial contributions from developers will support vital local infrastructure and community facilities across the county - from roads and public amenities to parks and libraries. Your feedback can help ensure that future development in Carlow reflects community priorities and delivers real benefits to our towns and villages.
Carlow PPN strongly encourages all members of the community to engage with this consultation. This is your opportunity to shape how development contributions are used to support services and infrastructure that matter to you and your local area.
Let’s work together to influence a fair and forward-thinking plan for Carlow’s growth.
If you have any questions or if your group needs assistance in preparing a submission, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Carlow PPN.
Contact Trish at carlowppn@carlowcoco.ie to Fiona at fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie
Deadline: 5.00pm, Wednesday, June 11th, 2025
A copy of the Local Economic Community Plan (LECP) for your perusal
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Carlow County Outdoor Recreational Plan (CORP) Strategic Priorities Workshop
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Carlow County Council would like to invite members of the public to attend public consultation events in relation to the development of a new five-year County Outdoor Recreation Plan for Carlow.
The National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, 'Embracing Ireland's Outdoors', calls out the need for every county to develop a County Outdoor Recreation Plan. The plan will ensure that the needs of the county are prioritised and aligned with the National Strategy which aims to lead, guide and facilitate the sustainable development and management of outdoor recreation and increased participation, in order to realise social, health and economic benefits.
Carlow County Council has commissioned Outscape to develop a County Outdoor Recreation Plan for Carlow which will identify strategic priorities and a prioritised five-year action plan for 2025-2030. This plan will ensure a planned and coordinated approach between stakeholders to develop and deliver future outdoor recreation projects as funding becomes available.
There will also be an online survey which will go live on Tuesday 17th for two weeks.
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Let Us Know Your Policing Priorities
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The Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) oversees and assesses the performance of An Garda Síochána.
Part of our role is to set Policing Priorities. These are areas that An Garda Síochána should focus on to improve the policing services offered to communities. They want your views on what areas of policing should be prioritised in 2026-2028. All responses are anonymous.
Take part here
Public Consultation on Policing Priorities Video
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Romanian Community of Ireland
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According to the latest Census 2022 figures, there are more than 42,460 Romanians living in Ireland, which represents an increase of more than 67%% since the 2016 census.
The Romanian Community of Ireland wishes to explore and capture this change and would need your support to promote a survey for the Romanian speaking community in Ireland, which includes and is not limited to Romanian and Moldovan nationals, members of the Roma community and anyone living in Ireland who speaks Romanian.
Take the survey here
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Contributing to Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) as a PPN Representative - Training Video
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Last week the IEN held a webinar with Councillor Dermot O’Brien who shared his experience and insights into working on an Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs).
You can now watch the full webinar on the Environmental Pillar YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/jJzkkZZuf88
Sign up to the IEN Newsletter
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Introduction to Strategic Policy Committees - Training Video
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Each County Council uses Strategic Policy Committees to review, create and inform policy decisions in their County. You can get involved and take part directly to make an impact for your community!
Learn more about the potential of the Strategic Policy Committees and how they work, hear examples of community driven policy from across Ireland, find out how you can get involved and what supports exist to help you in this role.
Introduction to Strategic Policy Committees - Video
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PPN Stakeholder Training | Social Justice Ireland
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Carlow PPN would like to let all stakeholders about the self-paced training currently available, which may be of interest to you.
PPN Stakeholder Training
This online-only, self-paced training programme has been developed in collaboration with Social Justice Ireland and is now open for registration. The training is provided on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The programme covers the following topics:
- Introduction to the PPNs (2 Modules)
- Local Government Budget
- PPNs and Local Government
- Effective Participation in Consultations
- Effective Facilitation
- Strategic Planning
- Measuring Outcomes and Impacts
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This training is designed for self-directed learning at your own pace. While there are no scheduled classes, limited support is available via a webform on each module page.
Who Can Participate?
The training is open to the following PPN stakeholders:
- PPN Workers
- PPN Secretariat Members
- PPN Representatives
- PPN Member Groups
- Local Authority Staff
- Elected Councillors
To register, please complete the registration form at the following link:
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Rochtain Political Advocacy and Political Comms Training Seminars
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Rochtain helps to improve the understanding of the domestic political system in Ireland. They enhance the capacity of smaller community, voluntary and non-profit organisations to engage with elected representatives.
They will be offering an online training session that you can register for. The details of same and registration link are below.
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The Wheel's Social Enterprise Member Network Meeting
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The The Wheel will host an online Social Enterprise Member Network session on Wednesday, 18th June 2025. The meeting will focus on collaboration across social economy organisations, with a spotlight on the European baSE project https://socialeconomyskills.eu/base-project/, which aims to upskill the workers in the sector.
Project coordinators will present:
- The project’s goals and their experience working on a large European partnership
- Research on training and skills gaps in Ireland’s social enterprise sector
- Plans for developing targeted training courses
Date: 18th June 2025, 10.30am - 12pm
If you would like to attend this Zoom, please email fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie with 'The Wheel' in the subject line, with thanks.
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Excel and AI – How can AI help?
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As part of the National Training Fund (NTF) 2025 Programme, Carmichael is hosting a FREE NTF webinar on “Excel and AI – how can AI help with formulas and more?” with Anne Walsh.
This 50 minute webinar will include:
- How to use an AI tool (Co-Pilot/Chat GPT) to summarise the results of a set of questionnaires with actionable points
- Use it to explain an existing Excel formula to you
- Use it to help you with creating Excel formulas/formatting
Date: 20th June 2025, 1.05pm - 1.55pm
Register here
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Carlow Pride Festival 13th July 2025 – Save the Date!
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Carlow Pride is back and bigger than ever! Come together and join in on Sunday, July 13th, 2025, as we march together with pride from Carlow College to Carlow Town Park.
Expect music, love, colour, and community vibes all day long.
Parade starts at 2 PM!
Keep updated on Carlow Pride Festival Facebook page here
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Are You Registered to Vote?
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With the upcoming presidential election approaching, now is a good time to check that you are registered to vote. You can register to vote, verify or update your registration details by visiting www.checktheregister.ie
When is the Next Presidential Election?
President Michael D. Higgins began his second term on 11 November 2018, meaning his term will conclude on 11 November 2025. As a result, the next presidential election must be held on or before 11 November 2025, but not earlier than 60 days before that date.
The newly elected President will take office the following day, on 12 November 2025. You can read more here about Presidential Elections in Ireland Presidential elections - Electoral Commission
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Connecting with Community Groups – Youth Research Study
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Emma Holden, a PhD researcher at South East Technological University (SETU), is currently conducting a study on the experiences of young people aged 18 - 24 in Ireland who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Her research explores how this group engages with online public services and aims to identify any barriers they may encounter.
She is reaching out to ask us to share this research opportunity with relevant groups or organisations within their network - or advise on any key community contacts that may be useful.
Emma has provided a short poster with more details and is happy to arrange a brief call or supply additional information if needed.
Emma thanks you for your time and support.
Further details on Poster or complete the survey here
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*Please click on the posters for a fuller image...
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