Volume 12 - Issue 1 - Carlow Public Participation Network Members E-Bulletin, January 2026

Influencing the Decisions That Shape Your Community!

 

Community & Voluntary ~ Social Inclusion ~ Environment

 

~ Welcome to our January 2026 eBulletin ~

We wish all members a very Happy New Year

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The eBulletin is designed to keep everyone informed and up to date on relevant news, events, and opportunities, locally and nationally. It provides an excellent platform to highlight and promote your group’s activities, so we encourage you to get involved and share your updates ~ for queries, please contact Fiona at fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie or carlowppn@carlowcoco

 

January 2026 eBulletin:

    • Carlow PPN Update - PPN Representation - Join Carlow PPN
    • Environment News - Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Update
    • Community & Voluntary News
    • Social Inclusion News
      • Useful Contacts
    • Grants & Funding
    • Consultations & Submissions
    • Training & Workshops
    • Other News
    • Local News & Events
Sign Up to Our Ebulletin

 

Carlow PPN Update

 

Membership & Governance:

Carlow PPN membership increased to 324 groups, reflecting steady growth and continued engagement across the county.

We have 4 new members  on our Secretariat, following the resignation of 4 longstanding  members.

 

We have 7 of 9 seats currently filled across Carlow MD, Bagenalstown MD and Tullow MD. We have 2 vacant seats on Secretariat, which are social inclusion seat, and an environment seat.

 

We are currently planning for our 2026 Work-plan and a review of our Strategic Plan 2026 - 2029 is in process.

 
 

Capacity Building and Training:

We organised and delivered targeted training support to community groups about:

  • Scams and Common Types of Fraud – PPN Awareness Campaign with An Garda Siochana – 21 attended
  • Ongoing engagement with SPCs, and providing supports to representatives and new Secretariat members
  • Supported new PPN reps for inaugural Carlow Community Safety Partnership meeting.

Engagement:

We represented Carlow PPN at Pride of Place Awards – PPN sponsored the Individual Award, with the wonderful Pat Breen taking the award home ~ well done to you Pat!

 

Communications Metrics – December 2025

  • E-bulletins sent: 486
  • Special notices sent: 689 
  • Facebook: 45 posts. Instagram: 12 posts. X Twitter: 1,035 followers 
 
 

Public Participation Networks Annual Report 2024

 

2024 marked a year of celebration, as it represented the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Public Participation Networks (PPNs). In 2014, the Working Group on Citizen Engagement with Local Government recommended the creation of a network for community groups in each of Ireland’s 31 local authority areas, and the necessary enabling legislation was subsequently enacted.

Reflecting on ten years of progress, PPNs have made a lasting impact by strengthening participation, fostering collaboration, and building strong relationships between communities and local authorities. This year’s report highlights examples of this work in action and the continued commitment of PPNs to grow and evolve for their communities.

Snapshot of the year 2024

Read the 2024 PPN Annual Report here

 
 

National PPN Conference 2025

 

The National PPN Conference was held on 16 – 17 October 2025 at the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim, County Meath. The conference brought together Public Participation Network members to share ideas, best practices, and innovations in community engagement. With workshops, keynote speakers, and networking, it highlights successful initiatives and explores ways to strengthen local voices.

Read the National PPN Conference report here

 

Showcasing Carlow Community Groups

 

Become part of the community working to make a difference in Carlow. Connect with local groups who share your vision and goals for 2026. The following are just three Carlow PPN member groups among hundreds across Ireland.

Discover more on your PPN’s website: www.carlowppn.ie.

Did you know you can explore other groups in Carlow? Simply visit the Members Directory section.

Members gain access to free training, local event information, funding opportunities,

and the chance to influence policy-making within your County Council.

 

Carlow Town Community First Responders Group

   (Community & Voluntary Group)

 

Carlow Town Community First Responders are volunteers who come from various backgrounds and are trained to attend certain types of emergency calls within a  5km radius of Carlow Town. They cover Ballickmoyler, Graiguecullen, Crosneen, Carlow Town and Bennekerry, to name but a few. Visit their website here

Carlow Beekeepers Association

   (Environment Group)

 

Carlow Beekeepers Association promotes beekeeping in the community and provides support, education, and advice to local beekeepers at all levels. The Association also works to raise awareness of the importance of bees and pollinators to the environment.
Further information is available on the Association’s website and social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram.  Visit their website

Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre

   (Social Inclusion  Group)

 

Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre (BFRC) is a not-for-profit charity serving Bagenalstown and surrounding communities since 2001. Part of a national network of 121 FRCs supported by the FRC National Forum, BFRC receives core funding from TUSLA. Visit their website

 

Revenue Tax Clearance for Community Groups – What You Need to Know

Community groups may be required to present a Revenue Tax Clearance Certificate when applying for grants, and other funding supports. This is a standard requirement and not something to be worried about. In most cases, there is a straightforward application process in place for voluntary and community organisations.

A Tax Clearance Certificate confirms that a group or organisation’s tax affairs are in order at the date of issue and demonstrates compliance with Revenue requirements.

How to Apply

Ensure tax compliance: Before applying, make sure all relevant tax returns and payments are up to date. This applies to the community group and any connected parties

Unregistered groups: If your group is not registered for tax, you can register with Revenue as an unincorporated voluntary body by completing Form TR3. Once registered, you can then apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate through the eTC system

Registered groups: If your group already has a Tax Reference Number, you can apply online through Revenue’s electronic Tax Clearance (eTC) system.

Revenue review: Revenue will assess the application. If everything is in order, the Tax Clearance Certificate will issue. If there are any issues, Revenue will outline what needs to be addressed

Why Tax Clearance Matters

Tax clearance is commonly requested as part of grant applications and other funding processes. It shows that your group is compliant with tax regulations and supports your eligibility for public funding and supports.

Further information and guidance are available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie

Access Form TR3 here

(TR3 Form can also be posted to you, email fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie)

 

Introducing the Community Development workers in Co. Carlow

Davin Power and Gavin Whitney are the new Community Development Officers with Carlow County Council, whose role is to support communities and local groups all across County Carlow.

They work alongside community and voluntary groups to help them get started, grow stronger, and bring their ideas to life; supporting people who want to improve their area, run activities, or develop projects that benefit their community.

A big part of their job is being a friendly link between communities and Carlow County Council. They help groups understand what supports are available and connect them with the right people or services within the Council and beyond.

They also focus on inclusion and equality, making sure everyone feels welcome and supported. Whether a group is new or well established, they are there to offer guidance, encouragement, and practical help.

 

How they can help:

  • Support community and voluntary groups at any stage
  • Chat through ideas and help turn them into action
  • Give advice on running a group and good practice
  • Help groups look for funding and develop projects
  • Encourage groups to work together and share learning
  • Support inclusive, community-led initiatives across Carlow

Get in touch

 

If you’d like to meet Gavin or Davin, have a chat, or see how they can support your group or community, please get in touch:

 

Davin Power
Email: dpower@carlowcoco.ie
Phone: 087 150 5603

 

Strategic Policy Committees in Local Government

 
 
County Carlow Local Economic Development Plan (LECP)
2023 - 2029
Strategic Policy Committee Scheme Corporate Policy Group Scheme
2024 – 2029

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

 

PPN Representation 2026

Dates of Strategic Policy Committees (SPC) & other committee meetings - January 2026:

  • Planning, Economic Development, Regeneration, Finance & ICT SPC Meeting: 13th January, 3pm - 5pm
  • Carlow Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) Meeting: 21st January, 6pm - 7.30pm

If you would like to bring any issues or concerns to our PPN Representatives, that sit on these committees, please email carlowppn@carlowcoco.ie 

GET TO KNOW YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
 

Keep in Contact

Follow us on our socials - for current, relevant local & national news @carlowppn

Facebook Twitter Instagram
 
Carlow Public Participation Network Website
Grant Application
Training Video
Funding Opportunities 
National Public Participation Networks
  • Membership Criteria
  • Members Handbook
  • Secretariat Members (Currently being updated)
  • Strategic Plan 2022-2025
  • PPN Handbook

Please avail of the opportunity to advertise in our monthly eBulletin.
Email/call Fiona on 087 276 0139/059 9136288
fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie


Join Here
 

Environmental

Irish Environmental Network (IEN) News

 

The Irish Environmental Network (IEN) is a network of environmental and community organisations in Ireland. It supports its members through funding, training, and advocacy, promoting collaboration and action on environmental and sustainability issues across the country. The IEN also works closely with Public Participation Networks (PPNs) to connect communities with environmental initiatives, share resources, and support local action for sustainable development.

Read the IEN January Newsletter here

 

Drummin Bog News - December 2025

 

At the close of 2025, the Drummin Bog Committee is reflecting on the activities, new connections and the valued support from friends, volunteers, and the many organisations that are helping raise awareness about Drummin Bog, the last remnant of raised bog in the South East of Ireland.

Read their December 2025 Newsletter here

 

Don’t give your garden birds the cold shoulder!

 

BirdWatch Ireland is urging people to look after their garden birds during the current spell of cold weather.

It took its time, but cold winter weather is finally here. Temperatures in many parts of the country are falling below zero, with frost, some sleet, and even snow. Couple that with the facts that days are very short at this time of year and that the autumn bounty of natural foods is now heavily depleted, it’s easy to understand how this is a tough time of year for many countryside birds. So, you can expect to see bigger numbers and a greater diversity of species visiting gardens in the coming days, and BirdWatch Ireland encourages you to give them a helping hand! Link and info here and pics 

Don't give your garden birds the cold shoulder! - BirdWatch Ireland

Nestbox Designs for Birds and Wildlife - BirdWatch Ireland

 

National Biodiversity Week 2026

 

National Biodiversity Week 2026 will take place from 16-25 May 2026, featuring over 350 events scheduled across the country to celebrate nature and wildlife.

Explore the rich variety of life in Ireland with a host of wonderful events and activities for the whole family.

2026 brings the 14th annual Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition, Scavenger Hunts for school and at home, and free events every day on all things wildlife in Ireland! Events will be both in person and virtual, so everyone can take part.

Keep an eye out for their new website launching soon!

Details: Connect with a wilder world during National Biodiversity Week

 

Local Authority Environmental Enforcement Performance Report 2024

 

This report presents the results of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s review of how local authorities carried out environmental enforcement in 2024.

The assessment uses the EPA’s Local Authority Performance Framework, which measures performance against National Enforcement Priorities (NEPs) aimed at improving compliance and delivering positive outcomes for waste, water, air, and noise.

Read here


 
 

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) & Climate Action Updates

 
  • Ireland supports European Union on COP 30
  • Sectoral Adaptation Planning
  • Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES)
  • €5 million pre-construction fund launched to accelerate district heating projects in Ireland
  • Sustainable Sports Programme
  • Climate Action Summer Works Scheme for 2026 
 

Community & Voluntary

 

Tullow Road Community Expo 

 

Save the Date - 26th February 2026

The first of many, Tullow Road Community Expo is scheduled for February 26th 2026.

Carlow PPN and Carlow County Council and other local agencies are working on plans for the event and are very much looking forward to connecting with the community in this area.

Details to follow!

 

The Farming for Nature Festival 

 

Save The Date - 23rd  June 2026 - Co. Laois

The Farming for Nature Festival 2026 will take place on Tuesday 23rd June 2026 at Ballykilcavan Brewery, bringing together farmers, advisors, food producers and practitioners for a full day of farmer-led learning and practical, evidence-based discussion.

The festival will be preceded by an evening celebration on Monday 22nd June, inspired by the summer solstice and recognising the farmers at the heart of nature-based farming.

Full details

 

Community Resources Network Ireland 

 

Community Resources Network Ireland (CRNI) is the representative body for community-based reuse, repair, and recycling organisations in Ireland.

Its vision is an Ireland without waste, where communities benefit from the social, environmental, and economic value of reusable resources.

CRNI provides practical support to its members and promotes community-based, sustainable waste management as an effective response to Ireland’s growing waste challenges.

More Information

 

Community Reusable Party Packs

 

Carlow County Council will shortly launch a pilot Community Reusable Party Pack programme to help communities celebrate sustainably. Groups, schools, clubs, and family resource centres in Carlow can express interest.

Each pack serves around 30 people and includes reusable cups, plates, cutlery, bowls, jugs, and upcycled bunting, all in a convenient storage box. Approved groups receive a pack free, agree to share it locally, and provide feedback.

Residents can borrow, use, wash, and return the pack, reducing single-use items and waste.

Any questions? Contact Dee Sewell at dsewell@carlowcoco.ie

 

Social Inclusion

 

Storms and emergencies can occur with little warning, and some community members are at greater risk, particularly those living alone, with health or mobility needs, or who rely on electricity for medical equipment.
To help ensure timely support, Carlow County Council is launching a Vulnerable Person Register to identify residents who may need additional assistance during emergencies such as storms, power outages or evacuations.
The register is intended for people who live alone, have medical or mobility needs, depend on powered medical equipment, or may have difficulty communicating or evacuating in a crisis.

 Vulnerable Person Register - Carlow County Council

 

How to register:
Residents can contact the Age Friendly Office, Carlow County Council, to register by phone or request a form by email or post.

agefriendlycarlow@carlowcoco.ie or 059 9136207 / 087 214 5262

Completed forms should be returned to the Age Friendly Office, Community Department, Carlow County Council, R93 E7R7.

All information will be kept secure, used solely for emergency response purposes, and managed in line with GDPR. 

Registering, or assisting someone else to do so, helps build a safer and more resilient community.

Access the Registration From here

 

€2 Million Ringfenced for Women’s Health Research in 2026 - 2027

 

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has announced €2 million for women’s health research. This is the first time research funding in Ireland has been dedicated specifically to women’s health.

Up to €1 million will be available in 2026 and 2027 from the Women’s Health Fund. The Health Research Board will manage the scheme. The funding aims to close long-standing gaps in knowledge about women’s health and how gender affects health and healthcare experiences.

Further Info

 

Suicide Bereavement Support

 

HUGG is the national suicide bereavement organisation dedicated to supporting adults who have been bereaved by suicide. It provides free practical information and emotional support through a telephone support line, as well as nationwide suicide bereavement support groups, walks, pop-up cafés and events. HUGG also offers information and resources on grief after suicide through its website, events and webinars.

HUGG has announced the launch of a suicide bereavement support group in Carlow. The group will meet monthly on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and will be facilitated by trained volunteers.

Register for a HUGG Support Group

 

Useful Contacts

 

Housing Carlow

 

Carlow County Councils' Housing Services Hub acts as a centralised access point for a wide range of housing-related services.

The Housing Services Hub is at 6 to 8 Staplestown Road, Carlow and is open to the public following its launch on Monday 12 May 2025.

Read more here

 

General Housing overview 

Social Housing Supports

Housing services centre opens in Carlow town

Homelessness Information and Advice

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme

 
 

Age Friendly Ireland

 

Age Friendly Ireland, based on the WHO’s Global Age Friendly Framework, is a local government-led initiative preparing Ireland for a growing older population.

Coordinated by Meath County Council, it supports 35 local Age Friendly programmes nationwide. The service ensures older people’s voices are heard through regular consultation, influencing policy and service delivery at every level.

Website: Age Friendly Ireland

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local Link

 

TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow is dedicated to providing essential transport services to the rural areas of Carlow, Kilkenny, and Wicklow. Their reliable and efficient services aim to connect communities and ensure transportation access for all.

Website: ckwlocallink

 

 

 

 

 

I'm an image

Health Services Executive (HSE)

 

HSE Older People’s Services – Carlow & Kilkenny. 

Comprehensive clinical, therapy, day services, home support, and convalescence are available.

Contact your Public Health Nurse at your local health centre.

For nursing home listings and subsidies, call (056) 778 4633.

Hospitals:

  • Carlow District Hospital: (059) 913 6300
  • Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow: (059) 913 630
 
I'm an image
  • Services for Older People in Carlow and Kilkenny
  • Health services for older people - Citizens Info
  • Older Adults - Carlow Sports Partnership
  • Age Friendly Ireland
 

Grants & Funding

Carlow County Council Arts Service/Creative Ireland – Funding Opportunities for 2026

 

Carlow County Council has announced new funding opportunities to support creative and artistic projects in 2026. Applications are welcome from individual artists, musicians, creatives, collectives, community and youth groups, and arts organisations.

Funding supports include Arts Act Grants, Creative Ireland Open Call 2026/2027, Carlow Beo 2026 Open Call, Tyrone Guthrie Bursary, ArtLinks Bursaries and the Irish Writers Centre Mentoring Programme.

More information

 

New Solutions Social Innovation Hub

 

Minister Buttimer launches the New Solutions Social Innovation Hub and announces funding for Scaling Up Initiatives. 

He also announced funding for nine social innovation projects under the New Solutions Scaling Up Grants Scheme.

The fund aims to strengthen and support projects that help reduce poverty and social exclusion, especially for disadvantaged groups.

Read more here

 

Literature Scheme 2026

 

Foras na Gaeilge is providing funding to organisations in Ireland to enable them to promote Irish language literature. Grants of between €1,000 and €8,000 are available. Voluntary and community organisations in Ireland can apply for the scheme, as long as they do not receive more than €50,000 in annual funding from Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge at present. Applications are encouraged for projects that enhance reading in Irish, enhance community creativity, or foster interest in publishing and in literary events.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon, 12 January 2026.
The application form and further information can be found here:

 

National Bike Week Saturday 9th – Sunday 17th May 2026

 

National Bike Week is a nationwide celebration of cycling that encourages people of all ages to get on their bikes for fun, fitness, and sustainable travel. Events include community cycles, family rides, safety workshops, and talks promoting active travel. It’s a great chance to explore local routes, build cycling confidence, and enjoy the health and environmental benefits of getting on your bike.

Bike Week Application

 

 

Carlow Beo! 2026 Open Call 

 

Carlow County Council Arts Office is presenting Carlow Beo, a county-wide celebration of live performance that brings people together through culture and creativity.

The programme will fund a variety of events, including music, theatre, comedy, dance, street arts, and more, in venues, parks, libraries, and community centres across Carlow. Outdoor performances are especially encouraged, from small solo shows to amplified concerts.

Building on the 2025 Live and Local programme, which featured 20 performers across 5 events, Carlow Beo! aims to expand performance opportunities in 2026.

Closing date for application 13th February 2026 at 12 noon.

Apply

 

Funding Opportunities

 

Further funding opportunities can be found here - Carlow PPN

 

Consultations, Surveys & Submissions

Surveys | Carlow County Council's Online Consultation PortalSurveys | Carlow County Council's Online Consultation Portal

 

Public Consultation on the development of Ireland’s third Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) National Implementation Plan

 

The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has opened a public consultation on Ireland’s third SDGs National Implementation Plan, seeking stakeholder feedback on national governance, coordination and monitoring arrangements. Policy actions for individual SDGs are set out in the SDG Policy Map.

 

The consultation is available on gov.ie, with alternative formats available on request.

Submissions must be made by 5.30pm on Friday, 16 January 2026 by email or post. Late submissions will not be accepted. All valid submissions will be published.

 

Email: SDGs@dcee.gov.ie

Post: SDGs National Implementation Plan Consultation, SDGs Team, EU and International Environment and Circular Economy Section, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Tom Johnson House, Haddington Road, D04 K7X4

 

Affordable Housing Interest Online Survey

 

Carlow County Council is inviting members of the public to participate in its newly launched Affordable Housing Survey. This initiative aims to gauge the level of interest for Affordable Housing in Carlow Town, Bagenalstown and Tullow under the Government’s ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities’ plan. The survey is designed to assess the need in these areas.

The Survey is open to:

  • First-Time Buyers - those who have not previously bought or built a property to live in. Have not owned or have an interest in any property in Ireland or abroad.
  • Fresh Start Applicants - those who are divorced or separated, who no longer have an interest in a family home, or those who have undergone insolvency proceedings.
  • Anyone who is over 18 years of age and has Irish Citizenship or the right to reside in Ireland – regardless of whether you currently live or work in County Carlow.

Full details and to Submit

 
 

Carlow County Development Plan 2022 - 2028

 
  • Proposed Variation No. 3
 

Carlow County Council proposes to vary the Carlow County Development Plan 2022–2028.

Reason for the Variation:

To support the National Planning Framework and the Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines, ensuring enough land is zoned for housing during the plan period.

To include updates from the 2025 Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) process.

To update land-use zonings in the Development Plan.

Full details

 
  • Proposed Variation No. 4
 

Carlow County Council proposes to vary the Development Plan to create a new Tullow District Town Plan.

Reason for the Variation:

To provide a strategic framework for the proper planning and sustainable development of Tullow, replacing the 2017–2023 Local Area Plan.

To incorporate the draft and final Tullow District Town Plan into the County Development Plan and ensure both plans are consistent with each other and with national and regional planning policies.

Full details

 

Training & Workshops

SHE Academy Workshops

 

Bookings are now open for SHE Academy’s free online Election Workshops, starting in January. Participants can choose a day and time that suits their schedule from the timetable provided. The January workshop, “Why Not You”, helps attendees clarify and communicate their reasons for running or supporting a woman’s campaign. Registration is available via the booking link in the bio or through SHE Academy at www.seeherelected.ie

Full details

 

Anyone who signs up for the Election Workshops will receive “A Guide to Running in the 2029 Local Elections” by See Her Elected, offering practical advice on campaign strategy, social media, and building a support team.

 
 

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

PPN Stakeholder Training | Social Justice Ireland

 

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:

Register for Training | Social Justice Ireland
 

Creating with Canva – A Guide for Beginners from The Wheel

 

PPN Members, The Wheel is offering a foundational Canva workshop for anyone looking to create and manage social media content, branding, and printed materials. Participants will learn key tools, editing text and images, basic animation and audio, project management, and more.

If you would like to attend please email me, at fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie with 'The Wheel Canva' Workshop in the subject line and state in the email the name of your community group.

Event Date: 30 Jan 2026 – 10:00am to 11:00am

Location: Online

 

Other News


Pan Celtic International Festival

 

Is féile bhliantúil í Féile Idirnáisiúnta Pan-Cheilteach a cheiliúrann ceol, teanga agus cultúr na gCeilteach, ag tabhairt le chéile pobail as Éirinn, Albain, an Bhreatain Bheag, an Bhriotáin, Corn na Breataine agus Oileán Mhanann. Cuimsíonn an fhéile ceol traidisiúnta agus comhaimseartha, amhránaíocht, damhsa, scéalaíocht agus ceardlanna cultúrtha. Cuireann sí an t-oidhreacht Cheilteach roinnte chun cinn agus léiríonn sí freisin na traidisiúin uathúla atá ag gach náisiún, rud a chruthaíonn atmaisféar bríomhar lán le ceangal agus ceiliúradh.

In English

Details

 

New Children’s Book on Biodiversity and Conservation in Carlow

 

A new book aimed at promoting awareness about the importance of biodiversity is to be distributed to all primary schools in Co. Carlow.

The book - The Three Billy Goats Gruff of Carlow - also aims to educate young people about the practical ways in which they can help promote conservation and restoration.

Read the full story here

 
 
 
 

 January & February Events from IEN & CCEN

 

Self Build Wind Turbine Course: Jan 8th - 18th:

Roscommon Climate Action Officer shares this upcoming training which teaches you how to build a domestic wind turbine from scratch using the Hugh Piggott Turbine Design. The course is ideal for those interested in building their own wind power systems.

More information and apply here

 

Environmental Film Festival:

County Carlow Environmental Network - CEN have two film nights coming up the new year:

 

1. Jan 21st, 7pm, Carlow

Wed 21st January – Showing short films on the topic of Energy. We will collaborate with Sustainable Energy Communities and South East Energy Agency.

 

2. Feb 19th, 7pm, Carlow

Thur 19th February - Showing a number of short films on the topic of Wetlands and to collaborate with the Drummin Bog Project, St. Mullins. The Drummin Bog Project is a voluntary not-for-profit community education project to restore the only raised bog in Co. Carlow - www.drumminbog.com

 

PPN Environmental Reps Meet & Share with Irish Environmental Network (IEN)

Feb 3rd, 7pm, Online

 

Meet other Environmental Representatives from across Ireland.

Discuss common challenges.

Share resources or make plans for achieving mutual goals.

Register here: Meeting Registration - Zoom

 

Local Events


*Please click on the posters for a fuller image...

 
 

Newsletters:

      • Explore what's on in January in the Visual, Carlow
      • January 2026 Newsletter from Carlow Volunteer Centre
      • Creative Places Carlow - Welcome to Our Winter Newsletter 2025
      • Feeding Ourselves Newsletter
      • All-Ireland Pollinator Plan - January 2026 Newsletter