Volume 12 - Issue 3 - Carlow Public Participation Network Members E-Bulletin, March 2026
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Influencing the Decisions That Shape Your Community!
Community & Voluntary ~ Social Inclusion ~ Environment
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~ Welcome to March 2026 eBulletin ~
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The eBulletin is designed to keep you informed and up to date on relevant news, events, and opportunities, locally and nationally, providing an excellent platform to highlight and promote your groups' activities!
We encourage you to get involved and share your updates ~ for queries, please contact Fiona at fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie or carlowppn@carlowcoco
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Membership & Governance:
Carlow PPN has continued to engage with new and prospective member groups through one-to-one meetings, both in person and via Zoom. These conversations give us an opportunity to learn more about each group: their focus, structure, and the work they are doing in the community.
These meetings allow us to outline how the PPN can support groups through networking, representation, information sharing, funding updates, training opportunities, and participation in local decision-making structures.
Building these relationships ensures strong governance, active participation, and a well-connected community network across County Carlow.
We will continue to meet with community groups on the last Wednesday of each month as part of our ongoing membership engagement process.
Next New Member meet up - March 25th 2026.
If you and your group would like to schedule a meeting, please email Fiona at fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie
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Engagement
Carlow PPN recently engaged with the Community Department of Carlow County Council to promote and raise awareness of the new Carlow’s Pride of Place Grants and Competition. As part of this collaboration, we supported the planning process and delivered a Zoom workshop to guide groups through the funding application process and eligibility requirement. Carlows Pride of Place 2026 Awards Ceremony takes place in The Mount Wolseley Hotel, Tullow on 11th November 2026.
Carlow PPN PPN recently participated in the Community’s Dialogue consultation, with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, contributing to discussions on inclusion and diversity within our shared communities. This engagement ensured local voices were represented in conversations about addressing disadvantage and recognising the diversity that strengthens our communities.
Carlow PPN & Carlow Disabled Person Organisation (DPO)
A further meeting was held with Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) regarding the establishment of the Carlow Disabled Persons Organisation. This initiative supports the Social Inclusion pillar of the Carlow Wellbeing Vision by promoting representation and participation of people with disabilities in local decision-making.
The establishment of the Carlow Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) will be formally launched at the Carlow PPN Expo and Networking Event, taking place in the Seven Oaks Hotel on 23rd April 2026.
Further details, including the booking link, are below.
Representation & Engagement
In recent weeks, the PPN has been actively engaging with its Representatives across various SPCs on a range of issues. For example, a meeting was held with our Transportation, Environment, Emergency Services and Capital Projects SPC representatives in advance of their scheduled meeting on March 4th
Communications (February))
- E-bulletins sent: 513
- Special notices sent: 1349
- Facebook: 37 posts/ Instagram: 20 posts/ X: Deactivated
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Carlow PPN Expo & Networking Event - April 23rd 2026
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Join us at the Carlow PPN Community Expo & Networking Event!
When: Thursday, 23rd April 2026, 4:00pm
Where: Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow
This year’s theme is Social Inclusion. Hear from our panel of speakers and celebrate the launch of Carlow Disability Persons Organisation (DPO).
Book your attendance today and be part of the conversation!
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Showcasing Carlow Community Groups
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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.
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Tullow Road Community Development Group
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(Community & Voluntary Group)
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The Tullow Road Community Development Group is a resident-led initiative focused on improving the quality of life within the local area. The group works to address issues such as estate upkeep, environmental concerns, safety, and community wellbeing, while encouraging positive neighbour engagement and collective action. Recent activities have included community meetings, discussions with local authorities, exploring funding opportunities, and planning practical improvements to enhance the area for residents.
TRCDG FB
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Myshall Nature is a community group in Myshall, Carlow, focused on protecting local wildlife and habitats while promoting environmental awareness and community engagement.
Myshall Community Gardens consists of the green spaces and walled gardens of the former Estate Grounds of Myshall Lodge located on the foothills of the Blackstairs Mountains in Myshall, Co. Carlow.
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Carlow Regional Youth Service, Bishop House, Tullow
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Carlow Regional Youth Services in Tullow, based at Bishop’s House, supports young people’s social and personal development through programmes in arts, sport, STEM, music, mentoring, and health education. They offer drop-ins, youth forums, leadership training, summer and transition programmes, specialised support for vulnerable youth, and outreach programmes.
More info: Our Members - Youth Work Ireland
Contact: Carlow Regional Youth Services
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Strategic Policy Committees in Local Government
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Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) play a key role in local government, advising councils on policy development across various sectors. Comprising councillors, sectoral representatives, and community agencies, they help formulate, review, and monitor policies under the Local Government Act 2001. For up-to-date information on SPC meetings, agendas, and participation opportunities, visit the Carlow County Council website.
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Dates of Strategic Policy Committees (SPC) & other committee meetings March 2026:
If you would like to bring any issues or concerns to our PPN Representatives, that sit on these committees, please email carlowppn@carlowcoco.ie
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Empowering and Networking for PPN Representatives
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The Southeast PPN Group invites Expressions of Interest from Carlow PPN Representatives, to attend a collaborative event, hosted by Carlow, Cork City & County, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow PPNs.
Event: Empowering and Networking for PPN Representatives – supporting participation on LCDCs, SPCs, and Community Safety Partnerships.
Date: Saturday, 11 April 2026
Time: 10am–2pm (start 10:30 sharp)
Venue: Cabragh Wetlands Visitor & Interpretive Centre, Holycross, Co. Tipperary, E41 T266
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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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Local Authorities Water Programme (LAWPRO)
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Carlow PPN attended the LAWPRO Public Meeting for Carlow and Tullow MDs, which took place on 11 February at the Seven Oaks Hotel. Residents and community members discussed local river health, heard updates on the Barrow and Slaney catchments, and enjoyed presentations by Fran Igoe (LAWPRO) and Jules Michael (Drummin Bog Project) to shape future water initiatives.
LAWPRO: https://lawaters.ie/
Drummin Bog Project: https://drumminbog.com/
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Carlow Home Energy Expo - March 25th
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The South East Energy Agency are delighted to be supporting the upcoming Carlow Home Energy Expo, helping homeowners make informed decisions about improving their home’s energy efficiency.
- Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow
- Wednesday 25th March
- 10:30am – 5:00pm
The Home Energy Expo will provide practical advice to homeowners on how to reduce energy costs and avail of SEAI grants for home energy upgrades.
Register here
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Tree Week Annual Lecture: Protecting Irish Forests: Priority Pests
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The Tree Week Annual Lecture: Protecting Irish Forests – Priority Pests, highlights the key threats facing Ireland’s forests, focusing on invasive pests and diseases that impact tree health.
Experts will share strategies for monitoring, prevention, and management to safeguard native and commercial woodlands for the future.
Reserve your spot
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Invasive Species Week brings together organisations across Ireland, the UK, and surrounding islands, for a week of action to raise awareness of invasive alien species and how to prevent their spread. Led by the GB Non-native Species Secretariat, the 2026 event runs from 22 - 28 June.
If you’re planning an event, email invasives@biodiversityireland.ie with “IAS Week” in the subject line to be featured.
Join in to help protect our environment and recreational spaces for future generations.
Further details
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Become an SDG Advocate in 2026
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Adult and Community Educators are invited to join the 2026 SDG Advocate Training to build skills in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, develop local action projects, and connect with a national network of SDG advocates. Applications are open until 16 March 2026.
Apply here
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Sustainable Development Goals Update
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Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place - Tullow Co. Carlow
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The Tullow community is warmly inviting you to attend a public meeting ahead of this year’s Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place initiative.
The meeting will take place at the Cairdeas Centre on Wednesday, March 5th at 6.30pm, with the support of Carlow County Council.
Organised as part of the all-island Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place programme, the meeting will bring together residents, community groups, volunteers and businesses to showcase what makes Tullow special.
All are encouraged to attend and play their part in celebrating community pride.
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Carlow Local Community Safety Partnership -
Empowered: Community Safety Day
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Carlow Local Community Safety Partnership will host the inaugural Empowered: Community Safety Day on Thursday, 5 March, marking the launch of community consultations for the development of the Carlow Strategy to enhance community safety.
The event will bring together partner organisations to deliver talks, demonstrations, workshops, and consultation sessions, fostering collaboration and encouraging active community engagement across County Carlow.
When: 10am-2pm, Thursday 5th March
Where: Borris House, Borris, Carlow
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Carlow County Council has developed an Events Management Guide to facilitate the safe management of events in Carlow County Council’s premises and public places.
These include events organised/supported by employees of Carlow County Council or may be events with external organisers or committees.
The guidance document and application forms are available to download with application form from Carlow County Council’s website.
Full details can be found here: Carlow County Council Launches an Event Management Guide & Application Procedure for Public Events | Carlow Co Co
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Carlow will welcome the Celtic world this April for the Pan Celtic Festival 2026 from 7–11 April, 2026.
For five days, artists and visitors from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man will celebrate music, language, song, dance, and shared heritage
Programme of events
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Couch to 5K – St. Laurence O’Toole AC
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Started on the 17th February (new participants welcome anytime!), this all-abilities programme is delivered by Active Carlow every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 - 8pm at St. Laurence O’Toole AC’s accessible track.
Guided by an experienced coach, participants build from 3K to 5K over three months, with indoor strength sessions included.
Just €5 per week – simply turn up!
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Improvements in Urgent and Emergency Care Performance
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The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has highlighted significant progress in national health service performance during the early weeks of this year.
25% fewer patients were waiting on trolleys after the St Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend compared to the same period in 2025.
There was also a 10% reduction in the daily average trolley count, despite increased presentations.
Full Report
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Creative Carlow’s Holy Well Project– Life Springs Eternal
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The ‘Creative Carlow’s Holy Well – Life Springs Eternal’ project was recently featured in Local Authority News (Vol. 44 No. 4). A collaboration between Carlow Heritage Office and Carlow Arts Office, funded by Creative Ireland and Carlow Heritage Office, the project has documented several Holy Wells across the county and found measurable reductions in anxiety among participants. The initiative will expand in 2026, with further community engagement around archaeological heritage sites.
Local Authority News
Creative Carlows Holy Well Project (Video)
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Carlow Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) Launch
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Calling all Disabled People and Disability Allies in Carlow.
We are launching the Carlow Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO). A DPO is run by disabled people, for disabled people.
This event takes place at Carlow PPN Expo & Networking Event.
When: Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 4:00pm
Where: The Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow
About the event: Come and meet people and learn about the new Carlow DPO. We want to build a strong voice for disabled people.
Register for this event here: Free to attend! – Carlow PPN Expo & Networking Event – Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow or contact Carlow PPN for queries carlowppn@carlowcoco.ie tel: 087 195 1444
Easy Read Format
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Recovery College South East: Free Wellbeing Workshops - Carlow
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Free Wellbeing Workshops: Carlow (Feb–April 2026)
Recovery College South East is offering free, co-produced wellbeing workshops at St Dympna’s Hospital, Carlow. These sessions are open to everyone and focus on practical mental health tools.
How to Enrol:
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Drive & Drop 2026 from Community Connect
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Community Connect is hosting its annual Drive & Drop fundraising event on 7 - 8 March 2026, supporting pregnant mothers and families with new babies who are experiencing financial hardship. The charity provides essential baby equipment, clothing, and supplies, and this event helps collect much-needed items for vulnerable families.
Donations can be dropped off on:
- Saturday 7 March at: Kilkenny Presbyterian Church (11am–1pm),
- Methodist Church, Athy Road, Carlow (10am–12pm), and
- Polly’s Café, Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, Co. Laois (12pm–2pm).
Full details can be found here
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National Digital Mental Health Strategy
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Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, has launched the Sharing the Vision Digital Mental Health Strategy 2026–2030 at the third annual Digital Mental Health Conference, in partnership with University of Limerick. Aligned with the Digital for Care 2030 Framework, it is Ireland’s first standalone strategy dedicated to digital mental health and marks a key step in modernising mental health services nationwide.
Access the Strategy here
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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
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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
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Health Services Executive (HSE)
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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
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Emergency Response Payment (formerly known as Humanitarian Assistance Scheme)
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Carlow Arts Service, with Performing Arts Forum, is offering two bursaries for Carlow-based independent arts practitioners to attend The Gathering in Belfast, 26 - 27 May 2026. The two-day event at the Lyric Theatre brings together artists and arts professionals for discussion, inspiration, and networking.
Any questions can be directed to Paul Donnelly at paul@performingartsforum.ie.
Full information and application form is available on this link: Belfast Gathering // Bursaries | Performing Arts Forum
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New Solutions Social Innovation €4m Pilot Grant Scheme
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Minister Buttimer has launched the €4 million New Solutions Pilot Grants Scheme, a two-year fund co-financed by the EU and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Managed by the New Solutions Social Innovation Hub, the scheme aims to support innovative social projects and pilot new approaches to address community challenges.
Full Report
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Children’s Promise’ Grants Programme Opens
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The Katharine Howard Foundation ‘Children’s Promise’ Grants Programme, in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland and the Sunflower Charitable Foundation, will provide up to €1.5 million in support for community initiatives tackling child poverty from 2026 –2030. Applications close 19 March 2026.
Apply here
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Groups Invited to Apply For RTÉ Toy Show Appeal Funding
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Groups working with children and families are being invited to apply for support from money raised during the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal.
Community Foundation Ireland, which is distributing the funds raised from the generosity of viewers, is inviting groups to make applications in three areas:
- Addressing Essential Needs
- Improving Health and Wellbeing
- Creativity and Play
Full details can be found here
Watch the Toy Show Appeal Webinar on how to apply
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The Rosie & Jim Charity Fund: Supporting Projects Up to €40,000
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Rosie and Jim is a family business producing great tasting and nutritious chicken products since 1997.
This year, they want to give all registered Irish charities the opportunity to apply for one or multiple initiatives through their charity fund.
A total of up to €40,000 is available and they are inviting charities from across the country to apply for funding that will support their cause.
Apply here
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Creative Ireland Carlow invites artists, schools, and community groups to host free creative activities for under-18s as part of Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland’s national day of creativity. Events must enable young people’s creativity, be inclusive, and involve youth input.
Apply by 22nd March, 23:59 via Carlow County Council Portal
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Consultations, Surveys & Submissions
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Draft Casual Trading Bye-Laws 2026 – Carlow, Muinebheag & Tullow
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Carlow County Council is proposing new rules for casual trading (such as market stalls and street trading) in the Municipal Districts of Carlow, Muinebheag and Tullow. These draft bye-laws are being made under the Casual Trading Act 1995 (as amended).
The draft bye-laws are available to view by appointment at Carlow County Council offices between 9.30am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–5.00pm.
Full details here
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Your Voice: The Wheel's Advocacy Survey 2026
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In Your Voice: The 2026 Wheel's Advocacy Survey, would like to hear about what is most important to you in terms of The Wheel's advocacy work and the supports on offer to members.
Your participation is really important, as the more information they have on members’ experience, the more effective their advocacy will be.
Your feedback will be used to shape public policy work in the months ahead and they will launch the findings of this survey at an event in due course.
Take the survey here
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Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) 6 Terms and Conditions Consultation
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The aim of this targeted consultation is to gather stakeholder feedback on the proposed Terms and Conditions for RESS 6, which includes some specific changes from the RESS 5 Terms and Conditions.
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment will host a stakeholder workshop in hybrid format, during the consultation period.
Details of this event will be published in due course.
Consultation Document
How to make a submission
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PPN Stakeholder Training – Now Open with Social Justice Ireland
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Carlow PPN invites all stakeholders to explore our self-paced, online training, developed with Social Justice Ireland and offered on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development
The programme covers:
- Introduction to PPNs (2 Modules)
- Local Government Budget
- PPNs and Local Government
- Effective Participation in Consultations
- Effective Facilitation
- Strategic Planning
- Measuring Outcomes and Impacts
Registration is now open, click below:
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We would greatly appreciate your feedback on the recent Stakeholder Training from Social Justice Ireland (if you have participated).
Please share your thoughts and suggestions by emailing Fiona at fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie or click here to submit.
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Spring Summer Courses 2026 from Carmichael Ireland
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Carmichael Irelands mission is to work with nonprofits nationwide to help them to enhance their governance and operational effectiveness, through the provision of advice, impactful services and networking.
Access their Spring Summer Courses here
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Statement by Minister Mary Butler on the North Kerry 'CAMHS Lookback Review'
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Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler, has updated Government colleagues on the North Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Lookback Review. The full report is now available on the HSE website.
Full details here
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New Findings from ESRI and Community Foundation Ireland
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A new ESRI study, in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland, finds that despite decades of economic and social change, public support in Ireland for government action on income inequality remains high, above the European average.
Read the Research here
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Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026 - 2028
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Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State Alan Dillon launched Ireland’s Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028, outlining a national plan to move from a “take-make-waste” model to a more sustainable, circular economy. The strategy aims to reduce waste, keep materials in use longer, support innovation, lower emissions, and strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness.
Read the Strategy here
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*Please click on the posters for a fuller image...
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