Volume 12 - Issue 6 - Carlow Public Participation Network Members E-Bulletin, June 2026
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Community & Voluntary ~ Social Inclusion ~ Environment
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Welcome to this month’s e-bulletin
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Over the past month, Carlow PPN has continued to support and engage with communities across the county through consultations, collaborations, governance meetings, and community outreach. Membership continues to grow, with 346 member groups now connected through the network.
This month saw strong engagement across communications, biodiversity and climate consultations, inclusion and integration initiatives, disability advocacy, tourism and development planning, and support for emerging community groups. Carlow PPN representatives also continued to ensure community voices were represented at local and regional meetings and consultations.
Thank you to all member groups, representatives, and community partners for your ongoing participation, support, and commitment to strengthening community development across County Carlow.
Detailed update here
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Join Carlow PPN Community!
Connect with local groups working to make a difference in 2026.
Explore hundreds of member groups in Carlow through the Members Directory on www.carlowppn.ie.
Members enjoy free training, updates on local events, funding opportunities,
and a voice in shaping County Council policy.
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Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) 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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Empowering and Networking for PPN Representatives
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Dates of Strategic Policy Committees (SPC) & other committee meetings April 2026:
- Transportation, Environment, Emergency Services & Capital Projects SPC Meeting - 3/06/2026, 3pm - 5pm
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Heritage Forum Meeting - Field Meeting in Kilkenny, Visit (Coach travel) - 25/06/2026, 10am - 4.30pm
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Carlow Tourism Meeting - 24/06/2026 - 4pm - 6p
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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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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Seasonal Updates from CCEN
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The past few months have been busy for CCEN, with a range of community-led environmental initiatives taking place across the county. Highlights included the first BioRegioning event in April, community consultation for the latest County Council Biodiversity Action Plan, and the launch consultation process for the Barrow River Trust.
Full details here
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Woodlands of Ireland marks National Biodiversity Week 2026
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Woodlands of Ireland marked National Biodiversity Week 2026 with a webinar on Ireland’s native tree cover. Presentations included findings from the Carlow Catchments Hedgerow Survey and conservation efforts to protect Ash and Elm trees in Ireland. The hedgerow project was initiated by Shane Casey, Biodiversity Officer with Carlow County Council.
Watch the Webinar here
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Welcome Jenny Collier as Climate Action Officer
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Carlow County Council recently welcomed Jenny Collier as Climate Action Officer. Jenny will lead the delivery of the Community Climate Action Programme, supporting local groups to develop climate initiatives across the county.
Jenny brings experience from both the Western Australian State Department for Water and Environmental Regulation and the LEADER rural development programme in County Laois. She is keen to connect with community groups interested in local climate action projects.
For more information, Jenny can be contacted at jcollier@carlowcoco.ie or 087-4604854.
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Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty: Implications for Ireland
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The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) is pleased to share details of a webinar on ‘Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty: Implications for Ireland’.
This is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 17th June 2026 from 12:00-13:00pm
Full details
Register:
Contact BBNJ@dcee.gov.ie by close of business on 9th June 2026 to indicate your interest in attending the webinar.
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Health Research Board Data
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Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, welcomed new Health Research Board data showing increased uptake of drug treatment services. The National Drug Treatment Reporting System recorded a record 15,422 treatment cases, up 16% on 2024 and 73% since 2017. She also welcomed the reporting of 900 additional treatment cases within the prison service compared to 2024, highlighting the continued impact of the Government’s health-led approach to drug use.
Read report here
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Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, announced over €485,000 in funding for 52 small capital projects on Walks Scheme trails nationwide. The investment will support resurfacing, re-routing and enhancement works to maintain high-quality walking trails and benefit local communities, in line with the national outdoor recreation strategy, Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors.
Read more here
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Adolescent Wellbeing (in the wake of the pandemic)
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Pandemic-related restrictions had a significant impact on children and young people, with prolonged school closures and restrictions on social interaction and engagement in leisure activities. The effect of these measures on adolescent wellbeing during the pandemic has been well documented in Ireland and internationally.
Read more here
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Working with Nature Awards 2026
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Powerscourt Estate has announced that nominations for the Working with Nature Awards 2026 have been extended to 11 June. They also highlighted a new leadership programme prize for the overall winner. The awards recognise outstanding contributions to nature, biodiversity, education and wellbeing across Ireland.
Watch Video here
Nominate here
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Lynda Stacey of Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre welcomed the launch of Let’s Talk, a short film exploring menstruation, menopause and women’s health with warmth, humour and dignity. The film aims to break taboos, encourage open and inclusive conversations, and promote understanding, body literacy and intergenerational awareness around reproductive health. She encouraged organisations and communities to share the resource widely to help foster greater openness and support for women and girls.
Watch it here
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Inclusion Ireland, the National Association for People with an Intellectual Disability works towards the full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities by supporting people to have their voices heard and advocating for their rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Find out more here
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New 'Inclusive Special Class'
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A new approach to the education of children with additional needs has been announced by the Department of Education and Youth.
A new type of class, called an Inclusive Special Class, is to open in five post-primary schools this coming September.
More details
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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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€423,000 Awarded to Community Climate Action Projects Across Carlow
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Eighteen community groups and not-for-profit organisations across Carlow Town and County have been awarded €423,696.11 in funding to deliver locally led projects through Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme. The successful applications were announced recently by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien.
Full details here
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Power to Participate: Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement Fund 2026
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Power to Participate: Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement Fund has been established by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality for Disabled Persons’ Organisations and Civil Society organisations advocating for disabled people.
Full details
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The Skills for Tomorrow Fund is now open for applications from innovative, evidence-based projects that build the capacity of individuals and communities experiencing marginalisation to thrive in the future world of work.
More Info
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The AIB Community €1 Million Fund 2026
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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.
Full details
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Invitation to Apply for Community Food Initiatives (CFI) Innovate Funding
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The CFI programme aims to empower people in low-income communities to make healthier food choices. It funds local projects that improve access to healthy and safe food using a community development approach.
Full details
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Outdoor Recreation Funding
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Minister Dara Calleary has launched the 2026–2027 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), with €20 million available for outdoor recreation projects nationwide.
Read more here
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National Economic and Social Council (NESC) Research
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The NESC is inviting people to take part in workshops in Dublin (23 June) and Athlone (7 July) to share views on Ireland’s sustainable future. Feedback will help inform its research and recommendations to Government.
Find out more
If you would like to attend either workshop please register at the relevant link as follows:
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Barriers to Accessing Bank Accounts for Small Community Groups
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Social Justice Ireland is an independent organisation that works to improve people’s lives through research and policy development.
They are running a short, anonymous survey to understand how community groups access basic financial services, including bank accounts needed for funding.
Your input will help identify gaps and improve access.
Access the Survey here
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PPN Stakeholder Training – 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.
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Registration is open, click below:
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Political Communications Course 2026/27 from See Her Elected (SHE)
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This hands-on course is designed with you in mind. It equips you with the essential communication tools needed to build a profile, campaign confidently and connect directly with your local community.
SHE will be working through the guidebook primarily from chapters 16-21 and will do practise exercises and assignments, look at real-world scenarios and build skills together to use immediately.
Book here
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Apply for CUBE Craft Academy in Greece
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Carlow’s creative community is being invited to take part in an exciting European opportunity that combines sustainable craft practice with professional development. The CUBE Craft Academy in Greece offers two programmes for emerging creatives: an in-person jewellery residency and an online EU funding development course.
More details
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Local Events & Other News
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Diabetes Policy and Services Review
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The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, has launched The Diabetes Policy and Services Review: A Strategy for Better Care.
This is Ireland’s first national strategy for diabetes and sets out recommendations for action in relation to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes in pregnancy, and paediatric diabetes.
Read more here
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Training Days for Event Organisers
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The 2026 National Heritage Week Learning and Networking events are now open for registration.
Join online training sessions throughout May to hear from heritage experts, gain ideas, and connect with other organisers. These free events will help you plan activities for National Heritage Week 2026, taking place from 15–23 August.
Register here
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Connecting for Life 2026–2035
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The Government has published Connecting for Life 2026–2035, a new ten-year strategy aimed at reducing suicide and self-harm. The strategy sets a target of reducing the suicide rate to 7 per 100,000 or lower by 2035 while improving access to support services.
More details
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The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) has announced that Your Council Day 2026 will take place on 26 June. This year’s theme, Supporting Communities Every Day, highlights the wide range of services and supports provided by local authorities and their positive impact on communities across Ireland.
#YourCouncilDay #DoLáSaChomhairle
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*Please click on the posters for a fuller image...
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