Volume 12 - Issue 8 - Carlow Public Participation Network Members E-Bulletin, August 2026
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Community & Voluntary ~ Social Inclusion ~ Environment
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Welcome to the August edition of the Carlow PPN eBulletin.
As we move into August, we are pleased to bring you another edition packed with news, updates, opportunities, and events relevant to community and voluntary groups across County Carlow.
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In this week's edition, we highlight information from Carlow County Council on the development of Decarbonising Zones and what they mean for our local communities. We also look at the launch of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026-2030, which continues to support biodiversity and encourage everyone to play their part in protecting pollinators.
We include an update on the Government's ban on single-use vapes following the passage of the legislation through both Houses of the Oireachtas, alongside details of the upcoming Carlow Garden Festival and other local events of interest.
We are also delighted to share details of upcoming Carlow PPN training on Good Governance for Community Groups. We hope this training will be of benefit to your organisation by supporting good practice, effective management, and strong leadership within your group. Please see the information below for booking and contact details.
As always, thank you for your continued commitment to building vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities throughout County Carlow.
Happy reading!
The Carlow PPN Team
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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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Strategic Policy Committees (SPC) & other committee meetings August 2026:
- No Committee meetings in August
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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Decarbonising Zones - Carlow County Council
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Carlow is taking action to build a cleaner, more sustainable future for everyone. The Decarbonising Zone is a key part of this journey - but what exactly is a Decarbonising Zone, and what does it mean for your community?
Take a few minutes to explore the presentation and watch the short video to understand what a Decarbonising Zone is all about, why Carlow has one, and how it brings together local people, businesses, and organisations to reduce emissions and improve daily life.
From better air quality and safer travel options to more energy‑efficient homes and improved public spaces, there’s something in it for everyone.
Carlow Decarbonising Zone Presentation
Watch video here
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Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4
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The goal of SDG 4 is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Education liberates the intellect, unlocks the imagination and is fundamental for self-respect. It is the key to prosperity and opens a world of opportunities, making it possible for each of us to contribute to a progressive, healthy society. Learning benefits every human being and should be available to all.
Learn more here
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All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026-2030 Launched
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The third phase of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (2026–2030) was officially launched on 9 July 2026 at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, by Ministers Andrew Muir and Christopher O’Sullivan TD.
Read and download the full plan here
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Government Advances Ban on Single-Use Vapes
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Single-Use Vapes Bill Passes Both Houses of the Oireachtas
The Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025 has passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and will now be considered by the President. The legislation aims to reduce nicotine addiction, particularly among young people, and help protect the environment by banning single-use vapes. Once commenced, retailers will have a six-month period to clear existing non-compliant stock.
Full story here
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Carlow Garden Festival 2026
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The Carlow Garden Festival, one of Ireland’s premier garden festivals, takes place annually as part of the Carlow Garden Trail, celebrating gardening, horticulture, and the county’s rich gardening heritage.
Get your event guide here
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Healthy Food Made Easy course
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The HSE is seeking community groups and organisations interested in hosting a Healthy Food Made Easy (HFME) course. This free 6-week community cooking programme helps participants improve cooking skills, nutrition knowledge, and healthy eating habits.
The course is delivered by a trained tutor, with all ingredients provided, and can accommodate 8–12 participants in a local venue with basic kitchen facilities. Funding for venue hire is available if required.
For more information, contact: southeastHFME@hse.ie.
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Town and Village Renewal Scheme Projects in County Carlow
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Carlow County Council welcomed Minister Dara Calleary to officially open several Town and Village Renewal Scheme projects. Delivered in partnership with local communities, the projects support town and village regeneration, enhance public spaces, and strengthen community wellbeing through targeted rural investment.
Read more here
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Carlow Social Prescribing Service
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The Carlow Social Prescribing Service is designed to reduce social isolation and enhance overall wellbeing for residents of Carlow town and county. It operates through St. Catherine’s Community Services Centre and is available to anyone who may benefit from support with social, emotional, or practical aspects of life rather than clinical treatment. Social prescribing recognises that factors such as poverty, loneliness, and isolation significantly influence health outcomes.
Full details
Referral Form (download)
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Cycle Against Suicide is offering its accredited Mental Health Peer-Support Training Programme free of charge this autumn. The two-day programme equips managers and team leaders with practical skills to support workplace mental health and wellbeing, earning 13.5 CPD points upon completion. Training can be delivered online, in-house, or in a hybrid format.
They currently have 2-full day, 9.30am-5pm, live online training taking place on the following dates in 2026:
- Mon 21 & Tues 22 September
- Wed 14 & Thurs 15 October
- Wed 18 & Thurs 19 November
If you would like to join their training, follow this link to register here: https://www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/workplace-wellbeing-peer-support-programme/
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The Wheel is inviting organisations across Ireland to apply as founding members of the All-Island Alliance. Established through the InsightLink project, the Alliance will support collaboration, knowledge-sharing and strategic engagement across the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector on the island of Ireland.
More details 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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Children’s Active Play Fund
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The Children’s Active Play Fund is a three year fund aimed at supporting children and young people across Ireland get active, stay healthy, and have fun.
This €1.5 million fund is created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with the Sunflower Charitable Foundation and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht via the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Full details
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Sinead McGrath Memorial Scholarship 2026
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Applications are open for the Dr. Sinead McGrath Memorial International Development Scholarship.
Maynooth University is now accepting applications for the Dr. Sinead McGrath Memorial Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year. The scholarship offers a €2,500 bursary to one student studying a Master's programme through the Centre for Global Development.
Full details
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Islands Transport Support Scheme 2026
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The Islands Transport Support Scheme 2026 is targeted at operators of scheduled passenger and cargo transport services to/from specified inhabited offshore islands, that operate without the benefit of a contract with a Fuel Price Variation clause and therefore do not have a mechanism to mitigate against sudden fuel cost increases.
Full details
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Childminding Ireland has launched a National Survey for parents who use a childminder. The findings will help inform Government discussions on new childminding regulations due to take effect in September 2027, ensuring parents' voices are represented.
Take the survey here
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Women's Economic Lives Research Survey
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The Women's Economic Lives Research Project, funded through the Shared Island initiative, is exploring women's experiences of work, education, housing, and access to services across the island of Ireland. The research aims to ensure that women's voices, particularly those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, help shape future policy, supports, and services.
Take the survey here
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Public Consultation - Ireland's National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap
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The Food Waste Prevention Roadmap outlines the actions Ireland needs to take to reduce food waste across the food supply chain, meet EU food waste reduction targets by 2030, and support its commitment to reducing food loss and waste under UN Sustainable Development.
Submit to this Consultation
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Wellbeing: Measuring What Matters
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Social Justice Ireland, an independent think-tank dedicated to creating a fairer society, is conducting a survey to better understand quality of life and wellbeing in Ireland. The survey takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete, with most questions optional. Participants' insights will help inform future research and policy development.
Take 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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Charities Regulator Governance Code Training
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Carlow PPN is pleased to announce these autumn workshops for our PPN members, please contact us to book your place.
Charities Regulator Governance Code – this session will cover:
- The principles of good governance
- What good governance means
- The Charities Regulator - your responsibilities
- Following your constitution and purpose
- Best practice around board meetings, agendas, minutes, and decision-making
When: Wednesday 30th September 2026 - 6pm - 9pm or Thursday 1st October - 10.30am - 1.30pm
These free sessions are open to PPN member groups, and will take place in the Seven Oaks Hotel Carlow
Trainer: Michael Quirke
Carlow PPN is delighted to confirm that we have purchased online training places on Carmichael’s upcoming training courses for our members.
Please contact us directly to discuss:
- The Charities Governance Code (online) - 3rd Sept, 10am to 12:30pm
- Board Roles & Responsibilities (online) - 24th Sept, 6pm to 8:30pm
- Setting Up & Running a Small Non-Profit Organisation (online) - 24th Nov & 1st Dec, 10am to 1pm
- The Charities Governance Code (online) - 1st Dec, 6:30pm to 9pm
Contact Trish or Fiona on 087 195 1444 or email carlowppn@carlowcoco.ie
Further details here
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Local Events & Other News
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Social Value Analysis 2025
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Community Finance Ireland (CFI) is a charity that provides loans to community groups, charities, social enterprises, sports clubs and churches across Ireland. Since 2001, it has committed over €130 million to the sector and reinvests all profits to support further community development. In 2025, CFI commissioned an independent Social Value Analysis of its lending and support services across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Read the full report here
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Sunbeds Public Consultation Report
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Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor has published the Sunbeds Public Consultation Report, outlining feedback from the public, health professionals, industry representatives and other stakeholders on proposals to ban commercial sunbed use.
Read report here
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National Heritage Week: 15th - 23rd August 2026
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'Heritage at Risk' encourages us to explore the built, natural and cultural aspects of our heritage that are endangered, for us to re-imagine and revive these sites, artefacts and practices.
National Heritage Week celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage.
It brings together volunteers, community groups and heritage enthusiasts to share their experience, knowledge culture and practices.
A Week of indoor and outdoor events celebrating the rich heritage the county has to offer and promoting awareness of the built, natural and cultural heritage. Activities range from wildlife tours and lectures to music recitals, historical re-enactments and outdoor activities.
For information on National Heritage Week 2026, please check the national heritage website for details.
Location: Various locations throughout the County
Date: 15th – 23rd August 2026
E: esullivan@carlowcoco.ie
W: www.carlow.ie
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*Please click on the posters for a fuller image...
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Copyright © 2026 County Carlow PPN. All rights reserved.
Carlow Public Participation Network
Town Hall, Carlow, R93 E7R7
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