Volume 12 - Issue 9 - Carlow Public Participation Network Members E-Bulletin, September 2026
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Community & Voluntary ~ Social Inclusion ~ Environment
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Welcome to the September edition of the Carlow PPN eBulletin.
As we move into September, we are pleased to bring you another edition packed with news, updates, opportunities, and events relevant to community and voluntary groups across County Carlow.
August was a busy and enjoyable month for Carlow PPN. We had the opportunity to meet with new members at An Gairdín Beo, sponsor the Nature & Folklore Table Quiz, and visit the Bosom Buddies Women's Shed Carlow. It's always inspiring to see the dedication, creativity, and community spirit of the groups across County Carlow.
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Looking ahead, September is shaping up to be another active month. We will be meeting with the Leighlin Dementia Friendly Community Action Group. We will be delivering Charities Regulator Governance Code Training on two separate dates, giving members a choice of sessions - be sure to sign up if you haven't already. We are also busy preparing for our Carlow PPN Community Networking Expo 2026 in October and encourage members to avail of the Equality Training being delivered by CDPO.
In this edition, you'll also find information on Carlow's Rain Gardens, updates from Carlow BEO!, and details of funding opportunities currently available for community groups.
We hope you find something of interest and, as always, thank you for being part of the Carlow PPN network.
Happy reading!
The Carlow PPN Team
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Carlow PPN Community Networking Expo 2026
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Join us and be inspired by the passion, creativity and determination of communities across County Carlow!
Have you, your community group, club, organisation or neighbourhood taken steps to help the environment, improve sustainability, support biodiversity, reduce waste, save energy, or make a positive difference in your community?
If so, we want to hear about it!
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As part of this year's Carlow PPN Community Networking Expo, we are inviting community groups and local people to come together for an afternoon of inspiration, celebration and shared learning under the theme:
'Brag a Little. Inspire a Lot.'
Too often we focus on the challenges facing our communities and our environment. This event is about recognising the positive actions that are already happening across County Carlow and celebrating the people behind them.
Whether your group has created a community garden, insulated a local building or your attic, planted trees, developed a biodiversity project, reduced energy use, organised clean-up events, tackled food waste, promoted active travel, or found another creative way to make a difference, we want you to share your story.
This is your opportunity to:
✅ Showcase your group's achievements
✅ Learn from the experiences of other community groups
✅ Discover practical ideas from others that can be replicated in your own community
✅ Network with groups from across the county
✅ Celebrate the incredible work taking place every day in our communities
You don't need to be an expert, and you don't need to have all the answers
Sometimes the most inspiring ideas come from ordinary people taking simple actions that create extraordinary results
Join us and be inspired by the passion, creativity and determination of communities across County Carlow.
Share your story. Celebrate your impact. Inspire others.
Everyone is welcome, including community and voluntary groups, residents' associations, sports clubs, schools, environmental groups, social inclusion groups, local organisations and anyone interested in learning more about Carlow PPN
Together, let's celebrate what our communities have achieved and inspire even more action for the future.
Contact Trish at carlowppn@carlowcoco.ie for further details
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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 September 2026:
- LCDC Meeting - Sept, 8th, 3pm - 5pm, Town Hall
- House and Intergration SPC - Sept. 9th, 3.30pm - 5pm
- Carlow Local Community Safety Partnership Meeting - Sept. 16th, 6pm - 7.30pm
- Carlow Tourism Meeting - Sept. 23rd, 4pm - 6pm - Oval Room
- Heritage Forum Meeting - Field Meeting - Sept. 24th, 11am - 3pm
- Community Development, Recreation, Amenity, Sports, Arts, Culture, Libraries, Museum and Heritage SPC Meeting - Sept. 30th, 3pm - 5pm - Town Hall
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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You may have noticed rain gardens appearing across the Carlow Town Decarbonising Zone in recent years.
While they look like attractive flower beds, they serve an important purpose. Rain gardens are shallow planted areas that collect rainwater from nearby roads, footpaths and other hard surfaces, temporarily storing it instead of allowing it to flow directly into drains.
Follow the link below to a video with Carlow County Council Engineer Ciaran Brennan explaining why we need rain gardens and how they work.
What is a Rain Garden?
Carlow Rain Gardens - Building Climate Resilience in Carlow Town
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Take Part in SDG Week 2026!
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Ireland’s fifth Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week is taking place this year from 19th to 27th September. It forms part of the wider European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW), which runs from 18 September to 8 October 2026.
Last year, ESDW saw over 3860 events taking place across 39 countries, with almost 100 events held across Ireland.
Find out more information on how you can be involved here
For more information on sustainable development, SDG week and ideas for taking part, please go to: gov.ie/sdgs.
SDG 06 Clean Water and Sanitation
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National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) Welcomes EPA Drinking Water Quality Report 2025
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The National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) welcomes the publication of the EPA's Drinking Water Quality in Private Group Schemes and Small Private Supplies (Note 1) - 2025 report.
Access report here
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Relove Fashion Competition 2026
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The Relove Fashion Competition 2026 invites young people aged 12 to 19 to create a wearable fashion piece by upcycling unwanted clothes and textiles. Ideal for schools and youth groups, the competition promotes creativity, reuse, and sustainable fashion. Register interest by 30 September for a chance to win a sewing machine. Participants can also access free unwanted textiles from participating charity shops. Find out more and register at www.relovefashion.ie.
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Public Libraries are vital: New EU Report Calls for Stronger Recognition and Investment
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Public libraries are generally seen as simply a place for borrowing books and a quiet place to read the newspapers. A new report, 'Strengthening Europe through public libraries', published by the European Commission argues that their role has expanded far beyond these traditional library services. Public libraries are now essential institutions that support education, digital inclusion, community resilience, democratic participation, cultural engagement, and social wellbeing.
Read report here
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Carlow Beo! Continues this September
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Designed to celebrate the vibrancy of the local creative sector, Carlow BEO!, (meaning ‘Carlow Alive’) features a diverse program including music, dance, drama, street performance, and comedy. The initiative brings professional performances directly into the heart of communities, utilising a variety of settings from tourism and hospitality venues, public spaces and community centres.
Catch up with whats happening this September here
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Accelerating Infrastructure Delivery
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Ireland is investing in the essential infrastructure that supports homes, jobs and communities. From water and electricity to transport, these connections help build a sustainable future. Projects like the National Broadband Plan, Luas and major road improvements show what Ireland can achieve.
Read more here
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Leighlin Dementia Friendly Community Meeting
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The Carlow Dementia Group will hold its next meeting on September 11th at 11am in Leighlin Parish Centre (R93KR83). The group offers a friendly and supportive environment for people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers, to meet, share experiences and access useful information and support. New members are welcome to attend.
Carlow PPN is delighted to support the group and looks forward to attending the meeting, helping to strengthen connections, share information and support the valuable work being done within the community.
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Amber provides specialist support for women, with or without children, in Carlow and Kilkenny who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. Support is available both in the refuge and through community-based services, offering a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental environment.
Read Amber's Directors Annual Report 2025 here
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Free MediBack Service for Safe Medicine Disposal
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The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, has announced the introduction of MediBack, a free nationwide service that allows people to return unused or expired medicines to their local community pharmacy for safe disposal.
The initiative aims to reduce the risks associated with keeping unwanted medicines at home, including accidental poisoning and misuse, while also helping to prevent medicines from entering the black market.
By ensuring medicines are disposed of responsibly, MediBack supports the health of people, animals, and the environment.
Full details can be found 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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Funding Opportunity for Community & Voluntary Groups to Support Climate Action week 2026
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Carlow Climate Action Week returns from 5th to 11th October 2026, bringing together communities, schools, businesses, organisations, and individuals from across the county to celebrate local climate action, share ideas, and inspire positive change.
The Environment & Climate Department of Carlow County Council is encouraging community and voluntary organisations to take part in Carlow Climate Action Week 2026 by offering a limited number of grants of up to €500 to help turn great ideas into meaningful local action.
Full details here
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Community Foundation Ireland’s Biodiversity Fund is open for applications untill Friday 2nd October at 4pm.
With the support of the National Parks & Wildlife Service, this fund has been devised to enhance biodiversity in communities throughout the country by combining the expertise of qualified ecologists with the skills, experience, and enthusiasm of local community groups.
Full details here
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Christmas Lights Grant Scheme
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Christmas may be months away, but communities across Carlow are already preparing for the festive season.
Carlow County Council is inviting local groups to apply for the 2026 Christmas Lights Grant Scheme to help fund festive lighting displays in towns and villages across the county.
Application deadline: 18 September 2026.
Please share and help spread the word.
Full details 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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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
Wednesday 30th September 2026 - 5.30pm - 8.30pm
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
Register here or through the QR code
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Disability Equality Training - Carlow Disabled Person Organisation (CDPO)
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Carlow PPN is pleased to support this Disability Equality Training, delivered by the Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) and the Carlow Disabled Persons Organisation (CDPO).
This training will help disabled people learn more about their rights and build confidence to speak up for themselves and others.
When & Where: Wednesday 29th October | 10am to 1pm | Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow
Register here
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Carlow PPN Bursary - Training Places with Carmichael Ireland
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Carlow PPN is delighted to confirm that we have purchased training places in the Carmichael Training Centre for our members.
You can find information about the courses we have purchased below, to book a place contact Trish or Fiona in the PPN office and we will sign you up. These places have already been paid for by Carlow PPN.
Full details here
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Canva for Beginners with Carlow LEO
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Create professional marketing content for your business in a single day, no design experience required. You will build branded templates, social media graphics, simple video, and print and website designs you can use straight away, guided hands-on by Debbie Ringwood, Ireland's first Canva Certified Community Trainer.
Book here
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Watercraft Training Courses
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A range of freshwater training courses are available for volunteers, community groups, farmers and others interested in protecting local rivers and streams. Courses include the one-day Freshwater Detective Course, introducing participants to stream ecology and water quality assessment, and the accredited two-day Small Streams Characterisation System (SSCS) Course, which trains volunteers to monitor freshwater habitats using citizen science methods.
Courses are often supported through LEADER funding or LAWPRO and can be tailored to local groups and communities.
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Local Events & Other News
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World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) European Healthy City
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Carlow County Council is proud to announce that Carlow has been officially accredited as a World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) European Healthy City for Phase VIII (2026–2030), joining a prestigious network of cities across Europe recognised for their commitment to placing health, wellbeing, equity and sustainability at the centre of local governance and development.
More Information
Well done Carlow County Council from the PPN Team!
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Social Justice & Public Policy Modules Available from SETU & SJI
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Applications are now open for learners interested in auditing standalone modules from the MA in Social Justice and Public Policy. This flexible option is ideal for those who wish to experience university-level learning, support their personal or professional development, or explore topics of interest without enrolling in a full degree programme.
Find out more here
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Culture Night Programme 2026
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Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council in partnership with and led by Carlow County Council Arts Service; it is a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity, and the arts.
Culture Night will take place on Friday 18th September 2026.
More info
Culture Night 2026 Events
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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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