Volume 11 - Issue 5 - Carlow Public Participation Network Members E-Bulletin, May 2025
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Influencing the Decisions That Shape Your Community!
Community & Voluntary ~ Social Inclusion ~ Environment
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We hope you enjoy reading our May eBulletin.
Please share it with members of your group -
it is important that group members are kept up to date and well informed!
Please avail of the opportunity to promote your groups activities here!
Contact Fiona - fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie or carlowppn@carlowcoco.ie
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Carlow PPN 19th Plenary – Community Voices in Action!
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Carlow PPN held its 19th Plenary AGM Meeting on April 24th at the Seven Oaks Hotel, bringing together member groups from across the county to celebrate progress and shape the future.
Highlights included:
- Welcoming new member groups
- Ratifying new reps on Strategic Policy Committees and new PPN Secretariat members
- Approving the 2025 Workplan and Budget
- Celebrating community events like International Women’s Day at Altamont Gardens
- Expanding our training, outreach, and supports for member groups
We’re proud to be strengthening representation and making sure community voices are heard where it matters most.
Want to get more involved? Vacancies are open on several committees – we’d love to talk with you!
📧 carlowppn@carlowcoco.ie | 📞 059 917 2495 | 📱 087 195 1444
🔗 Visit us online: www.carlowppn.ie
Together, we’re building a more inclusive, connected Carlow
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Strategic Policy Committees in Local Government
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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, I recommend visiting the official website of your local authority or contacting them directly.
Local authorities regularly update their websites with information pertinent to SPC activities and public participation opportunities.
Carlow County Council Website
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
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Dates of next SPC & other committee meetings for May 2025:
- Transportation, Environment, Emergency Services & Capital Projects SPC meeting - 3pm - 5pm. May 1st 2025
- LCDC meeting - 4.30pm, May 13th 2025
- Housing and Integration SPC meeting - 3.30pm, May 14th, 2025
- Carlow Tourism meeting - 4pm, May 21st, 2025
- Community Development, Recreation, Amenity, Sports, Arts, Culture, Libraries, Museum & Heritage SPC meeting - 4.30pm, May 27th, 2025
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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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National Biodiversity Week Ireland
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National Biodiversity Week is all about connecting you with nature, communicating the importance of biodiversity and providing motivation to play your part in protecting it.
If you have an event you would like uploaded to the Biodiversity Week website you can do so using this link.
Please note that to be included on the calendar your event must be:
- Open to the public and free to attend
- Themed around an aspect of Irish biodiversity
- Take place within the dates of Biodiversity Week (May 16th - 25th inclusive)
- Have your own insurance in place for events
All events are reviewed before being published so please be patient as this may take some time.
If you have any media/communications questions regarding Biodiversity
Week please email Ciaran Brennan at ciaran@ien.ie
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Goats, Pollinators & Fire Engines
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On Monday, April 28th, a small herd of rare Old Irish Goats arrived in Co. Carlow as part of an initiative supporting urban pollinators, building on the Carlow Green Infrastructure Strategy to promote new approaches to green space management.
The goats will visit Hacketstown Fire Station on May 2nd & 3rd - (photo shoot at 12pm, Saturday).
On Saturday, May 3rd, Kate Chandler from the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan will host a session at 11am, followed by a community gardening workshop with Environmental Awareness Officer Dee Sewell at 1pm.
Those interested are encouraged to email scasey@carlowcoco.ie to arrange a visit.
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Invitation to Attend the 7th European Climate Pact
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The South East Energy Agency invites you to the seventh European Climate Pact Lunch Talk/EU Peers Webinar, ‘Unlocking Energy Grants for Home Retrofits: A Pathway to Climate Resilience‘, at 1:00pm on Thursday, 1st May 2025.
The aim of this webinar is to educate homeowners, communities, and stakeholders on the available energy grants for home retrofits, helping them access financial support to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance climate resilience.
Book here
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Update
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Open Call for Videographer – Cruinniú na nÓg Carlow 2025
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Cruinniú na nÓg Carlow is part of a national initiative celebrating creativity in young people. This vibrant event, taking place on June 7th, provides free opportunities for children and young people to explore creative expression through various art forms, including visual arts, music, theatre, and movement. Leading up to the main event, workshops will be held across Carlow County, engaging young participants in artistic and cultural experiences.
Cruinniú na nÓg Carlow are seeking a talented videographer to capture the energy, excitement, and creativity. This video content will be used to document the event, promote future participation, and contribute to a national roundup.
To apply scan the QR code below:
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Join & Support - Carlow Arts Festival 2025
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Carlow Arts Festival's mission is to promote culture in all its forms, with the aim to foster and promote the growth of the arts including the visual arts, literature, music, dance, architecture and entertainment. Become a volunteer and play a vital role in the success of Carlow Arts Festival 2025 - your support is essential and gives us the best chance of long-term success. Each year, Carlow Arts Festival present a kaleidoscopic programme of works by local, national and international artists, across a variety of art-forms including dance, street arts, spectacle, literature, circus, visual arts, film, music and theatre.
Info to become a Sponsor or a Volunteer for the Festival day
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Community Garden & Allotment Policy Launch
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Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP)
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SICAP is the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme. The current programme began on 1 January 2024 and will run until the end of 2028. It aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality. It does this through Programme Implementers, agencies and companies, who work with the most disadvantaged and the hardest to reach in communities.
More information on SICAP
SICAP Carlow
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Report of Social Inclusion Forum 2024
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The Social Inclusion Forum as a crucial platform for fostering engagement between those
experiencing poverty and social exclusion, the community and voluntary sectors, and
the Government. It is essential that policymakers listen to the voices of
those most affected by their policies.
Insights gained from the Forum play a crucial role in shaping the contributions to Budget preparations. This report will be shared with the Social Inclusion Roadmap Steering Group, which oversees the implementation of the Roadmap.
Read more
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Alone Ireland are pleased to invite you to an upcoming stakeholder event highlighting a ground-breaking project led by ALONE and the London School of Economics.
This initiative represents a first-of-its-kind comprehensive review of international evidence on the most effective services and supports for older people.
When: 10:30am - 1:30pm, May 13th 2025
Register here
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Involvement Centres are peer led recovery focused spaces which offer a warm welcoming place in which mental health and addiction challenges are understood to be part of life and are accepted in a non-judgemental way.
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The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) are bringing together a powerful group of people dedicated to making Carlow a dementia-inclusive county. They hope to raise awareness to challenge the stigma, myths and misconceptions around dementia by opening the channels of communication and removing the barriers to change.
The Dementia Inclusive Community are based in Bethany House, Carlow.
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TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow is a transport company and operate two different types of services RRS and Door to Door.
To make a booking or register as a passenger for our Door to Door services call 0818 42 41 41.
The TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow provide bus services in Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wicklow, and to schools in Kilkenny.
On many of these services, passengers are booked on demand.
Local Link Website
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Below is the schedule of suicide prevention, intervention, and bereavement training, available through the HSE Regional Suicide Resource Office.
Also, see the timeline for upcoming campaigns supported by the Connecting for Life Regional Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention Working Group, with details on how to get involved.
> Suicide Prevention Training Feb - July 2025
> Timeline of Events 2025
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Merchants Quay Ireland: MSIF Community Fund
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Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) has been helping people experiencing homelessness and addiction for over 30 years, and our roots go back further to the Franciscans who set up a tearoom in the 80s, helping people who came to our door with nothing. This ethos of kindness and compassion is very much part of who are today.
Details: Merchants Quay Ireland: MSIF Community Fund | activelink
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Rethink Ireland: Hi Digital Fund
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Rethink Ireland, in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development are delighted to share details with you about the launch of the Hi Digital Fund.
They are inviting applications from projects and organisations that innovatively work to empower Ireland’s older adults to enhance their digital literacy, as well as improve social inclusion and quality of life through the use of technology, to ensure that no one is left behind as we transition to a more digital society.
Details: Rethink Ireland: Hi Digital Fund | activelink
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Irish Hospice Foundation: Scholarships in End-of-Life & Bereavement Care
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Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2025
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Funding Research for Cultural Heritage & Social Change
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Community Safety Fund 2025
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The Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has today opened the nationwide funding call for the Community Safety Fund 2025 during a visit to Ballymun Garda Station and the Ballymun Implementation Board in Dublin.
The annual fund allows for the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Síochána, to be directed into local projects to support and enhance community safety.
This year, €4 million is available, which is double the original allocation of €2 million when the fund first opened for applications in 2022, and grants range from €20,000 to €150,000.
Full details and application form
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Rethink Ireland: Brighter Futures Fund 2025-2028
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The Brighter Futures Fund is a three-year fund aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing for marginalised groups in Ireland. We invite applications from projects and organisations that proactively identify mental health challenges within marginalised communities, enabling early intervention that can prevent the escalation of these issues. This fund is created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with an anonymous donor and the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Full details
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Rethink Ireland: Empower Tech Futures Fund
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This 3-year fund will work with organisations/projects that directly support beneficiaries who are young people aged 18-30 from disadvantaged areas towards and into employment, with a special focus on digital and technology skills and the Dublin and/or Cork regions.
Details: Rethink Ireland: Empower Tech Futures Fund | activelink
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Consultations, Surveys & Submissions
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Public Consultation on the successor to the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025
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The Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 aims to reduce poverty in Ireland and improve inclusion for the most disadvantaged. Its goal is to cut consistent poverty to 2% or less and make Ireland a leading EU country for social inclusion.
It includes 81 commitments developed with government departments and agencies. Progress is tracked through annual reports and report cards available on gov.ie.
Share your view
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Carlow to SETU Pedestrian & Cycle Scheme Phase 2
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Carlow County Council is planning to carry out improvement works on Kilkenny Road (R-448), including its junctions with Granby Row (L-4008) and Burrin Street (R-417) in Carlow Town. These works are being done under the authority of the Road Traffic Act.
The main purpose of the project is to:
- Improve footpaths and cycle lanes to make it safer and easier for people to walk and cycle in the area.
- Introduce traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps or narrower lanes, to slow down vehicles and improve safety for all road users.
- This notice is part of the legal requirement to inform the public about the upcoming works.
Make a Submission here
Open Consultations in Carlow
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Public Consultation on a new Action Plan for Insurance Reform
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The 2020 Action Plan for Insurance Reform delivered significant progress in stabilising the insurance market, improving competition, and addressing key regulatory challenges. However, issues remain, and the Government is committed to further reforms that will ensure fairer pricing, enhanced competition, and a more sustainable insurance market for consumers, businesses, and insurers.
The Department of Finance invites interested parties to submit their views as part of the public consultation on the development of a new Action Plan for Insurance Reform (2025-2029).
Submit your views
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Consultation on Carbon Budgets
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This consultation seeks public feedback on the Climate Change Advisory Council’s latest recommendations for Carbon Budgets 3 (2031–2035) and 4 (2036–2040). The input will help Minister Darragh O'Brien prepare recommendations for the government. These carbon budgets, along with the Climate Action Plan, guide Ireland’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 (from 2018 levels) and reach climate neutrality by 2050.
Submit your views here
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Consultation on the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) Statement of Strategy 2025- 2028
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The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is preparing its 2025–2028 Strategy, as required by the Public Service Management Act 1997. Our focus areas include climate action, environmental protection, natural resources, and energy—covering security, sustainability, competitiveness, and affordability.
This strategy will be guided by the Programme for Government, Climate Action Plan, National Development Plan, and other key policies.
Submit your views here
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New! Training & Workshops
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How to make impactful contributions to the Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) as a PPN Representative
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The Irish Environmental Network (IEN) are joined by Councillor Dermot ‘Daisy’ O’Brien, who will share his wealth of experience and insight into the Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs).
- Learn tips and tricks on how to shape your input to be impactful during an SPC meeting.
- Dermot will be speaking from his experience as a Councillor serving on Wicklow’s Strategic Policy Committees, and from his experience as a community representative.
What: How to make impactful contributions to the SPCs as a PPN Representative
Where: Online
When: Monday 12th May, 7pm
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PPN Stakeholder Training | Social Justice Ireland
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Social Justice Ireland (SJI) is an independent think tank and advocacy group dedicated to improving lives and communities. They provide unbiased social analysis and develop evidence-based policies to build a sustainable future for everyone. Their work is guided by a strong commitment to human rights and the common good.
They offer PPN Stakeholder Training to support and strengthen Public Participation Networks (PPNs). This training helps PPN members, representatives, and stakeholders engage effectively in local decision-making processes.
What the Training Covers:
- Understanding PPNs – The role, structure, and purpose of PPNs in local governance.
- Effective Representation – Skills and strategies for PPN representatives to advocate for their communities.
- Policy & Decision-Making – How local policies are developed and how PPNs can influence them.
Collaboration & Engagement – Building strong relationships with local authorities and other stakeholders.
SJI’s training ensures that PPN members have the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully to social and policy change at the local level.
Register for Training here
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What is the Local Community Development Committee and How Do You Use It?
An introduction to the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)
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An introduction for current and aspiring Public Participation Network Representatives
Join the Irish Environmental Network (IEN) and the Environmental Pillar from on April 14th at 7.30pm to hear from Kelley Bermingham, Dublin City PPN Representative on the Local Community Development Company (LCDC).
Kelley is the Community Officer at St. Patrick's Cathedral, and has served on the LCDC since 2019.
Kelley will share her knowledge and experience from her time on the LCDC. There will be lots of time for questions and discussion at this event, so it is perfect for anyone who is thinking of taking a role on the Local Community Development Committee, or who is a newly appointed PPN Representative.
All are welcome, please share this event with other PPN Members and anyone who may be interested in attending.
When: April 14th, 7.30pm
Where: Online
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/A81GCVbJRCCUyHgEv6ib1Q
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Rochtain Political Advocacy and Political Comms Training Seminars
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Rochtain helps to improve the understanding of the domestic political system in Ireland. They enhance the capacity of smaller community, voluntary and non-profit organisations to engage with elected representatives.
They will be offering a number of online training sessions that you can register for. The details of same and registration links are below:
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The Wheel’s Workplace Resolution Programme
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This webinar - part of The Wheel’s Workplace Resolution Programme - will introduce attendees to the principles of conflict coaching - an approach that empowers people to navigate workplace disputes with confidence and skill. Whether you're a trustee, volunteer, manager, HR professional, or team member, this session will provide valuable insights to foster a more collaborative and resilient organisation.
Attendees will gain an understanding of conflict coaching, explore its benefits, and learn practical tools to support colleagues to resolve tensions.
When: Fri, 16 May, 10am - 11am
Where: Online, via Zoom
If you would like to attend this Free webinar, please email fbroadbery@carlowcoco.ie
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Community First Aid Training
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Carlow County Council will be running a 1 day first aid course for community members in April and May.
There are 3 dates available:
- Saturday 3rd May, 9:30am-4pm - Location TBC (Muinebheag MD)
- Saturday 24th May, 9:30am-4pm - Forward Steps Family Resource Centre, Tullow
There is no cost to attend but spaces are limited so please book a space. Lunch will be provided on the day.
Please note this is a basic 1-day course for voluntary community members and cannot be used for accreditation for workplace requirements.
To book your place please contact Victoria on 0871515740 or email vkavanagh@carlowcoco.ie
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Excel and AI – How can AI help?
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As part of the National Training Fund (NTF) 2025 Programme, Carmichael is hosting a FREE NTF webinar on “Excel and AI – how can AI help with formulas and more?” with Anne Walsh.
This 50 minute webinar will include:
- How to use an AI tool (Co-Pilot/Chat GPT) to summarise the results of a set of questionnaires with actionable points
- Use it to explain an existing Excel formula to you
- Use it to help you with creating Excel formulas/formatting
Date: 20th June 2025, 1.05pm - 1.55pm
Register here
Other Courses from Carmichael Ireland
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Weekend Whale Watching Courses 2025
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Looking for a weekend with a difference? Why not join the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), Ireland’s leading marine conservation NGO, on a weekend whale-watching course in West Cork during summer 2025.
Bookings link for May 23-25th Course
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Construction Training Rig
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The Mobile Construction Training Rig is designed to showcase modern construction techniques and technologies, with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.
CCDP would like to invite all interested persons to take advantage of the information being provided in all disciplines to do with construction
Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with experts, access up-to-date information across various construction disciplines, and learn about the latest practices in building performance and environmental standards.
When: Carlow Town on Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th May 2025.
Booking details on poster.
Other Apprentice Training Programmes
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Applications Now Open for Pride of Place 2025
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Carlow County Council is pleased to announce the opening of applications for Pride of Place 2025. Applications are invited from Residents Associations, Tidy Towns and Village Groups and Community Projects across the County who are engaged in or intending to engage in works to that will create long lasting impact in their communities.
These applications will be judged on community inter-generational involvement, biodiversity, aesthetics of the area, use of colour and protection of wildlife and flora.
Information
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Pan Celtic International Festival
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Carlow County Council are delighted that Carlow town has officially been announced as the host of the annual Pan Celtic International Festival for 2026 and 2027!
The aim of the festival is to celebrate and promote the culture and languages of the six Celtic nations – Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man.
Read more here
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Plan Your Festival - CAF 2025
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County Carlow offer dozens of accommodation and hospitality options to enhance your festival weekend.
With numerous free and ticketed events running into the evening across the whole festival, why not make a night of it and enjoy dinner-and-a-show followed by a stay at a one of Carlow's many delightful hotels.
Carlow Arts Festival are partnering with Carlow Tourism to promote and share the best County Carlow has to offer and welcome visitors to the town this June.
To plan your stay and find out more about what County Carlow has to offer, visit Carlow Tourism's website.
For tickets and information for all Carlow Arts Festival events click here.
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ReUse Textiles Event - Saturday 3rd May, 1 - 4pm | An Gairdin Beo, Carlow
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ReUse Textiles is partnering with County Carlow Environmental Network (CCEN) for a drop-in event this Saturday, 3rd May, from 1pm to 4pm at An Gairdin Beo, Dublin Road, Carlow.
The afternoon will feature a popular clothing swap and beginner knitting and crochet lessons, with needles, hooks, and yarn provided.
Also debuting is Carlow’s first Textiles Repair Café, run by Amanda and the team at Steadfast Creations. They’ll help with patching holes, fixing zips (repairs only), taking up hems, and replacing buttons. While major alterations can’t be done on the day, advice will be available. Booking is needed for repairs.
This event aims to raise awareness about fast fashion’s impact and promote sustainable, ethical clothing practices.
Book your spot here
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*Please click on the posters for a fuller image...
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