Latest News

Latest News

11 03,2024

Nominations open for the Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2024

Nominations open for the Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2024 Applications are now open for the Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2024 which are an annual initiative to acknowledge the commitment of individuals and groups who participate in community and voluntary activities in County Galway and to recognise the significant impact their actions have on quality of life in their communities.  …
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02 03,2024

PPN March 2024 Newsletter

Dear PPN Members, To see our PPN March 2024 Newsletter please click HERE. PDF for printing is available here: ppn-march-newsletter-2024.  (note the newsletter is formatted for better reading online). The PPN Newsletter, as always, is packed with info on funding, trainings, consultations, news, events, activities, meetings, supports and resources, that would be relevant to the Community &…
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01 03,2024

PPN March Training Series

Dear PPN members, Please see below/attached details for our PPN March Training Series, which may be of interest to you/your group. Please register using the links below. This training is FREE to PPN members. Training is provided by Irvine Training and will be online. The link for the training will be sent out closer to…
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19 02,2024

Call for organisations and groups to be Sustainable Development Goal Champions

Monday, 19 February 2024 Call for organisations and groups to be Sustainable Development Goal Champions The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is now seeking Expressions of Interest for participants in the 2024-25 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Champions Programme. As part of the 2024-2025 programme, a number of organisations and groups from across the…
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09 02,2024

Increasing the Participation of Women and Diversity in Local Government

A programme set to be delivered by the Galway County and City Women’s Caucus to highlight the need for greater diversity and gender equality in local government The Galway County and City Women’s Caucus will deliver a programme in the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe at the end of February, to progress activities to encourage participation…
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02 02,2024

PPN February 2024 Newsletter

Dear PPN Members, To see our PPN February 2024 Newsletter please click: HERE. PDF for printing is available here: ppn-february-2024-newsletter. (note the newsletter is formatted for better reading online). The PPN Newsletter, as always, is packed with info on funding, trainings, consultations, news, events, activities, meetings, supports and resources, that would be relevant to the Community & Voluntary, Social Inclusion,…
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30 01,2024

National Heritage Week 2024 Theme

National Heritage Week 2024 will take place from 17th-25th August 2024. This year we will celebrate the theme of “Connections, Routes & Networks”. What is the theme about? The theme of Connections, Routes and Networks invites you to explore the links between people and communities, to look at what brings us together and what connects…
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30 01,2024

National Disability Strategy – National Survey

As part of the new National Disability Strategy consultation process, the National Survey in now live and will remain open until 11th February 2024. Link to Survey     Alternative survey versions Link for Irish language version here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R2PJ5KV Link for an Easy Read version here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LVWJ5YG. Link for version for screen readers here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TLHNBSQ…
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22 01,2024

Ireland’s Public Consultation on the future of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy

The Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, today 22nd of January  launched Ireland’s public consultation on the future of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy. This forms part of a wider process which is being facilitated by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in advance of negotiations on the…
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19 01,2024

Funding webinar

Galway County PPN will be hosting a funding info webinar with Galway County Council covering both the Community Support Scheme and the Local Enhancement Programme 2024. 6th February 2024 6pm Online via Zoom : https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lduCgrDIjGdK35G2IFIN7LBg6by_n16CW

11 01,2024

PPN Stakeholder Training by Social Justice Ireland

PPN Stakeholder Training The online only self-paced training videos programme for PPN stakeholders has been developed with SJI. Registrations for the online only training is now open. Social Justice Ireland is providing this training on behalf of the Department. The online only training covers the following: –             An Introduction…
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11 01,2024

Climate Action Plan 2024

From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Published on 20 December 2023 The Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP24) is the third annual update to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. The Plan was approved by Government on 20 December 2023, subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment. Read plan below: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/79659-climate-action-plan-2024/

11 01,2024

Joining the PPN

11 01,2024

January Ordinary Meeting of Plenary Council: Monday, 22nd January 2024 at 11a.m.

The January Ordinary Meeting of Plenary Council will be held on Monday, 22nd January 2024 at 11a.m. 

11 01,2024

Directory of Services for Older People in Galway City and County

AGE FRIENDLY PROGRAMME The Community Section of Galway County Council now has full delivery of the English & Irish versions of the Directory of Services for Older People, and any agency or group can contact the team at 091 509 521 to arrange to pick-up a number of copies for their local groups at our…
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11 01,2024

Applications are open for the Creative Youth on a Shared Island Funding Scheme

The Shared Island-dimension of the Creative Ireland Programme wants to explore creative opportunities for young people to connect. The scheme seeks to reach children and young people across the island of Ireland.  Our aim is to harness the experience and expertise of organisations working in the creative, cultural, arts, community and youth sectors to engage…
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11 01,2024

Minister Ryan launches €27 million fund for Community Climate Action

Published on Wednesday 10th January 2024. Minister Ryan launches €27 million fund for Community Climate Action while visiting Cavan Applications open across the country for one of the largest funds ever allocated to support local projects with climate action Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, today got 2024 off to a strong start…
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05 01,2024

PPN January 2024 Newsletter

Dear PPN Members, To see our PPN January 2024 Newsletter please click: HERE. The PPN Newsletter, as always, is packed with info on funding, trainings, consultations, news, events, activities, meetings, supports and resources, that would be relevant to the Community & Voluntary, Social Inclusion, or Environment pillars of the Galway County Public Participation Network. Newsletter…
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28 12,2023

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces new €5 million Fund to support over 100 Sports Clubs in rural areas

From Department of Rural and Community Development Published on 28 December 2023 Last updated on 28 December 2023 New supports are a key deliverable under Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027 County Outdoor Recreation Plans will help guide and facilitate the future development of outdoor recreation and will support future applications for funding for outdoor…
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28 12,2023

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces €2 million in funding to develop Outdoor Recreation at a County Level

From Department of Rural and Community Development Published on 28 December 2023 Last updated on 28 December 2023 New supports are a key deliverable under Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027 County Outdoor Recreation Plans will help guide and facilitate the future development of outdoor recreation and will support future applications for funding for outdoor…
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22 12,2023

Charities (Amendment) Bill 2023

From Department of Rural and Community Development Published on 22 December 2023 Last updated on 22 December 2023 This Bill provides for a number of amendments to the Charities Act 2009 . The Bill aims to provide greater transparency for the public in relation to finances and operations of registered charities and will introduce measures proportionate to the size and…
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13 12,2023

Minister Joe O’Brien announces increased funding for 400 community organisations

From Department of Rural and Community Development Published on 13 December 2023 Last updated on 13 December 2023 Additional €4.3m funding to support community services organisations from January 2024, under the Community Services Programme (CSP) Additional €1 million approved to allow 14 new organisations join the programme 400 community organisations nationwide to benefit Minister for Community Development, Integration…
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07 12,2023

New €6 million “Department of Rural and Community Development Local Enhancement Programme 2024”

Media Release (link below to Department website) https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/106e1-ministers-humphreys-and-obrien-announce-6-million-department-of-rural-community-development-local-enhancement-programme-2024/ Wednesday, 6th December 2023 Ministers Humphreys and Joe O’Brien announce new €6 million “Department of Rural and Community Development Local Enhancement Programme 2024” New €6 million capital fund to assist thousands of community groups across the country €1 million ring-fenced funding to support Women’s Groups Local Enhancement…
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06 12,2023

Ministers Humphreys and O’Brien announce €6 million Department of Rural & Community Development Local Enhancement Programme 2024

From Department of Rural and Community Development Published on 6 December 2023 Last updated on 6 December 2023 New €6 million capital fund to assist thousands of community groups across the country €1 million ring-fenced funding to support Women’s Groups Local Enhancement Programme to focus on disadvantaged areas Supporting community groups a key focus of ‘Our Rural Future’…
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05 12,2023

Community Climate Action Fund launch

New €762,000 Fund Supports Community Climate Action in County Galway Galway County Council has announced details of a new funding scheme for communities and not-for-profit organisations interested in developing projects and initiatives focusing on addressing climate change.     €762,000 is being made available through the new Community Climate Action Fund to support communities in…
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01 12,2023

PPN December Newsletter

Dear PPN Members, Please see here our PPN December Newsletter 2023: PPN December 23 Newsletter The PPN Newsletter, as always, is packed with info on funding, trainings, consultations, news, events, activities, meetings, supports and resources, that would be relevant to the Community & Voluntary, Social Inclusion, or Environment pillars of the Galway County Public Participation…
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01 12,2023

PPN Winter Plenary

The PPN Winter Plenary was held on 28th November in the Claregalway Hotel. PPN members heard updates from the PPN Secretariat and SPC representatives. Members approved the Workplan and Budget for 2024. Members also had the opportunity to hear from a variety of organisations. Guest speakers included Galway County Council’s Community Climate Action Officer, Denise…
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23 11,2023

Minister Joe O’Brien Publishes the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2024

From Department of Rural and Community Development Published on 23 November 2023 Last updated on 23 November 2023 €47.6 million in funding to help address disadvantage   Minister of State for Community Development, Integration and Charities Joe O’Brien TD, today (23th November 2023) announced funding of €47.6 million from the Dormant Accounts Fund to address disadvantage right across…
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17 11,2023

The Community Climate Action Fund

    Galway County Council’s draft Climate Acton Plan has been launched and we want your views. The Climate Action Team will be coming to the following locations to discuss the plan and associated Climate Action Fund for Communities: Tuam Library, Saturday November 18th, 14:00 – 15:30 Loughrea Library, Wednesday November 22nd 17:30 – 19:00 Claregalway Hotel, Tuesday…
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10 11,2023

Public Information Day – Park Development Ballinasloe – Tue 14th Nov, 2:00-6:30pm, Ballinasloe Library

Public Information Day – Tuesday 14th November, 2:00pm-6:30pm, at Ballinasloe Library. (flyer attached) Information below on the Public Information portal  for the Amenity Park Development at Pollboy Landfill, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. Galway County Council have drafted the Initial Amenity Development Plan and invites public input on the project. The redevelopment of Pollboy Landfill aims to…
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10 11,2023

Galway County Council’s Draft Climate Action Plan 2024-2029

Date: 10th November 2023 Climate Change has been identified as the most pressing long-term global challenge of our time. National and local governments are increasingly required to take ambitious action to decrease greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change (mitigation) and increase resilience to climate change impacts and risks (adaptation).  This is reflected in the…
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07 11,2023

Winter Plenary

Dear PPN Members,   You are invited to attend the PPN Winter PLENARY Meeting on Tuesday, 28th November @ 6:30pm – 9pm in the Claregalway Hotel, H91 XR8E.   All member groups are invited to attend our Winter Plenary Meeting. We strongly encourage all member groups to attend the Plenary. While being an important decision…
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02 11,2023

Disability Awareness Training – Inclusive Community Groups

As part of Social Inclusion Week 2023, we have arranged Disability Awareness Training – Inclusive Community Groups – delivered by Disability Federation of Ireland Monday, 20th November from 15.00–16.30 Topics Covered The principles of Inclusion Communication Building Accessibility Group Management and planning of Activities Case Studies Guest Speaker: Carmel Craven (expert by experience) Register in advance…
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02 11,2023

Register to Vote Information

The electoral registration process has changed. Even if you are already registered, you now need to add your PPSN, date of birth and Eircode. This will allow your local authority to confirm your details and help to ensure the accuracy of the electoral register. Check the Register below: https://www.checktheregister.ie/en-IE/  

01 11,2023

PPN November Newsletter 2023

Dear PPN Members, Please see below our PPN November Newsletter 2023. PLEASE READ NEWSLETTER HERE PDF for printing: PPN Newsletter November 2023 PDF for Printing The PPN Newsletter, as always, is packed with info on funding, trainings, consultations, news, events, activities, meetings, supports and resources, that would be relevant to the Community & Voluntary, Social…
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31 10,2023

A Guide for Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning and Decision Making

From Department of Rural and Community Development Published on 1 February 2023 Last updated on 25 October 2023 ‘A Guide for Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning and Decision Making’ supports consultation and engagement at local level. The handy ‘how-to’ reference guide is aimed at ensuring that the most marginalised and disadvantaged communities have opportunities to engage and…
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28 09,2023

PPN October Newsletter 2023

Dear PPN Members, Please see below our October Newsletter. Read here: https://o7uqmjt35v.preview-postedstuff.com/V2-oUbx-lJFE-IE9R-65bA/ The PPN Newsletter, as always, is packed with info on events, funding and other news for community groups. Submissions Deadline for the next issue is 24th October 2023 – for November Newsletter! The next Newsletter will have a special focus on Environment Pillar…
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27 09,2023

PPN holds SDG Training for Tidy Towns groups

To celebrate and highlight European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) 20 September – 26 September 2023 the PPN ran two Sustainable Development Goals workshops specifically tailored to Tidy Towns groups. ‘The ESDW is a European-wide initiative to stimulate and make visible activities, projects and events that promote sustainable development. The recently adopted global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable…
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08 09,2023

Call for the creation of a Corrib Forum

The Who’s Who in the Corrib event last Saturday, 2nd September in Claregalway, heard calls on the need for a Corrib Forum, to bring together the many State agencies and voluntary groups that are working to protect the Corrib. The Corrib workshop included over 40 representatives from Galway City & County Councils, EPA, Inland Fisheries,…
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06 09,2023

Enhancing Social Inclusion in 2023 – Pobal 30 Galway Event

Pobal’s second regional event, celebrating our 30th Anniversary, took place in Galway on 6 September 2023.  The event was held in the Ardilaun Hotel, Taylor’s Hill. The theme of the event was ‘Enhancing Social Inclusion in 2023’ and the focus of the day was on Pobal, Government and communities in the Galway region working together to…
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01 09,2023

PPN September 2023 Newsletter

PPN September 2023 Newsletter Dear PPN Members, Please see below our September 2023 Newsletter. The PPN Newsletter, as always, is packed with info on events, funding and other news for community groups. If you would  like to include your news in the next Newsletter, please email  [email protected] or [email protected] . Read newsletter here: https://o7uqmjt35v.preview-postedstuff.com/V2-oUbx-lJFE-IE9R-WM0M/

23 08,2023

Who’s Who in the Corrib – Working together for Better Water Quality

Who’s Who in the Corrib – Working together for Better Water Quality   On Saturday, September 2nd at 11am, an exciting and informative event is taking place for the public! The event was inspired by community concerns over the water quality in the Corrib Catchment. Several groups, including the Ballindiff Bay Angling Club, Corrib Beo,…
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21 08,2023

Minister Joe O’Brien officially announces bursaries for professional Community Work education

From Department of Rural and Community Development Published on 28 July 2023 Last updated on 28 July 2023 • Community workers supported to get professional Community Work qualifications • Commitment under the government’s five year strategy for the Community and Voluntary sector: Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities The Minister of State for Communities, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien T.D. has…
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13 07,2023

PPN July / August 2023 Newsletter

Dear PPN Members,   Please see below our July / August 2023 Newsletter. The PPN Newsletter, as always, is packed with info on events, funding and other news for community groups. If you would  like to include your news in the next Newsletter, please email  [email protected] or [email protected]  Read here: https://o7uqmjt35v.preview-postedstuff.com/V2-oUbx-lJFE-IE9R-m3rE/

17 06,2023

New initiatives to drive climate action in the cultural sector

14 June 2023 Minister Martin announces new funding and plan to support cultural organisations to reduce carbon emissions Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, has today set out her vision for the cultural sector to become a leader on climate action in Ireland. At the core of this vision will…
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17 06,2023

PPN June/July 2023 Newsletter

Dear PPN Members, Please see below our June/ July 2023 Newsletter. The PPN Newsletter, as always, is packed with info on events, funding and other news for community groups. If you would  like to include your news in the next Newsletter, please email  [email protected] or [email protected] PPN Newsletter June/ July 2023

15 06,2023

Our Living Islands: Minister Humphreys launches National Islands Policy and Action Plan

From Department of Rural and Community Development Published on 7 June 2023 ambitious new 10-year policy along with 80-point action plan to support vibrant and sustainable island communities focus on improving housing and water infrastructure, better access to essential services in health and education, delivering high speed broadband, and developing outdoor amenities and sustainable tourism Vacant Property…
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13 06,2023

Kilcornan Walking Trails, Officially Opens to visitors

The Kilcornan Trails, located in Clarinbridge, were officially opened this week, following development work over the past two years. The ceremony included a blessing of the bridge and trail by Fr. Barry Hogan, with the trails officially opened by the Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr. Michael Maher and local resident Mr. Michael Sullivan.…
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12 06,2023

NATIONAL AGE FRIENDLY AWARDS 2023

Each year a local authority hosts the Age Friendly Awards and Wexford County Council are hosting the National Awards event for 2023 on 30th November in Clayton Whites Hotel, Co. Wexford.   The primary aim of these awards is to recognise and reward achievement in age friendly initiatives around Ireland.  We are calling for organisations, individuals/members…
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06 06,2023

GALWAY’S COMMUNITY GROUPS HONOURED AT CATHAOIRLEACH’S AWARDS 2023

Community groups from across County Galway gathered last night at the Meadowcourt Hotel in Loughrea for the Cathaoirleach’s Community Awards 2023. Held in conjunction with the Cathaoirleach’s Ball, the awards ceremony was organised by Galway County Council in partnership with Galway County Public Participation Network and was hosted by the Cathaoirleach Cllr. Michael Maher and…
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