Latest News

Latest News

02 05,2023

The Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2023 / Gradaim Phobail an Chathaoirligh 2023

The Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2023 Cllr. Michael ‘Moegie’ Maher, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, is delighted to launch the Cathaoirleach’s Awards for 2023, which are an annual initiative to acknowledge and reward voluntary activity which contributes greatly to the quality of life in communities across our County.    The Cathaoirleach welcomes this great opportunity to ‘give…
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17 04,2023

CLÁR 2023: €7.85 million funding for community and sports facilities

Specific measures also target cancer care transport, community first responders and off-shore islands Almost €8 million in fresh funding has been allocated to community and sports facilities nationwide under the 2023 CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) programme . The CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline. The programme…
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03 04,2023

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces almost €8 million in funding for community and sports facilities

From Department of Rural and Community Development Published on 29 March 2023 2023 CLÁR Programme to deliver hundreds of projects nationwide grants for community and sports facilities, youth clubs, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks and more upgrades to spectator stands at local GAA and sports clubs to be funded for first time supports also for Cancer Care…
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27 03,2023

Minister Heather Humphreys launches 2023 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition celebrating 65 years of transforming communities

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, in association with the Managing Director of SuperValu, Ian Allen, have today (23 March 2023) launched the 2023 SuperValu TidyTowns competition. Since 1958, the competition, which is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by SuperValu, has been a pivotal initiative in…
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27 03,2023

March Newsletter out now!

Dear PPN Members, Please see below our March 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] PPN Newsletter March 2023

20 03,2023

Connected Project Webinar Thursday, 23rd March @ 7pm

The Connected project, supported by Pobal, and bringing together the collective expertise of communities in Ireland engaging in sustainability launched in March 2023. The project builds on the experiences of community groups that have proven success in increasing local engagement in sustainability. It helps existing groups to have greater impacts, creating an network of shared…
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09 03,2023

Minister Joe O’Brien announces fresh funding call for groups that support disadvantaged

Call for applications under Community Services Programme (CSP) Programme benefits groups providing services and creating employment for disadvantaged Workshops to assist organisations applying for scheme   Minister for Community Development, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD has today, (Monday, 6th March 2023) announced a new Call for Applications under the Community Services Programme (CSP). The…
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23 02,2023

PPN February Newsletter Out Now!

Dear PPN Members, Please see below our February 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] PPN February 2023 Newsletter

22 02,2023

Annual Report 2022

Galway County PPN are proud to share our Annual Report for 2022. 2022 was another busy year for the PPN, with lots of exciting events, funding opportunities and workshops! The year was a difficult one for community groups across County Galway as they returned to ‘normal’ following the Covid-19 pandemic. The strength and resilience of…
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21 02,2023

Minister Joe O’Brien urges community groups to join Public Participation Networks as national awareness campaign launched

New public awareness campaign for Public Participation Networks (PPNs) launched Call for community groups to join PPNs and have greater voice in local decision-making 18,000 groups across Ireland already helping to ‘Build a better future’ through their involvement Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, Charities and Integration, Joe O’Brien TD, has today (Tuesday,…
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20 02,2023

An Taisce National Spring Clean 2023

The National Spring Clean campaign which is organised by An Taisce is now open for registration at https://nationalspringclean.org/. Galway County Council will participate in this initiative by providing support to communities involved in clean-ups. Please note that clean ups are undertaken by volunteers at their own risk. An Taisce provides Third Party Public Liability for…
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02 02,2023

Minister Joe O’Brien launches new Guide for Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning and Decision Making

  New resource guide will support consultation and engagement at local level Focus on ensuring the most marginalised are consulted and heard Handy ‘how-to’ reference guide on engagement available to all organisations   Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, has today, (Thursday 2 February), officially launched ‘A…
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24 01,2023

Our Rural Future – Minister Humphreys and Minister Joe O’Brien launch the €50 million Community Recognition Fund

Major initiative to support communities that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries Funding for sports clubs, community organisations, transport infrastructure and local groups Every local authority in the country to benefit   Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Joe O’Brien, have today set out the details of…
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23 01,2023

January Newsletter out now!

Dear PPN Members, Please see below our January 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] PPN January Newsletter 2023

19 12,2022

PPN December Newsletter out now

Dear PPN Members, Please see below our December 2022 Newsletter. The PPN Newsletter, as always, is packed with info on events, funding and other news for community groups. Read HERE: PPN December 2022 Newsletter If you would  like to include your news in the next Newsletter, please email  [email protected] 

14 12,2022

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces over €27 million to combat dereliction and breathe new life into rural towns and villages

Media release Wednesday, 14th December 2022   Largest ever investment under Town and Village Renewal Scheme Former Banks, Ballrooms, Courthouses, Convents, Cinemas, Garda Stations and FCA Halls to be regenerated for community use Public Plazas, Town Parks, Playgrounds, Community Gardens and Dog Parks to be developed Local Shops and Businesses in 26 towns to have…
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09 12,2022

Minister Humphreys and Tánaiste announce over €33 million to upgrade 278 Community Centres nationwide

  Largest ever capital investment in Community Centres Grants of up to €300,000 provided Extensions to Existing Centres, Energy Efficiency Upgrades and Improved Access for People with Disabilities amongst works supported Community Centres, Parish Halls, Scouts Clubs, Youth Hubs, Family Resource Centres & Sports Complexes across country set to benefit   The Minister for Rural…
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08 12,2022

Galway County PPN makes Litter Management Plan Submission

on December 5th 2022 Galway County PPN submitted its Submission on the Galway County Litter Management Plan 2023-2025 following an information event and consultation process with the PPN members. You can read the submission here: Galway County PPN SUBMISSION on Litter Management Plan Section 10 of the Litter pollution Acts 1997 requires that a Local…
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08 12,2022

Minister Humphreys and Tánaiste announce over €33 million to upgrade 278 Community Centres nationwide

Media Release Thursday 8th December 2022   Largest ever capital investment in Community Centres   Grants of up to €300,000 provided   Extensions to Existing Centres, Energy Efficiency Upgrades and Improved Access for People with Disabilities amongst works supported   Community Centres, Parish Halls, Scouts Clubs, Youth Hubs, Family Resource Centres & Sports Complexes across…
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01 12,2022

Galway County PPN visits Municipal District meetings

  Galway County PPN have begun a series of presentations at Municipal District meetings across the County to address stakeholders, such as County Councillors, of the added value of the PPN in the democratic process of participative representation.   Here PPN Coordinator, Charlotte May and PPN Secretariat Member, Vincent Lyons stand in front of the…
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28 11,2022

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys launches Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors

PRESS RELEASE: 28 November 2022   Ireland’s first ever National Outdoor Recreation Strategy Over 2.7m visitors take part in outdoor activities Strategy will deliver major economic and health benefits €14 million announced to develop adventure tourism projects Focus on Hiking, Cycling, Wild Swimming, Kayaking & more National Walks Scheme to be expanded to 150 trails…
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28 11,2022

New €3 million creative climate action fund launched by Government

Friday, 25th November 2022 Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, and Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan, today launched a €3 million fund to support imaginative creative projects that build awareness around climate change and empower citizens to make meaningful behavioural changes. Applications for the scheme…
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24 11,2022

Report from Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters

Enhancing participation of people with disabilities With this report, the Committee considers how the participation of people with disabilities in different spheres of life can only come about when we treat people with disabilities with presumed capacity for independent thinking and living in contributing to society. Read the report below; Participation of People with Disabilities

24 11,2022

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys and Minister English launch Ireland’s first ever National Hub Summit

Number of remote working hubs to pass 300 in major new milestone Almost 10,000 users now on Connected Hubs platform Rural Counties given financial firepower to lure workers from the cities Minister announces new national hub strategy and pilot scheme to match employers and employees to hubs across the country New ‘anchor tenants’ initiative and…
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23 11,2022

PPN November Newsletter out now!

Dear PPN Members, Please see below our November 2022 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] ppn-november-newsletter-2022

23 11,2022

Ministers Humphreys and Joe O’Brien announce €10 million Fund to support parish halls and community centres with energy bills

PRESS RELEASE! 18 Nov 2022 New Community Support Fund to assist thousands of community groups across the country   Support available for Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, ICA Groups, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s Sheds, Women’s Sheds and more   Small grants to help groups with running costs and rising energy bills…
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17 11,2022

Minister Joe O’Brien announces over €44 million for the Government’s Social Inclusion Programme

Media Release 16th November 2022 Minister Joe O’Brien announces over €44 million for the Government’s Social Inclusion Programme An increase of €1.3 million (3%) for SICAP in 2023 All areas across the country to benefit   Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien, T.D., has today, (Wednesday, 16th November 2022) announced over €44 million…
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15 11,2022

Our Rural Future: Minister O’Brien opens Rural Ideas Forum focused on A Socially Inclusive Rural Ireland

Media Release 15th November 2022   Latest in the series of engagements under Our Rural Future discussing the challenges and opportunities that impact on rural communities and economies. More than 100 rural stakeholders and practitioners joined Minister O’Brien to discuss tackling exclusion and isolation in rural Ireland.    Minister of State with responsibility for Community…
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14 11,2022

Ministers Humphreys, O’Brien, Chambers and Rabbitte announce €54.5 million package to support disadvantaged communities and vulnerable groups

Media Release Tuesday, 8th November 2022 44 initiatives to be rolled out under Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2023 Projects to support disadvantaged communities, vulnerable groups, the elderly and people with disabilities Big focus on providing sporting and educational opportunities to young people The Government has today (Tuesday, November 8th) published the Dormant Accounts Action Plan…
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14 11,2022

Ministers Humphreys and O’Brien launch €10 million Fund to support community and voluntary groups with energy costs

PRESS RELEASE 13 Nov 2022   Financial supports to be paid out to groups as early as end of 2022 New scheme designed to support sector with increased energy bills Application process to open on Monday November 21st   Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien TD,…
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10 11,2022

EPA Campaign: “Plan Your Festive Food” to avoid Food Waste Social Media Toolkit

About Stop Food Waste The EPA’s Stop Food Waste programme is the national food waste prevention campaign, providing guidance and resources to help people adopt good food management behaviours and reduce their food waste. During November and December, we will make people aware that planning your festive food can help you avoid food waste. The…
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10 11,2022

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces €115million for 23 Landmark Rural Regeneration Projects nationwide

  Media Release,  Thursday, 10 November 2022     Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces €115million for 23 Landmark Rural Regeneration Projects nationwide   Focus on combatting vacancy & dereliction by regenerating iconic town centre buildings   Successful projects will see old Courthouses, Creameries, Hotels, Churches, Banks and Schools converted and given new 21st century…
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04 11,2022

National Tidy Towns Competition Results 2022

A huge congratulations to the 45 Tidy Towns Groups who entered the National Tidy Towns Competition in 2022 and have done our Towns, Villages, and County proud – a special mention to An Spidéal and Na Forbacha for their very impressive increases in marks this year. Below is a short report on the County results…
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03 11,2022

Healthy Galway / Galway Sport Partnership Inclusive PA Equipment Grant available

Inclusive PA Equipment Grant available! Healthy Ireland is a government led initiative aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of everyone living in Ireland. Physical Activity is a key component to our health and wellbeing, and it is crucial that we make physical activity accessible for all by breaking down the barriers to participation. The…
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27 10,2022

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces details of new €180 million LEADER Programme

  Interested groups invited to apply to deliver 2023-2027 LEADER Programme Total of €180 million available to support rural communities and enterprises Funding allocations for each county published today Private and Public stakeholders urged to work together to deliver positive impact for Rural Ireland   Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has…
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27 10,2022

New Fines Introduced for the Misuse of Disabled Parking Permit

Minister Naughton Announces fines for 16 road safety offences to double from October 27 2022 ANTI-SPEEDING 26.10.2022 Fine for speeding to double to €160. Fines for non-wearing of seatbelts and mobile phone use to double to €120 Fines for Learner drivers found driving unaccompanied to double to €160. Fines for non-display of ‘L’ and ‘N’ plates…
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26 10,2022

Minister O’Gorman invites applications to the Parent Peer Support Fund

Minister O’Gorman invites applications to the Parent Peer Support Fund.   Thursday 20 October €50,000 will be made available for initiatives promoting parent peer support groups. Successful applicants stand to receive grants of up to €2,000 to carry out parent peer support group projects throughout Ireland.   The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and…
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24 10,2022

Minister O’Brien addresses 4th National Public Participation Network Annual Conference

Conference taking place in Portlaoise over two days Public Participation Networks, with 18,000 community groups nationwide, facilitate participative democracy in local government in Ireland Minister commends the work of PPN’s in community response to COVID-19 and arrival of displaced Ukrainians   Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien, T.D., today…
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20 10,2022

Galway County PPN supports unique Initative: WHO’S SHE GALWAY

On Saturday 8th October 2022, Galway County PPN supported the organization of a unique event aimed at bringing women across imaginary boundaries together. NETWORK MIX UP – We bought together women from all across Galway; urban, rural, migrants, settled, traveller, young and not so young, mixed abilities, employed and under employed, varied sexual orientation, different…
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20 10,2022

October Newsletter out now!

Dear PPN Members, Please see below our October 2022 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] ppn-october-newsletter-2022

20 10,2022

Minister Joe O’Brien officially launches Values and Principles for collaboration and partnership working with Community and Voluntary Sector

Values and Principles co-developed with the sector Foundation for engagement between the state and community and voluntary organisations   Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, has today, (Wednesday October 19th), officially launched an agreed set of Values and Principles for collaboration and partnership with the Community and Voluntary Sector.   The launch…
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17 10,2022

Galway County PPN Plenary

On Tuesday 27th September 2022 Galway County PPN held its first in-person Plenary event since the Covid Pandemic. The members of the Galway County PPN were asked to attend the meeting in the Claregalway Hotel and vote on a change to the PPN Constitution based on a Circular issued by the Department for Rural and…
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10 10,2022

Galway Disability Forum mark May Way Day 2022

On Friday 30 September, the Galway Disability Forum invited its members to join them in marking Make Way Day 2022. ‘Make Way Day’ is a national campaign run by the Disability Federation of Ireland who collaborate across Ireland and the voluntary and local government sectors. The campaign brings the disability and wider community together to…
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20 09,2022

September Newsletter out now!

Dear PPN Members, Please see below our September 2022 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]    PPN September Newsletter 2022

19 09,2022

Public Participation Network Structural Review- Resource Workers Submission

Further to the publication of Mazars Structural Review of the Public Participation Network – Report, the Department of Rural and Community Development sought the views of all Public Participation Networks, the CCMA, Local Authorities, host organisations and other relevant stakeholders on the report. The PPN Workers decided to make a join submission on behalf of…
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19 09,2022

Working with Nature Workshops September 2022

Working with Nature Workshops September 2022 Free in person and online workshops available this September in Connemara National Park and Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. “Weed or Wildflower” workshop. Thursday 22nd September, Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, Co. Galway “Care for blue spaces” workshop. Thursday 29th September, Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, Co. Galway “Impacts of rodenticides on biodiversity”.…
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12 09,2022

Galway County Public Participation Network meets Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD

Press Release   Monday 12th September 2022     Galway County Public Participation Network meets Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, to discuss community needs.   Galway County PPN met with Minister Joe O’Brien TD during his 2-day visit to Galway City and County PPN Secretariat Vincent Lyons highlighted some current shortcomings…
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12 09,2022

Minister Joe O’Brien announces the continuation of the Community Services Programme Support Fund in 2022 with additional funding of almost €1 million

Media release Friday, 9th September 2022.   Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien T.D., has today (9th September) announced funding of almost €1 million for the Community Services Programme 2022 Support Fund. The funding is being provided to support Community Services Programme (CSP) organisations in a weak financial…
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09 09,2022

Positive Ageing Week 2022

Positive Ageing Week 2022 Seachtain na Aosaithe Dhearfaigh 2022 25 September – 1 October 2022   Positive Ageing Week celebrates ageing and the theme for 2022 is Challenging Ageism – Reframing How We Think, Feel and Act about older age. To celebrate Positive Ageing Week, members of the Age Friendly Alliance have organised several information,…
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29 08,2022

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces €7.4 million for 175 community projects nationwide

Media Release Monday, 15th August 2022 Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces €7.4 million for 175 community projects nationwide   Sports Clubs, Schools, Community Groups to receive grants of up to €50,000 Successful projects include Astro-Turfs, Sensory Gardens, Handball Alleys, Outdoor Cinemas, Hurling Walls, Basketball Courts, Walkways, Public Toilets, Community Gyms, Youth Hubs, Community Cafés…
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