Dear Kerry PPN members,

Hope you are keeping well.  Welcome to this week’s newsletter.

Contents of this newsletter include new and reminder items

NEW

REMINDERS

Please share the newsletter forward to all your own members.

Kind regards,

Anne-Marie Fuller

Kerry PPN Environmental Rep on behalf of the Kerry PPN Secretariat, ppn@kerrycoco.ie

For The Wheel members

We would like to invite you to a very important briefing by Philip Smith, Partner at Arthur Cox and head of the Arthur Cox Charities Group, for unincorporated associations, and committee/board members of same, on changes being proposed by the Law Reform Commission (LRC).

The LRC report could have serious ramifications for unincorporated associations and people involved with them. The event will be held on Thursday, 27 April at 12am. Please book your free place here.

The LRC is investigating various laws that relate to unincorporated associations in Ireland and has proposed a set of potential models for reform. They have invited submissions on this paper, with a deadline of 15 May 2023. Full details and consultation paper here. 

These changes could have far-reaching and varied consequences for many organisations. If you are a member of, or a committee/board member of, an unincorporated association, it is very important that you understand the changes being proposed and that you have a say in shaping them.

We strongly recommend that you make a submission and we have organised this briefing to enable you to learn about the proposals from an informed perspective.

Ivan

Ivan Cooper | Director of Public Policy, The Wheel

The Wheel | 48 Fleet Street, Dublin 2
T: (01) 454 8727 | E: info@wheel.ie | W: www.wheel.ie

Rotha, trading as The Wheel, is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Ireland with registered office at 48 Fleet Street, Dublin 2 and registered company number 302282.

Rotha is also a charity (Registered Charity Number 20040963) and holds CHY number 13288.

 Be inspired …… by a wide range of talks, workshops and panel discussions.

 Experience …… the sand beneath your feet, the wind in you hair with a host of outdoor activities.

Be entertained…..enjoy a film, some music or have a laugh.

Bring the family… while there are events for kids throughout the weekend, Sunday is not to be missed with something for kids of all ages.

Relax……..enjoy a sauna, grab a bite to eat, sit back and listen to the birds sing!

Full online festival programme on www.wildmind.ie

NEWKD is now in the process of applying to deliver the next LEADER Programme 2023-2027, and as part of the application process, we will develop a Local Development Strategy outlining the needs of Communities and Businesses in our area.

We would be very grateful if you could attend one of our Consultation Events near you, outlined in the attached Advert. The Advert also outlines the Themes of the new LEADER Programme 2023-2027.

 

John Loughrey

Rural Development Officer

NEWKD (Tralee)

www.newkd.ie

The opening of an LCYP supported showcase called Through Our Eyes – A Youth Photography Experience takes place this coming Saturday at 3pm, kindly hosted by Kerry County Museum at Ashe Hall in Tralee. It is located in the audio-visual room. The showcase was born out of the need to connect during Lockdown as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The young group behind the showcase have many different abilities- project management, graphic design, video compilation, curatorial know-how, plus so much more.  Cllr Jim Finucane, Chair of Kerry ETB will join us on the day. You are welcome anytime, and especially on Saturday.

Through our Eyes runs until June 25th.

The Go Purple Day initiative is an annual campaign whereby An Garda Síochána has partnered with domestic abuse support services to help raise awareness about domestic abuse and the local domestic abuse support services available to those affected by domestic abuse in Ireland. This initiative, which was first organised in 2020 by Community Garda Stacey Looby (previously of Meath Garda Station but now stationed in Athlone Garda Station) to help strengthen community partnerships between domestic abuse services and An Garda Síochána, has developed into what is now a national day in respect of domestic abuse awareness. This year’s Go Purple Day, led by An Garda Síochána and the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB), will take place on the Friday, 28th April 2023.

This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate and highlight the ongoing engagement between local Gardaí and their respective domestic abuse services and to reaffirm the message that help, reassurance and support is available to victims of domestic abuse, including those from diverse and minority communities.

Some of the events which are taking place over the country on the day include:

· Coffee morning with local DV services – purple buns/ Garda crest buns

· Information stands in shopping centres, colleges , marts etc.

· Photo shoot with local emergency services – supporting the An Garda Síochána Go Purple Day

· Lighting up of Garda Station and other buildings in Purple

· Liaising with local sports clubs – pictures .. talks etc.

The Garda National Community Policing Unit in conjunction with the Garda National Protective Services Bureau acknowledges and appreciates your support for this important and worthwhile initiative. Please don’t hesitate to contact the National Domestic Abuse Unit, GNPSB on 01-6663956 if further information is required or if this Bureau can be of any assistance.

Welcome Sessions for Ukrainians. Kerry Library will hold a number of welcome sessions for Ukrainians to provide a tour of the library and a demonstration of the resources available.

Members of Kerry library have access to over 12 million items, including books, DVDs, CDs, computer games and sensory resources. Our online resources include Borrowbox (an app that allows you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks, including Ukrainian language books) Libby and Pressreader (newspapers and magazines), and Transparent Languages (over 80 language courses including English for Ukrainian speakers.)

All libraries provide:

A selection of Ukrainian language children’s books

Free Wifi and computers.

Printing, photocopying and scanning facilities

Quiet study spaces

Membership of the library is completely free and is available to everyone living in Ireland.  

Killarney Library Saturday 22 April at 12.00pm noon

Tralee Library Wednesday 26 April at 11.00am

Cahirciveen Thursday 4 May at 3.00pm

Get SunSmart! Children’s Art Competition

The HSE’s NCCP in collaboration with Healthy Ireland have launched of the Get SunSmart! Children’s Art Competition. The competition is open to all primary school children and depending on their age category, are invited to complete the SunSmart colouring sheets or draw their own picture showing how to be SunSmart.

There are three age categories with a prize for the winner in each category. The three age categories are:

·       junior infants to 1st class,

·       2nd to 4th class,

·       5th and 6th class.

The competition is designed to help educate young people about the importance of protecting your skin while enjoying time outdoors. Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The competition runs until 17.00 on 31 May, 2023.

For details of the competition rules as well as instructions on how to enter, see the competition webpage at www.gov.ie/getsunsmart

We welcome you supporting the Get SunSmart! Children’s Art Competition by posting content to your social media channels using #SunSmart in newsletters or publications. Resources for your use are attached to this email.

Thank you for your support.

News from Biodiversity Ireland April 2023

This monthly newsletter provides an update on some of the work of the National Biodiversity Data Centre and highlights upcoming events.

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, and the President of the GAA (Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael) Larry McCarthy have today welcomed the announcement of the successful applicants for the GAA Walking Tracks initiative.

This once-off €815,000 funding provided by Healthy Ireland is designed to make community walking tracks located on GAA grounds more accessible to more people.

Minister Naughton said: “I am delighted to welcome the announcement of the successful clubs for this very worthwhile initiative.  Healthy Ireland has been a long-standing partner of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Project and supporter of the GAA’s efforts to transform clubs into hubs for health in their communities, all of which makes a significant contribution to the Healthy Ireland agenda. “GAA clubs have opened their doors to their local communities in recent years, particularly under the “Ireland Lights Up” initiative. They play an invaluable role in fostering social connections and by expanding access to their facilities they are helping to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone who uses them. “I’d like to commend the clubs for their wonderful contribution to their communities and I want to thank the GAA for the significant work involved in the process.”

In partnership with Healthy Ireland, funding of €815,000 was made available through a competitive application process to affiliated GAA, Camogie and LGFA clubs in the 26 counties to upgrade existing walking tracks situated on club grounds.

Almost 340 applications were received and following a comprehensive evaluation process by a selection committee, 54 clubs across 26 counties were successful.

GAA president Larry McCarthy said: “The GAA is at the heart of every community it serves, and this funding from Healthy Ireland enables clubs to expand their impact by improving their walking infrastructure, creating safe and inclusive spaces for people of all ages and mobilities. “By delivering upgrades such as lighting and improved surfaces, our clubs are helping to empower people to stay active all year round.  The exceptionally high number of applications illustrates the public demand for these amenities, in particular in rural areas where access to safe spaces for walking can be limited.”

Head of Healthy Ireland Tom James said: “We value our strong partnership with the GAA and wholeheartedly support their commitment to communities in an inclusive manner that goes far beyond sport. “Initiatives such as this have immediate, tangible benefits for people of all ages by providing a safe environment for physical activity, particularly for people who may not be able to access other exercise amenities. “It’s a wonderful example of the Healthy Ireland principles in action, as it’s empowering people and communities to better look after their own health and wellbeing.”

The full list of successful applicants is attached.

The Healthy Clubs Project was

launched as a partnership between Healthy Ireland and the GAA in 2013. The aim of the project is to identify opportunities in clubs to promote health and wellbeing among members and the wider community. The phased approach to the project is underpinned by robust evaluations and today there are 450 clubs actively participating in phase five.

The process to become a Healthy

Club takes 18 months, training is provided for the Healthy Club Officers and an online portal is utilised to document progress. On achieving the objectives of the first phase, clubs gain recognition as a Foundation Level Healthy Club and can then progress onto silver and gold levels. Irish Life came on board as a corporate sponsor for the Project in 2015.

The project is supported nationally by the Community and Health Division in the GAA, by Provincial and County Health and Wellbeing Committees, and at club level by Healthy Club Officers. A wide range of health and wellbeing interventions are delivered locally by the clubs including Nutrition, Physical Activity and Mental Health. Over 50% of Healthy Clubs have also gone smoke-free in the last three years, supporting the Tobacco Free Ireland agenda.

In partnership with Healthy Ireland, funding of €815,000 was made available through a competitive application process to affiliated GAA, Camogie and LGFA clubs in the 26 counties to upgrade existing walking tracks situated on club grounds. (The initial grant aid agreement of €800,000 was increased to €815,000 using inflationary adjustment funding).

The objective of the funding is to assist clubs in upgrading existing facilities to maximise participation in physical activity at community level (access must include community as well as club members). It is also intended to support and increase existing track usage by older people and people with disabilities, to extend usage and availability through the winter months through appropriate lighting installation and to support the sustainability of the amenity from an environmental and risk and maintenance perspective.

Expressions of interest for funding were opened via an online portal in December 2022 and closed on 31 January 2023. 337 valid applications were received. Following a comprehensive evaluation process by a selection committee, 54 clubs across 26 counties received funding to upgrade their facility.

Successful clubs will receive funding in amounts of €10,000, €15,000 and €25,000.

Tranche 4 of funding announced providing a further €213,000 to 128 community and voluntary organisations

Funding recipients include organisations providing vital supports to communities

Further tranches of funding to follow

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien TD, have today (Friday, 21st April 2023) announced a further tranche of successful applicants to the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS).

Under this latest tranche worth €213,264, an additional 128 organisations from across the community and voluntary sector will receive a one-off contribution towards the increased energy costs they faced in 2022. Payments will issue to the organisations immediately.

The funding announced today brings the total number of organisations supported under the initiative to 680, with over €918,000 now disbursed.

Among the successful applicants announced today are:

 Wicklow – Tiglin Challenge: €28,278

Dublin – Foróige, the National Youth Development Organisation: €20,094

Leitrim – Bee Park Resource Centre: €6,931

Galway – Leukaemia Trust/Cancer Care West CLG: €6,898

While the scheme has now closed, Minister Humphreys explained that a large number of applications have been received and are currently being reviewed, with further announcements expected in the coming weeks. The review of applications includes verification of eligibility for other government energy support schemes.

 Minister Humphreys said:  I am delighted today to announce the fourth tranche of successful applicants under the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme. “The funding today provides further support to this vital sector, with some 128 organisations to benefit. “Our community and voluntary groups continue to feel the pressure as a result of increased energy costs. “Hundreds of organisations have now been supported by this scheme and we look forward to announcing further funding in the weeks to come.”  

Minister Joe O’Brien added: “This scheme was about tailored assistance to as many different community and voluntary organisations as possible, from small local halls to large, national organisations so I am delighted to be announcing funding today that will assist these organisations in making a real difference in people’s lives.”

  Concluding, Minister Humphreys reassured organisations of her Department’s commitment to supporting communities:  

“A dedicated helpdesk remains available at energyscheme@pobal.ie. I encourage community and voluntary organisations that may have missed the deadline on CVESS to link in with their Local Authority and Local Development Committee to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available. “My Department consistently works in partnership with the community and voluntary sector, providing regular supports and one-off calls to respond to needs and challenges, I look forward to continuing this commitment”

This initiative forms part of a range of measures introduced in Budget 2023 to meet higher energy costs for households, businesses and community organisations and it complements the Department’s supports to the community and voluntary sector, promoting sustainable, inclusive and empowered communities across Ireland.

Also the government is urging householders and businesses to ensure that they are availing of the supports that are in place. For more information on the supports available visit www.gov.ie/reduceyouruse

 Full list of successful applicants is available here

 Further Notes:

The Government of Ireland have made an allocation of up to €10 million available to support organisations within the Community and Voluntary sector which fall outside the parameters of other schemes such as, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners and sectoral schemes for arts, culture, sports, health and Gaeltacht organisations.

Pobal have been engaged to administer this scheme on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development.

This Fund is intended to provide once-off financial support towards the increase in energy costs in 2022 for organisations within the community and voluntary sector (as defined under eligible organisations).

A dedicated appeals process is available to unsuccessful applicants and can be accessed through Pobal. Phase Two applications closed on 24 March 2023.  All remaining applications are currently being assessed in batches, with further announcements of successful applicants to follow.

Note:  Full eligibility criteria are available here

Pobal

Pobal is an organisation that works on behalf of the Government of Ireland and in collaboration with international partners, to support communities and local agencies towards achieving social inclusion and development.

Pobal operates under the aegis of the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Pobal is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. Members of the Board are appointed by Government, on the nomination of the Minister for Rural and Community Development, in line with the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards. The company operates on the basis of a framework agreement with the Department of Rural and Community Development and programme-specific service level agreements with individual departments.

Pobal administers programmes on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), the Department of Health (DoH) /HSE and a number of EU bodies.

Pobal works in the areas of social inclusion, early childhood care and education, local and community development, peace and reconciliation, equality, labour market supports, youth services and education and training.

Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Planning SPC

There will be a meeting of the Environmental,Climate Change and Emergency Planning SPC on Monday 24th April. The PPN has a representative sitting on this SPC so if there is anything members of the PPN would like raised please forward it to ppn@kerrycoco.ie and put Environmental SPC in the subject line.

Dear Colleague,

ICCL is reaching out today to share our “Freedom to Advocate” survey which will examine the restrictions placed on the voices of community, voluntary and non-governmental organisations.  

ICCL has been active in monitoring and defending the rights to freedom of expression and association of community, voluntary and non-governmental organisations since our establishment. In recent years however, we have heard disturbing reports of restrictions on advocacy and freedom of expression of organisations in receipt of state funding.

This survey will seek to gather the existing anecdotal evidence in a systematic fashion to build a case for action to prevent these infringements on key human rights. The survey findings, which will be 100% anonymous, will be a powerful tool for us to continue our work in defence of the community, voluntary and non-governmental sector. We are very grateful for the inputs and assistance of Community Work Ireland in the design of the survey.

We are very keen to ensure geographical balance in the survey findings, this is why we have reached out to all PPNs. We would be extremely grateful if you would consider sharing the survey with your networks to ensure that the voices of grassroots and local organisations across the country are heard.

We know how busy everyone in the sector is and that your time is valuable, we are therefore very grateful if you would consider sharing with your members and asking that they set aside 15-20 minutes to help us build our case against the silencing of their voices.

The survey is linked below and can also be accessed by scanning the QR Code and open for inputs until April 25th You are of course welcome to share this with partners who may have useful inputs.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any queries.

Best regards

Ronan

https://www.surveyhero.com/c/xrhbfefx

Ronan Kennedy (He/Him)

Senior Policy Officer (Oireachtas Liaison and Democratic Freedoms)
Irish Council for Civil Liberties

First Floor,
Castleriver House,
14/15 Parliament Street,
Dublin
D02 FW60

The SDG National Stakeholder Forumon 25th April  is still open for online registration. Registration Link

For details, please see https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/bee68-april-2023-sustainable-development-goals-national-stakeholder-forum/

Specific queries may be sent to SDGs@decc.gov.ie

The meeting will focus on Ireland’s 2023 Voluntary National Review.

The Voluntary National Review is a progress report which reviews Ireland’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It will be presented to the United Nations in July.

A draft of the report will be shared in advance of the Forum meeting and stakeholders will be invited to share their views and recommendations as part of the break-out sessions held on the day.

A chapter on Leaving No One Behind has been included in the report based on the outcomes of the January meeting of the SDG National Stakeholder Forum.

Everyone is welcome to attend April’s meeting and every effort will be made to meet the needs of all participants.

KERRY COUNTY COUNCIL

Applications for CLÁR Funding 2023

Ms. Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, has announced details of the CLÁR Programme for 2023.

CLÁR provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline. CLÁR is part of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 Rural Development Investment Programme.

The main thing to note is that Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities is operated by Kerry Co Co and applications are invited with a closing date of Thursday May 4th.  This is to allow time for processing before projects are submitted to the Dept.

This is a different date to that on the Dept advertising as Measure 1 has a different process. Measure 1 Applications should be submitted directly to Kerry County Council’s Community, Arts & Culture Department by email to: community@kerrycoco.ie

The measures being funded under the 2023 CLÁR Programme are:

Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities (Operated by Kerry County Council)
Applications should be submitted directly to Kerry County Council’s Community, Arts & Culture Department by email to: community@kerrycoco.ie                                                                                       Closing date: Thursday 4thMay, 2023

Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport
Applications should be submitted directly to the Department at CLAR@DRCD.gov.ie                                                                                                            Closing date: Friday 12th May 2023

Measure 3: ‘Our Islands’
Applications should be submitted directly to the Department at CLAR@DRCD.gov.ie
Closing date: Friday 6thJune, 2023

Measure 1 Timelines:
Applications should be submitted to Kerry County Council’s Community, Arts & Culture Department by the above closing date, for shortlisting, and where selected, for onward submission as a funding application to the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Late applications will not be considered. The process is competitive as there is a limit on the number of submissions that Kerry County Council can submit to the Department.

Projects that are successful in receiving funding, must be completed by March 2025.

All applications must be completed in full and all required documentation must be submitted with the application to be considered for assessment. Failure to provide all relevant information and documentation will preclude groups from assessment.

Applications in respect of the Measure 2 and Measure 3 should be submitted directly to the Department of Rural and Community Development at CLAR@DRCD.gov.ie by the closing date as set out above.

There is a minimum cash contribution required from the Community Groups under each measure. Please see the 2023 CLÁR Scheme Outline for each measure for further details.

The Scheme Outline & Application forms for all three Measures are available on Kerry County Council’s website – https://www.kerrycoco.ie/applications-for-clar-funding-2023/

Please contact your local Municipal District Office with your queries.
Alternatively, contact the Community, Arts &Culture Department on (066) 7183680 or by email at community@kerrycoco.ie

All personal data collected is in compliance with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016, and Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2018. Individual privacy notices for each section/service are available at www.kerrycoco.ie

The application deadline for the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards is fast approaching. This is the 3rd year the Department is sponsoring the ‘Partnering with a Social Enterprise’ category. Get your nominations in by midday on 28 April.

More info here

https://chambers.ie/…/sustainable-business-impact-awards/

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the competition and is expected to attract one of its highest level of entries to date.

The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Wednesday, 10th May 2023. Entry forms for the SuperValu TidyTowns competition are available at www.tidytowns.ie and will be emailed to all registered groups. Entry to the competition will only be accepted by email to the tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie address.

Full details of the competition are available on www.tidytowns.ie or www.supervalu.ie

Are you based in Cork or Kerry and looking to give back at a strategic level? South Munster Money Advice and Budgeting Service (SM MABS), is one of eight regional MABS companies and covers the counties of Cork & Kerry.

SM MABS are currently seeking Directors for their voluntary Board with expertise in Community & Voluntary Sector, Service Delivery & Social Policy, Financial/Debt Management, Legal and Human Resources.

If you have relevant experience and want to find out more about this opportunity please contact Mairéad Link – mairead_link@mabs.ie

Closing date for expressions of interest is the 28th of April.

What do we know about employment barriers in the sport sector?

We are part of a consortium looking at the employment profile of the sports sector across Europe. We are particularly interested in the age, gender and disability profile of employees. The purpose of the research is to strive for a sports sector that is fully representative of the communities that it serves.

The survey will take about 8 minutes to complete and can be accessed here .

You will need information on the age, gender and disability profile of the employees working for your organisation.

Your assistance with this project will be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,
The UNESCO Chair MTU Team

Complete the survey