Welcome Note

A chara:

We're delighted to look back at August with you in our latest newsletter.

Across the country thousands of Leaving Cert students opened their exam results, parents made last-minute preparations for the new school year and we are already announcing Round 2 offers today.

I have plenty of support and advice on my website and you can access them here:

Leaving Certificate 2023

The Coalition has agreed a budget package worth €6.4bn, signing off on the Summer Economic Statement which saw a tax package worth €1.15bn agreed.

Core expenditure will rise by €5.25bn in 2024, or 6.1 per cent, giving an overall Budget package of €6.4 billion.

The Summer Economic Statement sets out the parameters for Budget 2024. What is certain is that, all other things being equal, you will pay less tax on your income in January than you are doing today.

September 2023 will be a busy month with an intensive period of work on finalising the budget and we will be dispatching a special edition newsletter on Budget 2024.

In Budapest, the Irish athletics team broke multiple national records, and won legions of new fans, at the World Athletics Championships. Spain triumphed at the Women's World Cup.

And the Rugby World Cup is upon us, this year, taking place in France. The best of luck to the Irish rugby team, especially our our Connacht representatives Bundi Ayi, Finlay Bealham, Mark Hansen.

And let's not forget the upcoming Ploughing Championships 2024 taking place this year in Ratheniska, Co. Laois - September 19th, 20th & 21st with exhibitors from every part of the country, a large number from Northern Ireland and record international interest with exhibitors coming from an array of countries such as Italy, Slovakia, Australia, France, Scotland, Spain, Estonia, Wales, Belgium, Netherlands and England.

Community Events and Festivals: There are many festivals and events happening all over East Galway. These are a great way to enjoy the lovely autumn weather, support local and try some delicious food, and have some fun.

• ​Culture Night 2023​
• ​Shorelines Arts Festival​
• ​Baboro​

So without further ado, let’s jump into the August newsletter.

Anne

Constituency News

Dip Donate Nominate

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Portumna GAA and Portumna Camogie have have partnered with Cancer Fund for Children in 2023 to raise funds with a novel campaign called Dip Donate Nominate.

The campaign is well underway with well know personalities dipping and nominating.

The mission is simple:

• Dip yourself in the lake, the sea, the river, the jacuzzi, the paddling pool!
• Donate to the fundraiser
• Nominate 3 of your friends to do the same after you dip
• Share your dip to this special social media page to encourage momentum:

This incredibly worthy cause calls for a BIG SPLASH.

Whether it’s dipping a toe, or plunging into the cold depths of Lough Derg or Lough Corrib, or the Atlantic Ocean, we wish to call on all members of our community to get out and Dip, Dunk or even Dive!

Cancer Fund for Children’s motto “to ensure that no child faces cancer alone.”

It is with help from you, the people of our community, and beyond, that we can help raise the essential and crucial funds for the children of Ireland that face an unknown future.

Young, our cherished elders, players of all codes, mammies, daddies, guardians,

We can all support both this vital service as well as our own local clubs.

Get dipping and donating!!!!

Government launches €9 million funding to help improve access for students with an intellectual disability

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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD launched a €9 million fund for higher education institutions to improve access to higher education for students with an intellectual disability.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are being asked for three-year proposals on how they can improve access and enhance course provision for students with intellectual disabilities.

The funding falls under phase 2 of PATH 4 of the National Access Plan which highlighted the need to improve and increase representation in higher education for students with a disability including students with autism and students with intellectual disabilities.

Phase 1 of PATH 4 saw €3 million allocated to support the embedding of universal design approaches and inclusive practices in HEIs to benefit all students including those with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Learn more here

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Funding Opportunities

Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) 2023

​https://www.galway.ie/en/services/communityenterpriseeconomicdevelopment/grantschemes/townvillagerenewalscheme/​

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now sought by Galway County Council, from Business Representative Groups, Community and Voluntary Groups for the Main Town and Village Renewal Scheme and for the Project Development Measure.
Number of Applications that can be shortlisted;

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• 5 applications of between €20,000 and €250,000
• 1 application of between €20,000 and €500,000

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An additional application can be submitted for an inhabited offshore island for one large scale project of up to €250,000. Therefore, up to 6 applications in total will be accepted.

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The 2023 Scheme is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland through a renewed focus on town centre regeneration and enhancing economic and social vibrancy in line with the Town Centre First policy.
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EOI’s can be submitted online only at https://galwaycountycouncil.tfaforms.net/f/townandvillage2023 and must be received by 5.00pm on September 29th 2023.
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Queries may be submitted to the Economic Community & Rural Development Unit, Galway County Council by emailing: tandv@galwaycoco.ie. Tel: 091-378850/091-509396/091-509334.

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Expressions of Interest for Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs as part of the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism & Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands 2023-2026.

Funding Scheme for regenerative tourism projects launched by Fáilte Ireland as part of EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism & Placemaking Scheme

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• Up to €17 million in grant-aid for private and community-based micro enterprises and SMEs in the wider Midlands area.
• Fáilte Ireland is administering up to €68 million of the support from the EU Just Transition Fund programme.
• Counties Laois, Westmeath, Offaly, Longford, Roscommon and parts of Galway, Tipperary and Kildare to benefit.

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Learn more here

Additional call for applications to the LEADER Food Initiative

Over €883,000 in funding is available under the LEADER Food Initiative

· Call aimed at Artisan, Micro, Small food producers or on-farm diversification enterprises

· This grant aid is also for investment in local processing facilities, which allow farmers to sell their products into the local and wider domestic markets

· Timeframes for approval and completion of all LEADER funded projects also extended

Learn more here

14th EESC Civil Society Prize

The 14th EESC civil society prize will reward effective, innovative and creative initiatives carried out on the territory of the EU which support people with mental health conditions and promote an environment fostering mental well-being on an individual or collective basis.

It is open to non-for-profit initiatives carried out by natural persons, civil society organisations and private companies officially registered within the European Union.

It has a total value of EUR 50 000 and can be shared among up to five winners.

The aim of the award is to raise awareness of the contribution that civil society can make to promoting a European identity and citizenship in a way that underpins the common values that are the foundation of European integration.

The deadline for submitting applications is 30 September 2023, 10 a.m. (CEST).

Further information: civilsocietyprize@eesc.europa.eu

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The application form is available via this link

LIFE - Nature and Biodiversity
(Standard Action Projects)

Patagonia Environmental Funds

Three annual deadlines for this process:

Funding focuses on organisations that have or can create a strong base of support. Patagonia are a privately held company, and have the freedom to fund risk-taking, off-the-beaten-track groups, and that's where they believe our small grants are most effective.

We accept one proposal per group in a given fiscal year (May 1–April 30). Our typical grant size ranges between 5,000 and 15,000 Proposals are reviewed and grants decisions are made by an employee grants council in Europe.

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- September 30th (all applications received in September will receive a response by the end of December)
- January 31st (all applications received in January will receive a response by the end of May)

Application Procedure

To begin the application process, click “Apply” to take the eligibility quiz and find out if your work fits within our guidelines. If your work is eligible, you will then be directed to the grant application form.

APPLY

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Read more about the work of Patagonia HERE.

Housing Adaptation Grant

The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability is a grant for people with a physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual disability.
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It provides funding so you can improve how you enter and move around your home.
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Read More HERE.

Read more here

New income eligibility limits for Cost Rental

New income eligibility limits for Cost Rental take effect from August 1st 2023.

The new limits were announced recently as part of the Government’s launch of the Secure Tenancies and Affordable Rent (STAR) Investment Scheme.

The new limits will see those with net household income of €66,000 or less eligible for Cost Rental housing in Dublin while in the rest of the country the limit is €59,000.

Read more here:

Read more here

Community & Social Enterprise Loan Features - Western Development Commission:

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• Loan Amounts from €25K to €200K over a maximum of 10 Years (exceptions are on a case-by-case basis).
• Purpose of Loans include Community Hall Restorations, Job Creation initiatives (Including enterprise space), Sport, Circular Economy Social Enterprises, Health & Wellbeing, Childcare, Arts & Heritage, Equipment Purchase, Buildings/Premises Purchase, development of outdoor recreation community projects.
• Purposes can also include Green Energy themed Projects such as Community Gardens, Recycling Programs, Energy Conservation Campaigns, Water Conservation Initiatives, Eco Friendly initiatives, Green Transportation initiatives, Renewable Energy Projects, Green Community Building initiatives.
• Purpose of Loans can be broad and wide and must include new activity/new project. We do not refinance existing finance nor provide loans for feasibility studies.
• WDC provide two types of community loans: Bridging Loans for LEADER based Grants (only) and Term Loans for many purposes.
• WDC don’t seek Personal Guarantees, Charge Arrangement Fees, and a lot of our loans are unsecured (each loan is assessed on its own merits).
• Your organisations must be based within one the following counties: Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway or Clare.
• Pricing of Loans – 1% APR on Bridging Loans – 3% APR on Term Loans.
• Your loan will be managed through our Portal (link below) where you can apply and upload the relevant information.
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Next Steps:
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Log your enquiry/application here

and this will trigger a phone call from Community & Green Finance Manager -Anne Graham to discuss the detail of the application.
Contact Details: 087- 266 3711 Email: annegraham@wdc.ie​
It is never too early to have a chat with your Community & Green Finance Manager.

Other Funding Opportunities

WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme.
​Closing: 3pm on 14 September 2023​
​Read more HERE.

The TikTok Digital Future Fund.​
Closing: 22nd September 2023.
Read more HERE.

What Works Building Evidence Fund 2023.​
Closing: 5pm, Friday, 22nd September 2023
Read more HERE.

Family Matters Grant Programme 2022-2025.​
Closing: Thursday, 21st Sept 2023.
Read more HERE.

Understanding the Charities Governance Code

Wednesday 27th of September 2023 from 2:30-4:30pm. Online on Zoom.
Provided by The Wheel PPN Supports. Join HERE:
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Upcoming Events

Make way on our streets for people with disabilities.

“Make Way Day” is a campaign that brings the disability and wider community together to consider the needs of people with disabilities in the public spaces we all share.

It is led by the Disability Federation of Ireland and is a unique collaboration across Ireland and the voluntary and local government sectors. But most of all it’s about people with disabilities.

Everyone can get involved. And everyone should get involved because DFI have discovered thoughtlessness is the big issue. and have compiled a terrible top three of obstacles that stop people with disabilities in their tracks.

• Cars parked on footpaths
• Bicycles illegally parked
• Bins left on footpaths

How can you get involved?

1. #makewayday invite you to undertake a survey of your area with the Make Way Day online easy-to-use tool.
2. The tool is mobile friendly and is used to draw attention to anything that is a barrier for you. Here is a video showing you how it will work https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAhoSC1po9g.
3. This quick and easy exercise is mainly picture-based, and you can use it as often as you like on the day.
4. The aim is to have all your journeys join up to produce an inclusive map of Ireland.
5. Linda Potter is the Area Coordinator for Galway County Council: lpotter@galwaycoco.ie Phone 091509160
6. Contact Linda to find out what’s happening locally and how you can get involved.
7. If you don't have the online tool, you can still take part. Take pictures of obstacles (parked cars on footpaths, bikes chained to railings, sandwich boards and overhanging branches) and post your pictures to social media. Include #MakeWayDay23, tag @MakeWayDay and @disabilityfed in your post.
8. Show your support by sharing and retweeting other people’s posts from the Make Way Day Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram account and encourage friends and family to do the same.
9. To receive email updates, use the campaign sign up form. By signing up expect to receive the MakeWayDay news. This will include the latest updates as the campaign progresses.

Nothing stirring near you?

Let Disability Federation of Ireland know so they can support you to make the campaign happen in your area.

1. Take pictures of the obstacles you encounter (parked cars on footpaths, bikes chained to railings, sandwich boards and overhanging branches) and post your pictures to social media. Include #MakeWayDay23 and tag @makewayday @disabilityfed in your post.
2. Show your support by sharing and retweeting other people’s posts from the Make Way Day Twitter and Instagram accounts and encourage friends and family to do the same.
3. Contact your local Councillors asking them to support Make Way Day 2023.

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Make Way Day 2023

The Ploughing 2023

Probably the largest National Ploughing Association in the world the NPA, will host the National Ploughing Championships in 2023 in Ratheniska, Co Laois on Sept 19th, 20th & 21st.

An interactive guide, including a ‘find your car’ feature, is being created for the 300,000 visitors expected to attend the National Ploughing Championships 2023.

Tickets MUST be pre-purchased ONLINE only in advance of event on www.npa.ie.

An interactive guide, including a ‘find your car’ feature, is being created for the 300,000 visitors expected to attend the National Ploughing Championships 2023.

​Car Park Map​

Culture Night 2023 – Galway County Events

Culture Night invites everyone across Galway county to join in a national day of celebration on Friday 22nd September. An exciting and magical programme of over 40 events is happening in towns and villages across the county and all are completely free due to support from the Galway County Council Arts Office and the Arts Council. Culture Night will bring communities together to revel in the vibrancy and diversity of culture in the county.
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Multiple events including music, theatre, spectacle, visual arts, poetry, printmaking, photography, crafts and storytelling for all ages are happening throughout the day and late into the evening in a location near you including Abbeyknockmoy, Athenry, Ballinasloe, Ballinderreen, Barna, Ceann Áras Fibín, Clarinbridge, Clifden, Gort, Headford, Inishbofin, Inverin, Loughrea, Newbridge, Oranmore, Roundstone and Tuam.
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Step into the enchanting world of Macnas as they lead a captivating walk with Crom in Athenry. This mesmerising spectacle, in collaboration with the Galway County Arts Office and Athenry Heritage and Arts Centre, promises an immersive journey filled with visual delights and auditory wonders, transporting attendees into a realm of imagination and creativity.
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Celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant culture of the Traveller community at Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre. Engage in photo exhibitions, workshops, showcases and performances, offering an authentic glimpse into Traveller culture.
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Allow Sonic Strings, a dynamic teenage orchestra from Coole Music and Arts, to guide you along the scenic Gort River Walk with harmonious melodies that create an absolutely enchanting ambiance.
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At Tuam Family Centre, experience a cross-cultural celebration as musicians from North Africa weave their melodies with the enchanting verses of Farsi Poetry.
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Discover traditional craftsmanship at Gort Library, where artisan designers showcase activities from Aran stitching to felting, crochet and quilting, celebrating the artistry of these time-honored techniques.
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Embark on a bilingual night of music and sean-nós singing in Loughrea at Leabharlann Bhaile Locha Riach, led by Professor Lillis Ó Laoire.
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Celebrate Athenry's vibrant cultural scene with captivating performances, culminating in ‘Lucht Siuil,’ a poignant tale from the Traveller Community.
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Whether an arts enthusiast or new explorer, Culture Night offers a dynamic programme for all, weaving a tapestry of diverse stories, talents, and traditions. Don't miss the opportunity to join this national celebration on Friday, September 22nd. Embrace the beauty and power of culture night as we celebrate and connect #onenightforall
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For full details of events happening for Culture Night near you visit CultureNight.ie. Keep up to date via CultureNight.ie and via the Galway County Culture Night social media channels.
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Media Contact: Tracey Ferguson | (086) 158-4342 | tracey.ferguson@gmail.com
Website | https://bit.ly/CultureNightGalwayCounty
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The National Biodiversity Data Centre

The National Biodiversity Data Centre is a national organisation which collects and manages data on Ireland’s biodiversity in order to document our wildlife resource and to track how it is changing over time.

Recent projects undertaken by the NBDC include:
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• Biodiversity Maps – Ireland’s first biodiversity data and mapping portal - maps.biodiversityireland.ie​
• Ireland’s annual BioBlitz, a race against time to see which locality can record the most species over a 24-hour period - bioblitz.ie​
• Irelands Biodiversity Learning Platformhttps://learn.biodiversityireland.ie/​
• Invasive species tracking and policy support
• The all-Ireland Biodiversity Monitoring Programme - https://biodiversityireland.ie/monitoring/​
• Operation of National Biodiversity Indicators - https://indicators.biodiversityireland.ie/​
• Provision of shared data-management services to partner organisations from both the public and private sector.

In addition to the core work, funding is provided (jointly with An Bord Bia) to oversee and assist with implementation of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan https://pollinators.ie/​

Councils can play a leading role in making the island of Ireland a place where pollinators can survive and thrive. Read more here Councils: actions to help pollinators​

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Each Council is different, so there are a range of 30 pollinator-friendly actions to choose from. There are instructions for each action, suggestions for where it might be applied, what staff could assist, and a pollinator-friendly planting code.

​https://pollinators.ie/sports-clubs/​

Sustainable Energy

An information event focusing on sustainable energy saving for home and business owners alike will take place in the Europe Direct Centre at Ballinasloe Library.
Dr Orla Nic Suibhne of the SEAI will provide assistance with filling out retrofitting grants, and give flash presentations on home energy grants. Local solar energy firm JFW Renewables will bring along a solar PV panel to view, and provide expert advice on how you can generate clean, green energy from daylight.

Thermal energy assessor Dan Slevin from Snughome will reveal how a heat loss survey incorporating thermal imaging technologies can drastically reduce costs and improve energy efficiency in your home or business.

If you’re looking to replace your boiler, Unitherm, one of Ireland’s leading and most innovative specialists in air-to-water heat pump systems, will talk you through efficient heating systems using renewable sources.
Information will also be disseminated about grants supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
​Europe Direct Ballinasloe is part of a network of information centres that distribute information and give advice about the European Union.

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Contact: Aoife O’Kelly 091 509 551 | aokelly@galwaycoco.ie @EDBallinasloe

October is World Mental Health Month

Mental Health Ireland have a website dedicated to the month and it has just gone live.

Here you will find an interactive map showing what events are happening around the country (you can register your event if you are hosting any event big or small), free downloadable resources, everything you need to fundraise, how to register an event, where and how to order WMHM merch and much more. https://worldmentalhealthmonth-mhi.ie/​

​Connect Café. Please find attached the posters with the registration links and QR codes for the online Connect Cafe Information Sessions.

There will be 10 x 30 minutes sessions delivered throughout the month of September by the Development Officers.

These sessions will provide organisations and communities with some practical guidance and support on how to run their own Connect Cafe for WMHM and where to go for online resources. You can register for an information session if you like here: World Mental Health Month -Connect Café – Information Session Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite​

Need Support Looking for Employment

Inclusive Pathways to Employment offers 1:1 Person-Centered support for jobseekers with a disability or mental health condition that are looking to progress into full or part-time employment, training, or voluntary positions.

You do not need to be on a disability payment to avail of this service. This service is totally confidential and only with your permission will we use your details for the purposes of the project and your benefit.

The service will provides you with the opportunity to proactively explore any issues that YOU are experiencing as barriers in securing and maintaining employment.

We will work with you to:
• Develop a Personal Progression Plan to identify personal skills and training needs.
• Update or create a Curriculum Vitae
• Provide one to one mentoring support.
• Empower individuals to look at every employment opportunity.
• Engage with employers to advocate on your behalf at your request.
• Offer support during work experience and with you help identify and overcome challenges.

For further information contact Maggie on 083 0873213 or E-mail: maggie@gcp.ie

Irish Sign Language Awareness Week -​
​Mon 18th - Sun 24th September 2023

From Monday 18th September to the following Sunday, Deaf people all over the world celebrate “International Week of Deaf People 2023.” This is an annual event promoted by the World Federation of the Deaf and the theme this year is “A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!”
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In Ireland, led by the Irish Deaf Society, the Deaf Community celebrates this week by hosting “Irish Sign Language Awareness Week”. Each day has a different theme and Deaf organisations will have a mix of online and face to face events throughout the week.
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You can contact IDS Advocacy Team by email – advocacy@irishdeafsociety.ie or text 086 440 1443 for more information

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International Week of Deaf People 2023

Government officially announces bursaries for professional Community Work education

1. Are you working as a community worker, manager of a community work organisation or undertaking community work duties in an associated role in an organisation with a community development mandate?
2. Do you have a degree but not a professional community work qualification?
3. Are you interested in pursuing a postgraduate professionally endorsed community work qualification.

If so the AIEB bursary fund supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development may be of interest to

- 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.

Read More HERE.

Cycling Ireland is preparing a Get Ireland Cycling Strategy

Cycling Ireland is preparing a Get Ireland Cycling Strategy.

They want to hear from as many people as possible to help picture cycling at the moment and how to get more people onto bikes.

Please help Cycling Ireland by completing this short Community Survey.

There’s even a prize draw for those who complete the survey.

Get Ireland Cycling Strategy

Connecting Forests and Rivers

It's celebration time for the Abhainn Dá Loilioch Woodland Group (native woodland and river valley). Derreen Gort, Co.Galway. Join them for a long weekend of events and community fun!
Programme of events. Friday 15th - Sunday 17th September.
For more information on the events: adlwoodlandgroup@gmail.com or enquiries 087 2031764
AbhaínnChara is funded by LAWPRO Supported by CELT and Coillte

All the events at the festival are free of charge.

Connecting Forests and Rivers

Training and Development

Information on Springboard Courses

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​www.springboardcourses.ie providing 11,000 free or heavily subsidised college courses for unemployed, self-employed or returners to work.

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Courses are free for the unemployed, previously self-employed and returners to the workforce.
For others, 90 per cent of the course fee is funded by the Government, with participants required to contribute just 10 per cent of the fee.

Helpline – 1800 303 523

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The Springboard+ system will open for course applications on Wednesday 7th June.

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Experienced guidance counsellors will be available to advise potential Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 participants on their options on the freephone Springboard+ helpline.

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Candidates who wish to participate in Springboard+ 2023 or HCI Pillar 1 courses will find full details on the approved courses on www.springboardcourses.ie.

Applications are now open.

Government launch two new farm apprenticeships

The Farm Manager apprenticeship creates a pathway to a managerial career in the agricultural sector, equipping the apprentice with the latest research and best practice management knowledge to successfully run a commercial farm business.

The Farm Technician apprenticeship trains apprentices to operate successfully within Irish farming systems, gaining skills in daily operations, compliance with industry standards and regulatory measures.

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Read more

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Green for Business - Small Changes Big Impact

Business owner, understand the growing importance of sustainability, both in business and in the world around us. What you may not understand are the significant benefits that it can have for your company, on everything from efficiencies to cost savings.

Green for Business is a FREE programme that helps small businesses take the first step towards becoming more sustainable, giving you access to a green consultant who’ll show you the small changes that can have a big impact on your company - and the world around you.

Developing a ‘greener’ policy can offer many benefits to your business, including:
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• Increased cost savings
• Improved resource efficiency (for example: using less energy, water, and materials)
• Reduced environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions
• Opportunities for higher and additional value on products and services
• Increased access to customers, improved corporate image and reputation.
• Increased resilience to climate change impacts

Understanding the Charities Governance Code

Wednesday 27th of September 2023 from 2:30-4:30pm.

Online on Zoom.
Provided by The Wheel PPN Supports.

Register Here

Insurance Webinar

The PPN hosted a webinar on Insurance for community groups, with guest speaker Nick Ryan from BHP Insurance. Topics covered included:
​• What insurance covers does a Community / Voluntary Group Need? ​
​• Common Queries ​
​• Rising cost of Insurance ​
​• Q & A​
Types of Insurance: Public Liability Insurance, Employers Liability Insurance, Property Insurance, Directors & Officers Insurance, Volunteers Insurance.

Slides Available Here

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.
Even if you're already registered, its best to check and confirm your details are current and correct.

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Check the Register now