WPPN FEBRUARY 2020 Volunteering with the Fleadh!

Volume 3 Issue 2 Westmeath PPN—The Voice of the Community The Voice of the Community Funding workshops 2020 February 2020 You Are Invited - Save the Date for Funding and Resource Workshops Are you a community looking for resources, expertise or funding? Would you like to learn what supports are available to you and how these can be accessed? Come to a free and practical workshop, where you will be provided with information on the supports and funding opportunities currently available and how it can be accessed. Westmeath Public Participation Network is once again hosting its resource and funding workshop for community groups in Westmeath. Information such as: • Westmeath County Council Grants e.g. Tidy Town Grants, Residents Association Grants; Community Action Grants • Cathaoirleach Awards (Person of Year, Group of Year etc) • Arts and Cultural & Heritage Grants • Environmental Supports

M U N I T Y • Westmeath Community Development Supports • Sports & Recreation Supports • LEADER Dates and locations: 2 Representatives from your community or voluntary group are invited to register and attend for either of the following workshops: Places are limited and will be allocated to organisations on a first come basis.

Tues 3rd March 2020 in Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar in 7p.m. – 9p.m. Wed 4th March 2020 in Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone 7p.m. – 9p.m. Please confirm your attendance to Brigid by email [email protected] or by phone at 044 93 32157 by Friday 28th February 2020

WPPN will also be hosting Funding & Resource Drop-in Clinics with One to One Assistance to Community Groups

with Practical support including assistance with; THE VOICE OF THE COM Which Grants to apply for and assistance with filling in the grant applications: th Wed 11 March 2020 Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar in 12 pm to 4.30 p.m.

Thurs 12th March 2020 in Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone 12 pm – 4.30 p.m.

WPPN February February WPPN 2020

Inside This Issue NOTE: 2020 funding for Communities, Water and Wildlife 2 Reminders and more details will be sent out €1.5 Million-Ability to Work Fund 4 closer to the dates Midlands Drug Litter Initiative Launched 5 SafeTALK suicide prevention Talk in Mullingar 5 What is the aim of Westmeath 7 X-HALE 2020 Training/Short Film Competition Grant PPN? 9 Rural Regeneration and Development Fund Our aim is to support community BMB Active Retirement Association 12 groups & co-ordinate how the Great Work Clonmellon Tidy Towns 13 community in Westmeath is represented. GLAS traditional farm buildings grant scheme 16 Festival and Events Grant now Open 16 We also aim to: Built Heritage Grants Closing 31st Jan 2020 17 Make our members stronger: & keep our members informed Rathowen Community Development 20 about local developments New Draft National Policy on Architecture– Have your say 23 What does Westmeath PPN do? Government funding for Women’s Sheds for first time 26 We empower our member groups to influence policy makers. Midlands Area Parenting Partnership 29 2020 funding for Communities, Water and Wildlife The Community Water Development Fund 2020 was launched at the inaugural - Capital projects, such as: river and ‘Rivers Trusts and Catchment Partner- lake restoration; habitat conservation ships Conference’ in the Hudson Bay and restoration; natural flood mitigation Hotel, Athlone on Saturday 30th Novem- measures. ber 2019. - Public awareness and education; local events such as biodiversity days; sur- The fund is open to all community and The Community Water Development veys, training and workshops; ecology voluntary groups who want to get in- Fund is administered by the Local Au- surveys; etc. volved in thority Waters Programme on behalf of - Local amenity benefits, such as: beach the protec- the Department of Housing, Planning clean-ups; improving amenity areas; tion and and Local Government. The closing date bird watching facilities; etc. restoration for applications submitted by post or of a healthy email is Friday, 7th February 2020 at Grants awarded will range from up to water envi- 5.00 pm. €5,000; up to €10,000 and up to ronment in €25,000. their local A new development for 2020 provides The total fund is capped at €225,000 for area. The for online applications via 2020. fund is also www.lawaters.ie The deadline for online applications is open to The online application process can be extended to Tuesday, 11th February Rivers accessed at www.lawaters.ie 2020 at 8.00 pm. T Trusts and Catchment Partnerships. Application Form and Guidance Notes There is a growing move towards the o encourage applications via the new online facility a draw in respect of the Community formation such groups in Ireland, where- Water Development Fund by local groups are becoming more ac- will take place, for ‘‘The fund is open to all community tively involved in the management of a online applicants only, and voluntary groups who want to 2020 are available to down- with one lucky group load in pdf format at local water body and the wider catch- get involved in the protection and ment area. Improvements in the water receiving a prize of www.lawaters.ie or by con- environment delivers multiple benefits €500. restoration of a healthy water tacting the Local Authority for health and well-being, wildlife and environment in their local area. ‘’ Waters Programme at 0761 06 the local economy. Examples of the types of projects include: 6230 or email to fund- [email protected] Mullingar Swimming Pool

Page 2 WPPN FEBRUARY 2020 Volunteering with the Fleadh!

do one shift or as many as you like, its up to you. We will be grateful for whatever time you can spare to help. Volunteers must be over 15. If a volunteer is under 18 parental consent will be required.

Will I get trained? All volunteers will be asked to attend a mandatory training session in advance of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which will be delivered from April onwards.

Where do I sign up? As an individual you can register to volunteer online at https:// fleadhcheoil.ie/volunteering/ If your Volunteering with the Fleadh! absolutely crucial to the events suc- group wishes to come together and volunteer as group we can meet with As we begin 2020 we also enter the cess. With over 500,000 visitors ex- pected in Mullingar we will need the your group to go over the options. year of Fleadh Cheoil Mullingar 2020 Please contact the Mullingar Fleadh “The Homecoming”, hosted by Mullin- help of around 1,200 volunteers to ensure that the event runs smoothly! Office in The Fleadh, Governors gar Comhaltas Branch, which will be House, Westmeath County Council, nd th held on August 2 to August 9 By volunteering at the Fleadh you will Mullingar, Co. Westmeath N91 FH4N on 0449338954. In March 2019 Mullingar was named as be a part of ‘The Homecoming’ wel- coming the Fleadh home to Mullingar Where can I get more information the host town for Fleadh Cheoil na where it all started many years ago. on Fleadh Cheoil Mullingar 2020 hÉireann 2020. The event is the Participating as a volunteer will ena- “The Homecoming”? world’s largest annual celebration of ble you to build new friendships, de- https://fleadhcheoil.ie/ is the go to Irish music, language, song and dance. velop new skills and play an integral place for information on the Fleadh , It attracts in the region of 500,000 visi- role in the success of the biggest festi- what’s on, where to stay, providing tors to the host town every year. The val of Irish culture in the world. accommodation, competitions and volunteering. announcement was received with ex- What would I be asked to do? The Fleadh Cheoil Mullingar Infor- citement and jubilation by Comhaltas Volunteers will be asked to fill a num- people and lovers of traditional culture mation Office is The Fleadh, Gover- ber of roles, from street stewards, nors House, Westmeath County in Co. Westmeath. The event is organ- assisting at competitions, being part of Council, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath ised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann our Green Fleadh by helping to keep N91 FH4N on 0449338954. and will be hosted in Mullingar in con- our streets clean, Fleadh Ambassa- junction with the local Fleadh Execu- dors, volunteering at concerts, helping with social media, photography and tive Committee and Westmeath Coun- many other roles. ty Council. The minimum commitment is 4 hours Would you like to be a part of the and shifts vary from 4 to 8 hours de- biggest event ever to come to pending on the role, with shift hours Mullingar? throughout the day and night meaning Volunteers have and always will be at there is a role and shift time to suit the heart of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann everyone. You can volunteer to just and the involvement of volunteers is

Open Your Door to the Fleadh

Fleadh Accommodation tween 2nd to 9th August next, we are to Mullingar from all over the World. Open Your Door to the Fleadh calling on the people of Mullingar and Or why not rent out a spare room surrounding areas to open their homes to that’s not used? Breakfast, self- The Fleadh Committee wish the people Fleadh goers. catering the choice is up to you. You of Mullingar and Westmeath to own decide how to become involved and this Fleadh as their own and get in- This will be a great way to get involved welcome the thousands of people vis- volved in as many ways as they possi- iting our area. Register your accom- bly can. in this massive event. There are a number of ways that you can get involved. modation

Homeowners can choose to give up their https://fleadhcheoil.ie/ With more than 500,000 visitors ex- entire house for the duration of the accommodation/ pected to visit Mullingar for the dura- Fleadh to families and visitors coming tion of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann be- €1.5 Million-Ability to Work Fund

agement, including managing its Applications for Ability to Work The fund has two main aims: Fund for not-for-profit organisa- impact tions 1. to empower 250 people to pro- • Access to SIFI’s networks of chari- gress along the pathways to ties, social enterprises, govern- Applications open from Monday 11 employment by investing in or- ment and donors November 2019 to 5pm, Friday 14 ganisations that provide train- February 2020 ing, upskilling, education and • Access to training and mentoring other services to people with from State Street employees What is the Ability to Work Fund? disabilities; and

2. to double the impact of success- This is a €1.5 million fund created by *Applicants can apply for any ful applicant organisations by Social Innovation Fund Ireland (SIFI) amount up to €90,000 for three providing project funding and in partnership with State Street and years. SIFI will decide how much other supports such as: the Department of Rural and Commu- money to award, which may be nity Development. The Department of less than the amount requested. • strategic planning Rural and Community Development The amount of the award will de- provides match funding for all philan- • communications strategy devel- pend on how many organisations thropic funds raised by Social Innova- opment are selected, their past financial performance, and the budget they tion Fund Ireland, via the Dormant • mentoring Accounts Fund. submit as part of their application. • leadership training The Ability to Work Fund will support • market research Who can apply? not-for-profit organisations to empow- • financial modelling (forecasting er more people with disabilities to gain your organisation’s financial We are inviting applications from or- employment. A disability might be a performance) ganisations that work with people physical or intellectual disability, a What does the fund offer? with an intellectual, physical, learning learning disability, or a disability due or sensory disability who are aged 17 to traumatic brain injury or a mental and older. The organisations must be health condition. The funding will be • Cash grants of up to €90,000 engaged in creating ways to improve available over three years, from 2020 each year for three years* employment outcomes for people to 2023. with disabilities through education, • A business supports package to training and skill-building. What are the aims of the fund? help not-for-profit organisations expand their business expertise More Information & Applications and expand and deepen their http://www.socialinnovation.ie/ability- impact to-work-fund/ • A place on SIFI’s Accelerator Programme, a programme The Ability to Work Fund which provides training from will support not-for-profit experts from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors organisations to empower more people with disabilities • Project performance man- to gain employment.

Ireland’s wildlife shows population recovery

Minister Madigan TD, has welcomed the new Red List for Mammals for Ireland which highlights the value of monitoring programmes managed by the Department’s National Park and Wildlife Service. The Red List shows population improvements for the red squirrel, otter and Leisler’s bat since the last Red List assessment carried out 10 years ago. To find out more go to https://www.chg.gov.ie/ population-recovery-for-key-species-in-ireland- highlighted-in-new-red-list-for-mammals/

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 Page 4 Midlands Drug Litter Initiative Launched

An information leaflet, "A Helpful Initiative, the Minister of State for types of drug related litter and de- Best Practice Guide for Drug Litter Health Promotion and the National tail in relation to safe disposal. Disposal", was officially launched as Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne TD, part of a public information campaign said: The working group that developed by Minister of State for Health Pro- this initiative will continue to meet “I want to commend the Midlands motion and the National Drugs Strat- in 2020 to review the implementa- Drug Litter Committee for their egy, Catherine Byrne, TD in the Sham- tion of the protocol to include the work in developing this excellent rock Lodge Hotel, Athlone on roll out of the public awareness new initiative which provides key Wednesday 4 December 2019 at campaign. 9.30am information about drug litter and how to ensure safe disposal of items Speaking at the launch, Pat Bennett, This information campaign was which can pose a public health risk. Chief Officer, Midlands Louth Meath launched in response to concerns I am glad to see that the initiative Community Health Organisation received by the Midland Regional also promotes local said: Drug and Alcohol Task Force drug and alcohol ser- (MRDATF) and HSE Community, Al- vices and supports “Drug-related cohol and Drug Service (CADS) from litter is a public which is very im- "A Helpful Best Practice Guide the community, voluntary, and statu- portant in terms of hazard and tory sectors over incidences of dis- harm reduction for for Drug Litter Disposal", should be discarded drug litter in areas across the those who are affect- posed of with Midlands region. ed by drug and alco- care. No one agency has sole The development of an inter-agency hol misuse. The commitment to this project by all local responsibility for dealing with the protocol and the production of the issue of discarded drug related lit- information leaflet is a result of a co- partners and agencies, under the leadership of the Midland Regional ter and waste and I am delighted ordinated response from a working that the Midland Regional Drug & group comprised of representation Drug and Alcohol Task Force and HSE CADS, is a great example of the Alcohol Task Force and HSE CADS from the MRDATF, HSE CADS, An Gar- along with Local Authorities, An da Sí ocha na, the County Councils in partnership approach between the statutory and community and vol- Garda Sí ocha na and Merchant Quay Westmeath, Longford, Laois and Offa- Ireland have devised a workable ly, and Merchants Quay Ireland. untary sectors which underpins our National Drugs Strategy, ‘Reducing and cost effective approach to deal Chairperson of the MRDATF, Joe Pot- Harm, Supporting Recovery’." with the issue. I commend this mul- ter, stated: ti-agency approach to raising public The information leaflet, which will awareness of the problem and man- “No one agency can deal with the be distributed widely across the aging the problem of discarded many different aspects of substance Midlands region, gives the County drug litter in the Midlands area.” misuse and it is only by working in Council number to contact to report partnership with other agencies can incidents of drug related litter. It Please report any type of drug we maximise the effectiveness of our also provides a list of the drug and litter in Westmeath to 1890 320 interventions. In this regard all sec- alcohol services and supports avail- 005 (including out of hours). able across the Midlands region. tors involved should be commended See poster on next page for this initiative and its multi-agency Listed also on the leaflet is an online approach.” link to drugs.ie, for information on Launching the Midlands Drug Litter HSE SafeTALK suicide prevention Talk in Mullingar Jan 30th from 10-1.30pm

A safeTALK suicide alertness programme that prepares participants to recognise and engage with people who may be having thoughts of suicide will take place in will be delivered in the Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar, County Westmeath on Janu- ary 30th from 10-1.30pm. Registration is Essential. Book here https://bookwhen.com/ suicidepreventiontrainingmidlands For more information contact Eddie Ward Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention @[email protected]

Page 5 WPPN FEBRUARY 2020 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 Page 6 X-HALE 2020 Training/Short Film Competition Grant Opportunities Now Open!

thash. FIXjhkXP.i3oJAg cJ.dpbs The X-HALE Short Film Competition is an exciting opportunity for youth groups to create and promote a youth-led short- film that encourages young people to be smoke free. Participating groups can avail of free training, film making workshops and resources and will be invited to watch all competition entries on the big screen at the X-HALE Youth Awards 2020, X-HALE 2020 Training for Youth Work- with a chance of winning cool prizes. X-HALE 2020 Training and Short Film ers and Volunteers in Smoking Pre- This year alongside the Short Film Competition Grant Opportunities Now vention and Education Competition, we are excited to invite a th Open! X-HALE 10 Year number of interested and enthusiastic participants from each group to join the A Year of Celebrating and Reflecting Registration is now open for free Irish all new X-HALE Youth Advocate Pro-

The Irish Cancer Society X-HALE 2020 Cancer Society X-HALE 2020 Training gramme and Youth Worker Champions Network. https://www.cancer.ie/prevention/x- for Youth Workers and hale-2019#sthash.CTTmil83.x8CLg4 Volunteers https:// Supporting young people to be If your youth organisation works with 10-24 www.cancer.ie/ smoke free and empowering them TK.dpbs year olds and you are prevention/x-hale-2019/ Youth Worker Training and Short Film to take action on tobacco will save interested in receiving training#sthash.pzi0Rs funding, resources and Competition grant opportunities are lives and improve life opportunities FI.caUNbQev.dpbs training to educate and now open for applications! for generations to come. empower the young peo- in Cork, Limerick, Sligo, Tobacco use is the leading cause of pre- ple you work with ventable death worldwide. Supporting Galway and Dublin. around smoking in a creative and engag- young people to be smoke free and em- If you are a staff member or volunteer ing way, the Irish Cancer Society want powering them to take action on tobacco working with young people aged 10-24 to hear from you. will save lives and improve life opportu- in an out of school youth setting, don’t Learn more and apply nities for generations to come. miss this chance to get the skills and https://www.cancer.ie/prevention/x- Since 2011, the Irish Cancer Society has materials to educate and empower hale-2019-short-film- provided grant assistance, training and young people around tobacco and tack- competition#sthash. resources to over 327 youth organisa- le smoking issues in your organisation. FIXjhkXP.nHWz9Cl1.dpb tions nationwide to support their partici- Join us in supporting young people to th pation in X-HALE, our youth smoking become Ireland’s first tobacco free gen- • Closing date is Thursday 5 March prevention and education programme. eration. 2020. In 2019, the X-HALE programme reached Learn more and register Queries to [email protected] or https://www.cancer.ie/prevention/x- (01)2316624 74 youth workers and 501 young people hale-2019/training#sthash.pzi0RsFI made 57 short films to promote their .xgWq9SoI.dpbs views on smoking prevention and sup- – dates throughout January and Febru- port our tobacco control work. The ary nationwide Short Films reached almost of 33,000 views on YouTube. • Places are limited, please register The European Commission announced X early -HALE as the overall winner of the EU Health Awards 2018 for the pro- Queries to [email protected] or (01) 2316624 grammes innovative social dimension and peer to peer approach to working X-HALE 2020 Short Film Competi- with young people at risk of tobacco tion Grant Call use. Check out the X-HALE 2020 opportuni- The Irish Cancer Society is now invit- ties below to find out how your youth ing youth groups, clubs services, pro- organisation can join the Irish Cancer jects and centres across Ireland to apply for an X-HALE 2020 Short Film Society in working towards Ireland’s first Competition Grant. tobacco free generation. https://www.cancer.ie/prevention/x- hale-2019-short-film-competition#s

Page 7 WPPN FEBRUARY 2020 Feb 2nd World Wetland Day

Feb 2nd World Wetlands Day Join Ecologist George Smith for a guided walk around Scragh Bog. Meet on site at 2pm. Outdoor event. Wellies advised.

Calling all Local Artists - Atrium Art Space 2020

We are taking bookings for the Atrium Art Space, County Build- ings, Mullingar for the New Year from locally based Artists or Artist groups, if you wish to book a slot to display your artwork in this free space, please contact me. It is an open bright space for displaying artwork and we can assist with publicity and open evening launch.

Arts Office, Westmeath County Council Áras an Chontae - Mullingar, Co. Westmeath  00 353 (0) 44 9332016 /[email protected] www www.westmeathcoco.ie /fb www.facebook.com/ westmeath.arts

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 Page 8 Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

As part of Project Ireland 2040, the plan. Government has committed to providing an additional €1 billion Key outcomes will be to support for a new Rural Regeneration and sustainable community and eco- Development Fund (“the Fund”) nomic development in rural Ireland, over the period 2019 to 2027 to be administered by the Department of Rural and Community Develop- ment with the assistance of a Pro- The Fund supports ambitious ject Advisory Board, to be com- and strategic projects which prised of representatives from key Government Departments as well contribute to sustainable rural as external experts. The Fund will regeneration and development. provide investment to support suit- able projects in towns and villages Project Ireland 2040, which with a population of less than was launched on 16th February 10,000, and outlying areas which 2018, is the Government’s overarch- will deliver on the aims of Project including through regenerating ing policy and planning framework for Ireland 2040 and achieve sustain- smaller towns and villages and en- the social, economic and cultural able economic and social develop- couraging entrepreneurship and development of Ireland. It includes a ment in these areas. innovation to support job creation in detailed capital investment plan for rural areas. the next ten years, the National De- The objective of the Fund is to velopment Plan (NDP) 2018-2027, The types of initiatives which the and the National Planning Frame- support coordinated and integrated projects between Government Fund will support include (but are work which outlines the broader poli- not limited to): cy principles and priorities in plan- Departments, State agencies, Lo- ning for future population and eco- cal Authorities, other public bod- nomic growth to 2040. ies, communities and, where ap- • measures to encourage resi- propriate, philanthropic funders dential living or commercial and/or the private sector. Initial development in town centres funding of €315 mil- including by investing in vacant lion is being allocat- buildings ed to the Fund on a phased basis over • improving public spaces in the period 2019 to towns and villages and the de- 2022. velopment of areas and buildings for community facilities Projects Eligible un- • projects that support job crea- der the Fund tion, entrepreneurship and in- The Fund supports novation (e.g. development of ambitious and stra- Digital Hubs, Enterprise Hubs, tegic projects which Creative Hubs, training facili- contribute to sustain- ties) able rural regenera- • measures to tackle social dis- tion and develop- advantage ment. It will support • tourism initiatives which attract investments of scale visitors to rural areas which would not oth- erwise be delivered • improving walking, cycling, and without the addition- public transport access to and ality provided by the within towns and villages Fund, and projects (including improvements to that are outside the roads, bridges and car parking scope of existing facilities). schemes. In this • the provision and enhancement context, projects are of recreational or leisure facili- likely to be multi- ties annual and multi- faceted, involving a DRCD Website https://www.gov.ie/ number of elements en/campaigns/875013-rural- or phases as part of regeneration-and-development- a broad strategic fund/

Page 9 WPPN FEBRUARY 2020

Multyfarnham Ballinafid Bunbrosna Active Retirement Association

BMB ARA looks for- last Thursday of every month, takes a ward to the following break for January. The next meeting dates for your diary: will be on Thursday February 27. Exercise and Dance ‘The Small Island’, by Andrea Levy, or ‘ The Reader’ by Bernard Shelly. These On Thursday, Febru- books will be the topic for discussion at ary 6, at 11:00 in Mul- the next meeting, 1:00 pm on Thursday, tyfarnham Community February 27 in the kitchen of Multy- Center, Paul Cheevers farnham Community Center. is back with scintillat- ing music, movement and dance for BMB ARA members and Pickleball friends interested in A good idea for the new year is to give fun and fitness, so Pickleball a try! please sign on and join A very happy and Healthy New Year in this life enhancing opportunity. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to all friends and members of BMB from 10:30 to 12:00, and Tuesday and ARA. Book Club Thursday evening from 6:00 to 7:30. The Book Club, which meets on the

Clonmellon Tidy Towns Newsletter Autumn/Winter Edition 2019

project. We held our first AGM in Isaac’s well pub on the 17th October. A commit- Minster for the Environment Richard We had a busy summer and we would ted few turned out and we set a date Bruton announced that there will be like to thank all who helped us in the for another meeting. This was held on new levies on plastic bags, disposable run up to the competition judging. A lot the 24th November and we had a new cups and waste disposal. The rate for was achieved over the summer and all committee elected (Secretary) John disposable cups could range from 10c the hard work paid off. We received our Wilson: Chairperson (Grainne Finu- to 25c. We will highlight this again in adjudication report in October and it cane) Catherine Wilson (Treasurer) early 2020 to remind people of the was a very positive. We received 13 The coming year will be a challenging issues that plastic bottles and non- extra points this brought us up to 240 one and we are sure that with your recyclable cups can cause to our envi- points in total. We improved by 5.72% - continued support we will achieve all ronment. Now is the time to try and not bad for our first year. We were only our new goals that we set ourselves. encourage our young generation to be 1 point short for best improved village more conscious of their environment in Westmeath. The adjudicator Environment: so parents lead by example try and acknowledged all that we achieved in In March of this year we launched the purchase these cups and show your such a short time. Our community gar- Conscious Cup Campaign, choose to children that you care about the envi- den was highly praised. This is our first reuse to tackle the problem of dispos- ronmental issues that face us today. year with it and we hope that more peo- able cups, this was a great success and ple will avail of this wonderful resource we would like to thank Vikram Man- Clonmellon Arms: in 2020. ager of our local Day to Day Super- Our biggest project over the last few

market for his great support with this months has been the painting of sever- al properties in the village of which we are very proud. Most of these were derelict and in need of a bit of care and attention. In October the Clon- mellon Arms (above) was painted and what a difference this has made. Thanks to Anthony Kelly for his support in organising this.

WPPN FEBRUARY 2020 Great Work Clonmellon Tidy Towns

Grants: that Clonmellon is a beautiful village Christmas Fair which was a great suc- Grants are very important part of tidy which deserves to have it’s heritage cess. We then had our fundraiser gos- towns fundraising. highlighted further. With this in mind pel night on the 15th December with We recently applied for a grant to we had these plaques made up ( 8 ) as the Virginia Gospel Choir. This was a mark out the long unused tarred area you can see they give us a good sense great night and we thank all the peo- beside the playground. We were ap- of our heritage and we will have them ple who came on the night to support proved for over €1,000 towards this all put up over the next couple of us. A big thank you to the Clonmellon work. We have to make sure this Community Hall for all there help this amount is in our account to allow us year as they provided us with the seat- carry out the work before the grant is ing for this year’s concert. As part of paid over to us post completion of the our winter fundraising we had our work. calendar Scenes of Killua Castle 2020 for sale. As always we would like to The committee I would like to thank thank all who supported us but special all who support us over the year with thanks goes to Ann Leonards for her fundraising and grants. help and support with the sale of our calendars from her shop. Local Assets: We have a great local asset here in Westmeath County Council. (Clonmellon) and this is Clonmellon All through the year we work in part- Community Radio Station which is an nership with various departments internet only radio station. This is run within Westmeath County Council to by Steven McKenna. In September help with the upkeep of our village, Steven invited us to do a pod cast for we would like to pay a special thank the station. We were made very wel- you to the street cleaning department come and I have to say Steven was for their help in keeping our streets well up to date as to what we were extra clean this Christmas. trying to achieve in tidy towns. So if you would like to get your message Community Garden. out to the local community why not Our community garden has come a use this local asset Clonmellon Com- long way as you can see from the munity Radio you can contact Steven above pictures. We now have a poly- at clonmelloncommunityradio.com. months. We are also looking at having tunnel . This will be a great asset to this new sign made for the approach our garden and we can now grow road from kells (this is work in pro- flowers for our hanging baskets which gress) and the sign outside the market will help to reduce our cost over the square needs to be replace and updat- coming year and years to come. We ed. All of this work will help give a still have empty plots so if you are good historical view of our village not interested or know anyone who would only to local residents but also to the like one please contact us . many visitors and friends who visit here. There is a lot more work to be done Christmas in Clonmellon and we are up for the challenge but The festive season got off to a good we could always do with a bit of help star this year in Clonmellon. We had so if you have one hour or two to two concerts held in St John’s spare and would like to get involved Fundraising Church. The first of these was held on please do so you can contact us at at We held our annual fundraiser After- the 1st December (Christmas Carols) [email protected] or noon Tea in Isaac’s Well and we had with Matthew Gilsenan and guest see our facebook page. a great day. We try to improve on Deirdre Shannon. Then we had the how we do our fundraisers and this year we had some music from Sturgen Brae and they gave a great performance. Without the help and support of local business we could not have these fundraisers so again a big thank you all.

Heritage: The concluding remarks from the adjudicator was very encouraging and supportive and gives us a lot of confi- dence going forward , he remarked

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 Page 13 FREE HSE Suicide Prevention Training Programmes

The HSE Resource Office for Suicide Prevention will deliver two A.S.I.S.T. (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) programmes in County Westmeath in the month of February. This is a 2-day skills based, intensive, interactive and practice- dominated Workshop designed to help Caregivers recognise the immediate risk of suicide and learn how to respond and be in a position to provide immediate safety, help and information to individuals whose lives may be at risk. These will be delivered as follows:

Programme Dates Location*/ Duration ASIST Feb 5th & 6th Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar - 0900 – 1700 (both days) – Registration: Day 1 at 08;45

ASIST Feb 26th & 27th Creggan Court Hotel, Athlone – 0900 – 1700 (both days) – Registration: Day 1 at 08;45

All courses are FREE of charge. The ASIST and other HSE suicide prevention programmes such as SafeTALK prepare people to recognise, engage with and support persons who may be having thoughts of suicide. Why not attend and give yourself the opportunity to increase your awareness and be in a position to support someone who may be going through a difficult time. Booking Information: Register for programmes via the HSE Midlands Suicide Prevention Training Website: https://bookwhen.com/ suicidepreventiontrainingmidlands or contact Eddie Ward, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention by email: ed- [email protected] or Mobile: 086 3801152.

Information & Resources: The listening ear of someone with compassion, empathy and a lack of judgement can help restore hope in someone who is feel- ing distressed and vulnerable. Take a minute to notice what is going on with you, your family, your friends and your col- leagues. Take a minute to reach out and start a conversation if you notice something is different or not quite right. Take a minute to find out what help is available for both yourself and others - Local GPs, MiDoc Out of Hours Service 1850 302 702; Hospital Emergency Departments, Pieta House 24/7 Suicide Helpline 1800 247 247, The Samaritans 116 123; or the Emergency Services 999 / 112.

The HSE Resource Office for Suicide Prevention in Longford/Westmeath provides a wide range of national suicide prevention resource materials. It has also developed a number of informational resources that provide suicide prevention information and contact information on local and national supports These are all available free of charge. The local resources include: • A Longford/Westmeath Resource Directory; • A Longford/Westmeath Resource Office for Suicide Prevention Information leaflet; • Help & Support Information cards for both Longford and Westmeath (wallet sized; • An Emergency & Crisis Information Poster.

Websites such as www.yourmentalhealth.ie and www.nosp.ie give information on how to support yourself or someone you care about and details of local and national services.

Pieta House provide a bereavement liaison service for those who have lost a family member or a friend or colleague to suicide and may like to avail of support with their grief. Bernie Carroll is the Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer for the Midlands and she can be contacted on 086 418 0088 or email: [email protected]. Midlands Living Links also provide a listening and support service and can be contacted through their Co-Ordinator on 086 1600641.

Preventing suicide requires the efforts of many - each of us, healthcare professionals, educators, community members and politi- cal officials and governments – but the positive effects of this collaborative work can be sustainable and have a massive impact. For more information on suicide prevention please contact:

Eddie Ward, Resource Office Suicide Prevention, Midlands Louth Meath CHO Health Service Executive, Health Centre, Dublin Road, Longford. N39KR23. ( (086) 380-1152 8 [email protected]

To book a place on the Suicide Prevention training programmes for 2020(ASIST, SafeTALK and Understanding Self- harm) please click on the following link: www.bookwhen.com/suicidepreventiontrainingmidlands

Page 14 WPPN FEBRUARY 2020 There’s loads for You and Your Community!!!

Westmeath Libraries See beyond the clichés and Take a Closer Look at what your library can offer you:

 ebooks,

 study space,

 online learning,

 events,

 and more

Garda advice on creating a Household Property Register

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 Page 15 2020 GLAS traditional farm buildings grant scheme is OPEN

The 2020 GLAS traditional farm buildings grant scheme is now OPEN for applications. Application form and terms and conditions can be downloaded here: http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/projects/traditional-farm-buildings-grant -scheme Deadline for receipt of completed applications (hard copy ONLY) is 5pm Tuesday 18th February 2020.

Historical Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online.

Ministers Madigan and Doherty An- www.irishgenealology.ie nounce Release of more Historical Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online. The records now available online include: All civil marriage records from 1845 to 1944 are now available online to • Birth register records – 1864 to 1919 members of the public, along with the release online of birth register records • Marriage register records – 1845 to 1944 for 1919 and death register records for 1969. Over 15.5 million register rec- • Death register records – 1878 to 1969 ords are now available to the public to view and research online at Festival and Events Grant now Open

Westmeath County Council in- and community activity for the vites applications for grant sup- local area. port for Festival and Events to For further information see be held in the period January to www.westmeathcoco.ie or con- June 2020. tact Tel: 044 9332051 or The purpose of the scheme is to email [email protected] encourage and promote local events particularly events that in- Closing date for receipt of completed applications is volve significant voluntary input Friday 14th Feb 2020. and generate increased economic Inventory of Industrial Heritage in Westmeath

Inventory of Industrial Heritage in Westmeath was compiled in 2019 with funding from the Heritage Council and Westmeath County Council. The report is now available on the website: http:// www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/planning/ conservationheritage/heritageresources/ and copies will be made available in the Local Studies Section of the Library by end of January 2020

Culture 2025 National Policy Framework

Culture 2025 National Policy Framework Minister Madigan TD, has published Ireland’s first national cultural policy framework, Culture 2025 – A National Cultural Policy Framework to 2025. It is an overarching framework policy for all aspects of Irelands culture including our natural, cultural and built heritage. To find out more about this policy go to https://www.chg.gov.ie/app/uploads/2020/01/culture-2025.pdf

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 Page 16 Mullingar Congress Information & Development Centre Courses Jan/Feb 2020

QQI Accredited Classes The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill Reception and Frontline Office Skills This QQI Level 5 and competence to deliver, assess and evaluate a training and development - starting the 28th of January computer class is FREE of charge intervention. Tuesday Mornings, one morning a week and is aimed at the complete begin- for 9 weeks Every Saturday, 10am – 2pm, for 4 ner. weeks or Wednesday evenings 7pm - - from 9am -11.30pm. Bring your friends and have plenty of 9pm for 5 weeks Special price of €250. tea/coffee, biscuits and chats. Special price of €300. Community Employment rate of €200 Community Employment rate of €250 Next Steps Computer Course - Payroll Manual and Computerised starting 20th of January 2020, QQI Level 5 Training Needs Identification & De- Monday afternoons 2pm - 4pm sign – Level 6 - starting the 21st of January. This is a follow on course after our Monday morning a week for 10 weeks, - Following on from above module free introduction basic beginners 10am-1pm. The purpose of this award is to equip course. Special price of €300. the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to identify training and 5 weeks for 2 hours a week = €40 Community Employment rate of €250 development needs at an organisation Great refresher course or a pre QQI/ and or individual level, to devise a ECDLCourse Word Processing training plan and to explore the scope of QQI Level 5 training and development design to - starting the 29th of January. meet those needs Over the 4 weeks you will cover: Wednesday Mornings, one morning a Introduction to Word Processing, File Management, basic excel week for 9 weeks Every Saturday, 10am – 2pm, for 4 - from 10am -1pm. (spreadsheets), Google drive and weeks or Wednesday evenings 7pm - powerpoint. Special offer of €250. 9pm for 5 weeks

Community Employment rate of €200 Special price of €300. Class sizes are kept small with a full Training & Development QQI Level 6 Community Employment rate of €250 time tutor to help your every step. (Train the Trainer)

This special purpose award is made up of Non QQI Classes the following 2 modules If you have any queries for any of the New Digital skills beginners class - above classes do not hesitate to ask,

starting 14th January (also ongoing) Mullingar Congress Information & Training Delivery & Evaluation Tuesdays from 2pm -4pm, one after- Development Centre – Level 6 noon a week for 4 weeks. Ph No: 044 9345060 - starting the 1st week of February.

Built Heritage Grants Closing 31st Jan 2020

Built Heritage Grants: Westmeath County Council in conjunction with the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gael- tacht is inviting applications for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) for the repair and conservation of structures on the Record of Protected Structures. Built Heritage Investment Scheme aims to assist the owners of Protected Structures with small-scale, labour-intensive projects to repair and conserve our historic buildings e.g. window repair/replacement, roof repair etc. Grants of €2,500 - €15,000 are available with 50% match-funding required. This year a pilot scheme is being introduced for routine mainte- nance and minor repairs, and the maximum award for such projects will be €2,500 Historic Structures Fund offers financial assistance for the conservation of significant buildings that are in urgent need of support or that could be brought into community use. There are two funding streams under the ‘Historic Structures Fund’; Stream 1 offers up to €50,000 for essential repairs and Stream 2 supports larger refurbishment or reuse projects which may avail of up to €200,000 in funding. The Closing Date for both grant schemes is 31st January 2020. For details see http:// www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/ yourcouncil/councilnews/Page 17 WPPN FEBRUARY 2020 conservationheritagegrants.html

Rathowen Community Development - Christmas Party

Our citizens party was held on the 15th Mullingar. And after a great evening of December in the Rathowen Commu- our guests who required transport nity Centre. Over 60 senior citizens home were ferried by committee attended our free Christmas Dinner and members using the local bus. danced the evening away to Stephen Keary, with many of the party goers The committee would like to thank all also giving a rendetion of their own those who provided spot prizes and favourite songs. also to John Ferrick and staff from Ferricks Hotel who provided a fantas- Chairman of Rathowen Community tic meal for all our guests. The com- Development Jeremiah Nally wel- mittee hopes that this will be a yearly comed all and highlighted "that it was a event for our senior citizens of the privilege to be able to serve our senior community. citizens who had given so much to our community over the years". Pat Grimes took all of the party photos Children from St. Mary's NS Rathowen under the guidance of Mr. Morgan, Principal and Ms. Sheila Lambden class teacher, provided Christmas Car- ols as guest were treated to pre dinner mulled wine reception. Each of our guests were given a free present kindly donated by Penneys & Dunnes stores

Free Conference: Explore European Youth Volunteering

The Wheel in association with the Eu- Explore the concept of solidarity ropean Solidarity Corps is delighted to itself and learn more about how to invite you to a special half-day confer- involve passionate young people ence in Inchicore, Dublin 8 on Thurs- from all around Europe in your day 27 February 2020 from 9am - organisation. 2pm. This event is FREE but registration Speakers from Ireland’s voluntary sec- is essential. Book your place online tor already confirmed include: Dil https://www.wheel.ie/ Wickremasinghe (Journalist), Kay training/2020/02/european- McCabe (Involve), Stefania Marcia solidarity-corps-conference (Kingsriver Community Volunteering), Peter Hussey (Kildare Youth), Alison McCallion (CRC) and Aideen McLoughlin (Good Energies).

Page 20 WPPN FEBRUARY 2020 Operation Transformation Westmeath 2020

Operation Transformation Walks taking place over the next 6 weeks

• Tuesday mornings 9.30am - starting Tuesday 21st Jan - 6 walks - meeting point : Overflow Car park Harbour Place • Thursday evenings 7.00pm - starting Thursday 23rd Jan - 6 walks - meeting point : Joe Dolan Statue Market Square • Saturday mornings 11.00am - continues this Saturday 25th Jan - 5 walks - meeting point : Belvedere House Gardens and Park see flyers on this page or more details on each walk

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 Page 21 4% Rise in Road Deaths Recorded in 2019

deeds, to particular we will prioritise the non- prevent it wearing of seatbelts and intoxicated happening to driving through alcohol or drugs. We others. This will also focus on promoting the safe- means the ty of vulnerable road users. Specifi- Government cally by raising awareness of the new and its agen- safe overtaking of cyclists law, focus- cies continu- ing on motorcycle safety and commis- ing to imple- sioning a new pedestrian safety cam- ment life paign.” saving measures She added that “Another priority area contained in for us in 2020 is learner drivers. We • Pedestrian deaths decline by 36% and the Road Safety Strategy. It also will continue to support Garda en- passenger deaths down by 20%, but means individually, as ordinary road forcement of unaccompanied driving 2019 sees 45% rise in driver deaths users, that we need to take greater laws. In 2019 there were over 2,500 • Vulnerable road user deaths decline by responsibility for our actions when vehicles seized that were being driven 23% using the road. We can do this by by unaccompanied learner drivers. slowing down, not driving while im- We will continue to target those who Provisional road collision statistics for paired through drink, drugs or fatigue, have been relying long-term on a 2019 show deaths resulting from road by not driving while using a phone, by learner permit. Driving test waiting traffic collisions have increased. A total wearing a seatbelt and always sharing times have never been lower with of 148* people lost their lives in 2019, the road more carefully with pedestri- average waiting times of less than six compared to 142 in 2018, a 4% rise on ans and cyclists.” weeks. Furthermore, we are hopeful 2018 which was the safest recorded that the package of measures, de- year on Irish roads. There was 3 fatali- Ms. Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson, signed to end such practice and which ties in Westmeath in 2019. RSA, said “After recording the safest are currently with the Department of year on our roads in 2018 it is deeply Transport Tourism and Sport, will be Up to 1pm on the 31 December 2019 a saddening that not only have we lost introduced in 2020.” total of 148 people died on Ireland’s 148 lives on the road in 2019, but that roads as a result of 137 fatal crashes, it represents an increase in road Assistant Commissioner Dave compared to 142 lives lost in 135 fatal deaths. We must respond to this in- Sheehan said “Roads policing will crashes in 2018. The figures were pub- crease the same way we have remain a strategic priority lished by the Road Safety Authority responded to previous set- There was 3 fatalities for An Garda Síochána in (RSA), following an analysis of provi- backs. Rather than being dis- 2020. Furthermore, two sional fatal collision reports by An Gar- heartened it should spur us and in Westmeath significant developments da Síochána. our road safety partners into will happen to ensure that renewed effort. 2020 is also in 2019 high levels of visible, Casualty figures for 2019 show that the final year of the Govern- effective road safety en- while there has been a sharp drop in ment’s eight year road safety strategy. forcement is achieved. Firstly, an ad- pedestrian deaths, down 15 or 36%, and Its primary target is to reduce deaths ditional 180 Gardaí have been select- passenger deaths, down 4 or 20%, there to 124 or fewer by the end of 2020. ed to be assigned to roads policing has been a worrying increase in the Deeper collaboration between all duties in early 2020. Secondly, the number of drivers killed, up 25 or 45%, agencies responsible for road safety is roll out of the new mobility app will compared to 2018. already taking place to ensure every- be stepped up so that by the end of thing that can be done is being done, 2020 there will be in excess of 4,000 While there was one more motorcyclist not only to reverse the increase in devices in the hands of front line Gar- death recorded in 2019 compared to deaths this year, but to achieve the daí. The new mobility app will revo- 2018 (16 versus 15) an overall analysis strategy target. And it is a target that lutionise the way roads policing is of vulnerable road user (VRU) casual- is very achievable, put simply it carried out in this country. Both addi- ties shows that there was a 23% reduc- means saving two more lives a month, tional front line Garda resources and tion in VRU fatalities. every month next year. Something we the greater enforcement capability of should all work together to do in the mobility app will increase en- Mr. Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, 2020.” forcement activity and help in revers- Tourism and Sport said, “Firstly I want ing this year’s increase and achieving to express my deepest condolences to Ms. Moyagh Murdock, CEO of the the road safety target.” the families of those who have died on Road Safety Authority said. “The Ireland’s roads in 2019, and not forget- provisional road casualty report for *Note: 2018 and 2019 data is provi- ting the many hundreds who have suf- 2019 points to an increase in the num- fered serious injury. The only way to sional and subject to change. Data is ber of driver deaths in 2019. For 2020 current as of 1pm on 31 December respond to these needless deaths and we will ensure that our education and injuries on our roads is through action 2019. The motorcyclist figure is inclu- awareness plans target the main killer sive of pillion passengers. not words. While families and friends behaviours and that this is integrated grieve the loss of their loved one, we into the Garda roads policing plans. In For further information, please con- must as a society all respond with tact the Road Safety Authority.

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 Page 22 Westmeath Road Gritting Map

The Winter Service Plan, which shows details of priority gritting routes, is now available on http:// www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/roadsparkingandtransport/wintergritting/ …

New Draft National Policy on Architecture – Have your say

The public is invited to comment on the public consultation phase of a new draft National Policy on Architecture. I t’s a great opportunity for people to contribute their ideas to create the conditions for a high quality, low carbon and more resilient built environment for future generations. To find out more go to https:// www.chg.gov.ie/heritage/built- heritage/architectural-policy/ Page 24 WPPN FEBRUARY 2020 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 Page 25 Government funding for Women’s Sheds for first time

has been phenomenal. ients of this funding following an application process which was overseen by “I have decided to extend this funding the Local Community Development to Women’s Sheds. Having witnessed Committees. the exceptionally positive impact of Some examples of how Men’s & Wom- Men’s Sheds in recent years, I’ve no en’s Sheds around Ireland are benefit- doubt that the emergence of Women’s ting from this funding include: Sheds can only be a good thing for • Deise Women's Shed in Dungarvan community life in Ireland Waterford allocated funding of €1,100

to purchase portable sound equipment “I’m delighted that 33 Women’s Shed and projection equipment. Groups have availed of the funding on offer and I hope to see this number • Headway Men's Shed in Dublin Minister Ring confirms Government grow in coming years. allocated funding of €1,736 for tools funding for Women’s Sheds for first “Men’s & Women’s Sheds are mak- and equipment to make wheelchair ac- time ing an invaluable contribution to com- cessible flower beds/planter boxes for munity life in Ireland. They provide community garden allotments. €500,000 funding will support 372 great support to their thousands of • Ballygar Men’s Shed in Galway Men’s and Women’s Sheds to pur- members and have helped tackle the allocated funding of €1,040 to create an chase equipment and carry out problem of social isolation. In many all-weather outdoor recreational area works cases these groups have also become linked to their garden. vital cogs in a variety of community • Buionn Mna Dhún Eibhir in Mayo Mr Michael Ring TD, the Minister for initiatives such as the TidyTowns and allocated funding of € 1,176 for kitchen Rural and Community Develop- local community events.” equipment. ment, has today confirmed that 372 This capital funding will enabled indi- Men’s & Women’s Sheds have been vidual Men’s & Women’s Sheds to • KASI Women's Group in Kerry allocated a total of €500,000 from his purchase equipment or to carry out allocated funding of € 950 to purchase Department, in order to support the minor works to improve their premis- sewing machines and other accessories important work these groups provide es through the provision of small for Women's Group. for their communities. grants. Banagher Men's Shed in Offaly allocated funding of € 1,178 to purchase mate- Minister Ring said: Minister Ring continued: “A relative- rials & equipment for landscaping “I introduced funding for Men’s Sheds ly small amount of money can go a works in the town. in 2018 in recognition of the great sup- long way and investment in groups A full list of projects supported under port that they provide to men in com- like Men’s & Women’s sheds will be this fund is available at the below link: munities across Ireland. Since its estab- put to excellent use in local communi- https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1e973a lishment less than ten years ago, the ties throughout the country.” -community-enhancement-programme- impact of the Men’s Sheds movement Minister Ring is confirming the recip- projects/

ESB - Energy for Generations Fund

heart of this Support for Staff Volunteering vision. Through our Energy for The Energy for Generations Fund pro- Generations vides support to ESB staff who volun- Fund, we have teer within their own communities. three main pil- Staff who volunteer at least 20 hours of lars of focus: their own time per year will be invited to apply for funding of up to €250 for their chosen registered charity. Suicide • Many of our staff are involved in vol- • Homelessness unteering activities in their spare time, Education Access and Support but we have never had any formal ESB and Corporate structure to support or encourage this Aim of the Energy for Generations Responsibility in the past. Through this funding, our Fund aim is to demonstrate our support for Our aim with the Energy for Genera- the work our staff do within their own As a leading Irish organisation with tions Fund is to maximise the impact of communities. deep roots in the community dating our investment by taking a more strate- More information: back to 1927, we are committed to gic approach to effect change. Funding playing a role in addressing some of is only part of the jigsaw – we also https://www.esb.ie/acting-responsibly/ the key social issues facing Ireland want to leverage the skills and community-stem-and-the-arts/esb- today. knowledge we have within the compa- corporate-responsibility ny to bring about more sustainable and Corporate Responsibility (CR) is at the positive outcomes. WPPN Website

Dear WPPN Member Following on from recent WPPN consultations at our Plenary & Municipal District meetings we are hearing how important information is to our members. We are keen to keep members informed as to what WPPN is doing and what might be of interest to them. Hence these monthly newsletters intended to inform you of what is going on in and affecting community groups in County Westmeath.

We are always delighted to hear from Commu- nity Groups; so please Let us know your group successes, ideas, stories and things that you want to share with the PPN’s affiliated groups. There are now over 700 groups affiliated in County Westmeath.

We intend to send out a PPN newsletter at the end of each month for the following month, so if you want your event or news items featured, please send them in well in advance. When sending in news items, please keep it to ap- prox. 175 words, and an image (with permis- sion to use) is always good. Send events, news, etc to [email protected]

We will happily also feature events & news & articles of interest on our website: www.westmeathppn.ie please check it out and let us know if you would like anything included or featured on WPPN website.

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 Page 27 What is the PPN - Public Participation Network ?

What is the PPN? information is distributed and community, to articulate and give a voice received. It facilitates network- to, the diverse range of views, issues and The PPN is the national framework for ing, identify issues of common public engagement and participation that interests within the local government sys- concern, and elect representa- tem. It also aims to give a strong voice to is now well established and supported tives onto decision making within the Westmeath Local Authority the more marginalised groups in society area. The establishment of Public Partici- and to the environment groupings. It results pation Networks is part of a national re- in the creation of one county register for all form process which is changing the way groups thereby creating a stronger voice for local government and citizens engage with the whole sector with more possibilities for increased citizen engagement. each other. The Public Participation Net- work (PPN) is organised in accordance The PPN operates at two levels: with the Westmeath Local Authority. • At Municipal District level which is a The PPN is the main link through which new tier of local government at sub the local authority connects with the com- county level and, munity and voluntary, social inclusion bodies such as the Joint Polic- and environmental sectors. ing Committee, Strategic Policy • At a County-Wide level.

How does it work? Committees and the Local Community Development Westmeath Municipal Districts The PPN is made up of Community and Committees. Two Municipal Public Participation Net- Voluntary, Social Inclusion and Environ- works (PPN) are Athlone Municipal PPN mental organisations that are registered to What is its aim? and Mullingar Municipal PPN. All Groups the PPN. These are the three electoral col- The aim of the PPN is to facili- register and choose to be included in either leges of the PPN and groups who register of the three colleges or pillars (i.e. social with the PPN will be required to select the tate and enable as many groups and organisations as possible, inclusion, community & voluntary and en- Electoral College that is most relevant to vironment) their aims and activities. operating within the wider The PPN acts as the hub around which • Social Inclusion (groups focused on people experiencing disadvantage and inequality) CASTLEPOLLARD I.C.A. • Community & Voluntary (groups Are holding a FREE information morning, involved in local development, sports social clubs etc) Titled • Environment (groups focused on Wellbeing For You And Yours protecting the environment and Informal & Formative Morning sustainable development)

On Westmeath PPN has: • A County Plenary which operates at Drug & Alcohol, Myths & Facts, Self Care County level dealing with County level Chats, Interactive Games, Free Raffles, Coffee issues. • 2 Municipal PPNs which operates in each of the two Municipal District Date:29th January 2020 dealing with issues at a municipal level. • Linkage Groups which will form to Time: 10.00am -1.00pm deal with specific issues and support nominees in their participatory role. Venue: Hotel Castlepollard This will form part of the accountabil- ity and feedback mechanism for the Contact: 0862406473 PPN.

A Secretariat at County level that acts as facil- ******************************************************************************* itation administration and communication mechanism for the PPN Castlepollard I.C.A Annual Quiz in ’’Westmeath PPN— Hotel Castlepollard on The Voice of the Friday 31st January 9.30pm. community’’ Page Midlands Area Parenting Partnership Delivering Triple P positive parenting programmes to Parents in Laois, Offaly, Longford &

Westmeath Spring 2020 2 Hour workshops

Mullingar Area Two hour Topic Based Workshops for Parents of 2-10 year olds Date/Time Venue Westmeath Community Development Of- Dealing with Disobedience Tuesday 24th March 7.30pm -9.30pm fices, Mullingar Westmeath Community Development Of- Managing Fighting & Aggression Tuesday 24th March 7.30pm -9.30pm fices, Mullingar

Westmeath Community Development Of- Dealing with Disobedience Thursday 26th March 10am-12noon fices, Mullingar

Westmeath Community Development Of- th Good Bedtime Routines Thursday 26 March 10am-12noon fices, Mullingar

Westmeath Spring 2020 7 week Programme

7 Week Programmes Date/Time Venue

Junior Programme for parents of 2-10 year olds Westmeath Community Development Tuesday 25th February 10am Offices, Mullingar

Junior programme for parents of 2- 10years olds Wednesday 26th February 7pm Athlone Education Centre Teen programme for parents of 11-15 years olds Tuesday 4th February 10am Health Centre, Coosan Road, Athlone Teen Programme for parents of 11-15 year olds Westmeath Community Development Thursday 27th February 10am Offices, Mullingar

Westmeath Spring 2020 2 Hour work Shops

Athlone

Two hour Topic Based Workshops for Parents of 2-10 year olds Date/Time Venue Athlone Education Centre Dealing with Disobedience Wednesday 12th February 7pm

Wednesday 12th February 7pm Athlone Education Centre Good Bedtime Routines

Wednesday 25th March 10am Health Centre, Coosan rd, Athlone Dealing with Disobedience

Wednesday 25th March 10am Health Centre, Coosan rd, Athlone Managing Fighting & Aggression

Please note our calendar is subject to change For bookings/enquiries, please contact us on (090) 64 47111 Email:[email protected] Facebook page: askaboutparenting

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 Page 29 Organization

WESTMEATH PPN Community Development Section, Westmeath County Council, Áras an Chontae, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 FH4N

Phone: 044 9332157 Email: [email protected]

The Voice of the Community

Keep in Touch and up to date with Westmeath PPN www.westmeathppn.ie

 Westmeath PPN is a formal network, which allows communications with community groups around the county.  Westmeath PPN give citizens a greater say in local government decisions which affect their own communities.  Our democracy is strengthened, by allowing diverse views and interests to be considered as part of the decision making process of local Government.  The result is more transparent, better informed & improved decisions.  Keep in touch, stay informed, news, grants available, upcoming events and what other groups are doing log on & register with www.westmeathppn.ie