Westmeath PPN Public Participation Network March 2021 Volume 3 Issue: 4

Dear WPPN Member

We at WPPN hope that this newsletter finds you and your families well in these very difficult times.

WPPN has a busy March ahead hosting the 2 annual Funding & Resource workshop on 2nd & 4th March (see page 2) and follow up one-to-one Funding & Resource Clinics on 9th & 11th March There are three main objectives for with WCC & WCD staff (Page 2); new for this year is also a series on over the phone Funding & Westmeath PPN : Resource clinics 16 & 18 – 23 & 25 March with WCC staff (page 2). • Informing At the end of March, WPPN will be holding its Linkage Group Meetings (Page 3) which are open to all PPN member groups; these linkage groups are the way that PPN member group/ • Provide information relevant to the organisations can have a real input into policy and decision making in their area of work/interest, environmental, social inclusion, as it allows them to have conversations with WPPN elected volunteer representatives who are on community & voluntary sector and acts as committees and structures throughout the county. a hub around which information is

Thank you as always to all the groups which have contributed to this month’s newsletter, as distributed & received. always, it’s wonderful to hear of the great work volunteer led community groups are doing in • these very trying times. We would love to hear more from member groups and to share your good Developing news stories and initiatives through our PPN network of over 750-member groups. Please let us • Strengthen the capacity of communities know if there is anything you want us to share to: [email protected] and of the environmental, social inclusion,

Public Participation Networks (PPNs) nationally are regarded by state bodies as an important con- community & voluntary groups to duit for information and are issuing important information to PPNs to circulate to members. contribute positively to the community in Therefore, we ask you to please check your emails regularly and circulate information to your which they reside/participate. own members, particularly to those who may not have not access to technology or regular up- dates. • Representing

Over the past year, the members groups of WPPN have proven themselves to be strong, deter- • Facilitate the participation and represen- mined, resilient and respected. With 750+ members groups representing over 30,000 volunteers, tation of communities in a fair, equitable WPPN is now stronger, and better positioned to understand and promote the interests, needs and and transparent manner through the priorities of the communities and voluntary groups of Westmeath and the value of the work that environmental, social inclusion, our member groups do. community and voluntary sectors on

Please remember Westmeath PPN website is updated almost daily; keep in touch and up to date decision making bodies. www.westmeathppn.ie Westmeath PPN is co-funded by the Stay Well, Stay Safe, Stay Strong Department of Rural & Community Check website for regular updates www.westmeathppn.ie Development & Westmeath County Council.

Funding workshop – Thursday 4th March 2021 – 7.30pm to 9pm Details: This workshop will include information on the following funding and resources: • Leader • Rural Supports - Town & Village • ORI - Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Free Funding & Resource • CLÁR Workshops & Clinics 2021 • SEAI - Sustainable Energy Authority of • Local Authorities Water Programme Are you a community looking for resources, expertise or funding? Would you like to learn what supports are available • Westmeath Volunteer Centre to you and how these can be accessed? Please note that places are limited so only register if Westmeath Public Participation Network is once again host- you know you can attend. This workshop will be ing its resource and funding workshop for community groups recorded and will be available to view after the in Westmeath. This year we have had to go online via Zoom event on PPN website www.westmeathppn.ie with the free and practical workshop, where your group will be provided with information on the supports and funding To Book a place at 2nd March Workshop Register here: opportunities available and how they can be accessed. https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/free-westmeath-funding- resource-workshop-2021-via-zoom-registration- Please note: 142082086345 • 2 Representatives from your community or voluntary group are invited to register and attend workshops: Additional Supports in following weeks: Places are limited and will be allocated to organisations on a first come basis. Online Funding & Resource Supports Clinics • Registration will close for Workshops at 4pm day before There will be additional online Funding & Resource supports each workshop clinics with staff of Westmeath County Council Community Section and Westmeath Community Development. These • Please note also that this year there will be 2 Different supports clinics will have One to One Assistance to Commu- workshops as follows: nity Groups with Practical support including assistance with; Which Grants to apply for and assistance with filling in the grant applications: Funding workshop – Tuesday 2nd March • Tuesday 9th March 2021 via Zoom 10am to 4.30pm 2021 - 7.30pm to 9pm via Zoom • Thursday 11th March 2021 via Zoom 10am to 4.30pm Details: Note: Details of Registration details will be emailed out This workshop will include information on the following next week funding and resources: • Westmeath County Council Grants & Awards - Tidy Over the Phone Funding & Resource sup- Town Grants, Residents Association Grants, Community ports clinics Action Grants, Community Enhancement Programme, Pride of Place, & Christmas Lights. Additional one-to-one over the phone supports will be avail- able with staff of Westmeath County Council Community • Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach Award - Per- Section on following dates/times: son of Year, Group of Year & Project of the Year. • Arts, Cultural & Heritage Grants • Tuesday 16th March - 10am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm • Environmental Supports • Thursday 18th March - 10am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm • Westmeath Community Development Supports • Tuesday 23rd March - 10am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm Sports & Recreation Supports Please note that places are limited so only register if • Thursday 25th March - 10am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm you know you can attend. This workshop will be Note: Contact numbers and more details on Phone recorded and will be available to view after the support clinics will be emailed out in early March event on PPN website www.westmeathppn.ie

To Book a place at 2nd March Workshop Register here: For more information please contact Brigid or Ursula by https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/free-westmeath-funding- email: or phone 044 93 32157/93 resource-workshop-2021-via-zoom-registration- [email protected] 142228379913 38939 Westmeath PPN Linkage/Thematic Groups March/April Meetings

Similarly, the PPN Linkage Groups will be there to support and assist the WPPN reps, by peer learning and support, Westmeath PPN Linkage groups are up and running; and discussion, and letting them know the concerns and issues members are finding them both informative and interesting. of WPPN Membership groups. PPN Linkage Groups are the opportunity and way that PPN member group/organisations can have a real input into poli- The PPN Linkage Group members will be expected to work cy and decision making in their area of work/interest, as it in a spirit of collaboration, showing due respect to other allows them to have conversations with WPPN elected rep- opinions and views and will be facilitated to come to deci- resentatives who are on committees and structures through- sions through consensus where possible. out the county. Please note that a WPPN Rep/Member can be part of as many Linkage Groups as they have an interest in. The primary role of WPPN elected reps on committees/ Structures is to consult with WPPN members and to repre- The basic Agenda for Linkage Group meetings will be as sent the views of the entire PPN membership on the com- follows: mittee/board; the easiest way for this to be done is via Link- age Groups. • Welcome/ Introductions/Facilitator • Minutes of previous meeting • Discussion • Date of next meeting

Next Linkage/Thematic group meetings are as follows: 1. Arts, Community, Heritage and Sports – Monday 22nd March at 7.30 via Zoom 1. Climate Change, Environment and Water – Wednesday 24th March 7.30 via Zoom 1. Community Safety, Crime and Policing – Monday 29th March at 7.30 via Zoom 1. Social Inclusion, Rural Development, Youth and Enterprise – Wednesday 31st March 7.30pm 2. Housing, Planning and Transport – Wednesday 7th April at 7.30pm via Zoom

To book a place to attend any of the above please email: [email protected] • Please also let us know if you need any support in accessing Zoom meetings • More details and reminder closer to dates

World Wetlands Photo Competition

To celebrate the day and 50 years since the signing of the Ramsar Convention the Irish Ramsar Wetlands Committee and Wetland Surveys Ireland are launching a World Wetlands Day PHOTO COMPETITION. Photos can be submitted via the Wetland Surveys Ireland Snapshot App until the 31st of May. Prizes include: OPW Family Heritage Cards, Biodiversity Ireland Swatch cards and inclusion in a 2022 Irish Wetlands Calendar. For World Wetlands Day, why not find and take a picture of your local wetland (or the wildlife you find there) and upload it via the Wetland Snapshot App or https://www.wetlandsurveysireland.com/. This will enter you into the Ramsar and Wetlands Surveys Ireland Photo competition. https://www.wetlandsurveysireland.com/

Dún na Sí Heritage and Amenity Park are running a Photography Competition to celebrate World Wetlands Day. Closing date for entries 12th Feb. for details see: https://dunnasi.ie/ world-wetlands-day-2021-photography-competition/

International Peatland Society have organised a Paint your Peatland Competition to celebrate World Wetlands Day. Closing date for entries is 31st March for details see : https://peatlands.org/paint-your-peatland/? fbclid=IwAR0LfzqpqannSSVuz42u59NRwDbQHCqq5_OxbLu9hcicUwY19jHi5iIBFY8

Digital Repository of Ireland DRI launches a new three-part webinar series on 'Using Digital Archives for Academic Research' aimed at early career researchers that will showcase the rich research resources contained in digital archival collections. See link for details: https://www.dri.ie/dri-launches-new-series-using-digital- archives-academic-research

Irish Georgian Society, is inviting applications for its 2021 Conservation Grants Programme

The Irish Georgian Society, through the support of its members in IGS Lon- don, is inviting applications for its 2021 Conservation Grants Programme which is open to support buildings of significant architectural merit. Funding totalling €30,000 is available with priority given to older buildings on the basis of rarity and potential fragility relating to age. Application forms must be sub- mitted by 5pm on Friday 5th March 2021 and can be downloaded https:// www.irish-georgian-society-conservation-grants-programme- 2021&t=d970abbdc81d726dfe3c0977dfe295dfd5ab65e2 Ballinafid Bunbrosna Book Club Recom- mendations for BMB Active Retirement Association ARA reader’s Many BMB ARA BIRTHDAY Greetings BMB ARA members extend birthday members are using the greetings to founder member pandemic restrictions Deirdre Coffey who celebrated a to catch up on their significant birthday as best as she readings. The BMB could, during pandemic. Deirdre Book Club members regret not being in a position to meet in per- was one of the pioneers of the son, but are keeping in touch by text, phone, and email. The fol- sport of Pickleball, a sport that lowing suggestions are put forward, in the hopes of finding a book now so many people enjoy. A for everyone’s taste! retired principal primary school Nature lovers and the environmentally aware will be enthralled teacher, Deirdre has really never with David Attenborough in LIFE ON OUR PLANET. stopped teaching, and has Those who seek suspense will be on the seat of their pants with brought the joy of crafting to many BMB ARA members. Joe Nesbo’s THE SNOWMAN. Health and happiness Deirdre, Deirdre Coffey, pictured here on Drama and pathos are guaranteed in the ever popular David Ken- the right, with fellow Pickleball enthusiast Pauline McCormack. nedy, in THE WOMAN IN THE FIFTH. today and for many days to come. If it’s romantic escape you thrive on, then Martina Cox will deliv- er in WITH HOPE IN YOUR HEART. Competition Time again for BMB ARA members and friends Douglas Stuart won the coveted Booker Prize in the sad but hope- ful first novel SHUGGIE BAIN which unravels the layers of com- Write it Down, it’s a good one plex relationships dealing with inter generational substance abuse, There’s a story in everyone, so why don’t you give writing your poverty of 1980’s Glasgow, but is essentially a story of resilience thoughts a go. Start your entry with the words, “When Covid is and family devotion. over….” Entries of just 1000 Happy reading! Remember to that audio books are free to down- words should be submitted to load from BorrowBox at Westmeath library , if you are Marian Mooney by emailing a better listener than reader [email protected] by March 29. Get out your pen Question Time and paper and start writing to If you’re interested in partici- be eligible to win a prize or just pating in the weekly BMB to let lose your creativity. ARA a telephone quiz, please text QUIZ to 0871723256 and Fancy a bit of Gardening once a week, from Wednes- Spring is in the air and it’s time to get planting. It’s your chance to day ,February 17 to March 31 a show your green fingers and maybe win a prize. All you have to committee member will phone do is plant a window box or you with quiz questions. planter, photograph it and submit This is a fun way to keep mentally sharp, participate, and maybe images to Marian by emailing to even win a prize! As they say, if you’re not in then you can’t win! [email protected] by Good luck to all entrants. March 29. All entries will be independently Reach Out judged so good luck to all who So many of BMB ARA friends take part. and members are experiencing pandemic fatigue that comes In your Easter Bonnets, Get from the restrictions. Many are Creative and Win a Prize! missing the social contact and BMB ACTIVE are getting crea- stimulating activities. tive and asking you to do the Please feel free to call, or to same. It’s your chance to design contact any of the BMB ARA and create your own Easter Bon- committee and participate in any net All you have to do to enter is or all of the competitions and to snap a picture of your creation activities listed above. and send it via email to Marian Stay safe, stay connected and take care. Mooney, at [email protected] Please have your final Watch this space for more details of activities, especially when entries in by March 29. Have fun and enjoy the process. restrictions lift and we are all eventually vaccinated! St. Patrick’s Festival Festival Parade this March 17th, we are reimagining how we bring to life the heart and soul of the national Parade, The National St. Patrick’s Festival returns in 2021, running through spectacle, marching bands, pageantry and ceremo- from March 12th to 17th inclusive. The presentation of this ny, inviting our audiences to participate virtually and enjoy years’ Festival will be through ‘SPF TV’, a St. Patrick’s Festi- safely from their homes until we can come together again. val TV Channel, which will be located at We are delighted to partner with RTÉ this year in developing www.stpatricksfestival.ie and will be accessible globally. the successful #RTÉVirtualParade initiative, and will be an- A rich and dynamic programme of Festival events, created nouncing details of this in the coming weeks. The RTÉ /SPF by hundreds of artists, musicians, performers, makers, crea- Virtual Parade will provide a fun and safe ‘at home’ parade tors, arts and live events workers and community organisa- alternative for all the nation to enjoy on March 17th. tions across Ireland, will run on the St. Patrick’s Festival TV Details on St. Patrick’s Festival 2021, SPF TV and RTÉ /SPF online channel over six days and nights, marking our nation- Virtual Parade will be announced over the coming weeks. al day and offering a joyous and uplifting celebration of Ire- Sign up for news and updates at www.stpatricksfestival.ie land’s contemporary culture and traditional heritage. and follow us on social media – Twitter/Instagram/ Through SPF TV, the world is invited to take a front row seat Facebook at St. Patrick’s Festival 2021, connecting our family of 80 St. Patrick’s Festival 2021 is made possible with the support million across the globe through music, theatre, art, perfor- of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, mance, poetry, storytelling, traditional arts, tours, street and Sport and Media, Fáilte Ireland, Dublin City Council and building lighting and art installations and much more. many more. While we cannot gather on the streets for the St. Patrick’s

Minister Humphreys highlights the prior to lambing and have a detrimental effect on both the responsibilities of dog owners this sheep and their lambs. • “I know that the vast majority of dog owners behave respon- lambing season sibly. However, this is a matter of considerable concern for Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Hum- farmers, particularly those who live in rural parts of the coun- phreys TD, has today Friday, 5 February) highlighted the respon- try. sibilities of dog owners and the vulnerability of sheep to dog at- • “Dog Wardens and An Garda Síochána are doing what they tacks, particularly during lambing season. can. But they cannot be in every part of the country at all Minister Humphreys said dog attacks cause real and serious times. The solution rests primarily with dog owners.” injury to sheep and can have a negative impact, both financially and emotionally, on the farmers involved and their families. While the vast majority of dog owners act responsibility, the is- sue of animals being attacked has been raised in many parts of the country. Some 253 incidences of ‘Livestock Worrying’ were reported to local authorities in 2019. Speaking to mark the beginning of lambing season, Minister Humphreys pointed out that under the Control of Dogs Acts, it is the responsibility of dog owners to ensure that they are in control of their dogs at all times. • “Some 2.5 million lambs will be born on farms all over Ireland this springtime. Sheep flocks are very vulnerable to dog at- tacks at this critical time, and especially during the night. • “The presence of dogs, even on a lead, can alarm sheep Social Enterprise Development Fund 2021 - Open for Applications In January, we were delighted to launch the Social Enterprise Development Fund for 2021. The Fund is now open for applications with a deadline for applications of 5th March 2021. We want to make sure this op- portunity is seen by social enterprises across Ireland, so I am reaching out to ask you to please share it with your networks. The Social Enterprise Development Fund is a €3.2 million Fund, being de- livered from 2018 to 2022. The Fund was created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with Local Authorities Ire- land and funded by IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Commu- nity Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund. In 2021, the Fund will offer 16 Award- ees cash grants of between €10,000 and €50,000 and a place on Ireland’s only National social enterprise Accel- erator Programme. The Accelerator Programme provides training from best-in-class experts across a range of topics including impact measurement and management, strategic planning, stakeholder discovery, business mod- elling, pitching and more. The best social enterprise in each Lo- cal Authority, where there was no cash grant winner, will be awarded a place on our Genesis Programme. The Gen- esis Programme is an intensive two- day workshop that will focus on build- ing the skills and knowledge needed to develop a sustainable social enterprise and to be successful in future funding opportunities. If you have any queries please feel free to get in touch with [email protected]. Ellie O'Sullivan, Associate Fund Manager, Rethink Ireland, M: 083 3437781 W: www.rethinkireland.ie

Irish Refugee Council and Creativity & Change: Just Us - Telling Our Stories Just Us: Telling Our Stories An 8 week workshop series for 18-25 year olds exploring person- al stories through spoken word, drama and playback theatre. About this Event 'Just Us: Telling Our Stories' is a project for young adults aged 18 -25 who come from both migrant and non-migrant backgrounds. The project will take place on Zoom and will comprise of an 8 week workshop series that explores personal storytelling through poetry, drama and playback theatre culminating in an online performance. As we share our stories, we hope to build empathy, understanding and connection with each other and move collec- tively towards a more just and equal society. This project is free to participants, thanks to funding from the Communities Integration Fund and Irish Aid. Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/just-us-telling-our-stories-tickets-137417149393?utm-medium=discovery&utm- campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing Neighbourhood Watch Neighbourhood Watch is a crime prevention and community safety programme for urban ar- eas. It operates as a partnership between An Garda Síochána and the public. It works on the basis that every member of a community can help to improve the quality of life in the area by keeping a look out for neighbours and reporting suspicious activities to the Gardaí. Neighbourhood watch programmes aim to improve community safety, prevent crime, devel- op Garda and community links, increase public confidence in An Garda Síochána, foster a caring environment for older and vulnerable people and reduce anti-social behaviour, includ- ing graffiti and harassment. To set up a scheme in your area, contact your local Garda Station https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/community-crime-prevention-programmes/

Community Alert Community Alert is a community safety programme for rural areas with an emphasis on older and vulnerable people. It operates as a partnership between the community, An Garda Síochána and Muintir na Tíre. It works on the principle of shared responsibility for crime prevention and reduction. Community Alert programmes aim to foster the process of community development, reduce opportunities for crimes to occur, unite communi- ties in a spirit of neighbourliness and community service and to devise programmes to improve the quality of life for all in rural communities. There are over 1,250 Community Alert Schemes. To set up a group in your area, contact your local Garda Station or your local the Muintir na Tíre Community Alert Development Officer (Tel: 062-51163 or Development Officers). https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/community-crime-prevention-programmes/

Text Alert Text Alert enables communities to set up a group to receive alerts advising them of suspicious or criminal activity in their area. As well as ensuring awareness among users of the service, it can also lead to them reporting sus- picious activity to Gardaí. Sending the information by text means that it can be disseminated rapidly to a large amount of people in a cost-effective way. Text Alert is a one-way system, and operates on the following principles: • Member(s) of the public reports incident to the Gardaí (24-hour Garda Dis- trict -Telephone number which is widely advertised) • The reporting Garda verifies details and determines that the "Text Alert” system should be utilised • Garda sends text or e-mail out to each registered "Community Contact” in their Garda District • Each "Community Contact” forwards the text to their "Community Group” to advise the public to watch out and report any developments

• If the information is received by e-mail the Community Contact may forward the e-mail or convert the content to SMS Text and send to their Community Group. https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/community-crime-prevention-programmes/ The Green Kilometre scheme invites individuals and groups in ru- ral areas to become involved in looking after their own locality. Westmeath County Council is very aware, and appreciative, of the vast amount of work being done by Tidy Towns and communities groups however, they will never be able to reach every kilometre of the 2,302* kilometres that run through the county. Many people in our community would like to contribute to their local area, especially since Covid, with an increase in walking and cycling as this has increased awareness of the litter that may be seen along the roadside, the wildlife that exists in the hedge- rows/roadside and built heritage features such as old gates, water pumps etc. The Green Kilometre scheme offers the opportunity to get involved and make a posi- tive contribution to your local area.

9 the N4. The project will also provide for improved opportunities for active travel through provision of dedicated walkways and cycling routes and sup- port sustainable mobility through provision of electric charging infrastruc- ture to encourage the use of electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions.

This 2nd public consultation now underway, is running until 19th March 2021 and is focused on the Route Corridor Options developed for the scheme. An information pack is being distributed to households and businesses through- out the study area.

In compliance with current COVID-19 measures, an online public consultatioex- perience has been developed on the project website www.n4mullingartolongford.ie. A virtual consultation room has been created where stakeholders and the general public can view interactive maps, project information and submit feedback in a safe and accessible environment. Should Tell us your views on N4 Mullin- anyone not have access to the internet, further public consultation material can gar to Longford (Roosky) be requested by post by contacting the project team. The N4 project team is available to answer any questions and provide information project to assist you with your submission. To arrange a telephone call or online consulta- 2nd Public Consultation on the route Corri- tion with a member of the project team, please contact us by phone, email, or via dor Options now underway the online meeting booking facility on the project website. Westmeath County Council in conjunction with Longford County Council sup- If you would like to make a submission, please do so by Friday 19th March 2021 ported by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) invite the residents of the local through any of the following channels; area, members of the public and interested parties to participate in a 2nd pub- • Via our online questionnaire at www.n4mullingartolongford.ie lic consultation on the Route Corridor Options for the N4 Mullingar to Longford (Roosky) project. • By email to [email protected] The N4 serves a vast geographical area and provides a strategic function in terms of connecting the West and Northwest regions of Ireland to the Midlands and Or by post to ROD-AECOM, Unit 23C Lough Sheever Corporate Park, East of the country. The upgrading of this corridor is a core object of Project • Ireland 2040. This 52km section of the N4 is a single carriageway road that Robinstown, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath N91 V340. passes through or close to several settlements including Ballinalack, , Edgeworthstown, Longford and Newtownforbes. It services up to 17,500 vehi- The N4 Project Team can be contacted directly by email at the above address or by cles a day and features over 500 junctions and direct accesses. There have been telephone at 086 059 9895 (Weekdays 9am-5pm). 159 collisions in twelve years from 2008 to 2019 resulting in the loss of 17 lives. The proposed project will improve safety and connectivity between Mullingar and Link to scheme informational video: https://youtu.be/ Longford (Roosky) and enhance overall accessibility in the region and to the West/Northwest by resolving the network deficiencies along this section of AuHqQbw_baE

Clonmellon Tidy Towns

General News. This “ Hedge Maze “ was planted in spring 2020 by Tidy Towns with the support of Westmeath County Council through the community envi- ronment action fund. This is something that when it grows will be a place where parents can come with their children to have a bit of fun. Over the years our playground had a lot of vandalism from broken equipment to been set on fire, so let’s hope that all the efforts gone into getting it refurbished will be appreciated, again a big thank you to Westmeath County Council for their commitment to providing our community with this amenity for all our young children to enjoy. During the autumn we had a new business ( Barber ) open in our market square this is great to see as the market square committee are always trying to bring new business to the area let’s hope that they can fill all the vacant premis- es over the next year. We did a cleanup down at the kells road where all the signs are, we put in some stones and replanted this area when these plants are grown it should be nice and colourful. After years of neglect the Clonmellon Arms got a painting and ti- dytowns sponsored a mural to be done and as you can see (Simon) did a great job.

Endeavour Award 2020. We won the tidytowns endeavour award and this was a great achievement for us. An award like this gives recognition for all the work that we have done over the last 2-3 years, so to all our volunteers please keep up the great work and you are all very much appreciated , this is brought home when you have people who are passing through and stop and comment on how well our village looks. As we reported last year we were 1 point short for best im- proved village this is the goal for this year to win this would be a big achievement, small steps at a time and the big goal is to win this competition, we can achieve this with more people taken pride in where they live and to give a bit of your time 1 hour is all it takes so why not take a look around and see what you can do for yourself and our village. On behalf of the Clonmellon Tidy Towns Committee, Secretary John Wilson. Tidytowns Newsletter Clonmellon been greatly appreciated. We now have 4 fundraising events that we do, Irish Tea Afternoon, Scenes of Killua Castle Calendar, Autumn / Winter Edition 2020 Gospel Choir Concert, and Fundraising Raffle all of these are very well supported by our community. Because of the Covid -19 re- During autumn /winter we carried on with our work in the vil- strictions we held two of the above the raffle for a weekend away lage and all approach roads while observing the government in Lough Eske Castle in Donegal and our Calendars between the guidelines on covid-19.Everything changed in the way we greeted 2 we raised enough money to buy a new ride on lawn mower, we each other, how we visited our parents, sons, daughters grand- would like to thank our two sponsors Love Irish Tours and Lore- children, people in hospital, nursing homes and so on. Now that na and Allen Krause of Killua Castle. we have potential vaccines to help deal with this virus we can hope that all the government restrictions can be done away with Pride of Place: We in time. We have been working on some projects over the last entered our community couple of months and entered our community garden into the garden into the IPB Pride pride of place for the first time. We did some fundraising we had of Place in association with a draw for a week-end away for a family of 4 in the lovely Lough Co- Operation Ireland. This Eske Castle in Donegal; this was sponsored by Love Irish Tours. was a first for us and it was This was the first time we did a raffle to raise money to help with a great achievement to be our projects and to buy new equipment. representing our county in this competition. Because of Covid – 19 restrictions the awards Dedication to our Frontline, Essential and Vol- ceremony was a virtual awards although we did not win it was a unteers Workers. A couple of months ago we started a great achievement to be nominat- project for a dedica- ed. I would like to thank Margaret tion to all our front- Egan for all her help with our en- line essential and try. Our garden has grown over the volunteers workers last 18 months; we now have 10-12 who have served our people who have taken plots, it’s a country so well dur- great place to meet and have a chat ing this pandemic while you attend your veg and ( COVID 19 ) this is plants. We have some plots so if now finished. To you would like to take one and mark this we had a have a place where you can come small dedication on and meet for a chat bit of crack or Sunday 13th Decem- just to have a bit of time for your- ber with a few guests attending , TD Johnny Guirke Sinn Fein, self then drop over all are welcome contact us on face book or Cllr Frank McDermott Fine Gael, members of the Garda Si- email us at [email protected]. ochana, Air Corps, representations from Nursing homes, hospi- tals , bus drivers. We would like to thank Garda Siochana for Homelessness: There were 8,737 people homeless in the their help with traffic management on the day. week of the 19th – 25th of October 2020 across Ireland. This fig- ure includes adults and children. The number of homeless fami- A lot of work went into this and members of our community gave lies has increased by 232% since July 2014 when the monthly their time and skills to make this happen. First we would like to figures started being published. Over the Christmas Clonmellon thank Westmeath County Council Planning Department for given Tidytowns received some care packs and small food hampers their permission to build this flower bed and to put up this from Westmeath Community Development to distribute around plaque. We would like to thank the following for their time and our community. We gave some to the Clonmellon Active retire- effort with this project, John Sheri ment and I would like to dan who spent a lot of hours collecting and transporting all the thank Marie Henry for field stone. Fergus Corrigan who built it and what a great job he her help. We also con- did, John Farley for doing the plastering. Theresa McCoy from tacted Friend- Drumcree who made this beautiful slate plaque and Catherine ship Club and with Wilson who made this beautiful piece of art which represents all the help of Patricia frontline workers. As a community we did well, we used our time, she distributed some energy and talent to show our appreciation for our frontline care packs and food workers who to this day still hampers. We went to put their own health at risk Dublin to give some of the food hampers to the Capuchin Day by being there for all our Centre for homeless people. I would like to thank Thomas Henry communities. for helping me on the day and a big thank you to Margaret Egan for all her help and to the Civil Defence for their help with the Fundraising: As you delivery of these packs. know tidytowns does a lot of On behalf of the Clonmellon Tidy Towns Committee fundraising and over the last Secretary John Wilson. 4 years your support has

The Department of Social Protection is conducting re- search in order to gather feedback on some of the schemes on offer within the Department e.g. Jobseek- ers, Disability allowance etc. The aim would be to have a 30-40 minute virtual discussion with participants, to ask ques- tions around services the department offers and also obtain feedback on some of the new website features the Department is working on. If you or any of your members, service-users, or clients, wish to partake in this research, you can contact [email protected] with any questions or to register your interest. EAPN Ireland receives core funding from the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) which is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Rural and Community Development

Have Your Say: Pensions Commission Consultation

The Pensions Commission would like your views on State Pensions arrangements and your proposals for making sure they are sustainable into the future. The Commission was established as part of a Government commit- ment to look at ways to ensure the sustainability of State Pensions and the Social Insurance Fund into the future. The Commission has also been asked to examine the issue of retirement ages in employment contracts that are set below the State pension age, and to consider how long-term carers can be further accommodated within the pension system. We would like to encourage as many people and organisations as pos- sible to have their say on sustainable State Pensions arrangements into the future. The Commission is keen to hear the views of younger people and from organisations representing and supporting those of working age. People are living longer in Ireland. In 2016, 13.3% of the population (less than one in seven) was 65 years of age or older. By 2051, the CSO projects it to be 25.9% (more than one in four). If we don’t make any changes to the pension system, the increased spending on pensions will reduce the money available to Government to fund income supports and other services that you people you represent may rely on. Your views will help the Commission in considering reforms that could work for everyone. We invite you to read the full Have your Say: Pensions Commission Consulta- tion Paper which will tell you about current state pension arrangements, the challenges we face into the future, and how to make a submission. The deadline for making a submission is Tuesday 9 March 2021 5:00 PM. Tales from the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan tails go to https://www.gov.ie/en/service/18a855-european- innovation-partnership-scheme/?referrer=http:// ‘Working Together for www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/ Biodiversity: Tales europeaninnovationpartnershipincludinglocallyledschemes/ from the All-Ireland europeaninnovationpartnership/ Pollinator Plan 2015- Green Kilometer Scheme invites individuals and groups in 2020’ launched by rural areas to to adopt a kilometer or so of road and maintain Minister of State Herit- it over the year. The Green Kilometer scheme offers the op- age and Electoral Re- portunity to get involved and make a positive contribution to form Malcolm Noonan, your local area. For details and application forms see: http:// highlights positive ac- www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/yourcouncil/ tions for nature across councilnews/launchofgreenkilometrescheme.html or email the island and shows [email protected] or phone 044 933 2125. the big difference that small actions can Heritage Office report for 2020 available at http:// make. The booklet www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/planning/ brings together a selection of case studies to tell the story of conservationheritage/heritageplan/ how communities, farmers, schools, businesses, local au- thorities and many others have contributed towards the con- Events: servation of Ireland’s pollinators. https://pollinators.ie/new- nd rd publication-celebrates-first-five-years-of-the-all-ireland- 22 & 23 March Limerick City & County Council, in part- pollinator-plan/ nership with the Local Authority Waters Programme, The Rivers Trust, Mary Immaculate College and The Maigue Riv- Farming Biodiversity Initiative launched ers Trust, will host a free online two half-day conference Minister Hackett launched a Farming Biodiversity grant for titled “Reimagining Irish Rivers: Working with Nature” on. locally-led on-farm projects. Projects will have a focus on the It will explore Restoration, Management, Biodiversity and promotion of biodiversity through collaboration between River Communities and will bring together the science, prac- farmers and farm groups, NGO’s, local authorities, communi- tices and communities invested in healthy rivers. To register ty or local action groups. Closing Date: 12 midnight 31st go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ March 2021. For guideline documents and applications de- WN_E7CxVbU9RKiphX9_pT52lA

North Citizens Information locations and a mobile service. For more information, please see: http://www.citizensinformation.ie Service: Board of Directors x 3 This board recruitment process is for three (3) individuals with a North Leinster Citizens Information Service particular focus on the following competencies: The North Leinster Citizens Information Service invites expres- 1.Vacancy 1 - Financial Management/Internal Audit; and/or Le- sions of interest for appointment as a member of the Board of gal; and/or Risk Management. Directors (Three Vacancies) 2.Vacancy 2 - Service Delivery (in an analogous environment) North Leinster Citizens Information Service – Kildare, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath 3.Vacancy 3 - Volunteer Management; and/or HR or Workplace Relations. The Citizens Information Service These are voluntary Boards and while no fees will be paid to The North Leinster Citizens Information Service (NLCIS) was Board members, travel and subsistence expenses will be paid founded in 2018 as part of a national restructure of the Citizens when applicable. Information network and provides its service through a network of twelve (12) CICs and a number of ‘casual outreach’ services in Full details of the vacancies, the companies’ structure and appli- Kildare, Longford, Louth, Meath and Westmeath. cation can be found in the candidate’s booklet which can be downloaded from HERE. Citizens Information Services (CIS) are companies that allow call- ers to access face-to-face information on public and social ser- Closing date for receipt of applications: 13:00 on Friday 26th vices on a drop-in basis. There are Citizens Information Centres March 2021 (CICs) right across Ireland, and these are supported by outreach

Citizen Scientists, Endangered Butterflies, overcrowding, littering and increased visitation. Hedgerows and Trees get Funding Bat Conservation Ireland €46,446 An identification guide will be developed for the nine resident spe- cies of Irish bats. Using this information a new website will be de- veloped and volunteers will be recruited. They will be asked to col- lect bat dropping samples to send to experts in UCD as part of a citi- zen-science project. This represents a novel way to efficiently, cheaply and non-invasively, estimate the presence and biodiversity of Irish arthropod species.

Almost €300,000 for community focussed projects Irish Seed Savers Association €20,000 A training programme for ten community gardens across Ireland to Statement by The Community Foundation for Ireland grow and save their own seed to create greater community engage- Innovative bat surveys, counting of birds, planting thousands of new ment with the full food supply from seed to plate. The Community trees, protecting rare butterflies as well as promotion of hedgerows Seed Guardian programme is being established in response to Covid- and boglands are all projects being supported by new Biodiversity 19 to build resilience in communities. Grants being announced by The Community Foundation for Ireland Hedge Laying Association of Ireland €15,000 (Monday 1st February 2021). The All Ireland Hedge Laying Championships promotes an ancient Eight projects have successfully secured almost €300,000 from The craft developed over millennia. and is considered the optimum form Foundation in a scheme which also enjoys Government support of management for our native hedgerows. Competitors lay a desig- through the National Parks and Wildlife Service. nated 8 metre section of hedge over a set time period and the process is monitored and judged by an independent expert. The 2021 event is Each is committed to work with local communities to raise aware- planned for October. ness and use this to spark actions which help protect some of our most endangered habitats and wildlife. The Native Woodland Trust €25,000 Establish and run tree and wildflower nurseries in counties Wicklow, All have been identified as being strategic and sustainable during a Roscommon and Clare. The Clare nursery will be based in the only period when the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns and a fall in fund- privately owned part of Rockforest Wood. It will produce primarily raising activity continues. Scots Pine from the recently discovered and only source of native The successful projects are: Scots.The Roscommon Nursery will produce trees plus woodland and meadow wildflowers sourced only from the Ancient Woodland BirdWatch Ireland €83,526 of St. John’s Wood and from a neighbouring wildflower meadow Connecting birds and people to enhance the protection of birds and The Wicklow nursery will focus on rare trees not otherwise available biodiversity through the power of citizen science, outreach and train- for tree planting in Ireland from native sources – such as Bird Cher- ing. There will be bird surveys, ‘How To’ guides in areas such as ry, Wild Cherry, Irish Whitebeam and Ash & Wych Elm selected for nest boxes as well as increased involvement of people with disabili- natural disease resistance. ties, new communities and minorities. Welcoming the announcement of the grants Denise Charlton, Chief Irish Peatland Conservation Council Kildare €35,028 Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland said: “Local Development of the Lodge Bog, Co Kildare into Ireland’s first peat- education, awareness and action is how we make climate action land habitat best practice model for research, restoration and educa- works. Each of these projects depend on the support of communities. tion resource. The installation of a new 38m raised bog bridge and They have been identified as they are both strategic and sustainable seating, monitoring of flora and fauna, including the Large Heath with potential for longer term action. The funding also brings togeth- Butterfly and Curlew. With the ethos ‘little ripples make big waves’ er a partnership with our foundation and public funding through the the aim is to make Lodge Bog a beacon that others can follow. National Parks and Wildlife Service and then communities through Green Economy Foundation Cork €20,000 our grantees. This is the sort of joint action we need to protect our Working with community groups in Cork on tree planting projects. environment for all.” Practical support, resources and advise will be provided to pant na- Malcolm Noonan, TD Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral tive trees as hedgerows, community woodlands and orchards as well Reform added: “It’s fantastic to see such worthwhile projects deliv- as tree lines. There will be advice on tree species, planting regimes ered by some of Ireland’s finest environmental NGOs benefit from as well as protection and aftercare. this fund. I know from my own hands-on experience that local action Leave No Trace Ireland Wicklow €50,000 on species conservation, habitat creation and restoration, coupled ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’ restoration project will focus on with community engagement and education, has the power to unlock Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve in Co. Wicklow. The programme transformative change for nature in Ireland. This is my Department’s focuses on restoring a site that is in poor environmental condition or second year collaborating with the Community Foundation for Ire- that has been negatively impacted by increased recreational activi- land, and I’m delighted with the selection of such strategic and im- ties. Working with the local community the aim is to facilitate bio- pactful projects. I look forward to visiting them when it is safe to do diversity and education to repair a site which has been impacted by so.” Irish businesses joining forces to Dublin, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has not impacted all people equally. Extensive research from organisations such counteract Covid-19 disproportion- as the McKinsey Global Institute and the European Institute ate impact on women for Gender Equality has demonstrated the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women. This ranges from higher rates of job losses to the increasing burden of unpaid care, which is disproportionately carried by women. In fact, McKinsey & Co. estimate that women’s jobs are 19 per cent more at risk in the current climate. We need to act to sup- port women back into sustainable, quality employment as a priority. “We are delighted to have so many great companies joining our campaign already. The range of services that Dress for Success Dublin provides are essential to supporting our cli- ents into jobs – good, sustainable jobs. But to continue to provide this vital support, we need organisations to step up and help us support women who are looking for work and to Communicorp Media, One4all and Business & Finance are help change the landscape so they can attend workshops, among the businesses joining forces to support Dress for and are supported to have the confidence and skills to get Success Dublin’s International Women’s Day 2021 cam- the right opportunities. This is what our International paign, which is aimed at combatting the disproportionate Women’s Day partners are doing. I’m calling on all who impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on women across Ireland. wish to mark the day in a truly meaningful way to get in The Dress for Success Dublin (DfSD) charity – which sup- touch to discuss how you can support our work while cele- ports women’s economic independence and campaigns for brating IWD with your staff and teams.” gender equality in the workplace – launched its 2021 Inter- Also commenting on the launch Aoife Davey, Senior Mar- national Women’s Day (IWD) campaign today (10.02.21). keting Director for One4all, said: “We’re really excited to be The campaign will see organisations across Ireland raising supporting Dress for Success Dublin through raising aware- funds on 8th March 2021 to support the delivery of employ- ness and practical discussions at the International Women’s ment and career services to support women into sustainable Day event on diversity. It is only through continued open employment. conversations that women within the workplace will feel In addition to the organisations already on board for the empowered to strive for, and to feel supported, to reach IWD campaign, DfSD is calling on other workplaces across their full potential.” Ireland to join the campaign. Further information on the campaign and partnership pack- Fundraising Activities ages is available at: www.dressforsuccessdublin.org/ campaigns/international-womens-day. Supporters of the campaign, which also include internation- al law firm Simmons & Simmons and design agency Tap Creations, are fundraising through: •Running internal fundraising events with their staff invit- ing them to Donate their Commute to help others on their journey to economic independence; •Encouraging staff to donate the cost of their daily or weekly commute, and matching the total; or •Partnering with DfSD on a flagship national IWD event in conjunction with Business and Finance and One4all taking place on Monday, 8th March. Full details or the partnership options are available on the DfSD website at: www.dressforsuccessdublin.org/ campaigns/international-womens-day. Disproportionate Impact of Covid-19 on Women Commenting on the campaign’s launch today, Sonya Len- non, designer, broadcaster and founder of Dress for Success Restorative justice development studies from the Garda Síochána and Probation Service, among others. Again, please continue to get in touch if you project launches new website have examples of work that may be suitable for publication. The new website of •A dedicated resources section, collating Irish law, policies Restorative Justice: and reports and linking to multimedia resources, such as Strategies for videos, podcasts and news articles. Further subsections in- Change (RJS4C) clude publications from our Stakeholder Group pertaining to Ireland. RJS4C is a restorative justice in Ireland and research summaries. If you cross-European have any publications you want us to include in that section, project involving please let us know – although it currently only includes work around 40 partners by the Core Members, we will include work from our Stake- from ten jurisdic- holder Group. Similarly, if there were any studies you would tions, the goal of like us to summarise, or if you can assist us by summarising which is to refocus a piece of research for the website, please let us know. European criminal •A new blog so that the Stakeholder Group can publish arti- justice systems, agencies, policies and practices around re- cles relating to restorative justice and restorative practices in storative principles and processes. In Ireland, the project Irish criminal justice. Please get in touch if there is some- involves a Core Group of four persons from the State sector thing you would like to write about for the website – we want and civil society, and a Stakeholder Group encompassing to hear from prospective authors! over 450 persons from across State and non-state bodies, The case studies illustrate the different situations in which among others, with personal and professional interests in restorative justice and restorative practices are used in Irish developing restorative justice in Ireland. criminal justice. The restorative justice cases we published This website, funded by the Department of Justice, contrib- today were all delivered by NGOs. The cases range from hate utes to several project goals. As per our national strategy, crime and violence to property crime and drug possession, published in June 2019, our Core and Stakeholder Groups and include victim-offender mediation, family conferencing, work across three primary areas: the accessibility of safe, reparation panels and victim empathy work among the prac- high quality restorative justice in Ireland; raising knowledge tice models. In addition, the restorative practices cases pub- about restorative justice processes and services; and chang- lished today highlight organisational and relational applica- ing cultures through the wider application of restorative tions of a restorative approach: conflict resolution in com- principles and practices in criminal justice settings. munity-based organisations, restorative programmes in pris- To support these goals, with funding from the Department of ons, and efforts to heal communities or to build trust, rela- Justice and considerable support from across our Stakehold- tionships and understanding between the Gardaí and specific er Group, we have published a range of resources on our new communities. website, including: These data help us quantify and draw attention to what •The initial findings of a mapping exercise: the Department stakeholders have long known: while restorative justice takes of Justice funded us to map restorative justice services in place with all types of cases, including the most serious, the Irish criminal justice contexts. Today, we publish the profiles numbers are very small. Services are thin – in that the crimi- of criminal justice services and agencies that deliver restora- nal justice agencies with a national remit deliver only a mod- tive justice or use restorative approaches in their work, and est number of cases – and patchy – in that many parts of the of bodies and networks that support restorative practition- country and stages of the justice process do not have a dedi- ers. We collected quantitative data on the training and use of cated service. By implication, restorative justice plays only a restorative justice and practices, and qualitative data per- marginal role in criminal justice in Ireland, and we are some taining to the restorative models used. We also published way off from all victims and offenders having the infor- summaries of these data for each category of service. Please mation and the opportunity to determine whether restorative get in touch if you have any information to help us improve justice is right for them. Moreover, it seems likely that s.7(1) this resource; for example, we aim also to collect and aggre- (m) of the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017, gate data on independent practitioners’ use of restorative which requires the Gardaí to inform victims about restora- justice. tive justice services where available, has not been fully imple- •Our first tranche of case studies: with funding from the De- mented. partment of Justice, we are collecting case studies illustrat- Dr. Ian D. Marder, Dr. Kieran O’Dwyer, Tim Chapman and ing the use of restorative justice and restorative practices in Ursula Fernée criminal justice in Ireland. Today, we published 17 cases highlighting the role of non-governmental organisations in https://restorativejustice.ie/2021/01/21/restorative- providing restorative justice services, as well as a number of justice-strategies-for-change-ireland-launches-new- innovative examples of restorative practices being applied in website/ criminal justice settings. Later, we will publish further case 2021 online Workshops on Loss and Bereavement Irish Refugee Irish Hospice Foundation Council & Creativity We are now accepting bookings for the 2021 series of Workshops on Loss and Bereave- ment which will be delivered online via Zoom from January - June. Details and booking & Change: process can be found on the following link https://hospicefoundation.ie/education- Just Us - Telling Our training/bereavement-training/workshops/ Stories This is a series of introductory workshops. They are targeted at professionals and volunteers who may wish to learn more about loss and bereavement and for those working with people who have experienced a major loss. Please note bookings and pay- ment for the workshops can only be made by using the following link to Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/irish-hospice-foundation-31883804183 For queries please contact: Iris Murray, Administrator, Irish Hospice Foundation Email: [email protected] Just Us: Telling Our Stories An 8 week workshop series for 18- Suicide or Survive: Muscle & Mind Challenge 25 year olds exploring personal stories through spoken word, dra- Fundraiser ma and playback theatre. We are delighted that you are interested in joining SOS in support of our Mus- About this Event cle & Mind Challenge Fundraising campaign. Test yourself by taking on a 30 'Just Us: Telling Our Stories' is a day fitness & wellbeing fundraiser. Choose your challenge, register your page project for young adults aged 18- & start today. 25 who come from both migrant Register your individual challenge & JustGiving fundraiser page here : Muscle and non-migrant backgrounds. & Mind Challenge for SOS - JustGiving https://www.justgiving.com/ The project will take place on campaign/musclemind21 Zoom and will comprise of an 8 Then it’s simple…. Choose your start date, Share your challenge on your so- week workshop series that ex- cials and get fundraising !! plores personal storytelling through poetry, drama and play- Once registered we will send you out a fundraiser pack – incl.. T-shirt & SOS back theatre culminating in an Goodies. We can also send you out some sponsorship cards for those who online performance. As we share can’t donate to your online page. our stories, we hope to build em- Get your friends, family and work colleagues to support you all the way and pathy, understanding and connec- raise some vital funds & awareness for Suicide or Survive. tion with each other and move collectively towards a more just and equal society. This project is free to partici- pants, thanks to funding from the Communities Integration Fund and Irish Aid. Link to register: https:// www.eventbrite.ie/e/just-us- telling-our-stories-tickets- 137417149393?utm- medium=discovery&utm- campaign=social&utm- DCEDIY: restrictions are having on the most vulnerable in our society and aims to demonstrate and harness the available supports that are Supporting Children Campaign in place. Supporting Children is a campaign developed by DCEDIY to sup- As colleagues working in a wide variety of sectors, with profes- port vulnerable children, young people, and their families in chal- sional organisations, agencies and children, young people and lenging times. It was first launched on 19 June 2020, highlighting families, we would appreciate your assistance in ensuring that this the range of services and supports in place and the innovative re- message is disseminated and amplified as widely as possible. I sponses this sector was making to meet the needs of vulnerable would be grateful if you would highlight the Supporting Children groups across a range of service areas, from Child Protection and campaign and promote the key messages through your own or- Welfare to Education Support, Parenting and Family Support, and ganisation, professional networks and communication channels. others. In this second Supporting Children campaign, and especially in The campaign is designed with two purposes. It encourages all of the current climate, we would like to ensure maximum coverage us to look out for vulnerable children whose lives and supports and reach of this messaging so as to indicate that the collective have been severely disrupted during the current pandemic. It also system is attentive and responsive to the needs of children at this spotlights our Supporting Children website, pointing to a wide critical time. range of information detailing supports for children, young people Here you will find information about services for children, young and families across six key areas. This information campaign has people and families, including those with additional needs. You been updated based on service user feedback from the initial will also be able to see the changes we have made so that we can phase. We are also working with Tusla to ensure the campaign continue to support you in this time. information is presented in an accessible and useful format. https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/42dcb-supporting-children/ Supporting Children is funded under What Works. The campaign recognises the serious impacts both the pandemic and associated

What’s worked? Tell us about innovations or adaptations in services and supports used by people with disabilities during Covid 19 The National Disability Authority is the independent statutory body that pro- vides information and advice to the Government on policy and practice relevant to the lives of persons with disabilities. We have a role to assist the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in the co-ordination of dis- ability policy www.nda.ie. We are currently working on a project researching innovations or adaptions to supports or services across all sectors that have supported persons with disabili- ties during Covid-19. We are particularly interested in innovative practices that will, or have the potential to, remain in place post pandemic. We are looking for innovations across all sectors that are used by persons with disabilities, for ex- ample, employment, education, day-services, residential services, healthcare. We aim to produce a report collating these innovations that will be shared widely to relevant stakeholders. If you have an example to share please contact us at [email protected] ISM SafeDrive with young people either in an educational, training or vol- unteer setting are in an ideal front-line position to facilitate Donation for registered charities young people’s access to learning. ISM SafeDrive can con- tribute towards achieving the governmental national policy ISM Community Re- framework outcomes and aims for children and young peo- sponsibility Programme ple at an individual level. The policy priorities include the is donating SafeDrive outcome of young people being connected, respected and user licences (max 5 contributing to their world. ISM SafeDrive provides an op- licences per request) for portunity for ongoing education and training and makes organisations who en- young people aware of their responsibilities and be respect- gage or work with ful of the law when they are road users. young people either in educational, training How can my organisation access ISM SafeDrive outside of and/or volunteer settings. To request a licence donation, this donation? your organisation is required to submit your CHY and com- Request ISM SafeDrive at reduced price, €5 per licence pany registration numbers. Please follow this link: https:// (RRP €25) from [email protected]. This price, (€1 per mod- www.surveymonkey.com/r/ISM_SafeDrive_Donation ule), is exclusively for Non-Profit organisations only as part What is ISM SafeDrive? of ISM’s Community Responsibility Programme. ISM SafeDrive is specifically developed for 16-to-24-year- About us: old young people and novice drivers. The eight module, six- ISM Community Responsibility Programme focuses on hour long, online course focuses on raising consciousness heightening awareness and delivering risk management, and increasing the understanding of a young person’s re- compliance services and solutions. We provide Driving for sponsibility. The tool enables young people to understand Work support under the Health and Safety training and give their own authority when on the road as a road user. It is free Driving for Work policy packs for organisations whose interactive learning where the young person can determine volunteers or employees use their own or company car dur- their own learning pace, answer quiz questions and achieve ing their working day. As the leaders in driver education a certificate. The training modules explain the dangers of since 1961, ISM’s community responsibility programme driving at speed, risk of mobile phone usage while driving, also educates young and novice road users about safe be- recognising the signs of fatigue, responsible driving and the haviour on roads in line with the Government’s Road Safety dangers of drink and drug driving. Strategy 2013 – 2020. What is the benefit of ISM SafeDrive? ISM Community Responsibility Programme Education holds the key to positively influencing behav- 01 864 1790 | [email protected] | www.ism.ie/nonprofit iours and attitudes. The organisations who engage or work

Age Actions’ Getting Started KIT dia Literacy Ireland, the DCU Institute of Future Journalism and the Printing Federation of Ireland and the HSE for their Age Actions’ Getting Started KIT supports older people to help in producing and distributing the Getting Started KIT. keep in touch with their loved ones during the Covid-19 pan- demic. We all are feeling the effects of social distancing with The Age Action Getting Started KIT materials are available to some older people are particularly affected by digital exclu- download here: https://www.ageaction.ie/how-we-can-help/ sion. Now it is more important than ever to keep in touch with getting-started-kit or people can call 01 8730372 leave their family and friends and avail of services online so Age Action name and address and Age Action will post the How to Guides drew on our Getting Started programme which offered face to within 10 days. face digital skills classes, to create easy How To Guides. The Getting Started KIT is made up of seven How To guides that will support older people to learn, use, and be confident using smartphones and applications. RTÉ broadcast the video tutorials which are presented by Mary Kennedy on RTÉ One on the Today with Maura and Dáithí programme on Tuesday 28 April at 4.10pm and Thurs- day 30 April between 3.30pm and 4.40pm. The video tutorials are available to view on our YouTube Channel. We are grateful for the support of RTÉ, NALA, ChangeX, Me- Broderick Writing Series, Residency. son, place, life, and family. His life living in Bath, Year three. his travails with the Irish Censorship Board. 10-02-2021 All information on the ten-weeks writing work- shops is available. A strong invitation is Guest writer-in-residence,2021, Mr. Keith Payne extended to new Irish communities in Ath- Opening address by Ms. Miriam Mulrennan, Arts lone. Officer, Westmeath County Council. Margaret Kiernan Welcomed an audience of thirty-two persons to the launch. Welcomed Mr. Keith Payne to the residency. Ms. Sinead O'Reilly, Arts Council, responded to M. Mulrennan's speech. Mr. Gearoidh Devine, Mu- nicipal Area, Westmeath County Council, spoke to Ms. O' Reillys words. He spoke about Mr. John Broderick, Author, about his per-

Siamsaiocht Ses- sion 2 will take place on Saturday 27th February at 9:00pm on Athlone FRC Event Page and You Tube Channel. Connecting the community with musicians, storytellers and performers during lockdown. Siamsaíocht Sessiun No 2 - Scéal, Craic agus Ceol Music event by Siamsaíocht and Athlone Family Resource Centre Hummingbirds Lets on Saturday, February 27 2021 www.facebook.com Make Music Saturday International Womens Day Podcast Specials - Airing Morning Sing Along on the 22nd, 24th February, 1, 3, 8th March. This is a 5 session podcast series dis- Session will take place on cussing women's experiences of gender inequality and challenges they have faced Saturday 27th February at in society, business, education, politics etc. The podcasts will air on the Athlone FRC Facebook and You Tube Pages. More 11:00am on Athlone FRC Page. details from the event page link Link below https://www.facebook.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ events/452474295792386/? events/233449135062792/? active_tab=discussion active_tab=discussion International Womens Day #Choose to Saturday Sing Along Sessions- Early Challenge - Clockwork Junkie Podcast Years Learning with Hummingbirds Specials Music event by Athlone Family Resource Networking event by Athlone Family Re- Centre on Saturday, February 27 2021 source Centre on Monday, February 22 www.facebook.com 2021 www.facebook.com Athlone FRC are delighted to be collaborating with professional Artist Anna Boles to bring you a 5 day revision workshop for Junior and Leaving Certifi- cate Art Students. Over the course of the five days Anna will focus on helping students to develop their skills utilising watercolour and acrylics to create landscape and portrait paintings. Programme will run from April 5th - April 10th daily. See event page link for more details. https://www.facebook.com/events/502348184491930/? active_tab=discussion Art Techniques for Junior and Leaving Certificate Students with Professional Artist Anna Boles Art event by Athlone Family Resource Centre on Monday, April 5 2021 www.facebook.com

Athlone FRC are delighted to be collaborating with Enchanted Croi Theatre Company on our 2 day Theatre Building and Performance Workshops. This 2day Easter Programme for children aged 7-9yrs will take place from 12:00 - 2:00pm on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd April 2021. https://www.facebook.com/events/884456962334148/?active_tab=discussion Enchanted Croi - Theatre Building and Performance Workshops (7- 9yrs) Theater event by Athlone Family Resource Centre on Thursday, April Whats the Story with 1 2021 Fia Rua returns on 17th www.facebook.com March 2021 for a St. Patrick Day ______special. Airing at 12:00am on Ath- Athlone FRC are delighted to be col- lone FRC You Tube and Facebook laborating with Enchanted Croi The- Pages. atre Company on our 2 day Theatre https://www.facebook.com/ Building and Performance Work- events/1563866917336800/? shops. This 2day Easter Programme active_tab=discussion for children aged 10-13yrs will take place from 3:00 - 5:00pm on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd April 2021

Whats the Story Fia https://www.facebook.com/events/131704375414524 Rua Enchanted Croi - Theatre Building & Literature event by Athlone Family Performance Workshops (Aged 10-12yrs) Resource Centre on Wednesday, March 17 2021 Theater event by Athlone Family Resource Centre on Thursday, April 1 2021 www.facebook.com www.facebook.com Bealtaine Hero Award Age & Opportunity’s Bealtaine Festival wishes to rec- ognise two innovative grass roots arts projects through the Bealtaine Hero Award. We invite applications from individuals and / or or- ganisations who wish to create an exciting new online festival event which will be presented during the Bealtaine Festival 2021.. Read More Here: https://bealtaine.ie/bealtaine- hero-2021/ Deadline: 2nd March 2021

Creative Ageing Writing Bursary The Age & Opportunity inaugural Creative Ageing Writing Bursa- ry aims to generate discussion, debate and knowledge about creative ageing in Ireland. The bursary is intended to afford time and space for an artist/ writer to reflect on their practice – the learnings, insights but also challenges they have faced. The writer/artist might also want to consider how they have approached working with older people and the learnings generated through that. Read More Here: https://bealtaine.ie/creative-ageing-writing- bursary/ Deadline: Friday 26th March

The Arts & Creativity in Care Toolkit Age & Opportunity is delighted to announce the publication of our Toolkit for Arts & Crea- tivity in Care Settings: A practical guide to making the arts and creativity part of everyday life in a care setting. Read More Here: https://bealtaine.ie/toolkit-for-arts-creativity-in-care-settings/ Download Now: https://bealtaine.ie/resources/Working-with-older-people/A-Toolkit-for- Arts-and-Creativity-in-Care-Settings.pdf

Bealtaine Festival 2021 – Registration is Open! While we may still be fighting Covid-19, we want you to know that we’re busy preparing for an exciting new online Bealtaine 2021 and we need you to join us! The festival will take place online throughout the month of May, with a wide range of exciting activities that will be shared soon. Our new theme for 2021 is In(ter)dependence. Read More Here: https://bealtaine.ie/bealtaine-festival-event-registration-is-now-open/ Register Here: https://bealtaine.ie/registration/ Contact for All on this page—Arts Programme Administrator | Age & Opportunity St. Patrick’s Hall | Marino Institute of Education | Griffith Avenue | Dublin 9 | D09 K4P6 DD: +353 (0)1 805 7713 | E: [email protected] ageandopportunity.ie | bealtaine.ie Diabetes Ireland: Type 2 The final session takes places six months after the start date. CODE is funded by Diabetes Ireland and the HSE, therefore free Online Education Programme of charge to attendees CODE is Diabetes Ireland’s group education programme for peo- The sixth month session is a review of achievements and personal ple with Type 2 Diabetes or with a diagnosis of prediabetes. goals that were set and new goals are considered. Our flexible The aim of CODE is to help people manage their prediabetes or approach allows the sessions to be tailored to meet the self- Type 2 diabetes. Each session will be approximately 2 hours long. identified needs of each individual. The group will have no more than 12 participants who will be *** Please note this course is only for People living Type 2 diabe- facilitated by a Diabetes Ireland Nurse or Dietitian and it aims to tes and Pre diabetes only *** support those living with the condition to set goals and support For further information on Diabetes Awareness Sessions for Care each other in tools for self-management. staff/ Service Providers caring for persons with diabetes contact Topics Covered in Code Include: us at [email protected] •Diabetes Explained To register your interest to attend a free EDUCATION course run •Signs & Symptoms by Health Professionals please complete the form here: https:// •Carbohydrate & Portion Advice www.diabetes.ie/living-with-diabetes/living-with-type-2/ •Personal Goal Setting diabete… •Managing Your Glucose Levels •Risk Factors •Healthy Eating •Physical Activity CODE aims to deliver general information about diabetes self- management in a supported online setting. The groups are kept to small numbers allowing people to talk in a supportive, non- judgemental environment about their own diabetes. Time is allo- cated during the programme for problem solving, people’s feed- back on diabetes self-management, behaviours and goal settling. Diabetes knowledge and skills are reinforced and the responsibil- ity for the personal self-management of diabetes is gradually strengthened.

Irish Hospice Foundation

Grieving in exceptional times What is Grief? A death in your family or in your circle of friends is always difficult. You may feel shocked, upset, tearful or distressed. You may find it difficult to concentrate and to realise what has happened. You may be angry or fright- ened. These experiences are particularly confus- ing and intense in the early days and weeks of a bereavement. Irish Hospice Foundation has launched a free bereavement resource pack , Support for Griev- ing in Exceptional Times. https:// hospicefoundation.ie/wp-content/ uploads/2021/02/Support-for-Grieving-in- Exceptional-Times.pdf It includes all our bereavement resources (for adults and children/teenagers) specially devel- oped as part of our COVID-19 Care & Inform hub. https://hospicefoundation.ie/covid19-care -and-inform/ •Know methods to successfully assess a befriendee for your service •Understand matching and how to go about setting up befriending matches •Know how to support befriendees and befrienders in befriending relationships •Be able to list ways to manage risk and to safeguard befriendees and befrienders •Know typical ways to store service information and data Support and Case Management Training This training provides a framework for Support and Case Man- agement. This training is ideal for organisations who work with older people or with individuals with additional support needs. This training is modelled on the Support Coordination service that ALONE provides to older people both in housing and in the community. After attending this training, attendees will: •Know techniques to identify the issue(s) a person presents with •Have an understanding of the different support work levels •Understand comprehensive assessments and techniques •Know what steps to take post assessment •Understand the case noting system and how to write case notes •Gain an understanding of Support Plan Objectives •Know ways to advocate for a person you are supporting •Gain & understanding of gaps/blocks in support &case management Learn How to Train your Befrienders: A Train the Train- er Course This training course is designed specifically for services who are looking to create their own core befriender training to their be- frienders. This training takes the stress out of knowing what to train befrienders on and how to create a comprehensive training course to best prepare befrienders in their roles. After attending this training, attendees will: Service Set-up Basics Training •Be able to identify topics need to be covered in core befriender train- This training for those is specifically designed for those who are in ing the process of, or interested in, setting up a befriending service in •List and discuss what training methods are most suitable for be- Ireland. It covers all of the areas that need to consider and worked friender training on before befriending service gets up and running. After attending •Know how to structure a training session for befriender training this training, attendees will: •Be able to explain learning styles and how to cater to all learning •Know what you need to consider before setting-up a service styles in befriender training •Be able to identify what kind of befriending and related services op- •Know assessment and evaluation techniques suitable for befriender erate in Ireland training •Know what costs are involved in running a befriending service •Be able to manage diversity in befriender training •Understand sustainability and ways you can fund your service •Be able to identify training materials useful for befriender training •Be able to identify ways to create a brand for your service •Know methods to refresh befrienders in befriender training over the •List the key policies and paperwork needed for your service longer term •Know the recommended staffing structure of a befriending service Core Volunteer Training •Be able to identify the key legal requirements needed This is ideal an ideal form of support for services who would like •Have an understanding of a basic office and IT set-up to ALONE to train their befrienders. In this training all of the es- Befriending Coordination Training sential areas to support a befriender in advance of their role are covered. The training is also adapted to suit each service provid- Befriending Coordination Training covers all aspects of coordinating a befriending service. This training is an ideal follow on from Service ing telephone/ visitation befriending services: Set up training for services who are just starting up. This training is •What befriending is and the befriending role also suitable for established services that would like a refresher or •An overview of the befriending service boundaries and how to man- advice on Befriending Coordination. After attending this training, age boundary challenges attendees will: •Communication skills for successful engagement with befriendees •Know methods and steps to source and recruit befrienders •How confidentiality works in a befriending service •Be able to list referral sources and ways to generate referrals to your •Manage health and safety for both befriendees and befrienders service •The befriender support network UN Women announces the theme for dent. Ms. Cahill was recently short-listed alongside Greta Thunberg for a 'Women in Youth Activism' award with the International Women’s Day, European Movement for her focus on youth civic engage- 8 March 2021 as, ment and voter registration campaigning. In 2018, she spoke out publicly about her experiences with anxiety as part of “Women in leadership” Hotpress Magazine's 100 voices issue.

Join SOS as we talk with Síona Cahill about the importance She is currently a board member of both the Irish Family of Women in Leadership, Activism, and her own journey Planning Association (IFPA) and the Dublin Rape Crisis with Mental Health. Centre (RCC) and is the public affairs and communications manager for Gaisce - The President's Award, encouraging This event will be 45mins and is free to attend thanks to our more than 20,000 young people a year to pursue challenges funding from the National Office for Suicide Prevention that are personal, physical, and in the community. (NOSP) Register for this free event here https:// Síona Cahill, 28, is a social-change activist, campaigner, and event.webinarjam.com/register/500/vyg78a55 communications professional from Co. Longford. Síona graduated from Maynooth University in 2014 and was elect- ed a Vice President for Welfare at her Students' Union, using the platform to mobilise and lead students on campaigns from marriage equality (coining the viral hashtag #MakeGráTheLaw) to student sexual health and consent, mental wellbeing, and access to education. She was awarded an NXF GALA for her work as an equality campaigner for the LGBTI+ community. In 2016, she was elected to the Na- tional position of VP for Equality and Citizenship for the Un- ion of Students in Ireland (USI) and was later elected Presi-

DCU Age-Friendly: EU Green Paper ticipate and respond to the challenges and opportunities that ageing brings. It opens a wide debate on the impact of demo- on Ageing graphic change – for citizens of all ages and society as a DCU Age-Friendly is hosting a virtual information session on whole. It raises questions that span across the life-cycle – the Green Paper on Ageing on March 4th 10.30 - 11.30 on from the formative years to working age, retirement and the zoom. various stages of growing needs. This will be followed by a facilitated virtual workshop session This requires immediate action if we want to ensure intergen- on March 11th 10.30 - 12.30. erational fairness and good living standards for all citizens, This is a key opportunity to make concrete steps towards a young and old. more inclusive future for all ages. You are invited to attend two events: Register now with Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/ 1. March 4th : A virtual information session on the Green Pa- consultation-on-the-eu-green-paper-on-ageing-tickets- per on Ageing which will be attended by Ms. Nicola Clavin 140905898335?aff Press and Communications Officer EU Commission Dublin. About this Event Register now for this event. In the coming decades, the share and number of older people 2. March 11th: A facilitated workshop to express and record (65+) in the EU will increase from its current rate of 20% to your views on the Green Paper on Ageing. 30%, with those over 80 expected to double reaching 13% by 2070. Given the scale, speed and impact this trend will have across society, we must start planning new approaches and ensuring policies are fit for purpose in an era of significant change from green and digital transitions to new forms of work and the threat of pandemics. The European Union is well positioned to identify critical is- sues and trends and support action on ageing at the national, regional, and local levels and help the Member States develop tailor-made policy responses. The European Union adopted a Green Paper on Ageing to launch a broad policy debate on ageing to discuss how to an- The Power of Youth to continue to support young people to learn, have fun and create with industry workshops, activities and an online ‘THE POWER OF YOUTH’ - INSPIRING VIDEO FILMED national event scheduled for later in the year. Last year’s AND PERFORMED BY YOUNG MUSICIANS ACROSS IRE- national event featured masterclasses and discussions with LAND DURING LOCKDOWN Ireland's top industry professionals including RTÉ 2FM, Watch Here https://www.youtube.com/watch? Fontaines DC, Pillow Queens. v=TmHTXTJoOZ4 Barry Lennon, Irish Youth Music Awards Director said: “We produced this video for the Irish Youth Music Awards to Youth Work Ireland's Irish Youth Music Awards (IYMAs) is capture the brilliant creativity that exists across the island excited to release a passionate spoken word piece produced of Ireland and to show how music is such an important remotely throughout lockdown featuring young musicians force to understand, create and be part of a community, from across the island of Ireland. especially in these uncertain times. It was so exciting to de- • “What does music mean velop this project during the lockdown and create a sense of • To me? togetherness among IYMAs participants. This year we will primarily run the IYMAs online and we are encouraging • Outside is a bomb young people and youth groups interested in engaging in • Inside is a storm the programme to get in touch.” • And I am A blank page • A coiled spring • A clean slate Waiting to create” This video was produced through a series of online work- shops with the young creatives featured in the video filming their own content for the piece. The aim of the video is to capture a snapshot of the magic and creativity that exists within young people across Ireland, and to provide a crucial creative outlet to IYMAs participants during this challeng- ing year. The IYMAs programme works with youth groups and young people (aged 12 - 19) providing hands-on music- based education, personal development and key links and access to the creative and music industries. This year’s IYMAs programme will be run primarily online

Wed 3rd March 8pm to Celebrate World Wildlife Day Irish Wild- life Trust Laois-Offaly Branch have organ- ised a Free online webinar: featuring Pádraic Fogarty a wildlife advocate, activist and author of Whittled Away; Catherine Casey Heritage Officer with Laois County Council. Having previously worked on Corncrake conservation with BirdWatch Ireland, Catherine now pioneers, supports and collaborates on a range of biodiversity projects through her role as Heritage Officer. Dan Donoher a Wildlfe Rescue and Rehabilitation Expert with Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland; Áine Lynch a Conser- vation Ranger with the National Parks and Wildlife Ser- vice, an experienced and licensed bird ringer with a par- ticular interest in Barn Owl conservation. Register here - Working for Wildlife webinar https://iwt.ie/get-involved/our-branches/laoisoffaly-branch/

She encourages ARAs to stay connected helping those living alone and to look out for each other. Address by Maureen Kavanagh (CEO) Maureen thanked the midlands region for all their hard work in these challenging times. The ARNi rely heavily on two way information. Lots of phone calls and emails but encourage members to answer them. Try to stop using word ‘cocooning’ Maureen hopes that by autumn when countrywide vaccines have been given to everyone we may be able to ‘open up’ The Midlands Region of Active TILDA recommend physical activity for least 3 weeks before get- Retirement Ireland held their 2021 ting the vaccine. Annual General Meeting via Zoom on Maureen listed some things that have kept members going during 11th February 2021. these challenging times, i.e. Gardening, Choirs, Creative Writing and Art on line. Physical exercise with Sports Partnership.

Whats App. There were 27 Delegates attending and a warm welcome was giv- en to all by Midlands Region Chairperson Maura McAuliffe (who We continue to adhere to regulations during the lockdown, how- hosted the meeting). ever when it is safe to do so, let’s hope we can start travelling again. ARI will be the first to be asking Hotels for deals and no A welcome was given to National President Anne Drury, the CEO single supplements and Coach Tours with clean safe and Covid Maureen Kavanagh, and new Board member to the midlands re- free coaches. gion Loman Conway. Address by Maureen McCormack (Development Officer) Apologies were received Maureen congratulated Anne Drury on her appointment as ARI Sympathy given to bereavements to ARAs during the pandemic. President and Des Skelly for coming on board the Development Team for Longford No voting was to take place and the present committee agreed to continue in their positions. Maureen is missing the contact with ARAs and is working on training events for the future. Maura McAuliffe (Chairperson), Kitty Burkhill (Secretary), Liz McKeown (Treasurer) and committee members Maura Farrell, 2020 was a difficult year and she does not envisage 2021 being Kathleen Shaw and Maureen Gaynor. Development Officer much better as yet. Maureen McCormack is also on the committee. She said we must be kind to each other to help increase happi- Unfortunately committee member Mary Minogue had to resign ness, still exercise and above all stay in contact. Maura McAuliffe said she would like to hear from any ARA mem- Maureen suggested on line activities such as an Easter Bonnet ber who might be willing to sit on the midlands region commit- competition, Book clubs and creative writing. The PPNs have tee, especially a member from Laois or Offaly. newsletter with useful information. Des Skelly from Edgeworthstown ARA has been invited to the She said ‘Go forward with positive minds, with respect and recog- position of part of the Development Team (Longford area) and he nition and make ‘kindness’ our word of the year. has accepted. Discussions The Treasurers report stated that due to Covid there were no ex- penses. Our Accounts were sent to CSO for Audit and Maureen Joe Scally from BMB ARA raised this point. Kavanagh confirmed them to be in order. Liz pointed out her con- There has been a suggestion that the headquarters in Dublin cern about the fact that cheques will be withdrawn very soon. might be discussed, i.e. more reasonably priced location and/or CSO took this on board and will deal with regional accounts. This shutting down the office whilst staff is working from home in or- does not affect local ARAs. der to reduce the very large expenditure per member. Address by Anne Drury (National President) Maureen Kavanagh explained the history and present situation Ann welcomed everybody and said that at last year’s AGM no-one Other discussions including training for Smart phones. would have thought that we would be having our 2021 AGM via Zoom. Activities such as Art Classes, Pickleball, Quilling and Pyrography were discussed. Maureen She thanked the Midlands Region and all its members. McCormack was pleased with She expressed sympathy to bereavements in ARAs during lock- all these discussions and will down. use them in future Cluster gatherings. It is planned to have National AGM virtually on 16th June. Anne McDonnell has a list of She informed us about a Midlands 103 Chatters and Matters pro- 20 things to reduce global gramme on Sunday mornings. warming. She also said as fund raising is in abeyance to no National Raffle Members were again reminded this year, ARAs are reminded about applying for Grants and to to look out for Grants coming contact their local PPNs for assistance. available. She encouraged ARAs to keep their spirits up and to look forward Meeting ended at 1pm. to the weather improving, brighter evenings and more sunshine. The Green Kilometre Cathaoirleach Ken Glynn launched the Green Kilometre Scheme at Belmont Road, Mullingar. Attending the launch Cllr Glynn stated “I’m delighted to launch the Green Kilometre scheme – it’s a scheme that invites indi- viduals and groups in rural areas to become involved in looking after their own locality. I am, as is, Westmeath county Council very aware, and appreciative of the vast amount of work being done by individuals, community groups and Tidy Towns groups in the county, however, they will never be able to reach every kilometre in the county. I’m a keen walker and I’ve noticed since lock- downs and restrictions came into force there is an in- crease in walking and cycling and this has increased awareness of the litter on the roadside, the wildlife in the hedgerows and built heritage features such as old gates, water pumps etc. The scheme offers the opportunity for people to get involved and make a positive contribution in their local area”. The Green Kilometre scheme invites individuals/groups to choose a rural kilometre or longer stretch of road/loop in their area. The individual/group then commit to main- taining the chosen stretch of road over the course of a year and advise what they will do for the year e.g. litter pick, verge maintenance etc. Ruth Maxwell, Environ- ment Department stated “each Green Kilometre/stretch of road will be looked at once a year, not to judge, but to offer advice in terms of litter, hedge maintenance, care of heritage features and so on. Incentives of native saplings such as holly, guelder rose, rowan etc will be offered for planting on the chosen stretch of road and a certificate of participation will be issued to each participant/group. To assist participants a clean-up kit including litter pickers, hi vis vests, bags and gloves are available and can be re- quested on registration”. Welcoming the launch of the Green Kilometre Scheme, Minister for Trade Promotion, Robert Troy TD, said, “This is a very positive initiative and will provide good momentum to keep our greenways clear of litter. As many may be aware, I’ve started picking up litter as I exercise around my 5km and I am encouraging everyone to do their bit for the county to keep our greenways green. I’m glad to see Westmeath County Council sup- porting and adopting similar initiatives and I hope many more will avail of the support and advice.” Councillor Vinny McCormack welcomed the Green Kil- ometre Scheme saying “a lot of individuals and commu- nity groups are very active in cleaning up and mainte- nance and it’s great to see a scheme like this which recognises this work. While there is still a lot of illegal dumping tak- ing place, this scheme will encourage more participation and it’s very welcome”. The Green Kilometre scheme is part of the Council’s Environmental Awareness Programme and is funded by the Coun- cil in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. This scheme also supports the Government’s “Keep Well Campaign” which is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own phys- ical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines. The Scheme also supports the actions of the Council’s Climate Change Adaption Strategy by encouraging the planting of native trees and shrubs to clean our air and provide shelter and food for a myriad of birds, insects and wildlife. For more information email [email protected] or phone 044 93 32125. To celebrate Spring a Spring Bucket List (attached) of heritage experiences (as featured on the Ryan Tubridy Show this morning) has been created by Roscommon Heritage Office in association with the Heritage Officer Network and the Heritage Council. Control of Weeds – Housing Estates 2021 In accordance with Westmeath County Council’s Biodiver- sity Action Plan and specifically to reduce the use of herbi- cides and pesticides containing glyphosate, Westmeath County Council wish to advise that it is changing its ap- proach to weed spraying in housing estates this year. Resident’s Associations are advised that the local authority will only spray weeds in a particular estate if a specific request is received by e-mail from the Resident’s Association for that estate, indicating that the residents wish to ”opt in” for weed spraying with glyphosate based products in 2021. If your Resident’s Association wishes to “opt in”, you should make contact with your relevant Municipal District office using the following email address on or before Friday the 19th March 2021: Athlone / : [email protected] Mullingar / : [email protected] We would like to remind all Resident’s Associations that funding support will be available through our annual Resident’s Association Grants and Cathaoirleach’s awards, which will be advertised soon.

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Thurs 18th March 7pm – 8pm FREE online course on Sustainable Gar- dening: covering topics including planting for bio- diversity, reducing waste, growing vegetables and wildflowers. This course is delivered by Horticulturalist and former Tidy Towns adjudicator Aoife Munn, funded by West- meath Heritage Office & Westmeath Age Friendly Pro- gramme. The course runs Thurs evenings 18th March - 15th April at have proved very popular both with participants and the 7pm *places are limited– booking essential media, having been covered on Nationwide many times. https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/westmeath-sustainable- The course is interactive and lively with plenty of time for gardening-course-registration-142253398745 answering any questions you may have. Westmeath Online Sustainable Gardening Course This 5-week course will be run one evening a week on Thursdays at 7pm starting on the 18th of March. Please en- About this Event sure you can attend for all 5 sessions before signing up. This course is funded by Westmeath Heritage Office in con- • Thursday 18th of March junction with Westmeath Age Friendly Programme. The course is open to anyone living in Westmeath, who would • Thursday 25th of March like to learn more about planting for biodiversity, reducing • Thursday 1st of April waste, growing vegetables and wildflower meadows. • Thursday 8th of April Horticulturist Aoife Munn will be delivering this course via • Thursday 15th of April zoom. Aoife is a former Tidy Districts judge and her courses

33 WPPN- Westmeath Public Participation Network Community Development Section, Westmeath County Council, Áras an Chontae, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 FH4N Direct Line: 044 9332157 Email: [email protected] Westmeath PPN website: www.westmeathppn.ie for News & Upcoming Events