WPPN July 2021 Newsletter.pdf - Westmeath PPN

Westmeath PPN Public Participation Network

July 2021 Volume 3 Issue: 7

There are three main objectives for

Westmeath PPN :

• Informing

• Provide information relevant to the

environmental, social inclusion,

community & voluntary sector and acts

as a hub around which information is

distributed & received.

• Developing

• Strengthen the capacity of communities

and of the environmental, social inclu-

sion, community & voluntary groups to

contribute positively to the community

in which they reside/participate.

• Representing

• Facilitate the participation and repre-

sentation of communities in a fair,

equitable and transparent manner

through the environmental, social in-

clusion, community and voluntary

sectors on decision making bodies.

Westmeath PPN is co-funded by the

Department of Rural & Community

Development (DRCD) & Westmeath Coun-

Dear WPPN Member

We at WPPN hope that this newsletter finds you and your families well and look-

ing forward to brighter days.

Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners of the Cathaoirleach

Awards 2020, which were announced on Friday 11th June, well done to everyone

involved—see page 3 for more details.

Make sure to register to attend WPPN Linkage/Thematic Groups June/

July. PPN members are finding them both informative and interesting. PPN

Linkage Groups are the opportunity and way that PPN member group/

organisations can have a real input into policy and decision making in their area

of work/interest, as it allows them to have conversations with WPPN elected

representatives who are on committees and structures throughout the county.

More information on Page 2

Thank you as always to all the groups which have contributed to this month’s

newsletter, 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

news stories and initiatives through our

PPN network of over 780-member groups.

Please let us know if there is anything you

want us to share to: [email protected]

Please remember Westmeath PPN website is updated almost daily;

keep in touch and up to date www.westmeathppn.ie

Register to attend by email to:

[email protected]

PPN Linkage/Thematic Groups June/July

Westmeath PPN Linkage groups are up and running; and

members are finding them both informative and interest-

ing. PPN Linkage Groups are the opportunity and way that

PPN member group/organisations can have a real input

into policy and decision making in their area of work/

interest, as it allows them to have conversations with WPPN

elected representatives who are on committees and struc-

tures throughout the county.

The primary role of WPPN elected reps on committees/

Structures is to consult with WPPN members and to repre-

sent the views of the entire PPN membership on the com-

mittee/board; the easiest way for this to be done is via Link-

age Groups.

Similarly, the PPN Linkage Groups will be there to support

and assist the WPPN reps, by peer learning and support,

discussion, and letting them know the concerns and issues

of WPPN Membership groups.

The PPN Linkage Group members will be expected to work

in a spirit of collaboration, showing due respect to other

opinions and views and will be facilitated to come to deci-

sions through consensus where possible.

Please note that a WPPN Rep/Member can be part of as

many Linkage Groups as they have an interest in.

The basic Agenda for Linkage Group meetings will be as

follows:

• Welcome/ Introductions/Facilitator

• Guest Speaker

• Minutes of previous meeting

• Discussion

• Date of next meeting

Next Linkage/Thematic group meetings are as follows:

Community Safety, Crime and Policing

28th June 2021 at 7.30pm via Zoom

Social Inclusion, Rural Development,

Youth and Enterprise

30th June 2021 7.30pm Zoom—Guest speaker

Ann Moran Age Friendly Local Coordinator

Arts, Community, Heritage and Sports

5th July 2021 at 7.30pm via Zoom - Guest

Speaker Melanie McQuade; Westmeath Heritage

Officer

Housing, Planning and Transport –

7th July 2021 at 7.30pm via Zoom

Climate Change, Environment & Water

12th July 2021 at 7.30 via Zoom– Guest Speaker

Catherine O’Toole, Development Officer Irish

Environment Network (IEN)

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 access

Zoom meetings

Westmeath County Council 2020

Cathaoirleach Awards The Cathaoirleach Awards event honours people or groups who

have given special service in their community in County West-

meath.

The Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach Awards for 2020

which couldn’t be held last year was streamed online for the first

time ever on the evening of Friday 11th June.

The Cathaoirleach Awards are a celebration of partnership of

community and voluntary groups working with the local authori-

ty. The Awards are given over five categories to honour people or

groups that have shown leadership, community spirit and com-

mitment under the categories with an overall Cathaoirleach

awards winner for 2020.

The categories are;

• Community Involvement

• Heritage and the Environment

• Active Elderly

• Children and Youth Supports

• Equality and Social Inclusion

• Sport and Recreation

The event was presented by Annette Barr Jordan the acting Sen-

ior Executive Officer of the Community Development Dept. in

Westmeath County Council. The Cathaoirleach for 2020 Mr

Paddy Hill, opened the event and congratulated and commended

all those who had been nominated. Mr Pat Gallagher the Chief

Executive of Westmeath County Council spoke on behalf of the

organisation stating how important the work of the people and

their groups was to the well-being of their communities, families

and friends and in particular their importance throughout the

pandemic. He congratulated the Cathaoirleach for 2020 Mr Pad-

dy Hill on ensuring the Awards went ahead but in a safe manner.

The Cathaoirleach Awards 2020 online Event included video

footage & pictures of all nominees for the Cathaoirleach award.

We also had entertainment with singing from Mary Egan and a

humorous sketch from Paul Curley as well as the announce-

ments of Pride of Place National competition participants and

the Project of the year nominations and winners.

Participants, nominees and winners for all our Awards during

the event are listed below.

The event to date has over 930 views and many people and

groups have come back to let us know how grateful they are for

these awards and how successful the event was. The online event

is still available and can be viewed at this link https://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF2QPlJC4P0

Pride of place 2020 Competition

Participants included

• Clonmellon Community Garden – Creative Place Initiative

• Irish Road Victims Association (IRVA) - Well-Being Initia-

tive

• Fore Heritage & Amenity Group – Tourism Initiative Run-

ner up winner 2020

Project of the Year 2020

Nominees & Winners

• Mount Carmel Drive Res. Association – Winner Project of

the year 2020

• Ashcroft Park residents Association, Raharney – Joint Run-

ner up 2020

• Mullingar Harriers & Athletic Club – Joint Runner up 2020

• Athlone Sub Aqua Club

• Ballinahown Community Sports Park

• Castletown Court Res. Group

• Coosan Mens Shed

• LGBTI + Youth Group Work Ireland Midlands

• Athlone Youth & Community Project

• Coralstown Kinnegad GAA

• Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon

• Emerald Lakes TTC Group

• Mullingar Charity Variety Group

Cathaoirleach Awards 2020

Nominees

• Delvin Friendship Club

• Myra Glynne

• Emer Holloway

• Mary Finnegan

• Ave Maria Park Residents

Association

• Joe Mullen

• Pat Byrne

• Gaye Connolly

• Emerald Lakes TTC

• St. Hilda's Hub, Moate

• Terry O’Dowd

• Kevin Lyster

• Martina Griffin

• Gabriel Lyster

• Seamus McDermott

The Winners

The Active Elderly Award Collinstown/Fore ICA

The Community Involvement Award Mount Carmel Drive

Residents Association

The Heritage and Environment Award Noel Cuffe R.I.P.

The Sports and Recreation Award Margaret Beirne

The Children and Youth Award Inny Football Club

The Equality & Social Inclusion Award Gerry Callaghan

Person/Group of the Year Overall Cathaoirleach Awards Winner

for 2020

M4 Womens Group/Knitting Club

Congratulations and Well done to all

from Westmeath PPN

Applications for 2021 are now open. Apply for the Thank You Fund now.

The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund is back for 2021 with €100,000 in grants now available to youth-orientated non-profit

groups committed to helping young people develop the skills they need to succeed in a post pandemic environment.

Launched in 2011 to mark The Coca-Cola Company’s 125th anniversary, the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund has run every

year since with a total figure of €1,155,000 in grants donated to over 100 non-profit organisations across the island of Ire-

land.

In 2021, the Fund will focus on one overall theme – Building for Better – as a recognised and trusted Fund supporting the

future of young people across the island of Ireland.

Do you know of a non-profit organisation that could deliver an impactful youth project targeted at 16–25-year-olds with

the right funding?

Applications & More Information https://www.coca-cola.ie/

community/thank-you-fund/how-to-apply-in-five-simple-steps

Entry is open to not-for-profit youth-focused organisations seeking

support for new or existing projects with a clear commitment to sup-

port the future of young people in their local area. Entries must cohere

one or more of the following three categories:

1. Educational, Training, Resilience Programmes for Young People

2. Programmes that support diversity and inclusivity in young people

3. Programmes that take an innovative approach to demonstrating

sustainability to young people

The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund is one of a number of initiatives that

the Coca-Cola Company is championing, together with its bottling

partner Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, to support young people across the island of Ireland. Youth Empowered is another pro-

gramme delivered by the Coca-Cola System which is designed to equip young people with the tools and skills they need to

build a better future for themselves. Through these initiatives, and its partnerships with Irish Youth Foundation and

Youth Action NI, Coca-Cola wants to inspire young people to build better communities and develop the skills they need to

succeed in a post pandemic environment. Closing date 16th July 2021

Short Film Competition -

STEM Video for ReelLife Science

ReelLife Science

ReelLife Science is a national short film competition which

is a great summer programme project or add-on activity to

STEAM programmes.

Support young people of all ages to create a 1- 3 minute

film or animation, in English or Irish on an element of Sci-

ence, Technology, Engineering or Maths.

The competition is open to young people in Ireland and

Northern Ireland representing their Youth Organisation,

Primary School or Secondary School.

Prize of €1000 for the winning youth group film.

Winning films are screened for the public at the Galway

Science and Technology Festival.

All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Films are marked on the level of Science explained, Pro-

duction of the film and X Factor.

Closing date for ReelLife Science is 15th October

Full details on https://reellifescience.com/ and

watch "What is ReelLife Science?" https://

youtu.be/nr4gTgvom7A

Contact [email protected] for additional infor-

mation and available supports

Think Type 1 Diabetes Think Test

TEST…… know what it stands for, recognise the symptoms,

and treat early as time is critical in a diagnosis of Type 1 dia-

betes

A delay in the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes can quickly lead to

a life-threatening complication called Diabetic Ketoacidosis

or in short DKA. Early recognition of the symptoms and ear-

ly treatment can prevent the development of DKA.

4 in every 10 Irish children with new onset Type 1 diabetes

have DKA at the time of their diagnosis. This number has

been increasing since 2016. Up to 2015 about 3 in 10 of our

children had DKA at diagnosis.

Delays in diagnosis can happen because the symptoms of

Type 1 diabetes are subtle.

We all need to know the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes so we

can recognise them early and take action. The symptoms are

the key indicators that you or your child might have Type 1

diabetes.

TEST which is easy to remember as an acronym represents

the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes.

Think of TEST and do not delay!

•Take a TEST – contact your GP or local pharmacist.

•Take a TEST – ask for a simple finger prick blood glucose

test (or bring a urine sample) which will greatly help make

the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes in a person feeling unwell.

If the test is positive, eg blood sugar over 11 mmol/l, you will

need to go to your local hospital Emergency Department for

early assessment and treatment.

Acting fast has great benefits – it will enable earlier diagnosis

and treatment and can avoid the development of DKA.

Avoiding DKA can make the initial treatment much easier for

children and their families and has short and long term ben-

efits.

If you or your child has diabetes, don’t worry, while a diagno-

sis of Type 1 diabetes is a life-long condition, there are thou-

sands of Irish people and indeed worldwide with Type 1 dia-

betes living their lives to the full each day.

Type 1 diabetes occurs because the body stops producing the

hormone Insulin which enables the body to use glucose

(sugar) as fuel. As a result, in untreated diabetes the level of

glucose in the body gets too high. If your child has these

symptoms below it is important that you seek urgent medical

help. Early diagnosis improves the long term outcome in dia-

betes. Late diagnosis can result in life threatening Diabetic

Ketoacidosis (DKA).

There are 4 main symptoms to watch out for;

The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in children can be easily

remembered by thinking of the word TEST:

•Thirst Increased

•Energy Reduced

•Sudden reduction in Weight

•Toilets Trips Increased

Minor Symptoms may include:

• Increased Appetite

• Lack of Concentration

• Bed Wetting

• Constipation

• Mood Swings

• Frequent Infections

If you think you or your child could have Type 1 diabetes, do

not delay see your doctor or a pharmacist urgently.

Many ordinary people achieve extraordinary things every

day while living with Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes does not stop

them… they are ONESTOPPABLE

https://www.diabetes.ie/think-type-1-diabetes-think-test/

6

Clonmellon Farmers Market

The next Clonmellon Farmers Market take place on

Sunday 4th July from 11 to 1.30 in the Old Market

Square, Clonmellon, C15 DK6E. It will also take place

on July 4th and 18th/August 1st, 15th, 29th/September

12th and 26th 11am to 1.30pm

There will be a great selection of fish, fruit and veg,

jams, chutneys, olives, flavoured oils, pestos, tape-

nades, hummus, cheese, fermented food, olive oil, raw

milk, home baking, fresh donuts, eggs, coffee and

much more.

Established Food Stallholders include Starcrest Sea-

foods from Donegal, Loughpark Farm, Organic for

Health Fruit and Vegetables, Backyard Bakery,

Dearbhs Donuts, Pat Dempsey Jams, Bellingham Blue

Cheese, Keltic Kimchi, Balliskeen House Artisan Pro-

duce, Ciaras Candy, Coolronan Eggs, Coffee Perfection, Evolve Super Foods, Home Baking, Tom and Ollie Mediterranean

Mezze Products, La Castrilena Olive Oil. The Gluten Free Bakery also joined the Farmers Market recently, offering glu-

ten, sugar and vegan free baking and products and also Sean Nua Farm who are local regenerative farmers offering fresh

seasonal farm produce including pasture fed eggs. Orders can be placed in advance directly with the food producer for

any products and collected at the Farmers Market..

Along with all the regular Food Stallholders the committee are looking forward to welcoming back some of the Arts and

Crafts Stallholders who have been with the Market last year as well as some new Stallholders. There will be a wide selec-

tion on offer from handmade candles and diffusers/decoupagee/

sustainable products/handmade flower wreaths/handmade knitted

crafts/paper crafts/Art/Aloe Vera products as well as fresh flowers and

plants and lots more! Jimmy Spud Spiral is also back and will be selling

potatoes on a stick. The Cafe at the Market Square will be serving Tea/

Coffee/Hot Chocolate and a selection of home baking.

All attending are asked to wear a Face Covering and sanitising of hands

and social distancing is to be observed.

We look forward to seeing you there - you can also follow Clonmellon

Farmers Market on Facebook or Instagram for regular updates.

Our Rural Future: National Connected

Hubs Network • Ireland’s first ever digital hub network now live via Connect-

edHubs.ie

• Network to make remote working a reality throughout Rural

Ireland

• Some 66 hubs already on board; 100 plus targeted by end of

2021

The Connected Hubs Network, Ireland’s first national network of

remote working hubs. Connectedhubs.ie is a key action of Our

Rural Future and will see over 100 hubs connected by the end of

2021. Already, 66 hubs across the country are on board and are

accessible to remote workers via an online map. This number

will rise to over 100 by the end of 2021 with the overall target of

400 set to be exceeded.

Announcing the launch of the network in Swinford, Co Mayo,

Minister Humphreys said:

“Remote Working is a key commitment of ‘Our Rural Future’, the

most ambitious policy for Rural Ireland in decades.

“Today, we are demonstrating the action behind that policy

through the launch of Connected Hubs.

“Hub working can support the development of employment op-

portunities and career paths in rural areas. This will help to give

young people the choice to stay closer to home while pursuing

their careers and also to encourage people living in cities to con-

sider moving to a more rural location.”

“Throughout this pandemic, so many of us have experienced the

benefits of remote working – reduced commutes, more time

spent with your family, increased footfall in towns, a lower car-

bon footprint.

“As we look to the reopening of our country, I am determined

that we make remote working a permanent and viable reality for

thousands of people.

“The Connected Hubs Network provides the perfect opportunity

for workers and employers to embrace a ‘blended working’ mod-

el, and to find the balance of hub, home and office working that

works best for them.”

“I would also like to remind hub managers of two funding

streams which I recently launched, the €5m Connected Hubs

fund for existing hubs and the €15m Town and Village Renewal

Scheme, which will place particular emphasis on projects sup-

porting remote working and enhancing town centre living as out-

lined in Our Rural Future.

The ConnectedHubs.ie platform will offer a suite of booking, hub

management and e-commerce applications to members of the

Network. The Network will also facilitate the sharing of innova-

tion, experience and best practices across the community. These

supports will serve to maximise benefit to member hubs, hub

clients, employers, local communities and the wider economy.

The National Hub Network Working Group led by the Depart-

ment of Rural and Community Development has identified and

mapped over 400 remote working hubs across the country.

These hubs will be invited to join the Connected Hubs Network

to create shared infrastructure that will deliver real benefits

across the country. A National Hub survey is currently underway

to gather further information with regard to services offered by

these hubs.

Membership of the Connected Hubs Network is open to all exist-

ing and new hubs who wish to offer remote working services.

The following initiatives will be developed through this initiative;

• A Shared Connected Hubs brand identity for all member hubs

• A Centralised Connected Hubs media and promotional cam-

paigns

• Access to the ConnectedHubs.ie suite of booking, hub manage-

ment and e-commerce applications.

• Development of a Peer-to-Peer Hub Community

• Sharing of Innovation, Experience and Best-Practices within

the community

• Developing a shared quality standard for hubs in the Network

• Supporting collaborative projects in the Network to drive econ-

omies of scale

• Developing a ‘shared voice’ for Connected Hubs

• Supporting collective engagement between Connected Hubs

and large scale employers

• Supporting collective engagement between Connected Hubs

and Government Agencies

• Helping to identify the benefits Connected Hubs deliver for

their local communities and the wider economy

• Developing a dataset to inform future investment decisions in

remote working facilities

A full list of connected hubs is available on www.gov.ie.

Book a hub: https://connectedhubs.ie/

Ballinafid Multyfarnham Bunbrosna

Active Retirement Association

Abbey Blooms Multyfarnham Friary

The grounds of the Franciscan Friary in Multyfarnham is the

venue to an exciting new NUA Health Care parklands and garden

development.

BMB Active members were hard at work volunteering with plant-

ing, mulching, and landscaping this fabulous environment, that

features Gazebos, accessible pathways, and ultimately, a bespoke

refreshments service.

This fabulous attraction will enhance the visitors experience for

any who visits the area. NUA Health Care expressed gratitude to

the BMB Active crew members who rolled up their sleeves and

pitched in to make this dream a reality.

Kilkenny Mini Holiday October 4-7

If you have not already booked your place on this much antici-

pated event, do so as soon as possible. This mini vacation is “all

in” with 3 nights in the beautiful Kilkenny Springhill Hotel. The

coach will pick you up while you enjoy 3 nights bed and breakfast

with evening meals and tours during the day as an option. All

this for €255 for BMB members, €270 for non members.

Text “Holiday Yes” to 0871723256 to be included in this fun

time.

Pickleball in Lir Village and Kilbixy Grange

Now that our weather is more seasonal, why not pick up a paddle

and join in the fun outdoors with the Multyfarnham Pickleball

Club and or wit BMB

Active.

Pickleball is the fastest

growing sport in the

world, and is fun for all

ages and ability levels.

You can avail of a

chance to play on Mon-

day Wednesday and

Saturday mornings

from 10:30 and on

Thursday evenings at

7:00.

Watch this space for

more details on activi-

ties as restrictions ease!

Pauline McCormack is not shy when it comes to hard work. She gives her green fingers a workout, volunteering with BMB ARA in Abbey Blooms, NUA Health Care, Mul-tyfarnham

John Joe Lohan and Jim Bourke from the MENS Shed lead the way in Abbey Blooms Gardens

Brian Lynch, and Kevin Boyhan didn’t forget their shovel in Abbey Blooms, Multyfarnham

Pauline McCormack, Traese Bourke, Marian Mooney and Marie Delamere bring their gardening experience to Abbey Blooms

Principal Teacher of St. Cremin’s

chats with Jim Bourke in Abbey

Blooms, aptly named by a pupil

from St Cremin’s.

Survey of Thatched Buildings in

Westmeath Commences

Thatched

buildings,

once typical

in Ireland

are now a

rare sight.

“Up until the

17th Centu-

ry, thatch

was the

main type of roofing in Ireland but over the years other roofing

materials became available and fashionable and now there are

only a few thatched buildings in the country”, says Heritage Of-

ficer Melanie McQuade.

A survey of the thatched buildings in Westmeath is commencing

in June. “The aim of this project is to create an up-to-date record

of all the thatched buildings in the county. The last survey of

thatched buildings in Westmeath was carried out for the National

Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) in 2004. It included

28 thatched buildings in Westmeath, but there are several others

that, for various reasons, were not recorded by the NIAH. We

want to ensure that they are included in this survey”.

“We are delighted to be working with Conservation Consultant,

Bronagh Lanigan of AR&R (http://arr.ie) on this project, which is

as an action of the Westmeath Heritage Plan, funded by The Her-

itage Council with support from Westmeath County Council.

Bronagh has worked on many building surveys, including surveys

of thatched houses in Tipperary and Laois, and she will be travel-

ling to each of the thatched houses in Westmeath”.

“As well as recording the building details and history, we are

looking forward to talking to the owners and getting their views

on the conservation needs of these thatched buildings and on the

future use of thatch”, says Melanie. She goes on to explain that

the survey results will help to inform conservation priorities, in-

cluding grant assisted works, for original thatched properties in

Westmeath.

“I am thrilled to be involved with this project and am looking for-

ward to getting out and about in County Westmeath to visit

thatched buildings and meeting owners. I’m looking forward to

learning more about the history of these thatched houses, the

families who lived in them, who built the houses and who the lo-

cal thatchers were.” says Bronagh.

Bronagh is looking for the public’s help in finding the remaining

thatched houses in the county and any information on the history

of thatch in Westmeath. “If people have old photographs of

thatched buildings, have thatching tools in a shed that haven’t

been used or looked at in a while or any information about

thatching in the county I’d love to hear from them.”

If you are the owner of a thatched building or if you know of a

thatched building in your locality, that may not have been includ-

ed on the NIAH (https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/) then the

Heritage Office would like to hear from you; contact herit-

[email protected] or Melanie McQuade on 087 607 4496.

PPN structural review:

online survey

The Department of Rural and Community

Development (DRCD) are interested in get-

ting your views on Public Participation Net-

works (PPNs).

PPNs were first set up six years ago. They are

now operational in all counties in Ireland and

have over 18,000 groups with over 1.5 million

members registered with them.

The Department of Rural and Community

Development (DRCD) has appointed Mazars

consultants to carry out an independent

structural review of the PPNs to guide their

future development and ensure that the

structures in place allow for effective repre-

sentation of their communities in local deci-

sion-making.

This survey is the first part of a number of

consultations that will take place as part of

the review and we are looking to hear from all

those who have an interest in the PPNs about

your experiences.

DRCD is very grateful to all stakeholders who

take the time to fill in this survey, whatever

your interest, as the answers you provide will

inform later consultation phases.

You can access the survey by clicking on this

link: https://

mazarsconsultancy.eu.qualtrics.com/

jfe/form/SV_eD8bn33TuAufL9Q

More information about the aims and time-

line of the review are included in the link.

If you have any questions about the review,

please contact [email protected].

Local Improvement Scheme 2021

Department of Rural and Community Development Local Im-

provement Scheme

Westmeath County Council is inviting applications for the Local

Improvement Scheme which is funded by the Department of Ru-

ral and Community Development.

The 2021 Scheme, the terms and conditions of which have been

revised, enables the carrying out of improvement works on pri-

vate/non-public roads.

Eligible Road Projects

Eligible road projects are those that involve the construction or

improvement of non-public roads as follows:

•Road projects which provide access to parcels of land of which

two or more are owned or occupied by different persons engaged

in separate agricultural activities; or

•Road projects which provide access for harvesting purposes

(including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons; or

•Road projects which provide access to at least one parcel of land

owned or occupied by a person engaged in agricultural activities

AND which separately provides access for harvesting purposes

(including turf or seaweed) for at least one other person.

Works can also be carried out on Amenity Roads leading to im-

portant community amenities such as graveyards, beaches, piers,

mountain access points or other tourist/heritage sites. Such roads

may not account for more than 25% of the allocation provided to

each Local Authority.

Schemes must have the consent of all affected landholders and a

financial contribution of 10% and 15% of the overall cost must be

paid by the applicants prior to commencement of works on any

project. The maximum amount that any beneficiary is required to

contribute is capped at €1,200

Non-eligible road projects

The following road projects are not eligible for funding under the

Scheme:

•A road open to the public which only benefits one landowner.

•A road serving only houses or buildings occupied or used by per-

sons not engaged in agriculture.

•A road serving only Local Authority properties.

•A road leading to bogs developed commercially for large scale

turf production.

•Projects involving drainage works only.

•A road leading to commercial enterprises.

•A road involving minor works which is within the competence of

the applicants to do themselves.

•A road which, because of its small size, would involve work

which the Local Authority would consider as being uneconomic to

carry out.

Further information and forms are also available from the Trans-

portation Department: Tel 044 9332216 or 0449332288.

The closing date for applications is the 30th of June

2021.

Application Form http://www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/

ourservices/yourcouncil/councilnews/

localimprovementscheme2021.html

Have your Say, Public Consultation

Land Development Agency launches Columb Barracks Consultation

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has launched an extensive phase of Public Consultation on the future development potential

of the Columb Barracks site in Mullingar. The consultation which runs until July 16th, 2021, will aim to identify complimentary uses

for the site in addition to the housing which the LDA will develop there.

This is a very early-stage consultation which will help shape an outline plan for the area. There will be further phases of consultation

in advances of a final design and planning application.

The LDA invited local groups to join a Columb Barracks Advisory Group in January 2021. This brought together Westmeath County

Council, The Public Participation Network of Westmeath County Council, Mullingar Chamber of Commerce, Longford Westmeath

Education and Training Board, Enterprise Ireland and the Land Development Agency. The Columb Barracks Advisory Group will

play a key role in driving the consultation.

The initial LDA concepts for the regeneration plan include a mix of housing, community use, education and enterprise. The project

regeneration plan will be based around the most up-to-date principles of design and building innovation to ensure the scheme is so-

cially, environmentally and commercially sustainable for the long term. The final concepts will sensitively incorporate the heritage

of the barracks, preserving it for future generations. The regeneration plan will seek to incorporate the views of local stakeholders,

understanding that there may be many different ideas for the site within the local community.

This the opportunity for local groups/communities, to have a say in the future development and regeneration plans for the Columb

Barracks Site.

Please NEXT Page for flyer –Consultation are available on the project website, https://columbbarracksproject.ie/

Consultation on Westmeath Tourism

Strategy 2021-2027

Public invited to make submissions to shape new Tourism Strate-

gy

Westmeath County Council have begun a public consultation pro-

cess for the preparation of a new Tourism Strategy for the county.

This new strategy will guide and inform tourism development in

County Westmeath from 2021-2027.

Since the first Westmeath Tourism Strategy was launched in No-

vember 2016, many actions and initiatives have been developed

and implemented for the long-term benefit of tourism in West-

meath, including Visit Westmeath promotional activities, further

development of the county’s recreational infrastructure and en-

hancement of the visitor experience at destination towns, villages

and attractions. Westmeath County Council have also been work-

ing closely with Fáilte Ireland in order to encourage a more re-

gional spread of tourism growth in the long term. “With consider-

able heritage and cultural assets, a scenic and rich natural envi-

ronment, vibrant towns and villages and an easily accessible loca-

tion, Westmeath has great potential to benefit from tourism”,

said Pat Gallagher, Chief Executive of Westmeath County Coun-

cil.

Much has changed in the sector since the launch of the first strat-

egy, including new opportunities offered though the Ireland’s

Hidden Heartlands brand, along with the more recent and devas-

tating impacts arising from Covid-19.

“It’s important that the new Tourism Strategy fully reflects and

responds to the range of opportunities and challenges for our

county”, said Úna Doris, Tourism Officer. Members of the public

are invited to make submissions and proposals which will help to

shape the new Tourism Strategy. A set of ‘issues papers’ are avail-

able to view on the Council’s Consultation Portal – accessible via

https://consult.westmeathcoco.ie/. These aim to set the context

and framework for a comprehensive public consultation process.

Topics for consideration as part of the consultation process for

the new Tourism Strategy are outlined in the issues papers. These

include supporting the growth of the Visitor Destination Towns

of Athlone and Mullingar and how to take full advantage of Fáilte

Ireland’s regional experience brands: Ireland’s Ancient East and

Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. In addition, the enhancement and

marketing of our visitor experiences are to be considered, partic-

ularly our greenways, heritage features and food offering.

The Council are also engaging with stakeholders, including agen-

cies such as Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland, industry rep-

resentatives and relevant interest groups as part of the process.

While face-to-face consultations are not possible at the moment,

anyone who wishes to discuss their ideas or comments before

making a written submission, will be facilitated by phone, email

or online meeting.

Digital Inclusion in Ireland:

Connectivity, Devices & Skills

Report No.154: Digital Inclusion in Ireland: Connectivi-

ty, Devices & Skills

Covid-19 lockdowns

have seen so much of

how we live, work and

play move online. There

has been a dramatic

shift to digital and this

is likely to grow in im-

portance in the years to

come. However, a new

report from NESC, Digi-

tal Inclusion in Ireland:

Connectivity, Devices &

Skills shows that that

there are groups who

remain poorly engaged

with digital technolo-

gies. In particular, it highlights those who are older, have lower

levels of education, lower incomes, and live in rural areas; as well

as smaller businesses and farms.

The NESC report argues that a digital inclusion strategy would

help address the ‘digital’ needs of people in these key groups.

Doing so would build on Ireland’s large investment in broadband

connectivity. It would also help companies, particularly micro-

businesses, compete effectively with other small open econo-

mies. And critically in the years to come it could be a key means

of combatting social exclusion.

Dr Anne-Marie McGauran, author of the report, explains that

“Digital inclusion has three key dimensions: connectivity to

broadband, access to devices, and the skills and confidence to

engage digital technologies. The report shows disparities in

these by region, income, age and education level, and these

differences are reinforcing existing inequalities. International

studies also show that there is no guarantee that the severity of

digital divides will shrink without concerted policy action.”

The report highlights that there are several State policies fo-

cused on digital technologies. There are also a range of state

agency, business and community programmes. There is a need

to co-ordinate across these polices and programmes if digital

inclusion is to improve. The report recommends a stand-alone

digital inclusion strategy should be developed. It also recom-

mends a comprehensive framework for digital skills progression

and certification. It highlights the need for targeted supports for

key groups, including those with low incomes, and smaller busi-

nesses and farms. Finally, it argues that enhanced guidance is

needed to develop digital public services which are easily ac-

cessed by all, and assisted-digital public services for the groups

who will continue to face difficulties going online.

The report will be launched at an event on 1 July 2021. Further

details of this launch can be found here. http://files.nesc.ie/

nesc_reports/en/154_Digital.pdf

About the National Economic and Social Council

(NESC)

The National Economic & Social Council (NESC) was established

in 1973. NESC is an expert advisory and consultative body, fo-

cusing on strategic economic, social and environmental policies.

It analyses and reports to the Taoiseach on challenging policy

issues and addresses the public system and the institutional chal-

lenges related to implementation, monitoring and learning. It is

chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoi-

seach. The members of the Council are appointed by the Taoi-

seach, for a three year term. They are representatives of business

and employers’ organisations, trade unions, agricultural and

farming organisations, community and voluntary organisations,

and environmental organisations; as well as heads of Govern-

ment departments and independent experts. The Council has

published 154 agreed reports on a wide range of policy issues, as

well as research papers by its professional Secretariat and other

experts.

https://www.nesc.ie/

Barn Owl Survey

A survey of Barn Owls, a Red-listed Bird of Conservation Con-cern in Ireland, is underway in Westmeath. The survey, which is being led by BirdWatch Ireland, aims to establish how the species is currently faring in the county. The findings of the survey will be used to ensure the protection of nest sites and to direct targeted conservation efforts, including the provision of nest boxes in suit-able areas, to help the local Barn Owl population. Local infor-mation will be really valuable to the survey and we are encourag-ing people to report sighting of Barn Owls, the location of nest boxes or any information on Barn Owls on this link https://birdwatchireland.ie/our-work/surveys-research/research-monitoring/raptors/barn-owl-survey/

The survey of Barn Owls in Westmeath is funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Housing, local Govern-ment and Heritage, through their National Biodiversity Action Plan Grant Scheme, with support from Westmeath County Coun-cil.

Great Working being done by Athlone Canal Regeneration Scheme.

Some pictures highlighting the recent work on Athlone Canal carried out Canal Regeneration scheme. This work has massively im-

proved the flow, aeration and visual appearance of the canal. Already we see the positive knock-on effects with the return of the fish

shoals, Wild fowl and native birds, flora and fauna. Many thanks to all who have contributed to this remarkable recovery to date. The

work stalled for a while due to Covid but is up and running again and thanks to some hard work from the lads and mother nature's

regenerative powers we have a much more vibrant and lively waterway.

2021 Community Enhancement

Programme Open for Applications

Westmeath County Council is currently inviting grant ap-

plications for the Community Enhancement Programme

2021.

The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provides

funding to communities across Westmeath to enhance fa-

cilities primarily in disadvantaged areas.

The CEP is funded by the Department of Rural and Com-

munity Development and administered by Westmeath Lo-

cal Community Development Committee (LCDC).

The CEP 2021 grant is directed this year towards;

• Projects or purchase of equipment to enhance facil-

ities (similar to previous years)

• One-off grants towards costs associated with the

reopening of a facility or the sustainability of a facility (this

can include 2021 utility & insurance bills).

You can access the online application form by using on the

button below and is also available on our website under the

Community pages at https://www.westmeathcoco.ie/

en/ourservices/communitydevelopment/

communityenhancementprogramme/

If you require further information or a downloadable ap-

plication form, please contact the Community Development

Section at 044-93-32051 or by email at communi-

[email protected]

The closing date for submission of applications is Friday

16th July 2021.

About the Local Authority Pollinator Award & €10,000 prize money

The Local Authority Pollinator Award aims to

encourage TidyTowns groups to implement

pollinator-friendly actions in their towns and

villages as part of the TidyTowns competi-

tion.

Wild Irish bees, crucial to the pollination of

our plants, trees and vegetables, are in de-

cline - this is because we’ve drastically re-

duced the areas where they can nest and the

amount of food our countryside provides for

them.

The aim of the award is to reverse this trend

by encouraging TidyTowns groups to take

simple pollinator-friendly measures in their

local area. The Local Authority Pollinator

Award supports the All-Ireland Pollinator

Plan and is sponsored by the Heritage Offic-

es & Biodiversity Offices of Local Authorities

across Ireland.

The award categories and prizes are listed below. Awards will be given in all categories subject to satisfactory criteria. For more de-tails see www.TidyTowns.ie or www.pollinators.ie

New Resources Launched to Future

Proof Housing for Population Ageing

National Launch of Age Friendly Ire-

land’s Suite of Age Friendly Housing Re-

sources & the agefriendlyhomes.ie web-

site Population ageing is a major demographic trend facing Ireland.

Life expectancy is increasing, which means that people will spend

a larger proportion of their lives as older people. In future, our

homes will need to be more Universally Designed so that we can

live comfortably at home into our later years.

Age Friendly Ireland is launching a new suite of resources to sup-

port the preparation of housing for the ageing population and a

brand-new website called agefriendlyhomes.ie.

The Age friendly homes website contains an array of information

to support the development of Age Friendly Housing, such as case

studies, research, funding information and design templates. This

website was developed in collaboration with The Housing Agency

and Age Friendly Ireland, the Department of Health and Depart-

ment of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This is a very

unique web portal in an Irish context and will provide a one stop

shop for all resources to support Age Friendly Housing.

The Age Friendly suite of resources being launched include guid-

ance of features to include in a lifetime adaptable and age friendly

home including how to make it more accessible and a checklist to

use in your own home. Also included is research on older people’s

perceptions and experiences of going through a rightsizing pro-

cess to future proof their home and an information booklet for

older people to explain their options regarding future proofing

their homes, ranging from adapting the home, Homeshare or

moving to more suitable accommodation. Another key resources

being launched today is the ‘Age Friendly Primary Care Centre

Guidelines’, which provides guidance material on the inclusion of

Age Friendly features in the development of new Primary Care

Centres to meet the needs of the ageing population.

All of these actions are directly related to the implementation of

the 2019 policy statement

‘Housing Options for Our Ageing Population’, a joint policy from

the Department of Health and the Department of Housing, Local

Government and Heritage.

These resources and website will make a valuable contribution in

enabling older people to lead healthy lives at home for longer.

They will contribute to a greater awareness of standards for Age-

Friendly Housing, and the options people have as they grow older

with regard to housing adaptations and other choices. Older peo-

ple must have choice when it comes to housing, and their voice

must be placed at the centre of all Age Friendly Housing develop-

ments”.

The ethos of Ireland’s national Age Friendly Programme is to

support the development of our whole society as Age Friendly.

This programme uses a World Health Organization framework

that defines housing and the built environment as a critical com-

ponent of Age Friendly Communities.

The voice of the older person is at the heart of the programme in

designing services for the future. Rosaleen Smart from West-

meath Older People’s Council sits on the national implementation

group for the Housing Options for our Ageing policy. She says:

“I am delighted to see this suite of documents and website being

launched today. These resources provide older people with the

information they need to future proof their home or to right size,

and most importantly it gives us the independence to make our

own informed decisions.”

Age Friendly Communities support the participation of older peo-

ple and accommodate changing needs across the life course. The

materials being launched by Age Friendly Ireland help to shape

an understanding of Age Friendly Homes.

Improving the Age Friendliness of our homes will have wide ben-

efits for individuals, including health and safety issues such as

reducing falls, and increasing quality of life. It will also contribute

towards Sustainable Development Goals and climate action. The

new resources from Age Friendly Ireland complement their exist-

ing guidance documents on Age Friendly Towns, Age Friendly

Public Realm, Age Friendly Hospitals, walkability audit tools and

their unique Housing and Public Realm Training Programme.

Partners in the development of these resources include such bod-

ies as the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design and The

Housing Agency.

About Age Friendly Ireland

Ireland’s National Age Friendly Programme is a statutory cross

departmental programme, supported by the Department of Hous-

ing Planning and Local Government, the Department of Health,

the HSE and all Local Authorities.

Age Friendly Ireland is an appointed shared service of local gov-

ernment, hosted by Meath County Council on behalf of the wider

local government sector. The national Age Friendly Programme

office brings together, supports and provides technical guidance

to the 31 local authority led, multi-agency,

Age Friendly City and County Pro-

grammes across Ireland. Resources

Launched The overarching goal of Ireland’s Age Friendly Programme is that

every local authority area in Ireland will be a great place in which

to grow old. Underpinning the Age Friendly Cities and Counties

Programme is the core principle that older people are a most val-

uable resource to their communities and to our society in gen-

eral. For this reason, the voice of the older person is at the very

heart of the Programme.

The suite of Age Friendly publications being launched are:

• Brochure on ‘Ten Universal Design Features to Include in

a Lifetime Adaptable and Age Friendly

Home’ which synopsis the most critical features that make homes

Age friendly

• Age Friendly Homes Rating Tool – a user-friendly check-

list of features to include in your home to make it more accessible

and Age Friendly

• Age Friendly Primary Care Centre Guidelines – guid-

ance material on the inclusion of Age Friendly features in the

development of new Primary Care Centres to meet the needs of

the ageing population

• Age Friendly Car Parking Template – schematic for devel-

oping Age Friendly car parking bays

• Age Friendly Seating Template - guidance on making pub-

lic seating more Age Friendly using Universal Design features

• Research on Rightsizing – research on older people’s per-

ceptions and experiences of going through a rightsizing process

to future proof their home environment and living arrangements

• Rightsizing Guide – information booklet for older people to

explain their options regarding future proofing their homes,

ranging from adapting the home, Homeshare or moving to more

suitable accommodation

• Age Friendly Planning Guidelines – guidance for planning

authorities on preparing development plans that consider all as-

pects of demands that will be generated by population ageing

• Pre-planning guidance for planning authorities on long-

term residential care facilities.

Save Water

Ideas

Family Carers report enormous strain

and plea for re-opening of dementia ser-

vices

Family carers report significant decline in mental and physical

health during COVID-19

Past year sees ‘Irreversible Deterioration’ for people living with

dementia

The enormous challenges faced by the family carers of people liv-

ing with dementia – and urgent need for access to support ser-

vices – have been highlighted in a stark report from The Alz-

heimer Society of Ireland (ASI).

The report found that the pandemic has led to a significant and

irreversible deterioration in the condition of many people living

with dementia – with their world becoming smaller and more

frightening.

The research Caring and Coping with dementia during COVID-19

was launched today and also found family carers to be at breaking

point – with their mental and physical wellbeing seriously affect-

ed.

Findings include:

•81% of respondents were concerned about decline in the person

with dementia

•54% of family carers reported a decline in their mental health,

and 40% a decline in their physical health

•54% of family carers were worried about how they will continue

to cope, with 44% feeling less able to cope

•28% of family carers reported considering a move to long term

care for the person with dementia, with 65% saying that this has

become a consideration sooner due to the pandemic.

The report comprised telephone and online surveys and focus

groups including people living with dementia, family carers, De-

mentia Advisers and front-line service managers – and follows

earlier surveys by The ASI in 2020.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland CEO Pat McLoughlin said the

lives of people with dementia and their family carers remain very

seriously impacted by the pandemic period.

“This research shows the enormous sacrifices family carers have

made in order to protect those they care for. Their struggles in-

clude heightened exhaustion, burnout, anxiety, grief, helplessness

and despair.

“Other relationships and responsibilities (such as children or

work) have also paid a price. The fact that there was no prioritisa-

tion of family carers in the vaccine roll out has left these people

feeling abandoned. There were even cases of suicide risk reported

among family carers.

“In parallel many people living with dementia have experienced

irreversible deterioration over the past year. These families feel

angry, betrayed and frustrated and we need the Government to

take additional measures to address their needs.

“We now need to see urgent and safe re-opening of day care cen-

tres and social clubs. Our research found that family carers’ need

for practical support almost tripled in the past year rising to 70%.

They also need access to emotional support, including counselling

services.”

Recommendations

In response to the report The ASI set out the following recom-

mendations:

•Provide the necessary capital and revenue resources now for day

care re-opening arising from public health guidelines

•Better assistance for family carers through support groups and

therapeutic services including counselling

•Continued funding of ASI’s Day Care at Home service in order

for additional support to be provided

•Provision of additional dementia appropriate home care hours to

be provided urgently

•Pilot and develop the Statutory Home Care scheme without fur-

ther delay

•Plan and coordinate dementia services post COVID-19 alongside

other major chronic diseases

•Implement fully The National Dementia Strategy.

Download Caring and Coping with Dementia

during COVID-19 at www.alzheimer.ie

Calls to SeniorLine Doubled in 2020

SeniorLine is Ireland’s national listening service for older

people. Established in 1998, the service received 18,000

calls last year from older people throughout Ireland.

SeniorLine is open every day of the year from 10am to

10pm, Freefone 1800 80 45 91.

Many callers are lonely or isolated. Serious issues include

elder abuse, suicide ideation, bereavement, anxiety, depres-

sion and family conflict.

SeniorLine’s 180 volunteers are trained to respond with em-

pathy, support callers to look at their options and can sign-

post them to other helpful services.

Since Covid-19 many older people who would not have de-

fined themselves by age felt they were negatively stereo-

typed as one vulnerable group, and reacted with indignation

to this label. ‘I did not recognise myself in that description’

was one of the most common comments to SeniorLine.

In the early days of Covid, SeniorLine provided daily up-

dates for callers regarding staying safe, community services,

and how best to manage their emotional and mental health.

SeniorLine has been invited by the HSE to join their Vaccine

Community Network, delegated to provide accurate infor-

mation on current vaccine development.

Many callers describe SeniorLine as their lifeline and phone

regularly or daily for contact and conversation. Others are

supported during times of crisis.

The peer-to-peer aspect of the service – older people sup-

porting older people - is a vital part of the service and has

been particularly valuable in Covid-19.

If your organisation would like on- or off-line information

on SeniorLine, please contact Anne Dempsey, Communica-

tions Manager, 087-7450721 annedempsey-

[email protected]

www.thirdageireland/seniorline

@SeniorLineIreland

An Cosán Online Open Day Infor-

mation Sessions

Are now ac-

cepting appli-

cations for our

Higher Educa-

tion pro-

grammes start-

ing in Septem-

ber!

We continue to host online Information Sessions every Fri-

day at 11am and we invite people to join us to explore your

options. Register to attend on this link: http://bit.ly/

AnCosanOpenDays2021

Discover your full potential through accessible Adult and

Community Education with An Cosán. Join our online

Open Day to find out more!

About this event

Are you thinking about going back to education ? Would

you like to join a short unaccredited module or achieve an

accredited qualification with the option to progress to Fur-

ther Education or Higher Education and receive a Certifi-

cate, Higher Certificate or BA Degree?

An Cosán are now enrolling for a wide range of pro-

grammes across our Adult and Community Education pro-

vision, through our classroom-based model in An Cosán

Tallaght and our Online Community Education model to

individuals all across Ireland.

An Cosán offer a range of affordable short and accessible

Access courses, with progression options to Further and

Higher Education including programmes in early years ed-

ucation and care, community development, leadership, ad-

diction studies and social enterprise.

An Cosán are hosting a series of online Open Day infor-

mation sessions to help you make an informed decision! If

you would like to find out more about your options register

to attend an Information Session today by following the

steps below:

[*Covid19 Update: The delivery model in September 2021,

will be subject to Government Covid19 restrictions in place

at that time]

How do I apply for a Programme at An Cosán?

Step 1: Attend one of our weekly online live & interactive

Open Day Information Sessions

Register to attend an information session by clicking on

Select a Date button on this Eventbrite page https://bit.ly/

AnCosanOpenDays2021

•We will send you a Zoom link and brief instructions on

how to join on the day of your session

•You will need access to a smart phone / laptop and inter-

net to access this online session.

•If access to technology is a barrier or if you are unable to

attend one of the dates listed, please get in touch, by con-

tacting a member of our team directly on email in-

[email protected] or Phone 01 - 462 8488 and we will be hap-

py to make alternative arrangements.

Maynooth University:

Masters of Social Science

Community & Youth Work Masters of Social Science Community & Youth Work

(MSocScCYW)

Are there social issues that you feel passionate about?

Do you think young people should have opportunities to

shape the world they live in?

Are you inspired to challenge inequality and work for hu-

man rights?

Do you want to work on creating the conditions for positive

social change in society?

The Masters of Social Science Community & Youth Work

(MSocScCYW) is a two-year master degree programme with

two 14-week supervised fieldwork placements at its centre.

As a student you will participate in a programme of profes-

sional education and training that engages you as an active

participant in your learning, working in solidarity with those

affected by human rights denial, poverty and inequality. You

will learn to foster the development and empowerment of

communities and young people, and facilitate the active par-

ticipation of people in addressing issues that affect them

collectively.

The MSocScCYW equips students for employment in com-

munity development, youth work, and associated equality,

human rights, international development, local develop-

ment, local authority, national institutions, and internation-

al agency work.

2 years full-time or 3 years part-time in-service

Professionally endorsed programme (AIEB & NSETS)

In-service route provides for specialism in community de-

velopment or youth work;

includes recognition of prior learning (RPL) for suitable

candidates.

Graduates of the programme are currently working in local

community development and youth work projects, work

with Travellers and Roma, homelessness, migrant rights,

rights of sex workers, anti-racist and intercultural work, dis-

ability rights, media and communications, international de-

velopment, politics, public policy, government departments/

agencies, education & training, and more.

For further information visit:

https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/applied-social-studies/

our-courses

To talk to someone about the programme including part-

time in-service options contact the team on:

Email: [email protected]

Application for entry to the MSocScCYW programme is open

to those who have a primary degree in one of the social sci-

ences and have experience of/ a demonstrated interest in

work with communities, youth organisations or projects,

minority groups, social movements or international develop-

ment. Candidates holding other primary degrees may be

also considered in light of their relevant experience.

Suicide Alertness Skills Training

Become Suicide Alert in 2021

START

Free Countrywide 90 min online Suicide Alertness Skills

Training

This free training is for persons*, over 18, especially those

working in health, social care, community and educational

environments who want to become suicide alert.

START trains you to identify people who are at risk of sui-

cide, confidently ask them about the topic of suicide and

connect them with resources that can help them stay safe

from suicide.

This course is funded by the HSE National Office for Suicide

Prevention (www.NOSP.ie) and provided by LivingWorks.

(www.livingworks.net)

To register for START training in the Kildare/West Wick-

low, Dublin South City, Dublin West, Dublin South East,

and East Wicklow region email your name and location ad-

dress to: [email protected]

To register for START training in other regions go to

www.nosp.ie and look in the local Resource Officer for

Suicide Prevention information section for that region for

details or contact the email address above.

It is advised that if you have been bereaved by suicide

please wait at least 12 months before undertaking this

Consultation on Westmeath Tourism

Strategy 2021-2027

Have your say on the Westmeath Tourism Strategy 2021-27,

and help guide the development of tourism in Westmeath.

The consultation is open at https://loom.ly/NGaJtsg until 5

July.

Consultation for a National Action Plan

against Racism for Ireland

The consultation for a National Action Plan

against Racism for Ireland is open for submis-

sions until July 14th.

https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/017c9-

towards-a-national-action-plan-against-racism

-for-ireland-public-consultation-2021/

Water Safety

For all children, it has

been a year with

swimming pools

closed and without

swimming lessons.

With summer weather on the way, it is more important than ever

that we encourage all children to think and talk about water safety.

Water Safety Ireland has launched a water safety resource to over

4,000 Early Learning and Care Centres nationwide. Educators will

use the resources to give children the knowledge needed to stay safe

from drowning. The ‘Hold Hands’ programme, launched by Minis-

ters Heather Humphreys and Roderic O’Gorman has been built

around one very simple insight. That a young child should always

hold an adult’s hand near water.

ABOUT THE HOLD HANDS PROGRAMME

The ‘Hold Hands’ resources have been designed by WSI to highlight

potential water safety dangers at home, on farms, on the beach, at

rivers, lakes and on holiday. Storyboards grab children’s imagina-

tion and include a cleverly designed pointer, shaped like a hand, so

whenever a child engages in water safety learning, they are physical-

ly holding a hand to reinforce the behavioural change the lessons

are trying to instil.

For more information (PDF etc)

www.watersafety.ie/hold-hands/

For more information (PDF etc)

www.watersafety.ie/hold-hands/

Communities Integration Fund 2021

Minister O’Gorman invites applications to the Communities Inte-

gration Fund 2021

• €500,000 will be made available to local community-

based projects nationwide to support the integration of migrants.

• Grants of up to €5,000 will be allocated to successful

organisations to support integration initiatives.

15 June 2021

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and

Youth, Roderic O'Gorman T.D., today announced €500,000 in

funding under the Communities Integration Fund 2021.

Now in its fifth year, the Communities Integration Fund celebrates

the rich cultural diversity within local communities and enables

local community-based organisations across Ireland to play a

greater role in supporting the integration of migrants. Eligible

organisations can apply for grant funding of €1,000 – €5,000 to

support local integration initiatives.

Announcing the funding, Minister O’Gorman said:

“I am delighted to announce the launch of the Communities Inte-

gration Fund 2021. Irish society has been enriched by increased

cultural diversity and we must ensure that migrants are supported

to actively participate in Irish society without having to relinquish

their own cultural identity. This funding will bolster the great

work being done by local communities to welcome new cultures.”

How to apply:

Applicants can access a detailed guidance document and complete

an online application form here.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 6 pm on Friday

02 July 2021.

The Migrant Integration Strategy sets out the Government’s com-

mitment to the promotion of migrant integration as a key part of

Ireland’s renewal and as an underpinning principle of Irish society.

The Strategy provides a framework for a range of actions to sup-

port migrants to participate fully in Irish life.

The Communities Integration Fund arises from Action 51 of the

Migrant Integration Strategy, which calls for funding to be made

available to local communities throughout Ireland to promote the

integration of migrants and refugees. Since its inception in 2017,

the Communities Integration Fund has supported over 480 projects

with grant funding totalling €2.26m.

Purpose of projects/activities

This call is open to local community based groups and centres

around 10 key themes to support migrant integration:

• Intercultural Awareness;

• Combating Racism and Xenophobia;

• Sport & Community Games;

• Arts;

• Food/Cuisine;

• Community Events;

• Capacity Building;

• Employment;

• Education;

• Integration Research.

As this Fund is intended to support the integration of migrant and

host communities, all applications must demonstrate the ability to

involve both migrant and host communities in the activities pro-

posed. The maximum grant amount that can be applied for is

€5,000 and the minimum grant is €1,000.

Types of projects previously funded under the Communities Inte-

gration Fund include:

• Family resource/Support Centres

• Sports Clubs

• Local Community Network Groups

• Midsummer Festivals

• Youth Projects

• Migrant Groups

Issued by the Press and Communications Office at the Department

of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Tel: 01 647 - 3153/3114

More Information & Application: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/

runner/CommunitiesIntegrationFund2021

OUTDOOR SEATING AND ACCESSORIES FOR TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY BUSINESS SCHEME

Failte Ireland has launched this scheme to provide a level of fi-nancial support to tourism and hospitality businesses to pur-chase or upgrade equipment to provide additional outdoor seat-ing, and therefore increase their outdoor dining capacity for the summer of 2021. This scheme has now been extended to non dining businesses i.e. pubs and they are eligible to apply for this scheme from Monday 14th June. This scheme will financially assist and support independent tourism and hospitality business owners to create outdoor dining/non dining experiences in a reg-ulated and accessible manner. Funding under the scheme is only available to existing businesses.

The Outdoor Seating and Accessories for Tourism & Hospitality Business Scheme will be administered through Westmeath County Council.

Further details

www.localenterprise.ie/Westmeath/Financial-Supports/

Economic Section, Local Enterprise Office, Westmeath County Council, Áras an Chontae, Mount Street Mullingar or email [email protected]

Please refer to Failte Ireland document for Best Practice in relation to Outdoor dining:

https://www.failteireland.ie/Identify-Available-Funding/local-authority-schemes/Outdoor-Dining-Enhancement-Scheme.aspx

For information on Section 254 Licences please refer to the following links: http://www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/yourcouncil/onlineservices/applyforit/http://www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/planning/outdoorseatingsignage/

More information on Local Enterprise Office website: www.localenterprise.ie/Westmeath/Financial-Supports/

Out-Closing Date 30th September 2021

Peatlands Gathering 2021

Natural Capital Ireland has joined forces with a collective of peatland

community representatives, practitioners, researchers and specialists

to bring you a new event, ‘Peatlands Gathering 2021; a new begin-

ning’, which will consist of a two-day online forum on 7th

- 8th

October

with presentations and dialogue and hopefully some field trips on 9th

October.

Further details available at https://peatlandsgathering.wixsite.com/

peatlandgathering21

Mná 100 Podcast Series: Minister Catherine

Martin recently announced a new podcast series, Mná 100, as

part of the Decade of Centenaries programme, which reflects

on some of the women who were instrumental in shaping Ire-

land’s history, 100 years ago. The first episode, Elections May

2021, is available to listen to online at clicking Elections May

2021 www.mna100.ie

Heritage Week 2021 14th —22nd August

2021 was offi-

cially launched

on 16th June by

Minister for

Heritage Malcolm Noonan. You can now Register as an

organiser, access key resources for developing your pro-

ject and upload your project at :

www.heritageweek.ie

Irish Landmark Trust competition

Irish Landmark Trust is an official partner of National

Heritage Week 2021.

Do you fancy a

break with a dif-

ference?

A chance to win a

trip to one of the

Landmark Trust’s 33 diverse and interesting properties

could be just the ticket. Since 1992, the Trust has been

transforming historic buildings into truly special self-

catering holiday accommodation that allows us experi-

ence and understand what our past has conceded to us.

That then gives us an informed understanding of what

we value in the present and what we choose to preserve

for future generations.

Ireland’s built heritage is our inheritance. Providing

clues to our past and how our society has evolved, it

helps us to examine our history and traditions and ena-

bles us develop an awareness about ourselves. It also

helps us to understand and explain why we are the way

we are.

For The Irish Landmark Trust and the Heritage Council,

exemplary and imaginative re-use of generations’-old

buildings is a vital part of preserving our built heritage

and bringing it back into use now – and for the future.

If you would like to experience that care and dedication

first hand, you’ve got a chance to win a voucher for a

two-night break (worth €400) that can be redeemed

against a stay in a Irish Landmark Trust property of

your choice.

HOW TO ENTER

To enter the competition, log into Heritage Week web-

site www.heritageweek.ie/about/irish-landmark

-competition-1 and answer the questions in the ques-

tionnaire.

€292,658 funding for 9 projects in

Westmeath under the Community

Monuments Fund from the National

Monuments

Fantastic news with the announcement of €292,658 fund-

ing for 9 projects in Westmeath under the Community

Monuments Fund from the National Monuments Ser-

vice, Department of Housing, Local Government and Herit-

age. Funding has been awarded under Stream 1 for capital

works to Fore Gaol; Kilbixy Leper Hospital and Athlone

Town Wall. Stream 2 funding has been announced for the

preparation of Conservation Plans for Kilafree Church, Cas-

tlepollard; St Owen's Church, Ballymore; Court Devenish

House, Athlone and Monasset Tower House. Stream 3 fund-

ing has been awarded to The No.1 Gun Battery, Athlone and

for digital interpretation of Mayne Trackway. You can read

more details on the grant scheme here: www.gov.ie/en/

press-release/c0a0e-minister-noonan-announces-2021-

community-monuments-fund-grants-of-over-4-million/

New RTÉ One television programme, Take On Me. Take On Me is a singing competition game show which will require contestants to have tactics as well as talent. We are looking for singers from all over the country to sing for their lives in an effort to be crowned the winner of Take On Me and take home a massive cash prize of €25,000!

WESTMEATH has an abundance of talented singers and we’d love to see if any of them is up for the challenge.

More information: https://www.rte.ie/tv/audience-participation/2021/0611/1227529-take-on-me/ for an appli-cation form. Or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RTEOne/posts/5711849708888822

Schedule of litter, sweeping, bins and public toilets for the

Mullingar-Kinnegad Municipal District

MDMK Schedule for Litter bin emptying and litter pick-ing 7 June 2021 - 29 August

2021

Town/Village Frequency

Mullingar Town Centre Everyday

Mullingar Town Park Everyday

Mullingar Estates Once Weekly

Kinnegad Twice Weekly

Castlepollard Twice Weekly

Rochfortbridge Once weekly

Killucan/Rathwire Once weekly

Delvin Once weekly

Clonmellon Once weekly

Multyfarnham Once weekly

Collinstown Twice weekly

Raharney Once weekly

Milltownpass Once weekly

Coole Once weekly

Finnea Once weekly

Street Once weekly

Crookedwood Once weekly

Fore Once weekly

Lakeside Amenities

Lough Lene - Collinstown Everyday Lough Derravarragh - Gart-landstown 3 times per week

Lough Ennell - Ladestown Everyday Lough Ennell - Butler's Bridge Once Weekly

Lough Ennell - Tudenham Everyday Lough Owel - Portnashangan Everyday

Lough Owel - Sailing Club Everyday

Lough Owel - Tullaghan Everyday

Playgrounds

Ballinea 4 times per week

Fairgreen 4 times per week

Kinnegad 4 times per week

Killucan 3 times per week

Delvin Once weekly

Castlepollard Once weekly

Clonmellon Once weekly

MDMK Schedule of Suction sweeper Frequencies 7 June 2021 - 29 August 2021

Location Daily Week-

ly Fort-

nightly Month

ly Quar-terly

Mullingar Core

Mullingar Ap-proach Roads

Mullingar Hous-ing Estates

Castlepollard

Kinnegad

Killucan/Rathwire

Raharney

Multyfarnham

Milltownpass

Clonmellon

Delvin

Collinstown

Coole

Finnea

Rochfortbridge

The Downs

Taughmon

Gainstown

Ballinea

Street

Crookedwood

Drumcree

Castletown Finnea

Lismacaffrey

Archerstown

MDMK Portable Toilet Locations from 7 June 2021 – 29 August 2021

Location Standard Port-able toilet

Disabled Portable Toilet

Portnashangan, Lough Owel 1

Tullaghans, Lough Owel 1

Ladestown Lough Ennell 2 toilets from

18/6/21

Ballinea Playground 1

Tudenham Lough Ennell 2

Blackhall Carpark 2 1

Newbrook Greenway access carpark 1

Mullingar Town Park 1 1

Age Action: Getting

Started Computer

Training

More than 35,000 Irish people have

benefited from Age Action's Getting

Started Computer Training pro-

gramme, which provides training in

computers, smartphones and the

Internet for people over the age of 55

all over Ireland.

• Getting Started KIT - COVID-19

Response

• About Getting Started Computer

Training

• Videos: Meet some of the learn-

ers and volunteers involved in

Getting Started

• Know someone who might be

interested? Fill in this form

• Get involved as a volunteer!

• Get a school involved as a host

venue

• Get a business involved as a part-

ner

• Resources for volunteers and

learners

• Contact the Getting Started team

• Age Action Silver Surfer Awards

• Publications and Research

More information on any of above

https://www.ageaction.ie/how-

we-can-help/getting-started-kit

Barnardos Back to School Survey is Open!

Children’s Charity Calls on Parents & Children to Share their Views on the

Return to School in September

Barnardos 16th Annual Back to School Survey is now open and aims to shine a

light on the real cost of Ireland’s free education system. Parents and young

people are invited to fill out the survey and tell Barnardos how much money

they spend on their chil-

dren’s education – iPads,

school books, clothing,

footwear, photocopying

fees, voluntary contribu-

tions and any other addi-

tional costs. The survey

for both primary and sec-

ondary students is availa-

ble at

www.barnardos.ie/

backtoschool2021

Returning to school each September can be a challenging period for both par-

ents and young people. In addition to the extra costs, parents may have addi-

tional concerns about their children returning to school and areas they believe

their children need further supports in. Barnardos hope to highlight things

parents and children are concerned about in advance of the return to school in

2021 and are acutely aware that this year the pandemic may have heightened

anxieties further.

Parents and children can take the Barnardos School Costs Survey online at

www.barnardos.ie/backtoschool2021

The survey will be open for three weeks from June 14 – July 5. Results from

the survey will be released at the end of July.

Irish Heart Foundation:

Our Services

We are living in difficult and uncertain

times and are very aware of the extra

challenges people living with the effects

of heart disease and stroke face.

Our nurses are available on phone and

email support Monday to Friday 9 am

to 1 pm. Call 01 6685001 or email sup-

[email protected]

The Irish Heart Foundation runs 21

stroke support groups and 5 heart fail-

ure groups around the country.

We also have support groups for people

with cardiomyopathy, Long QT syn-

drome and spontaneous coronary ar-

tery dissection (SCAD), as well as

groups for people with ICDs and for

families who have lost a loved one to

SADS.

All these groups have moved to tele-

phone and online support.

We have also launched a new service

for people living with heart failure. Join

our community to meet and learn from

others living with heart failure to help

you cope better and feel less isolated.

We have a number of private Facebook

groups to give you access to expert in-

formation and to allow you to share

your thoughts and concerns with simi-

larly affected people:

•Heart Support Network – a Facebook

group for people with heart failure and

other heart conditions and their carers.

•Life after Stroke – a Facebook group

for stroke survivors and their carers.

•Irish Heart Foundation Carers’ Group

– this Facebook group is specifically for

carers of stroke survivors.

We are accepting new members in all of

our groups. If you would like to join,

please email Tracy on te-

[email protected] telling her which

group you would like to join or call 01

6685001.

https://irishheart.ie/get-support/

Deposit Return System for

Ireland

Voice Ireland

The ‘Return For Change’ campaign wants to see the

urgent introduction of a strong Deposit Refund

Scheme (DRS), which would see an added charge

for certain products, which the customers would

redeem when

the container is

returned to the

retailer to be

recycled. DRS’s are widely used internationally and have been proven to reduce litter

and increase the reuse of these products by recycling the valuable plastic and alumini-

um.

Please see the Return for Change website for more details www.returnforchange.org or

email [email protected] @returnforchange

Herbicide Free Challenge Take the challenge to Go Herbicide Free!

Flyers created by Dublin Community EN member Steven Doody who has been working on herbicide free projects and polli-nator projects over the last few years. These flyers are available to all. Steven would like to reach all schools and Tidy Towns as he collates those who have signed up to the challenge. Please share widely.

Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/DublinEnviromentalNetwork/posts/3029572253991925

Beware Scam Phone Calls

Be aware of Scam calls which claim to be from Revenue, An Garda Síochána, So-

cial Welfare or other government agencies (usually from an 087 number (many

different ones))

To avoid falling victim to a scam of this nature, remember the follow-

ing tips:

• Be wary of multiple calls or missed calls being received from the same number

that you are unfamiliar with

• Do not answer or call back any number that you don't recognise where there is

a blank or no voicemail message left

• If you call back an unknown number by mistake, hang up immediately on calls where there appears to be no recipient on the

other end or where you are left on hold

• Do not provide any personal information, for example, banking details/PPS number/credit card details/name and address/

passport numbers etc.

• If you have friends or relatives abroad that may be calling you, store their number (including the country prefix) in your

phone and be aware of the prefix for the country where they might be calling from

• Most phones have the capability of allowing you to block a nuisance number from contacting you. You should check your

phone manual to see if this is a feature of your handset

Unfortunately, in some cases, there is no way to identify a scam call number, and they can resemble a very normal, familiar, geo-

graphical or international number that we come across on a daily basis.

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