Initiatives
Shocking data led to Dublin 10 Food Alliance
A new group aims to end the isolation of food poverty by creating warm, inclusive spaces, where everyone has a seat at the table. Launched in early February, the new Dublin 10 Food Alliance describes itself as “a coalition dedicated to transforming the local food landscape”. It is a response to research that revealed that 40% of the community in Ballyfermot faces food poverty.
Initiatives
Social Farming Ireland now 10 years old and has just expanded
Social Farming Ireland is this year celebrating 10 years of the national network. Its annual conference will take place on April 24 at The Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Co Laois.
Initiatives
It’s a start! An apprenticeship for non-profit administrators
No-one has yet done an apprenticeship in non-profit administration in Ireland, because it’s an option that simply does not exist at present, but that could soon be rectified.
Initiatives
Hundreds attended inaugural Local Development Conference
The inaugural Local Development Conference held recently in Ballina, Co. Mayo, marked a major milestone for the community-led local development sector, celebrating the essential role Local Development Companies play in social inclusion, rural development, enterprise support, and community services nationwide. Hosted by the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), the two-day event brought together leaders and changemakers from various sectors to explore “how to build stronger communities, inclusive societies, and resilient local economies”.
Initiatives
Citizens’ parliament engaged community voices to strengthen democracy
Four sittings of a National Citizens’ Parliament on Media and Democracy were held over spring in Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, as part of a European project to hear ideas from citizens on ways to protect the media as it is integral to supporting and saving democracy.
In all, 20 people gave up four weekends to sit, discuss and make recommendations to be considered alongside those from citizens in ten or more cities across the continent.
Initiatives
What would you do if you had a magic wand?
Three panellists at The Wheel’s Summit in Croke Park, Dublin, on May 28, were asked what they would do with the community and voluntary sector if they had a magic wand.
Initiatives
Community Connection Project to support asylum seekers and address misinformation
Minister Joe O’Brien announced the new €3m programme to support communities, and a further €1m for supports for new arrivals at the Welcoming New Communities conference in Dublin Castle this week.
Initiatives
€1 million funding to create 42 new Community Services Programme positions
32 organisations are set to benefit from fresh investment in the programme, which aims to tackle disadvantage through a social enterprise model.
Initiatives
Steering Young Drivers to Safety
Donegal’s Garage Project paves the way for safer roads as 130 young people complete LEADER-funded training.
Initiatives
Biggest expansion of National Walks Scheme adds 62 new trails
The largest ever expansion of Ireland’s National Walks Scheme was announced this week, promising to add 62 new walking and hiking trails across 17 counties.
Inclusion
Highlight your ideas for rural Ireland on Tues, Nov 15
If you have ideas for a socially inclusive rural Ireland, this event is for you. Next Tuesday, November 15 (from 10.30-12.30) ideas are being sought during an online forum organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
It invites anyone who is “passionate about rural Ireland” to join the event to discuss key themes from 'Our Rural Future’.
