South Dublin County Council is now accepting applications for the 2026 Community Grants Programme.

Funding is available through:

Support is available for Community and Voluntary Groups delivering projects and activities that benefit local communities.

South Dublin County Council is now accepting applications for the Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme 2026.

Funding is available for projects that promote education and public awareness around litter and graffiti prevention, with a particular focus on community groups, environmental organisations, schools, and young people.

South Dublin County Council is inviting community groups and local partnerships to submit expressions of interest for the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2026/2027.

The Dublin Mountains Partnership Volunteer Rangers have a fantastic programme of events planned for June, including guided hikes, bird walks, heritage events, wellness walks, and family-friendly activities across the Dublin Mountains.

Check out the poster below for upcoming events and booking information.

📅 18 June | 11am–3pm
📍 North Clondalkin Library

A free community event showcasing local health and wellbeing services, supports, and activities. Enjoy information stands, live music, refreshments, family-friendly activities, and more.

Everyone welcome!

A range of events and activities will be taking place across local libraries in the coming weeks, offering opportunities for all ages to get involved. From workshops and talks to family-friendly sessions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Siel Bleu Ireland is a non-profit organisation providing adapted physical activity programmes for older adults and people living with chronic conditions.

Their services include online exercise classes, community-based group sessions, and one-to-one support, all designed to improve physical, mental, and social well-being while helping participants maintain their independence and quality of life.

See the attached flyer for more information on available programmes and how to get involved.

Carmichael is hosting a free 50-minute webinar as part of the NTF 2026 Programme on the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.

📅 18 June 2026 | 1:05–1:55pm
🎯 For frontline volunteers, coordinators & board members of small organisations

The session will outline key changes under the Act, including the move to a rights-based, functional approach to capacity, and the legal implications for families and organisations.

It will also cover the Decision Support Service (DSS) framework, support tiers, and the importance of planning ahead using Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) and Advance Healthcare Directives (AHD).

Speaker: Maighréad Kelly, Collaboration Ireland

Managing Difficult Volunteer Situations
📅 Tue 16 June | ⏰ 6:30pm–9:00pm
📍 Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross

A practical workshop exploring how to identify and manage challenging volunteer situations, with strategies to support positive outcomes for volunteers and organisations.

Volunteer Leadership Development Training
📅 Tue 23 June – Wed 24 June
📍 Maldron Hotel Tallaght

A new 2-day training programme for volunteer leaders, developed with Volunteer Ireland. Learn how to build inclusive and effective volunteer programmes, strengthen leadership skills, and create a positive volunteer culture.

Carmichael's Funding & Fundraising for Voluntary Organisations course offers practical guidance on finding funding, writing stronger applications, and diversifying income streams.

The Irish Red Cross Tallaght Branch is running a 3-Day First Aid Responder (FAR) Course this June at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH).

📅 Dates: 13th, 20th & 27th June
📍 Location: TUH
💰 Cost: €150 per person

This practical course provides participants with the skills and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations. Places are limited.

Research Ireland has launched the Research in Ireland Barometer 2026, a national survey exploring how people across Ireland experience and engage with research in their everyday lives.

The survey is open to anyone aged 16 or over and living in Ireland. Responses will help shape future research policy, funding, and public engagement, ensuring that community voices and lived experiences are reflected.

Complete the survey via the link or QR code provided.

The online community consultation is now open for the proposed Rathcoole Housing Development on lands behind Rathcoole Park. The project aims to create a sustainable, welcoming, and affordable new community on South Dublin County Council-owned land.

Public submissions are now invited on the Draft National Planning Statement for Apartment Design Standards 2026, which sets out proposed national standards for apartment development, quality, and amenity spaces.

Have your say on the future of apartment living in Ireland by taking part in the consultation.

Researchers at Dublin City University are seeking participants for the THRIVE Project, a Research Ireland-funded study exploring how public consultations can better influence decision-making.

If you have participated in consultations relating to housing, development, planning, or other local issues, your experience could help improve how local authorities engage with communities and respond to public feedback.

To learn more or express your interest, contact: project-thrive@dcu.ie

Have your say on the future of tourism in the Dublin Mountains. Fáilte Ireland is hosting community consultation events on 25 June and 8 July to gather feedback from residents, community groups, and local organisations.

Can't attend? You can still share your views through the online survey.

The recent PPN Summer School was a really positive and engaging series of sessions, bringing together members from across the network to learn, share ideas, and connect with one another.

Across the programme, participants explored a range of practical topics focused on community development, participation, and strengthening local engagement. There was a great energy throughout, with plenty of discussion, shared experiences, and useful takeaways for groups to bring back into their communities.

A special thank you goes to Luke Quinlan from DCU, who organised and led the Summer School. His work in putting the programme together and delivering such engaging sessions was greatly appreciated by everyone involved.

Overall, the Summer School was a great success and highlighted the value of creating space for learning, connection, and collaboration within the PPN.

A case of crayfish plague has been confirmed in the Camac River. While not harmful to people or pets, the disease is devastating to native White-clawed Crayfish populations.

All river users are encouraged to Check, Clean, Dry equipment and footwear before moving between waterways to help prevent further spread.

A new national awareness campaign has been launched to highlight the important role of Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in supporting and strengthening communities across Ireland.

A dedicated online resource hub provides information on the work of LCDCs, Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs), training resources, and videos showcasing LCDCs in action.

The resource is useful for community and voluntary groups, PPN members, and local organisations looking to learn more about community development structures and supports in their area.

The HSE has made available a range of free digital mental health tools and supports designed to help people access the right support at the right time.

A recent webinar provides an overview of these resources, including My Mental Health Plan, Navigator, Togetherall, SilverCloud and Balancing Stress. Additional supports for men's mental health and suicide prevention are also available.

Families with children starting school this September can collect a free My Little Library book bag from their local library this summer.

Books are available in Irish or English, and families are also encouraged to join the library (if not already members).

The initiative supports early reading and helps build strong connections between children, families, and libraries.

A confidential programme supporting women in their long-term recovery after domestic abuse. The programme includes one-to-one online counselling, a 7-week in-person group programme, and holistic supports to help participants heal, rebuild confidence, and plan for the future.

The counselling service is available to begin immediately. The follow-on group programme will commence in September at both Women's Collective Ireland Tallaght and Women's Collective Ireland Lucan. 

June is Cavernoma Awareness Month, raising awareness of cavernoma, a rare condition affecting the brain and spinal cord.

Cavernoma Ireland, a patient-led organisation, provides information, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by the condition across Ireland.

Family Carers Ireland has published its State of Caring 2026 report, sharing findings from almost 3,000 carers across Ireland.

Key findings and recommendations are now available.

 

Sustainable Energy Communities (SECs) bring people together to reduce energy use, cut costs, and support a more sustainable future at local level.

They help communities take practical action in homes, schools, businesses, and community buildings to make energy use more efficient and affordable.

 

Kind regards,

The South Dublin County PPN Team

On behalf of the PPN Secretariat: Noreen Byrne, NCCDP; David Kortukohan, NCBI; Lesley Barrett, Saoirse Domestic Violence Services; Enda Creegan, Abbeydale and Abbeywood Residents Association;, Justin Byrne, An Taisce, Rita Harte, WCI Lucan, Michael Noonan, Manortown FC,  Kieron McDonagh, Killinarden Celtic FC, Krystyna Zalewska,Corkagh Grange Residents Association, Susuana Komolafe, Afro in Diaspora Center, Mark O'Dwyer, Friarstown Allotment.

South Dublin County PPN

Where to find us
www.sdcppn.ie