Funding, Events, Training & More

Linkage Groups (January sessions)
Our January sessions marked the introduction and first step in building strong, effective Linkage Groups, with great engagement from members across the network. The next round in April will take this further—focusing on developing the groups and beginning to shape their work plans, so we’d really encourage members to get involved.

Next Linkage Group Meetings

Bringing together member organisations with shared interests to connect, discuss local issues and help shape decisions across South Dublin County.

Our next meetings take place 20th - 22nd April (7.15–8.30pm) at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Dublin 22

Linkage Group Facilitators – Expression of Interest
As part of this next phase, we are also seeking expressions of interest from members who would like to support the groups as facilitators.

This is a great opportunity to help guide discussions, support participation, and play an active role in shaping the work of the PPN.

We are recruiting across:
▪ Social Inclusion, Housing & Equality
▪ Community, Enterprise, Tourism, Sports & Arts
▪ Climate Action, Environment, Transport & Water

South Dublin County Council Community Infrastructure Fund

A total fund of €450,000 is available to support community groups, including sports clubs, in developing local facilities.

Grants can be used for the construction of new community facilities or the modernisation and expansion of existing premises.

Closing date: 19th of April 2026. Find out more. HERE

South Dublin County Council Community Grants Programme 2026

The South Dublin County Council Community Grants Programme 2026 is opening now. A wide range of community development and community events funding grants are now being made available to community groups across the county. 

Closing date: 8th of May 2026. Find out more. HERE

Childminding Development Grant

The Childminding Development Grant provides up to €1,000 to assist childminders who are providing a childminding service in their own homes. The grant scheme is open to all childminders, including registered childminders, those that are yet to register, and those who are planning to open a childminding business during 2026.

Find out more. HERE

South Dublin County Artist Bursaries 2026

Find out more HERE 

Active South Dublin - Sport Development Grant

Active South Dublin is now inviting applications for its Sports Grant, supporting clubs, groups and organisations to increase participation in sport and physical activity across the county.

The grant aims to assist with initiatives that promote inclusion, support volunteer development, and enhance opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active.

Find out more. HERE

2026 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Funding Call

The 2026 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Funding Call has been launched.

This funding supports organisations delivering services and initiatives for LGBTIQ+ communities.

Fins out more. HERE

Carmichael - Preparing for the Community Sports Facilities Fund

Get your club or organisation ready for the upcoming Community Sports Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital Fund).

Led by experienced grant writer Joanne Ryan, this session will guide you through key steps including project preparation, eligibility, understanding assessment and scoring, required documentation, budgeting, and using effective language in your application.

Date: 20th April 2026 

Find out more. HERE

Free Mental Health Peer Support Training

Cycle Against Suicide is offering free online training in mental health peer support on the following dates:

April: Wed 22nd & Thurs 23rd

Time: 9:30am – 5:00pm (both days)
Cost: Free

Find Out more: HERE

Lucan Library – April Events

Lucan Library has a range of free events and activities taking place this April.

Booking via Eventbrite is essential for all events (tickets released one week in advance.

For more information click HERE

EirGrid Energy Citizen Roadshows 2026

irGrid, in partnership with ESB Networks and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), is hosting a free community event in Newcastle as part of its Energy Citizens Roadshow series.

St. Finian’s Community Hall, Newcastle
Monday, 30th March

6:00pm – Exhibition: Local providers on solar energy, insulation, retrofitting, community groups and Credit Unions

7:00pm – Panel Discussion & Q&A: Featuring EirGrid, SEAI, ESB Networks and South Dublin County Council

Learn about retrofit grants, energy upgrades, community climate action, and microgeneration opportunities.

All are welcome—please share with your networks.
Registration is not required, but you can register your interest HERE.

National Tutors’ Forum – Free Conference

This free conference is aimed at anyone delivering classes, groups or programmes to adults with low confidence in reading, writing, maths and digital literacy.

The morning session will feature three speakers covering the following:

For more info click HERE

Healthy Ireland Framework

The Department of Health is currently undertaking a public consultation on the new Healthy Ireland Framework. They are inviting organisations and their networks to share their views and help shape the future direction of health and wellbeing policy in Ireland. The consultation is open until 22nd of April and submissions can be made online HERE

 

Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES)

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly has begun a review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and is inviting input from communities and stakeholders across the region.

Have your say on the future of the 12 local authority areas by sharing your views through the consultation portal or via their website.

More information HERE

Disability Advisory Board

Expressions of Interest are now open for the Disability Advisory Board

More information and application forms HERE 

Rethink Ireland AI Discovery Survey – Your Voice Matter

Rethink Ireland is developing a new capacity-building initiative (AI for Good Fund) to empower the nonprofit, social enterprise, community, and voluntary sectors in Ireland. 

They are inviting workers and volunteers to complete our (brief) AI Discovery Survey (approx. 5 minutes). The survey is available in both English and Irish, and open for responses till April 15. Your invaluable insights will help shape how AI can be harnessed in ethical, inclusive, and impactful ways. 

Here’s the link:  English: AI Discovery Survey Irish: Suirbhé Follasaithe IS 

International Volunteer Year 2026, 26 for ‘26

IVY is calling on the public to pledge to volunteer 26 hours during International Volunteer Year 2026. That’s just over 2 hours per month! You could make a regular volunteering commitment; volunteer at home on your own schedule; or even at once off events throughout the year.

Take the pledge HERE and get started!

Workshops on Tackling Poverty & Social Exclusion

Community Work Ireland and European Anti Poverty Network Ireland invite PPN member groups to a series of workshops focused on advancing action to address poverty and social exclusion.

Register for individual sessions HERE.

Registrations for National Spring Clean 2026 are now open!

SDCC, with An Taisce, is delighted to announce the launch of the National Spring Clean Month, April 2026, and is calling on volunteers from across the county to join Ireland’s largest and longest-running anti-litter campaign.

To arrange a spring clean in your area please register for your National Spring Clean pack HERE

RSA Check it Fits Service – Dublin (April 2026)

The RSA’s free Check it Fits service is visiting Dublin this February, offering expert checks to ensure child car seats are fitted correctly and safely.

The service is quick, free, and open to parents, grandparents and carers.

For information, your PPN Pillar is: {!Account.encppn1__Group_Pillar__c}

Your PPN Number is: {!Account.encppn1__Registration_Number__c}

Kind regards,

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