Cavan Public Participation Network
  • Home & News
  • COVID19
  • Secretariat
  • Wellbeing Statement
    • Cavan Belturbet MD Wellbeing
    • Ballyjamesduff MD
    • Bailieborough/Cootehill MD
  • Registered Groups
  • About
    • Our Partners >
      • Rural Transport
    • Our Affiliates
  • Funding Bodies
  • Documents
    • Wokplan
    • Background Docs
  • Projects
  • Contact
    • Funding
Picture
Picture

The Public Participation Network Secretariat is made up of  elected representatives from the groups of County Cavan. These are:

2 from Environment Sector                   2 from Ballyjamesduff Municipal District
2 from Social Inclusion Sector              2 from Cavan/Belturbet Municipal District
2 from Community/Voluntary Sector    2 from Bailieborough/Cootehill Municipal                                                                       District

Also formed is a Representatives Network who can meet when and if they request for information sharing. These representives are elected and should be liaising with their community through Linkage Groups (see Representatives Charter in Background Docs here on this website) and then representing the views of the community on their various bodies they represent upon.

           

Picture
Picture

Secretariat Representatives

The core representatives of the PPN are elected, 2 from each Sector/Area:

The Environment Representatives

Picture
Heather Bothwell, Birdwatch Ireland Cavan Branch
Picture
Picture
Declan Fitzpatrick, Drumlane Community Gardens

The Social Inclusion Representatives 

Picture
Marisa Goldstone, Cavan Multicultural Network
Picture
Picture
Thomas Maughan, Cavan Traveller Movement

The Community & Voluntary Representatives

Picture
Leanne Coyle, Smile4Me
Picture
Picture
Jerry Fitzpatrick, Gowna Development

Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District Representatives

Picture
Eamon Donelly, Tierworker Parish Council
Picture
Picture
Thomas Smith, East Cavan PTAA

Ballyjamesduff ​Municipal District Representatives

Picture
Bob Gilbert, Cavan Older Persons Council
Picture
Picture
Noleen Smith Brady, Maghera Development Assoc.

​Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District Representatives

Picture
Eamon Sexton, Killeshandra Community Council
Picture
Picture
Tereasa Walsh, Fairgreen Community Gardens

Secretariat Meeting Reports

September 11th 2018
- The members met to review the moving toward the Userguide and discuss the need to have the core Secretariat of 12 representatives according to the national guidelines. This was in light of the growing number of representatives which means that if reps were invited to Secretariat Meetings there would be 12 Secretariat and 36 reps in attendance and was not feasible. This had been flagged at the AGM in May and at this meeting it was decided the November meeting would be the core 12 to facilitate the 2019 Workplan. Any reps wishing to meet as a network were offered the opportunity and the Resource Worker would organise if requested.
- There will be a National Secretariat set up in late 2018/early 2019 and the Resource Worker told members that a Secretariat member would be needed to sit on this.
- There was a positive amount of feedback from the PPN organised Pollinator Event in Ballinagh and Rossinver Horticulture Centre visit by Environment members.
- Jim Reilly gave a report from the national conference which was well attended and very well run.
- Members highlighted and there was a discussion around recent closure of rural post offices.
Next Meeting Nov. 13th 2018

November 13th 2018
- The members met for the first time as the core 12 Secretariat members and an overview was taken of the Workplan and its perfomance throughout 2018. The Resource Worker also reported on the completed re-registry of all community groups which was undertaken from July-October by phone, email, post and public advert. 
- There was a SWOT analysis done by members on the health of the PPN.
- A discussion arose about the fragility of communications between representatives and the community/secretariat if they are not hosting Linkage Groups or filling in feedback reports. This was to be a crucial element to straighten out in 2019.
- The 2019 Workplan was devised in a facilitated session identifying an equal number of projects to undertake for each of the pillars. The Resource Worker was to draw this up and present it to the Council and Plenary prior to adoption. All members were happy with the work tonight.
Next Meeting Feb 12th 2019

February 12th 2019
- The Worker gave an overview of finances, project work begun and other pertinent items.
- The project regarding Social Farming was recognized as meriting the extra budget to facilitate this and members passed the spending of 600 on this element of the workplan.
- A discussion was had on the hold up of the establishment of the Volunteer Centre. Despite the PPN assisting in the establishment of an independent company in light of Volunteer Ireland's recommendations, the funding has yet to be drawn down. The worker reviewed the hold up due to complication in other areas with regard to independent vs hosted centers and how the Volunteer Committee will form the nucleus of the new Directors once it is a go. A premises has also been identified and contracts and adverts drafted, awaiting release of funding.
- The Secretariat members discussed in detail the reasons behind why CavanPPN could not hire a Support Worker. The Worker explained that Cavan County Council were to allocate 5000 to draw down the other 25,000 but because this was asked of them by the Department after the budget was signed off they said no. The Council will place a request for match funding to draw it down for 2020. Currently, only 2 PPNs did not draw it down and CavanPPN is run by one full time worker and a part time Tus Worker. Daniel was commended for the work he is undertaking, given the resources available vs the admin burden on top of workplan work.
- There are currently a number of grants open and members were asked to familiarize themselves with these and spread the word to their fellow community members.
Next Meeting 9th April 2019

April 9th 2019
- It was reported that the stepping down of Jim Reilly presented a vacancy for Community & Voluntary reps on the Secretariat and LCDC. This notice was sent to groups in early March and Doris Galligan of Kilnaleck Heritage was put forward for the LCDC and Jerry Fitzpatrick of Gowna Development for Secretariat. 
- An issue has arisen in regard to StreetFeast and the new Big Hello initiative. For the past few years CavanPPN has sponsored ten fifty euro vouchers to local StreetFeasts but the Council allocation, by direction of the Department, has been to move it to The Big Hello. Members affirmed the PPN keep with StreetFeast this year and revisit the situation between the two at the November Workplan Session for 2020.
- Upcoming events include a Social Inclusion type public event hosted jointly by PPN and FRCs in The Market Square, Cavan on May 17th and the members agreed therefore to delay the Plenary until June at which an Irish language and heritage theme should be adopted in collaboration with Conradh na Gaeilge. 
Also, there are Biodiversity Training Sessions forthcoming in Killeshandra and Virginia from Breffni Integrated. The details can be found on their website or our community notes. 
Next Meeting 11th June 2019


June 11th 2019
- The Secretariat was given a presentation on the Cavan Volunteer Information Service (VIS) by it's Resource Worker, Maria O'Sullivan and its successes, challenges and opportunity now to upgrade to a Volunteer Information Centre.
-The Worker, Daniel Downey, reported on the highly successful events hosted in partnership with CavanFRC (Cavan Community Fest) and Louth and Monaghan PPNs (Environment Regional Network Gathering). It was suggested Cavan be the host of the next Environment Regional Network Gathering in Autumn. 
- CavanPPN has been invited to take a table for its group members at A Taste of Cavan on 9th & 10th of August and also to reach out to our member groups for 2 free tables at The Moynehall Markets, a weekly market for the sale of materials to support local communities and charities. 
-It was noted that there was a Freedom of Information Request by a member of the public for the travel payments and details of all volunteer representatives on CavanPPN. A discussion was had on this and it was agreed to furnish payment details minus the personal details of members for data protection reasons. Members also queried why a member of the public would request this and asked for more information. The worker outlined again the process of payments, 50c per mile on foot of the supply of a written claim form detailing the persons address, destination of event/meeting and valid reason for attendance, all estimated using Google Maps.
-It was reported that the company structure was being wound up, as agreed at the previous Secretariat Meeting and Directors. The Secretariat is now the Employer of the Resource Worker and the Secretariat is responsible for the running of the CPPN. The Resource Worker accepted this outcome as it protects his employment rights and the Secretariat is compliant with all the appropriate regulations. The Secretariat is registered with Revenue as a Employer and retains charity status.
- The Regional Drugs Taskforce has requested a 2nd Cavan Representative for its committee to join our present rep, Jet Calders, and the members tasked the worker for advertising this post to the groups. 
-The Worker reported on the progress of the 2019 Workplan which is over 60% complete and an overview of the 10 StreetFeasts CavanPPN supported in May. 
- Upcoming Events included The Summer Plenary Workshop, focusing on the theme of Cavan Heritage and Tourism with guest speakers and facilitations. Cavan Crystal Hotel June 15th 10-3pm.
Next Meeting 10th Sept. 2019



​
SEPTEMBER 10th 2019
- Finance: 
The Treasurer reported a healthy balance in the account and that the workplan is currently well under way so the logisitcal health of CavanPPN is very good at present. 

- Under the Worker's Report (distributed to members) it was noted that a new easy-guide was published on CavanPPN for affiliates. The last Plenary had 78 groups reps in attendance, CavanPPN assisted the local charity drive for homelessness, SIng4Me. CavanPPN facilitated the Older Persons Council AGM. We hosted 3 Job Shadow participants from Rehab Care. Supported the StreetFeast initiative with 10x fifty euro vouchers. Assisted Leitrim PPN in their community awards scheme. Hosted 16 groups at our Taste of Cavan table, maintained the Volunteer Info Service, Cavan Online Radio.
However, it was discussed that there is severe worker burnout and Daniel reported exhaustion and hours exceeding 50 hours overtime to meet the demands of both the Workplan and Guidelines and yet still we are failing to meet the requirement of hosting Linkage Groups and some reps feel as a result they are in a bubble as far as communications are concerned. Though we have all representative posts fulfilled, we are struggling to facilitate the 2nd part of the 2-way communication and until the worker can be freed from some Workplan responsibilities he can't jump into this, especially considering the extra burden of information requests from Council/Department on a regular basis, admin (Cavan got no extra admin worker among all other PPNs this year) and the loss of our Tus worker. 
The worker reported that the work is expanding in the assumption we have extra support (which Cavan does not have). Therefore, in the longer term, if the situation does not change Cavan will have to cut its clothe and deliver less and state the reasons why or volunteers will have to step in and deliver workplan points to free the worker to undertake the Guideline requirements, admin and the extras demanded by Council/Department (surveys, visioning consultations etc.).
-Workplan: The worker went through the workplan items and reported on each. Most are either completed or in process but 2 have not been actioned at all, one a Secretariat member has volunteered to assist on and the second, a survey which the Council wants to lead on and be the recipient of findings and therefore we can only disseminate what they develop and send us.

- Visioning and Training Consultations: The previously held meeting asked for training in Governance, Roles & responsibilities, Gaining and retaining volunteers and Auditing and Accounts. Daniel has been discussing the same with a trainer who explained such disparate topics would be hard to place into a single 1-2 hour training session. The members instead opted for Governance and Roles and Repsonsibilities done in 3x 45 minute sessions in each MD alongside another 'gaining and retaining vols' 3x 45 minute session run by the new Volunteer Centre staff when they are in situ in November as a way to promote them.
- Visioning Exercise: The Department had offered 2 training sessions and Daniel booked a place for both for either himself or a Secretariat member to attend. None attended the 6th Sept session and Daniel could not due to the loss of the Tus worker that week and placement of a volunteer for that day in-office. He is to attend the October 2nd session and he has been in touch with Cavan County Council who want to do a Digital Strategy consultation alongside the CavanPPN Visioning Consultations in 3-4 locations (possibly Cavan Digital Hub, Swanlinbar, Virginia and Cootehill). They hope to have this concluded by the end of October. 
-Daniel is to draw up dates for these consultations and trainings in collaboration with Daniel Peeters of the Council, whoever the new Vol Centre manager will be, and the trainer Martin Kennedy. 


SPC Review: Cavan County Council have undertaken a review of the SPCs and CavanPPN Secretariat members discussed same. They asked Daniel to send a letter of support for the recommended changes the Council has suggested and liaise with them in any new reps the need elected to the SPCs as per our electoral policy and requirements. 

AOB: Members had an in depth conversation on the impact of admin, finance and extra costs hitting groups and how this is killing off many. It was noted that when the PPN began it had almost 500 groups but throughout this period many disband either through burnout, burden or money issues (mainly insurance). The members asked if Daniel could do a survey to gain an insight into this. He said he could later in the year once the consultations and trainings are done and the new Tus worker arrives. 


​
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

REPRESENTATIVES OF CAVANPPN (updated 9.11.20)

​Cavan Public Participation Network Representatives
 
Secretariat
Environment: Declan Fitzptrick of Drumlane Community Gardens
                        Heather Bothwell of Cavan Bogs Association          
Social Inclusion: Thomas Maughan of Cavan Traveller Movement
                        Marisa Goldstone of 4Cs Multicultural Network
Community/Voluntary: Leanne Coyle of Smile4Me
                        Jerry Fitzpatrick of Gowna Development
Cavan/Belturbet MD: Eamon Sexton of Killeshandra Community Council
                       Tereasa Walsh of Fairgreen Community Gardens.                
Ballyjamesduff MD: Bob Gilbert of Older Persons Council
                        Patricia O’Reilly of Ballyjamesduff Community Council
Bailieborough/Cootehill MD: Eamon Donnelly of Tierworkers Parish Council
                        Thomas Smith of East Cavan PTAA
 
 
Local Community Development Committee
Bridget Boyle of Cootehill Town Team (Community & Voluntary Sector)
Charlie Smyth of Macra na Feirme (Social Inclusion Sector)
Turlough O’Brien of Green Box Cavan (Environment Sector)
Seamus McGrath of Cavan Disability Network (on rotation with Cavan Older Persons as ‘networks’ rep)
Aisling Tobin of Tullacmongan Resource Centre (Youth Interests)
Ada Vance of ICA Arva (Women’s Interests)
 
Breffni Integrated
Declan Fitzpatrick of Drumlane Community Gardens (Cavan-Belturbet Area)
Breffni Clarke of Killenkere GAA (Bailieborough-Cootehill Area)
Stanley Nwaneri of 4Cs Multicultural Network (Ballyjamesduff Area)
Helen O’reilly of The Realtog Centre (Social Inclusion Sector)
Heather Bothwell of Birdwatch Cavan (Env. Sector)
Tinko Tinev of Bulgarian Cultural Society (C&V Sector)
Sridevi Aravind of Indian Cultural Arts Group (Cavan Town, formerly RAPID area)

Housing Social and Cultural SPC
Thomas Maughan of Cavan Traveller Movement
Leanne Coyle of Smile4Me

Climate and Biodiversity Action and Environment SPC
Barry Wilson of PROJECT Belturbet
Fintan McCabe of Cavan Environmental Network
Evija Nwaneri of Fairgreen Community Gardens

Transport, Infrastructure & Emergency Services SPC
Eamon Mulcahy of Cavan Community Radio

Economic Development, Enterprise & Planning SPC
Stanley Nwaneri of 4Cs Multicultural Network/Cavan FRC

Cultural Development, Irish Language & Sport SPC
Grainne McPhillips of Ballinagh Community Enterprise Association
Mary B. Duffy of Cootehill Town Team



County Childcare Cttee
Tereasa Walsh of Fairgreen Community Gardens (Social Inclusion Sector)

Local Link Cttee
Bob Gilbert of Older Persons Council (Ballyjamesduff MD)
Hillary McPhillips of Belturbet Hens Shed (Cav-Belt MD)
Ron Reilly of Drung Bowls (Bailieborough MD)

Sports Partnership
Ronan Molloy of Tierquinn Community Hall (C&V Sector)

Heritage Forum
!vacant! (no EOIs at last Plenary)

Drugs & Alcohol Taskforce
Jet Calders of Cavan Food Cloud & FRC (Social Inclusion Sector)
David Reilly of Cavan CDA (Social Inclusion Sector)

Joint Policing Cttee
Internally facilitated by Cavan County Council

Connect for Life Cttee
Mary McEvoy of SOSAD (Social Inclusion Sector)

Volunteer Service Network
Annemarie Johnston of Tullacmongan Womens Group (C&V Sector)

Healthy Cavan Initiative
Christine Wynne of SOSAD (Social Inclusion Sector)

Below are just some of the representatives on the bodies the PPN elected and the groups that they come from as a sample of the diverse representation coming from community in County Cavan.

Climate and Biodiversity Action and Environment Strategic Policy Committee

Picture
Evija Nwaneri of Fairgreen Community Gardens
Picture
Barry Wilson of PROJECT Belturbet

Transport, Infrastructure & Emergency Services Strategic Policy Committee

Picture
Eamon Mulcahy, Cavan Community Radio & Local Fireman

Housing Social and Cultural ​ Strategic Policy Committee

Picture
Leanne Coyle from Smile4Me/FRC Cavan
Picture
Thomas Maughan from Cavan Traveller Movement

Economic Development, Enterprise & Planning Strategic Policy Committee

Picture
Stanley Nwaneri of 4Cs

Cultural Development, Irish Language & Sport Strategic Policy Committee

Picture
Grainne McPhillips of Ballinagh Community Enterprise Association. Our other member is Mary B. Duffy of Cootehill Town Team.

Local Development Company Breffni Integrated Ltd.

Picture
Helen O'Reilly, Kilnaleck Community Coop. Other members include Declan Fitzpatrick of Drumlane Gardens, Heather Bothwell of Birdwatch Cavan, Larry McCluskey of Cootehill Drama & Arts.

Local Link

Picture
Bob Gilbert Cavan Older Person's Council

Drugs & Alcohol Taskforce

Picture
Jet Calders, Teach Oscail FRC

Sports Partnership

Picture
Ronan Molloy, Tierquinn Community Hall
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.