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Friday 21 December 2018

EPA Research Programme

EPA Research Programme

The EPA research programme has allocated budget to provide funding to support workshops, seminars and other events. Normally the amount of funding per event will not exceed €3,000.

Funding is provided only for events with a clear relevance to Irish environmental research priorities and on the condition that the events are run on a not-for-profit basis. The event should showcase current national research by the organisers and EPA funded-groups, and also could include an international keynote speaker. In terms of audience/participants, the event should target other researchers working in the area and the expected end-users of the research (e.g. Local Authorities, EPA, DECLG, Industry). Applications should be made online via SmartSimple, the EPA’s grant application and project management portal. Funding is available as a rolling call with four submission deadlines each year (31st December; 31st March; 30th June; 30th September). Requests for funding should be made using the appropriate application form using the following headings:
  • Background and Work Programme (20 marks)
  • Relevance to Environmental Research in Ireland (30 marks)
  • Expected outputs and benefits (30 marks)
  • Environmental Policy (20 marks)
    Applications will be judged competitively against others received in the period using these criteria and with regard to the need to balance funding across institutions and thematic areas.

National Volunteering Strategy

National Volunteering Strategy

After years of advocating by Cork Volunteer Centre and Volunteer Ireland, the Government has taken the first steps towards a national volunteering strategy! Last Friday, the Department of Rural and Community Development launched a ‘Call for Input’ paper which outlines the current state of volunteering and asks a number of questions about how volunteering can be developed in the future. You can find a link to the ‘Call for Input’HERE.
To ensure your voice is heard, Cork Volunteer Centre will be hosting a number of focus groups across the county to get your views and formulate our response details of which are:

Date                     Location                    Venue                           Time
14th  January      Cork City          Cork Volunteer Centre     10.30-12.30
14th  January      Cork City          Cork Volunteer Centre     17.30-19.30
15th  January      Mitchelstown    Mitchelstown Library        10.30-12.30
18th  January      Youghal           Youghal Library                10.30-12.30
22nd January      Clonakilty         Parish Hall Clonakilty       10.30-12.30
23rd  January      Mallow             Gilbert Centre                   17.30-19.30

To book your FREE space visit volunteeringstrategy.ie or call Cork Volunteer Centre on 021- 425 1572

Launch of Europe and the County of Cork: A Heritage Perspective

    Launch of Europe and the County of Cork: A Heritage Perspective

EuropeandCorkBook2018 cover EuropeCorkBookLaunch
With the end of the year drawing near, 2018, as the European Year of Cultural Heritage, also draws to a close. Around the country and indeed around Europe, a variety of different events and projects took place to mark the year and here in Cork County, a publication was undertaken to examine the county’s historic place within Europe, titled ‘Europe and the County of Cork: A Heritage Perspective’.
The publication was launched on Monday 10th December by the Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Patrick Gerard Murphy, in the presence of Declan Daly, Deputy Chief Executive Cork County Council and Michael Lynch, Director of Planning Cork County Council.
Drawing on the expertise of a range of different authors - Elena Turk, Connie Kelleher, Denis Power, Cal McCarthy, Tomás MacConmara, John Hegarty and Clare Heardman, who each provided a chapter and a selection of sites for the publication, the scope of the book is a wide one, covering archaeology, ecclesiastical heritage, maritime heritage, Revolution, Culture, Architecture and Natural Heritage. Community groups from around the county also submitted some wonderful examples of local connections with Europe, both through people and place, and one can easily glean from the pages how much of an influence Europe has had on Cork, but too, how Cork has had its influence on Europe over the many years. 
The population of Europe presently stands at over 700 million people, 500 million of which are resident within the European Union’s 28 Member States. With the population of Ireland being close to 5 million and the County of Cork therefore constituting only 0.1 of 1% of the EU population, the extent of connectivity between County Cork and Europe can only be marveled at.
'What we learn from the publication is the extraordinary influence that the European mainland has had in Cork over the centuries and millennia, but also, that County Cork as a place is unique, and it too, has played a very strong role in the shaping of Europe over the many years. Here in Cork we are both Irish and European and this publication conveys this so well; a most captivating read’, noted Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Patrick Gerard Murphy.
Cork County Council’s Chief Executive Tim Lucey commended Cork County Council’s Heritage Unit and all those involved in the publication including the many community groups who engage in the Heritage of County Cork publication series, year after year. Speaking of the book he noted ‘this timely publication is a fitting recognition of County Cork’s place in Europe, particularly as we mark together, 2018, as the European Year of Cultural Heritage’.
There has already been interest in the publication in Europe and Conor Nelligan, Cork County Council Heritage Officer, was given the opportunity to highlight the importance of Cork’s connections with our European Colleagues last month in Brussels, with thanks to Cllr. Deirdre Forde, Cork County Council and Cllr. Kieran McCarthy, Cork City Council.
Europe and the County of Cork: A Heritage Perspective’ will be hitting the bookshops in the coming days and copies are also available to purchase for €10 at on Floor 3 of the County Hall.
This publication will be of interest to any reader with an interest in Cork’s history and its place in Europe. For more information on this and other Heritage Initiatives visit the Heritage Website of Cork County Council (www.corkcoco.ie/arts-heritage) or contact the Heritage Unit on 021 4276891.

GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme 2019

GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme 2019

The Heritage Council, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine manages the GLAS traditional farm buildings grant scheme. Onlyfarmers approved in the Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) are eligible to apply.  The principal objective of this scheme is to ensure that traditional farm buildings and other related structures that contribute to the character of the landscape, and are of significant heritage value, are conserved for active agricultural use.  Grant amounts vary between €4,000 and €25,000. A grant award will not be for more than 75% of the cost of the works with a maximum available grant of €25,000. The grant is available for the conservation of traditional farm outbuildings, including roof, walls, structural repairs, windows and doors. The grant is also available for other related farm structures including historic yard surfaces, walls, gate pillars and gates.  The key conservation principle of minimum intervention applies, that is, carrying out a repair to fix what is wrong but not setting out to do too much work. Works which are, in the opinion of the Heritage Council, restoration works, are very unlikely to be supported with grant aid.
 The process is highly competitive and it is expected that 50-70 projects will be supported each year. The 2019 scheme will open for applications in early January 2019 and for full details of same visit -  https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/projects/traditional-farm-buildings-grant-scheme

Inniscarra Historical Society presents Illustrated Talk: 'The Muskerry Tram'

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Date/Time: Friday 4th January 2019 at 20:00

Event: Illustrated Talk: 'The Muskerry Tram' 

Location: Griffins Garden Centre, Dripsey, Co. Cork 

Additional Information: The story of the much loved Muskerry Tram will be presented in picture and commentary form by Tim O'Brien at Griffin's Garden Centre, Dripsey (by kind permission of proprietor Margaret Griffin) on Friday January 4th next. The presentation, under the auspices of the Inniscarra Historical Society, commences at 8 o'clock and there will be a 15 minute interval during which refreshments will be served. The Muskerry Tram lines ran deep into Mid Cork territory from 1887 to 1934 and covered such areas as Coachford, Peake, Dripsey, Cloghroe, Tower, Blarney and Donoughmore. Admission to the show is three euro

Illustrated Talk: 'Cork Burning'

Cork Burning Talk
Date/Time: Wednesday 16th January 2019 at 20:00

Event: Illustrated Talk: 'Cork Burning' 

Location: Kilmurry Independence Museum, Kilmurry, Co. Cork 

Additional Information: Cork Burning: A tale of arson, loot and murder’ was how one source described the events that would befall Cork city on the night of 11–12 December 1920. In a scene of almost unprecedented destruction, members of the British forces bent on revenge for the ambushes at Kilmichael and Dillon’s Cross set fire to both the commercial and the civic heart of the city. One side of Patrick Street and the area surrounding it were razed to the ground, while City Hall and the neighbouring Carnegie Library were gutted as Auxiliaries and Black and Tans shot at Cork’s firemen and cut their hoses in an effort to ensure maximum damage. Then, to add insult to injury, as the smoke cleared the British government tried to blame Cork’s own citizens for the devastation. Using eyewitness accounts and contemporary sources, and illustrated with exceptional images from the period, Cork Burning tells the story of the events before, during and after that infamous night. It covers such topics as Cork City before December 1920, the Black and Tans, Auxiliaries and K Company, Republican Cork, a timeline of events before the burning of Cork City, early fires and arson by crown forces in Cork, the Kilmichael Am- bush, the Dillon’s Cross Ambush, premises destroyed, official investigations into the causes, compensation and rebuilding. Michael Lenihan, author of ‘Cork Burning’ will give an illustrated talk in Kilmurry on January 16th. All welcome

Blarney and District Historical Society presents an illustrated Lecture titled - 'Crime and Punishment in Victorian Cork'




Event: Blarney and District Historical Society presents an illustrated Lecture titled - 'Crime and Punishment in Victorian Cork'

Date/Time: Thursday 10th January 2019 at 20:00

Location: Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal (Blarney Secondary School), Co. Cork 
Additional Information: Blarney & District Historical Society presents an Illustrated Lecture titled ‘Crime and Punishment in Victorian Cork’. Speaker Mr. Ronnie Herlihy, is a well known and respected member of the Cork South Parish Historical Society and author of a number of books, including ‘A Walk Through the South Parish – Where Cork Began’ and ‘Tales from Victorian Cork’. He takes us back to a bygone time with this evening’ s illustrated presentation which is based on a selection of the various crimes, court cases and the punishments that took place during the early Victorian era of 1837 to 1859. Criminality in Cork City of the time matched anything being perpetrated by current criminals. Everybody Welcome. Enquiries to Brian Gabriel 0872153216. For more information see www.blarneyhistory.ie.

Registration now Open for Ireland's National Biodiversity Conference

Registration now Open for Ireland's National Biodiversity Conference
launch of biodiverstiy conference

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, T.D., has just announced the opening of registrations for the National Biodiversity Conference, titled ‘New Horizons for Nature’. This two day event is organised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (www.npws.ie) and Irish Forum on Natural Capital (www.naturalcapitalireland.com) and will be held at Dublin Castle on 20 and 21 February 2019. Minister Madigan said: “This important two-day event will see artists, businesses, economists, musicians and farmers join conservationists and scientists to seek answers to the question of how best we can work together conserve biodiversity. Globally, we are losing biodiversity at a rate unprecedented in human history. In Ireland, over 90% of our protected habitats are in poor condition, and 14% of species assessed are deemed to be endangered. The number of plants, insects, mammals and birds that are threatened or endangered is growing year on year.” Echoing President Macron, Minister Madigan added, “There is no Planet B. The biodiversity of this planet is the greatest resource we have and it is up to this generation to move beyond rhetoric and on to action. That action is not for the prescient few. It is a obligation on us all, and we will use this conference to broaden that dialogue.” The conference organisers want to energise implementation of Ireland’s 3rd National Biodiversity Action Plan, ‘Actions for Biodiversity 2017-2021’, which was launched in October 2017. Through talks, debates, workshops and creative elements, this event aims to raise awareness of the Plan and explore some of its key aspects, including: How to better engage with communities across Ireland to conserve biodiversity; Planning for biodiversity in a changing world, and, Investing in nature. Information about the conference is available at www.biodiversityconference.ie.

Cork County Local Festival Fund 2019

Cork County Local Festival Fund 2019

Cork County Council continues to be a leader in the development of Cork’s tourism product and in marketing Cork abroad as a must see visitor destination as well as being a significant financial contributor to many festivals held throughout Cork County each year. The significant role which Local Authorities play in tourism is now strongly recognized in National, Regional and Local Policy. Festivals and events deliver a range of economic, social and cultural benefits. They entertain, they celebrate our communities and they showcase our villages and towns and are often an expression of identity and place. They help to stimulate local economic activity and enhance the visitor experience. Cork County Council will continue to promote and support festivals throughout the County. The Local Festival Fund 2019 is aimed at supporting festivals which drive domestic tourism and help to improve the visitor experience. The maximum available funding is €6,000 under this programme. For more information click here and to make an application visitwww.yourcouncil.ie. The closing date for the Scheme is Friday 11th January 2019.

Thursday 20 December 2018

Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy

Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy

The Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES)for the Southern Region has been published together with associated environmental reports and is now on public display at the Regional Assembly Office in Waterford, all Local Authority Planning Departments and online at southernassembly.ie

The RSES will set a 12-year Strategic Framework for development of the region for the period 2019 to 2031 and includes Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans (MASP) for Cork, Limerick-Shannon and Waterford.
Submission and observations may be made to the Regional Assembly during the statutory consultation period up to Friday, 8th March, 2019 (5.00pm). A report on submissions will be presented to Elected Members of the Southern Regional Assembly (SRA), where Members may adopt the Strategy or, where there are Material Amendments to the Draft Strategy, the Assembly will enter a further 4-week consultation period on material amendments leading to final adoption of the RSES.
Following adoption of the RSES the implementation phase will commence with Development Plan reviews or Variations by all constituent Local Authorities to ensure that these are aligned with the RSES. In parallel, implementation structures will be established to advance Regional Planning Objectives in conjunction with Local Authorities, State Agencies and relevant stakeholders.

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Assembly Office on 051 860700 or Robert Fennelly, Regional Planning Officer on 021 4298745 or 083 4844072 or emailrfennelly@southernassembly.ie

Cork Volunteer Centre focus groups

Cork Volunteer Centre focus groups

The Department of Rural and Community Development recently launched a ‘Call for Input’ (CFI) paper which outlines the current state of volunteering and asks a number of questions about how volunteering can be developed in the future. 

The purpose of this document is to:
§  Inform stakeholders of the proposed volunteering strategy;
§  Seek views from stakeholders on what constitutes volunteering;
§  Invite comments and proposals on the CFI including additional and emerging considerations which may further inform the Strategy.

The outcome of this CFI and potentially the input from a proposed National Advisory Group will inform the Department’s development of this volunteering strategy.
To ensure your voice is heard, Cork Volunteer Centre will be hosting a number of focus groups across the county to get your views and formulate a response.
This is your opportunity to have a say by inputting directly into the National Strategy.
Focus groups will be held across the county:

      Date               Location                       Venue                       Time
14th  January      Cork City          Cork Volunteer Centre     10.30-12.30
14th  January      Cork City          Cork Volunteer Centre     17.30-19.30
15th  January      Mitchelstown    Mitchelstown Library        10.30-12.30
17th  January      Clonakilty         Clonakilty Parish Hall       10.30-12.30
22nd January      Youghal            Youghal Library                  10.30-12.30 
23rd  January      Mallow             Gilbert Centre                   17.30-19.30

To book your FREE space visit volunteeringstrategy.ie or call Julie Connelly in Cork Volunteer Centre on 021- 425 1572

Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund

Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund
The Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport have announced the ‘Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund’.  This is a capital allocation of at least €100m over the period 2019 to 2027 for the entire country. The funding is aimed at National Governing Bodies (NGBs) as well as Local Authorities.
Further details on the outline of the Scheme are available here
Cork County Council is seeking expressions of interest from sporting bodies, clubs and voluntary organisations to submit joint projects for funding under this scheme that will increase:
·         participation in sports
·         interest in sports
·         improve standards
·         develop sport facilitates


Image result for sports
In considering investment in infrastructure, priority will be given to projects that:
·         Can be identified as a priority within a local authority’s development plan and strategic vision, demonstrating cross-sector collaboration and clearly identified local priorities.
·         Can be identified as a priority of an NGB in its strategy for the development of active participation, social participation and improvement of high performance in the sport it governs e.g. development centres.
·         Are multi-functional in nature and cater for a number of sports and other activities.
·         Provide facilities that are open to the general public.
·         Meet the needs of a mixed group of clubs and associations.
·         Prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas and groups including people with disabilities.
·         Require funding for the development of capital infrastructure (new build, modernisation or refurbishment) and major fixed equipment where it is an integral part of a project.
·         Are located on a site(s) where the applicant holds ownership or long-term lease with at least 25 years remaining.
·         Are seeking a grant of at least €300,000 under Stream two.
·         Identify confirmed capital partnership funding for the project from the applicant and/or other parties.
·         Provide and demonstrate a commitment and ability to manage the facility in an effective manner once capital works are completed in a financially sustainable manner.
·         Address the issue of energy conservation and encourage active travel e.g. through the provision of cycle parking facilities.
·         New swimming pool projects will also be considered
·         Do not include costs for non-fixed equipment which are not covered by this fund.
·         Have not yet started on site.
Selection of projects to be submitted by Cork County Council to the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport under the Large Scale Infrastructure Fund will be by means of a competitive process.
Expressions of interest are now being sought to be considered to be put forward for funding.
The closing date for completed Expressions of Interest forms is 3pm on Friday 8th February 2019.
Expressions of Interest forms received after this date will not be accepted.

For more information and to submit an expression of interest go to www.yourcouncil.ie

Wednesday 19 December 2018

Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2019 (BHIS)and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2019

Mallow Castle Historic Building Fund
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The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has recently announced 2 funding schemes for Protected Structures - the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2019 (BHIS)and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2019. Across the country, the BHIS Scheme will see funding of up to €2.5m and up to €1.8m in respect of the HSF Scheme.
The allocation of funding for Cork County Council, under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2019, is €79,000. The scheme will be administrated by the Heritage Unit of Cork County Council and grants of between €2,500 and €15,000 will be available for successful applicants. The fund is intended to assist with works to safeguard structures protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and, in certain cases, works to structures within Architectural Conservation Areas. The fund is not intended to assist in the carrying out of routine maintenance, alterations, improvements or pre-existing work. The forms, which are available to download from the Heritage Section of Cork County Council’s webpage, include - BHIS Application Form / Notes on Qualifying Works
The Historic Structures Fund, which is a modified version of the previous Structures at Risk Fund, has been introduced to care for and restore historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public. The forms available for download online include - HSF Application Form / Guidance Notes
Please note that the deadline for submission of completed applications for both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and The Historic Structures Fund is 4 p.m. on Thursday 31st of January 2019. Applications, which must be made in hard copy, should be addressed to CORK COUNTY COUNCIL HERITAGE UNIT, BHIS/HSF 2019 SCHEME, Planning Department, Floor 3, County Hall, Cork. Late applications and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Service Area

‘Who is a charity trustee’ campaign

‘Who is a charity trustee’ campaign
 
 
Who is a Charity Trustee? poster
Who is a Charity Trustee? poster
“If you are a director of a charity, a member of a charity board, or on a charity management committee, you are a charity trustee with legal duties,” Charities Regulator interim Chief Executive Helen Martin said. “Charity trustees are the people who ultimately exercise control over, and are legally responsible for, the charity.  If you have that role in your charity, you are a charity trustee.”

One of the key functions of the Charities Regulator is to encourage and facilitate the better administration and management of charities.  Charity trustees play a key role in this regard.  However, staff from the Charities Regulator regularly speak to people who do not realise that they are a charity trustee and so are unaware of their legal duties and the help which is available to them.

“The Charities Regulator has produced a range of guidance documents and supports for charity trustees, which are available from our website,” Ms Martin said.  We have established a dedicated 'Who is a Charity Trustee?' page on the 'Information for Charities' section of our website for this material.




 
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Guide to help trustees manage conflicts of interest

Guide to help trustees manage conflicts of interest
 
 
Managing Conflicts of Interest guidance document
A conflict of interest is any situation in which a charity trustee’s personal interests or loyalties could, or could be seen to, prevent the charity trustee from making a decision in the best interests of the charity. This personal interest may be direct or indirect, and can include interests of a person connected to the charity trustee.
“Conflicts of interest can and do arise from time to time within charities,” Charities Regulator interim Chief Executive Helen Martin said.  “The problem is not that conflicts of interest arise, but that they are not managed appropriately, which can negatively impact the charity in terms of governance and associated reputational risk.”

“A key test to help charity trustees is to ask the question - would a reasonable person, who was aware of the charity trustee’s personal interest, believe that the charity trustee might be influenced by that personal interest when making a decision on behalf on the charity?”

The guidance document advises charity trustees to follow three simple steps to deal with conflicts – identify, manage and record. It features 10 useful case studies, which illustrate fictitious scenarios which could emerge or arise in a charity, and provides guidance on how they should be addressed.

“These examples are useful in that they map out for the trustees, typical every day incidents within charities where potential conflicts of interests could arise,” Ms Martin said.

The guidance recommends that charities should have a policy and a register of interest in place and provides downloadable templates (in Microsoft Word) which charities can complete or tailor for their own organisation.

The Managing Conflicts of Interest guide is available on the guidance section of the Charities Regulator’s website.

The ‘downloadable Appendix A - Conflict of Interest Policy'  [Word] is available to download. 

 
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