Ballyhoura Development CLG

Join the SOILCRATES Mid-Term Seminar to explore practical approaches to sustainable soil management, innovative fertilisation systems and the latest developments in soil-related policy.

The seminar will include practical demonstrations focused on improving soil health, updates on upcoming legislative changes and information about the support available through the SOILCRATES Ireland Living Lab.

Find out more and register:
https://soilcratesireland.ie/soilcrates-mid-term-seminar/

🗞 European learning is helping to shape practical new actions for digital inclusion across the Ballyhoura region.

Ballyhoura Development recently hosted the fifth Regional Stakeholder Meeting for INSPIRE – Innovative and Smarter Policy Instruments for Rural Europe project, bringing together representatives from local government, statutory agencies, community organisations, social partners and social enterprises.

The meeting explored how lessons shared between European regions are being translated into practical local actions through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).

This work includes the development of a new Digital Needs Survey for Community Organisations, which will help identify the everyday digital challenges experienced by local groups and shape future training, resources and supports.

Stakeholders also reviewed progress on a practical guide to centralised document storage for community organisations and three further examples of Ballyhoura good practice currently progressing through the INSPIRE project.

Community and voluntary organisations across the Ballyhoura region are now invited to complete the Digital Needs Survey and help ensure that future supports respond to genuine local needs.

Read the full update and access the link to the survey:
https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/news/european-learning-shapes-new-digital-inclusion-actions-in-ballyhoura

We were delighted to see our recent pollinator-friendly mowing event at the Barnahown pilot site featured on the project website.

The event included a practical demonstration showing how small changes to the management of grassland and public green spaces can create more valuable habitats for pollinators.

Participants learned about biodiversity-friendly mowing techniques, the equipment required and practical ways these approaches can be introduced in parks, community green areas and other public spaces.

The event was a great opportunity to share practical knowledge and explore how changes in local land management can support pollinators, biodiversity and more resilient communities.

Read the PolliConnect feature:
https://polliconnect.nweurope.eu/blog/polliconnect-news-207/polliconnect-showcases-biodiversity-friendly-mowing-at-the-barnahown-pilot-site-ballyhoura-development-2340

This event contributed to:
🌍 SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
🌍 SDG 13 – Climate Action
🌍 SDG 15 – Life on Land

🌿 A couple of photos from our Nature & Biodiversity Talk at Mitchelstown Library last week.

John Scanlan gave a really interesting and informative talk on Ireland’s local biodiversity, exploring native trees, hedgerows, pollinators and the Irish working landscape, with practical ideas for supporting nature at home and on the farm.

Thanks to John and everyone who joined us!

If you missed it, John will deliver the talk again in Charleville as part of our Farm Forward programme and Ballyhoura Farmers Health & Wellbeing Network.

📍 Charleville Library
📅 Thursday, 8 October
🕥 10:30am–12 noon

Advance registration is required as places are limited: https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/Event/nature-biodiversity-talk

📢𝐒𝐢𝐱 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞.

Cappamore, Castleconnell, Charleville, Croom, Kilmallock and Mitchelstown will become Creative Climate Community Hubs through SENSE the Change Ballyhoura, a new three-year creative climate action programme led by Ballyhoura Development CLG.

Combining creativity, environmental science and community participation, the programme will help people explore climate change through sight, sound, smell, taste and touch, and turn those experiences into practical local action.

We are currently inviting applications for three paid opportunities:
• Artists and Creative Practitioners
• Local Food Producers, Growers and Home Bakers
• Photographers and Videographers

Applications close on Sunday, 11 October 2026 by 5pm.

Find out more about each call and how to apply on our website:
https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/sense-the-change-ballyhoura

You can also contact Kate Longmate, Development Officer, at [email protected].

SENSE the Change Ballyhoura is a recipient of the Creative Climate Action Fund, an initiative administered by the Creative Ireland Programme, funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport in collaboration with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and EirGrid.

🌊 From Ballyhoura to Vlieland – learning from AquaCOM in action

As Lead Partner of the project, it was great for Ballyhoura Development CLG to join our project partners and Early Adopters on the island of Vlieland in the Netherlands for a few days of learning, sharing and seeing aquathermal energy working in practice.

At the Harbour of Vlieland, we saw first-hand how heat from the Wadden Sea, combined with solar-powered heat pumps, is being used to provide renewable hot water for the harbour showers – serving more than 1,000 people a day during the busy tourist season.

And the benefits are very real. The system is reducing energy costs by approximately €3,000 per month.

For our Early Adopters, visits like this are hugely valuable. It moves the conversation from what could be possible to seeing what is already being achieved – meeting the people behind it, hearing what they have learned along the way and exploring what could work within their own communities.

A big thank you to the Harbour of Vlieland and Provincie Fryslân for welcoming us, and to all our AquaCOM partners and Early Adopters for a really valuable few days together.

Lots of conversations, questions and ideas to bring home – and a great example of what European collaboration through AquaCOM is all about.

Learn more about the AquaCOM pilot in Vlieland: https://aquacom.nweurope.eu/vlieland

Could your community benefit from practical, easy-to-understand advice about home energy?

Ballyhoura Development, through the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities Programme, is inviting community groups and local organisations across the Ballyhoura area to host a free Home Energy Information Night.

The session can be tailored to your community’s interests, with topics including:
▪ Reducing energy use and household bills
▪ Electricity plans and tariffs
▪ Insulation and home energy efficiency
▪ SEAI grants and supports
▪ Solar PV and heat pumps
▪ Smart meters and BER ratings

The evening also provides an opportunity to learn about becoming a Sustainable Energy Community and developing a local Energy Master Plan.

Communities including Caherconlish, Anglesboro, Knocklong and Granagh have already taken this step!

Community groups, residents’ associations, sports clubs, community centres, active retirement groups and voluntary organisations are all welcome to get involved.

To host a free session in your community, contact Sean Sweeney, SEAI Sustainable Energy Community Mentor, at [email protected].

Find out more:
https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/News/bring-a-home-energy-information-night-to-your-community

🔥 Samhain at the Crossroads – The Final Gathering 🔥

Join us in Kilfinane for a special evening celebrating Samhain through creativity, music, storytelling and community.

As twilight falls, we will gather at the Fountain before setting off on a lantern procession to Ballyhoura Apple Farm. The evening will feature music, costumes, stories, song and dance, with refreshments provided.

📅 Saturday, 17 October
🕡 6:30pm–8:30pm
📍 Meet at the Fountain, Kilfinane

You can also help prepare for the gathering by joining one of our free creative workshops, including costume creation, willow lantern making and creative storytelling.

Find out more and book your workshop place:
https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/Event/samhain-at-the-crossroads

Come along and help us welcome the darker half of the year together.

Samhain at the Crossroads is part of Halloween in Limerick and Creative Places Kilfinane Project.

🚶 Kilmallock Community Connections Walk

Join us on Friday, 9 October for a FREE welcoming 5 km guided walk around Kilmallock, as part of the 30th Ballyhoura Walking Festival.

This relaxed community walk is all about getting outdoors, meeting people and enjoying Kilmallock together. Afterwards, we’ll return to the People’s Hall for refreshments, conversation and a chance to connect.

📅 Friday, 9 October 2026
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 The People’s Hall, Railway Road, Kilmallock
🥾 Approx. 5 km | Easy | Open to all

The walk is FREE, but advance booking is essential. Find full details and book via our website - scan QR code or link in bio.

Delivered in partnership with Kilmallock Community Sports Hub and supported by Limerick Sports Partnership through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) as part of the Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs Programme.