A Night of Inspiration and Collaboration
On Thursday, November 7th, the Cavan Public Participation Network (CavanPPN) held its Winter Community Showcase event, drawing community members, stakeholders, and supporters from across the county to celebrate and showcase local environmental and sustainability efforts. Despite a delay due to a multiple-vehicle crash on the N3, which postponed some guests’ arrivals, the evening unfolded successfully, highlighting community achievements and future goals.
The event commenced with an inspiring opening address from Minister Heather Humphreys, who emphasized the importance of community-led initiatives and the essential role of collaboration in creating sustainable change. Her words underscored the government’s ongoing support for community groups and highlighted the value of local contributions to environmental stewardship.
This year, the showcase placed a special emphasis on environmental and sustainability projects happening across County Cavan. From waste reduction and rewilding efforts to renewable energy projects, groups from all corners of the county gathered to share their successes and innovative ideas. The range of projects on display illustrated the community's commitment to addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable practices. This portion of the event provided a valuable platform for groups to inspire others, share knowledge, and build connections with like-minded individuals and organizations.
The event also featured informative talks from guest speakers representing funding and support agencies. These speakers provided insights into funding opportunities, strategic advice, and resources available to community groups working on sustainability and other impactful projects. This practical information was valuable for attendees looking to advance their initiatives and secure support for future projects.
The evening also included Cavan PPN’s second annual plenary meeting, where representatives from all member groups convened to make key decisions about the network’s priorities and objectives. This meeting allowed members to discuss the PPN’s work, review progress, and set future directions to support and strengthen community-led initiatives across the county.
The Cavan Connects Network hosted a stand at the event, providing a space for networking and discussions with Digital Champions. This stand served as a hub for learning more about Cavan Connects and its role in fostering collaboration among connected communities. It was an excellent opportunity for attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and discover how Cavan Connects can support and amplify their projects.
The CavanPPN Winter Community Showcase was a resounding success, offering community groups a space to share, learn, and celebrate their work. With a focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, attendees left inspired and motivated to continue their efforts to create a greener, more sustainable County Cavan.