'Louth’s community groups are the backbone of the county' - local volunteers celebrated

Louth Public Participation Network (PPN) has highlighted the work of local community groups making a difference across the county.

Louth PPN is a network of 670 not for profit community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental organisations across County Louth, working together to improve and enhance the quality of life of the community.

Louth PPN gives its members a collective voice and a direct route to influence local policy decisions affecting the community, through representation on Local Authority Committees and Boards.

Membership is free and open to all not-for-profit organisations in County Louth, and the PPN is encouraging more groups to get involved in 2026 to have their voices heard and access the supports on offer.

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Louth PPN provides free or low-cost training to support and strengthen its member groups, with courses covering areas such as public speaking, writing effective funding applications, social media skills, advocacy, AI tools, annual report writing, community funding, peer mentoring and more.

Members also benefit from networking opportunities throughout the year, including municipal district and plenary meetings, and in 2025, Louth PPN held its inaugural Community Expo.

The annual Community & Voluntary Awards, most recently held in Monasterboice Inn last November, celebrates the achievements of voluntary groups across Louth and helps raise their visibility locally.

Members are kept up to date with funding opportunities, news and available resources and supports through the weekly edition of the Friday Communiqué e-zine.

“Louth’s community groups are the backbone of the county,” said Louth PPN Resource Worker Anna Ryan.

“Through the PPN, we see every day the impact they make, supporting older people, young people, families, the environment and entire communities.

"We’re proud to celebrate and champion their work.”

Here are just some of the community organisations making a difference across County Louth:

Dundalk

Friends of the Earth Dundalk: This community-led group focuses on environmental and social justice, advocating on issues such as housing, energy efficiency and access to retrofitting supports.

The group works to improve water quality on the Ramparts River, hosts educational events with expert speakers and promotes the Rights of Nature, championing the protection and restoration of local ecosystems.

Ardee

Dee Hub: Located on Market Street, Dee Hub is a not-for-profit youth and community resource centre offering programmes and supports for people of all ages.

Its work includes youth initiatives such as the New Leaf project for 16–25 year olds not in education or employment, as well as adult supports including job-seeking assistance, form filling, and safety programmes for older residents.

Dee Hub also provides a lively programme of community activities including yoga, chair aerobics, Tai Chi, parent–toddler groups, conversational English classes and meetings for local groups.

Cooley Peninsula

Cooley Connect Well: This voluntary group promotes health and wellbeing through activities rooted in nature, creativity, heritage and community connection.

Programmes include guided walks, yoga, Qigong, open-water swimming, gardening and craft workshops, along with cultural events such as Lúnasa celebrations, heritage walks, storytelling and Céilís.

The group also provides supports around health, wellbeing and parenting, helping to build community resilience.

Cooley Peninsula Community Alert: A voluntary community safety initiative working with An Garda Síochána and Muintir na Tíre, the group leads crime-prevention activities including property-marking events and information campaigns.

It runs a free text alert system to keep residents informed of incidents and provides practical supports for community events, such as walkie-talkies, road lights and high-visibility vests. Its Peninsula Marine Litter Project conducts regular shoreline clean-ups, and the group also supplies a mobile defibrillator for Garda use in the Carlingford/Omeath area.

Louth PPN is inviting more community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental groups to join in 2026.

Becoming a member gives organisations a stronger voice in local decision-making, access to free supports and training, and the chance to shape policies that directly affect their communities.

Drogheda

Drogheda & District Support for Older People: Established in 2010, this organisation supports the health, safety and wellbeing of older people in Drogheda and surrounding areas.

Its services include Good Morning Drogheda, a free daily check-in call for older people living alone; a Care and Repair service providing low-cost home and garden maintenance; one-to-one computer classes; Fáilte Isteach conversational English sessions; a befriending programme with Garda-vetted volunteers; and practical administrative support with forms, entitlements and advice.

Lifestyle Development Group: Founded in 1991 in Ballsgrove, this voluntary organisation responds directly to the needs of its local community.

It offers a wide range of supports, from childcare and early years education to QQI-accredited courses, as well as informal programmes in IT, art, cookery, dance and wellness.

These affordable, locally based activities provide opportunities for learning, social connection and personal development in a friendly and inclusive environment.

For more information, please visit www.louthppn.ie or email ppn@louthcoco.ie