Allen Meagher journalist

Ed of IRL's No.1 Community Dev't mag #ChangingIreland. Love human rights. Hate imperialism, orange-faced dictators. X ≠ Twitter. More active on other platforms.

[Allen Meagher journalist @allenmeagher]

Knowledgable author.
The book description says its focus throughout is practical – what works, what doesn’t, and why.
It is aimed at: Advocacy groups, journalists, students, political representatives, researchers, and citizens who want to understand how decisions are made.

[Ken Foxe @kenfoxe]

Out now – my new book, Shining a Light: Information Access in Ireland.

A practical, no-nonsense guide to getting records from public bodies in Ireland using FOI and other information access tools, based on 20+ years of using them.

Available here: https://t.co/Y1x11uWzjB

[Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt @FranceskAlbs]

So glad to see this book come to light. A powerful exposé of media complicity in manufacturing consent that has enabled mass atrocities in Palestine.

May there be accountability.

[Changing Ireland @changingireland]

“There’s not a bottle with medication in it that is as good as going out to the farm,” said Peter Brady, a speaker at today’s Social Farming Ireland conference.
Through social farming Peter found a way to get through his mental health challenges and today he shared a stage with the farmer Gerard Deegan who helped him. They have become friends and Gerard was in tears listening to Peter tell his story.
Today’s national @Lairdhse06 conference centred on testimony from participants and providers telling of the good that social farming does for them.
These stories made an impact on @martinheydonfg, Minister for @agriculture_ie, who came early to meet participants before opening the conference.
He spoke to @allenmeagher of Changing Ireland afterwards to sum up what he said in his speech and he promised to stress to cabinet colleagues the benefits of social farming – see video.
There are well over 200 people here from all over Ireland attending the conference which is taking place at The Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Co Laois. The event is also looking at the impacts, outcomes and the future of social farming. @DeptRCDG

[Allen Meagher journalist @allenmeagher]

Moyross, New Twopothouse and Inchigeelagh… what have they in common?

[Changing Ireland @changingireland]

What’s new in Moyross?
Quite a lot — from improved housing to new roads, expanded community facilities, and better transport links. But one development nobody expected was Moyross appearing in @rtenews quirky new @MetEireann weather-forecast format, where smaller communities are name-checked instead of just major cities. It’s a clever way of spotlighting places often overlooked.

Moyross, New Twopothouse and Inchigeelagh — who would ever have linked those three?
It’s another reminder of how far the community has come, and how much positive change is happening on the ground.

🎥 If you missed it earlier in the year, this video gives a great look at Moyross — reputedly home to the biggest cul-de-sac in Europe, and still unknown to many in Limerick. Published by @changingireland in January to mark the signing of the Northern Distributor Road contract, it showcases the community in all its glory:
👉 https://t.co/eauN08oWpc

Share your thoughts: What local community would YOU love to see named in the weather forecast next?

#Moyross #ChangingIreland #Limerick #CommunityDevelopment #IrishCommunity #GrassrootsChange #SocialInnovation #LocalVoices

[Changing Ireland @changingireland]

Ireland’s community orchard movement is growing — and volunteers are leading the way. 🍎🌳

In @CjnEcovillage , Úlla, Dúlra agus Pobal explored how heritage apples connect people, place & biodiversity, ending with the vibrant Féile na nÚll festival.

Across Ireland, more projects are taking root:
• Monaghan’s “Dispersed Urban Orchard” links gardens, schools & GAA clubs.
• 19 Clare churches are restoring 30% of their grounds for nature.
• Limerick is reconnecting with its orchard heritage through community arts.
• Ballymun youth created songs + planted orchards to map local identity.

Read more: https://t.co/NhjB75iTQl

@LimerickCouncil @TidyTownsIre @IrishEnvNet @ClareCoCo
#ChangingIreland #Biodiversity #IrishCommunity #ClimateAction #GrassrootsChange #CommunityDevelopment #Ireland

[Frances Black @frances_black]

The Government continue to say the right thing on the Occupied Territories Bill, but actions speak louder than words. Settlement trade continues without the action promised. It's up to @HMcEntee to deliver. Listen to the ICJ and the Foreign affairs Ctte, pass the legislation, goods & services - as the Dáil just unanimously voted.

[Allen Meagher journalist @allenmeagher]

Here are 2 more from Templeglantine, Co. Limerick, and from Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. While I've been to both places recently, I only saw the libraries online - they are small to spot in fairness! The one in Bruff is marvellous I have to say, having seen it in person.

[Changing Ireland @changingireland]

Has anyone else spotted one?
READ @OwenRyan3's story on this lovely new trend in our towns and villages. STORY HERE: https://t.co/ctnMwbFSoL

#LittleFreeLibrary #CommunitySpirit
@TidyTownsIre
@LtlFreeLibrary

[Allen Meagher journalist @allenmeagher]

It's important to celebrate success. Important to network, swop ideas, hear concerns, aspirations, plans. To connect! I got a few gems of story leads. Happy days back in Ballina!

[Changing Ireland @changingireland]

@daracalleary, Minister @DeptRCDG and @welfare_ie welcomed hundreds of supporters of local development companies to his hometown of Ballina, Co. Mayo, today.

He was the opening speaker on Day 2 of #LDCNSummit2030 where he spoke about LEADER funding challenges, the voluntary input of board members nationwide, the need to put the final touches to the Our Rural Future policy.
He spoke afterwards to @allenmeagher of @changingireland.
What is the best thing for community workers in Mayo? Watch to find out!

[Allen Meagher journalist @allenmeagher]

Interesting day, well attended, great grub. Lots of examples of good practice. And Leitrim is lovely - I didn't know it was famous for wild roses. Now to find my way home! If I had a boat I would sail all the way down the Shannon.

[Changing Ireland @changingireland]

An event today heard about work to address child poverty, to map community resources, and to prepare for future storm events.
The fourth National Networking Conference for Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) took place today in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim, reports @allenmeagher.
The opening address was given by Bairbre Nic Aongusa, assistant secretary general of the @DeptRCDG - seen speaking here.
Joseph Gilhooly, CEO of Leitrim County Council, welcomed everyone to the Wild Rose County, while his colleague Vincent Dwyer (Director of Services) spoke about the need for all counties to be more resilient with the prospect of future storms. The 100-plus attendees were also given updates on national guidelines relating to their work and about the new community safety partnerships.
Speakers also included Ruth Smith from Tipperary Public Participation Network, Gráinne Berrill, the director of the National Office of Community Safety, and Justin Gleeson, director of the AIRO (All-Island Research Observatory) in Maynooth University.

[Changing Ireland @changingireland]

@jerrybuttimer Buttimer, the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, today addressed the situation that community worker Sarah Clancy and other Irish citizens who have been detained by Israeli authorities while attempting to sail to #Gaza find themselves in. He said international law applies to all of us, including Israel, and expressed concern for Sarah and others. #Flotilla

HEAR WHAT HE HAD TO SAY: https://t.co/6SfAXvoQM7

Read article here - https://t.co/8P7ptedOp5

Who is Sarah Clancy? - https://t.co/CsENqp93JY

[Changing Ireland @changingireland]

Almost 250 people from community groups, from Local Development Companies, City and County Councils, the Community and Voluntary sector and national representative organisations were in Athlone today to celebrate achievements through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).
The showcase event was opened by Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, @jerrybuttimer.

PICS: https://t.co/FvKTbO3Jvq

FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://t.co/gh9fb8ehyg

#SICAPStories @DeptRCDG @pobal @EUFunds_Ireland

[Allen Meagher journalist @allenmeagher]

It's always fascinating listening to community development workers, many of whom come from the communities they now work in, tell about the work they do. It was an occasion for celebrating achievements as these photos hopefully show! #SICAPStories

[Changing Ireland @changingireland]

Almost 250 people from community groups, from Local Development Companies, City and County Councils, the Community and Voluntary sector and national representative organisations were in Athlone today to celebrate achievements through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).
The showcase event was opened by Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, @jerrybuttimer.

PICS: https://t.co/FvKTbO3Jvq

FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://t.co/gh9fb8ehyg

#SICAPStories @DeptRCDG @pobal @EUFunds_Ireland

[Naoise Dolan @NaoiseDolan]

Sumud boats currently being intercepted by Israel, likely to illegally abduct and imprison those inside. I’m on one of the Thousand Madleens boats just behind. We need escalation from home to end the impunity with which this rogue state commits genocide and stifles opposition

[Allen Meagher journalist @allenmeagher]

Sometimes commmunity volunteers are surprised by what they find! As a Waterford volunteer said: "We did a survey (and found) people really do care about the environment." His group was surprised by no. of ppl. experienced fuel poverty. Now they're taking action. #SICAPStories

[Changing Ireland @changingireland]

🇪🇺🇮🇪 The The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) helps communities to engage in #climatejustice #climateaction and to launch projects which support a circular economy. ♻️🗺️

📍📽️This #SICAPStories video shows this work in action in #Cavan #Waterford and #Dublin.

A volunteer in Waterford remarked: "We did a survey (and found) people really do care about the environment." He also said his group was surprised at how many people are experiencing fuel poverty. Now they are taking action.

In Dolphin House in Dublin, a project has transformed the area at ground level. People love their community.

In Cavan, a recycling project is changing people and place.

@DeptRCDG @pobal @Breffni_Int @CityPartnership @ESF_Ireland @EUfundsIreland

[Allen Meagher journalist @allenmeagher]

I'm working through media in community development since 2001 and watching the full-length SICAP case-study videos from which this 3-minute summary video is drawn was still an education. It's an awesome programme and you have some of the human #SICAPStories behind the stats.

[Changing Ireland @changingireland]

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) helps to🤝connect people with their communities and it 🧠 nurtures mental wellbeing among all ages.📍📽️ This #SICAPStories video shows this work in counties #KILKENNY #KILDARE & #WESTMEATH 👇
��🇺🇮🇪
@DeptRCDG @theILDN @ESF_Ireland @EUfundsIreland @pobal @kilkennyLP @CountyKildareLP @changingireland

[Allen Meagher journalist @allenmeagher]

Minister @jerrybuttimer has launched the #SICAPStories social media campaign.
📍📽️
We've had a sneak preview. The stories are #fascinating, #uplifting and most #authentic.
Watch out for more over the coming weeks!
🇪🇺🇮🇪
@DeptRCDG @pobal @theILDN @changingireland
@eufundsireland

[Dept Rural & Community Development & the Gaeltacht @DeptRCDG]

Minister @jerrybuttimer launches the 2025 #SICAPStories Campaign today with @changingireland @pobal @theILDN

Find out more about the positive impact SICAP is having in your local community and keep an eye out on social media over the coming weeks to hear more.

[Allen Meagher journalist @allenmeagher]

“The latest public opinion poll shows that 76% of Jewish Israelis agree – in full or in part – that ‘there are no innocents in Gaza’,” reports Hagai El-Ad from Jerusalem. “The world must step in,” he says, calling on us to demand our Government and others take concrete action.

[Hagai El-Ad חגי אלעד حجاي إلعاد @HagaiElAd]

As far as #Gaza is concerned, the public in Israel can stomach dead medics, slaughtered journalists and starving children. What the public cannot stomach is Israelis being held to account. https://t.co/VZIkws8iy9

[Allen Meagher journalist @allenmeagher]

@San_Camar @ComiumGm @PURAGM It's a scandal. Who pockets the profits? Very harsh on ordinary Gambians trying to stay connected.

[KNEECAP @KNEECAPCEOL]

Kneecap is not the story.
Genocide in Gaza is.

[Allen Meagher journalist @allenmeagher]

Shauna McClenaghan from @idpinishowendev urges you to sign this petition. It takes less than a minute. If you are keen on community-led local development and want to protect #LEADER funding you'll want to sign it.

[Changing Ireland @changingireland]

"The EU must not neglect rural areas and policymakers must put Community Led Local Development (CLLD) at the heart of the continent’s long-term rural development policy"
🖊️🖊️https://t.co/YRaDxmmF8B
@theILDN @EU_Commission @LocalGovIre #CLLD #communityledlocaldevelopment