Tipperary DPO
Last week, representatives from Tipperary DPO travelled to Clonmel for a productive meeting with Ruth Smith, Coordinator of the Public Participation Network (PPN) in Tipperary.
The hybrid meeting focused on how we can work together to strengthen the voice of disabled people locally and influence decision making spaces. We benefited greatly from Ruth’s knowledge of both the statutory and community sectors across the county.
Importantly, Ruth has agreed to meet with Tipperary DPO members again in May to give a presentation on how the PPN works and how disabled people can get involved.
This is how change happens. Disabled people organising, connecting and taking up space where decisions are made.
Meath DPO
Meath DPO came together for a really energetic and engaging meeting, full of sharing, discussion and collective thinking. Damien from ILMI delivered a presentation on DPO development and committee roles, which sparked strong engagement across the group, with lots of questions and contributions from members. There was a real sense of momentum in the room, with people actively shaping how they will work together and build their voice locally. A great meeting and a strong step forward for Meath DPO.
Waterford DPO Meet and Greet and AGM
Waterford Disabled Persons Organisation invites you to join us online on Wednesday the 29th of April.
Meet and Greet
3pm to 4pm
Open to everyone
Join us online to find out who Waterford DPO are, what we do, and how disabled people are building a strong collective voice in Waterford. This is a great opportunity to connect, learn and get involved.
AGM
4pm to 5pm
Members only (disabled people only)
The Annual General Meeting will take place online following the meet and greet and is open to Waterford DPO members.
To receive the Zoom link, please contact Paula.
Be part of building change locally.
For more information and Zoom link contact:
Paula Soraghan
ILMI Community Development Worker
Email: paulasoraghan@ilmi.ie
Carlow DPO
Carlow Disabled Persons Organisation Launch
Disabled people in Carlow are coming together to build a strong, collective voice.
Join us for the official launch of Carlow DPO, a new organisation led by disabled people, for disabled people. This is about representation, rights and real change.
Minister Jerry Buttimer will officially launch Carlow DPO.
Date: Thursday 23rd of April 2026
Time: 4pm to 6pm
Venue: Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow
As part of the Carlow PPN Spring Community Expo
Be part of something important. Connect with others, share experiences and help shape the future for disabled people in Carlow.
Free event. All welcome.
Paula Soraghan, ILMI Community Development Worker
Email: paulasoraghan@ilmi.ie
ILMI Personal Assistance Peer Group
This is a peer-led space for disabled people to talk openly about Personal Assistance
What works, what’s challenging, and how we support each other.
Open to disabled people who have a PA service and those who want to learn more.
Monthly Zoom meetings
Informal, peer-to-peer discussion
Disabled-led
A space to share, listen, and learn together.
Nothing About Us, Without Us.
To Register and get the Zoom link contact Shelly ILMI’s Peer Mentor by email shellygaynor@ilmi.ie or text or call 087 101 9593
Diarmaid Ó Corrbuí
From everyone in ILMI, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to Diarmaid Ó Corrbuí and wish him the very best as he steps into the next chapter. As highlighted in The Irish Times article by Sheila Wayman, Diarmaid’s leadership at Carmichael came at a time of real challenge, navigating funding cuts, increasing regulation and a growing demand for support across the charity sector, yet always holding firm to the importance of good governance, trust and collective effort. For those of us in ILMI HQ in the Carmichael Centre, what defined Diarmaid most was not just his strategic leadership, but his calm demeanour and his open door. There was always time, always space for conversation, advice or simply a listening ear. That quiet, steady presence created a culture of support that so many organisations relied on. Carmichael is a unique and vital space for so many groups, including ILMI, and Diarmaid’s contribution to sustaining and strengthening that community cannot be overstated. He will be very much missed in Carmichael, but his impact will continue to be felt across the sector. We wish him every success, rest and new adventure in what comes next.
