Working Together for Public Participation Event

On Monday morning, Kildare PPN, in partnership with Kildare County Council, hosted our “Working together for Public Participation” event at the Shackleton Suite, MERITS, Naas. It was a fantastic morning that brought together Councillors, KCC staff, PPN representatives, Secretariat members, and PPN Advisory Group members to look at how we can all work together for the benefit of communities across the county.

After a warm welcome, Marian Higgins, Director of Services with Kildare County Council, opened the event with remarks that set a really positive tone for the day.

Our PPN Coordinator, Gráinne, gave an overview of the PPN’s role in supporting public participation, followed by an inspiring “Partnership in Practice” panel. Deputy Mark Wall TD, Michael Kenny (PPN Representative), and Majella O’Keefe (Community Representative) each shared great insights about what real collaboration looks like in action.

Attendees then joined interactive workshop sessions, where groups discussed how the PPN and KCC can communicate more effectively, break down barriers to participation, and identify shared projects to work on together in 2026. The conversations were full of energy, ideas, and genuine commitment to making a difference.

We wrapped up with group feedback, reflections, and a relaxed networking lunch, the perfect chance to keep the conversations going and strengthen those new connections.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us on the day. It was a real demonstration of the shared commitment across Kildare to working together for more inclusive, effective, and collaborative community engagement.