This report outlines the work and achievements of Kildare Public Participation Network over the past year. 

We are currently seeking nominations from our member groups for a number of seats on the Kildare PPN Secretariat:

We are currently seeking nominations from our member groups in the Community and Voluntary pillar for a PPN Representative position on the Kildare County Council Climate Action Strategic Policy Committee. 

For more information about the work of the committee and what is involved in being a PPN Rep, click on the link below. 

Please note: The Kildare PPN office will be closed from the 30th of April to the 8th of May inclusive. 

We will reopen on Monday the 11th of May. 

Thank you for your understanding. 

A major new national funding initiative for Tidy Towns groups, Residents’ Associations and community environmental projects has just been announced — the IPB Insurance & Local Authorities Community Fund (also known as the Local Environmental Action Fund), worth over €3 million nationwide. Each local authority area, including Kildare, will receive approximately €100,000 in matched funding to support biodiversity, climate action and local environmental enhancement projects. This fund will be rolled out over the coming weeks, and we will share full details, application information and timelines with you as soon as they become available.

The Sustainability Step-Up Fund supports social innovations across Ireland to step up their impact and address the climate crisis and its interconnected challenges. It is aimed at grassroots organisations, community-led initiatives, social enterprises and other non-profits that build resilience, promote sustainable practices, foster climate action and environmental stewardship and support the circular economy so that the benefits of the green transition are shared equitably.

Following the hugely successful inaugural event in 2025, which welcomed up to 7,000 attendees, the festival is back with even more to see, do and enjoy on the 10th of May in the Curragh Racecourse. This year’s programme includes new attractions and experiences, enhanced accessibility supports and a dedicated live music stage, kindly sponsored by Life Credit Union, showcasing emerging Irish music acts and creating a vibrant new space to soak up the atmosphere.

Visitors can look forward to a full day of inclusive fun and community connection

Running from Saturday, 9th May to Sunday, 17th May, Bike Week is an annual celebration and promotion of the benefits of cycling. Communities across Kildare are invited to enjoy a wide variety of free cycling activities, including community cycles, fun bike festivals, bike safety workshops, and inclusive family events.

To discover what events are taking place around Kildare during Bike Week 2026, visit www.bikeweek.ie

Kildare County Council has officially launched the Age Friendly, Climate Friendly Village initiative in Ballymore Eustace, led by Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris TD. Ballymore Eustace was selected due to its higher proportion of older residents, and the project has delivered improved walkability, accessibility upgrades and enhancements to the River Walk, making 800 metres of the route easier for all to enjoy. Supported by multiple funding streams, the initiative also includes a new community garden inspired by this year’s Bloom Support Garden, featuring accessible seating, pollinator‑friendly planting and design elements reflecting local nature and the journey through life.

The Castledermot Town Centre First (TCF) Plan is a new community-led plan that sets out a clear vision and practical actions to revitalize Castledermot’s town centre, supporting a vibrant place to live, work and visit, while protecting and celebrating the town’s unique heritage.

Structured around the themes of Identity, Mobility, Economy and Sustainability, the Castledermot Town Centre First Plan identifies a range of projects and actions to be progressed in partnership with the community and stakeholders.

KWETC are now accepting applications for Autumn 2026 from Community Education groups and organisations. 

Community Education Core Courses include but are not limited to:

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today announced details of €3.13m funding that the department will provide in 2026 as part of its’ strategic partnership with Coillte, with €80,000 allocated in Kildare. 

Social Justice Ireland is gathering real experiences from small groups who have faced challenges opening bank accounts, an issue that can block access to grants and funding.

They’re working directly with the PPNs and the Central Bank, but they need your voice to highlight the barriers on the ground.

Kildare County Council is planning to change (or “vary”) the current County Development Plan so that it includes a new Settlement Plan for Sallins. This new plan will replace the old Sallins Local Area Plan 2016–2022.

The Council wants Sallins to have an up‑to‑date plan that guides how the town should grow.

The new Settlement Plan will set out policies for things like:

Housing, Jobs and local businesses, Transport, Shops and services, Community facilities.

More Public Consultations 

Community and Culture, Level 7, Áras Chill Dara, Naas, Co. Kildare

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