Happy New Year from Kildare PPN

Welcome to our first eBulletin of 2026. We hope you had a good break and are easing into the new year gently.

We’d like to draw your attention to two upcoming events this month: an information session on the Kildare County Council Community Grants taking place on Wednesday the 21st of January, and a training session on running AGMs and committee meetings, designed to build confidence and provide an opportunity to learn alongside other community groups on Thursday the 29th of January in Naas.

We’re looking forward to staying connected and supporting our network across Kildare in the months ahead.

Kildare County Council’s Community Grants Schemes will open on Monday, 19 January 2026. To support groups preparing applications, Kildare PPN and the Community Section of Kildare County Council will host a Community Grants Information Evening on Wednesday, 21 January 2026 at 7 p.m. The session will take place in Áras Chill Dara, Naas, with an option to join online.

The event will outline who can apply, the types of projects eligible for funding, the criteria used during assessment, and guidance on preparing a strong application. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions about the schemes, which include the Community Grant, Festival Grant, Residents’ Association Grant for both local authority and private estates, and the Local Enhancement Programme.

Register to attend session in Naas 

Register to stream session online 

This session will connect the dots between your constitution and the formal approach to AGMs and Committee meetings.
We will cover meeting formats, meeting purpose, and draft agendas, followed by an open discussion around everyday challenges.
This is a good opportunity for peer support and networking.

Date: 29th January 2026 Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm Location: Áras Chill Dara, Naas

Are you applying for a grant for your organisation and need your group’s PPN number?

You can find your organisations PPN number in our members directory on our website.

You can also search our member groups by Municipal District, Group Pillar and Group Cause

Kildare County Council and Kildare Sports Partnership, with support from the National Transport Authority, are inviting community groups to host their own Bike Week 2026 events, running May 9th–17th. Activities must be open and inclusive for both members and the wider community.

Groups can apply for funding of up to €400 to support events such as fun cycles on Blueways/Greenways or bike maintenance workshops.

Applications open Friday, 16th January.

The Creative Ireland Programme has launched three new funding calls to support creativity, wellbeing and cross‑community collaboration across Ireland. Funding is available through Creative Health & Wellbeing, Creative Communities on a Shared Island, and the Creative Youth Nurture Fund, with awards ranging from €50,000 to €250,000 for local authority–led and Shared Island partnership projects running from mid‑2026 to 2028. These initiatives aim to expand inclusive creative participation and strengthen communities.

The Community Grant Scheme 2026 is now open for applications. This scheme supports projects that complement the delivery of the Waterways Ireland Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2030.

A fund of €20,000 has been allocated to assist community-based projects which complement or fulfil the delivery of the Waterways Ireland Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2030 along the Barrow Navigation, Erne System, Grand Canal, Lower Bann, Royal Canal, Shannon Navigation, Shannon-Erne Waterway, and the Ulster Canal (Upper Lough Erne to Clones).

Kildare Arts Service have announced a number of grant opportunities for 2026 including:

This fund supports community groups to enhance the quality of local streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

Types of projects approved for funding include:

– Awareness raising initiatives such as river clean ups, biodiversity information boards, citizen science workshops, outdoor classrooms, rainwater harvesting, and enhancement of wetlands.

– Preparation of local plans such as feasibility studies, habitat management plans, ecological surveys, and biodiversity action plans.

– River and habitat enhancement works such as planting of native species and hedgerow, pollinator friendly planting, river-bank stabilisation, fencing and riparian buffer zones.

ALONE are asking older people across the country to look for support they may need and for others be aware of older people in their communities who may be challenged, or more isolated because of the cold snap.

“We’re asking everyone to look out for older and more vulnerable members of their community. A quick check-in can make all the difference. Keeping homes warm is vital, especially for people with underlying health conditions that can worsen in cold weather.”

“If you’re an older person worried about heating costs, or if you know someone who is, please contact ALONE on 0818 222 024, any day between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Supports are available – don’t hesitate to reach out.”

With freezing temperatures forecast until Friday morning, make sure you are aware of what roads in Kildare are salted.

Kildare County Council currently operate 10 routes within its Winter Maintenance Programme, treating approximately 705 km of Local, Regional & National Secondary Road network in the county.

Five Kildare projects have been awarded funding under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, co‑funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU Just Transition Fund. The investment will support innovative visitor experiences, low‑carbon accommodation and local job creation while enhancing the natural environment.

Kildare is set to welcome thousands of visitors as Brigid 2026 – Spirit of Kildare Festival returns, offering a vibrant programme of free family events, performances and cultural experiences taking place across the county from Thursday, January 29 to Monday, February 2, 2026.

Full programme details, booking information and updates are available at www.spiritofbrigid.ie.

This new audio-visual initiative shines a spotlight on the inspiring climate and biodiversity efforts taking place within the Maynooth Decarbonising Zone.

The series features interviews with local community groups, businesses, and farmers who were recognised as DZ Climate Champions at the inaugural awards ceremony during Picnic in the Park, June 2025.

Swimmin’ Women-Saturdays at 11.30am to 12.15pm- Swim programme for women in menopause. Book here

Aqua Céilí- Saturdays at 12.15pm to 1pm. – Craic agus ceol in the Water. A fun mix of aquafit to Céilí music with some Céilí. Over 18. Book here

Aquadisco- aquafit to disco music. Tuesdays at 1.45pm to 2.30pm. Over 18. Book here

Adult learn to swim-Tuesdays 5.15pm to 6.00pm. Suitable for beginners and improvers. Over 18. Book here

Swimmin’ Women-Wednesdays 6pm-6.45pm. Swim programme for women in menopause. Book here

Kildare County Council have prepared Proposed Material Alterations to Proposed Variation No. 2 (Newbridge Settlement Plan) of the Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029 (as varied).  Submissions can be made until 4 pm on Tuesday 3rd February 2026.

More Public Consultations 

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

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