We are delighted to Kildare PPN member groups to the upcoming Kildare Public Participation Network (PPN) Plenary Meeting.

Date: Saturday 23rd of May 2026  Time: 10:30am – 1:30pm Location: Maynooth Town

For members who are new to Kildare PPN, the Plenary is similar to that of an AGM, a chance for all member groups to come together, hear updates, and help shape the direction of the PPN for the year ahead.

After the meeting (and a light lunch), attendees are invited to join local project visits around Maynooth, including heritage sites, community initiatives, and local environmental projects.

We would love to see as many of our member groups as possible at this event. Your participation is vital in ensuring the PPN remains a strong and active voice for communities in Kildare.

This grants scheme is for community groups to apply for small scale initiatives and events outside of LAWPRO’s targeted open calls. It covers events such as World Wetland Day, Biodiversity Week, Science Week, etc.

It may also be used for small awareness raising initiatives such as surveys and plans, citizen science, hosting a meeting, workshops, litter pick, publications, biodiversity signage, or other such small scale initiatives. Applications must have a water quality or water awareness focus.                                   

Tóchar Midlands Wetland Restoration is now inviting applications for wetland restoration plans and projects across Ireland’s EU Just Transition Territory.

We’re seeking costed proposals that will help protect, restore and better understand our wetlands, from restoration works and habitat mapping to feasibility studies, hydrology research and biodiversity enhancement projects.

Eligible wetlands must be located within, or directly benefit, the Just Transition Territory including counties including Kildare (Athy MD, and Clane – Maynooth MD). 

The Sustainability Step-Up Fund supports social innovations across Ireland to scale their impact and address the climate crisis and its interconnected challenges. 

The fund seeks to tackle these challenges head-on by supporting up to five organisations that have a social and environmental impact by working in the space of the circular economy, climate stewardship, action and education, biodiversity restoration, community development or sustainable practices.

Both established organisations ready to scale and earlier-stage initiatives that are up and running and looking to step up their impact and strengthen their long-term sustainability are eligible to apply.  Applicants must come from an entity that has a not-for-profit legal form, e.g. a company limited by guarantee, social enterprise, a co-operative, trust, or charity.

Applications are now open for the Naas MD LPT Sports Fund. This fund supports the development of sports organisations across the Naas Municipal District, with a particular focus on equipment and small-scale improvements to facilities and playing pitches.

Please note the following key points for this year’s scheme:

– Funding is available only for sports equipment and minor works to facilities or pitches. Running costs are not eligible.

– The maximum grant available per application is €3,000.

– Underage, ladies, and other club sections may submit applications for equipment. However, all capital works applications must be submitted by the main club body.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5:00pm Friday the 5th of June 2026.

National Volunteering Week is a weeklong celebration of volunteering. Along with the network of Volunteer Centres, Volunteer Ireland uses National Volunteering Week to amplify the incredible stories of volunteering in our communities through social and traditional media.

It’s a week full of events, both online and in person, with everything from yoga to coffee mornings to seminars on offer. National Volunteering Week 2026 centres on the theme “From every corner, for every cause” which celebrates all the different types of volunteers and volunteering that make up our communities during International Volunteer Year 2026 and beyond!

Friday 15th – Sunday 24th May

Explore the rich variety of life in Ireland this May with a host of wonderful events and activities for the whole family.

2026 brings the 14th annual Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition, Scavenger Hunts for school and at home, and free events every day on all things wildlife in Ireland! 

There are a number of events taking place in County Kildare throughout the week, from biodiversity garden tips, to exploring bogs, to learning about bats, bee’s and hedgehogs. 

Date: 15th – 23rd August 2026

This year’s theme is Heritage at Risk.  Heritage at Risk encourages us to explore the built, natural and cultural aspects of our heritage that are endangered, for us to reimagine and revive these sites, artefacts and practices.

Groups / organisations are now being invited to register events as part of the week. 

May 19th, 3.30pm – 5pm

Online

As global shocks expose the fragility of Ireland’s input-dependent, export-oriented food system,we ask – what would it take to secure our food sovereignty? 

The session will explore how local food production, public procurement and a stronger domestic food economy can help build a fairer, healthier and more resilient food future.

Sunday May 17th, 11:00am – 6:00pm

The festival will include children’s entertainment, local craft stalls, displays of vintage and classic cars, emergency service vehicle displays, parades, live music and food vendors.

There will also be a parade of 500 motorbikes between 2:00pm and 2:20pm. In additional to a helicopter fly over, the official parades will commence at 2:30pm, 3:30pm and 4:30pm from the Count House to Poplar square.

The festival will also include a ‘Taste the Nations’ initiative in the potato Market. 

16th of May 2026, from 1:00pm – 4:00pm in Athy Library and grounds. 

Blueway Art Studio and Doras na Feasa Collective are proud to present Future Ancestor Athy from 1-4pm on the 16th May 2026 in partnership with Athy Library. This immersive event weaves together eco-workshops, art installations, and live performances centred on Berba, the mythical Goddess of the River Barrow.

As a witness to all that has come before, Berba symbolises the interconnectedness of our past, present, and future. She remains a constant presence through changing times, representing the vital role of the River Barrow in the life and history of Athy.

Thursday, 4 June, 1:15 pm

This month’s webinar looks at how SECs are improving community buildings to lower energy use and running costs.

Ballyphehane SEC upgraded their community centre with insulation, new windows and doors, Solar PV and a renewable heating and cooling system. With support from the SEAI Community Energy Grant, the centre has cut its energy costs by about 30%.

Graiguenamanagh SEC has taken a phased approach, starting with solar PV and batteries on a community building and expanding to local homes. They have also developed one of Ireland’s first Community Virtual Power Plants and completed a full community energy audit.

These projects show different ways SECs can upgrade buildings and develop local energy solutions over time.

May 15th at 7:00pm via Zoom

Theme: Family Inequalities and Child Wellbeing. 

A cross sector dialogue connecting lived experience, practice and policy. 

Zoom details: Meeting ID: 8375670756 Password: 672493

Age Friendly Ireland has announced that the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards 2026 are now open for submissions. Organisations, community groups, agencies and individuals are invited to put forward projects that make a real difference in the lives of older people.

The awards feature ten categories, aligned with the 8 WHO Age Friendly Themes, and celebrate the people, partnerships and initiatives helping Ireland become a truly Age Friendly nation.

This monthly report provides insights into key areas such as housing, transport, community initiatives, planning, environment, economic development, arts and heritage, and more

Local Community Development Committees are established in each local authority area to help implement community development initiatives and support community programmes such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Healthy Cities, the Empowering Communities Programme and the Local Enhancement Programme.

The campaign entitled – “Our LCDCs – Building better communities together – le chéile” – will run from 1 May 2026 for three weeks across radio, podcasts, print and online media.

Open Public Consultations 

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

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