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.

Date: Friday 7th November Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm Location:  Áras Chill Dara, (Kildare County Council Office), Naas

Difficult situations are inevitable, and can occur without warning, or, in some organisations, regularly. Having a strategy prepared which helps us to respond rather than react will help both parties achieve a satisfactory (win-win) outcome. The session will be highly interactive, with group work and pairs exercises designed to enable participants maximise their learning.

Please note: spaces are limited. 

Date: Wed 26th November Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm Location: Online

Designed for all staff and volunteers working within non-profit organisations. The AI Awareness Training
workshop will provide participants with a solid understanding of the transformative role of AI on the world of
work and society. Course outline:

We’re delighted to invite you to our final Plenary Meeting of the year at the Keadeen Hotel.

Our Plenary meetings are one of our most important gatherings, a chance to reflect on what we’ve achieved together and shape the year ahead with your ideas and priorities. Whether you’re a long-standing member or newly joined, your voice matters.

Come meet other groups, share your thoughts, and help us plan for 2026.

Date: 10th November 2025, 7pm 
Location: Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge 

Following a recommendation in the PPN Structural Review, S3 Solutions was commissioned by the Department to research Barriers to Involvement in PPNs. 

The final report and an Easy-Read version are now available on the PPN landing page here.

PPN members across Ireland are invited to a webinar where lead researcher Eamonn Seydak (S3 Solutions) will present the key findings and take questions.

Date: 12th November 2025
Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Funding call opens to support communities to deliver water quality improvement projects.

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) Catchment Support Fund 2026 supports community and NGO groups working to protect and improve local water quality. Grants are available under two funding streams to help with core costs, training, and organisational development.
Open to not-for-profit groups focused on water quality (public bodies and private companies not eligible).
Apply online at www.lawaters.ie by Monday, 17 November 2025 at 11:30pm.

Come learn about LAWPRO community funding options, what groups are doing with LAWPRO funding and network with other like-minded groups!

Date: Monday 3rd November, from 6:30-8pm. Locations: Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, W12 T925

Our Community Water Officer for the area will be in attendance and will answer all your funding questions and help you find inspiration for water quality improvement projects in your local area. It’s a great opportunity to connect with community groups interested in protecting and restoring Ireland’s water quality and learn about how LAWPRO funding has helped achieve that goal.

If you have any questions, please contact Ruth Gaj McKeever (Community Water Officer in Kildare) on rgmckeever@lawaters.ie.

All are welcome to attend!

Find out all there is to know about our new €100,000 grant scheme for circular activities, and hear from exciting activists in this space!

Join the Rediscovery Centre on Thurs, 30th October (6.30–8:30pm) at Solas Bhride Centre for an evening of circular stories, networking & grant information.

Hear from local community groups already making an impact, learn about Circular.ie, and find out how to apply for our new Circular Communications Grants (up to €5,000).

The Music Capital Scheme, which is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments and selected items of equipment to individual professional musicians and non-professional groups across the country.

A total of €1,040,000 in funding is available through the following awards which are now open for applications:

Award 1 – for non-professional performing groups

Award 2 – for individual established professional performing musicians

Award 3 – for individual emerging professional performing musicians

Round 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) will open for applications on Tuesday 28th of October 2025. The Programme supports small and large, rural and urban communities to take climate action at a local level, and supports projects within five key areas: Community Energy, Travel, Shopping & Recycling, Food and Waste, and Local Climate and Environmental Action

A Drop-in information session will be held in Kildare County Council HQ Carpark Naas (Mount Lucas Rig – Climate Week) – 28th October 10.30am-12.30pm

These sessions offer an opportunity to learn more about the programme, share your ideas, ask questions, and explore potential project concepts.

The Festivals Investment Scheme supports small-to-mid-scale festivals to deliver high-quality arts experiences for audiences.

It focuses on programmes engaged with, and relevant to, local communities or communities of interest. 

Closing date for applications: Thursday 20 November 2025

FundingPoint – Funding for community and voluntary / non profits (October – November edition)

Kildare LCDC have engaged The Wheel to provide a bimonthly publication for Kildare which will include EU, national, philanthropic and local funding information for community and voluntary groups in Kildare.

28th –31st October 2025

A week of events promoting sustainability and energy awareness across Kildare.

– Home Retrofitting Clinics – Áras Chill Dara, Tue & Fri with experts from LOETB, Kore Insulation and SEAI.
– Book Club Launch – Maynooth Library, Tue 6.30pm with Sadhbh O’Neill.
–Sewing Workshops – Free upcycling and sewing machine sessions at Naas Library (booking required).
– Film Screenings – Shelter and Dance of the Cranes at Athy (Tue) and Naas (Fri) Libraries.
– Giveaway – Thu, Manor Mills: free compost caddies and sustainable merchandise.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) invites PPN members to an online Census Roadshow Information Session on Thursday, 6th November at 7:00pm.

This one-hour session will include:

– An overview of the upcoming Census 2027 and key changes

– Insights and findings from Census 2022

– A live demonstration on how to access and use Census data via the CSO website

Join here: Zoom Meeting Link    Meeting ID: 850 3857 8726

When:  Wednesday, 5th November 2025

Time:   10:30am – 16:30pm (registration opens from 09:30am)

Location:  Mount Druid, Castletown, Co. Westmeath

This pivotal event will bring together all projects funded under the EUJTF programme, community groups, and key stakeholders to highlight the real-life benefits and strategic delivery of the EU Just Transition Fund, demonstrating its crucial role in promoting sustainable local economies and communities.

Kildare County Council’s Chief Executive Report for October, containing the latest news and updates from Kildare County Council is available to view at the link below. 

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

Ireland will be heading to the polls this Friday, 24 October, to vote on who will become the 10th president of Ireland. 

The Wheel has asked the two candidates, Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, about their experience and vision of the community and voluntary sector.

The Wheel’s questions explore the candidates’ personal involvement in community and voluntary activity, as well as their vision for the role of civil society in Ireland and the contribution of community and voluntary organisations to Irish society. 

Talking isn’t something to be embarrassed about. It helps.

Find out today how you can get 6 free therapy sessions. Find support today.

Every man can face challenges with his mental health. Talking about it can make things feel a little easier.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Support is always available when you are ready.

The YEA is a free, all-Ireland programme empowering young people (ages 10–18) to design and lead environmental action projects in their schools and communities. Participants gain skills, confidence, and mentorship while tackling real-world issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and waste reduction.

Open to groups of 2–25, the programme runs from August to May and culminates in a national showcase and awards ceremony. Since 1999, over 70,000 young people have taken part, creating positive change across Ireland.

As part of the Kildare–Meath Grid Upgrade, a €4.61 million Community Benefit Fund has been established to support local groups, not-for-profits, and social enterprises within 2km of the new electricity infrastructure. The Fund aims to deliver projects that create lasting social and environmental benefits.

Community Consultation
M-CO, who are administering the Fund, are inviting local groups, individuals, and stakeholders to help shape how it is designed — for the community, by the community. Workshop dates:

Online Survey:
Have your say by completing the short survey (open 13 Oct – 17 Dec 2025):

As part of the ongoing Town Centre First Plan process, the Town Regeneration Team at Kildare County Council is pleased to announce the third public consultation for the Castledermot Town Centre First Plan.

To date, the consultation process has included public sentiment and business surveys, with valuable feedback helping to shape the vision for a vibrant, sustainable town centre in Castledermot.

This next phase invites the community to review the progress made so far and share further input. The draft plan showcases urban design analysis, survey findings, and consultation outcomes, all of which inform the emerging projects that represent the future vision for Castledermot.

Kildare County Council plans to introduce 30kph speed limits in all housing estates taken in charge across the county – a key safety measure under Jake’s Law to help protect children and families in residential areas.

The draft byelaws are grouped into 5 volumes, one for each Municipal District

Kildare County Council is proposing a new Heritage Trail for Old Kilcullen, Co. Kildare (Ref: P82025.06)

The plans include:

– New signage & information boards

– Safer traffic calming measures & parking

– Reopening a section of Hacklow Road for walking & cycling

– Landscaping & biodiversity improvements

The project has been fully assessed and found not to have significant environmental impacts.

More Public Consultations:

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

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