Expression of Interest: Community Support Centres for Emergency Resilience
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Dear Community Partners,
Severe storms and flooding can leave communities without essential services such as power, water, or communications. Recent emergencies have shown the need for safe, local spaces where people can access basic welfare and reliable information when there are major service outages following these events.
Kildare County Council is inviting community-based volunteer groups to submit an Expression of Interest to have their premises designated as a Community Support Centre (CSC). CSCs are local spaces—such as community halls, GAA clubs, sports facilities, libraries, or community centres—that can be rapidly activated during emergencies to provide essential welfare services. There will be a limited number of CSCs designated in each Municipal District.
When activated, a CSC offers:
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- When activated, a CSC offers:
- Basic refreshments (tea/coffee, light snacks)
- Hygiene facilities and toilets
- Device charging and Wi-Fi access
- Clear, consistent public information and advice
- A place for connection and emotional support
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CSCs are volunteer-led hubs, supported by the local authority, that strengthen community resilience. We are now inviting community groups to submit an Expression of Interest to have their location designated as a Community Support Centre. A designated volunteer from your group will act as the point of contact with the Local Authority or the Local Coordination Group.
Community groups with premises that are safe, accessible, equipped with basic facilities (heating, toilets, kitchen, showers, parking), suitable for people with mobility difficulties, and have an active volunteer team to manage activation are eligible to apply.
There are two potential streams of funding available for designated Community Support Centres:
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- Annual grant for designated CSCs (for equipment such as tables / chairs, kitchen appliance upgrades such as burcos, fridges etc, part funding of generators or the integration of generators into the premises’ power supply).
- Emergency activation funding when your CSC is requested or approved during an event.
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Letter from Kildare Volunteer Centre
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Dear PPN Member,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to introduce ourselves and share
how we can support the important work of your organisation.
Our team specialises in volunteer engagement and management, training and development,
and vetting and compliance. We work closely with not-for-profit organisations like yours to
strengthen volunteer programmes, enhance volunteer experiences, and ensure best practice
in all aspects of volunteer involvement.
We are well-placed to assist you in areas such as:
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- Volunteer recruitment and engagement: Through our online system iVol, we can help you find the volunteers your organisation needs, and support strategies to attract, retain, and recognise them effectively across diverse communities.
- Training and development: Offering practical workshops, resources, and one-to-one guidance for organisations, coordinators, and staff involved in volunteering. We focus on building capacity and confidence so teams can deliver the best volunteer experience.
- Vetting and compliance support: Acting as a liaison office to provide a Garda vetting service for your organisation. We can guide you through the process, ensure compliance, and provide reassurance that volunteers are vetted safely, efficiently and in line with legislation.
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We would be delighted to explore how we can collaborate to support your team’s goals in 2026 and beyond. If it suits you, we could arrange a short call or meeting to discuss your current priorities, challenges, and ways we might assist.
Thank you for the invaluable work you do in our communities. We would be thrilled to support your efforts and help enhance the impact of your volunteer programmes.
Warm regards,
Michelle Casey,
Kildare Volunteer Centre
Email:michelle@volunteerkildare.ie
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Spirit of Kildare Awards 2026
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KCC have announced a brand new highlight of the Brigid – Spirit of Kildare Festival 2026, the Spirit of Kildare Awards!
These awards will celebrate the incredible individuals and groups across Kildare who bring Brigid’s values to life, through creativity, compassion, community, and commitment. Award categories include:
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- Local Heritage & Biodiversity
- Community Life
- Youth Contribution
- Environmental Achievement
- The Arts
- Sports Achievement
- Woman in Leadership
- Plus a special Lifetime Achievement Award
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Deadline for nominations: 5:00pm, Thursday, 4 December 2025
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PPN Reps Sought for Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership
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We are seeking nominations for a Youth representative and Kildare – Newbridge MD representative to join the Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP).
This is your chance to represent your community and help shape a safer, more inclusive Kildare. The two seats available are:
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- Local Representative (Kildare – Newbridge MD)
- Youth Representative (18 – 25 years) OR A person working or volunteering with young people who will represent their voice
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Deadline for nominations: 5:00pm, Tuesday, 9 December 2025
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Environment Advisory Group Meeting
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The next meeting for the PPN Environment Advisory group will take place on Wednesday the 3rd of December 2025 at 7:00pm on Zoom. The advisory group is open to all PPN members to join and new members are welcome.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82072309717?pwd=TP9lL0Ra8ibhqm5F27iNclRZWlXivf.1
Meeting ID: 820 7230 9717
Passcode: 790947
Find out more about PPN Advisory groups here.
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with Leixlip Library in collaboration with TOG Hackerspace and the KCC Climate action Office.
Date: Saturday 13th of December 2025 Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Venue: Leixlip Library
Multiple 30 minute slots available.
What can you bring:
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- Clothes and Accessories
- Toys
- Small Electrical Appliances and Electronics
- Small Furniture
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Community Heritage & Biodiversity Grant Scheme 2026
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2026 Community Water Development Fund
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Historic Structures Fund 2026
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Community Climate Action Programme
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Application Call: Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) 2026–2029
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Kildare County Council – Communications Strategy (Citizen Survey)
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Kildare County Council are currently in the process of developing their new communications strategy and as part of this they have prepared a surveys for community groups and members of the public. Please take 5 minutes to share what you think Kildare County Council should focus it’s communications on for the next 5 years.
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DRCDG Customer Charter and Action Plan (2026-2028)
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As part of their commitment to quality customer service, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht are currently reviewing and updating our Customer Action Plan and Customer Charter.
In order to inform this work, they are seeking the opinions of their stakeholders and the public in relation to their experiences in engaging with our Department. This will help them to understand how they can better serve the needs of our customers.
The survey will close at 5pm on Friday 05th December 2025. If you have any queries please contact info@drcdg.gov.ie
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More Public Consultations:
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Community and Culture, Level 7, Áras Chill Dara, Naas, Co. Kildare
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