As I finish up my time with Kildare PPN this Friday, I wanted to share a heartfelt thank you with all our member groups. It has been such a privilege to work alongside you over the past five years, and I’m incredibly grateful for every connection, conversation, and collaboration along the way.

Some of my favourite moments have come from meeting so many of you in person, whether through delivering training, our wellbeing statement workshops or visiting your events and projects across the county. Social Inclusion Week, in particular, has always been a highlight for me. Seeing the creativity, commitment, and community spirit that shines through each year has been truly inspiring.

Watching Kildare PPN grow and strengthen as a network has been something I’ve loved being part of, and I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved together. Your passion for your communities is what makes the PPN what it is.

Thank you for your support, your kindness, and the work you do every day. I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines as the network continues to thrive.

Wishing you all the very best, 

Grainne

Funding for community and voluntary / non profits 

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.

The Cemetery Maintenance Grant & Tidy Towns Grant schemes 2026 are now open for applications and close on Monday, March 30th at 5 p.m.

Kildare County Council invites all local Tidy Towns groups to an evening of insights, inspiration and practical guidance as you prepare for the 2026 Tidy Towns competition.

Wednesday, 11th of February 2026 at 6.30pm – 8.30pm in the Council Chamber, Áras Chill Dara, Naas

Hear from three expert speakers sharing their knowledge on adjudication, biodiversity, water, sustainability and community energy:

RSVP by emailing tidytowns@kildarecoco.ie

If you are interested in applying for one of the following grant schemes: Community Grant, Festival Grant, Residents Association Grant, Tidy Towns Grant and Cemetery Committee Grant and are looking for assistance with your application, you can meet with one of the grants clinics are one of their drop in clinics in February. Please see dates below:

The awards ceremony took place at the Cruinniú Chill Dara Spiegeltent, Naas, as part of the Brigid 2026 Spirit of Kildare Festival.   The Awards are a new initiative celebrating the individuals and groups who embody Brigid’s values through their contributions to community life across Kildare. A huge congratulations to all of the nominees. The full list of award winners included:

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

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

Landowners and occupiers of properties which adjoin public roads are obliged under the Roads Act, 1993 to ensure that trees, shrubs, hedges or any other vegetation on their land are not, or could not, become a danger to people using or working on a public road.

The maintenance of roadside trees, hedges and other vegetation is the responsibility of the landowner on whose land they are growing. Landowners should therefore ensure that trees, hedges or other vegetation are maintained in such condition that they are not a hazard to road users or that they do not interfere with the maintenance of the road. All reasonable care should be taken to ensure the safety of road users when this work is being carried out.

Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 as amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 and the Heritage Act 2018, in relation to the cutting of hedges and the clearing of vegetation during the bird nesting season from 1 March to 31 August.

Cutting of hedgerows can take place from 1st September 2025 to 28 February 2026, when hedgerows are dormant.

The scheme supports the upgrade of small non‑public rural roads not maintained by KCC. Roads serving at least one agricultural holding are eligible, as well as amenity roads leading to community facilities such as graveyards or tourist sites.

FREE 6 Session Climate Beginner’s Course for the over 55s, provided by Jacinta Barrins. It will run for two hours : 10.30am -12.30pm.

The Course demystifies climate change. For example, Jacinta will explain the science behind the link between a cup of tea and climate change. Expect to be engaged and motivated.

There will be lots of discussion on practical everyday actions that can be taken. 

Dates : Tues 24 February 2026, Tues, 3 March 2026, Tues, 10 March 2026, THURS 19 March 2026, Tues, 24 March 2026, Tues 5 May 2026

Kildare County Council’s Library Service is proud to join libraries across Ireland in celebrating Ireland Reads, a national campaign which aims to get the whole country reading culminating with Ireland Reads Day on Saturday, 28 February. 

The campaign, part of the government’s Healthy Ireland programme, celebrates and promotes the many benefits of reading for wellbeing and enjoyment. The theme for 2026 is ‘Get Lost in a Good Book’, and Kildare Library Service invites people of all ages to take time out and enjoy the power of stories, imaginations and discovery. 

A wide range of free events and activities for all ages will take place across County Kildare throughout February. The full events programme is available at:  Events | Kildare Library Service 

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

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