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Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Funding Scheme 2026
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The scheme is designed to support small local cultural festivals and summer schools which are not in receipt of other central Government monies and which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies.
The maximum amount of funding per applicant is €5,000.
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The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal 2026
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Children and family charities working at local, regional and national level can apply for a grant under one of the following thematic strands:
1. Addressing Essential Needs, 2.Improving Health and Wellbeing & 3. Creativity and Play
Applicants will need to identify which of the three thematic strands they align with, and within the strand, which specific outcome their project will meet.
Children and family charities with an annual income of €20,000 to €500,000 may apply to the Community Grants Round. Children and family charities with an annual income of more than €500,000 may apply to the Impacts Grants Round.
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Communicating Europe Initiative 2026
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The Communicating Europe Initiative seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues, at local, regional or national level. The focus of projects this year is on Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union as well as the related County Pairings programme.
Increased funding has been allocated to the initiative for 2026, with a total of €775,000 available for eligible projects.
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Heritage Council: Community Heritage Grant Scheme
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Creative Communities Grant 2026
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Rosie & Jim Charity & Community Fund
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EU Funding For Education & Training
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Creative Climate Action Fund III
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‘Children’s Promise’ Grants Open
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Heart of the Community Fund
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FundingPoint (Feb – March edition)
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New Solutions Pilot Grants
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KCC Community Grant Schemes
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Upcoming Events / Training
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Planning and Development Act 2024
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What You Need to Know About the Future of Planning in Ireland and How it Affects You
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When: Wednesday March 25th, 7pm Where: Online
The session hosted by the Irish Environmental Network will address:
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- A brief run through the 2024 Act
- What changes should you be aware of and know about?
- The key impacts on environmental groups and NGOs, including stricter rules for challenging planning decisions, new eligibility criteria for standing, and a requirement to exhaust all administrative appeals first.
- Will legal challenges become more difficult and costly?
- Has access to judicial review been curtailed and how?
- Will organisations that take a judicial review now be liable for the full costs?
- What should organisations do if they are unhappy with a planning decision in their area or which impacts their work? What are the courses of action open to them?
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The event is proudly supported by Life Credit Union, the Sustainable Energy Communities programme, and hosted by the Kildare Climate Action Office.
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A Community Energy Event with a special focus on solar power and the benefits of installing solar panels at home.
Date: Saturday, 7 March 2026 Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm Location: Naas Library
Date: Saturday, 21 March 2026 Time: 11:30am – 2:30pm Location: Athy Library
Whether you’re curious about how solar panels work, the savings they can offer, or how to get started, this event will give you practical insights and expert guidance. What’s happening on the day:
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- SEAI Grants Presentation – Learn about grants available to support solar PV
- installations and other home energy upgrades.
- Group Purchase Discounts Explained – Discover how joining a community solar
- purchase scheme can significantly reduce costs.
- Energy Company Exhibition – Meet suppliers showcasing solar technologies and renewable energy solutions.
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International Women’s Day
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Supported by the KCC Community Development Department, and in partnership with ACDAL and The Yoga Quest Tara Thompson, this event offers a yoga retreat and music workshop with choir director and vocal coach Lisa Price to celebrate International Women’s Day.
To participate, enter by emailing your name to reception@acdal.ie with IWD Draw 2026 in the subject line
Opt for either:
Option 1 – Yoga 11:00-12:30 – singing workshop 12:45-1:30 OR Option 2 – singing workshop 12.45-01:30 – Yoga 2:00-3.30
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Kildare Older Persons Council Information Morning
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Date: Tuesday April 14th / Venue: Rathangan community Centre Time: 10am
Kildare older persons council information morning open to all residents in Kildare over the age of 55. Guest speakers include:
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- Chair of the older persons council Annie O Shea providing an annual update on the work completed
- Local link speaking about the Door-to-door service and other transport services in the Kildare area.
- Alone will be speaking to us about their services and about incentives such as energy credits.
- The Kildare Age Friendly Healthy homes programme will provide information on the overall programme which includes, grants, health, housing, social supports and much more
- Free Age Friendly taster exercise class beginning at 9.15
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Light lunch provided. Registration is not necessary
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SDG Advocate Training 2026
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Become one of Ireland’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Advocates. Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in Global Citizenship Education (GCE)? Do you want to join Ireland’s network of Active Citizens and create long-lasting positive change at a local and global level by contributing to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS)
The SDG Advocate Training offers 23 Active Citizens in the Adult and Community Education sector and Community Leadership an opportunity to become one of Ireland’s SDG Advocates. This training course encourages participants to deepen their understanding of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals and lead transformative sustainable change in Ireland.
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Mental Health Peer-Support Programme
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Cycle Against Suicide is offering free training in Mental Health Peer Support on:
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- March 2026: Thurs 12th & Fri 13th
- April 2026: Wed 22nd & Thurs 23rd
- May 2026: Tues 12th & Wed 13th
- June 2026: Tues 9th & Wed 10th
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Time: 9.30am-5pm on both days
Delivery: LIVE online via Zoom
CPD: 13.5 points
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Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028
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Ireland’s new Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028 has just been published – and it’s all about cutting waste, reusing more, and supporting communities. The strategy aims to:
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- Increase how much Ireland reuses and recycles each year, with a goal of reaching a 12% circular material use rate by 2030.
- Reduce our dependence on raw materials and make our economy more resilient.
- Support new jobs in repair, reuse, design, and sustainable manufacturing – including in rural areas.
- Help people make affordable, sustainable choices in daily life.
- Back local authorities and communities to run more circular projects.
- Use digital tools (like product passports and better tracking systems) to cut waste and improve how materials are managed.
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International Volunteer Year 2026
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Every day, millions of people around the world take action – big and small – to make life better for others and for their communities. Whether it’s mentoring youth, supporting local health efforts, or responding to emergencies, volunteers drive meaningful change in communities. Through their actions, volunteers become a force for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals – connecting people, strengthening resilience, and creating lasting impact.
The International Volunteer Year 2026 (IVY 2026) invites us to celebrate and recognise the incredible contributions of volunteers everywhere. It’s a moment to raise awareness, spark conversations, and inspire even more people to get involved.
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Every year IPCC needs the help of people all over Ireland to take part in the National Frog Survey Ireland.
Please record where frogs, spawn and tadpoles occur in the Hop to It Irish Frog Survey.
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Kildare County Council Updates
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Kildare County Council’s Chief Executive Report for February, 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.
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Streaming of Full Council Meetings
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Did you know, you can now live stream the monthly full council meetings on Kildare County Council’s YouTube channel?
Members of the public and media are invited to watch a live stream of our monthly Council meetings where your local councillors work alongside Council officials to make decisions on behalf of County Kildare.
The next full Council meeting takes place on Monday the 30th of March at 3:00pm.
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€17.5 million announced for the 2026 Local Improvement Scheme, with €350,000 allocated for Kildare
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DRCDG has confirmed funding for the 2026 Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), supporting the upgrade of non‑public rural roads and laneways across Ireland. Kildare County Council has been allocated €350,000 to improve rural access routes for homes and farms.
Kildare County Council is now accepting applications for the 2026 LIS. If you live on or rely on a non‑public rural road or laneway, this scheme may help fund essential improvements. What the LIS supports:
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- Upgrades to non‑public rural roads and laneways
- Access routes serving multiple households
- Roads used for agricultural, harvesting or turf/seaweed purposes
- Roads leading to community amenities like graveyards, beaches, piers or mountain access points
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Public Consultation: Cost of Disability
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Government has committed to introducing a permanent payment to help address the additional costs linked to disability. They want your input on how this payment should be designed.
What is the Cost of Disability?
Disabled people often face extra expenses for things like heating, transport, communication supports, healthcare, equipment, medicines and more. These costs vary from person to person and are influenced by barriers in society.
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More open public consultations
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Community and Culture, Level 7, Áras Chill Dara, Naas, Co. Kildare
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