Community Survey launch: be there
Every now and again we get a chance to take a measure of control in our lives, writes Brian Byrne. To plan a little. To say what we think. To actually have a chance to have done something of what we would like or need. Even to take part in the doing of it.
Life isn't perfect, so such opportunities don't happen often. But tonight one will. At the launch of the Community Survey, arguably one of the most significant documents to have ever been published in Kilcullen.
We who live in Kilcullen are a mixed community, as in any small town. Young, middle and older in age. New residents alongside those here for one or many generations. From different backgrounds and with a multitude of different aspirations. With one commonality—we all want the best for our own lives and those we share our lives with.
A significant part of that 'best' in our lives is what it is like where we live. Is it a pleasant location? Does it have the kind of facilities we need? Is there education, employment, entertainment, essential services? Are our neighbours friends, or at least friendly? Do we have an input into how the community operates and develops?
That last is where it can get tricky. Too often the day to day maintenance and the future development of our communities are in the hands of others. Politicians, local authorities, national government, large commercial interests. Our lives and circumstances are often dictated by what these people and institutions want rather than them working to what the communities they serve need. We can't always criticise that, because much of the time they are reacting to piecemeal information from individuals, rather than being informed by a larger community view.
The Community Survey being launched tonight in the Town Hall is a most important document because it has been professionally done to establish a broad view of what we in Kilcullen feel about our town, its services, its future needs. It is a document which we should regard as a foundation stone for Kilcullen's future, and therefore for the lives of all of us here.
From this Survey we can discuss, plan and propose to those who make the larger decisions at county and regional level. We can be proactive instead of merely reacting to matters such as the County Kildare Development Plan in so far as it relates to our community and our town. We can, if we take the opportunity, become masters of at least parts of our destiny.
That's why there should be an attendance tonight that shows we want this. Kilcullen Community Action has provided the first step, by commissioning the document which will offer us—literally—a once in a lifetime opportunity.
It's a small ask. Instead of just complaining over a few pints in the pub, where the various problems of our situation still remain when the glass is empty, take a couple of hours to be part of a future for Kilcullen which will be beyond my time.
Among the comments from the Survey were those which said Kilcullen has good leaders, but more are needed. Everyone who comes along tonight, even if all they do is listen and absorb, are Kilcullen's future leaders.
Be among them.
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