KCA Plant and Seed Swap tomorrow

Kilcullen Community Action is hosting its free Plant & Seed Swap tomorrow, Saturday, from 10 am to 12pm outside the former bank building.

A variety of plants will be available to take home, and anyone attending is encouraged to bring along plants, seeds, or other gardening items they may have to spare. People are welcome to give what they can and take what they need.

The event is an occasion for local gardening enthusiasts to share resources, swap ideas, and support community growing.

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More awards for Nolan's Butchers

Nolan’s Butchers has picked up another impressive set of honours, this time at the inaugural Burgers and Kebabs Awards 2026 hosted by the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland.

The Kilcullen business received a Gold Award for its Rural Rustic Half Pounder, along with Silver Awards for its Traditional Quarter Pounder, Chilli & Cheese Rustic Half Pounder, 100% Pure Turkey Burger, and Indian Tandoori Lamb Kofta. A Bronze Award was also awarded for its 100% Irish Steak Burger.

The latest success is a fantastic achievement for the team and a reflection of the quality and standards behind everything the Kilcullen business does.

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Bank Holiday major Roads Policing Operation

An Garda Síochána has launched a major Roads Policing Operation for the May Bank Holiday weekend, writes Brian Byrne, with a heightened Garda presence across the country until 7am on Tuesday, 5 May.

The operation will focus on detecting life-threatening offences, including dangerous driving, speeding, seat belt breaches, mobile phone use and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The enforcement campaign is aimed at preventing serious and fatal collisions during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Road users, particularly motorcyclists, are being urged to take extra care over the weekend.

Twenty-nine motorcyclists died, and 195 were seriously injured on Irish roads in 2025.

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Small businesses can get Energy Efficiency Grant

Small businesses in Kildare are being encouraged to apply for the Energy Efficiency Grant from Local Enterprise Office Kildare, which offers funding of up to €10,000 to help firms reduce rising energy costs, writes Brian Byrne.

The grant is designed to support projects such as equipment upgrades, insulation improvements, and other energy-saving measures that can lower bills and improve sustainability.

More information from Local Enterprise Office Kildare at localenterprise@kildarecoco.ie for more information.

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Community groups asked to share banking access difficulties

Social Justice Ireland is surveying small community groups to assess their experiences of difficulties opening bank accounts, writes Brian Byrne. Such barriers can prevent organisations from accessing grants and other funding.

SJI is working with Public Participation Networks (PPNs) and the Central Bank to highlight the challenges faced by groups on the ground.

Community organisations across Ireland are being encouraged to take part and help inform efforts to improve access to banking services. The survey is available here. 

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Appeal for return of rosary beads

An appeal has been made for the return of a set of blue rosary beads taken from the grotto at the parish church.

The beads, which were left at the shrine with a special intention, belonged to a parishioner's grandmother, and the owner is now asking for their safe return.

The beads can be returned to the grotto.

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Discussion on Kilcullen bike rack

Image: Google.

The placement of a proposed bicycle parking rack in Kilcullen was discussed at the recent Annual General Meeting of Kilcullen Community Action, writes Brian Byrne. The meeting heard that the council has already procured a rack, but arrangements regarding its installation are yet to be finalised. 

Councillor Tracey O'Dwyer said that the location being considered is near the traffic lights, but with the council's current priorities focused on central Kilcullen, she isn't sure if the bike rack will be installed this year. "It's also about money. But they do want to do it."

She noted that the location is also near the bus stop and facilitates passive surveillance of the area.

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Riverbank documentary season

Riverbank Arts Centre has announced a documentary season for May and June 2026, featuring five screenings over six weeks, with guest appearances and post-screening discussions.

The season opens on Wednesday, 20 May, with How to Build a Library, followed by a panel discussion on themes raised in the film. Speakers include Kildare County Librarian Gillian Allen, Kenyan anthropologist and academic Dr Fernando Ongolly, and IADT post-doctoral film researcher Dr Judith Pernin, who will chair the event.

Further screenings include Myrid Carten’s directorial debut A Want in Her on 27 May; Charlie Shackleton’s Zodiac Killer Project on 3 June; Born That Way, an award-winning Irish documentary on disability inclusion pioneer Patrick Lydon, on 10 June; and The Song Cycle on 24 June. 

Director Éamon Little and Gladys Lydon will take part in a short Q&A following Born That Way, while The Song Cycle director Nick Kelly will attend that screening.

The documentary season is presented in association with Access Ireland and Europa Cinemas.

Tickets are €7 early bird, €9 on the door, and €5 for students. Bookings can be made through the Box Office, by telephone on 045 448327, or online at riverbank.ie, where a €1.50 booking fee applies per ticket.

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Celebrating 30 Years of Transition Year

Cross and Passion College is celebrating a major milestone next week — 30 years of Transition Year, writes Brian Byrne. Thirty years of memories. Thirty years of growth. Thirty years of making futures. 

The event is on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in the School Assembly Hall, and will mark three decades of a programme that has played a central role in the lives of students, families, and the wider community.

Since its introduction at CPC, Transition Year has given generations of students the opportunity to discover talents, build confidence, and develop into well-rounded young adults. From work experience placements and student portfolios to memorable school musicals, the programme has become a key part of school life in CPC.

The celebration will bring together past pupils, parents, and people from the community to reflect on the school’s long-standing belief that education is about developing the whole person.

Sponsors helping to mark the occasion include KFM Radio, Punctual Print, Blessington, and Higgins Hire in Kildare Town.

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County Kildare gears up for Bike Week 2026

County Kildare is set to host a variety of events as part of National Bike Week 2026, which runs from 9 to 17 May.

Local highlights include a bike confidence and repair event at Harbour Field, Maynooth, on 9 May, the Kildare Inclusivity Festival at The Curragh Racecourse on 10 May, and an On Your Bike! Craft Workshop at Maynooth Community Library on 14 May.

Later in the week, there will be inclusive and family-friendly cycling along the Barrow Blueway, with events in Athy including the Barrow Blueway Inclusive Initiative on 15 May, two 50km leisure cycles on 16 May, and the Athy Triathlon Club Family Blueway Cycle on 17 May.

The Kildare events aim to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get active, build cycling confidence, and enjoy local amenities.

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Nominations sought for Community seat on Climate Action committee

Image: Kildare PPN.

Kildare Public Participation Network is seeking nominations for the Community and Voluntary seat on Kildare County Council’s Climate Action Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), with applications closing on Monday, 11 May at 5pm.

The SPC helps develop, monitor and respond to council policy on climate action. The successful nominee will represent community and voluntary interests, attend committee meetings, report back after each meeting, and work with the PPN Advisory Group to raise issues and policy proposals.

The role involvement includes induction training, four daytime SPC meetings per year, advisory group meetings as needed, and quarterly evening meetings with the Representative Network.

The position offers local community groups an opportunity to have a direct voice in shaping climate policy in County Kildare.

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Public invited to help shape future regional strategy

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly is conducting a public consultation as part of the early review of its Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), which will guide how the region develops in the years ahead.

The strategy will influence where people live, work, study and visit, while supporting sustainable social, environmental and economic development across urban and rural areas. It also helps implement the National Planning Framework and wider government policy.

To support the consultation, the Assembly has published a Strategic Issues Paper outlining key challenges and questions for respondents. Submissions are invited from communities, stakeholders and members of the public until 5pm on 22 May 2026. Responses can be made online through the Assembly’s consultation page or by post to its Ballymun office: RSES Review, Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly, 3rd Floor North, Ballymun Civic Centre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin, D09 C8P5. 

The consultation opened on 26 March 2026.

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Dowling Property: Whitethorn, Athgarvan

Welcome to No. 43. Dowling Property is honoured to present this elegant four-bedroom, semi-detached residence for sale. Situated within the small and highly desirable development of "Whitethorn," constructed by Garyaron Homes to the most exacting standards, this exemplary A3 energy-efficient dwelling is maintained in excellent condition throughout and is ready for new owners to "walk in and hang up their hat."

The accommodation is bright and spacious, and spans three floors and approximately 160 square metres. It comprises an entrance hallway, guest WC, sitting room, kitchen-dining room, utility room, and an extended family room. The first floor features three double bedrooms, one with an en-suite, and a family bathroom. The second floor hosts the master bedroom suite, complete with an en-suite and a walk-in wardrobe. The highlight of the property is the recently extended family room adjacent to the kitchen. Heating is gas, supplemented by solar panels, thereby enhancing its A3 energy efficiency credentials.

The private rear garden includes a substantial garage space to the side, which would be ideal for campervan parking and a block-built shed. 

The location is simply first-class with easy access to Kilcullen, Newbridge, and the M7/M9 motorways. A range of amenities, including a convenience store, gift shop, and pub-restaurant, are situated nearby. Newbridge, approximately 5 kilometres away, offers a broad selection of shops along with a number of schools. Athgarvan also has a primary school and creche.

We highly recommend early viewing of this gorgeous home, as it truly is a gem!

AMV €499,950. dowlingproperty.ie. Kildare Office 045 482189.

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Kilcullen First Responders seek new volunteers

Kilcullen Community First Responders is inviting new members to join its voluntary group supporting the community in emergencies. 

While awaiting the arrival of National Ambulance Service personnel, group members respond to incidents that involve chest pain, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, choking, and stroke. Full training and ongoing support will be provided to volunteers.

Anyone interested in gaining life-saving skills and helping neighbours in need can learn more about the service and consider joining the team. More information by emailing kilcullenfirstresponders@gmail.com.

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Kaleidoscope family ticket a Steiner raffle prize

Kildare Steiner School is offering a family pass to the Kaleidoscope music festival as one of the top prizes in its Spring Family Festival raffle. The school's Spring Festival is on Sunday, 10 May, at Martinstown House.

The prize allows the winning family to attend the popular music and arts festival at Russborough from 3–5 July 2026. It's just one of many prizes in the raffle, which has a total value of more than €2,000. Among them are glamping experiences, artwork, memberships, massages, vouchers, book tokens, and more. The prizes range in value from €12.50 to €650. 

Tickets can be bought at this iDonate link. 

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Busy summer for County Kildare Chamber

County Kildare Chamber is set for a busy summer period, with a packed programme of events for both members and non-members, aimed at supporting networking, learning, and business development.

The schedule includes the weekly Wednesday Morning Networking sessions at the Chamber office, featuring guest speakers on topics such as succession planning, innovation, and marketing. 

Among the headline events are a Lunch & Learn in Lawlor’s of Naas on 7 May with AI Ireland founder Mark Kelly, a member-only Business After Hours at Weston Airport on 21 May, the Annual Golf Classic at The K Club, and a further Business After Hours event at Kildare Business Innovation Campus on 9 September.

The events are designed to give businesses opportunities to connect, share insights, and explore new ideas over the coming months. For further information, please contact michael@countykildarechamber.ie or visit countykildarechamber.ie/.

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