Kilcullen's young people 'are optimistic'

Almost two-thirds of Kilcullen's young people are optimistic about their future employment prospects, writes Brian Byrne, according to the results of the Youth Section of the recently completed Community Survey in the town. Four in ten said they were 'positive' on the survey, while nearly 19 percent described themselves as 'Very Positive'.

The survey was commissioned and organised by Kilcullen Community Action and it will be officially published and discussed at a public meeting on Tuesday night. The Youth Section was conducted online, while adults were interviewed in door-to-door visits.

Four in five of the youth respondents said they planned to go to third level education when they leave second level, though even more might eventually decide to do so as 12 percent of the respondents defined their position as 'Don't Know'.

In terms of involvement in sports and other activities, a quarter reported that they participated in music, dance or drama, mostly in the Kilcullen area itself. This was slightly more than those involved in GAA at 23.5 percent, while soccer, cycling, canoeing and tennis or badminton were also significantly popular.

According to the results of the survey, which was conducted under the management of specialists Burtenshaw Kenny Associates, with support from the Kildare Leader Partnership, the young people would like to have additional facilities including a swimming pool, glee club, a horse riding club and a cinema.

A public meeting will be held to discuss the findings of the recently completed Community Survey, on Tuesday January 31 at 8pm in the Town Hall.

KCA's Orla O'Neill says the survey has thrown up many ideas and pathways for Kilcullen, particularly in terms of potential tourism opportunities.



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