Kilcullen's 'can do' attitude 'a precious asset'

The 'can do' attitude demonstrated by Kilcullen down the years is a 'very precious asset', consultants for the Kilcullen Design Statement project said yesterday, writes Brian Byrne.

Representatives of the Paul Hogarth Company were briefing Kilcullen Community Action on the results of the first public consultation of the Design Statement initiative, and also cited a vibrant community, established local groups, low levels of dereliction and retail vacancy, and the ‘fantastic’ natural asset of the River Liffey as just some of the other winning features the town enjoys.

Consultant James Hennessy presented a range of results from the public survey to the online meeting, noting that 629 responses was ‘really impressive, a really healthy number’ for a settlement of Kilcullen’s size. The presentation also included an assessment of the town’s natural and built assets, architectural and heritage infrastructures, and community and business facilities.

Describing the process so far as having a 'very positive story to tell', James Hennessy also detailed areas where there needs to be improvement, including signage — described as 'confusing' and 'challenging' for visitors — the need to list and 'cherish' architectural heritage details, and sustainable linkage between some of the more distanced residential areas in the town.

Respondents highlighted 'community', 'amenities' and 'built heritage' as among the features which make Kilcullen unique, while their wish-list includes more recreation space for teenagers, and improved public transport. Traffic is another issue, though it didn't come through the survey as high a concern as might have been expected, possibly because the people of the town are used to it.

The consultants noted that the 18-24 demographic group and the over-75s had shown the least participation in the survey, while otherwise there was 'a pretty good representation'. James Hennessy said that there will be further consultation and initiatives to which those under-represented groups may be attracted.

Following the presentation, the consultants and KCA participants discussed the next stage of the initiative's process, which will include themed workshops and a further public consultation on a draft of the Design Statement. The format and locations of these will be publicised in due course, but the proposed date for the workshops is 12 February.

The Kilcullen Design Statement project is funded by County Kildare Leader Partnership and grants from KCC through Cllrs Tracey O’Dwyer and Rob Power.

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