In Kilcullen a small bit of help can make great impact

With the Christmas-New Year hibernation period now well left behind, Kilcullen Community Action (KCA) volunteers and CE workers are gearing up for another busy year, and the organisation's chairperson Ann Cashman has issued the annual call for new people to join. 

Though it's not as if KCA themselves hibernated — since early January they have been busy dismantling and storing the Christmas lights, preparing flower beds for spring planting, cutting back bushes in public areas, and planting more trees around the town. And much more.

"Unfortunately, there is still too much litter," Ann Cashman said. "So our amazing volunteers continue their weekly pick-up efforts, ensuring our town stays clean and welcoming."

Last weekend the group held a planning day to map out key activities and events which will include clean-ups, beautification projects, and seasonal initiatives such as for Easter and the summer flowers programme. 

"It's probably not realised that our summer flowers, for instance, had to be ordered in December. And that Easter art installations are agreed on months in advance."

As KCA is the umbrella organisation for Kilcullen's Tidy Towns efforts, the latter forms a big part of the 2025 agenda and includes participation in the National Spring Clean through April. 

"We have key goals for this year's spring clean — ongoing cleanups through the month, encouraging recycling and re-use, and promoting personal responsibility for litter management. We'll be encouraging everyone in Kilcullen to get involved, to work together and make a difference."

This May will mark 24 years since KCA was established with a view to broadening the base of activities from just Tidy Towns — in which Kilcullen had already participated for very many years — and in the process, pull in interest and support from a wider community. 

That did work, and along with a core cohort of early stalwarts, the membership now comprises committed residents from right across a village that became a town in the intervening decades.

For some of the newer people in Kilcullen, things that they possibly take for granted are the result of KCA work. 

Just some of these include maintenance of the riverside Valley Park which was established in the 1970s by the then Kilcullen Community Council.

The Dun Ailinne Interpretive Park reflecting the nearby ancient 'royal' site on private land. 

The development of a Fairy Trail to enchant new generations of small 'Kilcullenites' along with a community garden in the grounds of the library. 

A push that led to the €1.5 million Market Square public realm enhancement scheme which has been approved by Kildare County Council and is awaiting funding. 

A Kilcullen Design Statement aimed at setting markers to the statutory authorities for the future development of the town and an annual community awards that recognise achievements within Kilcullen by individuals and organisations. 

There is also a biodiversity plan that, year by year, has seen a deliberate and careful implementation which has provided habitat for a wide range of animal and botanic life.

KCA has evolved a very robust structure and governance and is a company limited by guarantee with the CRO and as a charity with the Charities Regulator. 

The 2025 AGM is scheduled for 8 April, in Kilcullen's Town Hall, which offers all in the community the opportunity to review the past year's progress on projects, see where funds were acquired and spent, and find out about future plans and developments. 

Regular meetings from the spring through to autumn are open to the public.

"With so many activities happening throughout the year, we always need more help," said Ann.

"If you're passionate about your community and want to get involved, we'd love to have you on board. You can meet great people and make a real difference in Kilcullen. Every little bit of bit of help can have a great impact."