Voluntary groups in Kildare were 'devastated by Covid-19 pandemic'

Kildare County Council has been asked to provide more support to local voluntary community groups.

Cllr Noel Heavey made the call at a KCC meeting during which he said that these organisations had been devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic and they need “a digout" from the council.

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He said KCC should run a campaign to “promote, stimulate and encourage citizens to support, participate, and volunteer in community groups, projects, and  programmes."

KCC official Marian Higgins said the council works on an ongoing basis with local communities and encourages volunteerism and engagement in community activities around the county. 

“This occurs directly through many aspects of council work “including Kildare Sports Partnership, Community Development, Age Friendly, Healthy Ireland, Slaintecare Healthy Communities and Brigid Spirit of Kildare.”

She also said the Kildare Volunteer Centre and Kildare Public Participation Network engage with local citizens. The KVC “has a clear role to promote the value of volunteering and increase the range and quality of volunteering.”

KCC supports volunteering through the KVC, which recorded 9,800 interactions with volunteers in 2024 “reflecting the high level of support, communication, and engagement facilitated throughout the year.”

She said some 760 volunteers were referred to not-for-profit organisations across the county in 2024.