In July 2017 a small committee was formed from members of Kilcullen Community Action (KCA) to explore the possible redevelopment of the Market Square. Currently the square is used as a car park which is not what was originally planned for the town. The committee, with the support of Kildare County Council, has worked closely with James Hennessy, Urban Designer and Chartered Landscape Architect with the Paul Hogarth Company, Belfast. A proposal has been created with the aim of redeveloping the square into a flexible public event space featuring public seating and improved views and access to the River Liffey.
On the 5th of October 2018, the committee received news that their application for the "Town and Village Renewal Scheme" had been successful. The committee had applied for the maximum amount of €200,000 which has been allocated by Kildare County Council (KCC) towards the redevelopment of Market Square. This project will cost in the region of €500,000 plus an additional €100,000 for a proposed footbridge across the Liffey. Further funding will be sought through the Council's "Capital Programme" for 2019.
The committee has requested that KCC confirm a date for a public consultation day to showcase the design to the businesses and residents of Kilcullen; this date is to be confirmed.
The following videos showcase both interviews and events that have been held on the Square since the formation of the KCA subcommittee. These events have helped to attract locals and visitors to the town and contributed to the local economy.
2019 will see the 700th year anniversary of the building of the first bridge at Kilcullen across the Liffey in 1319. This original bridge was built by a canon of Kildare Cathedral, Maurice Jakis, and formed the basis of a settlement that became Kilcullen Bridge. The new settlement eventually replaced the original 4th Century monastic town of Old Kilcullen.
A Steering Committee has been formed who are currently planning and coordinating events to mark the 700 year celebrations, which will kick off with a New Year's Eve Ball in Fallons, Kilcullen. Established events such as the Christmas & Easter markets, as well as the River Festival and St. Patrick's Day Parade will tie in with the anniversary and other events are being planned including possible theatre productions, a street festival and 1798 and Bloomsday commemorations. Sporting events are also in the pipeline, including a special Kilcullen 700 5km and 10km runs.
All Kilcullen residents and local businesses are being encouraged to put forward ideas for their own events to mark to the celebrations and to get involved in this historic year for the town. Ideas/suggestions/requests to be involved can be emailed to kilcullencommunityaction@gmail.com
While efforts have been made to include all aspects of the town, if you feel an important feature/service/business in the town has been omitted, please contact Kilcullencommunityaction@gmail.com. Please note that any amendments may take time to be made as this website is created, contributed to and maintained by volunteers.
Website Design by Gareth Landy