The launch event brought together participants, trainers, community groups and other organisations involved in the programme. Many people in the group already knew each other and naturally added to the information being shared. The group brings a broad mix of skills and experience, including construction and conservation, biodiversity and food growing, local history, health promotion, theatre, leadership, writing and publicity, event organisation, and knowledge of and contacts within LEADER.

Desmond introduced Turning the Sod and outlined the support available over the 10 sessions. The aim is to bring the group’s ideas together and develop a SMART Community Strategy. As the programme progresses, the group hopes to identify practical projects that could be put forward for LEADER funding and managed locally. We also discussed the SMART Villages approach and looked at examples of communities around the country that have addressed local challenges and developed successful initiatives.

Some participants were already familiar with LEADER and with the work carried out by Kildare County Council to research and identify potential community development projects through the Castledermot Town Centre First Plan. As a result, the group is keen to move from planning to action and to see progress on developments that are needed locally.

The conversations and exercises showed a strong sense of community. Those attending are involved in a wide range of local community and interest groups, including:

• Residents’ Associations

• Local History Society

• Biodiversity groups

• Volunteer Ireland

• Tidy Towns

• Castledermot GAA

• Ladies Football

• Castledermot Amenity Group

• Castledermot Vintage Club

• Castledermot Christmas Lights

The following gaps in local services and opportunities were highlighted:

• Insufficient public transport, particularly bus services

• Derelict properties

• The need for a community information channel

• More opportunities for the community to have a say in the town’s direction

• Mixed views around consultation on solar farm developments

• Local biodiversity

• Clearer information on what the community can apply for, what support is available and how to access it

• More opportunities and activities for teenagers

The group also began to brainstorm possible projects for the future:

• A community website

• Enhancement of local amenities

• Greater involvement of local people, including Transition Year students and other young people

• A Community Food Grocery Association

• Community litter-picking initiatives

• The group agreed that the main challenges are securing finance and building an active group of volunteers who can remain consistently engaged.
  

These ideas, along with others that emerge, will be developed further as the sessions continue.