Session 4 focused on Community Asset Mapping and began with a presentation from Alan at TFI Local Link, who outlined ways the community can help to strengthen local transport connections and build a more reliable bus network for Kildare.
As the community survey is still underway, we reviewed the responses received so far and identified two groups we need to reach more effectively in the last week of promotion: older residents and young people.
Desmond introduced the ideas of Stakeholders and Users, and how understanding these groups can help us design better solutions for Johnstown Bridge. Together, we mapped stakeholders and users across our three main challenge areas: creating amenity spaces for everyone; strengthening heritage and environmental identity; and activating the community through welcome initiatives, volunteer networks, youth activities and cultural events. This will help us know who to involve at the right time when we look at delivering projects in the future.
The final part of the session focused on identifying local assets - the strengths, places and resources the community already has. Using a large map of Johnstown Bridge and Timoghan, we plotted natural assets like the canal, local businesses, community networks, cultural heritage, institutions and other resources that could support future projects.
In our next session, we’ll begin connecting these assets to the challenges we’ve identified and explore how they can shape practical, community‑led solutions.
