Wicklow County Council, in partnership with the Newtownmountkennedy Town Team and the consultancy Accelerating Change Together (ACT), is excited to announce the successful launch of the Newtownmountkennedy Town Centre First Plan. This was marked by an engaging community workshop held on Monday, 23rd June.
The opening session, titled "Storytelling Event," took place at the Newtownmountkennedy Community Centre and welcomed a diverse group of residents, local business owners and community representatives. Participants shared their experiences, values, and ideas, contributing to the development of a shared vision for the town.
This event marks the first step in a series of workshops designed to put the community at the heart of the planning process, in line with the national Town Centre First policy. This policy aims to empower local communities to lead the regeneration of their towns through long-term, sustainable, and people-focused development.
Upcoming Workshops:
- Workshop 2: Visualizing Futures
- Date: Monday, 11th August 2025
- Time: 6-8pm
- Location: Newtownmountkennedy Community Centre
- Workshop 3: Pathways to Delivery
- Date: Monday, 29th September 2025
- Time: 6-8pm
- Location: Newtownmountkennedy Community Centre
These sessions will build on the ideas shared so far, exploring the town’s potential and identifying the steps needed to turn the community’s vision into reality.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Whether you live, work, or spend time in Newtownmountkennedy, your voice is crucial in shaping the town’s future.
Wicklow County Council Chief Executive Emer O’Gorman, said “This plan is a vital step in empowering the people of Newtownmountkennedy to shape their town’s future. Wicklow County Council is proud to support a process that puts the community at the heart of local development.”
Cllr. Danny Alvey who was in attendance, said “It was inspiring to see so many local voices come together with a shared passion for Newtownmountkennedy. This is exactly what community-led planning should look like—collaborative, creative, and rooted in local experience.”
To view the full workshop schedule and learn more, please visit: Newtownmountkennedy Town Centre First Plan
IMAGE 1: Attendees at the recent Newtownmountkennedy Town Centre First Plan event. Photo Credit: Stephen Clarke
IMAGE 2: Attendees at the recent Newtownmountkennedy Town Centre First Plan event. Photo Credit: Stephen Clarke
IMAGE 3: Attendees at the recent Newtownmountkennedy Town Centre First Plan event. Photo Credit: Stephen Clarke
IMAGE 4: Attendees at the recent Newtownmountkennedy Town Centre First Plan event. Photo Credit: Stephen Clarke