Ballymakealy Grove

Speaking with Linda Walsh (SICAP, North West Kildare Community Support Worker) she had a great update from Ballymakealy Residents Association.

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, she remarked. Community groups around North Kildare have worked tirelessly to maintain the community spirit and keep in touch with each other, as much as possible. Social media platforms have never been more utilised, as it gives a lifeline for people to stay in touch with each other and make plans for their groups and estates while maintaining a social distance.

On one of her usual visits, Linda observed that Ballymakealy Residents Association in Celbridge used their time well during the lockdown to remain in touch with each other while also looking after their beautiful estate. The Residents Association purchased a new lawnmower and strimmer’s, and took turns in keeping the grass and verges cut around the green areas within the estate.

Over the past twelve months the Residents Association have bought plants and shrubs for the fabulous flower beds that are planted carefully around the estate. The residents take great pride in the bug motel that some of the committee members have erected on one of the greens;-

 

“the children in the estate take great pride in visiting the motel to check in on the residents, and find new ones”

 

Bug Hotel

 

Ballymakealy Residents Association, were this year nominated for a Local Property Tax Grant, in which they decided to run a competition where all the children were given the opportunity to create a design for the ESB boxes scattered across the estate.

The colourful images were submitted, and the winning images are being used and recreated by a professional artist who was commissioned to do the painting. Work on the images has commenced and the results are absolutely fantastic.

 

L

 

As winter fast approaches, and the trees are changing their colours,  Ballymakealy has never looked so beautiful. Trees are trimmed, verges are neat and there is a real sense of community pride. Well done to all the committee and the wonderful work they have all done throughout the challenging times of 2020.

 

Ballymakealy Residents Association are supported by North West Kildare SICAP Community Support worker Linda Walsh

She can be contacted on : 086-6080012 or by e-mailing her directly on linda@countykildarelp.ie