Kildare councillors vote to mark international day for addiction recovery
The proposal was discussed at the June meeting of the council on Monday
Kildare County Council has agreed in principle to support the marking of International Recovery Day on September 30 through a series of awareness initiatives aimed at recognising people recovering from addiction and promoting recovery services across the county.
The proposal, discussed at the June meeting of the council on Monday, calls for the flying of an official recovery flag or banner at civic buildings, the illumination of suitable council buildings and landmarks in purple, and the promotion of the event through council communication channels and community networks.
The initiative would be delivered in partnership with the Substance Use Regional Forum (SURF), the HSE, local addiction recovery services and the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).
On behalf of SURF, Senator Lynn Ruane will officially launch Recovery Month 2026 on September 1st, in the Dara Project, Athy - in partnership with key stakeholders, including but not limited to service users, family members, community organisations and local addiction supports.
SURF manager Grace Hill said the SURF theme for 2026 is #recoveryispossible - letting people know that recovery is an option and is happening every day in communities across Kildare, thanks to the vital supports provided by frontline addiction services. Recovery works and it's for everyone, no matter where someone might be on the journey.
A report before councillors at Mondah’s meeting stated that council communications teams would support the campaign provided official promotional materials are supplied in sufficient time. The materials would also be shared through the LCDC and its member organisations to maximise awareness of the event.
The report noted that any decision to fly a recovery flag at Áras Chill Dara in Naas and Newbridge Town Hall rests with elected members. Official artwork for the flag or banner would need to be provided by the organisations coordinating International Recovery Day.
Council officials also confirmed that public buildings would be lit in purple where possible on September 30. Where physical illumination cannot be arranged, virtual lighting displays may be used, similar to other awareness campaigns supported by the local authority.
Some landmarks, including the Perpetual Motion sculpture, commonly known as the Naas Ball, may not be under the direct control of the council. In such cases, separate arrangements would need to be made with the relevant authority.
International Recovery Day is recognised in a number of countries and aims to celebrate recovery from addiction, challenge stigma and highlight the support available to individuals, families and communities affected by substance use.
The report was prepared by senior council officials from the Community, Culture, Environment and Water Directorate, Corporate, Libraries and Emergency Services, and the council's service delivery team. The measures are expected to be implemented ahead of this year's International Recovery Day on September 30.