Nine awards presented to Kildare recipients for inaugural Climate Champions event

Nine awards were presented to County Kildare recipients on Sunday, June 15 last as part of the inaugural Climate Champions event.

The Climate Action Team of Kildare County Council (KCC) distributed the awards to different community groups, farmers, businesses and a local national school, as part of the inaugural Decarbonising Zone (DZ) Climate Champions 2025.

According to KCC, this awards programme was created "to recognise and celebrate local efforts in climate and biodiversity action within the Maynooth DZ". In the context of County Kildare, along with all counties throughout Ireland, it has a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51 per cent by 2030. 

The awards were presented at the annual Picnic in the Park, a family fun day which is centred around the themes of sustainability and climate change.   

Speaking at the event, Paula O'Rourke, climate action coordinator with KCC, expressed her delight at the quality of the submissions received: "Maynooth can be proud of the work being done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, and protect and support biodiversity.

"Those who received awards have demonstrated leadership by putting awareness into action to create a sustainable future for Maynooth."

She added: "Next year we look forward to more businesses, schools and groups joining the ranks. Together we can be the change."

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The Oak Awards, which symbolised first place, were presented to: Maynooth Community Care Unit, a residential nursing home for older persons; Norman Dunne, a mixed farmer from Owenstown; and Trevor Harris, a mixed farmer from Donadea.

The Silver Birch Awards, which symbolised second place, were presented to: Probio Carbon, an agricultural company developing sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilisers and pesticides; Maynooth Sustainable Energy Community; and Maynooth Community Church.

Lastly, the Hawthorn Awards, which symbolised third place, were presented to: Robinson Farms; The Maynooth Bookshop; and Maynooth Educate Together National School.

On receiving the Oak Award, Denise Regan, the unit admin manager at Maynooth Community Care Unit, expressed pride in their achievement and highlighted the collective effort involved in their climate and biodiversity actions: "What we’re most proud of is how this has become a shared effort.

"From water conservation efforts and improving our energy practices, to enhancing our outdoor spaces for pollinators and biodiversity, our whole team; staff, residents, and even our families have embraced the journey."

Denise continued: "This award has reminded us that climate action doesn’t have to be perfect or overwhelming to matter.

"We hope it encourages others to look at what they’re already doing, to celebrate their wins, and to get involved because every step forward helps."

She concluded: "Whether it’s introducing a new green initiative or finding creative ways to involve staff and service users, every action contributes to a healthier, more sustainable future and that’s something worth celebrating”.

All awardees also received a certificate of achievement, along with publicity material to promote their achievements.

To add to this, in the third quarter of 2025, a tree will be dedicated to each Climate Champion as a recognition of their efforts.

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