Kildare County Council Presents Nine Awards for Inaugural DZ Climate Champions 2025
16th June 2025: Kildare County Council’s Climate Action Team proudly distributed nine awards to community groups, farmers, businesses and a local national school, as part of the inaugural DZ Climate Champions 2025. This awards programme was created to recognise and celebrate local efforts in climate and biodiversity action within the Maynooth Decarbonising Zone (DZ).
The awards were presented yesterday, at the annual Picnic in the Park, a family fun day centered around the theme of climate change and sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Paula O’Rourke, Climate Action Coordinator, Kildare County Council, 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. Next year we look forward to more businesses, schools and groups joining the ranks. Together we can be the change”.
Oak Awards symbolising first place, were presented to:
- Maynooth Community Care Unit, a residential nursing home for older persons
- Norman Dunne, Mixed Farmer, Owenstown
- Trevor Harris, Mixed Farmer, Donadea
Silver Birch Awards, symbolising second place, were presented to:
- Probio Carbon, an agricultural company developing sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilisers and pesticides
- Maynooth Sustainable Energy Community
- Maynooth Community Church
Hawthorn Awards, symbolising third place were presented to:
- Robinson Farms
- The Maynooth Bookshop
- Maynooth Educate Together National School
On receiving the Oak Award, Denise Regan, Unit Admin Manager, 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. 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. 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 received a certificate of achievement, along with publicity material to promote their achievements. In autumn, a tree will be dedicated to each Climate Champion as a symbolic recognition of their efforts on the wellbeing of future generations.
County Kildare, like all counties throughout Ireland, has a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. The DZ Climate Champions will be an annual event to support and encourage those who contribute to the achievement of these objectives.
