Kildare people urged to nominate their favourite environmental projects for Ireland's Greenest Places 2026
New judges this year include biologist and broadcaster Éanna Ní Lamhna
People across Kildare are being urged to nominate their favourite environmental projects for Ireland's Greenest Places 2026 before the competition closes on August 1.
Despite the county's wealth of parks, biodiversity projects and community initiatives, organisers say no nominations have yet been received from Kildare.
The competition, run in association with Electric Ireland, is seeking entries recognising communities, towns, villages and individuals making a positive environmental impact across the island of Ireland.
People can nominate a place or project by submitting up to 300 words outlining how it contributes to a greener environment and inspires sustainable action.
Awards will be presented in the categories of Ireland's Greenest Community, Greenest Suburb, Greenest Town or Village, Overall Winner and the new Net Zero Hero award, which recognises an individual driving environmental change in their community.
Last year's inaugural competition attracted more than 150 entries from across Ireland, with organisers hoping to attract an even wider range of nominations this year.
Judging will focus on measurable environmental benefits, community involvement and evidence of positive behavioural change.
Former environment minister Eamon Ryan returns to the judging panel alongside environmental consultant Kevin O'Sullivan, Electric Ireland's Lisa Browne and The Irish Times Senior Features Writer Rosita Boland. New judges this year include biologist and broadcaster Éanna Ní Lamhna and sustainability consultant Shannen Healy, also known as Green Gal.
A longlist will be compiled over the summer before being narrowed to a shortlist, with the winners announced in September.
Nominations can be submitted online before the August 1 deadline through the Ireland's Greenest Places competition entry form on The Irish Times website.