Climate action resources sought for collaborative organisations based in North Kildare

Climate action resources have been sought for collaborative organisations located within the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District (MD).

The matter was brought to Kildare County Council (KCC)'s attention at the latest MD meeting, which was held on Friday, May 3 last.

Independent councillor Pádraig McEvoy put forward the following motion to KCC: "That the council outlines the resources available to support associations, clubs, groups, and societies learning to collaborate at a community level on taking climate action to restore nature, enhance participation in the circular economy, increase sustainable travel, and transition to cleaner energy sources."

KCC responded to Cllr McEvoy's motion via a lengthy report at the meeting, which read as follows: "Collaboration at community level to inform climate action is universally recognised, and various supports are available.

"In the case of community associations including clubs, various groups, and societies the Kildare Public Participation Network (PPN) offer supports and opportunities for learning and dissemination of information.

"The Community Climate Action Officer will be acting as the contact point for the national GAA / LGFA / Camogie Association Green Clubs initiative going forward.

"The Green Clubs programme, piloted in Kildare by Cappagh GFC covers waste, energy, water, biodiversity and travel.

"A range of resource materials are freely available to all clubs and a number of clubs in the county have already adopted elements of the programme to improve the club’s environmental performance."

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KCC continued: "The Community Climate Action Officer will be contacting all clubs in the near future to offer assistance in this regard, including making the clubs aware of any grants or other supports available and alternative maintenance practices to increase biodiversity.

"Although the Green Clubs initiative is specific to the GAA, similar guidance can be issued to other sports clubs and a good example is Clane Tennis Club who have previously worked with KCC to reduce waste output and improve environmental outcomes.

"In the Maynooth Decarbonising Zone, KCC are in the process of refurbishing an existing semi-detached dwelling into a Demo SMART dwelling to showcase fabric upgrade options, nature- based drainage solutions, universal / accessible design solutions for the elderly and disabled.

"The Biodiversity Officer in KCC currently has a community network of over 20 towns with biodiversity actions plans for the areas."

Regarding sustainable travel, KCC has this to say: "Local Link provide transport services both demand responsive and regular rural services across Kildare and South Dublin.

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"Community Energy refers to projects where communities own or participate in the production and / or use of sustainable energy.

"Maynooth Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) established in 2018 has a vision of creating a sustainable, low carbon community.

"The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) mentor for Kildare offers a range of supports to guide sustainable energy communities.

"KCC selected Maynooth as the Decorbonising Zone for the county to be exemplar in low carbon projects demonstrated over time."

KCC concluded: "The Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 outlines 48 actions directly and indirectly related to support communities in Maynooth, including: DZG1 — resource a trained Green Business Officer within Maynooth; DZG7 — collaborate with Maynooth University to align climate action initiatives within the town; and DZB8 — prioritise transport policy in Maynooth to support safe active travel (pedestrians and cyclists)."