Climate Action

This podcast features Michael Kenny and Peter Hamilton from the Maynooth Sustainable Energy Community (SEC).  They explain the role of the SEC in supporting the transition to renewable energy in Maynooth.  As a community group they seek to influence their peers by educating them about climate change, and by being a trusted point of information for those who are interested in retrofitting their homes or community buildings.  They collaborate closely with Kildare County Council and Maynooth Green Campus, and they commissioned an Energy Masterplan for Maynooth. ‘Together for a Sustainable Future’ is hosted by Paul Regan, DZ Officer, Kildare County Council. Music: Colors by Cykarl  License: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0


This podcast features Denise Regan, Unit Manager, and Jennith Ligue, Nurse Manager at Maynooth Community Care Unit.  They talk about the various practices they have implemented within the residential care unit that support climate and biodiversity action.  They created a beautiful courtyard garden filled with pollinator friendly plants which benefit residents and the birds and insects too.  They have installed a comprehensive waste management system, and they use a facility where they can obtain pre-used furniture and medical equipment.  ‘Together for a Sustainable Future’ is hosted by Paul Regan, DZ Officer, Kildare County Council  Music: Colors by Cykarl , License: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0


Norman Dunne is an arable farmer based just outside Maynooth who uses regenerative farming practises.  In this podcast he talks about the various mechanisms he has put in place to farm sustainably.  He reduced his use of chemical pesticides and concentrates on supporting soil health through growing cover crops and grazing livestock and hens on the land.  He has reduced his diesel use and focuses on supporting biodiversity through allowing his hedgerows to grow.  ‘Together for a Sustainable Future’ is hosted by Paul Regan, DZ Officer, Kildare County Council Music: Colors by Cykarl  License: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0


Trevor Harris is an organic, biodynamic farmer based in Donadea, Co Kildare.  He runs a mixed farm and grows oat, produces beef and grows vegetables and salads.  He works with nature, and he doesn’t use chemical pesticides or fertilisers as well as promoting biodiversity to encourage natural predators for pests.  He works to improve soil health and grows a mixture of grasses and clovers and herbs for a mixed diet for his animals.  He doesn’t trim back his hedgerows to further support the birds and the insects which has an impact on his whole farm system.  ‘Together for a Sustainable Future’ is hosted by Paul Regan, DZ Officer, Kildare County Council Music: Colors by Cykarl  License: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0


Keith McCrory is the Minister for Maynooth Community Church. The Maynooth Community Church, a Net-Zero facility, opened in the summer of 2024. Keith talks about the design of the building, including building insulation, the air-to-water heating system, heat recovery ventilation, underfloor heating, solar panels and battery storage. Keith highlights the comfort levels and energy savings made as key benefits on this new build. Keith also discusses the herb garden on site as well as future plans for an orchard area, nursery area, a mini woodland, sensory garden and water conservation measures on the grounds. Valuable collaborations with other community groups in Maynooth is also highlighted. ‘Together for a Sustainable Future’ is hosted by Paul Regan, DZ Officer, Kildare County Council Music: Colors by Cykarl  License: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0