Could Leitrim be home to Ireland's Greenest Place?
People across Leitrim are being encouraged to nominate their community, town, village or local environmental project for Ireland's Greenest Places 2026, following the launch of this year's national competition.
Organised by The Irish Times in association with Electric Ireland, the initiative returns after attracting more than 150 entries from across the island of Ireland last year.
The competition is open to projects of all sizes, from biodiversity corridors and river clean-ups to community gardens, energy projects and circular economy initiatives. According to the organisers, entries will be judged on their measurable environmental impact, community engagement and evidence of behavioural change.
Nominations are invited for Ireland's Greenest Community, Greenest Suburb, Greenest Town or Village, the Overall Winner and a new category for 2026, Ireland's Net Zero Hero.
The new award will recognise an individual for their work in driving a project, inspiring others to take action or coordinating community efforts.
READ NEXT: BREAKING; Fatal accident in Leitrim town
Former Minister for the Environment and former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan is returning as one of the competition's judges.
"We were thrilled with the response to last year's initiative and the buzz it created around Ireland and indeed in Leitrim. It really highlighted the strength of collective climate action which is happening in every corner of the country.
"We want to celebrate that, to share those learnings as widely as possible and to encourage more people to become involved in making their community a better place to live now and into the future."
One of the new judges this year is biologist, environmental consultant, author and broadcaster Éanna Ní Lamhna.
"This excellent competition gives recognition to community groups all around the country, who are making efforts to improve the environmental quality of where they live, for the benefit of all.
"Biodiversity loss caused by land use change and indeed exacerbated by climate change, has caused the world around us to deteriorate sharply over the past forty years. It is still possible to change this for the better, but the reality is that the time left to do this is getting shorter and shorter.
"Those of us who focus on the positive differences we can make, and who take the practical steps to do this are an inspiration. It is this work that helps to keep positivity alive and make our communities healthier and more resilient.
"The new 'Net Zero Hero' award is great. It recognises the positive impact that one determined person can have – sparking a whole community to act for the common good. This is the kind of leadership we need in our communities right now."
Electric Ireland's Lisa Browne said the company was proud to partner with The Irish Times as sponsor of Ireland's Greenest Places 2026.
"I'm delighted to return as a judge of Ireland's Greenest Places. It's inspiring to see communities coming together to make a difference – something Electric Ireland is proud to support as we help customers take simple steps towards a more sustainable, all-electric future."
Most of the judging panel has returned for a second year. Alongside Eamon Ryan and Lisa Browne are environmental consultant and former Irish Times Environment Editor Kevin O'Sullivan and Senior Features Writer Rosita Boland.
Joining Éanna Ní Lamhna on the panel for the first time is sustainability consultant Shannen Healy, known as Green Gal (@_greengal on Instagram and other platforms).
People wishing to nominate a place can complete an entry form on The Irish Times website. Entrants are asked to submit up to 300 words explaining why their chosen place is special and the tangible contribution it makes to creating a greener environment.
Following assessment by the judging panel and researchers, a longlist will be compiled before being reduced to a shortlist over the summer. The winners will be announced in September.