Dingle Peninsula Crowned Ireland’s Greenest Place in Award Ceremony

The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry received top honors as Ireland’s “greenest place” during the inaugural Ireland’s Greenest Places Awards held in Dublin on October 30, 2023. This recognition was awarded by The Irish Times in partnership with Electric Ireland, celebrating the peninsula’s significant commitment to sustainability across various sectors, including farming, food production, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism.

Áine Uí Dhubhshláine, a 75-year-old resident from An Ghráig near Ballyferriter, accepted the award from Pat Fenlon, executive director of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB). “I’m very honored to accept this award on behalf of the beautiful, sustainable environment that is Corca Dhuibhne,” she stated. Dhubhshláine emphasized the importance of community involvement, highlighting how local authorities, NGOs, state agencies, and businesses, alongside dedicated volunteers, contributed to this achievement.

Other Award Winners Recognized for Sustainability Efforts

The award ceremony also acknowledged other notable winners across various categories. Skerries, located in County Dublin, was named the greenest town for its efforts in biodiversity enhancement and protecting local environments, including the nearby sea. The suburb of Dún Laoghaire, also in County Dublin, was recognized for its Living Streets program, which promotes sustainable living and accessibility.

In Westmeath, a community group focused on the Dysart River restoration project was awarded as Ireland’s greenest community. This initiative brought together local volunteers, including farmers, to improve water quality in the area. Inagh, a village in County Clare, was recognized as Ireland’s greenest village, demonstrating that even small communities can significantly enhance the quality of life while maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

Eamon Ryan, former Minister for Environment, Climate and Energy, served as one of the judges for the awards. He remarked that the initiative showcased the depth of environmental activism among communities working collectively for a sustainable future. “When people are anxious about climate change and biodiversity loss, it helps to think global but act local. It gives hope,” Ryan noted.

Highlighting Local Efforts in Sustainability

Mary Minihan, features editor of The Irish Times and chair of the judging panel, explained the initiative’s goal was to showcase the practical efforts of volunteers. “Sustainability can sometimes feel complicated and theoretical, but we wanted to highlight the practical work being done by volunteers on the ground,” she said.

Lisa Browne, head of marketing at ESB, added that the entries reflected the power of small, collective actions in building a sustainable future. She noted that individuals from diverse backgrounds and ages are uniting to create meaningful change, which fosters a sense of belonging in communities.

The Ireland’s Greenest Places Awards serve not only as recognition for outstanding environmental efforts but also as a motivational tool for communities across the nation. The Dingle Peninsula’s achievement is a testament to the potential for collaboration and dedication to sustainability in shaping a greener future.