Ireland’s Greenest Places returns for 2026 with Electric Ireland and The Irish Times

What is Ireland’s Greenest Places? 

Ireland’s Greenest Places is an Irish Times initiative, in association with Electric Ireland, which aims to recognise people, places and projects working towards a more sustainable Ireland. 

Do you know a community, suburb, town or village with a great sustainability story to tell? This could include anything from biodiversity projects and community energy initiatives to local climate action or other practical changes making a positive difference. 

Categories this year include: 

• Ireland’s Greenest Community 

• Ireland’s Greenest Suburb 

• Ireland’s Greenest Town or Village 

• Overall Winner 

• Ireland’s Net Zero Hero 

   

New for 2026, Ireland’s Net Zero Hero will recognise an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to driving a project, inspiring others to act or bringing people together to support climate action. 

Entries will be shortlisted by an expert panel of judges. Most of the judging panel have returned for the second year, with two new judges joining this year.

The panellists include: 

• Eamon Ryan, Former Green Party Leader and former Minister for the Environment and Climate 

• Kevin O’Sullivan, Environmental Consultant and former Irish Times Environment Editor 

• Rosita Boland, The Irish Times Senior Features Writer 

• Lisa Browne, Head of Marketing, Electric Ireland 

• Éanna Ní Lamhna, Biologist, Environmental Consultant, Author and Broadcaster 

• Shannen Healy, Sustainability Consultant 

Commenting on the partnership Lisa Browne, Head of Marketing, Electric Ireland:   

“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”. 

If you know a place or person that deserves recognition for their contribution to a greener future, Ireland’s Greenest Places 2026 is now open for entries. 

Visit www.irishtimes.com to find out more and submit an entry.