Meath County Council has created the Green Kilometre Scheme, in response to requests from numerous community groups and individuals around the county.

The scheme invites individuals and groups to choose approximately a kilometre stretch of road in their area and commit to maintaining the chosen stretch over the course of the year. With over 3,600 kilometres of road in the county, the scheme provides the perfect opportunity for individuals to work together in a community on a project which benefits everyone.

An increase in walking and cycling due to the pandemic has made many people aware of the litter along the roadside and also the wildlife that exists in the hedgerows and roadside margins. People may also notice built heritage features such as old gates and water pumps that may require some restoration.

Meath County Council will support any group or individual who would like to get involved by supplying native trees, litter pickers, bags and gloves.  Once restrictions allow, the Council can also arrange for an adviser to visit to give advice in relation to planting and taking care of heritage features.

Pointing to the huge amount of goodwill in the community, Bernadine Carry, Environmental Officer with Meath County Council, said that people want to do something positive for themselves and for their community, “We believe this scheme will harness some of that, it will give people an opportunity to work in tandem with their neighbours and friends, even though they can’t work together.  And all of our walks, runs and cycles in the countryside will be all the better for it.”

Examples of work could include removing litter, planting appropriate native trees and shrubs, restoring heritage features, reporting illegal dumping, cleaning signs and improving hedges.  

To get involved download the Green Kilometre Participation form.