By Michael Timmons, EU Project Coordinator, Kildare County Council
Nestled in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, Kildare County Council serves one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic counties in the country. Home to a rich blend of historic heritage, vibrant towns, and innovative businesses, Kildare is a place where tradition meets forward-thinking development. As the fifth largest local authority in Ireland by population, Kildare County Council plays a central role in shaping the county’s future – from building sustainable communities to supporting enterprise and growth.
The Council’s work spans housing and community development, urban planning, transport, environmental protection, culture, and economic development. At its core, the Council is committed to improving quality of life for residents while making Kildare an attractive place to live, work, visit, and invest. That commitment extends beyond county borders through active participation – and in this case leadership – in regional, national, and EU initiatives.
Leading the Repower Regions project
Kildare County Council is proud to be the lead partner in Repower Regions, a European initiative focused on accelerating the shift to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and supporting sustainable local economies. For Kildare, this work is about taking practical steps towards a cleaner, greener, and more resilient county.
As project lead, Kildare coordinates the full partnership, making sure that objectives are clear, activities are delivered on schedule, and outcomes are meaningful both locally and across Europe. This role includes shaping the overall direction of the project, encouraging collaboration between partners, and ensuring that lessons learned can be applied at home in Ireland.
Experience in the field
Kildare has a strong record of delivering climate and sustainability projects, from retrofitting public buildings and upgrading housing energy efficiency, to supporting green business initiatives and low-carbon transport. Through its Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Kildare, the Council works closely with small businesses to help them innovate, grow, and adapt to new challenges – including those linked to energy and climate.
The Repower Regions project builds on this experience. Kildare also leads the Eastern and Midlands Climate Action Regional Office (CARO), coordinating climate action across 17 other local authorities. This gives the team a unique perspective: understanding both the technical requirements of climate action and the importance of community involvement in making it a success.
The people behind the project
Two members of the Kildare team are central to guiding Repower Regions:
Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise at LEO Kildare, provides strategic oversight and ensures that the project links closely with the county’s wider economic and innovation priorities. Her experience in developing partnerships and driving enterprise growth is instrumental in shaping the project’s impact.
Michael Timmons, EU Project Coordinator, manages the day-to-day delivery of Repower Regions on behalf of the full partnership. He is responsible for coordination across the consortium, progress monitoring, and ensuring that project outcomes are delivered effectively.
Looking ahead
Kildare County Council sees Repower Regions as a chance to demonstrate leadership at both local and European level. By coordinating this international partnership, Kildare is helping its communities move towards sustainable growth while contributing to the wider European effort to tackle climate change.