The Green Kilometre Scheme invites individuals / groups to choose a rural kilometre or longer stretch of road / loop in their area. They then commit to maintaining the chosen stretch of road over the course of a year, advising Westmeath County Council on what they will do – e.g. litter pick, verge maintenance etc.

Practical advice will be offered to participants once a year to help with littering, hedge maintenance, care of heritage features and so on. Incentives of native saplings such as holly, guelder rose, rowan etc will be offered for planting on the chosen stretch of road and a certificate of participation will be issued to each participant / group. To assist participants further, a clean-up kit including litter pickers, hi vis vests, bags and gloves are available and can be requested on registration.

The Green Kilometre scheme is part of the Council’s Environmental Awareness Programme and is funded by the Council in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. This scheme also supports the Government’s “Keep Well Campaign” which is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines. The Scheme also supports the actions of the Council’s Climate Change Adaption Strategy by encouraging the planting of native trees and shrubs to clean our air and provide shelter and food for a myriad of birds, insects and wildlife.

For more information email greenkm@westmeathcoco.ie or phone 044 933 2125. You can also download the application form below.