Kilkenny Encourages Communities to Turn Autumn Leaves into Valuable Compost

Kilkenny County Council's Environment Section, in partnership with the Climate Action Office, is inviting residential estates across the county to take part in a community leaf composting initiative this autumn.

As part of Team Up to Clean Up: Together for Kilkenny, workshops will take place on 26th and 27th September, helping participating estates build leaf mould cages, that are simple structures that turn fallen autumn leaves into nutrient-rich compost for community use.

Funded by Kilkenny County Council and supported by Benton Ecological Solutions & Technology, the project combines practical environmental action with climate education. Each participating estate will receive a short online training session followed by a hands-on 2-hour workshop to construct three leaf mould cages.

Mags Whelan, Climate Action Officer with Kilkenny County Council, said:

"By keeping leaves out of the waste stream, this project helps reduce landfill use and transport emissions while creating a sustainable resource that improves soil health. It also supports the objectives of the Local Authority Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 by encouraging community participation in climate action."

Bernadette Moloney, Environmental Awareness Officer, added:

"Last year, eight resident groups in Kilkenny City installed leaf mould cages in their estates. The project has been very successful, and the compost will be ready to harvest next spring. This year, we are expanding the programme countywide and encouraging more communities to get involved."

Expressions of interest are now being sought from residential estates across County Kilkenny. Areas with a cluster of at least four housing estates will be considered for inclusion.

To register an interest, email environment@kilkennycoco.ie with the subject line 'Leaf Composting' and include your name, phone number and the address of the housing estate you represent.