The house is being used to showcase greener building methods and to measure energy savings.
Maynooth has won gold at the Entente Florale Europe awards - the competition that recognises excellence in horticulture, sustainability, and quality of life across the continent.
At a ceremony in Slovenia, the town also scooped the President’s Prize for climate change mitigation, commended for innovative ways to cut carbon and reduce heat in urban areas.
The gold medal was the result of a long-standing community effort, led by Maynooth Tidy Towns and Kildare County Council, with support from Maynooth University, St Patrick’s Pontifical University, schools, businesses and local groups.
The Entente Florale jury praised Maynooth as “a vibrant university town” blending history, modern amenities and strong community spirit.
Maynooth University was also recognised separately – receiving a Special Characteristic Prize for the management of its green campus.
One of the projects highlighted in Maynooth’s entry was the Demo House – an energy-efficient retrofit of a 1990s home opened in March of this year.
The house is being used to showcase greener building methods and to measure energy savings.
But the project has prompted criticism from some local representatives, who say leaving a house vacant for demonstration purposes is questionable at a time when people are facing homelessness.
The home will not be occupied for at least a year.
Supporters, including Maynooth University academics, say the Demo House is a vital community education tool on sustainability, while some councillors have acknowledged public unease but argue it demonstrates what can be achieved in retrofitting older homes.
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