Introduction         

Welcome to the Naas Town Green Guide. The aim of this guide is to make citizens of, and visitors to Naas aware of local green businesses, environmental issues, natural amenities and eco-friendly community services. If you want to make a difference, this guide will show you how!

Included is a 'Green Map' of Naas where you will find the locations of recycle points, bicycle shops, organic outlets and much more.

Naas is a town of great antiquity, having been incorporated by the Anglo-Normans, possibly as early as the 12th century. Naas Town, or 'Nás na Riogh' in Irish means the "Meeting Place of Kings" because of its ancient location as a cross-roads to and from Dublin. It is the second largest town in Ireland and its vibrant town centre has much to offer residents and visitors. As a commuter town, Naas has an increasing traffic and pollution problem. Yet there are many advantages to make the transition to sustainable living easier. Our town is compact and flat, making it ideal for walking and cycling. Naas has many shops offering eco-options, such as organic food, alternative medicine and bicycle shops. There are many recycle points in the town with a larger recycling facility at Silliot Hill near Naas.

There are 13 Green Schools in Co. Kildare, and 2 in Naas. These schools such as Scoil an Linbh Iosa in Ballycane, have taken initiatives such as recycling or energy saving with the An Taisce Green Schools project (www.antaisce.org). Naas is a proactive town moving towards sustainable development.

Gluaiseacht has also made Green Guides for Limerick City, Drogheda, Ennis, Portlaoise and Waterford City. You can find more guides at www.greenguide.ie, and a Dublin greenmap at www.sustainable.ie. International green guides can be found at at www.thegreenguide.org, or www.greenmap.org, or search the web.

Most of the books mentioned in each section can be ordered in your local bookshop, or on-line from www.walnutbooks.com or www.booksteps.ie

Click on the links to the left and right to begin browsing through the Naas green guide online.

The viewpoints expressed in this guide are not necessarily held by Kildare County Council or the businesses and organisations listed in the directory.