Nominations open for 2026 Kildare business awards
Ruth Murphy, president of County Kildare Chamber (left), pictured with Sinead Dooley, head of public engagement at EirGrid
THE KILDARE Business Awards 2026 celebrate the best in business in the county, and they are now open for start-ups, emerging businesses, SMEs, right up to our large indigenous and multinationals in the county.
Independent judges will lead to the finalists and the eventual winners across 14 categories being announced on 13 November in the Killashee Hotel in Naas, where 450 key stakeholders and companies will celebrate the best in business in 2026.
“We are delighted to welcome EirGrid back as title sponsor of the Kildare Business Awards,” said Ruth Murphy, president of County Kildare Chamber. “Their continued support is a tremendous vote of confidence in the strength and ambition of County Kildare’s business community.
“The Kildare Business Awards showcase the very best of business in our county, recognising the companies, entrepreneurs and individuals whose innovation, leadership and hard work contribute so much to Kildare’s continued success. They also provide a very special opportunity for more than 400 members of the business community to come together, celebrate achievement and strengthen the relationships that help our county thrive.
“Through projects such as the Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade and the Kildare-Dublin Grid Reinforcement, EirGrid is investing in the critical infrastructure needed to support future growth, strengthen our regional economy and enable businesses and communities across Kildare to thrive. We welcome EirGrid’s commitment to engaging with local businesses and communities and we look forward to working together to deliver another outstanding celebration of business excellence in County Kildare.”
EirGrid’s head of public engagement, Sinead Dooley, added: “As the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, EirGrid is responsible for ensuring a reliable, secure, and sustainable supply of electricity. We are working to improve the electricity grid in Kildare and the surrounding areas with our Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade and Kildare-Dublin Grid Reinforcement projects.
“A stronger grid will not just help meet the increasing demand for electricity in the area, but it will also support a stronger regional economy, which in turn supports thriving local communities. EirGrid recognises the vital role that businesses play in helping us to achieve a stronger and more sustainable electricity grid.
“As we progress with these critical infrastructure projects, we are committed to engaging with the chamber, local businesses and communities, and we look forward to continued engagement and conversations in the time ahead.”
Applications are now open online at www.kildarebusinessawards.ie. The closing date for all completed applications is Friday 2 October at 2pm.
Winners in each category along with the ‘Overall Business of the Year’ and the recipient of the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Business Award’ will be announced on 13 November in the Killashee Hotel, Naas.
