Eleven Laois schools flagged for environmental awards
Stephen Mullally ( Environmental Awareness Officer, Laois County Council) pictured with pupils from Shanahoe NS, Paddock NS and Presentation Primary NS, Portarlington on their way to the awards ceremony in Kilkenny Photo: Michael Scully
ELEVEN schools from Laois were acknowledged for their efforts this year at the awards ceremony in Kilkenny, demonstrating innovation, leadership and strong community involvement across a variety of environmental areas.
The schools acknowledged were Ratheniska Primary School, Paddock NS, St Fiacc’s NS and Presentation Primary School were awarded the biodiversity flag, recognising their efforts to protect and promote local wildlife and habitats.
St Francis Special School received the global citizenship – energy flag for exploring energy use and climate action on a global scale.
Derrylamogue NS achieved the global citizenship – food and biodiversity flag for examining the connections between food systems, biodiversity and sustainability.
Rosenallis NS and SN Fionntan Naofa were awarded the global citizenship – litter and waste flag, highlighting their work in understanding waste issues from a global perspective.
Ballyadams NS received the global citizenship – marine environment flag, demonstrating awareness of how inland communities are connected to marine ecosystems.
Naomh Pius X NS and Scoil Mhuire Muigheo were awarded the litter and waste flag, recognising their efforts in waste reduction, recycling and improving their local environments.
Ten further schools were awarded green flags for travel and global citizenship travel for their participation in the Portlaoise Schools Cluster Project at an awards ceremony in Portlaoise on 18 May.
An Taisce commended the high standard of work across all participating schools, noting the creativity and dedication demonstrated by students, teachers and wider school communities.
Environmental awareness officer for Laois Co Council Steven Mullally said: “The standard of work demonstrated by Laois schools continues to grow each year. Students are not only learning about environmental issues. They are leading change within their schools and wider communities. Their commitment and creativity are helping to build a more sustainable future for all.”
The achievements of this year’s award recipients further reinforce Co Laois’ strong engagement with sustainability initiatives and highlights the important role schools play in driving positive climate action.
