Laois students lead the charge on electricity use

STUDENTS and teachers from Mountmellick got powerful tips on how to conserve electricity, during a Green Schools regional energy workshop.

Groups from Mountmellick Community School and the town’s Youthreach attended the An Taisce workshop that was held in partnership with EirGrid, operator and developer of the national electricity grid.

The event held in Portlaoise was part of a series of regional workshops across the country, where students learn more about where energy comes from, as well as how to manage the use of electricity more effectively in their homes and schools.

Both students and teachers took part in activities and experiments to help develop their awareness of energy consumption and learn how they can lead the charge in their communities, when it comes to conserving energy.

They also learned about the Laois Kilkenny Grid Reinforcement Project, which EirGrid describes as a critical project that will reinforce the electricity system in the region.

EirGrid senior project manager Eoin Brockert spoke to the Mountmellick groups about the organisation’s leading role in decarbonising the electricity grid, with the transition to low carbon renewable energy.

Eoin said: “It is truly inspiring to see how passionate younger generations are about climate action. Workshops like these are a fantastic opportunity to empower young people to lead the charge when it comes to energy conservation.” 

Green Schools energy theme coordinator Rob Nelson commented that the workshops “showcase the bright minds" that will lead the way in securing our energy future and inspiring their schools, homes and communities.

More than 3,000 schools nationwide, including many in Laois, have been awarded the energy flag since the Green Schools programme began in 1997.