Irish schools praised for environmental action

At a ceremony in Dublin, St Ruadhans National School in Redwood and St. Joseph’s College in Newport were praised for how they had worked to reduce waste and litter, the Nenagh Guardian reported.

In addition, Youghalarra National School, St Mary’s in Nenagh and Killenaive National School were given awards for carrying out energy conservation programmes.

Five more schools, including Ballina National School, Carrig National School and St Joseph’s Primary School were praised for work pupils and teachers have undertaken to create awareness about water pollution and water conservation.

Aine Mc Carthy, North Tipperary County Council’s environmental awareness officer, explained to the paper: “The amount of enthusiasm and effort the children put into their litter and waste, energy and water programmes in their schools is great to see and they are helped along the way with guidance from committed teachers, parents and caretakers in order to create an effective Green Schools Programme.

“The children are very aware of the difference they are making to their local environment and they bring this information and knowledge not only into their schools but also into their homes and they spread the word to the wider communities.”

James Cooper