68 Cork County Schools Awarded Prestigious Green Flag Award for Environmental Excellence
68 schools across all eight of Cork County’s Municipal Districts have been awarded Green Flags as part of An Taisce’s Green Schools Programme. The awards recognise outstanding efforts by both primary and secondary schools across a wide range of environmental themes including litter and waste, biodiversity, energy, global citizenship, and marine care.
The Green Schools Programme, now in its 27th year, is a student-led programme with involvement from the wider community, that promotes and acknowledges long-term, whole-school action for the environment. An Taisce operates Green Schools in Cork County in partnership with Cork County Council. The programme operates in 92% of Irish schools and involves a two-year process focused on each key sustainability theme. Schools must demonstrate long-term commitment and measurable impact to be granted a Green Flag.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll, praised the young participants, saying
Mayor
It is extremely encouraging to see pupils from primary and secondary levels engaging so deeply with sustainability. Programmes like this embed habits around recycling, biodiversity, circular living and climate responsibility from a young age. These students and their teachers should be proud of their commitment and achievements. I commend the energy and enthusiasm and congratulate all 68 Cork County schools recognised.
An Taisce Green Schools Officer, David McIlwraith commended the high standard of engagement from schools across the county, “It was an absolute pleasure for both myself and my colleagues to visit each of the schools being awarded. It was clear to us that the wonderful actions completed by the students and supported by the whole school community yield such positive progress towards sustainability. It is great to see Green-Schools continuing to be a platform for schools to engage with these topics in a fun, productive and engaging way.”
The Cork County schools were among more than 733 schools nationwide set to receive Green Flags this month. Each award reflects significant environmental progress made through teamwork, innovation, and community involvement.
For more information about Green Schools click the link below.