Wexford primary school scoops national award for work on water conservation and environmental action
Their work in this area has led to their school being named a Green Schools Water School of the Year at the An Taisce Green Schools Awards which were held in Dublin recently. Murrintown NS was named a regional winner following the staff and pupils' efforts in water conservation and environmental action.
Naturally curious, the kids paid a visit to the Mayglass Water Treatment Plant, where they learned all about how clean water is produced and gained insights into sustainable water use. The experience served to reinforce the importance of protecting water as a vital resource.
Last year, the school hosted an Action Day, combining community spirit and environmental awareness. A coffee morning fundraiser was held in support of a water charity active in Africa, while every class participated in art lessons to create sea creatures from recycled materials. The colourful, imaginative artwork was proudly displayed throughout the school, reminding everyone of the beauty of our oceans.
The day also featured student-led sustainability efforts. Senior pupils took part in a clean-up around the school grounds, while junior classes embraced a 'No Energy' afternoon, taking their lessons outdoors and turning off devices in a collective effort to conserve energy.
These activities were complemented by a student pledge, with children promising to take everyday actions (like switching off taps and recycling) to help protect the planet with all their hearts.
Cathy Baxter, An Taisce Director of Education, said: 'The Green-Schools Water Awards are one of the highlights of our year. They celebrate the creativity, commitment and teamwork of students and teachers working together to protect one of our most precious resources: water. These young people are leading by example and showing that real environmental change begins in our schools and communities. We're so proud of their efforts and inspired by their impact.'
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Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Wexford primary school scoops national award for work on water conservation and environmental action
Their work in this area has led to their school being named a Green Schools Water School of the Year at the An Taisce Green Schools Awards which were held in Dublin recently. Murrintown NS was named a regional winner following the staff and pupils' efforts in water conservation and environmental action. Naturally curious, the kids paid a visit to the Mayglass Water Treatment Plant, where they learned all about how clean water is produced and gained insights into sustainable water use. The experience served to reinforce the importance of protecting water as a vital resource. Last year, the school hosted an Action Day, combining community spirit and environmental awareness. A coffee morning fundraiser was held in support of a water charity active in Africa, while every class participated in art lessons to create sea creatures from recycled materials. The colourful, imaginative artwork was proudly displayed throughout the school, reminding everyone of the beauty of our oceans. The day also featured student-led sustainability efforts. Senior pupils took part in a clean-up around the school grounds, while junior classes embraced a 'No Energy' afternoon, taking their lessons outdoors and turning off devices in a collective effort to conserve energy. These activities were complemented by a student pledge, with children promising to take everyday actions (like switching off taps and recycling) to help protect the planet with all their hearts. Cathy Baxter, An Taisce Director of Education, said: 'The Green-Schools Water Awards are one of the highlights of our year. They celebrate the creativity, commitment and teamwork of students and teachers working together to protect one of our most precious resources: water. These young people are leading by example and showing that real environmental change begins in our schools and communities. We're so proud of their efforts and inspired by their impact.'
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Irish Independent
Kerry school says goodbye to 112 years of experience
Deputy Principal Anne Lucey, Assistant Principal Judy O'Mahony and Assistant Principal Lucy O'Mahony said their final goodbyes to the Kerry school where they have much of their careers. The three teachers have in fact a combined service of 112 years to the school marking a significant contribution to the education of pupils in Killarney. The whole school community gathered to welcome the guests of honour, Anne, Judy and Lucy, along with members of their families, retired colleagues, and members of the school's parents' association. The sun shone out for the joyous celebration where a sea of red and grey flags, bunting, balloons and children's artwork greeted the guests. Children from Junior Infants to 6th Class sang out in harmony a personalised rendition of 'Congratulations and Celebrations' detailing special moments and highlights of the three teachers' careers who have undoubtedly left a lasting legacy in the school. Principal Alice Davern welcomed the large gathering in attendance and commended all three teachers who have taught the children of Killarney for more than 100 years. Addressing the three teachers she said they helped shape the minds of the pupils of Kerry. 'It was obvious to everyone that your care for the children meant that you appreciated their unique personalities, their talents, their personal history and any challenges that they may have faced. This enabled you to encourage and guide every child to flourish and reach their full potential in your different roles in mainstream and special education. "In shaping young minds while also inspiring and supporting colleagues along the way, we know that upholding the dignity of every child and adult in the school has been the guiding principle of your work.' She said it was fitting that the three colleagues and friends who shared many of life's milestones in parallel and began their careers side by side would complete their teaching days together in Holy Cross Mercy. During the day's celebrations members of the school's Student Council, under the leadership of Frances Arthur, performed a dramatic comedic sketch based on the school lives of Anne, Judy and Lucy and had the children and adults present laughing out loud. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more They paid tribute through their performance to Anne's role as Deputy Principal and Maths Coordinator in the school. They showcased Judy's role as Science Coordinator, Health & Safety Officer and SPHE Coordinator. The children relayed Lucy's role of school Music coordinator and choir director as well as her passion for our Green school. A heart-warming poem composed for the ceremony which was written in tribute to the popular trio by colleague Mairéad Kennedy and read by Edel Cronin. Pupils of the school who Anne, Judy and Lucy worked closely with presented them with books filled with the children's artwork and letterboxes filled with hundreds of handmade cards from all of the children in the school while members of the Parents Association presented the retiring teachers with beautiful flowers and tokens of their gratitude for their many years of service in the school. Principal Alice Davern finished, 'We know that you leave behind more than memories. Because today, we celebrate not just three remarkable teaching careers but the legacy of those who quietly transformed lives every single day. You leave behind a legacy that will be characterised by hope, humanity, and humour, which have been the hallmarks of your service and will leave an indelible mark. 'To Anne, Judy, and Lucy, —from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. May your days ahead be as rich and rewarding as the years that you have so generously given to others.'
Irish Independent
16-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Galway litter blackspots highlighted in latest IBAL report
In a recently published report, the group Irish Business Against Litter ranked 40 towns and cities nationwide from the cleanest to the most littered. Galway City Centre was ranked tenth on the list, gaining one position since the previous survey, published in January. However, this time Galway City Centre was labelled 'Clean to European Norms', and not 'Cleaner than European Norms' like in early 2025. In particular, two areas, Galway Regional Hospital and South Park Jetty, were found heavily littered. The An Taisce report reads: 'Galway City Centre again scored very well with 16 out of 25 sites getting the top litter grade and there were just two seriously littered ones. 'Top ranking sites included the Galway Famine Ship Memorial, Galway Shopping Centre, IDA Galway Business Park and The Prom. These sites were not just good with regards to litter, but overall presentation and maintenance was excellent. 'Galway Regional Hospital continues to be plagued by heavy levels of cigarette butts (and lower levels of food related litter). The South Park Jetty was heavily littered.' The report highlighted at Galway Regional Hospital litter was mainly found at the Emergency Department entrances, with cigarette butts and food-related items as the most obvious litter items. While South Park Jetty was described as 'almost like a boat graveyard' as 'the debris on the ground presented poorly, along with casually discarded litter.' The report also added there was little improvement in Ballybane, in Galway City, since the previous inspection. Ballybane was ranked 37th – losing two positions since the last report, where the area was in 35th position – and labelled as 'Littered', with Ballybane Industrial Estate and Ballybane Village being described as litter blackspots. The An Taisce report reads: 'As a general note, extensive works / road works were noted at a couple of sites – they didn't impact in any negative way on the litter situation and will most likely contribute to an enhanced environment going forward. 'Ballybane Industrial Estate and Ballybane Village were both litter blackspots - they have been stubbornly so, for a long number of years. The Recycle Facility at Ballybane Shopping Centre was very much deserving of the top litter grade.' In Ballybane Industrial Estate, IBAL said the old and broken signage already 'sets the tone for what lies ahead'. The report reads inspectors found the yellow railing was bent and 'badly decayed', while much of the litter was around the unused outlets and in the immediate vicinity of the signage for Gordon Ryan Engineering Ltd. 'This area was particularly poor, not just littered but subject to dumping, much of it industrial debris e.g. wooden pallets / broken signage / bags of rubbish etc.' In Ballybane Village, IBAL found 'very heavy levels of casual littering', with a wide variety of food related items, there were alcohol cans / bottles, newspapers, and plastic mouldings. They added the shrubbery area had been subject to dumping and there were no visible litter bins or litter awareness signs. 'The overall impression here is a very poor one. Where does the responsibility for the cleaning regime at this area lie?'
