Laois Offaly 'champions' of sustainability

Work to advance Ireland’s national sustainability objectives by the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) have been recognised with the awarding of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Champion status.

LOETB says this designation reflects its alignment with Government strategies to advance climate, housing, rural development and other goals. The board says it demonstrates how regional education and training structures can accelerate government priorities.

LOETB says sustainability is embedded throughout LOETB’s Statement of Strategy 2023–2027, ensuring all its services "support economic resilience, social inclusion, and climate ambition".

LOETBs says it advances climate action, energy efficiency, and green skills through the National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas where it says it delivers programmes in retrofitting, energy efficiency, and modern methods of construction.

LOETB also claims it has supported 35 companies, which resulted in over €15 million in savings. It says these programmes enhance SME competitiveness while contributing to the circular economy and resource-efficiency goals

The Board claims its community education programmes in digital inclusion, sustainable horticulture, climate literacy, and social innovation support the Government’s equality and inclusion

LOETB adds that its sustainable agriculture and family farm traineeship programmes help diversify rural skills, support environmentally responsible farming, and contribute to national priorities in agri-food sustainability and just transition.

LOETB says it is well-positioned to support the Government in advancing the SDGs. It adds that it is committed to working closely with Government departments, state agencies, industry partners, and community stakeholders to drive measurable progress toward the 2030 Agenda and Ireland’s national climate and skills targets.

Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, spoke following the SDG Champions 2025-2027 launch in Dublin. SEE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured: SDG Champions Launch in Ashling Hotel with Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, TD.

“The world faces huge challenges in achieving the SDGs, with only 18% of the goals currently on track globally. However, this year, as we mark the 70th anniversary of Ireland’s membership of the United Nations, we are committed to achieving the vision and ambition of Agenda 2030, a roadmap for a fairer, safer, more prosperous, and sustainable world. In fulfilling the ambition of the SDGs, we have made considerable progress, but more is needed, and faster, from all stakeholders – locally, nationally and internationally.

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"Over 90 organisations applied to take part in the Programme this year, demonstrating the continued commitment of Irish society to help achieve and promote the SDGs. Partnerships play a crucial role, and it is great to have such a diverse range of organisations working collectively towards a better future for everyone. The SDG Champions Programme recognises that everyone has a role to play, and everyone can contribute to achieving the SDGs,” he said.

LOETB provides education and training across two counties, operating 15 Further Education and Training (FET) centres, nine post-primary schools, extensive apprenticeship provision, and dedicated youth services.