In PICTURES: Laois schools make an 'eco-clean sweep' at Green-Schools awards

Eight schools from across Laois were recognised for their outstanding environmental efforts at the Green-Schools Awards ceremony held in Kilkenny recently. The ceremony celebrated the Laois schools' commitment to sustainability, as each was presented with a Green Flag for their work on various environmental themes. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO

Under the Green-Schools Programme, schools renew their Green Flag every two years while undertaking a new environmental theme. Laois County Council supports the programme by delivering targeted workshops and resources to assist schools in achieving their goals and maintaining progress across previously completed themes.

Samantha McLeod, Environmental Awareness Officer with Laois County Council, assessed the schools for their awards and commended the impressive standard of work submitted.

Several initiatives stood out for their innovation and impact:
-  Heywood Community School received their first Green Flag for Litter and Waste, recognising their strong start with the programme.

- Scoil Mhuire N.S. Abbeyleix earned their Water Flag for their “Walk for Water” challenge and their partnership with Nore Vision, a local charity focused on river conservation.

-  Scoil Naomh Abban NS, Crettyard was awarded the Biodiversity Flag for raising awareness of native plant and animal species.

- Camross NS received the Global Citizenship – Travel Flag for their promotion of activeand sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling, and carpooling.

- Mountmellick Youthreach was awarded the Travel Flag for supporting active travel to and from events.- Shanganamore NS was presented with the Global Citizenship – Litter and Waste Flag for exploring the global impact of environmental care and revisiting the Litter and Waste theme.

- Scoil Chomhghain Naofa, Killeshin achieved the Global Citizenship – Marine Environment Flag, demonstrating how even landlocked counties like Laois are connected to the seas through river catchments.

- Rushall NS earned the Global Citizenship – Energy Flag for exploring energy-relatedissues and the global impact of climate change.

Karen Moore, Community Climate Action Officer with Laois County Council, attended the awards ceremony and presented the participating schools with their theme pennant flags. She praised the ongoing environmental efforts across the county: “It never ceases to amaze, year on year at these awards, the fantastic work that Laois schools do in caring for our environment. The dedication of students, staff and parents involved is to be commended. Laois County Council’s support of the Green-Schools Programme offers young people a way to take meaningful action.”

Samantha McLeod also expressed her admiration for the schools' achievements, stating: “It’s been a real privilege to work with these schools over the past year. The creativity, energy and determination shown by students and staff alike is truly inspiring. Their projects not only meet the criteria, but go beyond in fostering a genuine culture of environmental responsibility within their communities.

”Special congratulations also to Scoil Mhuire N.S. Abbeyleix who travelled to Dublin to attend the Green-Schools Water Awards 2025, where they received special recognition for their exceptional work on water conservation. Their Green-Schools Committee won the Best Show and Tell presentation on the day, and the school was named Water School of the Year 2025.”