Sixty-eight schools across Cork County have been recognised with Green Flags as part of An Taisce’s Green Schools Programme, celebrating outstanding environmental achievements across primary and secondary education levels.

The awards acknowledge schools’ efforts across diverse environmental themes including litter and waste management, biodiversity conservation, energy efficiency, global citizenship, and marine care. Schools from all eight of Cork County’s Municipal Districts received recognition as part of the programme’s 27th year of operation.

The Green Schools Programme operates as a student-led initiative with broader community involvement, promoting long-term environmental action within educational settings. An Taisce runs the programme in Cork County through partnership with Cork County Council, reaching 92% of Irish schools nationwide.

Schools undergo a rigorous two-year process focused on specific sustainability themes, with institutions required to demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable environmental impact before receiving Green Flag status.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Councillor Joe Carroll, praised the young participants’ dedication. “It is extremely encouraging to see pupils from primary and secondary levels engaging so deeply with sustainability,” he said. “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.”

An Taisce Green Schools Officer David McIlwraith highlighted the exceptional standard of engagement across participating schools. “It was an absolute pleasure for both myself and my colleagues to visit each of the schools being awarded,” he commented. “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.”

The Cork County schools join more than 733 schools nationwide receiving Green Flags this month. Each award reflects significant environmental progress achieved through collaborative teamwork, innovative approaches, and active community involvement.

The programme receives support from multiple government departments including Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Environment, Climate and Communications; and Transport, alongside various statutory and commercial partners.

Awards were distributed across themes ranging from biodiversity and water conservation to global citizenship and marine environment protection, with schools demonstrating measurable improvements in their chosen environmental focus areas.