COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

QUESTION NO. 12

QUESTION: Councillor D. Looney

"To ask the Chief Executive how many (a) primary schools and (b) post-primary schools in the area under the remit of this Committee have taken part in the Green Schools programme; how many flags have each school been awarded; how many schools in this area have yet to sign up to the Green Schools programme; and what plans are underway to further increase participation in this area?"

REPLY:

The Green Schools programme is an international environmental programme targeting schools under the following themes - Litter and Waste, Energy, Water, Travel, Biodiversity and Climate Change.  The programme is co-ordinated by an Taisce and implemented by Council staff.  The programme is promoted on an on-going basis in all schools through out the County, including this area in the following ways.  

Each year a Green Schools seminar is held to assist teachers involved in the programme.  A newsletter is issued twice a year to all schools setting out all promotions and events planned http://www.sdcc.ie/green-times-newsletter-2014-vol-12. The Council holds many competitions for schools through out the year e.g. Christmas recycled decorations, anti-litter poster, stop food waste recipe, podcast on an environmental theme. Further support is provided to school through talks, school visits, the supply of workshops and environmental games, all to help towards becoming more environmentally aware and achieving their next green flag. More than 160 workshops took place in schools last year. Every school in the County is contacted regarding the schools newsletters, seminars, workshops, competitions.

Assessments are carried out at schools that have applied for a green flag.  This year a total of 37 flags were assessed and awarded in the county.   Attendance at schools Green flag raising ceremonies by Council staff and the Mayor encourages further participation in the programme. This is followed up by a press release and image to the local media regarding the schools wonderful achievement.

The attached table lists the number of schools in the area partaking in the programme. This year St Peters BNS was awarded the National Water Award for their application by Irish Water.