Green-Schools in Ireland is operated and co-ordinated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce (FEE member for Ireland), in partnership with Local Authorities throughout the country, is supported by the Depatment of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Transport and is sponsored by Repak, ESB Independent Energy and the Wrigley Company Ltd.
Over 3,240 primary, secondary and special schools in Ireland (>80% of all Irish schools) are currently participating part in the programme and 1,759 schools have been awarded the Green Flag. The Irish Green-Schools programme is one of the most succesful within the international network. One of the main factors in the success of the Irish Green-Schools programme is the partnership between the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce and Local Authorities i.e. the financial and time contribution of the Local Authorities to the programme. Most of the Local Authorities (City & County Coucils) have an Environmental Education Officer (EEO). These officers provide the invaluable on the ground support to schools undertaking the programme.
Green-Schools is also working with South & East Cork Area Development (SECAD), to provide support to schools in the south and east Cork area. The pilot involved the devlopment of the role of a Local Area Green-Schools co-ordinator to work with schools and the wider community on Great Island. This work has continued into other parts of area. For more information click here.
Green-Schools is a themed and seven-step programme. For more information on the Seven Steps and the Green-Schools themes click here.
If you want to find out how to get your school involved in Green-Schools click here.