This week, 16 schools from County Sligo were awarded Green Flags in recognition of their outstanding dedication to environmental sustainability. The awards were presented at a special ceremony held at the McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris—one of 12 regional events taking place nationwide throughout the month of May.

The ceremony brought together a vibrant gathering of students and teachers from Sligo, Leitrim, and Mayo to celebrate their achievements in environmental education and sustainable practices. Green-Schools, Ireland’s leading student-led environmental management and education programme, continues to inspire young changemakers across the country. The Sligo schools were recognised for their work across a range of themes, including Litter & Waste, Water, Travel, Biodiversity, and Global Citizenship. 

Notably, Scoil Naomh Molaise, Grange was awarded the Litter & Waste flag as they proudly reinstated the Green-Schools programme within their school community.

In a significant milestone, four schools were awarded their 10th Green Flag, celebrating over 20 years of continuous commitment to the Green-Schools Programme. These schools—Holy Family National School in Tubbercurry, Rathlee National School in Rathlee, St. Cecilia’s School in Cregg, and St. Michael’s National School in Cloonacool—have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability.

Áine O'Loughlen, Environmental Awareness Officer, Sligo County Council said,

“These schools are setting a powerful example in environmental leadership. Their commitment to the Green-Schools programme is truly commendable. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the students and teachers for their achievements. A special word of thanks goes to the school coordinators, whose guidance and support have been instrumental in empowering students to become active stewards of the environment and inspiring positive change in their communities”.

Schools received their Green Flags for the following themes:

Litter & Waste

• Scoil Naomh Molaise, Grange

Water

• Our Lady of Mercy N.S.. Sligo

Travel

• Carbury N.S, Sligo
• St. Attracta's Community School, Tubbercurry

Biodiversity

• Cliffoney N.S

Global Citizenship Litter and Waste

• Taunagh N.S., Riverstown

Global Citizenship Marine Environment

• Ballinlig, Beltra
• Scoil Chríost Rí, Rockfield

Global Citizenship Travel

• Coláiste Iascaigh, Easkey
• Kilglass N.S, Kilgalss
• Ransboro Primary School, Ransboro
• St. Lassara's N.S, Ballinacarrow

Global Citizenship Food and Bio

• Holy Family National School, Tubbercurry
• Rathlee N.S, Rathlee
• St. Cecilia's, Cregg
• St. Michael's N.S, Cloonacool