Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey, hosted a reception in Warrenpoint Town Hall for local schools which have been awarded their first Green Flags as part of the Eco-Schools programme.

Ten schools in total received their flags this academic year, taking the number of schools throughout the district proudly flying the Green Flag to 40. 

Councillor Casey said, “Every one of you should be very proud of this tremendous achievement. The Green Flag award is internationally recognised and only schools which have reached the highest of environmental standards are given this prestigious award.

“I have been really inspired to hear all about the work you have undertaken, and I hope this continues into the future. Our environment depends on young people like you and the decisions you make.”

Dorothy Corkin, Eco-Schools Assessor, who attended the reception on behalf of Eco-Schools NI said, “I am delighted to be a guest of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council at your Eco-Schools Green Flag celebration event. As an Eco-Schools assessor I know first-hand the hard work that goes into obtaining the Green Flag for the first time. Congratulations to both pupils and teachers on this tremendous achievement.”

Pete Graham, Education Officer with Habitat for Humanity NI attended the celebration where he gave a presentation on his organisation’s work and how their education programme links with the waste and global perspective topics of the Eco-Schools programme.

Attending the event were teachers and members of the Eco School committees from St Patrick’s Primary School, Mayobridge; Knockevin Special School, Downpatrick; Kilkeel Primary School; St Joseph’s Primary School, Killough; St Patrick’s Primary School, Newry and St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School, Forkhill.

The event finished with Councillor Casey presenting each school’s eco committee with their Green Flag and a commemorative certificate.