Boyne Community School, Colaiste na hInse, Ratoath College, St Ciarans Community School, St Patricks Classical School, Ashbourne Educate Together, Colaiste Pobail Rathcairn, Franciscan College Gormanston, Gaelscoil na Boinne, Scoil Naomh Bride Trim, St Andrews NS Curragha, St Marys NS Enfield, Gaelscoil Eanna, Loreto Navan, Carrickleck NS, Kilmainhamwood NS, Phil’s Montessori Kilcock, Scoil Naomh Pheadar agus Phoil Drumconrath, St Annes Loreto Primary Navan, St Finians NS Clonard, St Josephs NS Boyerstown, Scoil Colmcille Skryne, St Joseph’s NS Dunderry, St Oliver Plunkett NS Navan, Kilskyre NS, Scoil Mhuire Moylagh and St Patricks NS Slane all received their Green Flags for their extensive work on the Green Schools Initiative over a range of themes – Litter and Waste, Water, Travel, Biodiversity and  ‘Global Citizenship – Litter & Waste, Energy, Marine and Travel’.

Green Schools is an immersive 7 step action programme tacking an environmental theme over a two-year period.  On completion of the steps schools can apply for a Green Flag which will be valid for 2 years.  The school then move onto the next theme whilst maintaining the work completed in their previous project.  ‘Green Schools is a difficult but rewarding programme’ commented Joanne Scott, An Taisce Green Schools Manager, ‘and it is really encouraging to see the high level of involvement and commitment from teachers, students, caretakers and principals in Meath year on year’.

The Green School Programme is operated by 15 million students in 70 countries.  85% of Irish Schools are currently or have participated in the initiative making Ireland one of the most successful Green Schools Project in the world.

The students and teachers were delighted to get their flags and many school parties and flag raising events are due to take place in the coming weeks.

The talented students from Phil’s Montessori in Kilcock entertained the crowd with their original recycling song.