Donegal schools celebrated at 2026 Green Schools Awards Ceremony

In Donegal, 175 schools are registered with the programme, with 171 Green Flags flying across the county

Published 9th Jun 2026, 08:03 BST Pupils and staff of Killaghtee National School proudly celebrate receiving their Green Flag for Global Citizenship with members of Donegal County Council | Donegal County Council In Donegal, 175 schools are registered with the programme, with 171 Green Flags flying across the county Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.

Schools from across County Donegal gathered at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Letterkenny for the annual Donegal Green Schools Awards Ceremony.

Green Schools, known internationally as Eco-Schools, is a leading environmental education programme and award scheme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and coordinated in Ireland by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce.

An impressive number of students, teachers and principals were welcomed by Joanne Scott, Manager of Green Schools Ireland, in what was a day of celebration and achievement, with performances from Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Scoil an Aingil Choimhéadaí and St Columba’s National School.

Speaking at the event, Joanne highlighted that the Green Schools programme in Ireland, now in its 28th year, has participation from 85% of schools nationally. Ireland has the highest percentage of awarded Green Flags of any participating country and is widely regarded as an example of best practice internationally.

Aengus Kennedy, Nature North West and Green Schools Travel Officer, served as Master of Ceremonies, noting that Donegal schools were among the first to engage with the programme and that their participation continues to go from strength to strength.

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Cathaoirleach Cllr Paul Canning commended all those involved, stating: “Your collective commitment and hard work have made a lasting and positive contribution to our county and its communities. Our young people are leading the way and as a county we will continue to support you in building a greener future for Donegal, ensuring we remain at the forefront of sustainability and environmental leadership.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Rosita Mahony, Environmental Awareness Officer with Donegal County Council, encouraged students to carry forward what they have learned: “Whether that’s to secondary school, further education, third level or simply into your everyday lives, the habits and values you are developing now will stay with you and help shape a better future for all.”

Schools receiving their Green Flag were recognised under the following themes: Litter & Waste; Frosses National School, Niall Mór National School and Welchtown National School. For Water: St. Patrick's National School, St. Ernan's National School were recognised. In the Travel category, Gortnacart National School, Scoil Cholmcille, Trentagh National School, Holy Family NS received a flag. For Biodiversity, it was Scoil Naomh Pádraig, St. Eunan's College and Drumfad National School. In the Global Citizenship Energy theme, Mulroy College, Scoil Naomh Cholmcille, Monreagh National School and Killaghatee National School received acclaim. The Global Citizenship Marine theme saw St. Patrick's National School, St. Garvan's, Inver National School, Ayr Hill National School, Scoil an Linbh Íosa, Scoil an Aingil Choimhéadaí, Ballymore National School, Scoil Mhuire National School, St. Columba's National School and Donagh National School get a flag. The Global Citizenship Travel winners were Clonmany National School, Scoil Roisín and Kilkenny National School. While the Global Citizenship Food and Biodiversity awardees were Browneknowe National School, Convoy Joint National School, Ballyraine National School, St. Eunan's National School, Scoil Mhuire and Creevy National School.

The Global Citizenship Primary Climate Ambassador was Raphoe Central National School and for Global Citizenship Seakeepers it was Scoil Naomh Fionán and St. Patrick's B.National School.

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