Teachers and pupils from across the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area have been recognised for their outstanding environmental work at this year’s Eco-Schools Green Flag Awards.

Some 24 local schools received Green Flags, with special recognition for the Eco-Teacher and Eco-Pupil of the Year.

Eco-Teacher of the Year went to Una O’Donnell, of the Integrated Primary School, while James Connolly of St. Mary’s, Mullymesker, was Eco-Pupil of the Year.

McClintock Primary School, Seskinore was awarded Eco-School of the Year.

Sinead Murray, Environmental Education Coordinator at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, said: “This year we have been really impressed by the quality of applications from schools across the Council area.

“Pupils and teachers have really stepped up, and get the importance of taking concrete action against the climate emergency.

“The creativity and determination displayed by pupils can give all of us confidence in the future.

“We are delighted to see the ethos of the Eco-Schools programme so warmly embraced by so many schools.”

Following attendance at the event, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly (SF), said: “I would like to commend all of our young people and their teachers who engaged with the Eco-Schools programme over the past year, and congratulate all of those who have been recognised as Eco-Schools Green Flag Award winners.

“In reality, we are all winners as a result of your actions, which enrich our district, our communities and our lives.

“The Council is pleased to support the Eco-Schools Programme as it aligns to the Education and Outreach theme within the Council’s Biodiversity Strategy.

“The Council is committed to ensuring that our rich natural and cultural environment is protected, cherished, sustainably managed and appropriately accessible, and it is important that we encourage our young people to strive towards this objective as the future residents of our district,” he added.

Housing Executive Chair, Nicole Lappin, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners; [and for] more new Green Flags, with special recognition for the Council’s Best Eco-School and Eco-Teacher of the Year.

“We would like to reiterate the importance of educating our young people in energy and environmental awareness and taking direct action for the protection of our environment.

“We believe it is vitally important for them to be fully aware of how precious our world is, and that we need to do all we can to protect it.

“We are delighted to support these excellent Eco-Schools NI projects. We’ve been really impressed with the standard of work being produced by teachers, pupils, and the wider community.

“Their enthusiasm is truly inspirational, and we are proud to support them in ensuring a better future for everyone.”

The 2023 winners are: Green Flag: All Saints PS (Tattysallagh), Cooley PS (Sixmilecross), Denamona PS (Fintona), Enniskillen Integrated PS, Enniskillen Nursery, Gillygooley PS, Gortin PS, Holy Family PS (Omagh), Holy Trinity PS (Enniskillen), Jones Memorial PS (Enniskillen), Lisbellaw PS, McClintock PS (Seskinore), Omagh Country PS, St. Brigid’s PS (Mountfield), St. Colmcille’s PS (Carrickmore), St. Kevin’s College (Lisnaskea), St. Mary’s PS (Maguiresbridge), St. Mary’s PS (Mullymesker), St. Naile’s PS (Kinawley), St. Oliver Plunkett PS (Beragh), St. Patrick’s PS (Eskra), St. Patrick’s PS (Gortin), St. Patrick’s PS (Mullanaskea), and St. Ronan’s PS (Lisnaskea).

The awards have been supported by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Nexus.