It’s Good to be Green: Schools Receive Recognition at Green Flag Event

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin, welcomed local schools to Warrenpoint Town Hall for the Chairperson’s annual ‘Green Flag’ reception. The reception recognises the achievement of local schools which have obtained their Green Flags as part of the Eco-Schools Programme.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “The Green Flag award is internationally recognised and only obtained by schools which have reached the highest of environmental standards.  I want to commend all the staff and pupils for their hard work and especially mention members of their school’s Eco Committees. By taking part in your school’s Committee you have taken the lead and shown that you care about the environment. I look forward to seeing the Green Flags flying proudly outside all your schools.”

Cllr Murnin continued, “I am pleased to see four new schools, namely Saint Peter’s Primary School, Cloughreagh, Saint Mary’s Primary School, Mullaghbawn, Saint Patrick’s Primary School Hilltown and Castlewellan Primary School, participating in this important programme. The District now has thirty seven schools proudly flying the Green Flag.  This is an achievement that we can all be proud of.

Cllr Murnin added, “Continuing to be awarded a Green Flag year after year shows that the Eco-Schools programme is not just a ‘one off’ honour but is a long term commitment by each school to keep improving their environmental performance. Maintaining and improving our environment is important for all of us—and I congratulate our Green Flag schools for their involvement.”

Cathy Gorman, Eco-Schools NI Officer, said, “We are very pleased to once again join Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in celebrating with local pupils and schools which have been awarded the prestigious international Green Flag award. Schools in the area are working on some fantastic projects and the support and encouragement from the Council undoubtedly has contributed to their success.”

Fourteen schools also renewed their Green flag status this academic year with Cumran Primary School, Clough, receiving their flag for an impressive eighth time. Downpatrick Nursery School, which was the first school in the world to receive a Green Flag award, repeated their record-breaking achievement for the tenth time.