LOCAL SCHOOLS RECEIVE PRESTIGEOUS GREEN FLAGS

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Naomi Bailie, welcomed local schools to the Council Chamber in the Downpatrick Office for the annual presentation of Green Flags.

10 schools received their first green flags this year taking the total number of schools throughout the district proudly flying the Green Flag to 44. 

Councillor Baillie speaking to the teachers and pupils attending the presentation ceremony said, “This is a tremendous achievement. The Green Flag award is internationally recognised and only obtained by those schools who have reached the highest of environmental standards.”

“Well done to all the staff and pupils whose hard work has resulted in these awards.  A special word of congratulations to the members of the Eco Committees present here today. You have taken the lead by making sure that your school cares about the environment.” she added.

Ruth Van Ry, Eco Schools Project Officer, who attended the reception said, “I am delighted to see the continued success of the Eco Schools programme in the new Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area.  Local councils play an important role in encouraging schools to take part in the Programme and the hard work is there for all to see in Newry, Mourne and Down.  All schools in the District are registered with the Programme and every year more new schools are successful in achieving the top award of the green flag.”

For further details of the Eco Schools programme visit www.eco-schoolsni.org.uk.