Nine Westmeath schools taking part in green project

Nine Westmeath schools that have already earned an An Taisce"s Green Flag are now embarking on An Taisce"s Green Energy Project sponsored by ESB Independent Energy (EBS IE).Through support and engagement with local businesses they will get the opportunity to see, learn and generate new ideas on the benefits and impacts of best practice in Energy Management.The nine Westmeath schools are: Scoil Mhuire and Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar; All Saints National School, Mullingar; Presentation Junior National School, Mullingar; St. Michael"s National School, Castlepollard; St. Oliver Plunkett"s Boys" National School, Moate; Convent National School, Moate; Clonbonny National School, Athlone, and St. Peter"s National School, Athlone.The aim of Green-Schools is to increase students" and participant awareness of environmental and sustainable development issues through classroom studies and to transfer this knowledge into positive environmental action in the school and also in the wider community. Schools can submit projects based on what has been learnt and these projects will be submitted into a competition and can win prizes for their schools.Officially launching the project, Energy Minister Eamon Ryan said: 'A basic knowledge of the need to reduce emissions and conserve diminishing resources will not suffice. We must be practical in generating awareness and the solution-focused outlook of the Green Schools project is impressive. Without question, educating children on in the efficient use of scarce resources and its impact on our environment is where the solution lies, and this is where a real difference can be made.'