Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan has welcomed the allocation of €15,327 in funding for schools across County Louth to support sustainability initiatives under the Education for Sustainable Development programme.
The funding has been awarded to seven primary and post-primary schools as part of the 2025/2026 Education for Sustainable Development funding round. Individual grants range from €1,000 to €2,500 and will support projects focused on environmental awareness, climate action and sustainable practices. The funding is being delivered under the Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development, also known as ESD to 2030.
This local investment forms part of a wider national announcement confirming over €850,000 in funding for Education for Sustainable Development projects across 390 schools nationwide.
The schools in County Louth to benefit from the funding are:
- €2,495 for Redeemer Girls National School for an app to rate school meals and tackle food waste.
- €2,500 for Scoil Caoimhin Naofa for the redevelopment of a sensory garden.
- €2,368 for St Paul’s SNS for an outdoor classroom.
- €2,000 for Ardee Community School for a waste management system and a outdoor classroom.
- €2,100 for Our Lady’s College for a polytunnel.
- €1,864 for Scoil na Sceachóige for a composter and shrubs for an outdoor learning space.
- €2,000 for St Joseph’s CBS Secondary School for a biodiversity garden.
Speaking following the announcement, Deputy Erin McGreehan said the projects would help spark curiosity among young people and encourage early engagement with sustainability across a wide range of topics.
She said the funding provides meaningful support for schools and teachers and empowers students to explore, understand and take action on sustainability issues that are of growing importance locally and globally. She added that it is essential for learners to develop the skills required to actively participate in sustainable development initiatives.
Deputy McGreehan also noted that this year’s projects place a strong emphasis on local-level action, encouraging schools to engage beyond the classroom and build stronger connections within their communities.
A wide range of initiatives are supported through Education for Sustainable Development funding, including school gardens, outdoor classrooms, recycling systems, composting projects, biodiversity initiatives, food waste management, energy education, student-led sustainability projects, teacher professional development and sustainability-themed workshops.
Funding under ESD to 2030 aims to help schools further develop sustainability projects, strengthen community partnerships and support the delivery of sustainability policies and climate action commitments across the education sector.
