Antrim Primary School - Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge winner

Translink and the international Eco-Schools programme have rewarded local primary schools who took part in an innovative sustainable travel initiative.

Translink and the international Eco-Schools programme have rewarded local primary schools who took part in a four-week travel challenge that encouraged pupils to use sustainable transport for the school journey. Representing the challenge winners are l-r Megan Lendrum, Brownlee PS, Jordan Stewart, Antrim PS and Caitlin Lenfestey, St Aloysius PS in Lisburn The initiative aims to raise pupil awareness on the impact of transport on the environment and will be used to help schools achieve the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag standard.

The Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge encourages pupils, parents and teachers to use sustainable forms of transport for the school journey and aims to raise awareness on the impact of transport on the environment.

Antrim PS were the overall prize category winners for achieving the most eco-miles travelled over a four week period.

Translink’s Chief Operating Officer Philip O’Neill said:

“This schools initiative delivered in partnership with Eco Schools and TIDY Northern Ireland reflects Translink’s overall ‘Go Eco’ ethos in which we are focused on cutting carbon emissions and building a cleaner, more sustainable future for Northern Ireland.

“Over a four-week period, each participating school monitored individual pupil travel patterns for the school journey and encouraged more use of sustainable transport modes including walking, cycling, bus and train.

“Their commitment to this Travel Challenge has set a shining example to other young people about the benefits of adopting a greener lifestyle,” said Philip.

Jennifer Hargan, Eco-Schools Project Officer, said: 

“We have been delighted to be working in partnership with Translink on the Eco-Schools Travel Challenge and were very impressed with the efforts of the pupils and teachers from all the participating schools.

“Not only have they achieved fantastic results towards the use of more sustainable methods of transport to and from school, but all their hard work has also contributed towards helping those schools gain the prestigious international Eco-Schools Green Flag award. Very well done to everyone involved!’’ said Jennifer.

Schools interested in getting involved in the next Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge as part of their assessment for the Eco-Schools Awards Scheme can call 028 9073 6920.