‘Walking bus’ for school green flag bid

CHILDREN in a leading “green school” have taken a big step towards promoting sustainable transport.

The pupils of Scoil Eoin National School in Ballincollig, Co Cork, embraced the US-style “walking bus” initiative last week and launched eight schemes around the town.

Dozens of children who live in estates close to the school on Station Road were collected by walking bus leaders from locations near their homes for the walk to school in groups.

Despite rain showers, dozens of children from the junior classes right up to sixth class took part. Some had to walk up to three miles to school.

Holding a rope, the children walked in pairs, led and followed by parents wearing high-visibility vests and some waving school flags.

The school is one of the country’s leading green schools and has three green flags to its name – for recycling, energy conservation and water-saving initiatives. The school launched the walking bus initiative in a bid to acquire its fourth flag. It is hoped the scheme will continue throughout the year.

“This green flag will be awarded for promoting sustainable travel,” said school spokeswoman Fiona Reihill.

“This means that we need to reduce the number of cars bringing children to school and to promote walking and cycling to school.

“A special word of thanks must go to the many parents who supported this initiative.”

The school’s green flag committee, which is supported by An Taisce, includes teachers, parents and pupils.