Pupils recycle their energy in stationary round-Ireland trip
The pupils of a West Cork school were celebrating while nursing some sore limbs over the weekend, after completing a novel fundraising cycle marathon.
The students of Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa in Castletownbere cycled a total of 5,700 kilometres — the coastal circumference of Ireland — over five days last week.
Drawn from all classes from junior infants and sixth class, they took it in turns to pedal seven stationary bikes set up in their school hall to raise money for their Green School Campaign Fund.
Several teachers saddled up too at the 205-pupil school, which has dedicated itself to several innovative ‘green’ initiatives in recent years.
In 2009, they installed a six-metre high 1kW wind turbine on the grounds, and connected it to the building’s electrical system. It has slashed the school’s bi-monthly electricity bill by up to €130.
The school also installed foil behind the radiators and fitted eco-switches to computers.
Funds raised from the cycle marathon will pay for the installation of a rainwater harvesting system.
Meanwhile, musician John Spillane has been lined up to play a gig at the school at 8.30pm on Sunday next to boost the fundraising efforts. Tickets, priced €10, are available locally.
