Forester Mike O’Mara and second year student Liam Costelloe helping with the recent planting at Coláiste Chiaráin.
Coláiste Chiaráin took another big step in its journey toward sustainability by recently planting more than 2,000 native Irish trees. These trees will form a beautiful, tree-lined avenue at the school’s entrance, creating not just a scenic walkway, but a lasting legacy of the school’s commitment to the environment.
The school has been steadily growing its green spaces over the last few years. In 2022, over 3,500 native trees were planted to create a dedicated biodiversity park and walkway on it’s 22-acre campus. This was supported by Coillte, Crann, Easytreesie, the Tree Council of Ireland, Limerick Central Rotary Club and Richard O’Donoghue TD. The project included the planting of thousands of native Irish trees such as beech, oak, Scots pine, silver birch and more.
In 2021, students planted a mixed fruit orchard as part of the “Orchards in the Community” initiative with Kirby Group Engineering, providing early food sources for native bees and other pollinators.
Gerard O’Sullivan, Coláiste Chiaráin principal, Tony Brazil, Coláiste Chiaráin & Limerick Central Rotary Club, Gerard Lynch, Tallybrooke Civil Engineering Ltd and President of Limerick Central Rotary Club, Cllr Dan McSweeney, Príomh-Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr John O’Donoghue, Limerick TD, Richard O’Donoghue, Carmel Lynch, Senior Executive Engineer, Environment and Climate Action at Limerick City and County Council, John Kelly, Coláiste Chiaráin and Founder President of Limerick Central Rotary Club.
The school’s latest project was made possible through a strong community partnership with Limerick City and County Council, the Tree Council of Ireland, and the Limerick Central Rotary Club. Key supporters include Carmel Lynch, Ger Lynch, Tony Brasil, Brendan Fitzsimons, Cllr John O’Donoghue, and TD Richard O’Donoghue, all of whom played important roles in bringing the project to life.
Mayor John Moran praised the initiative, saying: “Coláiste Chiaráin continues to lead by example in environmental stewardship and sustainability. The planting of over 2,000 native Irish trees is a testament to the school’s dedication to fostering biodiversity and creating a greener future for Limerick.”
Coláiste Chiaráin principal Gerard O’Sullivan spoke about the legacy of the initiative: “This tree-lined avenue will be a proud and lasting welcome to all who enter our school for generations to come. It is a visible symbol of our commitment to sustainability, environmental action and a fitting continuation of the rich biodiversity work already undertaken on our campus.”
Chloe Danagher, 3rd year student, Green Schools, Coláiste Chiaráin.
Commenting on this latest initiative and partnership on behalf of the executive team, Senior Executive Engineer with Environment and Climate Action at Limerick City and County Council Carmel Lynch said: “This fantastic initiative by Coláiste Chiaráin is more important than ever as we face the challenges of the climate crisis. The planting of over 2,000 native Irish trees is a powerful step toward restoring biodiversity. This project demonstrates how local action can contribute to a healthier planet.”
Projects like this are more than symbolic, they form part of a comprehensive sustainability vision at Coláiste Chiaráin that integrates education, wellbeing, biodiversity and climate action. Through active participation from students, staff and local and national partners, the school continues to progress and inspire a model for environmentally conscious education.
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