Students from across Limerick and Clare showcased innovative climate action projects at the second annual Make A Switch competition, hosted this year at Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s College of FET, Green Innovation Campus in Roxboro, Limerick. The competition, which promotes student-led responses to climate change, continues to grow in scale and impact, bringing together Primary and Post-Primary schools to develop practical, creative solutions focused on sustainability and environmentally responsible living.
This year’s event marked an important milestone with its move to the Nearly-Zero Energy Building (NZEB) Green Innovation Campus, one of a network of NZEB Centres of Excellence across Ireland. These centres play a key role in supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy, offering advanced training in sustainable construction, energy efficiency and green technologies. With its cutting-edge facilities and immersive learning environment, the campus provided an ideal setting for a competition centred on climate innovation.
Participating schools this year included Castletroy College, St John Bosco Community College, Mungret Community College, Kilkee Community College, Desmond College, Coláiste Iósaef (Kilmallock), Coláiste na Trócaire (Rathkeale), Fedamore Community National School, and Limerick Community Special School. On arrival, students were welcomed by staff at the Green Innovation Campus, who guided them through the state-of-the-art facility. Students had the opportunity to explore the interactive zone, engaging with virtual reality and simulation technologies that brought sustainable building concepts to life.
The Top Post-Primary School Award was presented to Desmond College for its project 3D Whiteboard Cleaner. The school received a perpetual trophy, framed certificate, €1,000 towards Climate Action and Sustainability measures within their school, and a €500 voucher for an adventure day at an Outdoor Education and Training Centre (The Burren or Kilfinane). The Top Community National/Special School Award went to Fedamore Community National School for their project Re-Action, receiving a perpetual trophy (kindly sponsored by IPB), framed certificate, €1,000 funding towards Climate Action and Sustainability measures within their school, and an Outdoor Education and Training Centre voucher.
Students from Fedamore Community National School receiving the Top Community National School/Special School Award from Robert McCormack of IPB Insurance at the 2026 Make A Switch competition
Additional awards at the final included:
- Castletroy College, winner of the Most Engaging Exhibit Award, receiving a framed certificate and €250 for Our Air Quality Journey
- Mungret Community College, awarded the Creativity (Thinking Outside the Box) Award, receiving a framed certificate and €250 for Eco-Volt
- Limerick Community Special School, who received a Special Commendation: Seeds of Change Award for LCSS Can Reduce, receiving a framed certificate and a €200 voucher for O’Mahony’s Bookshop
- Zeina Mohammed, Coláiste Iósaef (Kilmallock), received the Outstanding Student Contribution Award in recognition of her passion and knowledge.
The competition trophies, created by Further Education and Training artist Simon Donnelly and instructor PJ Hehir, were showcased on the day, highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship behind each unique piece. The judging panel featured Michael Curran, SOLAS; Maeve O’Reilly, SEAI; and Michael Walsh, Department of Education and Youth. The judges commended the exceptionally high standard of entries, praising students for their innovation, depth of research, and ability to clearly communicate practical solutions to real-world climate challenges.
Addressing the event, Chief Executive, Limerick and Clare ETB, Bernadette Cullen, praised the students’ leadership and commitment to climate action, highlighting the importance of empowering young people to drive meaningful change in their communities. The event also showcased strong collaboration across the ETB, with attendance from Director of FET, Paul Patton; Director of Schools, Donncha Ó Treasaigh; and Director of Organisation Support and Development, Eamon Murphy, alongside staff from various FET campuses and services across the region including Outdoor Education and Training Centres, The Burren and Kilfinane; An t-Ionad Glas Organic Campus in Dromcollogher and Mulgrave Street Campus in Limerick (who showcased the fantastic work they are doing with a dedicated, green campus space where learners can unwind and interact away from computers and devices, contributing positively to the campus environment).
Zeina Mohammed of Coláiste Iósaef Kilmallock receiving the Outstanding Student Contribution Award from Michael Curran (SOLAS) at the Make A Switch competition at the Green Innovation Campus
Exhibition stands on the day further highlighted sustainability initiatives across the ETB, including contributions from the Outdoor Education and Training Centres, An t-Ionad Glas Organic Campus, Mulgrave Street Campus, and the DECO2 project in partnership with TUS. The NZEB Green Innovation Campus also showcased renewable technologies including heat pumps, solar panels, VR units and simulators. As the competition continues to evolve, Make A Switch is establishing itself as a key platform for student voice and action on climate change, now strengthened by its new home in a national Centre of Excellence dedicated to sustainability and green skills.
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