Picture shows: CALTRA NS placed second in the West-Midlands Credit Union Green Schools Sustainability Awards. Pictured are Eric Walsh of Caltra NS, Kayleigh Donohoe of West-Midlands Credit Union, and Marie Crehan, Deputy Principal of Caltra NS.

Local schools win sustainability awards

Published: Tue 23 Jun 2026, 6:00 PM

TWO North East Galway schools have been rewarded for their sustainability efforts by the West-Midlands Credit Union.

Caltra National School placed second in the Green Schools Sustainability Awards with Coosan NS in Athlone taking first position.

Primary schools within the West-Midlands Credit Union area were invited to make submissions for the Green Schools Sustainability Awards on a sustainability project under one of four headings – reducing litter and waste, water saving, biodiversity and energy conservation.

Gardenfield NS on the outskirts of Tuam picked up the Special Merit Award for the school’s contribution to local sustainability efforts, an award that was sponsored by the Tuam Tidy Towns Committee.

“Tuam Tidy Towns has always believed in the strength of community action, and there is no greater driver of positive change than young people who care for their environment.

“We were delighted to support a Special Merit Award in this year’s competition and to witness the fantastic initiatives being carried out in our local schools,” said Helen Gillard of Tuam Tidy Towns.

“Gardenfield National School truly represents the spirit of grassroots sustainability, showing how small actions can create a meaningful impact across the wider community.”