O’Shea Welcomes Approval of 23 Cork Schools Under ESD to 2030 Initiative

Cork North West Fine Gael TD Deputy John Paul O’Shea has warmly welcomed the approval of 23 schools across Cork under the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to 2030 funding initiative, describing it as a major boost for sustainability education and community-led climate action across the county.

The successful Cork schools will benefit from almost €100,000 in total funding, supporting projects that empower students to take practical action on sustainability within their schools and local communities during the 2025/26 school year.

Deputy O’Shea said “This is very positive news for Cork. These 23 schools will now be supported to lead meaningful, student-driven projects that promote environmental awareness, social responsibility and economic sustainability at local level. It shows a real commitment to putting young people at the heart of climate action.”

The ESD to 2030 programme prioritises local community action, encouraging schools to build partnerships with community groups, voluntary organisations and local stakeholders to deliver real and lasting change. Funding can be used for projects such as improving school grounds, student-led sustainability initiatives, teacher training, and collaborative local projects.

Cork Schools approved under the ESD initiative are listed here:

Deputy O’Shea added “What is particularly important about this initiative is that it goes beyond the classroom. It empowers students to become active citizens in their own communities while giving schools the tools they need to embed sustainability into everyday learning and decision-making.”

The ESD to 2030 strategy focuses on five key priority areas:

• Aligning Policy

• Transforming Learning Environments

• Building Capacity of Educators

• Empowering and Mobilising Youth

• Accelerating Local Level Action

Deputy O’Shea also highlighted the importance of the Sustainability Toolkit for Schools, which is supporting Cork schools in developing Sustainability Policy Statements and implementing the School Sector Climate Action Mandate.

“This funding aligns directly with Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and our national and international commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Cork schools are now playing a leading role in shaping a more sustainable future,” he said.

Deputy O’Shea concluded by congratulating all the successful schools and their staff and students. “I want to commend the teachers, principals and pupils involved. Their enthusiasm and leadership are critical to ensuring that sustainability becomes a core part of how we live, learn and work in Cork.”

Additional Info:

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to 2030 is the second National Strategy on ESD and is co-sponsored by the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. The strategy supports the implementation of the Climate Action Plan, the EU Green Deal and the UN 2030 Agenda.