Newport school celebrates World Water Day with 'Walk for Water'

Green Schools and Uisce Éireann host annual event in Killarney National Park

Rain did not stop play for two schools from Tipperary and West Cork, with students arriving at a wet and scenic Killarney National Park to celebrate World Water Day.

Over 40 students and teachers from Scoil Náisiúnta Réidh na nDoirí, Múscraí and St. Mary's Secondary School, Newport set off on the challenge that is the Green Schools/Uisce Éireann ‘Walk for Water’ event. At the legendary Ross Castle, students filled their water bottles from Lough Leane while Wastewater Lead from Uisce Éireann, Anna Brosnan spoke to them about how wastewater is treated and safely returned to local rivers and lakes. Anna also spoke to them about how only the three Ps – pee, poo and paper - should be flushed down the toilet and how items like cotton buds and wet wipes can cause blockages and can harm the environment.

Carrying as much water as they could, some carrying as much as six litres, the students walked six kilometres to highlight water scarcity and experience the journey travelled every day by women and children to access clean water in parts of the developing world.

In the surroundings of Killarney National Park, the students learnt about how important access to clean water is and what actions they can take to help ensure a clean water supply is available globally. The students also learnt how to construct a ‘tippy tap’, which is a hand-made device for washing hands with running water. With handwashing and hygiene being increasingly important, the students constructed their tippy taps using sticks, stones, some string, and an empty bottle.

Commenting on the Walk for Water, Oliver Harney, Water Lead in Co. Kerry for Uisce Éireann said, “The theme for World Water Day 2023 is ‘Accelerating Change’ - to solve the water and sanitation crisis.

“Helping the next generation to understand the importance of conserving water is a key part of our role in safeguarding Ireland’s water supply, so we are delighted to be partnering with An Taisce's Green-Schools Water Theme again this year. The Walk for Water is a creative way for the students to understand that clean water is a precious resource and that we all need to take action to conserve it.”

“You might think, ‘I’m only one person, what I do doesn’t have an impact’, but there are so many little things we can do that makes a difference. A little change can go a long way. As water affects us all, we can all play our part. We can change simple habits like reducing shower time and not running the tap while brushing your teeth. There are great tips on our website https://www.water.ie/conservation/”

Senior Theme Coordinator with Green Schools, Dave Brooks, highlighted the importance of the event: “Each year we can see the difference the experience makes for the attending students; they go home with a greater awareness of what water scarcity is, how important conservation and sustainable development has become and, of course, with a greater appreciation for the beautiful surrounds of places like Killarney National Park.”

The event is a key part of the Water Theme of the Green Schools programme, which is supported by Uisce Éireann. The attending students incorporated games and demonstrations into their walk, which took in the challenging red walking route in the park.