A great idea from Ennis pupils

ENNIS pupils are among the finalists in the nationwide search for One Good Idea to tackle climate change and promote energy efficiency.
The Idir-bhliain pupils from Gaelcholáiste an Chláir have qualified as one of the top 20 teams in the country to go on to the competition’s national final in Dublin Castle in May.
Under the guidance of their geography teacher, Yvonne Walsh, they are promoting greener travel in the school. The team is lead by Niamh Ní Chearbhallain, Susan Ní Fhogartaigh, Sorcha Ní Ghríofa and Cian Ó Ceallaigh and assisted by their classmates in idir-bhliain.
Their one good idea is titled The Human Bus, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion, air and noise pollution and safety risks surrounding the school in the mornings. 
Yvonne explained, “Students were dropped off at designated stops around the town and walked together to the school thus reducing traffic congestion in front of the school in the morning”.
Over the next two weeks, pupils will be developing the project further by organising a Walk it Wednesday and Carpool Thursday to continue to promote greener travel amongst pupils in the school.
The One Good Idea project is organised by SEAI and supported by the Better Energy programme and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. The aim of the project is to increase pupils’ understanding of energy efficiency and climate change by encouraging them to take individual and collective responsibility for tackling these important issues and to highlight how one good idea can make a big difference to our pockets, ourselves and our planet.
At the final, the judges will listen to each team present their campaign and winning teams will be rewarded with prizes. Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Fergus O’Dowd will be in attendance.
Aoife Cannon, of the SEAI said of the project, “We had a tough job choosing the finalists this year but Gaelcholáiste an Chláir made a very strong impression on the judges with their innovative project and deep understanding of the topic. It has been very encouraging to see the time and effort the students put in – we are looking forward to the final already.”