Carndonagh school wins award for sand dune project from Marine Institute

Scoil Naomh Pádraig in Carndonagh has been named a national winner for its outstanding work protecting the sand dunes at Culdaff, securing the Marine Institute’s Ocean Champions Award in the Marine Outdoor School Project category for 2024/25.
The prestigious award comes as part of the Explorers Education Programme’s Ocean Champions Awards. Out of 28 schools across Ireland that took part in the Explorers Healthy Ocean Projects, Scoil Naomh Pádraig was one of only five schools shortlisted for the prize.

“The ‘Save Our Sand Dunes’ project genuinely impressed the judges with its innovative approach, raising awareness and achieving deep community involvement in protecting the local sand dunes,” Cushla Dromgool-Regan, Explorers programme manager, said.

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Led by William McElhinney, outreach officer from the Explorers Education Programme, the project saw students take a hands-on role in studying the dunes at Culdaff and exploring how they have changed over time.

“The students led the project by exploring the sand dunes at Culdaff, Inishowen, and investigated how they have changed over the years,” Mr McElhinney explained. “Through class discussions, meetings with experts, and the development of artwork, the children effectively showcased the vital ecological role sand dunes play within marine ecosystems, particularly their importance in protecting coastal areas.”
Mr McElhinney added: “I want to thank the teachers and students for seamlessly integrating scientific inquiry, environmental restoration, artistic expression, and strong community engagement into their schoolwork. This holistic approach fostered a profound understanding and sense of stewardship for marine environments among the students and their community.”
The project was the result of strong collaboration between the school and a wide range of partners, including the Heritage in School Programme, Donegal County Council, Spraoi agus Sport, Culdaff Tidy Town Association, Professor Kevin Lynch (ATU Galway University), parents, and the wider community.

The work was led within the school by teachers Noel Doherty and John McFeely.
“We are absolutely delighted to have received this award,” said principal Anne McLaughlin. “The students and teachers adopted a whole-school approach that included all students taking part in interactive presentations, group discussions, live demonstrations with sand dune models, visual arts, field studies, and community-based actions.
“This project not only deepened students’ environmental learning but also provided an excellent opportunity for us all to learn about the impact we have as a community on our local sand dunes and the benefits of working together to protect them now and in the future.”