Gorey students winners of national sustainability award

By Dan Walsh

Second-level schools across County Wexford are being called to participate in this year’s Student Enterprise Programme (SEP), a nationwide initiative that will engage over 28,000 students in setting up and running their own mini-enterprises throughout the academic year.

The Student Enterprise Programme has been a cornerstone of the secondary school experience in County Wexford for over two decades. It has inspired countless students to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, with many continuing to make significant contributions to the business world long after leaving school.

County Wexford has a proud history of success in the programme. Most notably, Creagh College in Gorey saw students Matt Furlong and Adam Connolly, under the guidance of their teacher Edel Peters, win the National Sustainability Award in the Senior Category for the academic year 2022/2023. Their innovative product, Eco Fire, offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels such as coal, peat, and firewood.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Pip Breen, who officially launched this year’s programme, emphasised its significance and said; “The Student Enterprise Programme is vital to the economy and community of Wexford. It empowers young people, encourages innovation, and cultivates a culture of entrepreneurship that benefits everyone in the county. By supporting our students today, we are investing in the future leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”

“This is a fantastic initiative, and we encourage all students in the county to participate in the programme for the upcoming academic year,” said Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development.

The SEP, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, is the largest enterprise programme for second-level students in Ireland. Students from 1st to 6th year can enter in Junior, Intermediate, and Senior categories.

For the 2024/2025 school year, a new range of online resources, including blogs and comprehensive materials for both students and teachers, is available at http://www.StudentEnterprise.ie.