Coomatallin

Drinagh National School has transformed an outdoor space and brought learning to life with the installation of a striking new Geo-Dome Polytunnel — an exciting, hands-on project that’s teaching young children about food, biodiversity, and caring for the environment.

Located at the front of the school, along the road, the dome – surrounded by colourful raised planter beds – has quickly become a local landmark. The space is not only a vibrant visual feature but also a thriving hub of learning and discovery. Students are busy planting, watering and harvesting tomatoes, strawberries and cucumbers alongside, pollinator-friendly plants that attract bees and butterflies, helping children see biodiversity in action.

More than just a gardening project, the Geo-Dome is an immersive “living classroom” where students learn where food comes from, how ecosystems work, and why sustainability matters. It also supports the school’s journey towards a new Green Flag and participation in garden and sustainability competitions.
The dome nurtures more than plants – it supports student wellbeing, offering a calm, creative break from the traditional classroom while encouraging teamwork, healthy habits, and a deeper connection to nature.
With a total garden investment of €18,000, this project shows how small-scale funding can spark meaningful climate education and sustainability.

This initiative directly supports the UN SDG4 +SDG13 by embedding sustainability into everyday life and inspiring the next generation. It’s turning heads and sowing seeds for the future

"The Geo-Dome gives our students a chance to grow — not just crops, but curiosity, community, and climate awareness. They’re learning lessons that will last a lifetime.”

Dominic Hayes, Principal, Drinagh National School

Drinagh Community Association continue to lead by example in rural sustainability, with the installation of three off-grid solar PV street lights at the popular viewing point on Curraghalcky Lake - the latest in a series of smart, community driven energy projects.

Powered entirely by the sun, these solar powered street lights with in-pole batteries provide clean, reliable lighting to an area with no conventional power supply, improving visibility and safety for visitors after dark- without adding to energy bills or carbon emissions.

Building on the success of a similar project at the local tennis court, this latest installation is a natural next step for the Association, which uses off-grid renewable energy to enhance public spaces and improve quality of life.

This project directly supports the UN SDGs 7, 11, and 13 - by demonstrating how smalls-scale, off-grid solutions can deliver long-term social environmental benefits.

"We focus on projects that reflect the local needs and values, solar proves to be a perfect fit, its sustainable, cost effective and community powered.”

Margaret Murphy, Secretary, Drinagh Community Association

Dunmanway Community Council is taking climate action into its own hands- showing how practical, community-led initiatives can make a meaningful impact in building a greener, more climate resilient future.

With €3,000 in support from the Coomatallin Community Fund, the group planted 40 pollinator-friendly trees in grass sections at the local town park, including transplanted silver birch and planting a variety of new fruit-bearing trees. These trees will offer more than beauty – they’ll provide shade, habitat, and food sources, while helping to absorb CO2, supporting local pollinators, and enrich the park as a shared space for people and wildlife alike.

To raise awareness and deepen community engagement, the group also installed educational biodiversity posters, inviting residents to learn more about native species and the importance of protecting local ecosystems.

This initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action by enhancing carbon capture, boosting biodiversity, and building environmental awareness at the local level.

"Small steps like these add up to real impact- for climate, community, and future generations.”

Tommy Collins, Project Lead, Dunmanway Community Council