From the Lee Fields to the Curraheen River: Cork Students Walk for Water Awareness
Starting at the Lee Fields and continuing along the Curraheen River, this year’s Walk for Water in Cork took place in a truly picturesque setting.
The event, organised by An Taisce Green-Schools in partnership with Uisce Éireann, marked Earth Day, which this year highlights the power of individuals and communities to demand climate action and protect biodiversity.
The Walk for Water brought together over 50 students from Nano Nagle College (Farranree), St Aloysius Secondary School (Cork City), and Coláiste an Phiarsaigh (Glanmire) to explore and appreciate the natural environment and local heritage.
Stephen Hayes of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann highlighted the Old Waterworks across the River Lee, which once pumped water to households that could afford it. Today, a water treatment plant upgraded in 2022 at a cost of €40 million supplies water to 70% of Cork City. He emphasised that providing clean water comes at a cost and that we all have a role in avoiding waste.
The Green-Schools Committee at Coláiste an Phiarsaigh ran a successful five-minute shower campaign this year. “People our age are known to take long showers. Our campaign encouraged everyone to save as much water as possible over a week by reporting their five-minute showers. For some, it was their first time trying it and even doing it once showed them it’s possible. It created a great buzz in our school,” said one committee member.
The Walk for Water also encouraged students to reflect on how nature makes them feel. The Curraheen River provides an ideal setting to tune into birdsong.
“We tuned into the sounds by creating a sound map, each of us identifying natural and human sounds around us. Even a few minutes of this can help you relax and become more aware of your surroundings,” said Sabrina Moore, Green-Schools Programme Coordinator with An Taisce.
With growing awareness of mental health, it is increasingly recognised that spending time in nature can bring significant benefits. The Walk for Water offered a meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day.
Pupils and teachers from St. Aloysius School, Cork; Nano Nagle College, Cork and Coláiste Na Phiarsaigh, Glanmire, Cork, along with Uisce Éireann personnel and An Taisce, at the Green Schools Walk for Water event along the Lee Fields, Cork on Thursday, 23 April. (Picture: Adrian O'Herlihy)
Stephen Hayes, Uisce Eireann, pictured with Giacomo Girardi and Rebecca Parisi from Nano Nagle College, Farranree, at the Green Schools Walk for Water event along the Lee Fields, Cork on Thursday, 23 April. (Picture: Adrian O'Herlihy)
Stephen Hayes, Uisce Éireann, pictured with Olivia Looney and Devananda Dileep from St. Aloysius School, Cork, at the Green Schools- Walk for Water event along the Lee Fields, Cork. (Picture: Adrian O'Herlihy)
Stephen Hayes, Uisce Éireann, pictured showing the Lee Road Water Treatment Plants to Ellie Cawley-Gildea and James O'Donovan from Coláiste Na Phiarsaigh, Glanmire, Cork, at the Green Schools Walk for Water event along the Lee Fields, Cork. (Picture: Adrian O'Herlihy)
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