Waterford secondary schools recognised for litter challenge success

Fourteen Waterford secondary schools were represented at a reception in City Hall in December, in recognition of their dedication to keeping their local areas litter-free.

The Schools Litter challenge, which was held in 2025 for the fifth year, was sponsored by Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota, in association with Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber.

Secondary schools from across the city and county took part in the initiative and Abbey Community College, in Ferrybank, emerged as the overall winner. The school received €1,500 prize money, sponsored by Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota. The competition, which was launched in October, encouraged secondary schools to keep a designated local area litter-free.

Over the course of six weeks, the secondary school students involved identified litter black spots in their communities and carried out regular litter-picking. The initiative not only helped to keep streets and parks litter-free, but it also highlighted the detrimental effect litter, particularly single-use plastics, has on the environment.

Awarding the certificates to the participating schools and the prize to the overall winner,  Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said: “The Schools Litter Challenge not only brings far-reaching benefits to our communities, but it also shines a spotlight on the enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work of the participating schools. I would like to commend the students and their teachers for making a real difference."

"Come rain, hail, or shine, these students carried out their litter-picking tasks with unwavering diligence, keeping their local areas litter-free, protecting the environment, and contributing meaningfully to their communities," he said.

“It is both refreshing and reassuring to see a generation of young people so dedicated and passionate about enhancing their surroundings, safeguarding local biodiversity, and taking proactive steps to reduce the environmental harm caused by litter, particularly single-use plastics," he added. Mayor Ryan went on to comment: "They are all champions for a cleaner tomorrow".

The mayor also highlighted the support of Tom Murphy, a staunch advocate for Waterford for over 50 years, saying: “I’d like to thank Tom and the team at Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota for their unwavering support and for generously sponsoring this event. Tom is renowned for his contributions to communities and clubs in Waterford and we are delighted to partner with him and Toyota once again for this great initiative."

The mayor also welcomed Tom Murphy Car Sales Ambassador and Waterford Camogie All-Star, Niamh Rockett to the event. The local authority provided bags, gloves, litter pickers and high visibility vests to all schools and Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota sponsored the €1,500 prize for the winning school.

Mr Murphy said: "It’s inspiring to witness the students across the county actively participating in the litter challenge, demonstrating genuine commitment to environmental stewardship. Their efforts are a testament to the growing pride in our city & county and the positive changes we can achieve together."

“By prioritising environmental stewardship and celebrating civic responsibility, we have all taken a significant step forward in building a cleaner, more sustainable future," he said.

"The visible improvements resulting from the litter challenge have had a profound effect on the collective spirit of the city and county. Cleaner streets, parks, and public spaces are now a source of pride for residents, reflecting the positive influence of collaborative community action," he added.

Mr Murphy then said: "We sincerely appreciate the valuable support of Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Chamber of Commerce and Toyota Ireland, who helped make this initiative possible.” 

Ella Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Waterford City and County Council, said: “Well done to all the students and their teachers for once again embracing this initiative with such remarkable energy, passion, and commitment. Your efforts in creating cleaner, greener localities and communities have far-reaching benefits, helping to inspire others, strengthen community pride, and encourage each of us to make small but meaningful changes that collectively create a powerful, positive impact.”