Mayo 'Walks for Water' event raises awareness for global water crisis

Uisce Éireann and An Taisce’s 'Walks for Water' event succeeds in Mayo.

As part of the Uisce Éireann’s ongoing partnership with An Taisce’s Green-Schools programme, and to mark World Water Day, the 'Walks for Water' events took place nationwide.

The initiative of the event is to raise awareness about the global water crisis affecting 2.2 billion people living without access to safe drinking water. 

Students and teachers from several schools, including Presentation College Headford, completed a six-kilometre walk around Cong whilst carrying recycled cartons filled with water on their backs, simulating the daily journey of women and children in developing countries. 

Senior Coordinator of the Green-schools Water Programme with An Taisce, Sabrina Moore, said each year the impact the walk has on its participants is seen by the organisation.

“They go home with a greater awareness of what water scarcity is, how important water conservation and sustainable development is, and of course, with a greater appreciation for the beautiful surrounds of places like Glendalough, Cong, and Gougane Barra in Cork,” she said.

Uisce Éireann has parterned with An Taisce’s Green-Schools programme for the eleventh consecutive year. 

The collaboration supports 519 schools across Ireland as they work towards achieving a Green Flag for water conservation. 

With 120,000 students actively participating, the grassroots sponsorship focuses on changing behaviours, enhancing education, and fostering an understanding of the vital role that water plays in our daily lives.

Head of Customer Operations at Uisce Éireann, Geoffrey Bourke, explained how the partnership helps the next generation ‘realise the importance of conserving and protecting water’. 

“We are delighted to be teaming up with An Taisce again this year for the Green-Schools Water Theme. There are so many small actions we can take to make a difference. We can change simple habits like fixing leaking or dripping taps, reducing shower time and not running the tap while brushing teeth,” he concluded.

More information as well as tips on how to reduce your water usage can be found on tips on Uisce Éireann’s website.