Brittas Bay NS Are Ireland’s Explorers Ocean Champions

Brittas!

atest press release from Jennifer Whitmore TD, issued on Wednesday, June 4th 2025…

Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, has congratulated the students and staff of Brittas Bay National School following their recognition as the national winners of the Explorers Ocean Champion Award.

“It was an absolute pleasure to join the school community and celebrate this incredible achievement,” Deputy Whitmore stated. “The children’s project was truly inspiring. They explored everything from phytoplankton to photosynthesis, and even created a giant cyanotype artwork to bring their learning to life. Needless to say, I was very impressed.”

“I was particularly struck by the whole-school approach. Every child, every teacher, and even parents and the wider community were involved. That kind of collaboration is powerful and makes a huge difference,” Deputy Whitmore explained.

Whitmore with the Brittas Bay NS gang WEDS4JUNE25

“The beach cleans, the family competitions, the scientific investigations, this wasn’t just a school project, it was a movement,” Deputy Whitmore added.

“I want to commend Principal Úna Gallinagh, teachers Imelda Burke and Carmel Skelly, and the brilliant outreach work of Mona McCrea from the Marine Institute’s Explorers Programme,” Deputy Whitmore noted.

“As we approach World Ocean Day this weekend, this award is a timely reminder of the importance of marine education for our youth. We need to support more schools to do this kind of work, with proper funding and resources,” Deputy Whitmore commented.

“Brittas Bay NS has set a national example of what it means to be Ocean Champions.

“It was really special to be there to celebrate with the students as they received this award,” Deputy Whitmore concluded.