Free School Resources To Celebrate Clean Air Week

Fingal County Council’s Department of Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel and Sport has this week released a series of free teaching resources for primary schools.

Clean Air Week, 20-24 November,  is an initiative run by Green Schools Ireland and this year’s message focuses on the problem of idling cars at the school gate. Idling creates higher emissions than driving and it does this in a space where children are gathered to play and socialise, causing them to breathe in fumes and dramatically reducing air quality. Those driving to the school gate are being encouraged to switch off their engines.

Idling is more prevalent in winter due to low outdoor temperatures. An Taisce say the best way to warm up a vehicle is to drive it instead. Your engine should also stay warm for 30-60 minutes after switching the engine off, depending on the weather outside.

Cycling and Walking Officer, Stephen McGinn says ‘Idling at the school gate is far more dangerous than people realise. When all engines are running we know that children find it hard to tell which cars are moving and which are parked so they may be more inclined to walk out in front of vehicles.’

What is Active Travel? (English)

What is Active Travel? (As Gaeilge)

His colleague Emma Court, also a Cycling and Walking Officer with Fingal County Council, says schools can get proactive about safety at the school gate and urges teachers and parents to get in touch with the Council to avail of free supports. ‘We’ve just launched a host of new resources aimed at primary school level including classroom posters, a fun video explaining the benefits of Active Travel, Fresh Air Friday trackers and we’re also offering in-person support for schools that want to make the shift to increased Active Travel. We can work with you to set up a walking or cycling bus, help with road safety education and assist schools with involving parents and caregivers.’

Information on all these supports can be found online at https://www.fingal.ie/activetravel/active-travel-resources-schools or schools can contact the team by emailing [email protected]