A project focused on reusing baling twine has claimed the top prize in this year's Agri Aware and BiOrbic 'Environmental Innovators' programme.

Ciara Duffy, Hannah Mulligan, and Majella Martin, who are students at Scoil Mhuire in Trim, Co. Meath were named the national champions of the transition year programme.

The awards were announced during a ceremony yesterday (Monday, April 7) at the Bord Bia Global Hub in Co. Dublin.

During the competition, the judges were impressed by the level of research and scientific analysis behind the project.

Ciara, Hannah, and Majella’s project on the reuse of baling twine presented uses both in a farming and non-farming scenario.

The reused baling twine could be used as a mat for livestock while, for a non-agricultural purpose, the baling twine could be used in homes to provide insulation and reduce dampness.

These mats made from baling twine are washable and a low-cost reusable option to consider, having undergone a number of tests in the laboratory by the students and their teacher Belynda Weldon.

The rollout of the Environmental Innovators programme for the second year running saw over 9,811 transition year students take part across 214 schools.

This is up on the 8,100 students that participated in the programme last year.

Six top group finalists were chosen to attend the event at the Bord Bia Global Hub and showcase their idea to a number of leading agri-food stakeholders, giving them the opportunity to meet like-minded peers and to demonstrate their learning over the course of the programme.

Second place went to St. Patrick's Classical School, Navan, Co. Meath for their project on sustainable equine bedding.

This project was submitted by Charlie Twomey, Conall O’Sullivan, Conor Duffy, and Diarmuid Fallon.

Third place was awarded to Doga Erpolat, Jo Jo O’Connor, and Olivia Leonard of The High School in Rathgar, Dublin 6, for their project on ‘reducing paper waster by re-making paper’.

Marcus O’Halloran, Agri Aware director, said "the variety and ingenuity amongst the projects was first class and made the job of picking a winner extremely difficult for our judges".

"Scoil Mhuire were worthy winners and a big congratulations to them and their teacher on their success.

"Lastly, many thanks to our partners BiOrbic and the supporting agrifood stakeholders who attended to mark the occasion and pick our national winner for 2025," he added.