Laois & Offaly ETB recognised at national level

The Laois & Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) has been recognised for its role in advancing Ireland's national sustainability objectives through education, skills development and community engagement having been recognised as a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Champion for 2025.

This designation reflects LOETB's strong alignment with key Government strategies, including the National SDG Implementation Plan, the Climate Action Plan, the National Skills Strategy, Housing for All, and Rural Development Policy. It highlights how ETB's can play a practical role in delivering government priorities at local level.

LOETB work closely with Government departments, state agencies, industry partners and community stakeholders to deliver measurable progress towards the 2030 Agenda and Ireland's national climate and skills target.

LOETB prides itself on providing inclusive, high-quality education and training across two counties, operating

15 Further Education and Training (FET) centres, nine post-primary schools, extensive apprenticeship provision, and dedicated youth services. They support the Government's coomitments to climate action, energy efficiency, and green skills

through the National Construction Training Campus in Mountlucas.

Following the SDG Champions 2025-2027 Launch, in the Ashling Hotel, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, TD said: “The world faces huge challenges in achieving the SDGs, with only 18 per cent of the goals currently on track globally. However, this year, as we mark the 70th anniversary of Ireland’s membership of the United Nations, we are committed to achieving the vision and ambition of Agenda 2030, a roadmap for a fairer, safer, more prosperous and sustainable world. In fulfilling the ambition of the SDGs, we have made considerable progress, but more is

needed, and faster, from all stakeholders – locally, nationally and internationally.”

Over 90 organisations applied to take part in the Programme this year.

“Partnerships play a crucial role and it is great to have such a diverse range of organisations working collectively towards a better future for everyone. The SDG Champions Programme

recognises that everyone has a role to play, and everyone can contribute to achieving the SDGs,” said Minister O'Brien.