The target audience for DSE includes students at all levels. The programme also works closely with third level institutions and with intermediate audiences such as industry and the media. DSE is managed by Forfás on behalf of the Office of Science & Technology at the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment.

Commenting on the Award, Minister Killeen said: “Scoil Realt na Mara has received this award for excelling in its level of participation in Discover Primary Science. The school may now publicly display the award as a mark of their achievement and look forward to building on this achievement from year to year.”

“The Primary Science programme aims to develop creativity in children, show them how important science is to everyday life and more importantly how much fun it can be. Partaking in science at a young age has many benefits. It proves that science is about fun, discovery and adventure, and it is something which is relevant to our everyday lives”, he added.

Minister Killeen paid tribute to the school’s teachers, support and administrative staff and Board of Management for fostering and encouraging the holistic development of the children through implementing a broad range of activities in the areas of sports, music and speech and drama.

“The school also plays a central role in the life of the local community. School activities include participating in the St. Patrick’s Day parade and fundraising for the community astro-turf facility. I am heartened to see the concern that the schools has for the environment and the preservation of the natural beauty of the Kilkee area. I congratulate the school on being awarded successive Green Flags. Working towards the standard necessary to be awarded the Green Flag involves a significant commitment from the whole school community”, he concluded.

Kilkee had a boys national school and a girls primary schools until September 1998 when the schools amalgamated to form Scoil Realt na Mara.