St. John’s Special School has been recognised on the national stage after winning an award at the inaugural Re-turn Awards in Croke Park.

The Dungarvan school received the “Most Returned Award” and a €1,000 prize in recognition of its recycling campaign to help fund a new school bus.

The initiative was led by the school’s Bus Fundraising Committee and brought together students, staff, families, local businesses and members of the wider community. Through the Deposit Return Scheme, the school collected bottles and cans while raising money towards safer and more accessible transport for pupils.

Organisers say the project not only helped generate funds but also gave students an opportunity to develop confidence, responsibility and teamwork skills.

More than 300 primary schools from across the country entered the first ever Re-turn Awards, with 16 schools recognised across a range of categories celebrating sustainability, fundraising and community involvement.

The awards ceremony was held at Croke Park and hosted by Today FM presenter Ian Dempsey. Former Irish rugby international Donncha O’Callaghan was among the judges.

Speaking at the event, Donncha O’Callaghan praised schools for embracing the Deposit Return Scheme in creative ways and said St. John’s Special School should be proud of its commitment and community spirit.

The awards were established to recognise schools using the Deposit Return Scheme to support environmental awareness while also funding projects that benefit students and local communities.

Among the national accolades presented on the day, Pelletstown Educate Together National School in Dublin was named overall winner, receiving the top prize of €5,000. St. John’s Special School was the sole Waterford school recognised, highlighting the success of its community-driven fundraising campaign.