Minister of State for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon has announced a State funding allocation of nearly €380,000 to expand the Picker Pals primary school environmental programme across Ireland during the 2026–2027 academic year.

The funding, provided through the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, will support the delivery of the initiative to 966 classrooms nationwide. The project aims to involve approximately 24,000 primary school children, along with an estimated 36,000 family members, in community litter-picking activities and environmental education.

Operated by the environmental charity VOICE Ireland, Picker Pals equips primary school classes with interactive kits, known as Picker Packs, which students take home on rotation to lead family litter picks in their local areas. Returning schools receive refreshed Booster Boxes to promote the reuse of existing equipment.

The scheme also provides monthly themed classroom lessons, live online sessions, and interactive quizzes focused on topics such as biodiversity, waste reduction, and the circular economy. Programme managers at VOICE Ireland report that participating children have helped collect more than 1,000 tonnes of waste since the programme was first launched.

Announcing the grant, Minister Dillon stated that the Department's continued support aims to foster long-term environmental responsibility among young students while giving families practical tools to tackle local litter.