Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) is pleased to announce its selection as a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Champion, recognising the organisation’s leadership in advancing Ireland’s national sustainability objectives across education, skills development, and community engagement.
This designation reflects LOETB’s alignment with key Government strategies, including the National SDG Implementation Plan, Climate Action Plan, National Skills Strategy, Housing for All, and Rural Development Policy, demonstrating how regional education and training structures can accelerate whole-of-government priorities.
A Regional Leader Delivering on National Goals
LOETB provides 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. Sustainability is embedded throughout LOETB’s Statement of Strategy 2023–2027, ensuring all services support economic resilience, social inclusion, and climate ambition.
Key Contributions to the SDGs
LOETB’s work advances multiple priority SDGs and directly supports Government commitments in climate action, skills development, and community inclusion:
- Climate Action, Energy Efficiency, and Green Skills
Through the National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas, LOETB delivers nationally recognised programmes in NZEB, ZEB, retrofitting, energy efficiency, and modern methods of construction. - LOETB’s Lean and Green initiatives—have supported 35 companies and resulted in over €15 million in savings. These programmes enhance SME competitiveness while contributing to the circular economy and resource-efficiency goals.
- Inclusive Education and Social Cohesion
Community Education programmes in digital inclusion, sustainable horticulture, climate literacy, and social innovation directly support the Government’s equality and inclusion frameworks while advancing SDG 4 and SDG 10. - Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development
LOETB’s Sustainable Agriculture and Family Farm Traineeship programmes help diversify rural skills, support environmentally responsible farming, and contribute to national priorities in agri-food sustainability and just transition.
A Strong Partner for Government in Delivering the 2030 Agenda
With its strategic regional role, established partnerships, and proven capacity to deliver climate, skills, and inclusion objectives, LOETB is exceptionally well positioned to support Government in advancing the SDGs.
LOETB remains committed to working closely with Government departments, state agencies, industry partners, and community stakeholders to drive measurable progress toward the 2030 Agenda and Ireland’s national climate and skills targets.
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% 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, demonstrating the continued commitment of Irish society to help achieve and promote the SDGs. 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.”
