Portlaoise College unveil two-story art installation which ‘brings environmental awareness to life’

A Laois school have unveiled the fruit of their labours as they strive to increase environmental awareness through the medium of art.

In fact, students and staff at Portlaoise College have gone one step further unveiling a striking two-story installation which “brings environmental awareness to life” through artistic expression.

The installation at the school is designed to highlight the impact of single-use plastics.

The project, titled ‘Stop the Plastic Tap,’ was created by first-year art students under the guidance of visiting artist Annie Holland, in collaboration with staff members Mr Hennessy and Ms O’Grady.

Over several weeks, students and staff collected large quantities of plastic waste – bottles, containers, wrappers – which were creatively repurposed into a dramatic, tap-shaped sculpture.

This symbolic structure delivers a powerful message: the flow of plastic into our lives and our environment must be stopped.

The project blended artistic expression with environmental education.

Through workshops and collaborative building sessions, Ms Holland helped students explore both the creative and ecological aspects of plastic pollution.

The final piece was unveiled during a special exhibition at the school, earning admiration from the school community and sparking meaningful conversations about sustainability.

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