Carlow triplets launch AgriKids campaign

THE Rothwell triplets from Tullow are the faces of a farm safety campaign launched by AgriKids, aimed at educating primary school pupils about how to stay safe on farms.

Oisín, Alex and Luca helped to launch the programme on their family’s Valais Blacknose sheep farm as they posed for photos with three sheep from the striking breed.

The Farm Safety Ambassador programme, now in its third year, brings practical, curriculum-embedded farm safety education into classrooms while also helping to strengthen connections with local farming communities. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with Irish Rural Link and AgriKids, the initiative saw a total of 17,000 primary school pupils across the country participate last year.

Schools are encouraged to sign up for the programme, which offers two flexible delivery formats: the farm safety hour, which provides a concise introductory framework for farm safety; and the more immersive farm safety day, where schools can choose from three different themes to focus on.

Speaking about the programme, minister of state with responsibility for forestry, farm safety and horticulture Niall Collins said he was delighted to provide funding for its extension.

“I urge all primary schools around the country to avail of the programme, which I am confident will continue to make an important contribution to educating primary school pupils on keeping safe on farms,” minister Collins said.

Visit www.agrikids.ie for more information on the initiative.