The Taoiseach has presented a series of awards recognising the achievements of young Irish environmentalists at a reception in Dublin.
The Ballygowan/ECO Young Environmentalists Awards were held at Dublinia, where Mr Ahern presented the winners with certificates recognising their achievements, and holiday vouchers.
The Senior Supreme Award was given to students from St Patrick’s Girls Academy, Dungannon, Co Tyrone for their project "Rap - Recycling Aluminium & Paper," which developed a waste management plan for the school.
The Junior Supreme Award went to Belfast Model School For Girls for its campaign, "Wake up you lazy bones, Get on your feet!" which encouraged students living within one mile of the school to walk instead of being dropped off by car.
Ms Elaine Nevin of ECO, the Irish conservation organisation said: "The standard of entries this year has been exceptionally high and the projects have shown how young people can effect change and improve our environment."