An estimated 2.1 tonnes of litter were removed by over 350 volunteers in County Waterford for the Big Beach Clean.
Over 15,000 people across Ireland took part in The Big Beach Clean weekend removing over 95 tonnes of litter nationwide.
The Big Beach Clean weekend took place between 20th and 22nd of September with a record number of over 600 clean-ups organised by volunteers who removed over 95 tonnes of litter nationwide, making this Clean Coasts’ largest clean-up event yet.
An Taisce’s Clean Coasts programme engages communities in the protection of Ireland’s beaches, seas and marine life.
In County Waterford , close to 20 groups removed an estimated 2.1 tonnes of marine litter with clean-ups taking place in various locations.
Among them, nearly 50 volunteers from Tramore Tidy Towns and Tramore Eco Group conducted a large-scale cleanup on Tramore beach, including the promenade and carpark areas, collecting approximately 300kg of litter and waste on Sunday 22nd.
Coiste Maisithe na Rinne - Ring Peninsula Community Group Volunteers also conducted a Big Beach Clean on Saturday 21st on the four beaches in An Rinn. Approximately 80 people joined in clearing up approximately 450kg of litter.
A small group collected litter in Abbeyside, Co. Waterford on Friday 20th.
The Big Beach Clean is an annual call to action that runs as part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), operated internationally by Ocean Conservancy and invites communities and volunteers around the country to remove litter from around the Irish coast after the end of the bathing season.
Bronagh Moore, An Taisce, Clean Coasts Programme Manager said; “We’re delighted to see so many volunteers and community groups across the country take part in The Big Beach Clean. This year’s event was the largest yet and is a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can make when we work together," she said.
"The dedication and support of all of these groups is hugely inspiring and we thank each and every one of them for their contribution. We would encourage everyone to stay involved, keep active in their local Clean Coasts Group and enjoy the many benefits that come with volunteering in the community”.
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