There was a win for Waterford at the most recent Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Awards at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin on International Volunteer Day.

Katriina Bent of the Tramore Eco Group took home the Leadership Award.

Katriina’s efforts in caring for her local coast includes her key role in the conservation and safeguarding of the Tramore sand dunes. Her work has included leading fencing projects with the Tramore Eco Group, innovative projects creating sand dams and leading walks with various groups and schools educating them on the biodiversity and importance of the dunes to the local ecosystem.

Each year the Ocean Hero Awards shine a spotlight on the contribution and dedication of Clean Coasts volunteers. The awards, established in 2006 as the ‘Clean Coasts Merit Awards’ and initially featuring only a single category, have grown year on year to include nine categories in 2025, commending 45 groups and individuals nationwide for their outstanding coastal conservation actions.

Also, in Waterford Molly’s Tramore was shortlisted for the Community Champion (Business Award) for their support of the local Clean Coasts groups and Tramore Eco Group was shortlisted for both the Nature Guardian Award and Campaign Ambassador Award for their efforts in caring for their local marine environment and biodiversity.

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