Over two tonnes of litter removed from Waterford beaches

In County Waterford, close to 20 groups and over 350 volunteers removed an estimated 2.1 tonnes of marine litter, with clean-ups taking place in various locations during this year's Big Beach Clean.

Among them, nearly 50 volunteers from Tramore Tidy Towns and Tramore Eco Group conducted a large-scale Big Beach Clean on Tramore beach, including the promenade and car park areas, collecting approximately 300kg of litter and waste on Sunday, September 22.

Coiste Maisithe na Rinne - Ring Peninsula Community Group Volunteers also conducted a Big Beach Clean on Saturday, September 21, on the four beaches in An Rinn. Targeting the four locations, approximately 80 people joined in clearing up approximately 450kg of litter.

A team of two people collected litter in Abbeyside Waterford on Friday, September 20. They found mainly black rubber straps from oyster beds, filling two bags of litter and waste that had been discarded, totalling 19kg in weight.

During The Big Beach Clean this year, a record number of over 600 clean-ups were organised by volunteers who removed over 95 tonnes of litter nationwide, making this the largest clean-up event yet.   

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. 

"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."