Tag Archives: Claire McGrath

Clare Water Safety in conjunction with Freagh Castle Clean Coast group in West Clare have beaten off competition from all over Ireland to win the Ocean Hero Beach Clean of the Year Award in recognition of their coastal clean-up near Miltown Malbay in earlier this year. Operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce, the Clean Coasts’ Ocean Hero Awards honour the contribution Ireland’s coastal communities towards conserving the country’s spectacular coastline. Prizes were awarded in 6 other categories this year, namely Individual of the Year, Business of the Year, School of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Event of the Year and Think before you Flush Hero of the Year. Claire McGrath of Clare Water Safety said, “Winning this award and undertaking cleanups along the coast highlights the strength of a community working together, with over 70 children and adults participating, including locals, members of Clare Water Safety, the 15th Miltown Scouts, Clare County Council, representatives from An …

Clare County Council is urging visitors to Clare’s beaches this June Bank Holiday Weekend to take responsibility for their rubbish by bringing it home with them. The Council has employed additional resources to deal with the increase in litter that has resulted from the rise in visitor numbers to beaches such as Kilkee, Lahinch and Spanish Point. The local authority says it is also installing additional refuse facilities at Clare’s Blue Flags in an effort to minimise littering while litter wardens have been deployed to monitor littering activity. “Our beach is a fantastic resource for the wider community and it’s up to us all to ensure that we take home what we bring to the beach”, said Cyril Feeney, area engineer with with th council. He added, “The council wishes to acknowledge those who have used the public bins to dispose of their litter. These bins are emptied regularly each day but often reach their capacity due to the unprecedented …

With forecasts of continued dry and warm weather over the coming days and June Bank Holiday Weekend, members of the public are being urged to be extra vigilant when participating in water-based activities. The good weather has seen a significant increase in the number of people taking to Clare’s waterways on leisure crafts and boats, as well as to the water at bathing locations throughout the County. Claire McGrath, Water Safety Development Officer with Clare County Council, is asking people to swim only in lifeguarded areas denoted by the lifeguard flags – red over yellow flags. She said, “I would urge members of the public to observe notices on any beach or where they want to swim, and to observe the lifeguard’s rules and regulations regarding off limit swimming locations. Anyone who sees a water user in difficulty should summon help immediately. Children should be supervised at all times when near water, while people should also be wary of the …