Local businesses clean up for conservation

Local ecotourism businesses came together last Saturday to remove rubbish and recently-built mini-cairns at Blackhead and Murrooghtoohy on the Burren’s Coast Road.

The Burren Ecotourism Network (BEN) is a group of 20 local businesses who aim to provide authentic ecotourism experiences to visitors to the Burren. They are committed to the sustainable development of the Burren’s communities and economy and the conservation of its unique and wonderful landscape.
Those in the network believe that events like these clean up days are essential as part of their contribution to conservation in the Burren.
The event was organised by Chris O’Neill of the Burren Painting Centre who believes, “Conservation is a hugely important aspect of ecotourism and so all the businesses involved have been taking steps to minimize their business impacts on the environment as well as contributing to the conservation of the local biodiversity and cultural heritage. This event is the first of many to take place over the course of the next year.”
Marie Neylon of Corofin Hostel and secretary of BEN highlighted the extent of the Burren’s littering problem.
“The Burren Ecotourism Network works to preserve our heritage and landscape. Littering is an ongoing problem despite many anti-litter campaigns over the years. It is hard to understand why people would want to spoil our lovely countryside. The building of mini-cairns has also increased a lot recently. People may feel that it is a harmless pastime but it does interfere with and ultimately defaces our landscape,” she explained.
All those who took part in the clean up made a visible difference to the location and 260kg of rubbish was collected and brought to the Inagh Waste Management Facility. Clare County Council provided the collection materials and a free pass to the waste facility.
“We hope that this event will bring awareness to the public of impacts of their actions when they decide to leave their litter behind or make their mark on the landscape. We would be delighted if everyone would adopt the concept of ‘Leave No Trace’,” said Orla Vaughan, BEN member and owner of Shepherds Rest Hostel in Kilfenora.
Another member of BEN Brian Farrell of Burren Coaches provided the collective transport for the clean up and disposal. Brian travels through the Burren on a daily basis and sees first hand the impact caused by litter and mini-cairns.
“The quality of our landscape is really important for the quality of our lives and our business. It is in all our best interests to work towards a clean and unspoilt environment,” he commented.
BEN, in association with the Burren Connect Project, is piloting the first national ecotourism accreditation programme in Ireland and will be officially launched next February.