Volunteers clear 240kg of litter in one day from Clare beach

VOLUNTEERS from all around Clare helped clean up 240kg of litter while taking part in Clean Coasts and Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Community Clean-ups of Lahinch Beach on Saturday. 

According to Clean Coasts it is important that as we enjoy the coast, that we remember to help protect and care for Ireland’s waterways, coastline, seas, ocean and marine life by ensuring they are free of litter and to educate ourselves on how best to do that. 

These clean-up events were created by Clean Coasts as part of their summertime Enjoy and Protect campaign with support from Fáilte Ireland.

The national tourism body supports the long-term sustainable growth in the economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution to tourism in Ireland and the events’ overall aim is to raise awareness to keeping marine and wildlife spaces clean for locals and tourists alike to enjoy and admire. 

This event on Lahinch beach in Clare included tea and coffee for all participants. 40 bags of marine litter were removed in only one hour by volunteers who joined Clean Coasts and Failte Ireland on this clean-up, amounting to approximately 240kg of litter collected altogether.

Clean Coasts Coastal Communities Manager Sinead McCoy said of the event, “With the summer in full swing, the Wild Atlantic Way is a prime route for both Irish and international tourists alike to explore and with the sunny weather there is no better place to explore in the west than the glorious beaches and coastal landscapes.

“We are proud of our partnership with Fáilte Ireland for this series of community clean-ups where we and participants across all seven of our events ensured that these popular west coast bathing spots were free of litter for all to enjoy.

“We are also extremely grateful for the participants’ insight and feedback which will help us at Clean Coasts provide the most effective and functional clean-up events for volunteers and groups within these areas.”

In addition to a clean-up and talk, volunteers were asked about the Wild Atlantic Way via survey with questions including ‘Have you encountered any issues with the Wild Atlantic Way?’ and ‘Are there any potential projects that we could fund to enhance the Wild Atlantic Way Experience?’ 

The suggestions from these surveys will be implemented by both Clean Coasts and Fáilte Ireland in their future events concerning the Wild Atlantic Way. 

Shane Dineen, Fáilte Ireland Planning & Environment Manager said,“Fáilte Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way team were delighted to participate with Clean Coasts groups for the community beach clean ups the length and breadth of the Wild Atlantic Way on Saturday.

“In addition to the beach clean ups, the events allowed for engagement with the communities along the Wild Atlantic Way who have played no small part in driving its success.

“Initiatives such as this allow for the sharing of ideas and collaboration with our local communities and ensure that they are at the centre of any decision-making around tourism affecting the place where they live.”