Wild Atlantic clean-up for north Clare beach

LITTER will be cleared from Lahinch Beach this Saturday as part of an initiative with Fáilte Ireland and Clean Coasts. 

The Wild Atlantic Way Clean-up will see thousands of people take to their local beach next Saturday to tackle marine litter and make sure that local amenities are looking their best at the height of the summer season. 

Anyone who would like to join in is asked to attend the Lahinch Beach Lifeguard Station at 11am.

Participants will be welcomed by a Clean Coasts Officer and given a safety introduction before being offered Clean Coasts kit. Tea, coffee and treats will be provided and those taking part are advised to bring along their reusable cups.

The rise of staycations has brought a welcome economic boost to coastal communities, but the downside includes a rise in littering of sensitive marine settings.

“The Irish coastline and its beaches are an important part of the visitor experience in Ireland,” said Shane Dineen, Fáilte Ireland Planning and Environment Manager.

“Outdoor water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking and surfing, are popular attractors for domestic and international tourists, and our stunning coastline, rivers and lakes are the bedrock upon which Irish tourism has been built.

“As they are now being enjoyed more and more by local communities and visitors it is vital that we all play our part to keep our beaches clean so that they can be enjoyed for years to come.

“Local communities are at the heart of so many great visitor experiences in Ireland and the Clean Coasts groups are a prime example of this, custodians driven by local pride and a vision to protect and enhance our coastline which in turn offers visitors unique opportunities for connection, learning and enjoyment of our natural assets.”

Part of Fáilte Ireland role is to support the long-term sustainable growth in the economic, social, cultural, and environmental contribution of tourism.

By joining forces with Clean Coasts, who engage communities in the protection of Ireland’s beaches, seas and marine life, for their summertime Enjoy and Protect campaign, they hope to raise awareness to how Ireland’s wildlife and marine spaces, when kept clean, can benefit the visitor experience. 

Full details are outlined on eventbrite.ie and more information is available from Dara Dever at ddever@eeu.antaisce.org, or phone 087-0625378.