Tag Archives: Clean Coasts

PHOTOS: Stunning Images Of Kerry Win In Photography Competition

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William Murphy WInner of Photographer of the Year LYC 2024 with his winning photo An Fear MArch agus An Fear Ag Eitilt. Photo: Naoise Culhane Photography – no fee

An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Programme  announced the winning photographers of the 15th edition of the Love Your Coast photography competition and images of Kerry were among the winners.

With a prize fund of €5000, the competition has attracted hundreds of amateur photographers from all around Ireland this year, each with their own unique way of capturing stunning photographs of Ireland’s beautiful coastline.

William Murphy with his photo ‘An Fear Marbh agus an Fear ag eitilt’, taken at Slea Head Drive, Dingle,  won the overall ‘Photographer of the Year’ title as well as 1st place in the ‘People and the Coast’ category in the Clean Coasts 2024 Love Your Coast photography competition.

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The image displays Inis Tuaisceart Island, also known as the Dead Man or the Sleeping Giant, the northernmost of the famed Blasket Islands, bathed in evening light with a human focal point soaring high in the sky above.

William Murphy – An Fear Marbh agus an Fear ag eitilt – Slea Head Drive, Dingle, Kerry

William said of his photo, “This was an opportunistic shot of a paraglider taking in the sights of the Slea Head Drive, passing by Inishtooskert ‘An Fear Marbh’ while I waited for the famous Dingle light to appear in late July. The previous evening had little to no visibility due to low cloud and rain, so I headed for the Schoolhouse from Ryan’s Daughter to take in sunset in hope of good light there and over Inistooskert, two shots with the one location. What I thought was a photographer heading to the cliffs turned out to be a paraglider who circled the area for a while and allowed me the opportunity to capture An Fear Marbh and a flying man, an Fear ag eitilt, in the one shot.”

In the Coastal Landscape category, John Hooton’s photo, ‘Fog on the 3 Sisters’ took first place.

In the Coastal Landscape category, first place was also taken in Kerry. John Hooton’s photo, ‘Fog on the 3 Sisters’, was snapped in Clogher Head Dingle.

Speaking on his photo, John said, “This is one of my favourite places to be for dawn. I had to do a bit of a climb up Clogher Head to get this view, with the very distinctive Three Sisters in the background. This particular morning had the added advantage of the rolling fog.”

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John Hooton’s Fog on the 3 sisters – Clogher Head, Dingle, Co. Kerry

Also in the Coastal Landscape category, Krastyu Vasilev took third place with “The Red House”, taken at Glanearagh Co. Kerry.

Krastyu Vasilev took third place in the Coastal Landscape category.

“I have long planned to visit Skellig Michael, Co Kerry. The weather was dark and gloomy. I was walking along the shore to find a good composition for a photo when I saw a red house standing out against the dark sky. I got into position and at that moment a few rays of sun broke through the clouds and seemed to say “Here are the islands, take a picture”. Seconds later, they sank back into the darkness of the ocean.”, Vasilev said.

Krastyu Vasilev’s The Red House – Glanearagh, Co.Kerry

Taking fourth and sixth place respectively in the Underwater category was Anna Kellagher, with “Nudibranch”, taken at Knights Town, Valentia Island Co. Kerry and Richie O Donnell, with “Curious Squat Lobster”, taken at Douglas Head, Co. Kerry.

Richie O Donnell – Curious Squat Lobster – Douglas Head , Co. Kerry
Anna Kellagher – Nudibranch – Knights Town, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry

PHOTOS: Kerry Communities Take Part In Big Beach Clean

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Volunteers at Banna during the Big Beach Clean.

Clean Coasts received overwhelming support and commitment from volunteers and communities across Ireland for the Big Beach Clean last weekend.

This year, a record number of over 600 clean-ups were organised by volunteers who removed over 95 tonnes of litter nationwide, making this Clean Coasts’ largest clean-up event yet.

In County Kerry, over 30 groups and over 650 volunteers removed an estimated 4 tonnes of marine litter with clean-ups taking place in various locations.

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There was a great turnout in Banna for the event collecting many bags of rubbish.

Meanwhile, Transition Year students from St Joseph’s Secondary School in Ballybunion, Kerry who collected 30kg of rubbish in their Big Beach Clean on Friday 20th, including numerous plastic bottles, glassware, broken flip-flops, socks and a new football.

Volunteers from Ballyheigue Tidy Towns cleared around 90kg of litter and maritime waste in their Big Beach Clean on Saturday 21st September.

Members of Ballyheigue Tidy Towns at their Big Beach Clean

Clean Coasts joined forces with Kia Ireland who supported the initiative this year by providing clean-ups kits and supplies to volunteers throughout the country.

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.   Scroll down for photos…

Members of Ballyheigue Tidy Towns at their Big Beach Clean
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Volunteers at Banna during the Big Beach Clean.
Volunteers at Banna during the Big Beach Clean.
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Volunteers at Banna during the Big Beach Clean.
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Volunteers at Banna during the Big Beach Clean.

PHOTOS: Volunteers Cover 8km Of Coastline At Maharees Conservation Beach Clean

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Volunteers at the Maharees Conservation Association beach clean on Tuesday.

A BIG crowd turned up on Tuesday, despite the inclement conditions, for the now annual August Maharees Conservation Association beach clean.

Sponsored by Outwest this year, approximately 8kms of coastline was cleaned on the day by over 60 volunteers.  All participants were treated to free treats in Spillane’s Bar and Restaurant afterwards courtesy of Outwest.

Clean Coasts and Splash Sports were also on hand on the day to provide equipment, guidance and help with the bag collection and the Kerry County Council Dingle Area team picked up all the bags from key collection points.

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Shane Finn of Outwest said: “Outwest is delighted to be partnering with Maharees Conservation for this event. We recognise the incredible work that they do and the huge effort that goes into protecting this amazing place we get to call home. We’d encourage anyone to research some of the fantastic work Maharees Conversatoom does or better again, join us in getting involved.”

Martha Farrell from Maharees Conservation Association said: “Brandon Bay boasts the longest beach on the west coast of Ireland. It’s a stunning beach with a spectacular dune system and the Maharees Conservation team is actively working to protect it and its wildlife.”

Volunteers at the Maharees Conservation Association beach clean on Tuesday.

“Huge thanks to everyone who turned out today despite the conditions – we’re blown away as usual by the spirit shown by our local and visiting community! We are so delighted to partner with Outwest on this clean up.”

“We will be running our fun quiz this Thursday night at 9pm at the Green Room Bar to support our Maharees Heritage committee and their Maharees Weekend in September,” she added.

Elaine Doyle, Clean Coasts Campaigns and Development Officer for Kerry and Cork said: “Clean Coasts are delighted to be here today. Beach cleaning is a simple but important step in keeping our waterways litter free. Important for not only ourselves but water quality and the wonderful marine life that call our oceans their home. The Maharees Conservation Association are such a symbol of the power of community and how we can make a difference to our world from our own locality.” Scroll down for photos…

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A young volunteer at the Maharees Conservation Association beach clean on Tuesday.
Volunteers at the Maharees Conservation Association beach clean on Tuesday.
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Volunteers at the Maharees Conservation Association beach clean on Tuesday.
Volunteers at the Maharees Conservation Association beach clean on Tuesday.
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Volunteers at the Maharees Conservation Association beach clean on Tuesday.
Volunteers at the Maharees Conservation Association beach clean on Tuesday.

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Clean Coasts And Tralee Tidy Towns Hosts Birdwatching Walk At Cockleshell

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Trisha O’Halloran from Fenit Coast Conservation at the Clean Coasts Roadshow at the Lock Gates car park on Sunday morning.

TO celebrate World Wildlife Day, the community in Tralee came together on Sunday morning to attend the first Clean Coasts Roadshow of the year in Kerry, which entailed a birdwatching event.

Clean Coasts teamed up with Tralee Tidy Towns to run a birdwatching walk on Cocklelshell Beach in Tralee with Ed Carty.

Ed is a very knowledgeable birdwatcher, interesting and informative, who ran a magnificent walk and talk on the wild birds of the Special Protection Area and the beaches around Tralee and the wider Tralee Bay area.

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Trisha O’Halloran from Fenit Coast Conservation gave a talk on their seagrass project and did a litter pick as the rest of the group listened to Ed’s stories and observations.

Elaine from Clean Coasts gave a talk about the ‘Think Before You Flush campaign’. “The walk was relaxed, enjoyable and very interesting. Some goats even came to see the group when we returned to our starting point,” she said.

The Clean Coasts Roadshow is a series of informative talks and workshops tailored for coastal communities across Ireland, taking place between January and May each year. This initiative brings together individuals interested in protecting their local beaches, seas, and marine environments.

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Clean Coasts Roadshow Event At Cockleshell This Sunday Morning

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A CLEAN Coasts Roadshow free event will take place this Sunday morning, March 3, from 10am.

Clean Coasts has teamed up with Tralee Tidy Towns to host a walk, talk and birdwatch with local birdwatcher Ed Carty on Cockleshell Beach.

People are to meet at the Lock Gates at 10am. To attend please contact Elaine Doyle at edoyle@eeu.antaisce.org to secure your place or click here to go to the eventbrite page.

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Martha Wins Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Award

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Martha Farrell won the Individual Of The Year Award.

A KERRY woman won a Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Award at a ceremony in Dublin on Thursday.

Martha Farrell from Maharees Conservation won the Individual of the Year in Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Awards at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel.

This award acknowledges those individuals who initiate change and inspire others to do more to protect and conserve their coastline.

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The citation explained that Martha has a passion for her local area and the local town. She is highly involved with the group, arranging groups from primary schools, secondary schools and US students on Erasmus to do clean ups and marram grass planting.

The Maharees Group have a busy yearly timetable in addition to their beach cleans with a full summer programme, a mix of beach cleans, biodiversity talks, history talks and fund raising activities, which are all coordinated by Martha. Moreover, she is also part of Tralee Tidy Towns, where she joins their weekly clean-ups.

Clean Coasts hosted the Ocean Hero Awards to celebrate and thank the groups, individuals, communities, and businesses who, throughout the year, have done outstanding work to protect their local coastline and environment.

Martha was the only Kerry winner at the awards but there were many local people and groups on the shortlist.

Fenit Coast Conservation Group were shortlisted in the Group of the Year category. Abby and Chloe Stephenson from Banna Coastcare as well as Darragh O’Connor and Timmy Jones from Maharees Conservation Association were both nominated in the Youth of the Year category.

Maharees Conservation association were also nominated for the Campaigner of the Year award for their work with Think Before You Flush. Banna Rescue, Banna Coastcare & Presentation Secondary School, Tralee received a nomination in the Event of the Year category with Tralee Tidy Towns also scoring a nomination in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category.

Finally, Ed Sheldon, a member of Fenit Coast Conservation was shortlisted for the Individual of the Year Award.

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Number Of Kerry People And Groups Nominated For Ocean Hero Awards

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Tralee Tidy Towns in Kerry are nominated for the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award in Clean Coasts 2023 Ocean Hero Awards for their inclusion and embrace of international members from Ukraine, Syria and Algeria.

CLEAN Coasts has announced the shortlist for the annual Ocean Hero Awards and there are a number of Kerry groups and individuals on the shortlist.

The Clean Coasts’ Ocean Hero Awards pay tribute to the exceptional contributions made by Clean Coasts volunteers, groups, and communities in safeguarding our coast and marine life.

Established in 2006 as the ‘Clean Coasts’ Merit Awards,’ the accolades initially featured a single category, ‘The Clean Coasts Group of the Year.’

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Fenit Coast Conservation were nominated in the “Group of the Year Category”. Fenit Coast Conservation are a relatively new group but have a large footprint. Fenit Tombolo is not large but the group tend to it’s dunes with great care. The group run a lot of events, especially around Heritage Week, where they had a suite of events.

Ed Sheldon, a member of the Fenit Coast Conservation group was nominated in the ‘Individual of the Year’category.

Maharees Conservation Association from Kerry are nominated in the Campaigner of the Year category for the 2023 Clea Coasts Ocean Hero Awards for their marine litter themed float at the Castlegregory Summer Parade championing the Think Before Your Flush.

The Maharees Conservation Association were nominated in the ‘Campaigner of the Year’ Category. In 2023, this group stood out for their approach to the promotion of the Think Before You Flush campaign: their marine litter-themed float at the Castlegregory Summer Parade showcased the “Think Before You Flush” message with creative elements like plungers, a wet wipes monster, and a fatberg, provided by Clean Coasts.

Martha Farrell, from the Maharees Conservation Association, was shortlisted in the Individual of the Year Category.

Daragh O’Connor and Timmy Jones – two best friends who live in Maharees –  were also nominated in the Youth of the Year Category for their commitment to Maharees Conservation Association dune management and beach cleaning work this year.

Tralee Tidy Towns were nominated in the Equality, Diversity and Inclution category.  As the population of Tralee town has become more diverse, with many people moving to Ireland, the group has now members from different countries, including Ukraine, Syria and Algeria, as well as local people and Irish people who call Tralee their home.

Banna Rescue, Banna Coastcare & Presentation Secondary School, Tralee were all nominated in the Event of the Year category, because of their series of events to protect their sand dunes.

Banna Rescue, Banna Coastcare & Presentation Secondary School in Kery are nominated for the Event of the Year award in the Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Awards for their series of events dedicated to protecting sand dunes in their area.

In April 2023, an event was hosted with over 60 people taking part, fencing off the dune area and installing educational signs. Moreover, Transition Year students from Presentation Secondary School Tralee Students and staff joined Banna Coastcare for a second event, planting marram grass in an area that has become extremely eroded, harvesting the grass from a healthy section of the dunes.

Finally, Abby and Chloe Stephenson, two sisters from Banna Coastcare, were shortlisted in the Youth of the Year category.

These two young volunteers have been joining clean ups since 2014, hardly missing an event. In addition to joining group beach cleans, they regularly carry out a #2MinuteBeachClean during their walks on the coast.

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PHOTOS: Stunning Images Taken In Kerry Among Prizes In National Competition

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Ryan Murray – Basking Shark Plankton Buffer – Ventry Bay, Co. Kerry, won second place in the Underwater Category in the Love Your Coast photography competition.

CLEAN Coasts has announced the winning photographers of the 14th edition of the Love Your Coast photography competition and a number of images of Kerry feature in the Top 10 lists in each category.

With a prize fund of €6,000, the competition has attracted hundreds of photographers all around Ireland this year, receiving a record number of over 1,300 entries.

While images of Kerry didn’t win the top prizes, a couple featured in the top three in some categories.

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Ryan Murray’s “Basking Shark Plankton Buffet” (above), captured in Ventry Bay, was awarded second place in the Underwater category.

When talking about their image for the Underwater category Ryan Murray said: “In April this year, large numbers of rare basking sharks were feeding in Ventry Bay, Co. Kerry. We were driving past and even from the moving car we could see the huge dorsal fins protruding from the water all throughout the bay.”

Richard O’ Donnell with “Sun Bathing Compass Jellyfish” taken on Valentia Island received the third place prize in the Underwater category.

Richard O’ Donnell – Sun Bathing Compass Jelly Fish – The Birds ,Valentia Island , Co. Kerry.

“I took this image on a dive, I spent about 10 minutes trying to get the best angle and burst of sun light in the background,” said Richard.

“The image was taken in about two metres of water and as you can see the sun was shining. I was very lucky on this day as a few things had aligned for the shot .The shallow Clean waters of Valentia and the presence of the sun directly above created this dramatic image. The irony of this shot is as a child I was absolutely terrified by Jellyfish. But of course, they are now one of my favorite underwater subjects .I think their alien-like appearance is what fascinates people about them.”

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Maja Stankovski – My First Basking Shark – Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry

Finally, Maja Stankovski’s “My First Basking Shark” shot at Skellig Michael was also shortlisted among the top ten in this category. The image was shot during a lucky encounter with a basking shark while on a dive, and it was the first time for Maja seeing one of these wonderful sea creatures.

Karol Waszkiewicz came second in the Wildlife and the Coast category with the image “Godwit Digging Skills”, taken in Blackrock.

Karol Waszkiewicz – Godwit Digging Skills – Blackrock Co. Kerry

Karol Waszkiewicz said: “This picture was taken during winter birdwatching around Black Rock Co. Kerry. This area is very good spot to watch birds like Sanderlings, Oystercatchers, Godwits and many more. I took it from very low perspective lying camera and lens on the sand. Godwits and other birds were feeding intensively around me and got lucky enough to capture moment when one of the birds dug out good size Lugworm.”

Graham Murphy was also shortlisted in the top ten in the Wildlife and the Coast category with the image “Elegant and Beauty” taken in Dingle. The image portrays Fungi the Dolphin just before he went missing.

Graham Murphy – Elegant and Beauty – Dingle, Co. Kerry

With “Cahersiveen in Seine Mood”, Ryan Murray won the third place in the People and the Coast category.

He said: “The Caherisveen rowing regatta is held annually in the summer as part of the South and Mid Kerry rowing race calendar. This image provides a birds eye view of the competitive nature of the race.”

Ryan Murray – Cahersiveen in Seine Mood – Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry.

Moreover, Rob Plant’s  “Waiting for the Tide River Scorid” taken in Castlegregory, was shortlisted in the top ten in the Coastal Landscape category, with a shot capturing patterns and colours as the Scorid River enters the sea at low tide, revealing some of the most beautiful coastal vistas by the shift of perspective that a drone offers.

Rob Plant – Waiting for the Tide – River Scorid entering Fermoyle Strand, Castlegregory, Co. Kerry

Finally, Leszek Pawella with “Skellig” was among the top ten images in the Coastal Heritage category.

Leszek Pawella – Skellig – Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry

The unique landscape at Skellig Michael, Co Kerry, is so epic that it was chosen as a location for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Captured here in a soft light, you can see why people said it added so much character to the blockbuster film.

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Kerry Volunteers Remove Five Tonnes Of Litter During Big Beach Clean

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Banna Coastcare joined forces with Banna Rescue and the Kerry Islamic Outreach centre for the Big Beach Clean, removing 17 bags of marine litter and filling in the marine litter data survey.

AN estimated five tonnes of litter were removed in County Kerry for the Big Beach Clean this month.

In an extraordinary display of environmental stewardship and community spirit, 7,700 Clean Coasts volunteers rolled up their sleeves and removed a staggering over 46 tonnes of litter all across the country as part of the Big Beach Clean.

In County Kerry, 31 group and over 840 volunteers removed an estimated five tonnes of marine litter. Clean-ups happened in various locations.

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Among them, 43 volunteers from Banna Coastcare were joined by Kerry Islamic Outreach Society and they hosted their Big Beach Clean event on Banna Beach, removing 17 full bags of marine, from both the beach area and the car parks.

Banna Coastcare joined forcesw= with Banna Rescue and the Kerry Islamic Outreach centre for the Big Beach Clean, removing 17 bags of marine litter and filling in the marine litter data survey

In addition, the group removed a mattress, some lobster crates and contents of a compost bin. Finally, volunteers filled in marine litter data cards to join the Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Cleanup citizen science project. The event was also a celebration of Banna Rescue’s 40th anniversary.

Volunteers on Inch Beach earlier this month.

Clean Coasts group Inch Beach Park Run also joined the Big Beach Clean with a litter picking event that marked the group’s 200th clean-up.

Maharees Conservation Association hosted a Big Beach Clean clean-up, , getting over 6km of their beaches cleaned as part of the event, at least 22 volunteers collecting at least 15 full bags and some large unbaggable items.

Finally, Maharees Conservation Association hosted a Big Beach Clean clean-up, getting over 6km of their beaches cleaned as part of the event, at least 22 volunteers collecting at least 15 full bags and some large unbaggable items.

The group also split up to fill in the marine litter data cards as part of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup survey.

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Clean Coasts Asks Kerry People To Sign Up For Big Beach Clean 2023

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Registrations for the Big Beach Clean 2023, supported by Cully and Sully, are now open. Pictured left to right: Calvin Ohlow, Ella Dowling, Renata, Margaret McFaul, Colum O’Sullivan, Elaine Doyle, Ben Ohlow, Carol Doyle, Niamh Magee, Proinsias O Tuama, Dara O’Tuama, Raidin Ni Tuama and Ziah Magee promoting the 2023 Big Beach Clean at Ballynamona Beach. Photos by Cathal Noonan

CLEAN Coasts, supported by Cully and Sully, is asking participants to sign up for the Big Beach Clean initiative which takes place next month in Kerry and around the country.

In 2022, over 500 clean-up events took place and volunteers made an incredible impact by removing 42 tonnes of litter from the Irish coast and inland locations.

As Clean Coasts celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, the aim is to make this year’s Big Beach Clean the most remarkable one yet.

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Almost 150 groups have already registered and those wishing to join the initiative can register at www.cleancoasts.org and will they receive free clean-up kit.

Scheduled to take place from September 15th to 17th, the Big Beach Clean is part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), organised by the Ocean Conservancy.

This annual call to action invites communities and volunteers to come together and host a clean-up after the bathing season ends. Additionally, it is an opportunity for volunteers to engage in a worldwide citizen science project.

At Taisce National Spring Clean programme is joining the initiative again and registration for the Big Beach Clean is open to all residents of Ireland, regardless of their proximity to the coastline.

Sinead McCoy, Coastal Communities Manager, commented:  “Join us in the Big Beach Clean 2023 and be part of a powerful movement to protect our coastlines. Together, we’ll create a cleaner, healthier environment for all. Sign up at cleancoasts.org and let’s make a lasting impact on our precious coastal ecosystems.”

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Kerry County Council Supports ‘Think Before You Flush’ Campaign

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Kerry County Council pledge their commitment to the “Think Before You Flush” campaign on all Blue Flag Beaches. Picture shows from left Katrina Browne, Uisce Éireann, Paul Neary, Kerry County Council, Jonathan Deane, Uisce Éireann. Picture Dylan Vaughan.

KERRY County Council has come together with other local authorities from coastal regions across Ireland to pledge their commitment to the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign on all Blue Flag Beaches.

This initiative aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of flushing instead of binning sanitary products on our natural environment including beaches and promote responsible waste management practices among beachgoers.

The “Think Before You Flush” campaign, operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Éireann, emphasises the importance of appropriate flushing behaviour and disposal of items including wipes and other sanitary products in the bin, even if they are labelled as flushable.

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When items such as wipes and sanitary products are flushed down the toilet, they can cause serious blockages in sewage systems, leading to sewage overflows and ultimately polluting coastal waters and beaches.

Recognising the urgent need to protect Ireland’s remarkable coastal ecosystems, Kerry County Council has united with other coastal local authorities around Ireland in their commitment to spread awareness about the campaign and promote responsible waste disposal practices.

Under this collaborative effort, participating councils will display Think Before You Flush signage on Blue Flag Beaches, offering clear instructions on appropriate flushing behaviour, highlighting the main items people incorrectly flush down their toilets (the ‘Dirty Dozen’) and encouraging visitors to use designated sanitary waste bins.

The success of this campaign hinges on the participation and support of Kerry’s coastal stakeholders, including the public, beachgoers, residents, and tourists alike. Learn more about the Think Before You Flush campaign at https://thinkbeforeyouflush.org/

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Banna Coastcare Organises Beach Clean-Up

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A small group took part in a beach clean-up at Banna on Thursday.

TO celebrate 20 years of Clean Coasts working with community groups to protect Ireland’s coast and marine life, a clean-up was organised on Banna Beach on Thursday.

Clean Coasts have been supporting Banna Coastcare for the past ten years, a Clean Coasts group that was set up by Rachel Geary back in 2013.

A small group joined Banna Coastcare to help clean up the beach and Rachel said; “with all the sunshine we’ve had and everyone flocking to the beaches we weren’t surprised to find lots of terrestrial litter. We filled 2.5 bags with plastic cups, cutlery, cigarette butts, wipes, toys and much more. We filled another half bag with marine litter.”

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Rachel wished to thank those that joined the clean-up and Salty Souls for providing the younger volunteers with a well-deserved hot chocolate.

World Ocean Day is celebrated annually on June 8 to highlight the important role the ocean has for our life and the planet.

Marine litter has become a global problem for humans and marine life alike. Each piece of marine litter removed from a beach, river, lake, park or street in Ireland, has a positive impact on a global scale.

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Banna Beach Clean-Up Organised For This Thursday

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Banna beach.

IRISH environmental programme Clean Coasts is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and in honour of this milestone, over 300 groups in Ireland, including 27 in County Kerry, have registered to carry out a clean-up during the week around World Ocean Day.

Clean-ups will be happening in groups of all sizes, from individuals, friends and families to community groups, tidy towns groups, schools, sports groups etc…and they are set to happen in different locations throughout the county, including in Banna, Castlegregory, Fenit, Inch Beach, along the Wild Atlantic Way, and along Sneem Riverbanks.

Volunteers who haven’t registered their own clean-up are encouraged to join one of these events (see links below).

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World Ocean Day is celebrated annually on June 8th to highlight the important role the ocean has for our life and the planet.

Marine litter has become a global problem for humans and marine life alike. However, communities around Ireland have demonstrated their desire to be part of the solution by taking part in several beach cleaning calls to action. Making sure litter is collected and disposed of properly at the source is vital for a cleaner ocean and a greener world for all of us to enjoy.

People who haven’t registered their clean-up can still join an existing one. For more information, please visit Clean Coasts’ event page.

Beach clean on Banna beach on 8th June at 3pm with Banna Coastcare. For more info and booking, please click here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/beach-clean-at-banna-strand-for-world-ocean-day-with-clean-coasts-tickets-646905250017

Beach Clean on Castlegregory Beach on 17th June at 10:30am with Castlegregory Tidy Towns. For more info and booking, please click here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/beach-clean-at-castlegregory-beach-for-world-ocean-day-with-clean-coasts-tickets-646953052997

Beach Clean on Inch Beach on 24th June at 9:30am with Inch Beach Parkrun. For more info and booking, please click here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/beach-clean-at-inch-beach-for-world-ocean-day-with-clean-coasts-tickets-646986212177

Clean-up along Sneem Riverbank on June 8th at 2pm with Sneem Tidy Towns. For more info and booking, please click here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/clean-at-sneem-riverbanks-for-world-ocean-day-with-clean-coasts-tickets-646920455497

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Clean Coasts Roadshow Comes To Banna Beach

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Marram grass planting on Banna strand on Sunday.

THE local community came together on Sunday for a marram grass planting and networking event organised by Clean Coasts and co-hosted by Banna Coastcare Group.

There were 25 volunteers, including members of Banna Coast Care group and Clean Coasts volunteers from groups in the Maharees and Fenit ,taking part in the event. The groups from these areas have vast experience planting marram grasses.

Prior to the Roadshow event, Pat from Banna Coastcare harvested grasses and, at the event, he gave a talk to the group about the local issues in Banna in relation to exposed dunes.

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Elaine Doyle from Clean Coasts talked about marram grass, dunes and the importance of respecting the dunes. Banna is such a popular beach and is known from its length and dune structure, however there are a lot of exposed dunes which the local groups want to address.

Elaine and Pat demonstrated how to harvest and plant marram grass and all the group got to have a go.

The group visited the area they will be planting at the next meeting. The local NPWS ranger also attended. A plan was made for planting, protection and education, all facets of a successful dune restoration project.

Banna Rescue kindly offered their premises for more chat and well deserved refreshments after the time in the dunes and gave the group a history of Banna Coastcare and ecological information about the area.

The group will meet again to harvest and plant marram grass on exposed dunes in Banna Strand.

Clean Coasts Development officer Elaine Doyle said: “Clean Coasts ran the North Kerry Roadshow last Sunday, a beautiful sunny spring day on the ever wonderful Banna strand. It was a great event, meeting local people locally and who travelled to the event, people who care about the dunes and their huge importance to our beaches.

“We got to chat, make plans for very important dune restoration, everyone got their hands in the sand for marram grass harvesting and planting and the seeds were set for the lengthy but exciting job of restoring the exposed dunes in Banna.”

“After the beach the group headed to the lovely Banna Rescue centre for more chat, local history and well-deserved refreshments. We are looking forward to getting out again to Banna Strand and with the power of community restoring our wonderful dunes.”

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Sign Up For A ‘2 Minute Beach Clean’ In The New Year

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THE end of the year is always the best time to start thinking about what we want to achieve in the next one and to write down our New Year’s resolutions.

With the “New Year, New You” video campaign, Clean Coasts are asking people in Kerry to choose a realistic and achievable New Year’s resolution, that people can stick to through the year: a #2minutebeachclean.

A promotion video (see below) – produced by Clean Coasts and Cube Media – shows Dave (played by Bryan Quinn) trying to go into 2023 being better and greener by being more conscious of the environment.

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However, after several failed attempts, he begins to lose hope until he comes across on a #2minutebeachclean board on the beach and realises that being green can be just as simple.

Taking part in the campaign entails taking two minutes when you are outdoors to remove litter that you see along the way.

Clean Coasts ask for all participants to share images of what they collect on social media, adding the #2minutebeachclean hashtag to the photos to spread the word and inspire more people to take action.

The campaign’s aim is to let people know that they don’t need commit to a huge New Year’s resolution that they may not be able to sustain to the end of the year, but a #2minutebeachclean is an easy pledge to make that is flexible, doable and can be built on as your green year moves forward.

To help people stick to their pledge, Clean Coasts is giving away #2minutebeachclean kits to the first 200 people to pledge to this New Year’s Resolution.

To sign up to receive your own #2minutebeachclean kit, visit the Clean Coasts website at https://cleancoasts.org/our-initiatives/2minutebeachclean/ and pledge to do a #2minutebeachclean.

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Maharees Group Wins Ocean Hero Special Achievement Award

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Members of Maharees Conservation Association with the Special Achievement Award. Photo: Clean Coasts Twitter

A KERRY-BASED Clean Coasts group won an Ocean Hero Special Achievement Award this afternoon.

Clean Coasts hosted the Ocean Hero Awards Ceremony and Ocean Talks at Number 6 Kildare Street, in Dublin, to celebrate and thank the groups, individuals, communities, and businesses who, throughout the year, have done outstanding work to protect their local coastline and environment.

Maharees Conservation Association CLG were nominated both in the Beach Clean Award category and the Special Achievement Award and they won the latter.

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This award is a celebration of an individual or group who have achieved something spectacular this year, whether it’s reaching a major milestone, undertaking an impressive project or finding a way to engage a new cohort of people in the protection of our coasts.

The group has been carrying out a series of marram grass planting events in their area to stabilise the sand dunes damaged by Atlantic storms and have been raising awareness and educating the public on the importance on sand dunes and why they need to be protected.

During the ceremony, the work of Fenit Coast Conservation, who were nominated for a Local Action Award, was also showcased.

This group strives to raise awareness of the value and vulnerabilities of the coastline and encourages best practices that will leave this precious natural environment intact for future generations.

Each year, the Ocean Hero Awards honour the invaluable contribution Clean Coasts volunteers, groups and communities have made towards conserving our spectacular coastline. The awards, originally called the ‘Clean Coasts Merit Awards’, were conceived in 2006, consisting then of only one category, ‘The Clean Coasts Group of the Year’.

This year, Clean Coasts has chosen 7 dedicated categories with a total of 28 groups, organisations and individuals shortlisted for the title of Ocean Hero within each category.

Maharees And Fenit Groups Shortlisted For Clean Coasts Awards

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TWO Kerry-based groups have been shortlisted for the 2022 Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Awards this year.

Fenit Coast Conservation are nominated for the Local Action Award and Maharees Conservation Association CLG are nominated twice in the Beach Clean Award category and the Special Achievement Award.

Clean Coasts announced today the groups, individuals, communities, and businesses who have been nominated in 7 categories for the Ocean Hero Awards for their outstanding work and commitment to their coastlines and areas.

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The awards take place on November 22. Each year, the Ocean Hero Awards honour the invaluable contribution Clean Coasts volunteers, groups and communities have made towards conserving our spectacular coastline.

The awards, originally called the ‘Clean Coasts Merit Awards’, were conceived in 2006, consisting then of only one category, ‘The Clean Coasts Group of the Year’.

Banna Beach Coast Care Group took home first place in the Big Beach Clean Award category for Ocean Hero 2021.

Photos Taken In Kerry Among The Prizes In Clean Coasts Competition

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Adrian Hendroff – Labyrinth, Dunmore Head Co. Kerry, 1st in the Creativity and the Coast category.

A NUMBER of photos taken in Kerry have won prizes in the 13th edition of the Clean Coasts Love Your Coast photography competition announced at an award ceremony in the Smock Alley Theatre, in Dublin on Thursday.

For the past 13 years, the Love Your Coast photography competition has been  inviting photographers to capture the uniqueness of our coastal landscape, heritage, wildlife, communities and more, and to submit their best shot across five categories – Coastal Heritage, Coastal Landscape, People & the Coast, Wildlife & the Coast and Creativity and the Coast – for a chance to win prizes from a €5,000 prize fund and plenty of exposure opportunities.

This year, they received over 1,100 entries and the 50 best images were shortlisted and displayed at the event at Smock Alley.

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Adrian Hendroff with his “Labyrinth” – captured at Dunmore Head, Co. Kerry – received the first place prize in the Creativity and the Coast Category.

Todor Tilev with “Sunset at Inch Beach”, shot at Inch Beach, Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry, arrived second in the People and the Coast Category.

Todor Tilev – Sunset at Inch Beach, Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry, 2nd in People and the Coast category.

The image was taken during a family holiday to the Dingle Peninsula, on the way back from Killarney, when Todor noticed a kitesurfer during a stop at Inch Beach and decided to snap this photo.

In addition to that, images taken at other locations in Kerry, including Clogher Beach, Inch Beach, St. Finians Bay, Dunmore Head, Kells, Fenit and Little Skelligs were shortlisted among the top ten images in the other categories, namely Coastal Heritage, Coastal Landscape, People & the Coast and Wildlife & the Coast. See images below…

Kevin Grace – Dunmore, Head Dingle Kerry, Dunmore Head, Top 10 in Coastal Landscape category.
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Conor O’Brien – Three Wise Sheep, Dunmore Head, Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry
Sean O’Riordan – The Skelligs, St Finians Bay, Co. Kerry
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Pakie O Donoghue – Beach walker, Inch Beach, Dingle, Co Kerry.
Todor Tilev – The Storm, Clogher Beach, Co Kerry
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Karol Waszkiewicz – Brent Geese flying over stormy Tralee Bay, Fenit, Co.Kerry.
Maja Stankovski – Curious Blenny , Little Skellig, Co. Kerry.
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Gerard Lynch – Lonesone Boatman, Kells Bay Co. Kerry

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PHOTOS: Hundreds Take Part In Beach Clean-Ups In Kerry

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18 pupils from Fenit NS joined the Big Beach Clean on Fenit Beach, on Saturday 17th September.

OVER 620 volunteers from Kerry joined Clean Coasts latest call to action at the weekend, removing approximately 3.5 tonnes of litter.

Clean Coasts received overwhelming support and commitment from Kerry volunteers. 28 groups banded together to host cleanups removing an estimated 3.5 tonnes of litter.

Among these groups, we were joined by Maharees Conservation Association, Littor Strand Clean Coasts Group, Fenit National School, Rinn Rua Beach Watch and other groups, individuals, households and businesses.

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These groups tackled litter in different locations such as Inch Beach, Castlegregory, Littor Strand, Fenit, Banna, Tralee, Ventry and more.

18 pupils from Fenit NS joined the Big Beach Clean on Fenit Beach, on Saturday 17th September, hosting a beach clean and filling in the Clean Coasts marine litter data card to join the International Coastal Cleanup citizen science project.

Clean Coasts group Maharees Heritage and Conservation organised a beach clean at Brandon Bay on Sunday 18th September, and were joined by volunteers from other areas and groups, including Fahamore and Kilshannig. The group covered the area between west of Clocha Dubha and the Grotto and recorded their litter data online.

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.

This year, a record number of over 500 clean-ups were organised by volunteers who removed over 63 tonnes of litter nationwide.   Scroll down for photos…

18 pupils from Fenit NS joined the Big Beach Clean on Fenit Beach, on Saturday 17th September
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Clean Coasts group Maharees Heritage and Conservation organised a beach clean at Brandon Bay on Sunday 18th September
Clean Coasts group Maharees Heritage and Conservation organised a beach clean at Brandon Bay on Sunday 18th September
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Kerry People Urged To Get Involved In Big Beach Clean Next Month

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Launching Clean Coasts Big Beach Clean which takes place nationally from September 16-18, were Colum O’Sullivan, Cully & Sully, Elaine Doyle, Clean Coasts Campaigns Officer, Cullen Allen – Cully & Sully, Emlyn Cullen, National Spring Clean Manager, Proinsias Ó Tuama, Clean Coasts Ballynamona . Photo: Cathal Noonan

THE Big Beach Clean initiative is back, and Clean Coasts, supported by Cully and Sully, are calling people all across Kerry to register to receive clean-up kits and join the world biggest clean-up from from September 16th to 18th.

Last year in county Kerry almost 300 volunteers organised clean-ups in 10 different locations, removing approximately 1.8 tonnes of marine litter. Among these volunteers, Clean Coasts group Banna Coastcare saw a fantastic turnout for the beach clean event, with 67 willing collecting 30 bags of litter.

In 2021, a record number of over 400 clean-ups were organised by volunteers who removed 42 tonnes of litter across the whole country.

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This represented a 5% decrease in litter found across Ireland, compared to the previous year campaign, which reflects the incredible work that Irish volunteers do all year round to tackle litter, as well as more conscious behaviours by beach users.

The Big Beach Clean is an annual call to action and this year it will run as part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), operated internationally by Ocean Conservancy.

This call to action invites communities and volunteers around the country to remove litter from around the Irish coast after the end of the bathing season.

This initiative is also an opportunity for volunteers to get involved in a worldwide citizen science project, which entails collecting the amount and types of litter on Irish beaches and filling in Clean Coasts’ Marine Litter Data Cards.

This will help heighten awareness about the issue of marine litter serving as an indicator of the magnitude of the problem and help shape future policies and campaigns.

The 2021 results have been shared with Ocean Conservancy and, in Ireland and regionally in Kerry, they have been used to shape Clean Coasts campaigns designed both for registered groups and the general public, tackling the top 10 offenders, such as cigarette butts, plastic bottles and food packaging. To register visit the Clean Coasts website at www.cleancoasts.org

Volunteers Join Clean Coasts For Fenit Beach Clean-Up

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Volunteers and members of the Clean Coasts and Fáilte Ireland team who helped clean Fenit Beach on Saturday.

VOLUNTEERS from all around Kerry came out on Saturday to take part in Clean Coasts and Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Community Clean-ups of Fenit Beach in Kerry.

These events were created by Clean Coasts as part of their summertime Enjoy and Protect campaign with support from Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development who support the long-term sustainable growth in the economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution to tourism in Ireland with the events’ overall aim was to raise awareness to keeping our marine and wildlife spaces clean for locals and tourists alike to enjoy and admire.

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This event on Fenit beach in County Kerry included tea and coffee from Mike’s Cafe for all participants.

There were 26 volunteers joining Clean Coasts and Fáilte Ireland in Fenit, removing four bags – approximately 25 kg – of marine litter in one hour.

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Both the team and volunteers who joined were pleasantly surprised to find an already very cleaned beach and were delighted with how the day went. Fenit Conservation also joined the event, to give a brief talk about the work they do.

Rachel Geary from the Environmental Education Unit representing Clean Coasts said: “It was a great event and participants had a very positive attitude.”

Two Tonnes Of Litter Collected At 20 Clean-Up Events In Kerry Last Weekend

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Castlegregory Tidy Towns signed up to receive a Clean Coasts kit to host a beach clean on World Ocean Day.

TWENTY clean ups took place at the weekend with Kerry volunteers answering Clean Coasts’ call to action to protect our ocean this June.

Over 300 volunteers collected two tonnes of litter at the clean-up events held both on land and by the Kerry coast to prevent litter pollution at the source to ensure it does not end up in the ocean.

A key event that took place for World Ocean Day in Kerry included Castlegregory Tidy Towns who did a beach clean-up at Castlegregory beach where they found a fully functioning, abandoned tent, a fire pit in the dunes and a bit of discarded rubbish from beach goers.

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Wednesday, June 8 marked the global celebration of World Ocean Day and Irish environmental charity Clean Coasts joined forces with National Spring Clean for the second year running to provide volunteers and communities in Kerry with free clean up kits to host a clean-up in honour of World Ocean Day.

Statistics have shown that the number one cause of marine litter is litter dropped in towns and cities and getting involved in World Ocean Day was a great way for residents of non-coastal counties to help prevent litter entering our waterways by tackling the problem at the source.

The World Ocean Day organisation supports collaborative conservation, working with its global network of youth and organizational leaders in more than 140 countries.

There are still a number of World Ocean Day Kerry events scheduled to take place throughout the month of June with more information at https://cleancoasts.org/our-initiatives/world-ocean-day/

Clean Coasts Hope Kerry People Pledge To Take Part In ‘2Minute Beach Clean’

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A NEW video from Clean Coasts is encouraging people in county Kerry to pledge to clean up their area in two minutes to protect the Irish coast and waterways.

In a brand-new video produced by Clean Coasts with Cube Media, Clean Coasts is urging people to have a green New Year and choose a resolution they can commit to by pledging to do a #2minutebeachclean.

The video shows Dave (played by Bryan Quinn) trying to go into 2022 being better and greener by being more conscious of the environment.

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However, after several failed attempts he begins to lose hope until he finds himself on a beach in front of a #2minutebeachclean board and exclaims; “A 2-minute beach clean. So simple and keeps me green. New Year’s resolution in the bag!”

The campaign’s aim is to let people know that they don’t need to commit to a huge New Year’s resolution that they may not be able to sustain until the end of the year to make a difference. A #2minutebeachclean is an easy pledge to make that is flexible, doable and can be built on as your green year moves forward.

In 2021, 2,000 people pledged to do a #2minutebeachclean and received a kit. For 2022, Clean Coasts are calling people around Ireland to visit their website and pledge to do a #2minutebeachclean to receive a reusable individual beach clean kit containing a tote bag and gloves.

The next time you are out and about along the coast or near a waterway, take two minutes to pick up some litter you see, share a picture of it on social media, tag Clean Coasts, use the hashtag #2minutebeachclean and dispose of the litter properly.

Sinead McCoy, Coastal Communities manager said; “The #2minutebeachclean is such a great initiative to get involved in. Every day, so many people around Ireland share their #2minutebeachclean on social media, and that helps show how easy it is to get involved and make a difference. By taking part, not only do you make an immediate positive impact for the marine environment and wildlife, but it’s also a chance to spend time outdoors by the sea, exercise and even practice mindfulness.”

To sign up to receive your own #2minutebeachclean kit, visit the Clean Coasts website at www.cleancoasts.org.

Campaign Asks Kerry People To ‘Think Before You Flush’

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TO mark UN World Toilet Day which takes place Friday, November 19, the Think Before You Flush campaign are asking the people of Kerry to value your toilet.

Tomorrow highlights awareness of the 3.6 billion people worldwide living without access to safely managed sanitation.

The campaign addresses the issue of flushing unsuitable items down the toilet and highlights the consequences: blockages in our wastewater network and treatment plants; surface water overflows; and sewage related litter on our beaches and in our oceans, damaging our marine environment.

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Think Before You Flush is a public awareness campaign operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Irish Water.

Recent research has found that one in four adults (24%) regularly admit to flushing items down the toilet that are known to cause blockages, causing detrimental effects on the wastewater network and the marine environment.

They are asking people to look after our environment by only flushing the 3 P’s: pee, poo and paper.

To celebrate World Toilet Day, Think Before You Flush are giving away a year’s supply of sustainable toilet paper. To enter, pledge to Think Before You Flush by heading to www.thinkbeforeyouflush.org.

Speaking about the campaign, Sinead McCoy, Coastal Communities Manager, Clean Coasts said: “There are still so many people across the world that don’t have access to proper sanitation, so for UN World Toilet Day we are asking people of to re-evaluate their flushing behaviour, respect your toilet and Think Before You Flush. Only flush the 3 P’s – pee, paper and poo – down the loo, and pop all other items into the bin. As when other items are flushed they cause issues for our wastewater system and can have a harmful impact on our natural environment.”

Kerry Public Asked To ‘Think Before You Flush’ This Halloween

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THE Think Before You Flush Campaign, operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Irish Water, is urging the people of Kerry to stop flushing wipes down the toilet.

In doing so, everyone will help combat ‘fatbergs’, wastewater blockages and scary sewage related litter on beaches this Halloween.

When flushed, wet wipes can cause blockages in the sewer pipes at your home or in the public wastewater network. Wet wipes can also cause blockages at pumping stations and can clog screens at wastewater treatment plants.

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Unlike toilet paper, which disintegrates quickly when flushed, the synthetic materials in items like wet wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products and even dental floss makes them very strong leading to blockages and overflows that can harm our beaches, seas and marine life.

Speaking about the campaign, Sinead McCoy, Coastal Communities Manager, Clean Coasts said: “This Halloween we are urging the public to always Think Before You Flush and throw any wipes used for removing scary make up in the bin to avoid frightening fatbergs! The Think Before You Flush campaign aims to increases education and awareness about sewage related litter, enabling people to realise the consequence of their simple bathroom routine, and letting them know that small changes can prevent items like cotton bud sticks and wet wipes washing up on Ireland’s spectacular beaches.”

Talking about the size and scale of the problem associated with flushing the wrong things down the toilet, Tom Cuddy, Irish Water said: “In 2021 we found out that 1 in 4 people living in Ireland were still regularly flushing the wrong things down the toilet – that’s almost a million people. The impacts of flushing the wrong things down the toilet are very real in our day to day lives, as we are still removing thousands of sewer blockages from our network every month.”

Removing blockages can be a nasty job; sometimes workers have to enter sewers to remove blockages with shovels. Some blockages can be removed with jetting and suction equipment. I’ve seen pump blockages that workers have had to literally clear by hand in order to get the pumps up and running again in a race against time to avoid sewage overflows to the environment, onto local beaches or into rivers and streams.

“Our message is simple, only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet. All other items including wet wipes and other sanitary products should go in the bin even if they are labelled as flushable. We all have a role to play in protecting our beaches, seas and marine life. A small change in our flushing behaviour can make a big difference – put wipes, dental floss and even hair in the bin and not down the toilet to help us avoid frightening blockages this Halloween.”

WATCH: New Video Encourages Tralee People To ‘Think Before You Flush’

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Kieran Donaghy in the video urging Tralee people to ‘Think Before You Flush’.

CLEAN Coasts are asking the people of Tralee to join well-known Tralee people to ‘Think Before You Flush’ this World Toilet Day.

Tralee Tidy Towns and GLAN Tralee, in conjunction with Clean Coasts and Irish Water, have presented a new ‘Think Before You Flush’ video featuring well-known Tralee folk at local coastal locations.

In the clip, Tralee sports star Kieran Donaghy, Gillian Wharton Slattery (of Team Bramble and Tralee Tidy Towns) and Betesaida Hailegeorgis (of CH Tralee) appeal to the people of Tralee to ‘Think Before You Flush’ inappropriate items, such as wipes and cotton bud sticks, down the toilet.

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Shot at locations including Cockleshell Beach, the Canal Walk, Blennerville and the Wetlands in Tralee, the video aims highlight the damage caused to our beaches, rivers and wastewater infrastructure by flushing these items down the toilet.

Watch it below…


‘Think Before You Flush,’ run by Clean Coasts in partnership with Irish Water, is a public awareness campaign highlighting the problems caused by flushing inappropriate items down the toilet.

Research has found that 30% of people in Ireland are still flushing items such as wipes and cotton buds down the toilet, causing detrimental effects on the wastewater network and the marine environment. The goal of the campaign is to encourage people to always #thinkb4uflush.

The campaign has been running nationally and regionally since 2015. For the 4th year of the campaign, Tralee was chosen as one of the regional towns, along with Mallow, Wicklow Town, Dundalk, Sligo Town and Bundoran.

To celebrate World Toilet Day and the Think Before You Flush campaign in Tralee, five Tralee secondary schools are invited to participate in a synchronised viewing of the short video.

World Toilet Day, which occurs annually on November 19, celebrates toilets and raises awareness of the 4.2 billion people living without access to safely managed sanitation. It is about taking action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

Speaking about the campaign, Emily O’Carroll, Clean Coasts Officer said: “The Think Before You Flush campaign was set up as a result of finding sewage related waste such as wipes on Irish beaches. 80% of marine litter originates from inland sources. Something as simple as a wipe can travel from a flushed toilet to the ocean and finally the beach possibly causing blockages and damage to marine life as it makes its journey. It is fantastic to see how the community in Tralee are spreading awareness of this important message. Well done to all involved. Simply put a bin in your bathroom and always #thinkb4uflush”.

Speaking about the video and scale of the problem associated with flushing the wrong things down the toilet, Aisling Buckley, Irish Water said: “Irish Water is delighted to support the work of Tralee Tidy Towns and GLAN Tralee and what better day to highlight their excellent video than World Toilet Day. Flushing of wet wipes in particular causes a lot of problems in the public sewer network and issues our treatment plants. We would like to thank all of those involved in creating the video, which is a very effective way of communicating an important message and reminding us all to ‘Think Before You Flush’”.

More information about the Think Before You Flush campaign can be found at www.thinkbeforeyouflush.org

‘Think Before You Flush’ Campaign Launched In Tralee

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At the launch of the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign were, in front; young Iseult and Kate with Aisling Buckley of Irish Water, Anne Marie Fuller and Susan Vickers. at back; Anluan Dunne, Martha Farrell, Patrick Falvey, Mary Dolan, Joan O’Regan,  Mohamed Kareem, Sylvia Thompson and Kevin Power. Photo by Dermot Crean

CLEAN Coasts and Irish Water are asking the people of Tralee to “Think Before You Flush”.

The Think Before You Flush campaign aims to highlight the problems caused by flushing inappropriate items, such as wipes, down the toilet.

This can cause blockages in homes, the wastewater infrastructure or end up on the beach as marine litter. The campaign is run by Clean Coasts in partnership with Irish Water and is currently in its 4th year.

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Each year there are regional campaigns in chosen cities, towns and villages across Ireland and this week in the Wetlands Centre in Tralee the campaign will be attending the Clean Coasts Roadshow Kerry Event 2020 on this Sunday, February 22 from 11.30am to 1pm.

The 2019/20 regional campaigns are based in Mallow, Tralee, Sligo town, Bundoran, Dundalk and Wicklow town.

In each location, the campaign will be running workshops, events and clean ups throughout the year, working with the local community, businesses and schools.

The campaign found that 30% of people are flushing items they should bin, such as wipes and cotton buds, down the toilet with detrimental effects on the wastewater network and the environment. The goal of the campaign is to encourage people to always #thinkb4uflush

Speaking about the campaign Elaine Doyle, Clean Coasts Officer said: “The Think Before You Flush campaign was set up as a result of finding sewage related waste such as wipes on Irish beaches. 80% of marine litter originates from inland sources. Something as simple as a wipe can travel from a flushed toilet to the ocean and finally the beach possibly causing blockages and damage to marine life as it makes its journey. We are delighted to partner with Irish Water to spread this important message. Simply put a bin in your bathroom and always #thinkb4uflush”.

Speaking about the size and scale of the problem associated with flushing the wrong things down the toilet, Colm Ward, Irish Water said:

”Every day people flush thousands of sanitary items such as wet wipes and cotton bud sticks down the toilet instead of simply putting them in the bin. This causes blockages in our network, pumping stations and wastewater treatment plants. These items can also end up on our beaches. We removed more than 8,000 reported blockages from the sewer network last year, dealt with thousands of other blockages during planned work and we have also removed thousands of tonnes of ragging from wastewater treatment plants around the country. We are delighted to work in partnership with Clean Coasts to deliver this important campaign. Placing a bin in the bathroom and disposing of wet wipes and other sanitary items appropriately has a hugely positive impact on the network and the environment.”

More information about the Think Before You Flush campaign can be found athttp://thinkbeforeyouflush.org

Volunteers Collect 30 Bags Of Litter In Just An Hour On Banna Beach

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Volunteers in the clean-up on Banna Beach on Sunday.

BANNA saw a fantastic turnout on Sunday for this year’s Clean Coasts Week.

Forty enthusiastic volunteers, gave just one hour of their time to help clean up Kerry’s beautiful coastline.

Approximately 30 bags of litter were collected, along with a tyre, two bags of bottles and some old wire fencing.

The bags were filled with marine litter which included, fishing line, net and ropes and terrestrial litter mostly made up of plastic bottles, crisp and sweet wrappers, cigarette butts, plastic bags and glass bottles.

Some unusual finds included toothbrushes, a coat hanger and a tracksuit! Rachel Geary of Banna Coastcare wished to thank everyone that turned up and gave up their Sunday morning.

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“It was another fantastic event, it is so heart-warming to see people come together to help combat the problem of marine litter, every piece of litter that is collected is a piece of litter that won’t pollute our oceans or harm our wildlife,” said Rachel.

“Everybody made a fantastic effort, we all have a responsibility in caring for our coastline, our beaches are important places for numerous reasons so it’s great to give a little back so we can continue to enjoy them,” she added.

Volunteers in the clean-up on Banna Beach on Sunday.

“Unfortunately, the litter we remove from the coast is not representative of the full load of marine litter in the environment. It is estimated that this only represents approximately 15%, the remainder is on the seabed and floating in the water column. All this litter has a huge impact on our environment, it can result in entanglement and ingestion by marine animals and ruin the appearance of our coastline. Sunday’s cleanup reduces these impacts, improves the appearance of our coastline and perhaps most importantly raises awareness with the younger generations, our youngest volunteer today was just 11 months old!”

Some of the bags collected.

The cleanup on Banna was organised by Rachel Geary (Banna Coastcare). Banna Rescue supported the event by bringing their launcher down to the beach to collect all the full bags and drop them in the car-park.

Kerry County Council supported the event by removing all the bags collected.  Clean Coasts Week is an initiative organised as part of An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Programme.

Beachcombing And Clean Up This Saturday At Derrymore Beach

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A BEACH clean-up has been organised by Clean Coasts and Irish Wildlife Trust at Derrymore Strand on Saturday February 25, at 10.oo am.

The Beach Clean event promises to help keep one of the most beautiful spots in Tralee Bay pristine for everyone.

As well as cleaning up the inevitable plastic rubbish, people can participate in beachcombing, where they may stumble across something interesting.

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The clean up will go ahead weather permitting, but it is important to wear appropriate clothing like water/wind proof clothing and wellies. The clean up equipment will be provided.

Participants will meet in the car park at Derrymore Beach at 10am.Meeting in the car park at Derrymore Beach 10am.

Clean Coasts organises hundreds of beach clean-ups annually mobilising thousands of volunteers, removing considerable quantities of marine litter from our coastline.

By promoting and facilitating coastal clean-ups and surveys, they create an immediate improvement on Ireland’s coastal environment. The Irish Wildlife Trust spreads the word about the amazing resources we have right under our noses.