Leitrim volunteers gear up for Big Beach Clean 

Leitrim may have Ireland’s smallest coastline, but it’s a stunning one that local residents are eager to protect. This September, communities are coming together for the Big Beach Clean, part of a nationwide initiative led by Clean Coasts, to remove litter from beaches, rivers, and lakesides. The event, supported by Kia Ireland, will take place from September 20th to 22nd, and local volunteers are encouraged to participate.

According to a recent press release, more than 400 groups and over 10,000 volunteers across Ireland are expected to join this year’s Big Beach Clean. In Leitrim, clean-ups are planned in Ballinamore, Drumkeeran, and Carrick on Shannon. Despite its small coastal area, Leitrim’s role is crucial in preventing litter from inland areas from reaching the ocean.

Olivia Jones, Clean Coasts Officer, emphasized the importance of inland clean-ups, stating, "Around 80% of our clean-ups take place inland, including rivers and lakesides. It’s about preventing waste from reaching the ocean in the first place." Olivia encourages anyone in Leitrim interested in organizing a local clean-up to register through the Clean Coasts website.

Last year, Leitrim volunteers made a significant impact by collecting 300kg of litter. This year, the goal is to surpass that achievement. Across Ireland, 7,700 volunteers removed a staggering 46 tonnes of litter during the 2023 Big Beach Clean. This event is also part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) organized by the Ocean Conservancy, where volunteers contribute to a global citizen science project by recording and reporting the litter they collect.

Cathal Kealey from Kia Ireland expressed the company’s enthusiasm, saying, "Our support will ensure cleanup kits are distributed to volunteers who register. We look forward to joining groups across the country." Bronagh Moore, Clean Coasts Manager at An Taisce, added, "We are thrilled to see such large numbers already signed up for the Big Beach Clean 2024. This event not only helps clean our beaches but also provides important data that can influence global campaigns and policy changes."

Registrations for the Big Beach Clean close on September 11th at 5 pm. For more information, to register, or to contact Olivia Jones about organizing a cleanup, visit www.cleancoasts.org.