Leitrim volunteers lead the charge in Big Beach Clean 2024

In County Leitrim, over 40 dedicated volunteers took part in Clean Coasts' Big Beach Clean, removing an estimated 276kg of marine litter from various locations across the county. The clean-up effort in Leitrim was part of a nationwide initiative where more than 15,000 people joined forces to clear over 95 tonnes of litter from Ireland's beaches, rivers, and waterways during the Big Beach Clean weekend from the 20th to the 22nd of September.

Leitrim, known for its beautiful inland waterways, played a crucial role in this year's event. The Carrick on Shannon Residents Committee led a significant clean-up along the Shannon River quays and walkways. A team of 10 volunteers managed to collect 58kg of litter, helping to preserve the pristine condition of one of Ireland’s most picturesque riverfronts. Their efforts demonstrate the county's commitment to tackling marine litter and protecting the local environment.

Although Leitrim doesn't have a long coastline, the county's involvement highlights the widespread impact of marine litter on inland waterways that eventually feed into the ocean. The participation of volunteers from Leitrim serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of proximity to the sea, plays a role in reducing litter and protecting Ireland's water systems.

In addition to removing litter, volunteers in Leitrim and nationwide contributed to a citizen science project by recording the types of waste they found. Common items discovered during the clean-up included plastic bottles, cigarette butts, and food wrappers, highlighting the need for ongoing awareness and action.

Bronagh Moore, Clean Coasts Programme Manager at An Taisce, praised the dedication of Leitrim’s volunteers, saying, “We’re incredibly inspired by the efforts of the community in County Leitrim. Although the county is inland, the contribution of volunteers here shows that protecting Ireland’s waterways is a collective effort. Every piece of litter removed makes a difference.

“Leitrim’s involvement in the Big Beach Clean is a testament to the power of community action and the county’s commitment to environmental stewardship. As part of a broader national and global movement, the work done by volunteers in Leitrim helps to safeguard not just their local water systems, but also the wider marine environment.”

This year’s Big Beach Clean was the largest yet, with over 600 clean-ups organized nationwide. The continued efforts of communities like those in County Leitrim will be vital in the ongoing fight against marine pollution, ensuring that Ireland’s natural beauty remains protected for future generations.

The Big Beach Clean is an annual event organized by Clean Coasts and forms part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), a global effort coordinated by Ocean Conservancy. While the initiative is typically focused on coastal areas, the inclusion of inland waterways like the Shannon River underscores the interconnectedness of Ireland’s ecosystems and the need for action across the board.

The clean-up efforts were supported by Kia Ireland, which provided clean-up kits and supplies to volunteers across the country. This partnership enabled communities like those in Leitrim to take meaningful action in preserving their local environments.