Green Limerick: Help tide-y up your favourite beach this summer

BIG Beach Clean 2024 is back and An Taisce’s Clean Coasts are asking the people of Limerick to register to join the campaign.

From September 20 to 22, volunteers across the country will gather to clean Irish beaches and contribute to a global effort to combat marine litter.

This year, the initiative is supported by Kia Ireland.

With no beach within the county boundaries, beach days are considered a true novelty for those living in Limerick.

Whether it is Ballybunion or Kilkee, Limerick people love travelling to popular seaside spots to breathe in some beach air.

READ MORE: Mixed views to road closure in Limerick

Why not get involved and help make your favourite beach cleaner and more accessible this summer?

“In 2023, over 400 groups registered to host a clean-up, with 7,700 Clean Coasts volunteers removing 46 tonnes of litter all across the country.

“This year, let’s continue to push for positive change,” a spokesperson said.

After signing up, participants will receive everything they need to conduct a successful beach clean and carry out a marine litter survey, by filling in the Marine Litter Data Cards or using the Clean Swell App.

By participating in the Big Beach Clean and submitting the information on the types and quantities of litter you collect, participants will help make Ireland’s voice heard on a global scale.

The data collected by volunteers in previous years have informed national campaigns such as ‘Bin the Butt’ and ‘Break Up With Plastic’.

On a global level, this data, when shared with Ocean Conservancy, has driven significant policy changes worldwide, including banning of certain plastic items like bags and straws or the implementation of laws to prohibit smoking on beaches.

Bronagh Moore, An Taisce’s Clean Coasts manager, said: “Every piece of litter removed and reported not only contributes to cleaner beaches but can lead to impactful campaigns and healthier oceans.

“Your participation in the Big Beach Clean 2024 helps amplify Ireland’s voice in the global effort to protect our oceans.

“It’s a powerful reminder of how local actions can lead to significant global impacts.

“Join us in making a difference!”

For the past 20 years, An Taisce’s Clean Coasts programme has engaged communities in the protection of Ireland’s beaches, seas and marine life.