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More than 400 groups and over 10,000 volunteers across Ireland are gearing up for the Big Beach Clean from the 20th to the 22nd of September 2024. This annual event, supported by Kia Ireland and organised by Clean Coasts in conjunction with An Taisce, invites individuals, families, and community groups to come together to clean up Ireland’s coastlines and waterways.
In County Cork, 80 groups and more than 6,000 volunteers have already registered to participate, with clean-ups planned in locations such as Skibbereen, Cobh, Little Island, Schull, and Bere Island. The event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) led by the Ocean Conservancy, a global citizen science project aimed at tackling marine litter.
Cathal Kealey from Kia Ireland emphasised the brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability, stating:
“Kia Ireland is delighted to see so many community groups and individuals nationwide signing up for the Big Beach Clean. As a brand committed to our journey towards Carbon Neutrality, we are proud to support such an important initiative.”
Volunteers are encouraged to register their events with Clean Coasts by the 11th of September to receive free cleanup kits. These kits, provided by Kia Ireland, will help volunteers to efficiently collect and record the litter they find. The data collected will contribute to global reports used to influence environmental policy, such as bans on plastic items like straws and bags.
Bronagh Moore, Clean Coasts Manager, also praised the high level of community engagement:
“It’s a fantastic way for individuals, clubs, and communities to come together and be part of a powerful movement working to protect our coastlines and waterways. By recording and reporting on the litter collected, we are not only cleaning up our beaches but also providing important data that can influence impactful global campaigns and policy changes.”
The Big Beach Clean is not limited to coastal areas, with the initiative partnering with the National Spring Clean to encourage residents from inland areas to participate, preventing litter from entering waterways.
Registrations for this year’s Big Beach Clean close at 5 pm on the 11th of September. Further details on how to get involved can be found on the Clean Coasts website.