Big Beach Clean to return to Mayo

The Big Beach Clean 2024 is back, and Clean Coasts are asking people in Mayo and nationwide to register to join the campaign. 

From September 20-22, volunteers across the country will gather to clean our beautiful beaches and contribute to a global effort to combat marine litter. This year, we are thrilled to announce that the initiative is proudly supported by Kia Ireland. 

Last year in Mayo, 21 groups and over 400 volunteers removed an estimated 2.4 tonnes of marine litter with clean-ups happening in various locations, including Achill, Ballina, Claremorris, Newport and Louisburgh.

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

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. 

As part of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Clean-up, individual and group efforts in Ireland will have far-reaching effects, contributing to global data and influencing environmental policies worldwide. 

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 our 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 the Ocean Conservancy, has driven significant policy changes worldwide, including banning certain plastic items such as bags and straws or the implementation of laws to prohibit smoking on beaches. 

Bronagh Moore, An Taisce's Clean Coasts Manager, said they are ‘delighted’ to announce the opening of registrations for this year’s Big Beach Clean. 

She added: “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.”

Cathal Kealey, Head of Marketing and PR at Kia Ireland, said the company is ‘delighted’ to sponsor this year's clean-up.

She commented: “As a brand we are on a journey towards Carbon Neutrality and part of that strategy looks at the use of recycled materials in our vehicle production, and particularly the use of recycled ocean waste. 

“In line with our global clean-up initiatives that are designed to combat ocean pollution, we would urge as many people as possible to register for their local beach clean this September,” she concluded.

For more information and to register, see the Clean Coasts website.