Clean Coasts 2021

After the success of the Big Beach Clean up held in September, the Cathaoirleach of Greystones MD, Cllr Lourda Scott, along with other community volunteers, have established

Clean Coasts North Wicklow to help reduce litter and environmental damage of the coastline.  

Clean Coasts North Wicklow joins the 1500 community groups as part of the Clean Coasts initiative who together who form a network engaged in coastal management, environmental actions, and education activities Clean Coasts engages communities in the protection of Ireland’s beaches, seas and marine life. The programme is operated by An Taisce and is made up of two main elements; Clean Coasts Volunteering and the Green Coast Award.

Speaking about the new group Scott says, “We are very lucky to live beside such a beautiful stretch of coast line. During lockdown people became very familiar with the beaches in their 5km and they are used for everything from walking and fishing, to yoga and exercise classes. Talking to people it is very clear that there is an awareness of how important it is that we look after this special environment so that we can continue enjoying it long into the future. I hope that starting a group such as Clean Coasts North Wicklow will help to provide an easy way to help protect our part of our coast. Our initial focus will be on regular clean-ups rotating between Greystones, Kilcoole and Newcastle beaches. Everyone in the community is welcome to join in even if it’s just for a short while and families are especially welcome. We want to engage with the wider community and as the group grows to gather expertise and expand our activities. In particular I note that no beach in Co Wicklow has been awarded the Green Coast award and this is something I would like to see progressed.”

Clean Coast North Wicklow can be found on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CleanCoastsNW .

People are invited to join the first beach clean at 10 am, Oct 31 in Greystones and the group will meet near the playground.