Group of the Year Winners – Spanish Point Community Group & Enniscrone Clean Coasts Group
Group of the Year Shortlist
Spanish Point Community Group
Spanish Point Community Group has been nominated in the 2024 Group of the Year Category. This year the group has been very active undertaking a number of projects to help preserve and protect their little bit of coastline.
Spanish Point Community Group has been nominated in the 2024 Group of the Year Category. This year the group has been very active undertaking a number of projects to help preserve and protect their little bit of coastline. These include efforts to achieve dune stabilisation and to prevent further damage by planting marram grass and installing fencing and geo bags.
They also worked alongside a marine robotic research group from UL who have created an environmental app named “Bluepoint” to help locate marine litter and to put any plastics found to good use. The group also has championed environmental awareness and education to the local community through a number of events, workshops and talks and displays of noticeboards in the area.
Maharees Heritage and Conservation
Maharees Heritage and Conservation Group have been nominated in the Group of the Year Category. The Maharees Group have a busy yearly timetable in addition to their beach cleans with a full summer programme, a mix of beach cleans, dune protection work, biodiversity talks, and fundraising activities.
Maharees Heritage and Conservation Group have been nominated in the Group of the Year Category. The Maharees Group have a busy yearly timetable in addition to their beach cleans with a full summer programme, a mix of beach cleans, dune protection work, biodiversity talks, and fundraising activities. The group was started in 2016 in response to a crisis faced by the community. Over the winter of 2015-16, a series of Atlantic storms blew large drifts of sand onto the only access road to the main residential areas of the Maharees tombolo. Their main aim is sand dune protection but their love of the beaches in their location leads them to run numerous beach cleans throughout the year.
Friends of Rossnowlagh Clean Coasts Group
Friends of Rossnowlagh began in 2016 with a simple goal: to protect the natural beauty of Rossnowlagh Beach, Co. Donegal. The group started by tackling litter issues and, in 2018, joined Clean Coasts to expand their efforts.
Friends of Rossnowlagh began in 2016 with a simple goal: to protect the natural beauty of Rossnowlagh Beach, Co. Donegal. The group started by tackling litter issues and, in 2018, joined Clean Coasts to expand their efforts. Today, their mission is to preserve and enhance Rossnowlagh’s environment, creating a place everyone can enjoy now and for generations to come. This year the group has started a farmer’s market with local community, held a sand sculpture competition, art competition for sand dune protection, currently are planning a community garden,participated in the Bin Your Butt campaign, engaged in a 2MBC event with Failte Ireland, and have been a part of sand dune training on their beach. This group has a amazing environmental awareness, which they are promoting consistently and are always trying to do any activity in a way that is as environmentally sound as possible.
Enniscrone Clean Coasts group
Enniscrone Clean Coasts is part of Enniscrone Tidy Towns and they are nominated in the 2024 Group of the Year category. 2024 has been a great year getting their Blue Flag reinstated, and their Green Flag too!
Enniscrone Clean Coasts is part of Enniscrone Tidy Towns and they are nominated in the 2024 Group of the Year category. 2024 has been a great year getting their Blue Flag reinstated, and their Green Flag too! As well as participating in the Clean Coast Big Beach Clean, the group enlisted group enlisted the help of various local sports clubs, social and ethnic groups to come out for beach cleans every Sunday morning from June through to September. With people of all ages taking part, their goal is to help keep our beaches clean and to instil a more widespread awareness of the need to care for our beach environment. To inform the public of the local biodiversity the group also installed a number of nature panels displayed along the promenade depicting the many birds, insects, mammals and plants dependent on our natural beach habitats.
Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group
Tomhaggard Clean Coasts have been nominated in the Group of the Year Category for 2024. The group was established in April 2021 with a small group of family and friends, and has grown to 73 members in 2024, about half of whom are actively involved in beach cleaning.
Tomhaggard Clean Coasts have been nominated in the Group of the Year Category for 2024. The group was established in April 2021 with a small group of family and friends, and has grown to 73 members in 2024, about half of whom are actively involved in beach cleaning. Others support the group in a myriad of ways. The group has adopted a 25km stretch of the South Wexford coastline from Carnesore to Cullenstown, which represents 10% of the coastline of County Wexford. To date for 2024, the group has removed over 10 tonnes of waste from our beaches. The group has also established a unit at Kilmore Quay Harbour where found fishing items are placed for reuse. In 2024 the group took on a biodiversity project, using the flagship species, Sea Turtles, to explain the dangers posed by waste in the ocean to marine life.
Individual of the Year Winner – Anne Marie Kirwan
Individual of the Year Shortlist
Proinsias O’ Tuama
Proinsias O Tuama has been involved with Clean Coasts since 2015. He founded Clean Coasts Ballynamona, which is part of the Sea and Land Trust and he is a teacher with St Colman’s College who are shortlisted for Youth of the Year and the force behind the Big Little Beach Clean which is shortlisted for Event Of The Year.
Proinsias O Tuama has been involved with Clean Coasts since 2015. He founded Clean Coasts Ballynamona which is part of the Sea and Land Trust and he is a teacher with St Colman’s College who are shortlisted for Youth of the Year and the force behind the Big Little Beach Clean which is shortlisted for Event Of The Year. Clean Coasts Ballynamona clean up an impressive 80km of coastline, mainly between Midelton and Youghal but also in and around Cork Harbour. As usual 2024 was a busy year doing monthly beachcleans, fundraising, beach cleaning with local businesses.
Proinsias stated that some of the years highlights was getting almost 800 kids out to the coast this year for the Big Little Beach Clean. Clean Coasts were there for the events doing our Think Before You Flush workshops. There is ongoing training and building up the hours on the boat, a purchase to allow the group to reach litter black spots they cant reach by land. Excitingly a new street cleaning machine has been purchased to tackle cigarette butts, a damaging and plentiful source of litter. Proinsias’s motivations were that local beaches needed attention and something he loves is meeting new people and making a positive difference, especially in his role as an educator.
Donal McGuirk
Donal McGuirk has been nominated as he has been central to the Bull Island Action Group and the Island itself for the last twenty years. He has personally organised clean ups every month and over the last three years a weekly clean-up.
Donal McGuirk has been nominated in the Individual of the Year Category as he has been central to the Bull Island Action Group and the Island itself for the last twenty years. He has personally organised clean ups every month and over the last three years a weekly clean-up. Monthly clean-ups have had a large attendance with up to 100 on some days. He has also been responsible for organising numerous additional activities by corporate and voluntary groups, the number of which is too great to quantify.
Without Donal the group would not have existed or indeed grown to the size it is and encompassed engagement with so many diverse groups. Donal is essentially the beating heart of the group, and his modesty belies the fact that he has given so much of his time and effort to keeping the beach clean over the last twenty years. His diplomatic skills are legendary, and he is never anything but enthusiastic and engaged in all his work for the environment. He has also been hugely supportive of Clean Coasts by engaging volunteers from the local area for TV interviews, photoshoots and CSR’s. He was also the driving force behind getting a lock up container and a storage unit on both access points to the beach to ensure easy access to clean up equipment for volunteers.
Peter O’Donnell
Peter O’Donnell is nominated in the Individual of the Year category for his ongoing outstanding work with Clean Coasts. Peter is a driving force on the island of Arranmore, having been involved with Clean Coasts for over 10 years.
Peter O’Donnell is nominated in the Individual of the Year category for his ongoing outstanding work with Clean Coasts. Peter is a driving force on the island of Arranmore, having been involved with Clean Coasts for over 10 years. Throughout the years he has dedicated his time to the beautiful beaches of the island working to clean, preserve and protect the natural beauty of Arranmore. There are 10 beaches in total that he covers and walks a different beach every day with his dogs to monitor and pick any rubbish that is present.
He also comes up with new and novel ways to reuse and repurpose items to minimise waste on the island and has been instrumental in spreading the message about the impacts of marine litter and how locals and visitors alike can do their part in reducing it.
Michael Breen
Michael is nominated in the Individual of the Year category for his work as one of the main drivers of the Clean Coasts group in in Enniscrone. He works tirelessly for the group to improve both the built and natural heritage of the area.
Michael is nominated in the Individual of the Year category for his work as one of the main drivers of the Clean Coasts group in in Enniscrone. He works tirelessly for the group to improve both the built and natural heritage of the area. He has spoken many times at Clean Coasts events and is always very obliging with asked. He has also worked with Sligo County Council on dune conservation and has collaborated on a variety of initiatives engaging with local groups in the area. Such as working with local artists groups on promoting the coasts though their work. He has encouraged and has engaged local sports clubs, businesses, social groups and organisations to take part in beach cleans and to instil a more widespread awareness of the need to care for our local beach and surrounding environment.
Anne Marie Kirwan
Anne Marie Kirwan has been nominated in the 2024 Individual of the Year category for her continued dedication to protect and preserve the coast in her volunteering with Tomhaggard Clean Coasts.
Anne Marie Kirwan has been nominated in the 2024 Individual of the Year category for her continued dedication to protect and preseve the coast in her volunteering with Tomhaggard Clean Coasts. Anne Marie is described as an incredible force of nature and was one of the founding members of TCC. Her commitment to the group and energy for the work she does, couple perfectly with her gentle manner and inclusive nature. Anne Marie said, “I love spending time beach cleaning, it gives me a sense of peace and purpose. It is a hands-on, enjoyable way to make a difference in my local area. I never cease to be amazed by the collective effort of the group at the end of a beach clean up, and have really come to enjoy the camaraderie of the group. It is a joy to meet other people who share my enthusiasm for improving our coastline and coastal habitats.”
Campaigner of the Year Winners – Mark McCarthy and Rathmullan Coast Care
Campaigner of the Year Shortlist
Mark McCarthy
Mark is nominated in the Campaigner of the year category and is one of the go-to people for Clean Coasts in West Cork. His passion for the environment is coupled with his kind and friendly manner.
Mark is nominated in the Campaigner of the year category and is one of the go-to people for Clean Coasts in West Cork. His passion for the environment is coupled with his kind and friendly manner. Mark does amazing work in cleaning the coastline and encouraging others to take an active interest in maintaining the local marine environment litter-free.
In 2024 he added a #2minutebeachclean to the powerboating courses he runs. Both enjoying and protecting our ocean and coastal environment is very important to him. He includes his family in his beach cleaning efforts and takes to social media with a mix of gravity for the matter at hand with light-hearted humour and of course his West Cork charm.
Magheroarty – Togra Fiontar & Cultúr Uladh Ctr
This passionate group, made up of the local community, has been dedicated to safeguarding the marine environmental and finding sustainable solutions for the protection of its precious sand dunes and salt marshes.
Magheroarty Community has been nominated for the 2024 Campaigner of the Year Award. This passionate group, made up of the local community, has been dedicated to safeguarding the marine environmental and finding sustainable solutions for the protection of its precious sand dunes and salt marshes. Their efforts have included a walk-and-talk event for Heritage Week 2024, where they celebrated the area’s rich biodiversity and unique habitats. The group has played a key role in highlighting the importance of dune systems and their health, bringing much-needed awareness to these delicate ecosystems. Additionally, by translating Clean Coasts resources into Irish, they’ve greatly supported environmental efforts across Gaeltacht regions.
Rathmullan Coast Care
Rathmullan Clean Coasts Coastal Care Group have been nominated in the Campaigner of the Year category for 2024. Established in 2012, an initially small group has grown to have multiple weekly dedicated volunteers.
Rathmullan Clean Coasts Coastal Care Group have been nominated in the Campaigner of the Year category for 2024. Established in 2012 an initially small group has grown to have multiple weekly dedicated volunteers. The group also advertises clean-ups in weekly notes in the local newspapers and Facebook to encourage the local community to join at any time. The group are very active, they have taken part in international litter surveys, Big Beach Cleans and more. They arrange for more frequent litter picks to take place during busy summer months, as well as participating in other events with the local schools and youth groups to educate them on issues around biodiversity, marine waste and more.
Galway Atlantaquaria
While the Aquarium has been cleaning beaches since 2009, they joined Clean Coasts in 2016. Gary and his team at the aquarium are really committed to their piece of coastline and organise regular clean ups throughout the year.
Galway Atlantaquaria were shortlisted in the Campaigner of the Year” category 2024. While the Aquarium has been cleaning beaches since 2009, they joined Clean Coasts in 2016. Gary and his team at the aquarium are really committed to their piece of coastline and organise regular clean ups throughout the year. Galway Atlantaquaria has hosted multiple events throughout the year, from regular beach cleaning events to Yoga Sessions and more. They have also been a part of international campaigns and represent Ireland & Ocean Literacy by supporting a variety of EU Campaigns, including The See Water Differently Campaign.
Martina Healy aka Leitrim Litter Picker
Martina Healy, aka, Leitrim Litter Picker on social media, was shortlisted in the Campaigner of the Year category. Martina’s nomination in this category reflects her outstanding commitment to promoting the #2MinuteBeachClean campaign through her social media.
Martina Healy, aka, Leitrim Litter Picker on social media, was shortlisted in the Campaigner of the Year category. Martina’s nomination in this category reflects her outstanding commitment to promoting the #2MinuteBeachClean campaign through her social media. She has been working hard to fight pollution and waste in her area, and spread the word to her followers.
In 2023, she committed to post daily about her litter picks and has proudly continued that throughout 2024, which has increased her ability to reach out to other litter pickers and to demonstrate how easy it is to make a positive impact on our coast and marine life. Martina commented: “It is lovely to get out & about, and enjoy where I live. I am fortunate to live in a very beautiful part of Ireland. But most importantly it is vital to give back, and by litter picking I am giving back to the environment and to my community.”
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Award Winner – Arklow Coast Care
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Award Shortlist
Liquid Therapy
Liquid Therapy was nominated in the 2024 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category for their work not only Clean Coasts Group but also as a charity that provides inclusive, adaptable, accessible ways to access the ocean and participate in ocean-based activities
Liquid Therapy was nominated in the 2024 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category for their work not only Clean Coasts Group but also a charity that provides inclusive, adaptable, accessible ways to access the ocean and participate in ocean-based activities. They incorporate a 2 Minute Beach Clean as a way to teach and connect participants with their natural environment and educate how an individual can either positively or negatively impact their coastline. Each year they facilitate up to 20 inclusive beach cleans at Rossnowlagh Beach, County Donegal.
Western Care with Keep our Beaches Clean
The Western Care Clean Coasts Group was set up in 2020 as during Covid the group felt privileged to have access to their local beaches, and wanted to give back to the communities in the area.
The Western Care Clean Coasts Group was set up in 2020 as during Covid the group felt privileged to have access to their local beaches, and wanted to give back to the communities in the area. Through liaising with members from Keep Our Beaches Clean, which had been set up in 2018 they undertook beach clean-ups and other initiatives and activities aiming to preserve and protect the beaches in the area. Focusing on becoming more conscious of the environment the group this year we opened a Free Community Library aiming to encourage recycling of books and foster interaction with the community.
Arklow Coast Care
Established in 2006, Arklow Coast Care has a group of core committed members who are active on Arklow South Beach. Their highlight this year has been working towards a green flag, which they achieved for the 2024 bathing season!
Established in 2006, Arklow Coast Care has a group of core committed members who are active on Arklow South Beach. Their highlight this year has been working towards a green flag, which they achieved for the 2024 bathing season! Recently, they participated in a project with 402 Collective on the synthetic sea project, an art installation using found items from local waterways and beaches to bring awareness to the issue of plastic litter in the area. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of what this group does. Recently they have fought hard to make the beach accessible to all by installing a sand ladder so all mobilities can enjoy the beach. They regularly link in with local community groups such as Sunbeam House Services and Autism Initiatives who are regular attendees of their beach cleans. Other groups they have collaborated with this year are The National Learning Network, Tiglin, International Volunteers, Tidy Towns, Servier, Elevon and all the local schools.
Rathmullan Coast Care and Coastal Warriors
Rathmullan Coast Care and Coastal Warriors are nominated in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Category for their continued work during 2024. Established in 2012 an initially small group has grown to have weekly dedicated volunteers, and advertises clean-ups in weekly notes in the local newspapers to encourage the local community to join at any time.
Rathmullan Coast Care and Coastal Warriors are nominated in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Category for their continued work during 2024. Established in 2012 an initially small group has grown to have weekly dedicated volunteers, and advertises clean-ups in weekly notes in the local newspapers to encourage the local community to join at any time. Coastal Warriors from St Conal’s Garden Centre have been joining clean ups with Rathmullan Coast Care since 2015 and dedicated to making the local beach area inclusive for all. This year, they have added 2x all-inclusive picnic benches to the area, donated by Clean Coasts and Cunninghams Civil. As well as upgrading their accessible Beach Wheelchair and Beach mobility unit in August, which are available near the Sailing Compound. The public toilets in Rathmullan also provide disabled facilities. Due to Rathmullan Coast Care, the beach is now a very popular destination for many Social Activity group outings with individuals with impaired mobility issues coming to walk on the safe beaches or use the all-inclusive playground.
Tralee Tidy Towns
Tralee Tidy Towns was nominated in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Category. The group meets once a week in the town for a clean-up. As the population of Tralee town has become more diverse, with many people moving to Ireland, the group has now members from different countries, including Ukraine, Syria and Algeria, as well as local people and Irish people who call Tralee their home.
Tralee Tidy Towns was nominated in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Category. The group meets once a week in the town for a clean-up. As the population of Tralee town has become more diverse, with many people moving to Ireland, the group has now members from different countries, including Ukraine, Syria and Algeria, as well as local people and Irish people who call Tralee their home. People seeking refuge in Ireland are fleeing very difficult situations but to want to give back to their new home and keep the local area clean shows real strength and compassion. Upon the release of the IBAL litter results, Tralee Tidy Towns put a plan into action to address areas that are littered and for any areas they cannot access they work with local businesses and state companies to get everyone to keep the town tidy. The group also dropped 250 copies of their Family Heritage Trail booklet to the Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC) who will use them in English language classes and in information about the town. They are hoping to work with TIRC on translations into the languages of the people they work with.
Event of the Year Winner – Circus 250 / Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo / Scoil Naisunta Cheathru Thaidhg
Event of the Year Shortlist
Clean Coasts Ballynamona
Clean Coasts Ballynamona together with St Colman’s College Midelton in 2024 once again ran the amazing Big Little Beach Clean series of beach based environmental education workshops on 4 Cork beaches; Redbarn in Youghal, Garryvoe & Ardnahinch in Ballycotton and Inchydoney Strand in West Cork.
Clean Coasts Ballynamona together with St Colman’s College Midleton in 2024 once again ran the amazing Big Little Beach Clean series of beach based environmental education workshops on 4 Cork beaches; Redbarn in Youghal, Garryvoe & Ardnahinch in Ballycotton and Inchydoney Strand in West Cork. The events saw approx. 800 Primary School children and their teachers participate in beach based environmental education workshops. The students have a workshop on biodiversity, retro rubbish, climate change and sewage related litter before warming their bellies with soup from Cully & Sully before doing a beach clean. The colour coded bibs and education stations makes the event run seamlessly, Clean Coasts Ballynamona even organise buses for the schools. It is a massive undertaking. The TY students from St Colman’s College in Midleton not only attended each of the workshops and participated in the beach clean they assist on the day with the younger students, mostly who are 6th class and enjoy the interaction with their older peers.
Clean Coasts Cobh, Ballymore Community Association and Cobh Tidy Towns
Clean Coasts Cobh, Ballymore Community Association and Cobh Tidy Towns had two very large events in 2024. One for World Ocean Day and one for the Big Beach Clean.
Clean Coasts Cobh, Ballymore Community Association and Cobh Tidy Towns
Clean Coasts Cobh, Ballymore Community Association and Cobh Tidy Towns had two very large events in 2024. One for World Ocean Day and one for the Big Beach Clean. For World Ocean Day they did a clean up at Fota train station removing 70 bags of litter in one hour, a huge achievement. For the Big Beach Clean groups all around the island groups took on different stretches to cover as much ground as possible over the week. They cleaned up in woods, the town, villages and beaches. The event finished on the Monday evening with the local Sea Scouts troop doing a 2minutebeaachclean. collecting an astonishing 57 pieces of litter in just 2 minutes and then carried on to fill four bags . The Big Beach Clean on the Great Island saw over 30 bags of litter were removed from the shoreline. However it wasn’t all cleaning, another highlight of the weekend was Jim Wilson, a local wildlife expert ran a fascinating exploration of the diverse world of nature hidden on Whitepoint’s shoreline. Two wonderful events with great results and showing the strength of community.
The group collective were nominated for Event of the Year 2024 for their Big Beach Clean event. They organize regular clean-ups on two local beaches – Rinn Rua and Port a’ Chlóidh, both of which have Green Coast flags.
The group collective were nominated for Event of the Year 2024 for their Big Beach Clean event. They organize regular clean-ups on two local beaches – Rinn Rua and Port a’ Chlóidh, both of which have Green Coast flags. The group works closely with the local primary school Scoil Náisiúnta Cheathrú Thaidhg to raise awareness among local schoolchildren on the importance of minimizing and recycling waste. They believe it is important that young people understand the key role they play in shaping the future of the environment and both Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo and the primary school have a strong green ethos. The Big Beach Clean clean-up this year as part of An Taisce’s Clean Coasts was extra special with the participation of Circus 250 bringing great joy, fun and excitement to the occasion for all age groups. This event included a clown-led beach clean, organised by Clean Coasts , Circus 250 and the local community Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, as well have a fun workshop on Rinroe beach. The event was open to the local community, with students from the local national school taking part in the clean-up. Olivia from Clean Coasts gave a talk about the importance of reporting litter types and quantities as part of the BBC, and Juanita the Clown guided the children in beach cleaning activities.
Cooley Community Alert
Cooley Community Alert was nominated in the Event of the Year Category 2024. The group organise multiple clean up events throughout the year annually, but in 2024 they organised two a large events worth recognising, one during National Spring Clean in April at Rockmarshall coastal area, and one during the Big Beach Clean in September at Templetown beach.
Cooley Community Alert was nominated in the Event of the Year Category 2024. The group organise multiple clean up events throughout the year annually, but in 2024 they organised two a large events worth recognising, one during National Spring Clean in April at Rockmarshall coastal area, and one during the Big Beach Clean in September at Templetown beach. A lot of co-ordinating of different groups to team up in both cases resulted in huge volumes of rubbish collected. In the September clean up, approximately half a ton of waste was collected, which included a lot of discarded fishing waste. Teaming up with Cooley Community Alert on both clean ups, there were lots of members from the Louth Volunteer Centre, and also included many refugees new to the area who embraced the events wholeheartedly.
Ballygarrett Tidy Towns
Ballygarrett Tidy Towns was formed in 2005 with a small committee but great workers who look after the village and nearby beaches of Old Bawn and Cahore. The group work closely with the local schools, clubs and groups to engage them in beach cleans and their “Team up to Clean up” Campaign.
Ballygarrett Tidy Towns was formed in 2005 with a small committee but great workers who look after the village and nearby beaches of Old Bawn and Cahore. The group work closely with the local schools, clubs and groups to engage them in beach cleans and their “Team up to Clean up” Campaign. As well as this, the group also manages the Cahore Point Trail and have installed new eco toilets at Cahore beach which they also manage. This summer, the group have collaborated closely with the NPWS Education Centre Knocksink to roll out The Cahore Little Tern Protection Project. This project was based along the North Wexford Coastline with the aim to protect the endangered bird and increase its nesting. The project kicked off back in April, ahead of the nesting season, with an educational walk and talk by the NPWS Team. Knowledge was shared from the team and the locals to plan how best to protect the bird. The project was wrapped up at the end of the nesting season in October and proved successful with nesting increased from 22 to 64 nests.
Youth of the Year Winner – Navan National Learning Network
Youth of the Year Shortlist
West Coast Surf Club
The West Coast Surf Club, located in Lahinch, Co. Clare, has been nominated in the Youth of the Year category. This group is dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community through a variety of programmes, including the Boardriders programme, Inclusion Sessions, and Mná na Tonnta.
The West Coast Surf Club, located in Lahinch, Co. Clare, has been nominated in the Youth of the Year category. This group is dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community through a variety of programmes, including the Boardriders programme, Inclusion Sessions, and Mna na Tonnta. As part of their commitment to environmental stewardship, they actively integrate initiatives like the 2-Minute Beach Clean and host fortnightly beach clean events. These activities provide our young members with the opportunity to develop positive habits around plastic waste management and raise awareness about ocean litter.
Navan National Learning Network
The students in National Learning Network have been nominated in the Youth of the Year category. This past summer students completed their QQI Level 3 Community Participation Module that included working with the Clean Coasts Programme where they took part and evaluated their time working with Clean Coasts.
The students in National Learning Network have been nominated in the Youth of the Year category. This past summer students completed their QQI Level 3 Community Participation Module that included working with the Clean Coasts Programme where they took part and evaluated their time working with Clean Coasts. Also, over the summer, development officer Aidan took time to educate the students on the work Clean Coasts does, giving educational talks on how they can help.
This year they also took part in a clean-up of the Ramparts on the River Boyne where they met the Litter Warden from Meath County Council who thanked them for their work and talked to us about how important it is for people to volunteer to do clean ups and how it keeps our rivers safe and clean. They have completed clean ups on the beaches of Bettystown, Laytown, Mornington & Clogherhead removing tons of litter while completing various educational activities on the beach cleans. Liam from Bettystown Tidy Town delivered a talk on sand dunes & the blue flag that they have received. The group are educated on a range of topics, including marine biodiversity, TBYF campaign, and climate change.
St Colmans College
St. Colman’s Community College have been a Clean Coasts group since 2015. The school is based in Midelton near to so many wonderful beaches on the East Cork coastline. St Colman’s College have always been a strong school with the environment on their mind
St. Colman’s Community College have been a Clean Coasts group since 2015. The school is based in Midleton near to so many wonderful beaches on the East Cork coastline. St Colman’s College have always been a strong school with the environment on their mind.
In 2024, St. Colman’s were integral in facilitating and assisting in the Big Little Beach Clean that saw approx 800 kids from 14 different schools go to the coast for beach based workshops and beach cleans. This event has been shortlisted for Event of the Year. This beach clean is for mainly 6th classes students, the St Colman’s students are instrumental in introducing the potential new stream of 1st years to the school by highlighting life outside of the classroom. There was of course teachers and educators there on the day but there is something magical about teenagers teaching preteens. At the beach clean the students were very kind and nurturing to the younger students. They have adopted many parts of the coast and regularly conduct beach cleans on them. They is a strong ethos of environmental awareness and protection in the school.
1st Port Sea Scouts
The 1st Port of Dublin Sea Scouts has been nominated in the Youth of the Year Category for their contribution and dedication to their local waterways in 2024. The group had a lot of new members this year and getting them involved in and becoming engaged with all of their activities throughout the year was a big highlight.
The 1st Port of Dublin Sea Scouts has been nominated in the Youth of the Year Category for their contribution and dedication to their local waterways in 2024. The group had a lot of new members this year and getting them involved in and becoming engaged with all of their activities throughout the year was a big highlight. In 2024, 1st Port Sea Scouts carried out a larger number of their independent beach cleans, combining shore safari and marine science aspects alongside clean-ups, to emphasise the interconnectedness of the marine ecosystem. Environmental stewardship is key to the group’s youth work methodology and always has been, so it was a natural thing for them to get involved in beach cleaning with Clean Coasts. The group members get to work together and also learn a lot about the shoreline, people power and the need to keep our coasts clean.
North West Home Education Group
Following their success as Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Youth of the Year in 2023, the children and young people of North West Home Education Group continue to be passionate about the beaches and rivers of Inishowen and work in keeping them clean.
Following their success as Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Youth of the Year in 2023, the children and young people of North West Home Education Group continue to be passionate about the beaches and rivers of Inishowen and work in keeping them clean. This year, their award-winning Think Before You Flush project was displayed at Fort Dunree as an exhibition. The children also delivered workshops to 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th classes of a local school to tell them about their project. They demonstrated experiments to show what not to flush, gave presentations and answered questions. It was the first time the children have done something like this with school peers and it was a wonderful success. In addition, the group also created ceramic tiles to show the local flora and fauna as part of an art project installed along the Crana River in Swan Park, Buncrana.
