Over 300 volunteers in County Meath are set to join Clean Coasts for the Big Beach Clean this September 20th to 22nd, supported by Kia Ireland to make a positive impact on the Irish coast and waterways.

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

Over 175 local volunteers took part in the Big Beach Clean last year and they made a huge difference by collecting 1 tonne of litter. 

This year, clean-ups will be happening in various locations, including Ratoath, Navan, Bettystown, Drogheda and Dunboyne. A list of clean-ups happening in County Meath as part of the Big Beach Clean can be found on the Clean Coasts website.

The deadline for registering is fast approaching and volunteers being urged to sign up before the 11th of September to avail of free kit, while stocks last.

Whether you’re an individual looking to set up a private clean up or a bigger group looking to host a public one, you’ll find all the information you need on www.cleancoasts.org 

The Big Beach Clean is part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) organised by the Ocean Conservancy, and is an annual call-to-action for individuals, families, and communities to join forces to carry out a clean-up at the end of the bathing season and join a worldwide citizen science project.  

In 2023, the top three items recorded during the Big Beach Clean weekend were plastic wrappers, cigarette butts and plastic bottles. Overall, the 2024 International Coastal Clean-up Report from Ocean Conservancy found that the top 3 items found on beaches worldwide in 2023 were cigarette butts, plastic bottles and bottle caps.

Each item of litter collected and submitted via Marine Litter Data cards or Clean Swell app is shared with Ocean Conservancy, who will use the information received to create reports and advocate around the world to tackle the problem of ocean litter.  

Group efforts in Ireland will contribute to global data collected which can influence significant environmental policy changes worldwide, including the banning of certain plastic items like bags and straws or the implementation of laws to prohibit smoking on beaches. The data collected by our volunteers in previous years have informed national campaigns such as "Bin the Butt" and "Break Up With Plastic”.

Cathal Kealey from Kia Ireland said: " 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. Our support will ensure that cleanup kits are distributed to volunteers that sign up to registered cleanups across the country. In line with to 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.  We are looking forward to joining some of  the many groups across the country from the weekend of  the 20th to the 22nd of September and beyond.”

Bronagh Moore, An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Manager , commented:  " We are thrilled to see such large numbers already signed up for the  Big Beach Clean 2024. 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 providing important data that that can influence and lead to impactful global campaigns and changes in policy .It’s a great opportunity to be involved in a global effort to protect our ocean."

Registrations will close at 5pm on the 11th of September. For more information and to register, visit www.cleancoasts.org