An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Programme hosted a beach cleaning event at Seapoint, Termonfeckin, on Monday as part of its nationwide Clean Coasts Roadshow series. 

The event saw 72 enthusiastic students from St. Ciaran’s Secondary School, Kells, and 13 employees from Novelpast Teoranta join forces to clean the popular Louth beach. Together, they collected 15 bags of litter and removed larger items including a cone, rope, drums, and piping.

The event went beyond beach cleaning, with informative talks and discussions on the diverse waste found on the beach and the importance of preserving our coastlines. Participants were encouraged to reflect on the ongoing need for environmental awareness and collective action to protect Ireland’s beautiful coastlines.

Clean Coasts officer Aidan Gray said: “While the beach appeared spotless from view, the group still managed to collect more than 15 full bags of rubbish over the hour-long walk.

“Apart from rubbish, there was also a lot of biodiversity spotted around the beach, including washed-up cuttlefish bones, starfish, and jellyfish. Though sad to see a gull carcass. It was a great morning of action, social fun, and learning.”

“This Roadshow event highlighted the importance of local community involvement in keeping our shores clean and safeguarding the environment for future generations.”

The Clean Coasts Roadshow is a series of informative talks and workshops tailored for coastal communities across Ireland, taking place between January and May each year. This initiative brings together individuals interested in protecting their local beaches, seas, and marine environments.

The Roadshow events cover a range of topics, including biodiversity, dune systems, marine litter, wildlife, sustainable developments, and the work of local groups and organizations. These events also serve as a platform for community groups to discuss practical matters, such as building volunteer capacity, attracting new members, and sharing responsibilities.