Volunteers from all around Cork came out on Saturday to take part in Clean Coasts and Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Community Clean-ups of Inchydoney Beach in Cork.
Ireland is known for its magnificent coastline, picturesque scenery, wildlife and exciting activities with a large majority of these landscapes located along the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's first defined touring route, stretching along the Atlantic coast from Donegal to West Cork.
It is important that as we enjoy the coast that we remember to help protect and care for Ireland’s waterways, coastline, seas, ocean and marine life by ensuring they are free of litter and educate ourselves on how best to do that.
These events were created by Clean Coasts as part of their summertime ‘Enjoy and Protect’ campaign with support from Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development who support the long-term sustainable growth in the economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution to tourism in Ireland.
The events’ overall aim was to raise awareness of keeping our marine and wildlife spaces clean for locals and tourists alike to enjoy and admire.
The event on Inchydoney beach in Cork included tea and coffee for all participants.
Volunteers who joined Clean Coasts and Failte Ireland in Inchydoney removed over 30kg of marine litter in one hour.
Clean Coasts was joined by several members of the local community, including Clonakilty Tidy Towns, Men's Shed and local Clean Coasts groups.
SURVEY
In addition to a clean up and talk, volunteers were asked about the Wild Atlantic Way via survey with questions such as:
1. ‘Have you encountered any issues with the Wild Atlantic Way?’
2. ‘What do you see as the benefits to the Wild Atlantic Way?’
3. ‘Are there any potential projects that we could fund to enhance the Wild Atlantic Way Experience?’
The suggestions from these surveys will be implemented by both Clean Coasts and Fáilte Ireland in their future events concerning the Wild Atlantic Way.
