The Galway Dive School and Galway Atlantaquaria clubs are set to play their part in the national Coca-Cola Clean Coast Week with a major clean up planned underwater and on land this weekend.
The Coca-Cola Clean Coast Week, which was launched recently by Minister for the Environment, Heritage, and Local Government, John Gormley TD, is a national initiative operated by An Taisce and takes place from June 11 to June 18. It aims to involve communities in caring for their local coastal environment.
On Sunday June 13, the Galway Dive School and Galway Atlantaquaria clubs will attempt a major clean up at Brannock Island and Rock Island.
There are over 100 registered An Taisce Coastcare groups around the country participating in the Clean Coast programme. Coastcare groups are voluntary groups that care for a stretch of beach or coastline; and also form an important aspect of the ‘Green Coast Awards’. An Taisce’s prestigious Green Coast Awards are awarded to beaches for their natural beauty, clean environment and excellent water quality. These beaches may not have the necessary infrastructure to meet criteria for Blue Flag status, however Green Coast Award beaches are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Gormley said: “Ensuring that our coastline remains beautiful is something for which we all must take responsibility. As Minister, I am committed to protecting our coastline and preserving our water quality and, as such, I am a huge supporter of voluntary initiatives such as this – encouraging local communities to get out and preserve their landscape is hugely beneficial for local community spirit, to preserve Ireland’s natural beauty, and to increase the numbers travelling to this country for eco-tourism.”
The Clean Coast Project is supported by Coca-Cola, Failte Ireland, South and East Cork Area Development and is funded by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
For more information about the clean up in Galway and nationwide log onto www.cleancoastproject.org
