The local community of An Cheathrú Rua is being invited to participate in a Seashore Bio-Blitz, Scavenger Hunt and Litter Beach Clean-up in Trá an Dóilín on Friday May 24.
Organised by Galway County Council’s Environment section, the event forms part of National Biodiversity Week and takes place ahead of a busy summer season at the county’s beaches.
The local authority says the seashore event is aimed at connecting the community with nature and promoting the biodiversity of Trá an Dóilín’s coral beach and crystal-clear waters.
More than 60 people participated in a similar event at An Trá Mhór, Indreabhán in 2023. Dr. Evelyn Parsons, Leas Chathaoirleach of Galway County Council said this is a wonderful opportunity for the community, particularly younger people, to play their part in protecting and promoting the biodiversity of their local area. “The support that Galway County Council has received from Nóirín Burke and Tara Noonan, Galway Atlantaquaria, the National Aquarium of Ireland, and Clean Coasts has been instrumental in organising this seashore event.”
Chief Executive Liam Conneally said that our marine environment is unique and precious.
“We need to learn about the implications of what we do on land for that delicate marine eco-system on our coast. In this initiative we will promote our pristine Galway beaches and create awareness of biodiversity on our seashores, as well as the importance of keeping our beaches clean and tidy, and the invaluable natural environment that can be discovered on the beach.”
Ms. Eileen Ruane, Director of Services, Environment said that a healthy beach and dunesystems are important for many organisms, including rare and endangered birds and seals.
“Maintaining nourished beaches provides important wildlife habitat areas that are threatened by erosion, litter, and climate change. Our young people need to be made aware of these factors and events like this contribute to that.”
Meanwhile, Galway County Council is urging visitors to play their part in keeping local beaches litter-free during the upcoming busy summer season.
“Tourism is hugely important to our coastal communities and, therefore, we should keep our beaches clean for ourselves as well as our many national and international visitors,” explained Maria Flynn of Galway County Council’s Environment Section.
“We wish to acknowledge the many diligent people visiting our beaches who ensure all empty packaging or picnic waste is taken home or alternatively deposited in the public bins provided. We also want to remind people of the importance of continuing this good practice and to appeal to the small minority who litter or dump indiscriminately at these beautiful locations to refrain from doing so.”
“Public bins are emptied each day by local authority staff and ongoing monitoring and support is provided by our wardens. However, we need everybody’s co-operation to keep Galway’s coastal scenic spots litter-free and we look forward to everybody playing their part in achieving this during the summer season,” she added.
