Cork's Blue Flag Beaches Get Protection Boost from 'Think Before You Flush' Campaign

A collaborative effort between Cork County Council, the Blue Flag programme, and the Think Before You Flush campaign is working to protect the county's pristine coastal areas from sewage-related pollution through improved public awareness of proper waste disposal.

The partnership, which began in 2023 and continues through 2025, focuses on educating beachgoers about appropriate flushing behaviour in public facilities. The campaign emphasises that only the "3 Ps" - pee, poo, and paper - should go down the toilet, with everything else belonging in the bin.

When items such as wipes and sanitary products are flushed, they create serious blockages in wastewater systems. These blockages can lead to sewage overflows that pollute rivers, lakes, beaches, and coastlines - a particular concern for Cork's valued Blue Flag locations that attract thousands of visitors each summer.

Cork County Council is now displaying Think Before You Flush signs at participating Blue Flag beaches and marinas throughout the county. The signage explains proper flushing behaviour and encourages the use of sanitary bins in public toilets.

Bronagh Moore, Coastal Communities Manager at Clean Coasts, said:

"Protecting our beaches and marinas is a shared responsibility and it's fantastic to see such strong collaboration between councils, environmental partners and the wider community. Together we must continue to focus on protecting our coastlines and preserve these vital ecosystems now and into the future."

Mary Hussey, Wastewater Regional Operations Senior Manager at Uisce Éireann, commented:

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with Clean Coasts and their ongoing collaboration with Cork County Council. The Think Before You Flush campaign shines a light on the link between what you flush down the toilet and how it can end up on your local beach. The success of this campaign hinges on the participation and support of the public, beachgoers, residents and tourists alike. The hard work and positivity of everyone involved is inspiring to see." 

The Think Before You Flush campaign is operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Éireann and has been running since 2015. Each year, the campaign works with local communities, businesses, and schools across Ireland to promote changes in flushing behaviour through workshops, events, and clean-ups.

For Cork's coastal communities, the initiative represents a practical approach to maintaining the county's reputation for clean, accessible beaches whilst protecting marine ecosystems that support both tourism and local wildlife.

More information about the campaign is available at Think Before You Flush.