Final Week to Join Cork's Big Beach Clean as 900 Volunteers Already Signed Up

With just one week left to register, over 50 groups and 900 volunteers across County Cork are set to join the Big Beach Clean from 19 to 21 September, as part of a nationwide effort that has already attracted 7,000 participants to tackle marine litter on Ireland's coastlines.

The annual event, supported by Kia Ireland and organised by Clean Coasts, invites communities to clean their local beaches and waterways whilst contributing to the International Coastal Cleanup, a global citizen science initiative led by Ocean Conservancy. Registration closes at midnight on 7 September, with free clean-up kits available for those who sign up before the deadline.

Last year's Big Beach Clean saw Cork volunteers remove an estimated 38 tonnes of litter from the county's coastline. This year, organisers hope to build on that impressive haul as groups across the Rebel County prepare to tackle everything from cigarette butts to plastic packaging.

The initiative goes beyond simply collecting rubbish. Volunteers use Marine Litter Data Cards or the Clean Swell app to record their findings, contributing to global research that has already influenced policies leading to bans on plastic bags and straws worldwide. Previous data from Irish beach cleans has shaped campaigns like Bin the Butt and Break Up With Plastic.

Cathal Kealey from Kia Ireland said:

"Kia Ireland is delighted to see so many community groups and individuals nationwide signing up for the Big Beach Clean. As a brand committed to our journey towards Carbon Neutrality we are proud to support such an important initiative. Our support will ensure that cleanup kits are distributed to volunteers that sign up to registered cleanups across the country."

The latest survey by Irish Business Against Litter revealed a 50 per cent increase in beaches and waterways achieving a 'clean' rating, crediting the improvement to dedicated Clean Coasts groups and local volunteers. The survey identified cigarette butts, sweet wrappers, and fast food packaging as the most common litter items, much of which travels from towns through drains into waterways.

Bronagh Moore, An Taisce's Clean Coasts Manager, commented:

"We're delighted to see so many volunteers already signed up for the Big Beach Clean 2025. It's also fantastic to see so many groups from inland counties get involved. We're also thrilled to be part of Ocean Conservancy's 40th Anniversary celebrations by once again taking part in their International Coastal Cleanup. Together we are making a real tangible difference to our coastlines."

Cork's coastal communities have long championed environmental protection, and this year's response shows that spirit remains strong. Whether you're joining an existing clean-up or organising your own, participants receive all materials needed to run their beach clean and contribute to this important research.

The Big Beach Clean welcomes volunteers from both coastal and inland communities, recognising that litter often travels from towns and cities through waterways to the sea. Groups can register their own event or individuals can join existing clean-ups listed on the Clean Coasts website.

To register before the 7 September deadline or find a local clean-up event, visit www.cleancoasts.org.