Dublin, Monday 31st May 2010. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley TD today launched Coca-Cola Clean Coast Week, a national initiative operated by An Taisce which aims to involve communities in caring for their local coastal environment. The week takes place from Friday 11th June – Friday 18th June.
There are more than 100 registered An Taisce Coastcare groups around the country participating in the Coca-Cola Clean Coast programme. Coastcare groups are voluntary groups that care for a stretch of beach or coastline, and are an important aspect of the ‘Green Coast Awards’. An Taisce’s prestigious Green Coast Awards are presented to beaches for their natural beauty, clean environment and excellent water quality. These beaches may not have the necessary built infrastructure to meet criteria set for Blue Flag status; however they are exceptional places to visit and to enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity.
There are a huge variety of events taking place, the length and breadth of the country as part of Coca-Cola Clean Coast Week:
• Big beach clean-ups will be held on beaches from Laytown, in Meath to Ballylanders Strand, Cork, to name but a few
• In Wexford and Galway, Sub-Aqua Clean-Ups will take place, as local coastcare groups, which include members of Wexford Sub Aqua Club and Galway Dive School, ensure that beneath the surface is as clean as along the shoreline
• In Dingle, Co. Kerry members of the local Community Employment Scheme are hosting a Biodiversity walk and talk for members of the public
• In Bray, Co. Wicklow, the local Coastcare group will undertake a cleanup of the cliff and coastal walk area
• A fun sports day including a sand castle building competition will take place on Maghery Strand, Donegal, further highlighting the richness of our surrounding environment
• At Glin beach, and Askeaton, Co Limerick, amongst other locations, Biodiversity Talks are taking place focusing on the range of wildlife along Ireland’s varied coastline
• The International Blue Flag Awards & Green Coast Awards will be held on the Velvet Strand, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin.
Speaking at today’s launch at Dollymount Strand, Minister Gormley said:
“Measuring over 3,500 miles, Ireland has a wonderful asset in our beautiful coastline: from fantastic sandy beaches to cliffs, harbours and piers, the coastline is a source of great beauty. 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 traveling to this country for eco-tourism.”
Erica Roseingrave, Public Affairs & Communications Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, said:
“We are delighted to partner with An Taisce in support of this new national initiative. We are committed to investing in the local environment, protecting the natural beauty of our beaches and encouraging community participation in preserving our landscape. All across the country, local communities will be coming together to celebrate the wonderful natural resource that is our extensive coastline.”
Patricia Oliver, Director, An Taisce Environmental Education Unit, said:
“We are very proud of the work of An Taisce’s Coastcare groups which volunteer all year round to protect their local coastal areas. We are very happy that, with the support of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, we have an opportunity in this Coca-Cola Clean Coast Week to highlight their efforts and celebrate their achievements."
The Coca-Cola Clean Coast project is supported by Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, Failte Ireland, South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD), and is funded by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
For more information about Coca-Cola Clean Coast Week please log onto www.cleancoastproject.org
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For further information, please contact:
Public Affairs & Communications Manager
Coca-Cola HBC Ireland
Ph: + 353 1 8807100