AbbVie’s Westport employees join forces for local beach clean

VOLUNTEERS from biopharmaceutical company AbbVie, which employs approximately 1,400 at its manufacturing site in Westport, joined forces recently to remove litter at a number of local beaches as part the AbbVie Gives Back Ireland Beach Clean.

All nine of AbbVie’s different sites around Ireland are close to the coast. Close to 230 volunteers from across the company’s locations participated in the initiative, which was spurred by the big increase in visitors to beaches this summer due to a rise in staycations.

More than 450 hours of litter collection took place during the week at eight different beaches. Some 121 bags and close to one ton of beach litter were collected and handed over to various county councils during the week.

In Westport, 94 AbbVie employees contributed more than 200 hours of litter collection at Bertra, Old Head and Mulranny beaches. A total of 66 bags and an estimated half-ton of litter were collected and handed over to Mayo County Council.

Commenting on the Westport initiative, Ian O’Driscoll, plant general manager at AbbVie, Westport, said: “We are delighted to support this initiative and play our own small part in helping to reduce the negative impact of litter on our local beaches and marine life. Our employees are passionate about Westport and Mayo, and these volunteering efforts provide them, and me, with a fantastic opportunity give back to Westport in a meaningful way and have fun in the process.”

AbbVie partnered with the national volunteer development agency Volunteer Ireland on beach clean events in Cork, Dublin, Sligo and Westport - locations at which the company has a major presence. The partnership with Volunteer Ireland ensures AbbVie’s efforts align with the needs of their local communities.