Three Mayo based groups and volunteers shortlisted for the Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Award
Clean Coasts is thrilled to announce the shortlist for the annual Ocean Hero Awards. The Clean Coasts’ Ocean Hero Awards pay tribute to the exceptional contributions made by Clean Coasts volunteers, groups, and communities in safeguarding our coast and marine life.
Established in 2006 as the 'Clean Coasts' Merit Awards,' the accolades initially featured a single category, 'The Clean Coasts Group of the Year.' Over the years, the program has evolved, engaging over 2,000 Clean Coasts groups and 40,000 volunteers, becoming an integral part of coastal communities nationwide.
2023 was a year like no other. This year, the Ocean Hero Awards take on special significance as Clean Coasts marks its 20th anniversary. For the past 20 years, Clean Coasts has grown from strength to strength expanding and creating campaigns and initiatives aimed at enjoying, protecting and celebrating the beauty of our coast. None of that would be possible without the groups and volunteers all across Ireland that have helped make and grow the programme into what it is today.
In County Mayo, Clean Coasts Group Keep Our Beaches Clean were shortlisted in the Group of the Year Category.
The Keep Our Beaches Clean Group are made up of several groups in the area from Silver Strand south of Louisburgh to some sheltered, sandy beaches on the Clew Bay. They work to protect a large number of beaches along a long coastline, with members who do daily and weekly beaches cleans.
In addition to regular clean-ups, in 2023, the group worked to raise awareness about several issues affecting our coast. In particular, through a Clean Coasts grant, they worked closed with Clean Coasts to develop a campaign to tackle smoking-related litter, through the installation of cigarette bins and educational stickers on their beaches, contributing to both the physical cleanliness of the beaches and raising awareness of responsible waste disposal practices.
Mairead Staunton is a volunteer who works with several Clean Coasts groups, including Keep Our Beaches Clean, Mna na Mara and Western Care Association, and she has been nominated in the Individual of the Year category.
Mairead plays a pivotal role in coordinating the efforts of these groups and in 2023, she went above and beyond by actively participating in all of Clean Coasts' calls to action, showcasing her dedication to engage in initiatives that contribute to protecting our coast.
Finally, Western Care Association were shortlisted in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category.
This group's aim is to empower people with a wide range of learning and associated disabilities in Co. Mayo to live full and satisfied lives as equal citizens, and they became a Clean Coasts group in 2021.
Western Care Association works with Mairead Staunton and Keep Our Beaches Clean, and get involved in regular weekly clean-ups, in different areas, such as Bertra, Roonagh Pier and Old Head Pier.