Carlow to join national campaign with riverbank cleanup
Big Beach Clean always attracts local support
COUNTY Carlow will once again participate in Ireland’s largest coastal cleanup event this September, with local volunteers set to tackle litter along the county’s riverbanks as part of the nationwide Big Beach Clean 2025 initiative.
Running from 19 to 21 September, the Big Beach Clean is organised by Clean Coasts in partnership with Kia Ireland and forms part of the International Coastal Cleanup coordinated globally by Ocean Conservancy.
While coastal communities focus on beach cleanups, Carlow County Council Environmental Awareness Office is encouraging residents to target local waterways, recognising that inland litter is a significant contributor to marine pollution.
According to the council, while Carlow may be inland, the county can still “make waves in protecting our oceans” as litter dropped in towns and cities is one of the leading causes of marine pollution.
The initiative builds on strong participation from previous years. In 2024, more than 15,000 volunteers across Ireland removed 95 tonnes of litter from coasts and waterways, with several Carlow communities contributing to the effort.
Beyond environmental cleanup, participants will contribute to a global citizen science project by recording the types and quantities of litter collected using Clean Coasts’ Marine Litter Data Cards or the Clean Swell mobile app. This data helps inform future environmental policies and campaigns.
Volunteers interested in organising or joining a cleanup can register at cleancoasts.org/our-initiatives/big-beach-clean/, where they can access free cleanup kits and organisational resources.
The Big Beach Clean marks the end of Ireland’s bathing season and represents one of the country’s largest coordinated environmental volunteer efforts. Carlow County Council is hoping to exceed last year’s participation levels and demonstrate that inland communities play a vital role in marine protection.
