A number of fun events are being held in An Ceathrú Rua this weekend to celebrate Galway’s connection to the coastline and its rich environment.
The local community of An Cheathrú Rua is being invited to participate in a Seashore Bio-Blitz, Scavenger Hunt and Litter Beach Clean-up in Trá an Dóilín on Friday, 24th May.
Organised by Galway County Council’s Environment section, the event forms part of National Biodiversity Week and takes place ahead of a busy summer season at the county’s beaches.
The local authority says the seashore event is aimed at connecting the community with nature and promoting the biodiversity of Trá an Dóilín’s coral beach and crystal-clear waters.
More than 60 people participated in a similar event at An Trá Mhór, Indreabhán in 2023.
Dr. Evelyn Parsons, Leas Chathaoirleach of Galway County Council said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for the community, particularly younger people, to play their part in protecting and promoting the biodiversity of their local area.”
“The support that Galway County Council has received from Nóirín Burke and Tara Noonan, Galway Atlantaquaria, the National Aquarium of Ireland, and Clean Coasts has been instrumental in organising this seashore event.”
Chief Executive Liam Conneally added, “We want to promote our pristine Galway beaches and create awareness of biodiversity on our seashores, as well as the importance of keeping our beaches clean and tidy, and the invaluable natural environment that can be discovered on the beach.”
Meanwhile, Galway County Council is urging visitors to play their part in keeping local beaches litter-free during the upcoming busy summer season.
“Tourism is hugely important to our coastal communities and, therefore, we should keep our beaches clean for ourselves as well as our many national and international visitors,” explained Maria Flynn of Galway County Council’s Environment Section.
“We wish to acknowledge the many diligent people visiting our beaches who ensure all empty packaging or picnic waste is taken home or alternatively deposited in the public bins provided.”
“We also want to remind people of the importance of continuing this good practice and to appeal to the small minority who litter or dump indiscriminately at these beautiful locations to refrain from doing so.”
She continued, “Public bins are emptied each day by local authority staff and ongoing monitoring and support is provided by our wardens.”
“However, we need everybody’s co-operation to keep Galway’s coastal scenic spots litter-free and we look forward to everybody playing their part in achieving this during the summer season.”
