Kildare participants sought for the Clean Coasts ‘Big Beach Clean’ 2025

Participants from County Kildare are being sought for the 2025 iteration of the Clean Coasts 'Big Beach Clean'.

The Annual Clean Coasts 'Big Beach Clean' is back for 2025 and is seeking volunteers from across the country to help clean litter from beaches, waterways and towns, all while contributing to a global effort to combat marine litter. 

According to the organisers, in 2024, over 600 groups registered to host a clean-up, making it the biggest 'Big Beach Clean' yet.

And in preparation for the 2025 event, volunteers can now sign up now for their free clean-up kit and join the beach cleaning movement.

The organisers explained the sign-up process: "Participants will receive everything they need to conduct a successful beach clean and complete a marine litter survey."

They added: "Through filling in the Clean Coasts Marine Litter Data Cards or using the Clean Swell App, you can becoming a part of a global citizen science action by recording your litter picking findings."

The 'Big Beach Clean' is held as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, which is led globally by Ocean Conservancy. 

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As part of this event, Clean Coasts volunteers will contribute to a global citizen science initiative by carrying out marine litter surveys on Irish beaches.

The organisers explained: "These surveys help record the quantity and types of litter found most frequently, raising awareness about marine pollution and highlighting the scale of the issue.

"By participating in the 'Big Beach Clean' and submitting the quantities and varities of litter found, participants will help make Ireland’s voice heard on a global scale.

"The data collected by our volunteers in previous years have informed national Clean Coasts campaigns, such as 'Bin the Butt' and 'Break Up With Plastic'."

The organisers also claimed that, on a global level, this data, when shared with Ocean Conservancy, has "driven significant policy changes worldwide, including banning of certain plastic items such as bags and straws or the implementation of laws to prohibit smoking on beaches".

From left to right: Bronagh Moore, An Taisce Clean Coasts manager; Cathal Kealey, head of marketing and PR at Kia Ireland; Anne Marie Kirwan, #2MinuteBeachClean campaigns officer; and Róisín Fitzgerald, Clean Coasts' development officer for Wexford and Wicklow. Photograph credit: Clean Coasts Ireland

Speaking about last year's successful 'Big Beach Clean', Bronagh Moore, An Taisce’s Clean Coasts manager, said: "Last year, an incredible 15,000 volunteers joined forces and removed 95 tonnes of litter from our beaches, waterways and streets.

"Every piece of litter collected and recorded during the clean-up is vital for raising awareness and driving meaningful policy changes to protect our oceans."

Ms Moore continued: "Small actions, when multiplied by many, can have a huge impact.

"We encourage everyone, no matter your location, to get involved and record your findings."

She concluded: "By working together, we'll create a tangible and lasting impact on ocean health."

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In addition, the event is being sponsored by Kia Ireland.

Speaking about the upcoming 'Big Beach Clean', Cathal Kealey, head of marketing and PR at Kia Ireland, said: "Kia Ireland are delighted to return as the official sponsor of the 'Big Beach Clean' 2025.

"Our support will ensure that clean-up kits are distributed to all volunteers that sign up to registered clean-ups across the country."

He added: "In line with to our global clean-up initiatives that are designed to combat ocean pollution, we would urge as many people as possible to register for their local beach clean this September."

The 'Big Beach Clean' 2025 will run from September 19, 2025 to September 21, 2025.

Anyone seeking further information or who wishes to register for the event is asked to visit cleancoasts.org/our-initiatives/big-beach-clean/.  

From left to right: Lucy, Bella, Rowan, Shem and Lonán jumping for joy at the launch of the 'Big Beach Clean' for 2025. Photograph credit: Clean Coasts Ireland

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