Westmeath urged to join Big Beach Clean along lakes and rivers

It may be billed as the Big Beach Clean, with a strong focus on Ireland’s coastline, but the annual initiative also provides an opportunity for people in Westmeath to tackle litter along the county’s lakeshores and riverbanks.

The nationwide clean-up takes place from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20, marking the end of the summer bathing season.

While the deadline for receiving official support kits has now passed, members of the public are being encouraged to get involved by safely collecting litter from local waterways and surrounding areas.

The initiative is organised by An Taisce as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, a global campaign led by Ocean Conservancy to tackle marine litter.

Although Westmeath is landlocked, litter entering the county’s rivers and lakes can ultimately contribute to wider marine pollution. The county’s extensive network of waterways, including Lough Ennell, Lough Owel, Lough Ree and the River Shannon, means that local action can play a role in protecting the wider aquatic environment.

Nationally, the Big Beach Clean has grown into one of Ireland’s largest annual voluntary environmental events. In 2025, more than 500 groups registered to organise clean-ups, with almost 11,000 volunteers taking part.

Together, they removed more than 60 tonnes of litter from Ireland’s marine environment.

The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has supported An Taisce’s Clean Coasts programme for more than 20 years.

Minister of State Timmy Dooley welcomed the return of this year’s campaign and thanked volunteers for giving their time to remove rubbish and promote greater care for Ireland’s marine environment.

He encouraged people to take part, saying the initiative removes significant quantities of waste while sending a positive message about protecting the country's waterways and coastline.

For people taking part independently in Westmeath, the focus can be as simple as choosing a local stretch of lakeshore or riverbank, collecting litter safely and disposing of it appropriately.

Organisers also encourage volunteers to record what they find, helping build a clearer picture of the types and quantities of litter affecting Ireland’s waterways.

More information about the Big Beach Clean and future organised events is available through An Taisce’s Clean Coasts programme.