To celebrate European Maritime Day and World Ocean Day, Wexford County Council, The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group and the local community came together to carry out a community clean at the Burrow beach in Kilmore Quay last Friday (7th June).
European Maritime Day and World Ocean Day seek to raise awareness of our seas and their importance and provides opportunities for all to learn about our incredible coastal habitats and take action for ocean health.
Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council said ‘Today’s event highlights the importance of our coasts for our life and planet and we are delighted to collaborate with MARA and local volunteers to celebrate our wonderful beaches and coastline. Our recent membership of KIMO International further demonstrates the Councils commitment to cleaner seas and a more sustainable environment. The people of Wexford take enormous pride in their localities, and this has been reflected in the number of individuals, tidy towns groups and clean coast groups who give up their time to help clean their local communities. I would like to thank all the groups and volunteers who undertake clean ups all year round, you are all a credit to your local community.’
Laura Brien, CEO of MARA added “At the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority we are deeply committed to the health and sustainability of our oceans. Partnering with Wexford County Council, Tomhaggard Clean Coasts and the local community here in Kilmore today for this beach clean to mark both European Maritime Day and World Ocean Day underscores our dedication to protecting marine environments. This collaborative effort not only helps to preserve our beautiful coastlines but also raises awareness about the importance of maintaining clean and healthy oceans for future generations. I am incredibly proud of our staff and all the volunteers and partners who joined is this important initiative.”
Cllr. Jim Moore, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal, at what was one of this final engagements prior to his retirement at the end of this Council’s term , noted ‘ Here in Wexford we have 260km of coastline and 100km in the Rosslare Municipal District. We locally realise the value of our coastline and the need to be mindful of the care and attention that is required to maintain these very important biodiversity resources and all that it offers us as community members.
The event was well attended and enjoyed by all. We look forward to further collaborations between the two authorities.
Attendees at beach clean at Burrow Beach, Kilmore including Cllr. Jim Moore Cathaoirleach of Rosslare MD , Laura Brien, CEO of MARA , officials from Wexford County Council and MARA and members of Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group and the local community.