Beach Clean Press Release 2008 - Wexford Sub Aqua Club Go Green The Wexford Sub Aqua Club kick started the National Spring Clean Campaign when they undertook a clean up on Saturday March 22nd in Kilmore Quay. The Club which were formed in 1971 have a strong membership of thirty five people who regularly dive off Kilmore Quay. The club who were the first sub aqua unit in Ireland to become part of An Taisce’s “Clean Coast project”, carry out regular underwater clean ups, bringing back from their dives whatever rubbish they can safely carry. Elaine Walsh, Environmental Officer with the Club says “the waters around Kilmore and the Saltees are exceptionally nice and littering is more the abnormal than the normal. We do come across aluminium cans, fishing weights and old rubber gloves which we bring to the surface and then recycle to dispose of properly. During this clean up we are particularly interested in the rocks protecting the Harbour where small items such as plastic bottles are often washed in by the tide. We have a wonderful underwater heritage and the Wexford Sub Aqua Club plays its part in protecting it.” “The Wexford Sub Aqua Club is a true asset to the harbour. The clean up on Saturday focused on the rocks around the Harbour, where litter can get trapped in the rocks and is difficult to dislodge. We have a beautiful coastline and we should protect it for future generations.” Captain Phil Murphy, Harbour Master, Kilmore Quay. Captain Phil Murphy, Marine Officer with Wexford County Council commented that Wexford Sub Aqua Club and other voluntary groups are extremely important, as they give unselfishly of their time for the greater good of the community. They, by their voluntary efforts enhance the local area of Kilmore for both locals and visitors. Hugh McGuire, Environment Officer with Wexford County Council says “The National Spring Clean Campaign” is all about involving communities to help protect and enhance their local communities. Litter is one of the most widespread forms of pollution in our society and it’s a growing problem. It costs nine times more to clean than if placed directly into street bins, household bins or recycling banks - more than half the contents of litter is can, glass and plastic bottles and these can and should be recycled. People litter where there already is litter - if an area is clean it is more likely to stay clean, and most litter relates to food packaging. Just choose an area nearby to clean up and get together with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to make your event successful. This is an opportunity to be part of the solution not the problem” For further information on how to get involved in The National Spring Clean, please contact the Environment Section of Wexford County Council on (053) 9176618 |
