Waterford based Clean Coasts Group shortlisted for top award at 2023 Ocean Hero Awards

Waterford based Clean Coasts Group 'Tramore Eco Group' have been shortlisted for Group of the Year at the 2023 Ocean Hero Awards.

Clean Coasts hosted the Ocean Hero Awards Ceremony at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Golden Lane in Dublin recently. The annual Ocean Hero Awards celebrates groups and individuals who made a difference for Ireland's marine environment and coastline.

Established in 2006, the program has evolved over the years, engaging over 2,000 Clean Coasts groups and 40,000 volunteers, becoming an integral part of coastal communities nationwide. Clean Coasts has grown from strength to strength expanding and creating campaigns and initiatives aimed at enjoying, protecting and celebrating the beauty of Ireland's coast. None of which would be possible without the groups and volunteers all across Ireland that have helped make and grow the programme into what it is today.

Clean Coasts has chosen seven dedicated categories with a total of thirty-three groups, organisations and individuals shortlisted for the title of Ocean Hero within each category.  

In County Waterford, Tramore Eco Group Waterford were nominated for Group of the Year in Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Awards which recognises the Clean Coasts group who have made the most significant contribution to the coastline during 2023. 

Tomhaggard Clean Coasts were announced winners of the category.

Tramore Eco Group are a small, passionate group of people who meet once a week to ensure they keep the seaside town’s main beaches and main walkway tidy. Their work varies throughout the year with the group engaging in twenty different activities such as planting, bird watching, and plant swops. Their beach cleans are always a constant with the group taking part in weekly beach cleans as well as frequent #2MinuteBeachCleans.

The Waterford based group recently just completed a Biodiversity Action plan and they work with Biodiversity Ireland’s All Ireland Pollinator Plan to help monitor bees and butterflies.

The group are also in the process of replanting Marram Grass where the sand dunes need some help and will continue to work hard to repair the damage done over the years, so the Dunes are there for the next generation to enjoy.

Commenting on the 2023 Ocean Heroes awards ceremony, the Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, congratulated the winners and stated: “I believe that communities are where real, impactful change can be made for nature. When I engage with community groups in coastal areas and hear their thoughts and views on the marine environment, I know that I am working with an audience that is dedicated to ensuring that we have clean healthy, biologically diverse and sustainably used seas that are resilient to climate change. Their on-going efforts play a huge part in helping the whole country to achieve these aims.”

Tramore Eco Group