Two North Dublin based volunteering groups shortlisted for the Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Award

Clean Coasts has announced the shortlist for the annual Ocean Hero Awards.

In County Dublin, two Northside based groups were shortlisted across different categories.

Rush Tidy Towns

Rush Tidy Towns were shortlisted in both the Group of the year and Tourism Special Recognition Award (supported by Failte Ireland) categories.

This group was nominated for their dune protection work, consistency in beach clean ups and to recognise their appointment as one of the national Sustainable Development Goals champions for 2023/2024.

In particular, the work this group carried out in 2023 to protect their local sand dunes system earned them their nomination in the Tourism Special Recognition Award.

Bull Island Action Group

Bull Island Action Group were also shortlisted in two categories: Tourism Special Recognition Award and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

This group, which has been a Clean Coasts group for the past 20 years, did trojan work to keep North Bull Island and Dollymount Beach clean.

They also supported Raheny Tidy Village Group with a Santry River clean by tackling the mouth of the river leading into Dublin Bay during their annual river clean.

Bull Island Action Group were shortlisted in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category for their inclusive approach to clean-ups, fostering collaboration with various local groups, including student groups and marginalised communities, engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds in their collective efforts to protect our coast.

The Clean Coasts’ Ocean Hero Awards pay tribute to the exceptional contributions made by Clean Coasts volunteers, groups, and communities in safeguarding our coast and marine life.

Established in 2006 as the ‘Clean Coasts’ Merit Awards,’ the accolades initially featured a single category, ‘The Clean Coasts Group of the Year.’

Over the years, the program has evolved, engaging over 2,000 Clean Coasts groups and 40,000 volunteers, becoming an integral part of coastal communities nationwide.

2023 was a year like no other.

This year, the Ocean Hero Awards take on special significance as Clean Coasts marks its 20th Anniversary.

For the past 20 years, Clean Coasts has grown from strength to strength expanding and creating campaigns and initiatives aimed at enjoying, protecting and celebrating the beauty of our coast.

None of that would be possible without the groups and volunteers all across Ireland that have helped make and grow the programme into what it is today.