Bettystown Tidy Towns has been shortlisted for the annual Ocean Hero Awards

Bettystown Tidy Towns has been shortlisted for the annual Ocean Hero Awards. 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.

Bettystown Tidy Towns were nominated in the Tourism Special Recognition Award, supported by Failte Ireland, for the work they carried out to secure their first Green Flag Award, in Spring 2023.

This remarkable milestone stands as the culmination of extensive efforts by the group, which included daily litter picks, the installation of beach recycling and cigarette butt bins, and the organisation of over twenty beach cleaning and coastal education days in collaboration with local schools, businesses, and community volunteers.

The Green Flag will boost the visibility the area, benefiting local businesses, but it will also serve as a powerful educational tool, enlightening beach goers on the vital importance of protecting and maintaining the beach and coastline.

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.