Partnering for Cleaner Beaches
HSSCU are delighted to be supporting a number of beach clean-ups across Cork over the coming weeks, we will be doing this in partnership with Clean Coasts Ballynamona, a group who’ve been cleaning their beaches for over ten years. This year’s initiative will involve almost 1,000 children from local schools from the surrounding areas, to complete multiple clean-ups and marine education sessions.
First Clean-Up at Garryvoe Beach
The first of these clean-ups has already taken place at Garryvoe Beach in East Cork, with four schools taking part throughout the morning. Over 180 children and teenagers turned out to lend a hand with the clean-up and learn about having clean coastal areas. The beach was cleared of marine litter of all shapes and sizes. Staff from HSSCU were also on hand to get stuck in and see the fantastic work being done first-hand.
Environmental Impact and Community Involvement
This is a hugely positive initiative that brings together local communities, schools, and volunteers in hands on environmental work. The idea for the project was brought forward by a HSSCU member, and we were only too happy to get involved and offer our support. Making tangible improvements to these areas by removing marine litter and equipping young people with the knowledge to take with them beyond the day.
Last year’s initiative resulted in 862 kg of marine litter being collected — a major contribution to protecting our coastal environment. This year, we’re aiming even higher, with a target of removing one tonne of marine litter. We’ll be sharing updates on progress after each clean-up takes place.
Removing Barriers to Participation
Thanks to HSSCU’s support, we’ve been able to help cover the costs of transport and logistics, educational materials, and clean-up gear, removing financial barriers for schools and young people to take part.
Voices from the Project
Alan Duff, Business Development Manager shared, “We’re delighted to lend our support to this impactful initiative. Not only does it make a real-world difference by removing harmful waste from our beaches, but it also educates young people about the environment, empowering future generations to care for it.
As a credit union, we’re proud to support the communities we serve across Cork and Ireland. This initiative is just one of several environmental and sustainability efforts we’ve been involved in.”
Proinsias Ó Tuama, Big Little Beach Clean Representative, had this to say, “It’s brilliant to have HSSCU come on board for this project and provide the financial backing to make it possible. As a credit union, they’ve a strong ethos of supporting their members and the wider community — and that really comes through in the work they do.
Not only are the beaches being cleared of marine litter, but the children also get an educational session to build their knowledge and awareness of the issue. It’s all about empowering them to be changemakers. Without HSSCU’s support, we wouldn’t have been able to run the initiative at this scale or make the impact we’ve had. We’re already looking forward to the next clean-up.”
Looking Ahead: More Clean-Ups to Come
Supporting this project is part of our ongoing commitment to ESG and playing our part in improving the communities we serve. With HSSCU’s support, the Big Little Beach Clean 2025 is helping to create a cleaner environment, foster sustainable habits, and make a real difference to communities and future generations.
We’ll continue to share updates from the beach cleaning days as they happen. For more photos and videos from the project, be sure to check out our social media channels.
